Inquisitive Quest

Glenn’s latest – 1959 Cadillac Limo

The 1959 Cadillac limousine having returned to Oklahoma City,  its journey from Indiana in fruition,  its navigator, Gary’s friend and former band drummer,  the anomalous Glenn Froman.  Glenn wasn’t solitary in his arrival,  unbeknownst to Gary on his arrival, his sister Dorothy having accompanied the endeavoring percussionist,  and  visionary aspirant entrepreneur.  The Pianist dutifully still employed at the Pirates Cove Club in the Holiday Inn West six nights a week having little opportunity for acquiring his friend employment but remaining inquisitive to the drummers intuitionist disposition.  The pianist curiosity was soon satisfied,  Glenn and sister Dorothy were in search of a property location to initiate a concept  they were convinced would realm a profitable enumeration.

Glenn was a walking introductory to most postulates of inventiveness, never-failing to undertake something whether business or pleasure with enthusiasm.  Gary  never openly having professed a desire to collaborate in the pursuit of wild game hunting, but discovering it was a new acquire interest of  Glenn’s.  His friends interest wasn’t limited to just hunting, but to engage in an outdoor recreation sport of archery and the use of a hunting bow.   The two journeying to the world of pawnbrokers, initiating an acquisition of archery bow accessories,  Glenn absorbing a 90 lb. Cobra bow,  the pianist acquiring 70 lb. Fred Bear Polar bow.  Gary biggest  discernment was  his 140 lb. body affirming the strength to string the bow,  even with an accessory  stringer he could not resolve the situation,  Glenn, his physical astute 200 lbs. providing the acquisition.

The two running across an article in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper exclaiming an area for bow enthusiast adjoining Lake Stanley Draper.  The two novice archers discovering a bow hunters arcadia,  a marked trail wandering thru the wilderness with accomplished hay bale targets, copious in similarities to a golf course.   The new recreational  outdoor accord providing  an awning of their skills, uplifting confidence and a sense of reliability,  the two perceiving they were ready for the challenge of gaming.   The appropriation of deer tags and an investigation of  suggested rural locations led to the discovery of abandon tree blinds,  but succeeding attempts hovering above the ground was in vain, it wasn’t long until the enthusiasm dwindled in their quest, nothing accomplished except the experience.

A new treasure seeker horizon having surfaced,  the advent of the commercial marketed metal detector  and Glenn again rising to a level of expectation.  A return to the familiar Oklahoma City downtown pawnbrokers,  the two desiring acquisition of the metal searching devices with  visions of finding Oklahoma’s lost riches of a bygone era.   A researched excursion to an area of the South Canadian River, the two exploring what they believed to be an inaccessible area of the river,  trouncing thru the underbrush to acquaint the sand on the river’s edge, the bounty treasure waiting to be achieved.

Gary soon discovering it wasn’t the ambiguity of the venture, but the appreciated absorption of mother nature, enjoying the disposition from the bounds of captivity surrounding the expression of his profession, the smoke-filled world of  entertainment.   The aura of the river,  the exposure to the elements and a fulfillment of life’s privilege,  the searching expedition was abbreviated with the sudden gratuity of discovery, instead of the bounties of lost treasure the only satisfaction was  a bevy of beer cans bringing a conclusion to their quest.

Glenn and Dorothy still ardent in search of their property goal discovering a settlement in Sapulpa, 93 miles east of Oklahoma City, 12 miles west of Tulsa.  The brother and sister deciding to  lease the 40 acres,  requesting Gary for  some financial support,  the pretense, an investment partnership.   The property was nestled on a slight rural hillside,  a  14 x 60 ft. mobile home residency,  congruent with propane,  electricity and well pump supplying water.   Glenn’s latest entrepreneur exploit was to enter a farming enterprise, not the acquisition of typical farm animal husbandry,  but specializing in the abundantly reproducing lagomorphs, better known as rabbits.   His conclusion being,  not to house the rabbits in a hutch,  but to fence an area for free ranging, thus saving the expense of housing and included in his free ranging surmise would be a minimal number of  ducks,  turkeys and chickens.

Gary approached the concept with pure skepticism,  but it would provide an opportunity to acquaint Glenn with a pastime and a possible source of income,  providing  the ambition would come to  fruition.   Gary would instill a visits traversing the Turner Turnpike, sometimes journeying with his family but soon finding the Sapulpa country atmosphere uncomfortable,  the summer heat overpowering, the mobile homes undersized air conditioner, the water pump for the well presenting problems, the  animals not ready for harvest and in general most of the visits not going well.   The Willson’s returning to Oklahoma City after a visit,  assessing the kindred project, Gary and Kaye deciding the only thing gained from their visit was  a bodily invasion by deleterious ticks.

The first to abandon the scene was Glenn’s sister Dorothy,  removing herself and her monetary contribution from the outlandish Sapulpa environment returning to Indiana.   Glenn’s operandi remained an unacknowledged failure, but his lack of finance becoming  a noticeable  severance in the operation.  Being  idealistic  he began supplementing his monetary aspirations by downing numerous highway hidden out of sight hickory trees occupying the rented 40 acres,  supplying the local Sapulpa barbecue restaurant with the desirous wood.   Glenn finally advocating defeat and deciding to  vacate the premise.

Gary returning to the ill-fated concession,  arriving in his 1966 Ford pick-up,  an unorthodox removal of the animal menagerie would have to be accomplished.   The afforded consisting of   2 turkeys,  2 ducks,  27 chickens and a dozen rabbit’s all to be loaded in  bed of the pickup,  the cage-less conglomerate covered with chicken wire screening with only one destination available,  Gary’s residence in  Oklahoma City.  The traversing of the Turner Turnpike was an entertaining spectacle for the passing populace who stared with ambiguity at the pickup, its bed covered with chicken wire,  full of the farmyard menagerie, a grapes of wrath presentation.   Arriving in the City, the unloading commencing to a startled wife, the neighbor gawking at the array,  the backyard of the musicians abode serving as an overnight heaven for the struggling arcade.

