He gave me one of those first ever cassette recorders on the proviso that I would tape the 'Top 30' every Sunday afternoon. I would hover over the Play & Pause buttons in between the ads, waiting for the start of the next song and trying to miss the last second of the DJ's voice. That's when I knew I would have to be in a band! I was 12 years old, he was my brother in law, he was in a band.
A year later I was in a band, although it was a marching band, a pipe band, and I loved it. And still he encouraged me to learn a more modern instrument, or learn to sing.
When I did become a singer, in my early twenties, he would come along to gigs with my sis, and give me tips afterwards about sound, levels, projection, how to be more confident.
He had a reputation for being a ladies man, a flirt, something I have been accused of many times since I entered this world of show. And yes, I do find flirting with the audience to be part of the job. Sadly he took it further.
And unfortunately, one of the 'ladies' he chose to have a dalliance with was the estranged wife of a not very nice scumbag.
17 years ago today he was shot a number of times on his doorstep as he returned home from one of his gigs. He died in the arms of his youngest son.
Our family was shot that night.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your family's pain. But I'm glad you have a gift which you use to make others happy.
i can't imagine what that night must have felt like for your family! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYou became a singer? Have I been away that long?
ReplyDeletehope; Not a gift, just something that keeps me sane. :¬)
ReplyDeletexxx
sav; It changed me, that's for sure. :¬)
xoxoxox
Chef; Too long my friend, too feckin' long. :¬/
Chef; I may be in Paradise on the 28th, or not. If you are, watch out for the little singin' fella & the Plumber eh? :¬)
ReplyDelete