Nicknames

by Frank M. Roberts

February 2017

These days it's fashionable to go 'Ga-Ga' over 'Ga-Ga, the singer-entertainer who is, every inch a lady but, a couple decades ago (and currently in re-runs) fans 'ga-ga' ed over the late Mary Tyler Moore. (Moore or less it seemed almost un-American not to be an official and/or unofficial member of her fan club).

They first noticed her legs as displayed weekly on the 'Richard Diamond' detective show. The rest of her showed up when, on the tube, she so lovingly portrayed Mrs. Dick Van Dyke on that gent's tube offering. Then, there was no place to go but 'up' and when the powers-that-be came up with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, surrounding her with an ultra talented cast, the Brooklyn-born lass portrayed a midwestern lass, tossed her cap in the air and was justly rewarded.

Diabetes took her life Jan. 23 - re-runs and old movies are keeping her alive. Moore who, like the late Betty White, devoted a lot of her spare time in behalf of animal rights, always opened her show with a cutie-pie kitten meowing a loud meow - a sign of fun things to come.

Fun and warmth were the MTM (her own studio) trademarks and, of course, the nickname was obvious - Mare. In showbiz, nicknames are quite important as 'identifiers'. Go back to the '30s and '40s and you have the man who sold more music, appeared in more important movies, broke attendance figures, etc. Talkin' about Harry Lillis Crosby, seemingly laid back but - well - quite a bit on the cool/cold side.

Born in Washington (state) he began his professional life as one of Paul Whiteman's 'Rhythm Boys'. Eventually, he went solo, interspersing his low-bass style with a lot of 'buh-buuh-buh-boos'. It became his trademark and, along with it he - uh - sort-of brushed his ole singing buddies aside. To put it mildly, he was a complex man - whether portraying a priest or a souse.

Movie star, crooner - he had the magic touch and, it rubbed off on co-stars and co-singers. A for instance: He, Patti, Maxine, and LaVerne - The Andrews Sisters - had contracts with Decca Records. The company wanted them to join forces. Bing preferred his solo time but - the company request was granted. The result was many recordings with all involved - many major hits including "Begin the Beguine" with Bing's bro, Bob, leading his mostly Dixieland orchestra. The star also did some harmony with oldest son, Gary. (A friend of mine dated Phillip, one of the singer's twins).

But, Bing's major interest was his career. No less a personage than F. Sinatra 'suggested' the crooner become more of a family man. Whatever else Frankie may have been involved in, he always remained close to his singin' siblings.

Crosby, like Mick Mouse, was an o/seas favorite even with 'der enemies'. (enemas?) The WW2 Germans referred to him as 'Der Bingle.' Seems as if the whole world enjoyed his music. He sang Christmas songs, was big with Hawaiian offerings and, he often went cowboy/western performing with such folk as Ernest Tubb, Floyd Tillman, Al Dexter.

He was, of course, equally at home singin' and swingin' with the big bands. Matter of fact it was Tommy Dorsey, with whom Sinatra cut some important stuff, who offered this bit of advice to potential singing stars: "Listen to Bing."

At one time or another, almost everyone (general public) did just that, but not all were happy campers. He, of course, starred in flicks with buddy, Bob Hope, and sweet-natured Dorothy Lamour who noted, "sometimes he looked at me as a complete stranger."

The last late Mrs. C., Kathryn, was pretty succinct: "He was agitated, distressed, demanding, jealous." (She left out - p.i.t.a.) You have to admit though, the bottom line was doing his job as a singer/actor and, at that, he was a roaring (make that a mountain) success.

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Homilies: "Give them something to talk about" --- "Learn something new with an old friend" ---"Soften moments with a dance-off" --- "Treat Tuesday like Friday" --- "Lend an ear and a chocolate."

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Bill Gaither and his 'gospelers' were frequent visitors to Hampton Roads, VA. bringing religion to the masses so, for about a dozen years, I interviewed some of his folks, and was once rewarded with a package of DVDs, courtesy wife, Gloria. As you have suspected, they are nice, nice folks. I watch some of the old programs and almost each one features artists no longer with us. I once referred to him as 'The Ed Sullivan Of Gospel," recognizing his ability to surround himself with the best of the best.

My favorite is Russ Taff who is ultra-sincere, purely dedicated. David Phelps, classicaly-trained, has 'the' voice. Lynda Randle became the first African-American performer to visit Tangier Islad. (An editor, Jn. Pruitt, was born and raised there). My cousin, Claudia and her hubby, Jn. Elton (not the other way around) were impressed with the front row seats Gaither always saved for me. Jake Hess was interesting. I had arranged a phone interview with him but, before I could talk to him I spent a few minutes convincing his son exactly who I was.

With the start of each show from the stage, and this ain't bad, only one member (and he shall remain nameless) seemed on the 'br-r-r side).

Speaking of nice folks in the biz, I remember several interviews with Wayne Newton and, in later years with Michael Buble. Of course, there were a dozen meets with Reba, an annual visitor to the Virginia Beach area. I mean, I was in the biz for more'n 62 years so all of that good stuff was inevitable.

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We hear lots of inspiring stories about dogs that went to war but, what about our fine feathered friends? F'r instance one of the heroes decorated in the first World War was a pigeon (not Walter) that carried vital messages through the artillery fire around Verdun in 1916. The bird, one of 1,000s used by the French - died after a particularly hazardous trip and was awarded a posthumous Legion of Honor for its courage. In the second World War, British aircraft dropped boxes of homing pigeons behind enemy lines by parachute. The birds were used by Resistant fighters to fly messages to London. I'm not sure the feathered ones knew what was coming.

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Sorry about this - but - if there are three Dallas Cowboys riding in a car, who's driving? "The police." Yes, I did live in TX.