An accelerated animal dispersion from Gary’s 46th Terrace residence which resembled a  farming commune began. The  ducks finding shelter  in the backyard of Gary’s mother-in-law Helen,   the two turkeys, whom were unsuspecting of their future, Gary placing some grain between two logs,  then availing  an ax when the gobblers discovered the grain,  the feather petitions soon abiding as freezer bound morsels of nourishment.   The chickens acquired the same fate as their larger feathered relatives,  joining their cousins in the realm of frozen prospect.  The rabbits,  soft and furry creatures finding haven,  Gary, with his young children looking on couldn’t weld a nutrient charge, sparing their lives another disposition would have to be researched.  It took a while to resolve the rabbit situation but not until rabbits did what they were noted for, their numbers increased.

Gary’s wife Kaye finding a solution,  a FAA consort from work possessing a farming domain in Newcastle offering to transfer the lagomorphs to his authority for their perpetual care.  Gary concluding that the approximation of Glenn’s countenance was a lesson learned in perspicuity, another chapter having been written in the book of life.

.   It’s achievements having been commodious, the years of  execution evident from unintentional assault and it’s treatment was born of discharge, reconciled by continuous application. A reception of agnostic dissertation having prevailed, the aptitude of its production demonstrating one of eminence.  Its purpose was remarkably attained with a resounding presence of achievement in the affirmative, but a resolution of discharge from a participation in commerce was in order, the time having surfaced, it’s replacement was adherent, the decision having been made, Gary was trading-in his faithful Wurlitzer #120 electric piano.

.     Gary journeying to Del City,  his accredited musical instruments firmly secured in the bed of the 1966 Ford pickup,  the Wurlitzer Electric Piano #120, and the Kustom 150 amp with its two 12 inch speakers both espoused for dispensation.   Arriving at Bob Woods Del City Music provided the musician an opportunity to gaze upon the appliances of musical fatuity.  The Del City structure abounding  with the wares of musical apparition,  the store a portrait of  instrument availability,  bestowing a beckoning  to all that dared entry.  Gary ready to conduct business with a friend, owner Bob Woods, his stature as a musician and country music provocateur organizing the Oklahoma Country Music Association was well-known throughout the state.

.   Gary discovering an array of desirable musical appliances, the only circumstance restraining his purchasing willpower was financial, but it too was in transition.  Bob’s  wife Carolyn on the phone,  resolving his fiscal qualification and credence.  With the  validation  of the musicians credit  credentials,  Gary finding a new edict to propagate his musical instrument portfolio,  his procurement realm aspiring for the ultimate in band equipment.   This time the Musician would not be financially embryonic in the acquisition of band equipment,  finding a new experience dawning,  applying  a Cadillac interpretation in his decisions.

.  The incomparable Fender Rhodes electric piano,  accepting its station in his music world. The Rhodes sharing the name with the iconic guitar.  His first Custom 1 50 amp,  relinquished for  a 3hundred watt Custom  amp with a mounting stand,  and  two Custom speaker enclaves,  each containing two 15 inch JBL’s  speakers,  a noble replacement.  An additional acquisition,  a 2hundred watt Custom P A amp addressing  two column,  each  with four eight inch speakers. The total fiscal amount of his purchases, approaching the cost of Gary’s 63 Mercury Comet car when purchased new.  As a musician, the new equipment instilled a surge of fulfillment,  a desire and an optimism that new equipment would add a new vitality to the bandstand.

.   A late winter night,  an eight inch, gusting 40 mile per hour wind-driven snow blanketing Oklahoma City.  Gary finding it difficult to travel to guitarist Jerry Willis’s house,  but succeeding after several detours.  only to find their normal route to the Pirates Cove at the  Holiday Inn on Meridian Avenue closed,  the road arrested with a catechism of white blanketed confinement.   May Avenue,  a corresponding tact,  also snowed over,  but for some unexplained reason,  a northward single lane  remained open on Portland Avenue.  The two determined musicians finding a hazardous opportunity to reach Interstate 40, the Cross-Town Expressway.  To their dismay,  the on ramp to the Cross Town was barricaded,  but Reno Street,  a parallel venture below the raised Cross-Town was receptive,  a snowplow having  traversed the roadway clearing a passage.  Upon entering, the two finding that it  resembled a toboggan run,  the snow three and four feet high on either side.  The two musicians continuing their journey,  arrested within the walls of snow,  the headlights of the car beaming like a snow lit beacon,  a perception that they were interned in a tunnel.

.   The two able to apprehend the Holiday Inn on Meridian Avenue,  the rest of the City seemingly void of activity,  its residence  snowbound.  An arrival finding the day shift compliment of  employment still dictating the Pirate’s Cove operation, apparently the night personnel unable to compose an appearance  because of the deleterious snow conditions.   Gary and Jerry,  the only band members having success in arriving,  questioning each other,  whether to attempt to entertain a very diminished club audience.  An unexpected occurrence,  a Greyhound Bus seeking  refuge, unable to travel south on the now closed  H E Bailey Turnpike south, another  casualty of the storm.  the captive bus containing fifty-eight army recruits destined for Fort Sill,  their deliberate journey interrupted.    Gary watched as the snowbound  prospective patrons seated themselves.  Wanda  Moreno, the  daytime bartender also one of the stranded snowed in assembly having to do double duty.

.   Wanda conversing on the phone with Herb Carpenter,  the weather bound proprietor,  a question concerning whether to serve the military compliment,  as most were under age to consume alcohol.  Asking if she should adhere to the letter of the law or what, Herb replying   the ABC board wouldn’t  be out on a night like this,  go ahead and serve them.   Gary visiting with some of the soldiers,  answering their question about the band playing, mentioning they could,  but it would sound better with a drummer.  Then from another table they heard a name mentioned,  discovering that there was  a soldier that played drums among the stranded congregate,  and was more than happy to sit in.  With the advent of a drummer,  a commendable trio was enhanced,  entertainment prevailing for the confined.

