Let's Hear it for Me! (An Embarrassing Moment in Time)

[mrdreamjeans]

During my senior year at Texas A&M, I was asked by my favorite history professor, Shirley Black, to be the entertainment for a political rally on campus. She was the faculty sponsor for the Young Republicans and Nancy Reagan was the guest speaker. Nancy was appearing on behalf of her husband; the year was 1976. I had only been singing since my Freshman year of college and had completed my first professional gig during the summer between my Sophomore and Junior years. I was honored to be asked (though of course, in retrospect, what I now know about Ronald Reagan tarnishes the memory). I told Shirley I'd do it and prepared a song for the rally.

On that day, I went before the 800 audience members and sang my song. It got great response. I walked offstage all aglow, excited by the success. Shirley walked up to me and said, "Neil, Mrs. Reagan's plane has been delayed. Go sing, another song." I replied, "but, I only prepared one song!". She said, "Go sing it again!" Off I went, explained to the audience what was happening and sang the same song. After the second performance, the audience responded with even greater applause .. and amusement.

As I walked offstage, tiny Mrs. Reagan appeared in the wings in a tailored red dress. I was briefly introduced to her before she went onstage to give her speech. But ... Before she launched into her remarks, she said, "There's a young man who was entertaining you today while you waited for me. I've been told he's a splendid singer. I'd like to hear him sing." Out of the wings I go, sheepishly approaching center stage. The audience is laughing (with me, I think:) and I launch into my third rendition of the same song!

The song? From "Funny Lady", "Let's Hear It For Me"!

What did I learn from this experience? Always prepare for the unexpected and no matter how embarrassing the situation, deal with it with grace:)

ps ... I did not vote for Ronald Reagan:)

Comments

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I love this story!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I love it now. In 1976, I was as embarrassed as hell! :)

HUGS!

[dragonessfaire.livejournal.com]

This is a great story! Your stock went way up with me. :)

[erstexman.livejournal.com]

This is just too funny - somehow I had missed that you are an Aggie...I did not know that many arty types went to school there!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Many arty types have not graduated from A&M. My first major job was playing an Aggie in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas:)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, my friend:)

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Love that story ;-)

And I hope you have a fantastic time in Seattle, and you can adjust to the noisy apartment.

[guiser1.livejournal.com]

I LOVE this story. It's made me laugh aloud.

Thanks for that!

[icejohn2.livejournal.com]

It just proves again that your choice for going back to sing on the stage is correct!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm planning to have a fantastic time. However, I've already spoken with the owner/manager and told her I want to be moved closer to the theatre. It took me 90 minutes during my test run today to get from downtown to the apartment in the rain. It will get faster, as I begin to know what I'm doing. Of course, it doesn't help that Seattle is having a huge front come through with an inordinate amount of rainfall. I'll adjust or I'll move elsewhere:)

HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Glad to be of service:) Not one of my more dignified moments, but it happened and I learned a lesson.

HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Hope so!

HUGS!

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Hahaaha!
Now that's classic.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

So am I, in the sense that cars are classic:)

HUGS!

I'm going to meet pbehr on Sunday or Monday. He's coming down from Victoria!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

I was indeed privileged to hear you tell that story over the phone... but I laughed again when I read it in print!
Your ps gave me an extra chuckle :0)
HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I was fairly naive at 21, but not naive enough to vote for Reagan:) Telling you that story over the phone is what made me decide to write it down. Another one of Neil's embarrassing moments. There are so many:)

HUGS!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

"Another one of Neil's embarrassing moments. There are so many"
...but they're so enjoyable to hear about - and we love you all the more for them :0)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I always can hope that my friends find it an endearing quality. LOL!

[labeartorycub.livejournal.com]

Always prepare for the unexpected and no matter how embarrassing the situation, deal with it with grace.

Amen.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

What was one of your most embarrassing moments, my friend? :)