It is time to go back to work after my annual retreat to Maui.
I won’t try to kid you, I used my brain only when necessary for survival; however, I took note of a few items I would have written about had I been writing.
Without doubt, the death of Johnny Carson would have merited comment. Johnny Carson was a one-of-a-kind star of such magnitude that it is unlikely anyone can replace him.
The current crop of late-night talk show hosts may be talented, but they are pale imitations of the master. Carson didn’t invent the nighttime talk show genre; Arthur Godfrey came up with the music, comedy and chatting with guests format, first on radio and then TV. Steve Allen and Jack Paar kept the genre alive until Carson came along and took permanent possession.
That he hosted “The Tonight Show” for 30 years is proof of his star quality. The entertainment world will not see another Johnny Carson.
Had I been in Springfield when Dr. James T. Brown died, I certainly would have written a salute to his memory. His story is well-known: a prominent surgeon and a founder of the Singing Doctors, a group of talented and funny Springfield physicians who made fun of themselves and entertained audiences around the country for 30 years.
The hilarity was for the serious purpose of raising scholarship money for medical school students. Had Dr. Brown not become a surgeon, he likely would have been a professional humorist. He was a true wit and could liven up any gathering. He was the quintessential emcee.
My wife and I grew to know Jim and Louise Brown as condo neighbors on a Maui beach. When we began going to Maui, the Browns were old-timers at the same resort and helped us get a feel for the place. We continued to be neighbors and friends until Louise passed away a year ago. The Browns have many friends who come annually to the same place at the same time. When word of his death reached us, tears were shed by all. Jim Brown was a great man; we won’t see the likes of him again.
Another surefire Rusty Saber column would have followed the announcement that Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson was named Springfieldian of the Year. I have known Jim since he was a college debater at Southwest Missouri State University. I was impressed with him then.
Since returning to Springfield to head up the chamber, he has assumed a powerful leadership role in community and state activities; however, all that’s necessary to comprehend his importance to this community is the growing strength of our economy. The Chamber of Commerce he leads has been at the forefront of the growth. A fine choice, indeed!
The Super Bowl is long past. I realize I am digging up
an old chestnut, but I
must comment on the halftime entertainment. The Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction fiasco of
a year ago was averted by the staging of an extravaganza featuring a performer who actually appealed to adults, Beatles icon Paul McCartney.
I asked this question last year: Where is it written that there must be a really big Super Bowl halftime concert? Would you expect to see a football game played at intermission of a concert? I needed to get this off my chest a month ago. I feel better now.
Doubtless, the Rusty Saber would have made several mentions of Springfield Business Journal’s 25th anniversary. The preceding sentence should help make up for lack of not mentioning the 25th anniversary. That’s two mentions; I’m catching up. While Rusty Saber was absent, this space was filled by “Retro SBJ,” columns written by former staff members. This was excellent use of the space.
I am especially happy that former SBJ Editor Chris Whitley wrote a 25th anniversary retro piece (that’s three mentions). I can think of no writer I would rather have fill the Rusty Saber space than Chris Whitley. He should wear a white hat, because he is one of the good guys.
While the stay in Maui was wonderful, it was time to come home. You know what they say: Home is where the heart is.
Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.