.   The Oklahoma City road crew up to the task, the main thoroughfares and Meridian partially opened, and with the drive home,  the toboggan run experienced musician fulfilling another musical page in the Book of Life.

Welcome to the Province of Hypnosis

.   1972 found Gary experiencing his fourth year of tenure at the keyboard in the Pirates Cove Club, having to accept its  third enlargement,  the ambient  pianobar embodiment of the past just a remembrance.  The seating capacity now exceeding 160 patrons, and  exhibiting the addition of in-house restrooms,  no longer did one have to exit to the lobby to address the facility.  The pianist concluding the club expansion was a sign of the times, with the advent of quality entertainment at the recently constructed facilities on Meridian Avenue, and  the access to the I 40 Crosstown Expressway, assuring a larger provisional  local audience.

.   The Coves expansion provided for a much larger bandstand  in the southeast  corner away from the proximity of the entrance, and to customer sitting at the tables near the  bar.   The platform resembled a stage rather than a bandstand, more than adequate for a four piece band and vocalist Debbie Swisher Ferguson.  It wasn’t unusual during the  summer months for the weekend club attendance to drop off with locals finding other activities, the Ramada Inn having found a remedy by booking national name entertainment.  Cove owner, Herb Carpenter, after returning from Vegas having a project in mind.  Herbie having watched a casino  act with a hypnotist who hypnotize volunteers from the audience,  having them perform humorous antics to the delight of the onlookers during his two 45 minute shows.

.   Gary receiving a call at home, Herb asking him to meet with Bob Valente,  the hypnotist who was to open his act at the club that night.  Gary arriving,  finding  his stage setting would require the placement of ten armless straightback chairs on the bandstand,  a microphone with an extended long cord.  Satisfied, the hypnotist initiated a special request, inquiring if the pianist could procure him a strobe light,  its use  would enable him to enhance the expediency of  hypnotizing  his subjects.   Gary having no idea where to purchase a strobe light. but the Radio Shack came to mind, and behold they had one.

.   The band playing their first set,  breaking,  the stage made ready, the act began with a request for audience participation, the volunteers to be seated on stage.   The Great Valente,  as his poster read,  his first show beginning at 10 each night,  but discovering a lack of participation from those in audience, a difficulty in securing ten volunteers to seat themselves on the improvise stage.  Gary concluding,  their first show response or lack of it, was probably due to  the number of drinks or lack of them.  On occasion, to accomplish a full complement of audience participation,  Gary would prod some of the club regulars,  and himself volunteering to access the subjection on stage.

.   The Hypnotist was very capacious in his ability, the Holiday-Inn dining room requesting him to lower the volume of his microphone when inducing his inaugural hypnotic suggestions,  as on one occasion,  a waitress’ in the adjoining restaurant could hear his commands, subject to his hypnotic voice,  finding herself seated, and in a deep sleep.  With great success,  he would proceed to induce hypnosis on the inductees,  having them perform antics of,   ‘feet on fire, or an inability to move,  and other habitation of mental and physical dexterity

Subjects seated for an entertaining hypnosis demonstration

.   It was at the start of a 12:15  show, Gary having finished setting up the chairs and microphone,  deciding to visit with a couple at their table, the three vigilant to the Great Valente’s performance.   Having been a subject more than once on stage, Gary was unaware that subconsciously, Bobs suggestive voice had been indelibly ensconced  on him.  Bob’s reigning voice commands,  for those on stage to enter into a relaxed hypnotic state, inadvertently was a conduit to the pianist seated with the couple,  and soon  joining those on stage in a relaxing hypnotic state.

.   An awakening from the experience, Gary sensing a numbness from his elbow to the tips of his fingers,  and was unable to move his fingers,  lift or straighten the wrist of his right hand.  His first reaction was one of expectation,  that the numbness would reside,  and the feeling of normalcy would return, but the affliction continued.  The pianist beginning to realize the seriousness of what had happened,  a brief conference with Bob, finding the hypnotist having no explanation.  The band deciding to call it a night, Gary again questioning the hypnotist if this had ever happened, the answer was no,   but asking Gary to accompany him,  the possibility of  another hypnotic session might reconcile the physical  situation, Gary following Bob to his room, but the attempt was to no avail.

.   Returning home, his right extremity still without feeling or mobility, not able to move his finger or lift his hand, hoping the morning would acknowledge it’s return.   The affliction and Gary’s concern continued, the musician addressing  his family physician, Doctor McDaniel that morning about the adversity,  relating  the unusual circumstances of events, the doctor without a definitive conclusion, but referring the pianist to a neurologist.  Gary awaiting his neurologist appointment,  deciding out of curiosity to visit a chiropractor, desiring a non-medical doctor’s opinion.  The chiropractor submitting Gary to electro stimuli treatment, to verifying the muscles were intact,  the generated wave of electricity able to move fingers and  rise the wrist,  the chiropractor was  in concurrence with his family practitioner,  an examination by a neurosurgeon was advanced.

.   Gary the subject of test by a specialist, this time a NCS and an EMG, basically a Nerve Conductive  and a electromyography.  The neurologist inserting a test lead fastened to a needle probe to the areas of the  right forearm,  and a receptor probe further down,  the nerve conductive and electromyography test, a somewhat painful procedure.  The NCS and EMG test would  determine the  detrimental damage to the nerves that processed the muscles of the fingers, hand and wrist.   The test completed, the pianist having three questions, the first was simple,  why couldn’t he lift his wrist or move his fingers, the doctor answer was brief, “you damaged the radial nerve that controls the wrist and fingers”.  His second being the cause of the damage, the Doctor providing  an explanation.

.   The relaxation of the muscles under hypnosis is paramount,  a forearm resting on the arm of the chair is dead weight,  the muscle and tissue surrounding the radial nerve under these conditions, would be totally relaxed and non-supportive,  the pressure of the arms weight, the sharpness of  the arm of the chair could cause  damage to the radial nerve that controls the extremity.  The third question was the important one,  what was the amount of time to heal and regain the use of his hand.   The Doctor was hesitant in answering,  “not having thoroughly examined the graphs,  but as for a prognosis of regaining it use,   weeks , months,  years,  maybe never”.

