In a Room of Legends

Last week I attended the Ella Fitzgerald Postage Stamp Unveiling at Jazz at the Lincoln Center. It was amazing. The Julliard Quartet played beautifully as we came into the Theatre. Guess what? Nancy Wilson was the Mistress of Ceremony. I was tripping out. I have so many of her records on vinyl. The woman is amazing. She speaks with a wit and regal voice. She speaks as a queen might speak. She is truly a legend.
The cermony went on with tribute to the "First Lady of Song," it was beautiful. I was in a room of legend. There were times that I felt like I didn't belong, but I was sure that God was just giving me a glimpse of my future. Those who attended the ceremony: Duke Ellington's Grandaughter, Mercedes Ellington, Paul Roberson's son, Paul Roberson Jr., James Moody, Gerald Wilson, John Levy (manager of Nancy Wilson, Donny Hathaway, Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack), and Ella's son, Ray Brown, Jr. I was about to go crazy. I couldn't believe that I was witnessing this.
After the ceremony, I stood around trying to take it all in. I wanted so badly to meet these legnds. I walked over to the stage and saw Nancy Wilson walking down the stairs. So I took her hand and helped her. I was like a little kid. I said, "Ms. Wilson, I'm trying to get my words together. I just moved to New York to go for my dream as a entertainer. It is an honor to finally meet you. Do you mind if I take a picture with you?" She laughed as I took my cell phone out. "Boy, those camera phones take horrible pictures," she laughed. It was the most amazing experience in my life. So y'all dreams do come true, but you have to believe that they will.
Ra

P.S. Check out one of Nancy's earlier performances: http://youtube.com/watch?v=nOD77qSBWeg