Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 19, 1993 TAG: 9309040325
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Monty S. Leitch
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But I didn't expect to hear from so many of them after writing here on July 5 of my meager connection with him. (I own his grand piano.)
You'll recall that Herndon Slicer, who, like me, hailed from Fincastle, was a local entertainment personality in the '20s, '30s and '40s, noted for his florid piano style, his delightful singing and his irreverent patter. He died in 1948 following gall bladder surgery.
His fame was widespread, however, and it lives on.
One Roanoker wrote me, ``Your article ... brought many fond memories to me. I knew Herndon when he was master-of-ceremonies at the Virginia Mineral Springs in Craig County and he also played at Craig Healing Springs for their dances.''
(My mother-in-law well remembers the dances at Craig Healing, too. ``He never stopped moving,'' she says. ``Singing and chatting and playing. It was quite a treat.'')
``When I got married in 1936,'' my Roanoke correspondent continues, ``I asked Herndon if he would dedicate a number to my bride. He announced the marriage and played `It'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town To-night!'''
A fellow from Wise, Va., writes, ``He really was a fine pianist. In the vernacular of the day, it was said that he `could make a piano talk' - the highest possible praise for that era.
``We also depended upon Irving Sharpe'' - a much younger fellow in those days - ``to keep us up-to-date with the Big Bands on his `Rainbow Musical Clock' from 7 until 7:50 each weekday morning,'' my Wise correspondent continues. ``In between the songs by Miller, Dorsey and Goodman, he often played two of his (not our) favorites: Raymond Scott's `In an 18th Century Drawing Room' and `The Bluebird of Happiness.'''
Another Roanoker remembers the parties of her youth on Roanoke's Maiden Lane. ``They were on Friday nights and held in our homes,'' she writes. ``Some parents would roll up the living room rug to provide a dance floor, and usually a Victrola provided the music.
``Unless we were fortunate enough to get Herndon Slicer to play. What a coup! And what fun! He provided verbal entertainment along with his music. How he did love Fincastle.''
Perhaps most delightful, I heard from Herndon Slicer's niece, who invited me to spend the afternoon with her looking at photographs and clippings of this man I never knew. I could almost imagine a family resemblance, she's so sprightly, so wise-cracky and bright.
I'm grateful to all of these readers who reminded me - and who should remind you - that an influence for good in this world is an influence for many long years. It's true that you can't take it with you. Consequently, you'll leave it behind you. Take care that what you leave is fine, because people will remember. They most certainly will.
Several readers also pointed out that I had made a mistake. Herndon Slicer's original theme song was titled ``Dance of the Pajama Kids.'' I had the title wrong.
\ Monty S. Leitch is a Roanoke Times & World-News columnist.
by CNB