.   The suddenness of the occurrence,  the realization  finally setting in, his ambition and livelihood coming to an abrupt halt,  but still not willing  to accept a disability of circumstance.  Herb Carpenter, the club owner offering to help,  relating that the club has insurance if Gary wished  to file a claim.  Gary declining Herbie’s offer,  accepting responsibility for his actions,  mentioning, it was the result of sitting in the wrong type of chair, and why Valente used armless straight back chairs.  Gary realizing his  loss of his wrist and hand appendage was an abhorrent province to acknowledge, but not a final consummation.

.   Gary was indebted for heredity,  the left hand ambidextrous ability he acquired from his father must have been a proclivity of accession,  the recent loss of his right hand appendage finding this inherited application beneficial.   An uncertainty remained concerning  the appositeness of his piano playing profession, with no time frame prognosis for his condition to improve,  he would have to acquire an acute resolve to transcend the despondency that knew would surely come.  A first step was instituted by  securing a wrist and hand brace,  to bereaved the limp notification of his loss and the public display of his deficiency.   His transition from a normal right hand transaction to the left was awkward because of habit,   but once inoculated would suffice,  the only true difficulty was the expertise of signature.  Researching the subject of neurology and his related lack of appendage mobility,  discovering a premise to employ.   During the hours of inactivity watching TV,   he would place a rubber ball in the palm of his inoperative hand,  attempting to communicate a reflex from his brain to the non-functioning extremity.

.   The concern for the his right hand restoration played heavily on him, the provision of expectancy was allocated to the ticking of a  temporal clock,  Gary needed relief, a change of venue, a decision being made for a visit to California.  His wife Kaye utilizing some of her acquired vacation time making  reservation for an ocean side bungalow in Long Beach.  The families retreat would entertain a visit to Disneyland and an opportunity to introduce Kermit, his wife’s father to his   granddaughter Marlo.  A further venture to visit relatives of his mother-in-law Helen’s first marriage,  to the Rice’s residing in scenic Morro Bay,  Kaye’s maiden name being Rice,  never having  meant any of her namesake relatives,  and from Morro Bay,  they could continue on to Gary’s parents’ home in Oakland.  The trip would be a leisurely sightseeing tour west,  the families 1967 Buick Wildcat, Kaye’s work car,  destined as  mode of transportation.

.   An early morning start, the once reputable Route 66 having acquired a new name, Interstate 40, the nostalgic luster of a bygone era attaining the status of a remembrance.  The familiar sights of Amarillo, and Albuquerque passing in review,  Gary extending the first days travel to over 600 miles, a decision to halt the progress for the nights lodging in Grants New Mexico at the Sands roadside motel. The morning  finding the family  progressing west across the high plains,  thru Gallup and upward to the ponderosa encroachment of Flagstaff.   Addressing the downhill travel, the Wildcat venturing off route 66  to greet a new host,  the Grand Canyon, the Willson’s journeying to the south rim’s view, experiencing the wonderment of its vastness and privilege.  The 18 mile wide canyon prefix  presenting a picture of engagement to the first time beholders, the 6,000 foot depth, mother nature’s presentation of catechism expanse, the family acknowledging it’s acclaimed  presence.

.   The stop at the Grand Canyon realized,  an afternoon vestige back to Interstate 40 beginning, Gary recognizing a necessary to stay the night before entering the Mojave, Kingman promising another nights rest.  Not lingering in the morning,  but pushing onward, the Wildcat unleashed, the steady whoosh of the open four barrels, the GM product rushing thru Needles forward to Barstow,  the family having their sights on making Long Beach by afternoon.  Long Beach having been secured, the Willson’s apprehending the bungalows management on East Ocean Boulevard, the family introduced to a small  bedroom reside with a kitchenette and an ocean beach view, Scott and threeyear old Marlo  eager for the journey to Disneyland, the one-handed Wildcat driver eager for an ocean side rest.

.   A Disneyland morning about to begin, Gary having discovered when visiting with some locals, that two blocks from their location was a public transportation bus stop enabling a Disneyland destination,   suggesting that instead of mapping the drive,  and parking expense,  the family could ride the bus.  The information he received was correct, the carriage destination was Disneyland, the vastness of the 165 acres making a big first impression, the family coming to realize that it would take days to participate in all the attractions.  The entrance admission price was very reasonable,  but the admission to the concessions requiring the purchase of a coupon book, a quick calculation of the cost, deciding this would be a one day excursion but allowing a concession visit to all of the four Lands.

.   The first on the agenda was the Pirates of the Caribbean, an unforgettable journey thru the waterway cavern, followed by Adventure Land,  a trip thru the jungle.  Frontier Land,  a riverboat ride, fighting off Indian attacks,  and Tomorrow Land an adventure in space travel,  with an unforgettable under water trip in the Nautilus, the Captain making an announcement. ” This is the captain speaking. Welcome aboard. We are now underway and proceeding on a course that will take us on a voyage of exploration through liquid space,  enroute we will pass below the polar ice cap,  then probe depths seldom seen by man.    Make yourself comfortable, but please remain seated at all times. And no smoking pleas.  the smoking lamp is out”.   Exhausted, the exploring family satisfied with their  journey because    “if you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, your heart desires will come to you.”

. Gary was looking forward to this day, Kaye having visited with her father Kermit on the phone, having made arrangements to join the family and give them a tour of the RMS Queen Mary on permanent displayed at Long Beach.  Kermit having sailed aboard The Queen when  converted to a troop transport  during World War 2.  Once aboard the luxurious liner, the family discovering a Jacques Cousteau aquarium and a guided tour presentation, Kermit electing to conduct the family with his own tour, including  the many levels and  area he occupied with the returning troop

. After visiting the wheelhouse and the upper levels,  Gary decided to explore on his own,  heading below deck, slipping off entering an area marked  “closed to the public,  no admittance” .  the stairway leading down several levels, the pianist in search of the engine room.   Finding himself in what appeared to be a extended passageway, his search was in vain.   A conclusion to the  Queen Mary adventure, the group mooring themselves at a local restaurant, Gary appreciative of Kermit taking the time to facilitate his relatively new family, making an observation that the newly acquainted grandfather was like a sailor home from the sea.

