Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

Famous People Column – An open Column for all writers

Nov 29, 2006

REQUIM FOR FOUR GIANTS

Ron Gold

It’s been a sad fortnight for Senior Citizens.

We’ve lost four champions during these past 2-3 weeks.

But, worst of all, I seriously doubt they can be replaced in kind by current talents.

 Newsman Ed Bradley of 60 minutes was a gracious, experienced tv reporter who loved his profession.  And it showed.  He was wounded in action by mortar shrapnel, covering the war in the Far East.  His interviews showcased his subjects’ personalities and their souls.  A jazz buff, his New York City funeral featured a New Orleans funeral marching band.

Jazz singer Anita O’Day, sang with the Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton bands.  She took a disability to avant garde levels because a botched tonsillectomy made it impossible for her to sustain long notes. She had no vibrato but did do jail time for taking illegal drugs.  She quit heroin ‘cold turkey’.  Her recordings keep her young, upbeat and alive foever.

Writer-performer Betty Comden, who wrote Broadway and Hollywood productions

(including Singing In The Rain – critically acclaimed as ‘the greatest musical film ever made’).  She worked with her long-time partner Adolph Green as well as composers

Leonard Bernstein, Jules Styne and Cy Coleman.

Hall of Fame Featherweight Champion Boxer Willie Pep won 230 bouts in his very long (26-year) career.  Nicknamed “Will-O-The Wisp”, he was a proud man, who possessed the best left-hand jab ever.   Willie once declined a winner’s purse because he didn’t fight up to his potential.  He also won a fight without landing a punch.  Alzheimer’s Disease later stole his memories of his exciting life.

While we old timers mourn the loss of their lives, we wonder if their successors will maintain similar legendary excellence.

Ron Gold

 outthinkresumes@aol.com