Slim Whitman- America's Most Under-rated Singer

Slim Whitman began his singing career in 1948, following his service in the Navy during WWII. He made a name for himself in a career that spanned the next 50 years, many times infusing his talent for yodeling. He never sang of bars and unfaithful lovers as many Country singers have, vowing not to record any song he wouldn't be ashamed to sing in church. He has sold over 100 million records during his career.
He and his wife were married when he was 17 and she was 15. No one thought the marriage would last since they were so young, but it lasted 67 years until her passing several years ago. She accompanied him on his many tours, and his fans always held her in high regard.
Michael Jackson listed Slim as one of his top-ten favorite singers, but he was always more popular in England and Europe than in America. His song "Rose Marie" held the record for longest #1 song on the U.K. charts for nearly 40 years. Elvis Presley's first professional gig was as the opening act for Slim Whitman, and comedian Andy Kauffman, a big fan, paid tribute by singing "Rose Marie" on David Letterman's show in the 1980's. One of his songs, "Indian Love Call" was even used in the film "Mars Attacks" -it was the only thing that could kill the Martians (his high pitched falsettos in the song caused the martian's heads to explode!).
In recent years Slim has retired from touring, although apparently he still sings in his church on occasion. He is still going strong at age 86, still living in the Florida home he and his wife moved into in 1955. He is a true American icon.

Nancy Wake, "The White Mouse"

Nancy Wake was born in New Zealand, but moved to France shortly before World War II after marrying a French businessman. She joined the French Resistance against the Nazis in 1940. She acted as a courier and also manned escape routes, helping save the lives of hundreds of allied servicemen. So adept was she at eluding capture, the Gestapo dubbed her "The White Mouse." Wake was number 1 on the Gestapo's most wanted list, and they even placed a five-million price on her head. On one occasion she rode a bicycle about 500 kilometers in order to replace codes her wireless operator had been forced to destroy in a German raid. She risked her life every day, and her selfless actions helped save the lives of thousands of allied soldiers. As a result, she is the most decorated female servicewoman of WWII.

I sent this to her nearly five years ago when she was 93. No one else who had written to her had gotten a reply, but for some reason she signed this for me and sent it back.

Sarah Knauss, the World's Oldest Person

Sarah Knauss was the second or third (documented) longest lived person ever. She was born in 1880 and passed away 30 hours before the year 2000 at over 119 years of age. Although nearly blind and deaf at the time, she was in good health and had not been ill at all before her death. At the time she was the only person alive who was born before 1885.

I sent this to her in 1998 when she was 117. Her daughter wrote me a note saying it was difficult to communicate with her, but they managed to have her sign it. Her daughter was 95 at the time, and ended up living to age 101 herself. I cannot even imagine being 95 years old, and one of my parents still being alive!

John Kenneth Galbraith Economist to Presidents

John Kenneth Galbraith was one of the most well-known economists of the 20th Century. He served in the Administrations of Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson; and also served as Ambassador to India under Kennedy. He was in charge of the Office of Price Administration (OPA) during WWII, and under his leadership the US enjoyed rapid growth and price stability throughout the war. Without this work, the economy could have spiraled downward and kept us in a Depression.

Lord Denning, British Judge

Lord Denning was a veteran of World War I, but made his mark in life as a Judge. He was seen as a Judge for the common man, and many of his decisions ran counter to the law at the time. Some of his decisions were overturned on appeal, but others were confirmed by Parliament and became new laws. At the time of his death in 1999 at age 100, it was said he was the best loved and most well-known Judge in Britain's history.

His assistant wrote me a note explaining that Denning's health was poor and he was nearly blind so the signature was not his usual one, but as he himself put it in front of him to sign, it was genuine.

Roy Rogers- King of the Cowboys

Roy Rogers was the "King of the Cowboys" long after his movie career had ended. His wardrobe was full of western attire, and he and his wife Dale Evans always looked as if they were ready to ride the trail into the sunset.

The day he died, my sister brough home a big Husky dog- She saw all the news reports, and so naturally named her new dog "Trigger."

Alberta Martin, the (almost) Last Confederate Widow

For the last few years of her life, Mrs. Alberta Martin of Alabama was celebrated as the last living widow of a Confederate Soldier. She had married William Jasper Martin when she was 21 and he was in his 80's. It was common back then for young girls to marry aged War Veterans- When the old Vet passed away his pension was a steady source of income. After her husband passed away, she married his Grandson and was wed to him for over 50 years! Following her death, another woman came forward as a Confederate Widow, and her claim was indeed verified (she and her family were reluctant as they did not want publicity). Mrs. Martin had a friend write a letter, and sent along several photocopies of articles/ pictures all signed by her.