. The morning bringing a final Southern California visual attendance, the brief journey to the famous Venice Boardwalk,  discovering its location and occupants were a parody to a movie scene and actors portrayed in a  Hollywood production.  A discussion of whether to proceed to Morro Bay or to bypass it, Kaye not really enthused about knocking on strangers doors and introducing yourself as the daughter of Helen, at one time, a member of your family.  Gary reminding her that this was her mother’s idea, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to disappoint her. The Buick pointed north on Highway one oh one, Gary knowing the Morro Bay turn-off was north of San Luis Obispo,  having travel this route before. 

 . It was just as Gary imagined, the address of the Rice relations was located several blocks up on the hillside above the bay,  and its location view of the town’s  star performer, the scenic  Morro Rock was preeminent .  The Willson’s were not unannounced, the family having been expecting them, a cordial welcome coming with their introduction.  The hour was getting late, Gary in process of thanking them for their hospitality when they made an insistent offer,   they had plenty of room and the travelers should spend the night.  An attempt to leave being spoken, but the late hour departure and having no motel reservations was unacceptable to their host,  the Willson’s accepting their hospitality,   staying the night.

. Morro Bay in the rear view mirror, the Wildcat traversing the 15 miles to once again acquaint Highway one oh one north,  but not to his parents residence in Oakland, but to  Pioneer, their cabin retreat in the Sierra’s, an earlier phone call,  discovering the elder Willson’s were spending their summer in the mountainous terrain.  The sixhour drive to pioneer accomplished, his parents delighted at the family’s arrival, the solitude of the Sierras a welcome  Gary discovering that this visit wasn’t what he had expected, his desire to journey back to past, rediscovering his childhood adventures exploring the wilderness never surfaced,  a realization, remembrance is nostalgic, today is real,  and tomorrows are opportunity.  The addition of neighboring residence beginning to surround his parents retreat, once secluded,  their 2 bedroom modern decked cabin  painting a picture of what was to come, Gary was ready to return home to Oklahoma.

 . The departure day having arrived,  the 67 Buick destined to sojourn the Highway to the Sooner State,  the musician somewhat accepting his disability but still uncertain of his future.  It was decided that a leisure return would be exercised,  a stop at Dinosaur City Arizona providing an excursion to a cavernous realm,  viewing the  exposition of the fossilized prehistoric domain, the night being spent in Kingman.  The morning discovering a diverting journey to the Painted Desert, the highlighted colors exclamatory in their presentation, the coinage of  splendor ravishing a color scheme within the silence of an absent wind.   A walk in the petrified forest,  Gary aware of the sign prohibiting the appropriation of the age-old specimens, but upon leaving,  mysteriously discovering a relic from the past in his pocket.

. The Wildcat forging ahead, the familiar high plains beginning to lose their altitude as Albuquerque materialized, another night of rest before the final 8 hour drive to Oklahoma City.  Gary out of curiosity having  chronicled the mileage and the amount of gas purchased,  not surprised to discovering the  430 cubic inch,  360 horsepower Wildcat averaging eleven miles per gallon for the 3500 mile escapade,  very much aware that the four barrel carburetor let itself be known screaming the whole  distance.   Returning to the S.W. 46th Terrace domain,  the encumbered musician feeling the aspects of  despondency,  no longer able to pursue his occupational endeavor or even the halcyon of the golf course along with other presentations.  The appendage loss providing a mundane existence,  but buried within, the fortitude of resolution, the constant placement of a rubber ball in his hand, brain power commanding his fingers to grip,  a discernment of consecration still prevailing.  willing the use of his right arm appendages to return.

Read the rest of this entry »

Gary at the Uptown Club – note the Rt. Hand brace…

.   Temporal progression of his disabled right wrist and hand was dispiriting,  the appendages failing to respond after several months of consecrated effort.    Gary receiving a telephone call from guitarist Jerry Connell,  who was working with Gary at the Holiday Inn West, Pirates Cove Club  when his debilitating altercation  occurred.  Jerry advocating,  not a need for a piano player,  but a bass player,  knowing Gary played keyboard bass with his left hand on his Fender Rhodes Piano,  offering a five night per week engagement at the Uptown Club on North Walker.   An overwhelming affirmative reply reconciled the pianist spirit,  a redundancy to reestablish  his profession.   The musician once again finding a contentment evolving from his left hand bass benefaction and as the weeks progressed  a sense of awakening began in his dormant hand, the numbness beginning to decline.

.   With his right hand poised over the keyboard each night, receiving it instructional command to perform,  a firmness returned,  at first to a finger, then followed by a two, realizing by the grace of God and  his consciousness of mind, it continued to send a musical message to the remaining fingers.   The wrist brace still remained,  but the dexterity of the fingers were  commencing to be more functional and with this he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.  It was during a night’s performance a welcome sight entered the Uptown Club, Gary haven’t seen or talked to Jan Lawhon for over a year, Jan accompanied with a friend introduced as Mickey Rogers.  The pianist visiting the couple recalling events of the past and from the conversation it was apparent that Jan and Mickey were in a relationship and that Mickey’s occupation was speculative in nature.

.   A continuing return of dexterity,  Gary appreciative of Jerry Connell confidence in a one-handed pianist, but like other Oklahoma City clubs,  the Uptown  was a  in the scrutiny for a diminutive accordance, business was slow, the band being furloughed to playing only weekends.   Gary deciding to call his Pirates Cove drummer Eddy Ferguson and wife Debby (Swisher) whom he had left stranded at the Cove when he experienced the loss of his hand. The pianist asking if they would be interested in getting back together if he could book them, the two agreeing.

