[Dixielandjazz] Basie Live at Birdland

[Steve Voce]

Nice to see the diminutive Pee Wee Marquette on the clip. He used to introduce the
artists at Birdland and conned money out of them in return for getting
their names right, etc.

He tried it on Lester Young who began his reply "Listen, half a mother-f...'

When Oscar Pettiford refused him any money, they had a row and Pee
Wee threatened him 'I'm gonna bring my pistol in,'. 'Bring your pistol
in, then,' said Oscar.

Pee Wee did and Oscar snatched it from him and pistol whipped him.


Steve Voce



  On 08/08/2011 14:58, Stephen G Barbone wrote:
> This one just posted on you tube. Basie live at Birdland in 1959. 
> Comments by Steve Allen and a quick view of Pee Wee Marquette.
>
> Wish I'd been there that night, however I did see that band at 
> Birdland during 1959 and other Basie bands there every year from 1956 
> to 1963.
>