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.
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