.   Gary’s first recourse was a visit to Herb Carpenter at the Pirates Cove,  finding and not surprised that he was satisfied with pianist Jim Mullen’s,  but suggesting to Gary that he visit with Mitch,  a subcontractor that participated in the construction of the Holiday Inn West, who had recently retained the clubs franchise at the Holiday Inn in Norman.   Gary well acquainted with Mitch, visiting with him in Norman, offering to put together the same group that filled the Pirates Cove to capacity, Jerry con Nell on guitar, Eddie Ferguson on drums, himself on Keyboard bass and piano, and Debbie vocalizing.   Without hesitation Mitch agreeing,  the Cove component was reunited with their Norman engagement.

.   It was a stormy night,  tornado warnings having been issued,  and  the sirens serving notice as  Gary proceeded down Interstate 35  toward Norman.  the buffeting winds accosting the musician,  the driver having difficulty seeing  On the outreach of Moore, where Eddy and Debbie’s trailer park resided,  the musician became concerned, the storm intensified, the wind and rain pelting with a roar,  Gary thankful when the experience slackened.  Upon arrival at the Holiday Inn, discovering a message from Jerry Con Nell,  logging his unavailability because of the storm. 

.   The Pianist awaiting the arrival of Deb and Eddy,  but as time waned his concerned blossomed, finally  placing a phone call to their trailer park  residence, discovering a continuous busy signal.  A determination for not answering the call coming from the television, a weather responder  reporting  a tornado having briefly touched down crossing interstate 35 in moore  causing damage to a trailer park.    Gary hesitant at first but then deciding to provide the storm captive audience with a piano concurrence,   on the bandstand giving an explanation for the solitary performance mentioning he would be happy to play request.

.   It was later during that stormy night,  the pianist recognized the person attesting  the bar,  a renown televised entertainer from the most prestigious network program of the era,  the Smothers Brothers Comedy ,  the Presidential Candidate of humor,  Pat Paulsen was firmly planted on a bar stool.   Gary introducing himself to the celebrated personality,  finding Pat having just concluded an appearance at the University of Oklahoma and was still adhered in Norman because of the storms ineptitude with his airline reservation.   Gary attempting to persuade the television personality to accord a microphone and join him on stage,  but his declination was absorbed in a glass of scotch.  

.   Gary deliberating whether to  announce Pats presence,  a chance  the recognition might spur him to give a sample of his humor, but the pianist having second thoughts,  deciding Pat having already put in a day’s work.  The Norman Oklahoma night coming to a conclusion,  the storms having moved on, the musician tempted to stop at Deb and Eddies  trailer park on his way home,  but reasoned the situation didn’t need another onlooker.  A morning call from the two saying  the tempest played havoc with their trailer, moving it on the cement block foundation, but the trailer and contents were only jostled and the two were safe.   The pianist concluding it was another night to remember.

The Traditions left to right – Jack Hughes, Jerry Cooper. Jerry Connell down front – Gary Willson

.   It wasn’t a surprise when Eddy and Debbie approached Gary,  the  drummer and his vocal attraction wife deciding to expand their life in another direction giving notice, the two were no longer interested in remaining with the band.  Gary once again finding himself in search of envoys of music to fill the void with their departure.    A chance  introduction to  Jerry Cooper, a rhythm guitar playing vocalist and his drummer Jack Hughes, discovering they were in a  similar situation, looking for replacements  for their band.   Gary arranging to meet with Cooper at his day job as a T-Fal product pitchman at JC Penny’s in Crossroads Mall.

.   The pianist observing as Jerry demonstrated the attributes of the product in the housewares department, finally  taking a break,  the two concluding a possible union between the  bands would satisfy both group’s needs.  Cooper having  appropriated a band name , “Jerry Cooper and The Nite Beats”,  changing the names spelling from the once local Oklahoma City renown group  “The Night Beats”,  which had digress to Dallas in 1964.  It was readily apparent that Cooper hope to exploit the Night Beats  past reputation.  The meeting concluding,  a conditional decision being agreed upon, Gary insisting the Night Beats name be dropped, agreeing to  “Jerry Cooper and  The Traditions”.   The Norman Oklahoma Holiday Inn club owner Mitch somewhat disappointed with the departure of Debby and Eddie, but having no alternative but to go along with the change.  Gary could sense a wait and see attitude from Mitch, pondering whether or not the band would continue.

.   During an evening performance a very familiar person entered,  Jan Lawhon,  accompanied by her companion Mickey Rogers,  Gary having been introduced to  Mickey when playing with Jerry Connell at the Uptown Club.   Seated with the couple, the conversation wasn’t just a social call,   but more like a business one.  Jan relating that her and Mickey might be interested in hiring the band, Mickey having  procured the lease of a Night Club in the City.

.   Gary was somewhat taken back with Jan’s willingness to return to the bandstand, but with their years of  musical affiliation  at the Pirates Cove,  at least they would have an established repertoire.  The couple making an offer to hire the band,  the only immediate drawback was instituting an agreement was with Jerry Cooper’s ego,  Cooper accustomed to having his name highlighted.  Gary discussing the opportunity with the others.  Cooper, Connell and drummer Hughes agreeing to make the move.  The only concern being  it would be three weeks before the club would be ready to open,  and Mitch would have to be given notice, knowing that he wouldn’t be too willing to let them remain when he found a replacement.

.   Jan and Mickey having secured the Dungeon Club,  occupying  the below street level of the ‘Crows V” Restaurant,  located in the renovated once cathedral like monolithic,  saint Johns  Episcopal Church at 31 25 Classen Boulevard.   This midtown large two-story church structure having been remodel to resemble the declination of a castle, Gary having never visited The Dungeon Club, but had seen the past advertisements for the Kelly Q ’Ellar Trio, a semi-jazz group.   Gary was somewhat surprised when Jan and Mickey made a proposal ,  asking if the pianist would be interested in helping with the improvements to the club before its grand opening, offering to reimburse him for his time and effort.

