Words coming out that Joe Franklin passed away today. What a legend! I havent told this story often, but Joe played an important role in my formative years. As Ive mentioned many times, the first 15 years of my life (B. S. - Before Satchmo) were devoted to old comedians, sitcoms, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Spike Jones, you name it. Naturally, I knew of Joe and had bought his Encyclopedia of Comedians used during a family vacation to Florida. In 1995, his book, Up Late With Joe Franklin was released and I purchased it immediately. Some time either later that year or in early 1996, he made a book tour appearance at the Ocean County Library in my hometown of Toms River, NJ. I was 15, went with my dad, and spent the question-and-answer portion asking questions about Spike Jones, Louis Armstrong and other esoteric subjects. He was bemused by my love of nostalgia and gave me his card when he signed my book, telling my father to give him a call when I wanted to work for him. We were excited, but a little confused....what did that mean, work for him? My father proceeded to call him every few weeks, just to remind him who I was and what he said. He was always gracious. I was a freshman in high school and had to wait until the school year ended. When it did, Joe invited us to his legendary office. We still didnt know what to expect and I remember my father telling me to go in not expecting anything so I wouldnt leave disappointed (good advice I follow to this day). Joe was there, he was happy to see me, he put together a little envelope of some mementos lying around the office...then asked if Id like to come up once a week to help him around the office. Would I!? So for the entire summer of 1996, maybe 8-10 weeks, every Thursday morning, my father would drive me in, Id go up to the office and Joe, along with one of his assistants, Julio, would give me a task: organize 8 x 10s, go through file folders of stuff, you name it. It was surreal. One week, he took me to WOR. Another week, Bardu Ali of the Chick Webb Orchestra was sitting in his office. The phone never stopped ringing; the New York Times seemed to call frequently. We ordered roast beef sandwiches from Smiths on the corner of 44th St. He called my father Daddy the entire time. Im just writing whatever memories are left because the whole thing was kind of a blur. Oh, if only social media and iPhones existed then, I would have documented it all! Finally, the summer ended, Joe thanked me and told my father to keep in touch and look him up when I graduated college and hed help me further with whatever I decided to do. We were very appreciative. But then comes the reason I so rarely tell this story: I didnt keep in touch. I have no reason. I loved Joe and working for him. High school got hectic, as did college. Id think about calling the number on the card but started to worry that hed probably forgotten who I was, so I wouldnt call. And then finally, sometime around 2003, I went to the City with my parents and we saw Joes Memory Lane restaurant. We decided to eat there, just in case we saw him. We didnt see him inside but we still ate. But as soon as we walked out the door, there he was on the street, walking towards the entrance. We excitedly stopped him and I re-introduced myself. He was SO nice but clearly had no idea who I was. Not his fault! I let 7 or 8 years slip past without staying in touch and immediately kicked myself about it. I still am kicking myself this evening. I remained a fan and admirer and I always will, but Ill never forget those Thursdays in the summer of 1996 and how much I soaked in and experienced helping out in his office. (And anyone who has seen my workspaces at home and at work know that I also learned a thing or two about organization and the power of keeping things in piles!). God bless Joe Franklin. Rest in Peace and thanks for all you did for me and for show business.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:02:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015