[Dixielandjazz] Tony Bennett at the Sonoma Jazz & Wine Festival

[TCASHWIGG at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/4/05 7:49:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
barbonestreet at earthlink.net writes:

> 
> Those who have seen him in action lately can vouch for his appeal among the
> young. (Naturally, he is Italian)
> 

Not to mention a GREAT Talented and warm Human being and Entertainer who 
really cares about his audience and appreciates that they come out and pay to see 
and hear him.

A complete opposite of Frank Sinatra another great Italian Singer.

Where and why are not the Traditional Jazz Societies Hiring Anita O'Day, as 
one of their Headliners, she is still a great singer and entertainer and not 
too expensive, and would love to have work at her age.  Same reason they didn't 
hire LaVerne Baker, Hadda Brooks, or Nellie Lutcher, Billy Ekstine, and on and 
on and on.

Me thinks most of the Jazz Societies preserving this music have already 
buried all the real Stars of OKOM many of them long before their passing.  What a 
Pity too.

It is a good think Louis Passed, because no doubt he would also be out of 
work in today's market if left to the Jazz Societies.   Hey folks ya gotta spend 
them Social Security check on something, why not OKOM and keep a few Senior 
citizen musicians and singers alive as well, most of them don't even have Social 
Security benefits much less 401K's and retirement accounts.  The best most of 
them can hope for is the American Federation of Musicians Death Benefit check 
to put em in the ground.

Oh Well,

Next generation.

Cheers,

Tom Wiggins