Just before noon in June of 1958, my daddy and I were strolling in mid-town Manhattan on our way to nowhere in particular, when we reached Radio City Music Hall. Its major tenant was NBC - The National Broadcasting Corporation.
A fellow in a doorman's uniform at the entrance said to my daddy, "Would you and your son like to see a radio show?" The man went on to explain that one would be starting in a few minutes, and that they didn't have enough people to complete the audience.
Daddy said to me, "What do you think?" We went inside, caught the elevator and went up a number of flights, got off and walked down the hallway to the studio. There were a few people inside, but even full the room wouldn't accommodate more than about fifty.
There were a handful of vacant seats on the front row, so we took two of them. There was no elevated stage. The performers and the orchestra would be doing everything at floor level, right in front of us.
More people began to arrive, probably because of the doorman's salesmanship, until the audience was just about completely full. A small orchestra gathered, tuned up, and then the announcer came out, welcomed the audience, then told us how to clap. (You do it with your hands very close together and in a staccato fashion rather than as we normally do. That way, it sounds to the listeners as though the audience is much larger than it really is.)
About two minutes before the live broadcast was to begin, famed orchestra leader, Skitch Henderson came out. The orchestra members got quiet. The announcer stood in front of the floor microphone, the clock on the wall ticked down, and at noon, the director signaled Mr. Henderson who then gave the downbeat, and the orchestra began the theme song. The announcer welcomed the radio audience to hear the "song stylings of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to the music of Skitch Henderson and his Orchestra."
For the next thirty minutes, these greats performed within a few feet of my dad and me.
When it was over, Daddy and I went for lunch at a small restaurant that was on the mezzanine of the Waldorf-Astoria. Be a son-of-a-gun if they didn't have a chamber music group playing. Within a few minutes after we were seated, Mr. Crosby, Miss Clooney and Mr. Henderson came in for lunch.
The show was free, the Waldorf had a lunch special so Daddy and I ate for less than five bucks, and we ate in the dining room with three international stars.
And five years later, I briefly performed as the evening pianist in that Waldorf-Astoria dining room.
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
DALLAS - PARK CITIES
Our 45th Year
214 503-8563
Bill I cannot express how much I enjoyed this post and the memories it brought back. Every Christmas season my father and mother would take my brother and me to Radio City to see the Christmas show. We would stand on a line that seemed impossibly long. It was cold outside. We would wait and when one show emptied out the line would move. I would always think what if we get to the door and they say full. We would have to wait another couple of hours !!!The show would start with the organ player in that magical place. then the Rockettes would do their thing along with assorted acts. The movie was usually parent oriented but we were inside warm and had some candy so we were ok.
Afterward it was always a trip to the automat . They had the best hot chocolate by the way. I am rambling but your post brought back all those great memories thank you.
Bill this is a really great and touching memory. Every story should put the reader in the midst story and I was right there with you.
Charlie, I've always know we were "brothers," I just didn't know how. LOVE your response. I'm so grateful you added it. We were lucky enough to see it all before "all" was all but taken away.
Bill, what a great story. I've visited Radio City Music Hall once and have never forgotton how beautiful it is. These are the best kinds of memories! Parents, happenstance and good outcomes. Thanks for sharing!
It's great to remember some of the really great talented entertainers, whose words you could understand when they sing!
Great story. NYC is always such a great place to visit. We got pulled into the David Letterman show a few years ago when they were trying to fill some seats.
How cool is that. Memories they are what life is really all about so go out today and make another one
shelton
This is a great post, and I can't believe how luck you were to see these immortal stars!
Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
Thaks to each of you -- Allen, Shelton, Val, Bob, Rodney,
I really enjoy letting my mind go back to days gone by. I especially enjoy thinking about and telling the stories of the times my daddy and I spent together. He, by the way, was an awesome mentor. My mother, brother and I were very fortunate.
Bill, what an awesome story! Being able to experience that in New York must have been quite the experience. My parents spoke fondly of going to Radio City Music hall on their honeymoon. Your story and photos made it seem like I was there for a moment with you. Thank you.