Like Samuel Clemens, I have made my living in a number of different ways. I have been a deputy sheriff, a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman, an assistant manager for McDonald's, a photographer, a newspaper reporter, a teacher, and a carpenter. I've worked in a country store, been a disk jockey, farmed, and even worked as a bouncer. After graduating from Delta State University with a degree in English, I went to work for a cotton exporter. Later I began teaching high school English and college literature.
Unlike Samuel Clemens, shortly after I retired from twenty-six years of public education, I answered a call to the ministry and enrolled at Memphis Theological Seminary. I am now serving as an United Methodist minister and only occasionally perform as Twain. Mark Twain is either rolling over in his grave or laughing his head off. I like to think he's at least smiling.

In the past, I've spoken before groups throughout the United States and Canada on subjects as diverse as computer applications, stress reduction, 18th century British literature, and national funding for energy related training programs.

Since 1990, I've been performing as Samuel Clemens before groups ranging from Cub Scouts to Marines, and from elementary schools to retirement homes. I have performed in dinner theater, on stage and at schools, libraries, churches, dinners, and public functions for ages from five to ninety, and before audiences of 15 to almost 2,000 people. My wife, Peggy, has attended each of my over 200 performances, and frequently introduces "Mr. Clemens" to the audience.

My performance ranges from 15 minutes to over an hour (whatever is suitable for the occasion) and since we have many hours of material to draw from, is never the same from one day to the next. Although generally humorous, "The Reports of My Death..." is educational, insightful, and thought provoking.

"An excellent evening’s entertainment."
North Mississippi Herald

"A memorable event."
Carter Ward, Missouri School Boards Association

"Wonderful. We want him back."
Tom Stone, Dallas Executive Search Professionals

"I laughed so hard it was embarrassing."
Sandy Stillions, WKDJ-FM Radio

"Jerry Salley doesn’t just dress up like Mark Twain,
he becomes Mark Twain."
John Mayo, Mississippi House of Representatives

"A superb performance!"
Larry Binz, Editor, Helena Daily World

A PARTIAL LIST OF PERFORMANCES:

If you have questions or would like to arrange a performance, email twain@salleyonline.com
or call or write:
Jerry Salley
6308 Old 8th Street Road
Meridian, MS 39307
601-581-1548

Performances are priced to be affordable for almost any group.

My fee varies depending upon the nature of the event and the number of performances. Travel expenses are, of course, a consideration. I have a different fee schedule depending upon whether it's a public event, a company convention, or a stage production. Within the last year fees have ranged from... well, from free for a church fund raiser to $125 for the Mississippi Humanities Council, to $1,200 for an arts festival.

You probably can afford to meet Mark Twain!

If you're interested, we need to schedule in advance. 

I serve as a United Methodist minister, and that means Mark Twain is a secondary part of my life. I don't perform as often as I used to, and my time is restricted. It's simple, really - God first, family second, and then Mark Twain if I have time.

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