I've been telling this story for years to fellow musicians and will now share it with you. I agree, the 1964 band was the greatest and I had the good fortune to be playing opposite his band during that time at a popular nite club in Allentown, PA. We had an organ quartet (organ, trumpet, valve trombone and drums)
and were booked to play the intermissions so that the club wouldn't lose the crowd between sets. When we played, my knees were shaking seeing Woody and his men actually watching us from the bar, but we did a fine job and got through the gig unscathed. The fun part was watching and listening to this phenomenal band with all the greats....I'm too old to remember their names, but maybe Nat Pierce, Bill Chase and that
hefty trombone player. Forgive me as I have no notes to guide me through the lineup of fine players.

I will end this piece by getting to the end of the night (or morning) as Woody stayed behind while we played our last set. As we were packing up, I went to the bar for a final drink and Woody was sitting next to a patron who was bending Woody's ear about how good he was and all of that. The last thing I remember, as I was close enough to hear and trying to get the nerve to get his autograph.....the inebriated fan asked Woody, "Woody...when do you think the big bands will be back?"....to which Woody
answered as he walked away......."Who the f____ cares?" I never got the autograph!

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