Viewpoints
ED. NOTE: Many wonderfully supportive e-mails were sent to the RAG after publication of the first free web-based RAG in January. Only a few of these much appreciated e-mails are published below, but I would like to thank the many readers who took the time to send kind words, congratulations and suggestions for future RAGs.
You've made a very nice transition from print to electronic media! Congratulations to you and your associates.
Falmouth, Mass.
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I've been a subscriber to the RAG for about 15+ years, and I cannot recall an issue that failed to interest me. I always looked forward to it, and it has never failed to justify my anticipation.
The Mississippi Rag was one of the best music periodicals in any genre of music, and the credit for it belongs to you alone. It was your hard work that kept watch over the columns, and the printing, and everything else that goes into producing a quality newspaper. Thank you for all of the enjoyment you have given me.
Austin, Tex.
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To all involved in the new MR format:
I received my January issue today and have gone through it already. This is a great idea, so much more simple than before. I only hope the revenues will keep pace with costs for you. My congratulations on this brilliant idea.
Milan, Tenn.
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Just got the RAG and I love it. This is more like it. I'm delighted at how fast it loads (and I don't have a high-speed connection yet). Thank you for producing such a classy thing.
Your stoic continuation of the RAG is an extraordinary demonstration of your passion for it. Please know that all of our hearts are with you.
New City, N.Y.
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I really respect how you've kept the RAG going. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Thanks for everything you've done for "our" music. I will always look forward to reading the RAG in any format.
Best wishes for 2008 and beyond.
New York, N.Y.
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Regarding the Mystery Photo from Randy's Scrapbook that is posted on the home page of The Mississippi Rag:
The four Lombardo brothers are from London, Ontario, Canada:
- Guy Lombardo (bandleader, violinist) (1902-1977)
- Carmen Lombardo (saxophone, flute, vocal, composer) (1903-1971)
- Liebert Lombardo (trumpet, drums, vocal) (1905-1993)
- Victor Lombardo (clarinet, saxophone) (1911-1994)
I'm sure it is Guy Lombardo at the left, and from there, I think (a little unsure), it must be Victor, Carmen and Liebert.
They formed, with Guy Lombardo as the leader, the famous band, The Royal Canadians in 1924.
It is rather easy to look up - books, web-sites, etc.
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nat Hentoff's piece, "The Springtime of Frank Sinatra," in the Dec. 5, 2007, Wall Street Journal, brought back special memories that I have of "The Voice."
Driving from my home in Topeka to Lawrence to hear the Tommy Dorsey band play a dance at Kansas University, I arrived only to find that the dance was sold out. As I was leaving to return home, the bus bringing the band pulled up, and when I saw trumpeter Ziggy Elman step off, I approached and told him of my plight. Ziggy, who had replaced Bunny Berigan, graciously handed me his horn. I walked in with Frank Sinatra by my side.
My memories of that night include Frank's singing the Lucky Strike hit of the day, "I'll Never Smile Again," backed by the Pied Pipers; the scar on Frank's cheek that I later learned was from a birth injury; and, when meeting Sinatra backstage during intermission to get his autograph, hearing him complain to one of the band members that "Dorsey owes me 250 bucks."
The next time I heard Sinatra was at a Dorsey dance in Topeka. I happened to be following Frank and Buddy Rich walking to the back entrance of the ballroom when a young lady asked for their autographs, Frank readily obliged, but Rich refused. This irritated Sinatra no end, and the former boxer flattened Rich.
Living in the Palm Springs area, I frequently drive by Sinatra's compound in Rancho Mirage, where Frank had a strip paved for President Kennedy's helicopter to land when arriving for a New Year's Eve bash. After Kennedy reneged on his acceptance of the invitation, Sinatra was seen with a pick axe in hand, breaking up the pavement -- as well as switching his support to Ronald Reagan.
Driving back and forth to the airport, I occasionally stop and show visitors Sinatra's grave site, with the small stone marked "The best is yet to come." On his birthday, Dec. 12, the usual single red rose will be supplemented with an array of flowers and birthday cards. Within a few feet of where Sinatra lies is the grave of Frank's frequent accompanist and good friend, Jimmy Van Heusen -- engraved "Swinging on a Star."
Palm Desert, Calif.
February 2008 issue | © 2008 The Mississippi Rag
P.O. Box 19068, Minneapolis, MN 55419.