Peter O'Toole

Lawrence of Arabia launched Peter O'Toole to stardom. He has been a fine actor of stage and film for over 50 years, and holds the distinction of receiving the most Academy Awards for acting without winning- Although he was given an honorary Oscar several years ago.

When I sent this it did't come back, and I thought it was a lost cause. It was well over a year when a wrinkled and battered envelope came in the mail from overseas, and I was quite surprised when i opened it and saw it was Peter O'Toole!

Jon Voight- Prolific Actor

Jon Voight has become a Hollywood legend, acting in such classic films as "Deliverance" and "Midnight Cowboy" and more recently in the "National Treasure" films. I've seen him in a lot of films, but my favorite of his performances is as Eddie in "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It's a wonderful film, and his acting is superb. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do- It's a poignent story and it showcases Jon Voight at his finest.

Max Schmeling, German Boxing Champion

Max Schmeling was the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion between 1930 and 1932, and was the Pride of Germany. His late 1930's bouts with Joe Louis are still talked and written about today. People called him a Nazi, but although he served in the German Luftwaffe, his hiding of two Jewish children on the night of Kristallnacht as well as other actions during the war prove otherwise. After the war he visited many wounded Americans and would hand out signed photos and talk with the boys.

He and Joe louis became friends, and in Louis's later life Schmeling helped pay medical bills and even helped pay for his funeral.

Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson was named after the famous Confederate Civil War General of the same name. He has been performing on the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, beginning in 1956. He had a string of hits in the 1950's and 60's, most notably "Waterloo" and "Life to Go" and has stayed true to performing a genuine Country Music sound. Several years ago he sued the Grand Ole Opry for age discrimination, citing that the Opry's manager had stated that he didn't want any grey hairs on the stage or in the audience. The case was settled out of court and Jackson is still a regular Opry performer. It's really sad that he and his fellow long-time Opry members would even have to encounter such a thing. I guess there's too much money to be made in the crap that people call "Country Music" these days.

Paul Mellon, Philanthropist

Paul Mellon was born into a life of wealth. His father was Andrew Mellon, the son of the founder of Mellon Bank. Throughout his 91 years he was involved in many things such as writing, banking, art collecting, horse breeding etc- Despite his wealth he did not ignore his Country's call to arms, and served in the US Army during World War II, receiving four Bronze Stars. He donated millions to his Alma Mater Yale University, and donated many rare and valuable works of art to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. He passed away less than a year after he signed this for me.

Kevin McCarthy

Actor Kevin McCarthy's most well-known role is probably that of Dr. Miles Bennell in the original 1956 version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Fans of the 1989 film "UHF" starring Weird Al Yankovic will remember McCarthy as R.J. Fletcher, head of the rival netwark station. He has been seen in over 200 films and television programs in his 60+ year career,and is STILL acting at nearly 96 years old.

I mailed this to him in 1997, and received it back 3 1/2 years later. It was well worth the wait, as besides signing the drawing he also sent me about 8 signed photos from various films he was in.

Bill and Earl Bolick, The Blue Sky Boys

Bill and Earl Bolick first performed on Radio in their native North Carolina in 1935. They were raised in Hickory NC, and grew up listening to the Hymns and Ballads sung throughout the region for generations. They recorded quite a number of songs throughout the 1930's and 40's, but by 1951 they had become so dissatisfied with the direction music was taking that they quit performing. They recorded albums a handfull of times in the 1960's and 70's, and even performed occasionally at Folk Festivals and on College Campuses, and in 1975 they made their last recordings. Earl passed away in 1998, and Bill in 2008 at age 90.
I wrote to Bill Bolick several times in the years before his passing, and he was always very appreciative that his music was still being enjoyed. He even gave me one of the old songbooks they published back in the 1940's, which are next to impossible to find anywhere.

Edmund Bacon, Philadelphia Icon, Father of Kevin

Edmund Bacon did more to transform Philadelphia PA into the city it is today probably more than anyone. His efforts beginning in the 1940's and 50's turned former blighted areas into what are today upscale neighborhoods. He famously led an unsuccessful effort to keep skyscrapers from being built in Philadelphia (There had always been a "Gentleman's Agreement" not to build any buildings higher than the William Penn statue that rests upon the tower of City Hall). People not familiar with him surely know his son, Actor Kevin Bacon.

Dom DiMaggio "The Little Professor"

Everyone knows "Joltin'" Joe Dimaggio, but his little brother Dominic is not the household name that Joe is. Dom's baseball career always seems to be overshadowed by that of his brother Joe, but his was just as impressive. His entire Major League career was spent with the Boston Red Sox, from 1940-1953. He passed away in 2009 at age 92, unfortunately not being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame during his lifetime. Someday Dom....