.   Gary never one to turn down opportunity,  agreeing to help. the  first major improvement in a cleanup effort was to replace the once white, now yellowed,  tobacco smoke stained 24 x 48 inch ceiling tiles.   After pricing the expense for new tiles and with some thought, Jan and Gary came up with an alternative solution.   Securing aerosol spray paint at a cost of 99 cents  per can from T G & Y  in black and red colors,  The two would removing each of the old stained 24 x 48 inch panel,  painting them either red or black,  replacing them in a  checkerboard pattern,  and in the darken light of the club,  the finished product providing a colorful semblance of new tiles.

.   The grand opening of “Jan’s”  was enhanced,  Jan having purchased shirts for the band  scheduling a session with the photographer at the Hal Owens Studio.    Gary and Jerry Connell being familiar with Jan’s music,  the rehearsal sessions were for the benefit of Cooper and Hughes to establish their acquaintance with the Lawhon presence.  Just prior to the club opening,  the Oklahoma and Midwest City newspaper entertainment section wrote introductory articles about the club and the return of Jan Lawhon to the Oklahoma City nightlife scene, issuing a direct invitation to the many who experienced her and Gary at the Holiday Inn West’s, Pirates Cove Club.    The  opening night living up to expectations, Gary and Jan greeting many acquaintances from the past.  A strict disciplinarian, Mickey installed a non-drinking and smoking policy on the bandstand,  including a scheduling of regular rehearsals.  Gary very much in favor of this needed professional attainment, a first for the other band members, something he and Jan  had propagated in the past,  rehearsing at his residence as a convenience, because of her OU college schedule.

.   The pianist noticing a change in Cooper, the vocalist demeanor having diminished, no longer a headliner, there was a sense of animosity, Hughes and Cooper  having never  conformed to someone else’s concept of music.   The first three weeks found an exceedingly number of friends and old customers, but then a decline began to sit in, attendance was dropping,  a search for the reason,  discovering the debilitating attendance had nothing to do with the entertainment, but the location of the club.  Classen Boulevard  being a main thoroughfare to downtown Oklahoma City,  and after visiting with customers found that they were concerned with the constant appearance of  patrolling black and whites.  unlike the Holiday Inn,  which was adjacent to Interstate 40 and seldom frequented by local law enforcement.  It seemed the hand writing was on the wall, the continual Black and White’s presence was something the loyal aficionados of late night indulgent didn’t want to confront.

.   Gary was privy to an undisclosed facet from Mickey and Jan, he had remained resolute in his silence,  not sharing with the band of an upcoming possibility.   Mickey having set an eight week temporal decrement on the club’s financial disposition, and would make a judgement as to its  projected fiscal potential and whether to continue their club endeavor.  With the eight-weeks of litigation about to expired,  attendance never fulfilling expectations,  Mickey true to his word announcing the verdict of closure.

.   Gary somewhat dismayed,  but accepting the reality,  but also appreciative of receiving a recognition never bestowed.   for the first time he was a double wage earner, being paid for playing the piano, and a second stipend gratuity for fulfilling the role of  keyboard bass, a wage for each hand.  Gary aware of the clubs possible closure, having the foresight to assess the availability of a new prospect to the night life stage, in the adjoining town of Edmond

.  Jan Lawhon’s envisioned vehicle of return to the nightlife entertainment of Oklahoma City ending, her and Mickey Rogers club ownership aspirations, a pilgrimages into history,  the band a casualty of Jan’s Club’s demise.   Gary having been privileged to the club’s possible closing, was aware of a booking opportunity at the Derrick Club in Edmond,  a small but growing community north of Oklahoma City, and when inquiring, discovered the  clubs franchise fortified by a well-known acquaintance of his from the Pirates Cove, Bill Diehl.

.   The Peter Falk resembling Columbo looking Bill Diehl was from Chicago, having made a transition to Oklahoma City years earlier as a union organizer,  conducting the unions business out of the Holiday Inn West.  The musician wasn’t surprised that Bill had remained in Oklahoma,  as he was an astute visionary and opportunist, as evidenced by  securing the lease of The Derrick Club.  The band accepting a five nights per week offer, Jerry Cooper’s expertise of the Doobie Brothers,  Jim Croce and Loggins & Messina  enliven a capacity house mainly on weekends,  drawing from the Oklahoma City metro area.

.  Bill spending less and less time at the club, finally  mentioning to the band that he spoken with the owner of the building,  and was putting his five hundred dollar  per month club lease on the market, for a walk away price of fifteen hundred dollars,   halfheartedly asking if the band would be interested in acquiring it,  and as part of his sale pitch. offering to exhibit the club’s financial records, demonstrating as operators, the band could marginalize the entertainment overhead expense.  A discussion of convenience between Cooper, Hughes and Gary was engendered, a possible partnership was up for consideration.  Guitarist Jerry Connell deciding it was time he moved on.   The three deciding to move forward with the purchase of the lease,  each to contribute five hundred dollars

T.  he night of acquisition, Gary with a five hundred dollar check in hand,  making a fathomed discovery, he was the sole responder to the agreement,  Jack Hughes venturing no expenditure,  Jerry Cooper accrediting that he would provide monetary support for the cosmetic enhancements to the club,   equal to his agreement share.  Bill accepting Gary’s token five hundred dollars and a promissory note for the balance, Gary’s wife Kaye and longtime drummer friend Glenn Froman witnessing the transaction. The lease transferring event concluding, it was the band’s first night as club proprietors

.  Gary about to embark onto the bandstand when drummer Jack Hughes approached, from out of nowhere, Jack with one blow to Gary’s jaw.   sending the pianist sprawling to the floor, Hughes immediately pouncing upon the now prone pianist,  making threatening accusations,  but presenting no other physical response.   The pianist responded with a call for someone to remove Jack from his endowed position, a glance at the two hundred and twenty pound Glenn found no response.   Gary’s ninety five pound wife Kaye arriving, clutching Jack’s shoulder with a resounding , “get off my husband”.    Jack rescinded his position,  the pianist arose,  the blood trickling from an endowed split in his lip,  the what and why perplexity of what just  transpired remaining, the open mouth onlookers projecting a scene of bewilderment.

