The World's Greatest Minstrel

Just a line or to say how excellent the show was (at Whitley Bay) - I found myself smiling all the way through! It was a treat to hear you once more, in very good voice as always.

A few weeks before the show, I saw a car with registration letters 'WGM', driving past me, and when the driver turned around, stopped & asked me directions, I was sure that Someone was using the 'co-incidence' as a nudge to make sure I got my ticket for the show !! I'm so glad I went. It was so enjoyable, and the 'duet' with Jolie was a great idea. Funnily enough, a few years ago I made a (very amateur) recording of yourself & Jolson singing alternate lines of, I think, 'Baby Face' - slightly different rhythm, but great fun to listen to! (At the time I had difficulty telling which was which...)

In the foyer after the show, I was struck by how dear you are to your public. One couple were clinging to you with great affection, holding one of your gloved hands and stroking it; and that was the husband - the wife held onto your other arm ! It was very sweet to see their devotion, and your own patience and kindness to all your 'friends'.

There is actually a strange but rather nice parallel between your greeting your audience and something I see every Sunday at my church ... After the service the Pastor tends to be surrounded by folks wanting to speak to him about this or that, or to say that they had found the teaching helpful, etc, & some just wanting to hold his hand (an African custom when speaking to someone one knows fairly well) ... The scene in the Playhouse foyer was rather similar - except that my friend and pastor doesn't need make-up or wig !! His appearance is natural ! (In fact, the African skin colour is probably more dark brown than black - I think you will have to alter your make-up !?!)

I think I mentioned the super music we have at the lively church I attend, which is a part of the African heritage. But recently we had a very different type of instrument, brought by a preacher who was a Jewish Christian. One of his friends actually played (and Lenore might be interested in this) a real Shofar horn - loud enough to summon Gabriel himself! I'm sure you will know how it was used in Israel's history to call people to battle; however we used it as a way of reminding ourselves of the ever-present spiritual battle experienced by committed Christians, and the need to always be ready as soldiers of Christ.

Well, I hope that your tour has been enjoyable, and, you're right - singing does help keep us healthy! There is a word in Psalm 92 (v 14), about still being productive in later years ... "[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of [spiritual vitality] and rich in the verdure [of trust, love and contentment]" ... (Amplified version). Not that you have quite reached 'old age', of course; literary licence ...

God bless you, Lenore & your family
Cath Foley