Frantic and eccentric … Rockin’ and Rollin’ twenty years before Elvis, Harry was a true master of boogie woogie piano — and every other musical style, too!
HARRY “The Hipster” GIBSON
Julliard trained, he blazed his own musical trail and was popular during the mid-1940’s during the heyday of the “Zoot suit with the drape shape and the reet pleat.” Today, Harry is often remembered for the dubious distinction of being arrested with jazz pal and drug buddy Billie Holiday.
During production of “13 East,” (NBC. 1989-90), I regularly practiced my trumpet in my dressing room – despite the protests from Diana Bellamy, whose dressing room was next-door.
Rose Jackson (then Rosemarie Jackson) was added as one of several new cast members for the second season of “13 East” (NBC 1989 – 90). She immediately became one of my favorite “playmates” – both on-camera and off. Continue reading “True Confesssion: I GOT NAILED BY ROSE JACKSON!”
When we moved production from Hollywood down to Texas for the second season of “13 East” (NBC), the folks in Dallas were so warm and welcoming in so many ways – even presenting me with a Texas flag which had flown over the capital in Austin.
They really made us feel right at home – and, of course, I had to show my appreciation by getting into the Texas spirit.
Here I am arriving for a public appearance at a rodeo – complete with Tony Lama snakeskin boots & matching belt w/sterling buckle set, a 7x Stetson and a brand new Cadillac Eldorado with my “preferred vantage point” parking spot adjacent to the women’s restroom! Is it any wonder that producer Scoey Mitchlll introduced me as “Wayne Powers – that Big Butter and Egg Man.” Yeehah! What great fun we had!
The Cult Entertainment Icon Celebrates Spring – and Wayne Powers!
“Uncle Floyd” Vivino
Not unlike Soupy Sales and long before Pee Wee Herman, Floyd Vivino took New Jersey – and later the country – by storm with his cult “Kiddie TV Show” for adults, which ran for an amazing 24 years, spawning a record album and many singles.
TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN HENRY MANCINI’S 93rd BIRTHDAY.
I can’t let today go by without acknowledging one of my greatest mentors and benefactors, never to be forgotten.
Upon arriving in L.A. back in 1976, I was greatly blessed to work for Henry, eventually administering all his music publishing for a short time before moving on to build my performance career – the original purpose in my relocating to the west coast.
During production of “13 East,” (NBC. 1989-90), I regularly practiced my trumpet in my dressing room – despite the protests from Diana Bellamy, whose dressing room was next-door. 
Rose Jackson (then Rosemarie Jackson) was added as one of several new cast members for the second season of “13 East” (NBC 1989 – 90). She immediately became one of my favorite “playmates” – both on-camera and off. 
