In February will be my 20th Anniversary as a journalist and will be reflecting on some the BEST moments of the last 20 years.
Since it is Christmas, I remember 2 of the greatest Legends I had the opportunity to meet that both have contributed to the Holiday in a Big way.
Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the passing of Eartha Kitt (Who is known for the classic, 'Santa Baby') and I remember meeting her as she performed at Seattle's Jazz Alley in 2004. After the show, I made way to her dressing room and was greeted by her publicist, "Are you Mr. Scott?". I said "Yes". The publicist then added, "We have been expecting you!"
As I went into Eartha's dressing room, she being so petite looked breathtaking. I only had one question about How she felt of impersonators emulating her. She was flattered but felt sorry that they were performing as her for so little money. Eartha also cautioned by retelling a scary experience of a fan that had cosmetic surgery to look like her and showed up at her hotel room. This startled her a great deal. I was able to get her pose for a photo, and I wished her well. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.
A few years earlier in 2001, I had the chance to meet another Holiday legend with Rosemary Clooney as a performer in the Seattle Men's Chorus. Rosemary was delighted when 2 chorus members was dressed up as her character and her sister for the 'Sisters" number from 'White Christmas". She was even more flattered of the song we performed in honor her nephew "Georgie" Clooney (who was celebrating his 40th birthday that very weekend.) It was a big thrill to sit behind her during her solo set and look at the audience's reaction. I was truly seeing the fans react to a legend. I went up to her after the show and mentioned my grandmother in Portland, OR. Rosemary responded with "Give her my love". I later called my Grandmother and for the first time ever, she was star struck! Clooney passed away 14 months later.
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