Then
bam, we get hit with Ed McMahon’s death and Farrah’s farewell. 
I
met Michael in 1973 at the Sahara Hotel here in Vegas. The Imperials and
I were performing that night and we were notified in advance that some
of the Jackson brothers were going to attend our show. I don’t fully
remember which of the “Jackson Five” were there but I certainly remember
the cute little guy that was introduced to us. It was at the old Casbah
Lounge and we were headlining. 
The
next time we crossed paths was at the infamous Liza Minnelli – David
Guest wedding in 2001. The Imperials and I were performing a song live -
Liza requested, “Goin’ Out Of My Head”. How appropriate. Anyway, Michael
had escorted Elizabeth Taylor to the wedding and although it was
supposed to be “Liza’s and David’s night of nights”, Michael and
Elizabeth stole it unknowingly. 
One
of the things I intend to maintain in my column, beside LA&TIs news, is
I will try to pay homage to those entertainers and celebrities who have
passed. When a star like Michael Jackson passes, others are often
overlooked or they become a minor post script. I would like to think
that an item in the column will give those who now passed on, a little
more space, credit, acknowledgement and notice. Maybe I can say
something here in my column that will document their legacy and extend a
written appreciation of their talent.
I
also came across that the lead singer for the ‘60s band The Seeds died
as well. Sky Saxon (best known for the hit “Pushin’ Too Hard”) died the
same day as Michael did. I did not know him but the song was ahead of
its time back in the day. The Seeds never achieved the status and
success of other American bands of that era. Who knows –maybe someone
will cover “Pushin’ Too Hard” and turn it into a new rock hit. How about
it Green Day? You know, Bruce Springsteen could do a great version, too
I’ll bet. 
I
felt compelled to say thanks to Lisa and her staff at the Hollywood
Casino for making our performance there last Sunday something special
for us and the attending audience. The venue is out-of-doors and with
all the rain back East, it was touch and go. Although it was raining
slightly, the show goes on, you know. We gutted it out and I’m glad we
did. Sometimes, when you are doing an outdoor venue and it rains, going
on stage can be risky due to the electricity used on stage. You gotta
walk carefully or zap – you know what I mean? 
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ANOTHER BELL TOLLS BUT THIS TIME, IT IS MICHAEL
Wow, this is not a normal week and writing the column I decided not to delve into “the whys and why nots of Michael’s death”. I felt that my column’s “Michael tribute” was going to be, at the least, uplifting and filled with memories.
When I first saw Michael, I could tell he was “a star in the making”. I could tell by the way he carried himself and until that night at the Sahara, the only real intro I had was listening to the Jackson Five on record – just like everyone else. I recall Clarence saying that “this kid is going to a huge star” and the rest of us could not have agreed with prediction. We watched Michael emerge as a superstar and super entertainer. We may never witness again this kind of talent – the boy named “Michael Jackson”. Back in ’73, Michael’s star was beginning to shine or as the expression states, “a star is born”. After that meeting backstage at the Casbah, I watched as Michael’s star continued to glow and although I did not know him, I kept track. Michael’s star evolved right before our MTV video eyes and his collaboration with Quincy Jones etched it in platinum.
My wife Linda and her sister, Brenda asked me to introduce them to Michael. Michael was surrounded by security and I thought there is no way I can break through to say hello or to introduce Linda and Brenda. As it turns out, I knew most of Michael’s security people and they just let us walk right up to his table. Michael was so gracious and he kept asking me about songwriting and royalties. Now I’ve written songs but my credits compared to Michael’s are small. However, Michael knew that I have managed to cover a lot of entertainment bases like acting on TV and film, songwriting and performing. I was honored by his questions and interest he took in me. Sadly, Michael has died and he now belongs to the ages. It’s odd but Michael, like Elvis, will be bigger in death than in life. His record sales have soared 4000% and radio is playing the same songs 2 or 3 years ago they banned (ie. “P.Y.T.”). Like some of the greats before him such as: Jackie Wilson, Frankie Lyman, Redd Foxx, Elvis, Judy Garland, etc., Michael brought us so much pleasure through his ability to entertain. Also, like a shooting star that glides across the heavens, it is brilliantly here and then, gone. I have no intention of writing about what Michael “did do or didn’t do” in life. I vote for celebrating his wonderful talent and his legacy. Michael had more talent in his pinky than I have in my whole body. See ya Michael and until we meet again In closing my tribute to MJ, I thought I would note how radio stepped up to the plate that day as the sad news reached worldwide. Thursday, the day Michael died, radio across the US played Michael songs all day long. Here is “Michael’s Top 10” (and the number of radio spins):
MORE R.I.P. – GALE STORM AND SKY SAXON
Gale Storm immediately comes to mind and any of us who watched her on TV in “My Little Margie” or the “Gale Storm Show” will always fondly remember how great she was in her own right. Gale was 87 and still living in California when she died about a week ago. Gale had a career beyond TV. She starred in a number of “B westerns” including one or two with Roy Rogers. Her spunky style made her a standout. She also carved out a singing career as well and would perform cover versions of period songs. I believe she had a hit or two along the way. “Dark Moon” is probably her biggest hit. Thank you Gale for all the hours of entertainment you gave me and countless others.
WHAT A GROUP – HUMAN NATURE
I had the distinct pleasure of attending a show with my publisher Marleen Marino last week at The Imperial Palace to witness one of the slickest shows on The Strip. The group had no bells, whistles or gongs to enhance their show. You know why? They didn’t need it because all they have to rely on is raw talent. The group, Human Nature and they are from Australia. Human Nature is incredible and after seeing their show, I know why my buddy Smokey Robinson is behind them.
Human Nature might be Australian white guys but they sure sing like they were born in Motown. Their choreography and staging was marvelous to watch but their singing dominates their performance. They sing so great and while they are in Vegas, catch them live. You will be doing yourself a favor and in the same time, take a journey into the music we now deem, Motown. You’ll love it. These white dudes sing black music like I’ve never heard before. They are there 6 nights a week and you might see me there because I’m going back for more “Human Nature”. PENNSYLVANIA’S HOLLYWOOD (CASINO THAT IS)
The Grantville, PA. audience was wonderful and appreciative, so The Imperials, our band and I decided to tough it out regardless of the rain dangers. We did not let it rain on anyone’s parade and we did our show almost in its entirety. To all the employees of the Hollywood Casino, thank you. Or better still, as Elvis used to say, “to all the employees who make our lives so pleasant, thank ya very much”. You guys make such a difference and your excellent behind-the-scenes work is often taken for granted – not by Little Anthony & The Imperials it’s not. The Hollywood casino invited us back in 2010 and that is the ultimate praise in my book. So, add another venue to our growing “Best of List”- the “Hollywood Casino”. In case you are wondering where the Hollywood Casino is in PA., just head west from Philadelphia toward Harrisburg and you can’t miss it. It is in the Amish County which adds a homespun charm and lifestyle completely different than that of a casino. The casino and the Amish seem to work at making it work and that doesn’t happen all the time. Best of both worlds – you bet it is. Happy Fourth of July America!
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