Eddy Arnold is known as the Ambassador of Country Music and is a Living Legend!

At age 81, with a fabulously successful career that spans some sixty remarkable years, one could say that Eddy "has been there and done that!"

His early recording career inaugurated the Nashville recording industry.  Not only was he the first country star to have his own TV show, but has sold over 90 million records and is listed as the top recording artist of all time, surpassed only by Elvis Presley, The Beatles and just recently by Garth Brooks.  He introduced country music to Carnegie Hall, was guest soloist with some of the nation's most renowned symphony orchestras, hosted the Tonight Show, 17 Kraft Music Hall Shows and over 20 television specials to cite just a few of his achievements.

Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966, he went on to become the Entertainer of the Year, garnered the Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music and the President's Award from the Song Writer's Guild.  Eddy has the honor of being the only artist to ever receive all three of these prestigious awards.

Although recovering from a recent illness that hospitalized him, Eddy's understated country demeanor, shy yet mischievous sense of humor, and a still magnificent voice mostly undimmed by time-whistle clear, rich, and velvety smooth-brought Ruth Eckerd Hall's full house to its feet time and again.

And folks-are you ready for this?  Out of character for him as far as I was concerned, his second song of the afternoon was a lilting, rollicking celebration of life call "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World" (one of Jolie's greatest hits).

His rendition of such memorable numbers as "The Cattle Call"; "That's How Much I Love You"; Make The World Go Away"; "Just A Little Lovin"; and others opened the floodgates of memory for those of us who'd been around when he released them half a century earlier.  My heart soared-salty tears stained my eyes. Time-like "Old Man River"-just keeps rolling along, silently slipping through our fingers like tiny grains of sand, never to return.

After the show, I joined a small crowd of two dozen or so -who-like me, sensing that this precious opportunity to see and touch a real live Legend might never present itself again-simply had to make the effort.  As we milled about chatting easily among ourselves, seeing some "old-timers" in the group, I was inspired to produce my IAJS membership card asking "Say! Remember Al Jolson.  The World's Greatest Entertainer?  I know that Eddy worked with him; but did any of you ever meet or see him perform?  Almost everyone in the group cheerfully admitted they remembered him.  But then much to my surprise, one fellow, who had be be in his late 60's-but looked younger-suddenly turned to face me.

"I saw Al Jolson in Korea!" he said.

"Really?"  I said in astonishment.

"Yeah.  It was 1950.  I was just a kid then.  We all were.  We were on a patrol boat and word got out that he was going  to appear that evening in..."

I think he said "Pusan" but frankly I was so excited over having met someone who had actually seen Al in Korea that my mind started cartwheeling and for a moment I lost my focus.

"It was very dangerous getting to shore.  We had to maneuver and navigate through a mine field," said the man.

"Gosh! Tell me.  What are some of your impressions of Al as a performer under those stressful conditions," I said breathlessly.

I was rushing my questions because theatre staff had begun ushering a few fans at a time through the door to see Eddy.

"Well, I didn't know too much about him, only by reputation.  At the time we were starved for any diversion to distract us from what was going on.  To me and the others at the time, it was just two older men (Ed. Note: the other probably Harry Akst) who had braved the horrible conditions to try and cheer us up.  Both of them were great.  Boy! Could he sing! So much energy and enthusiasm!  It was infectious.  I loved him.  The guys loved him.  I've been a big fan ever since.  I have a few of his records at home and play them often.  Recently, I went to see Jolson:  The Musical in St. Petersburg (FL). That guy Mike Burstyn was great!  He sounds very much like Al.  I really enjoyed the show."

As he spoke I snapped his photograph; but before I could gather any more details about Al's appearance in Korea so long ago, the theatre staff beckoned him and another part of our group through the stage door to meet Eddy. I never saw him again.

Dazzled by my good fortune I stood there in a partial stupor until the staff ushered the rest of us into Eddy's presence.

The scene inside the dressing room reminded me of what often occurs at a family reunion, wherein relatives and old friends lovingly and somewhat reverently approach the family patriarch or elder to pay their respects and receive the beloved's blessing or benediction in return.

Eddy was very busy.  Seated comfortably at a large table, he graciously, patiently and with easy folksy good humor spent a few "intimate" minutes with each fan.  And while exchanging handshakes with the men, hugs and kisses with the ladies,  Eddy fielded questions about old friends and acquaintances, other entertainers, his health etc...he cheerfully posed for photos, and autographed books, tape/CD covers and programs.

While deliberately, "Bidin' My Time", I took a few photographs of Eddy interacting with his worshipful fans.  Suddenly the room fell silent.  Except for 2 or 3 of Eddy's associates hovering protectively in the background we were finally alone.  Handing my camera to one of the associates, I asked him to take a couple of photos during my interview.

Although appearing physically robust while seated, his recent hospitalization, the performance itself, socializing with fans afterwards and his advancing years had taken its toll on Eddy.  And yet I marveled at his incredible energy and stamina, which was largely still intact.

After a hearty handshake, I said laughingly: "Eddy, I saw you some 55 years ago in Tampa and baby-you've still got it!" (and I meant every word of that statement).

"Your mean to say that I didn't drop it that night in Tampa?" said Eddy chuckling.

After reassuring him that he was still the same marvelous performer I remembered so fondly and vividly, I knelt beside him.  Placing my IAJS membership card on the table, I explained that I was a member-reporter for the Journal and was doing a story on Al to perpetuate his memory.

"Eddy, we are aware that you knew him.  In our archives we have a copy of an old Billboard magazine.  The cover depicts a photo of you and Al.  In fact, I was deeply touched today when you sang "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World"-one of Al's greatest hits.  Were you aware of that when you selected it?  And is there anything you'd care to say about him for publication?"

Yes, I am aware that Al made that song famous.  It's a great number.  I worked with him but I'm sorry to say I never knew him socially-only professionally," Eddy said thoughtfully.

Eddy paused, apparently lost in thought.  Then as if dreamily peering through the mists of time he murmured softly, "Without a doubt Al was one of the world's greatest showman!"

My questions had obviously reawakened  long-forgotten memories of past events because as I slowly closed the door, I distinctly heard Eddy say softly-wonderingly-to the now empty room: "Al Jolson...Al Jolson."

Needless to say, being immersed in the memory of Jolie for an entire weekend with the likes of Frank Gorshin, Eddy Anold and the gentleman from Korea had been a richly rewarding, satisfying experience for me; one that I shall not soon forget.
 

Many thanks to Mike Freda for furnishing this excellent article to place on this web site for all Eddy Arnold and Al Jolson fans to enjoy.