Yes she was one of a kind. Saw her concert at Ocean State Theater in 1979. She was signing her autobiography the next day at the Harvard Bookstore. When my friend and I got our turn to say 'hello', my friend told Ethel that I could sing 'Rose's Turn' and asked if she would like to hear me. She replied "No thanks. No singing today, just signing!".
It was my honor to meet Ethel merman in 1979, in the small town of blairsden California. Which was truly the Lost Sierras at that time. My late father had been a fan of hers and so was I. She was having dinner with her son and I introduced myself. She was extremely gracious and as it was my birthday she signed a napkin. Happy Birthday Chris Ethel merman 1979. If you knew blairsden in the early and late 70s it's the last place you would think you would find Ethel merman, but I got lucky, and I still have the napkin !
The surviving member, who died today, turned up at our hotel in Costa Adaje last year. Yes he sang it and everyone danced. His wife was with him selling merch. She seemed like a very nice lady. I am certain she will miss him dreadfully.
RIP Colin Gibb aka Routh founder member and vocalist of Black Lace sadly passed away 3/6/2024 aged 70. Now reunited with his old band mate Alan Barton.