.  Jerry Cooper immediately taking Jack aside seeking an explanation,  but discovering the drummer unresponsive,  not giving a reason for his actions,  even to his closest friend, and also refusing  to fulfill his percussionist expectations on the drums.   Gary approached his friend,  drummer Glenn Froman about playing,  Glenn not enthused, but said he would.  Jerry Cooper again visiting with Jack, returning stating that Jack still refuses to play, but would bow to Glenn using his drums.  Gary having maintained what he thought was mutual respect with Jack, but Hughes,  younger and a bachelor, the two having little in common except for their shared interest in music.

.  Gary finding Jacks action perplexing, but a lesson was instilled, the drummer never acknowledging the rational for his action that night, and from  henceforth the pianist would question the drummers character.  Gary receiving  later disclosure from Cooper that was somewhat chilling,  Jack was in possession of a thirty two caliber handgun  he carried in a briefcase that was always with him,  realizing if Glenn had intervened instead of his wife Kaye,  there might have been  an entirely different outcome.

.  Gary and Jack putting their differences aside,  but Gary soon discovering  what could have been a successful affiliation  was not to be.  The band, a trio on Tuesday thru Thursday,  with Gary’s longtime friend Jerry Willis,  playing lead guitar and sax on Friday and Saturday nights.  it was just a matter of time before the so called partnership crumbled. Gary offering to withdraw from the club if compensated for his investment amount.   Cooper and Hughes now working in conjunction,  at first accepting Gary’s offer,  the pianist about to return to his piano bar calling,  but the two reneging on the agreement, not coming up with the compensation, and after a brief attempt to operate, they locked the doors walking away.  Gary having to make a decision, whether to write off his investment and also walk away, or accept the challenge of the Derrick Club

Bob Wallace

Kenny Kannada

 .  With Jerry Cooper and Jack Hughes having bailed out of operating the Derrick Club, Gary excepting the challenge of keeping it a viable entertainment platform.  A call to his friend  Jerry Connell in Midwest City,  informing him of the circumstances, inquiring about his playing availability, discovering Connell willing to return to the bandstand and take an active part in club as a silent partner,  investing some financial assistance.    With Connell on board,  Gary’s immediate concern was acquiring a drummer, his good friend Glenn having once again returned to Indiana, but having another person in mind.

Bob Wallace was scripted, his self-assurance attenuated personality was blazon, but without a doubt substantiated by his vocal talent and percussion ability.  Gary meeting this slender tall resemblance of an Elvis in the past during the Derrick Club’s Wednesday sit in night, his smirking curling lip projecting an attitude of ascendancy.  With the departure of Jerry Cooper and Jack Hughes, Bob Wallace’s’ arrival was heralded as an asset, his duo presentation,  drums and vocal was recognized as an ordained deliverance for the band.

.  Gary’s good fortunate was short-lived,  Jerry Connell was having family problems.  Jerry’s wife Donna wasn’t happy with Jerry’s Derrick Club affiliation, giving him an ultimatum, resulting in him apologizing to Gary,  but bowing out of the Derrick venture.   With Jerry’s departure, Gary and Bob began a duo Monday thru Thursday.  Jerry Willis, guitar and sax still on the Bandstand Friday and Saturday nights.  Gary would arrive at 10 a m every morning to ready the club for it 12 noon opening. early one afternoon a guitar conveying,  six-foot two Stetson adorned musician, named Kenny Kannada entered,   asking Gary if he needed a singer, Gary replying, there was always a need for a good vocalist.

.  Without hesitation, brandishing his guitar,  Kenny took to the bandstand, Gary activating  the P A  system,  the Stetson adorned musician demonstrating his talent.  A bouquet of sound enhancing the atmosphere,  the guitar playing singer hosting the songs of country music icons,  with just enough impersonation in his voice, to give them recognition, without a doubt the pianist recognizing an immediate hire.   Gary soon discovered the lanky musician retained an essence of humility,  a warmness of personality prevailing in his character, a trait that would be recognizable and retain an immediate acceptance from an audience.  Gary was astonished how providence could change from a need to an abundance.

.  The Oklahoma adjoining  community of Edmond,  population 16,000, was a closed environment to interlopers in the beverage dispensing business,  a hierarchy status was in place, the established bars and clubs resenting the sudden procrastination of the Derrick-Club.    Gary was a believer  in innovation,  advancing the advent of a live radio broadcasts from the club, a first for Edmond.  The KW HP radio truck, accompanied by a search light flooding the nighttime sky,  it’s beacon giving notice, a drawing card for the club,  that in itself had become an attraction.  As advertised on the radio that night,  upon entering each customer would receive a numbered ticket stub, a drawing to be held  for five hundred dollars for a lucky person. The drawing to be held the following afternoon at the radio stations location, hosted by Dave and John, the broadcasting sales representatives who initiated the idea .  ,

.  Gary was opposed to the idea because of  financial reason, he didn’t have $500, but taking him aside Dave and John explained the drawing was a scam, it was engineered, the winning ticket would be palmed by Dave, the person winning would be an employee or an acquaintance whom would receive a nominal fee for her deceptive participation.   Gary still didn’t like the idea but a justification was pronounced from the broadcasting reps, unbeknownst to the public, deception  was common practice in the advertising profession.  The Derrick Club’ beginning to have an adverse effect on the competitions,  the  success of the club causing some consternation, Gary concluding besides adding a new entranceway door, redesigned band stand, decorative candles place on table and the installation of a large Derrick Club sign on Broadway , it was the addition of Kenny Kannada and Bob Wallace that was making the difference.  With the success of the club came a continuous  scrutiny and  pressure from local law enforcement, It became apparent their  reaction was a measure of the clubs accomplishments and the Derrick’s horizon looked promising.