In a message dated 12/24/00 3:02:47 AM, hgreeley@stanford.edu writes: << he was a consummate gentleman and citizen of the world. >> In the 60's, the most well-known public icon pianist was Liberace. As a piano-playing male child growing up in the 60's, the last person you wanted to be identified with was Liberace. Therefore it meant alot to me to see someone playing the piano who was "cool" and accepted, AND...didn't wear feather boas! Victor Borge made people laugh, and everyone liked him. Especially me! About ten years ago I was strolling down Michigan Avenue in Chicago and lo and behold, there was Victor Borge! Excitedly I approached him, hoping to tell him that I was a pianist, that he was a positive influence in my childhood, that I loved his humor, that I just wanted to shake his hand... "Mr. Borge!", I called, as I approached. A look of disdain appeared on his face as he said, "Yes, yes, give me something to sign." I handed him the score to "The Music Man" hopefully opening up the conversation to the fact that I was also a musician, indeed a pianist. "I've enjoyed your performances so much," I stammered as he quickly signed and said, "Thank you," and made a quick exit. I'm sure he was just in a big hurry that day. Tom S Chicago
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