Ah, yes, there is glitz, flash, polish and glamour in the ETA world. There are the spectacular ETA shows with the 'Elvis People' performing along side them. There are articles written about, and by, the 'who's who' in the ETA business. And, among the Elvis fans who attend the many big and beautiful shows, contests and conventions, we are sure to find those solely interested in the 'superficial' behaviour of those they may deem a 'clone of a clone'.....who may, or may not be a 'clone of the king', or a reasonable facsimile thereof, as seen through rose-coloured glasses. But we don't all fall into that category, we are not all perfect people, nor are we people who only like perfect people. There are the quiet ones - ETAs, fans, even those in the 'know' - who know how not to be obtrusive.... like people who though not myopic, can see without wearing glasses, if you get my drift. These folks might be impressed with the flash, they can understand, work with and even appreciate it, but these people are touched more so by the kindness, heart and humble respect shown to the memory of EP by the ETA - inner qualities sometimes forgotten. If we were to stand back and look at the whole picture of the 'Elvis' scene, including audio and video, anyone could easily figure out for themselves who is a 'Legends' or 'Vegas' type ETA and who isn't. But that doesn't mean there are only 'Legends & Vegas' ETAs out there now, does it. It is also important to know that everyone deserves a moment in the sun, everyone who has a voice deserves to be heard, and everyone who feels like a somebody, deserves the chance to say thanks to those who made them feel special. I hope you can appreciate this story sent in to me by an amazing soul, Trevor Decker - An 'unsung' ETA who wants to say thanks. "Well my beginnings as an ETA began with a lot of support from many already in the business. I would have to go back to Jesse Aron, who was the first to really support and give me the encouragement to give it a try. Like Jesse, I am from Wisconsin. I met him in about 2004, began to practice and here I am today. I competed in my first contest this past year with Jesse Aron right there cheering me on, as a matter of fact he had his whole fan club cheer for me so that was very cool.
I was born with a disability and have been in a wheelchair my whole life. Of course I couldn't do the moves to capture the image of Elvis on stage like the other ETAs and so at first I felt very out of place at shows and the different events I tried to perform at. But Jesse is a good cheerleader and helped me out so much as far as vocals and stage presence. I then came to know several other ETA's that continue to give me support to this day including Curt Lechner, Aaron Moriarity and Irv Cass.
I can recall my first contest performance back in 2005, where I was so nervous and really wondered if I could pull it off. I remember Jesse Aron coming up to me and calming me down and saying "The fans are what matter”, so I went on stage and gave it my all. Afterwards Jesse met me by the curtain and gave me a pat on the back and told me "What you did up there touched me.” Wow, how great do you think that made me feel!
I have been so blessed to be a part of a group of entertainers that devote their lives to honouring a man who left us to soon and who is missed more today than ever before. They show respect to Elvis' memory and never criticized me for what I dreamt of doing, which is to be called an ETA. So I want to thank everyone who has and continues to show support for what I do. I am an Elvis fan who just turned 20 years old on February 18th. I would like to thank Joanna for giving me the chance to voice my "thanks" on Lady Luck Music, it means so much to me.