FAN-tastic!

Fans make all sorts of requests of performers — from the simple “please send me an autographed picture” to the absurd, such as “Can you come to my husband’s surprise party and sing happy birthday?” Once in a while, however, a request touches me for one reason or another, and I try to make it happen. I’m not talking about the tear-jerker last-wish type of requests, just a simple request like the one I got recently from a man asking if Nancy Wilson would send a letter of retirement congratulations to his buddy who has been a lifelong fan. The man making the request said “It would be one of those special things in life that makes it all worthwhile,” and while he, too, was also a lifelong fan, he asked for nothing for himself. In fact, he added, “If this cannot be done, I will understand and we will still be loyal fans.”

I don’t know why, but I decided to call the guy and find out more about him and his friend. Long story short, the guy about to retire first saw Nancy at a New York club called The Blue Morocco — it was truly at the very beginning of her career. Years later, that same man got in line with a whole bunch of women at a shopping mall in Atlanta where Nancy was promoting a line of cosmetics. He really wanted that autograph, and he got it. I took note of a few more details and called Nancy. She sent the letter, along with two copies of Men Women and Girl Singers (one for the retiree and the other for the buddy who made the request).

I wish I could have been there to see their faces and hear the reaction, but I did get an email from the buddy making the request. He wrote:

I must tell you that the last few days have been one of those rare moments where I can say that life has a funny way of bringing a person back into the fold. The meaning of that takes me back to Music and Art High where I started playing Trombone and writing seriously. From there I played in various Army Bands and with various backup bands for great legends. This went on for 25+ years. I just jam with a few friends and sit in now and then.

Reading all about your husband and how he has been associated with all my favorites (especially the ones who used to play on the CTI label), has sparked a new musical interest. I do remember some things about him from Downbeat magazine and he definitely deserves the award coming up in January. John is just a legend himself!…I am just in awe to be in touch with such royalty!

I sincerely want to thank you again for your kindness and for being down to earth which are rare qualities these days. “You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them” — M. Forbes

I had never before read or heard that quote attributed to Malcolm Forbes, but you never know what impact your actions might have. For me, these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Addendum: After writing the above, I received an email from the retiree himself. He said, in part:

There were probably 100 guests at my retirement luncheon with various roast jokes and friendship testimonials … all wonderful. But you can only imagine how overwhelmed I was when [my friend] presented me with a letter from my absolutely most favorite performer Nancy Wilson. I was so surprised it took me a minute or two to come around. Then I was elated … This truly touched my heart … I will treasure these gifts always. Thank you for making me feel so honored and making my retirement celebration so special!

Cliched though it may be, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference in someone else’s life. Who have you made happy today?