Love is in the Air #18

Love is in the Air

February is a month of love. We have been living through the most trying time of our lives. When ETA Aaron Smith contacted me to ask if I would post his thoughts on what is has been like for him living through Covid with Autism, I enthusiastically said, “Yes!” Aaron’s post is included in “Love is in the Air” as a reminder to send a message to anyone who may need extra compassion, encouragement, and love at this time. Thank you for sharing, Aaron. C.M.

A Message from ETA Aaron Smith

Hello Elvis Fans

My name is Aaron and I am an Elvis tribute artist who has Autism.  Last year was crazy and challenging for everyone, especially musicians and artists.  I'm sure everyone will agree that music helped us through these challenging times.  I know it has helped me.  I'm slowly getting back on stage, but last year I rarely got to sing and perform.  Elvis’s music helped me a lot during those isolated times.  Of course I was able to talk to fellow musicians and ETAs, but that still isn't the same as getting together at festivals and events. I used my time in isolation to practice my vocals and Elvis moves to perfect my act.  Being single during the difficult times didn't help, but I got through it.  Now I am slowly getting shows together for 2022 and am looking forward to being in Memphis this year in August and seeing everyone.  I want to thank my family and friends for being there for me throughout.  Having Autism isn't always easy for to understand, but as Elvis said, "Walk a Mile in My Shoes". A.S.

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur. Photos provided by Aaron Smith and Michelle Ann Dehn-Lamaide.

To read more about ETA Aaron Smith, seen here with Ultimate ETAs Dean Z and Jay Dupuis, please click here

Circle of Love: ETA Tommy Holland

Love is in the Air: ETA Tommy Holland

Q.  Who are the important women in your life?

A.  My girlfriend, Kirsten, especially as we are now living in our first home together. My mother, Sylvia, and of course both of my Nans! (Nana Holland makes my scarves).  No matter what, I will always be their little boy.

ETA Tommy Holland. Photo was provided by Tommy Holland.

Q.  What men have had a positive influence on your life, and in what ways?

A.  Again, being a big family man, I will always be grateful to my father, Andy, who is always there guiding me in my ETA career, my grandfathers and, although we are opposites, my brother, Sam.

Q.  Who are the people in your life that you would like to thank?  Why?

A.  Outside my family, I have a great circle of friends and within the Elvis world.  There are people such as Kimberley O’Brien, Debbie Mullarkey and John Thomas, Dawn and Dave Martin, Peter Binns, and Mark Summers to name just a few (apologies for those I haven’t mentioned), but these people are the first people I met in the Elvis world and have been so kind ever since.

Q.  What would you like to say to your ETA fans?

A.   Without you guys, we ETAs couldn’t do what we do…so please continue to do what you do, and we’ll do what we do, and together we will all enjoy and love the music of Elvis.

To read more about this talented ETA from the UK, please click here

Love is All You Need

Love is in the Air: ETA Jessi Mallory

Q.  Who are the important women in your life?

A.  The important women in my life are those closest to me.  My mother, Lynn was the first important woman in my life, my first cheerleader, my first friend.  She's always supported me.  She gave me my first Elvis record!  She showed me that women can be strong and do anything they set their minds to.  Secondly, my wife, Chasity; she has put up with me for 11 years, standing with everything that's important to me.  She's been my rock.  Thirdly, my grandmother, Mabel; I lost her in July of 2021.  She taught me so much, and I miss her terribly.

 Q.  What men have had a positive influence on your life, and in what ways?

 A.  My father has had the biggest male influence on my life.  He taught me so much about music and life.  He supported every musical interest I've ever had.  I've been extremely fortunate to have a father who has always been there for me.  He bought me my first guitar and always let me follow him when he was on the road performing.  We're best buddies.  Not all of my friends had that growing up.  My second male influence would have to be Elvis.  I spent a lot of time watching him and learning about him.  He taught me a lot about how to treat the people who come to see you perform.  He taught me that being humble is more important than being full of yourself, and that if it were not for your fans and followers, you wouldn't be doing what you love.

 Q.  Who are the people in your life that you would like to thank?  Why? 

A.  I'd like to thank my family first and foremost.  They've been nothing short of supportive.  They're proud of me, and make me know it.  I'd like to thank my friends who are always there for me.  They know me well and they don't get annoyed or frustrated when I get hung up after shows signing autographs or talking with fans.  They understand when someone stops me at a store or restaurant to say hi.  My family should be included in that thank you as well.  They know the power of Elvis and what being an ETA means to so many people.  I want to thank my road manager, and sound man, Nick Sargent.  He's been right by my side for years.  He's a huge Elvis fan, and he gets it.  He's so well versed in Elvis's music and how I perform, that he knows what I am going to do or need even before I do.  Of course, I thank Elvis Presley.  Without him, there would be none of this. 

 Q.  What would you like to say to your ETA fans?

 A.  To my ETA fans, there are not enough words…”Thank You” doesn't seem big enough. You're the reason I do what I do.  The reason I am able to do what I love.  The fans are Elvis fans first, like me.  They can spot a joker when they see one.  To win them over is a blessing and one that I never take for granted.  They are the spirit that drives this train. They claim it is the ETAs keeping Elvis's memory alive, but in all sincerity, it's them. We're just the one they choose to come see to remember, to cry, to laugh, and sing along. No ETA would be working if it were not for them.  They pass down the love of Elvis to future generations as much as we do.  I hope they never forget that.  I thank them all with my whole heart. 

"This was a fun show! I met a man who was at Elvis's Aloha From Hawaii concert in 1973. He told me all about what it was like to be in the building with Elvis for such a historical event. He requested "Good Rockin' Tonight", so I had a feeling he was a big Elvis fan. You never know who you'll meet on the road.” ETA Jessi Mallory.

"Happy Birthday, Memphis! You've reached one year. You make me crazy, you're stubborn, you've chewed everything in sight, you refuse to pick up after yourself... however, you're cute and that's your saving grace. Happy Birthday to the buddy I didn't know I wanted.” ETA Jessi Mallory to another love in her life, her dog, Memphis.

To read more about this talented ETA, please click here