I admit I had to look up and remind myself of this guy' name. I am amazed at how many students seemed to be in mourning, but they grew up with him. Irwin was there loud, wild babysitter-- a little scary, but very entertaining.
I guess the closest I come to feeling the same way occurred when Chucko the Birthday Clown announced to the kiddies in televisionland that he had been canceled. Chucko ended his last show in tears.
Or maybe when Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo, died.
The subject came up in class today and a kid commented about how Irwin died doing what he loved.
I said I agreed.
A student asked me if I would like it then if a died in a bizarre ukulele explosion.
I said no, because I don't love explosions of any kind. I love playing the ukulele.
Shortly after Louis Armstrong died, one of his ex-wives died (I did a Google to find out her name, but no luck). She was a jazz pianist and died during a concert, right after ending a tune. I didn't see it, but Billy C saw the film clip on the news. She really did collapse right at the end of the song. I remember him raving about how good great the song was and then she was gone.
Now I'm not in her caliber. But playing my ukulele and singing wouldn't be a bad end.
Especially if I had just played a really silly song.
3 comments:
That Satchmo story reminded me of Dick Shawn, the comedian, who fell dead on his face onstage at San Diego State. Ahh, to tell a great joke and split this mortal coil, leaving 'em laughing.
It would have been tragic if he had died just before the punchline.
Har!
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