July '10 Entertainment—Little Anthony's This and That Column

SHARE |

Gone Fishin’—All In The Family
W
ell, folks it is true—I finally went fishing. Not only did I drive for over 4 hours but if you have ever driven from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, you know this is 4 long hours. But I was on a mission—a mission to fish and it was also a labor of love. I’ll explain and as usual, I’m getting ahead of myself.

So, there I am fishing in the Pacific and when you live in the desert like me, you have a whole new appreciation of the term “fish in the sea.” The other best part of my fishing trip was I was able to go with my two sons, Andre and Tony, and my two grandsons, Trey and Caleb. My sons also invited along some of their friends, who in turn, brought their sons and grandsons along.

I really cannot explain how great it was. It was such a rewarding and memorable day. First off, I love fishing and to be able to cast a line with my sons and grandsons was a day we all waited for. You see, we have been talking about a “fishing outing” for a real long time and for some reason or another, just didn’t get there until last week that is. Maybe the stars and the planets were finally lined up correctly and off we went.

Second, whenever you talk about something with your kids, you better back it up. This fishing trip was not just an outing you see. It was a bonding of generations. It was so rewarding for all of us in more ways than one—days later it brought a smile to my face.

We headed to the waters off of San Pedro which is just a little ways out from LA. It’s on the South Pacific coast and the boat we were on was named the “Pursuit.” We fished all day near Catalina Island—about 22 miles off of the mainland of Long Beach. I admit, I was a little rusty considering I haven’t been fishing since 2000—10 years. Living in the desert and touring does not afford you the opportunity of fishing, especially in the ocean, all that much.

I was thinking that with such a long time in between fishing sessions, I would have lost my touch. That thought was erased quickly and it was like I never left. Years and years ago, a man by the name of “Smitty” taught a bunch of kids in his neighborhood how to fish to keep them off the streets of Brooklyn, You know, keep the kids occupied and you avoid “trouble in the street.” Believe me, back then, trouble was waiting on every Brooklyn street particularly back then (and now) in Ft. Greene.

That old expression which says it takes a “village to raise a child” is true. Thanks to Smitty, wherever you are today, this “kid” will be eternally grateful for what you did for him. I passed that on to my kids and now, their kids. Rightfully so, I passed “Smitty’s knowledge” onto my kids and to see my kids experiencing “their first fishing trip,” it filled my heart with appreciation on a number of levels.

I’m getting ahead (or behind) of myself again—it’s 6 a.m. and we’re heading out to sea—all 8 of us. My son Tony asked me to rig his fishing pole. It all came back to me and before I knew it, his pole was rigged and so was mine. Then, I rigged my grandsons’ poles and my son’s friends’ poles, too. I didn’t get a moment’s rest as we chugged out off the coast heading for deeper waters. It didn’t matter. It was magical.

You probably will not believe this but I caught 37 fish. That’s right 37 fish—Mackerels mostly and there were some Bonitos, too. I guess a good deal of my helping others paid off. I was able to watch my grandson Caleb catch his first fish. It was wonderful. I watched the look on his face and his joy. It was priceless. I seem to remember having that same look when I caught my first fish. I have to thank God (and Smitty) for being granted with this “memorable day” and how I shared it with my children and their children.

The Legends, Car Leases and Trials Of Life
Some people say I am a “living legend” and I think, yeah in my own mind. I don’t let those things go to my head—been there and done that. It is important to stay grounded—if you can nowadays. Maybe legends happen so you can model yourself in their image. You deal with the trials of life with some sort of discovered rule book. I’ve had many trials in my lifetime and probably will have others—that’s life man.

It is what it is, as they say. For instance, I lease my car and that is due to tax purposes. So I lease a Lincoln in 2006 and I have to say, it was great little car. Like most cars you have, they become a part of you and in this case, ideal for business. As the lease ends though, the car has to be returned—a trial of modern day living. I’ve been buying and leasing cars from the legendary Ford Motors for over 14 or 15 years now. In that time, I have fostered a great relationship with Ford and that’s a good thing.

The clock is ticking though and the lease is drawing to an end. The last 2 years have been, as we all know, not economically great by any stretch of the dollar. Even for “legends” like Ford and me, it has been “touch and go” and the economic downturn really hit the entertainment and automobile businesses hard.

I kept the lease above water during this period, some how—some way. By God’s grace, I have been able to ride it through it all. Ford has weathered this period as well.

So, in a week, I turn in my Lincoln and Ford has a new car all lined up. My 14 or 15 year history with Ford was my safety net. What car I get next is a mystery to me right now and finances are improving for me and Ford both. Remember how Ford was on the brink and did not request a bail-out from the government? Well, that is where I am, too. I can relate to Ford and that tells me who they are. It tells me about the “character of Ford Motors” and maybe me too. Who would think a car lease would represent so much?

New Orleans, R&B And Bubba (Knight)
In case you missed it, on July 6th, USA Today/Jerry Shriver did a review of the Essence Music Festival which was held at the New Orleans’ vast Superdome. It was a 3-day holiday weekend festival and featured Mary J. Blige, Earth, Wind & Fire, Maze, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band) and Gladys Knight (& A Pip). You probably all know that Bubba Knight is one of best friends and I was so happy to read the review USA Today did.

You see Bubba is an original “Pip” and understandably throughout their career, sister Gladys took center stage. However, The Pips were always there behind Gladys giving her room to grow and support her as she belted out hit after hit...

The review gave credit where credit is due—Gladys and Bubba both—and here it is:

“It says everything about Gladys Knight’s versatility and professionalism that the highlights of her Saturday set weren’t simply her hits with The Pips. She earned just as much applause for her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (a stirring “Someone To Watch Over Me”) and a thrilling back-and-forth with two backup singers on “Superwoman.” She upped the ante by bringing on surviving Pip Merald “Bubba” Knight, who took a soulful turn on Al Green’s “Love And Happiness.” He didn’t stick around for obvious show closer “Midnight Train To Georgia” but Gladys brought it home just fine on her own.”

Bubba very rarely steps out but I was glad to read that he did. New Orleans, the Essence Music Festival, Gladys Knight & The Pips, the audience and the other artists were able to enjoy a 4th of July like no other.

Maybe Little Anthony & The Imperials will head to New Orleans next year but if anyone asks, you did not hear that from me.