Swan Song

Dick used to cook for his sister Gracie on The Mighty Bluegrass Shows. I can't begin to guess how many years they were on the road together. After work Dick would have a few beers and get to singing. Opera mostly, and occasionally show tunes. Turns out he was in the Army with Mario Lanza. This and his eventual stint in the carnival business led him to Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason among others. The man had stories and a wicked sense of humor. He died this past month and it didn't take long for the news to reach his old friends, some of them retired and some still out on the road.

If only he could pour them all another cup of coffee, take their dollar and cheerfully suggest that they "Have a nice day at the fair."

Rest in peace Dick.