I’ve been a CBC radio listener for many years. Generally, I’m not listening intently, but, when I hear of an incident or individual about which or whom I’m interested, I do pay attention. Just last week I was emptying the dishwasher when I heard that Tony Bennett, a terrific crooner in the 1950s, had celebrated his 95th birthday in good health. Still singing, he recently performed on stage with Lady Gaga. That announcement triggered memories of meeting Mr. Bennett decades ago.
I grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, and attended Mrs. Rankin’s ballroom dancing classes. Ridley College, a prestigious private boy’s school was nearby and the teenage students there needed to learn to tango, rhumba, foxtrot and waltz. I was one of the girls who acted as their partner.
It was there, at dance class, that I met Jack. His family had recently emigrated from the US to Ontario. His dad was an orchestra conductor. When Jack’s family invited me to accompany them to Buffalo, New York’s Town Casino nightclub for dinner and a performance by their young friend, Tony Bennett, I was as ecstatic as any fourteen-year-old could be! The youngest person in the audience that evening, I was definitely out of my league, a small-town kid surrounded by a crowd of confident, enthusiastic American sophisticates.
Tony Bennett had dinner at our table that evening. He chatted with the host and hostess. I wasn’t introduced to him. After dinner I set out quickly to find the ladies’ washroom, knowing I had to get back to our table prior to Mr. Bennett’s performance. Alone, nervous, I hunted blindly in the immense crowded hall, following others, desperate to find the female washroom. Suddenly I saw Tony a few feet ahead of me, gesturing frantically for me to get away. I had followed him into the men’s washroom! I turned and ran.
Years later, when Tony Bennett sang “Unforgettable”, I wondered if he remembered that evening. And, what about “The Lady Is a Tramp”? He does remember me!
What a fine memory! Happy 95th birthday, Tony!
By Joan Alexander