Patti Page friendship, talent are recalled
Dear Editor:
America has just lost one of her most talented, honest entertainers of the century. She sang with the greatest singers, male and female, in America.
The Singing Rage — Miss Patti Page left us on Jan. 2. She was the face of the female performers. In fact, she was on a calendar in 1951. Her shows were carried on the only three channels available at the time.
I sent it to her and this is what she wrote: “To Leroy: thanks for remembering.”
I had been to Korea and won a pocket knife at Sasebol, Japan. At a US0 show, we were asked to guess the top three songs back in America. I had been gone 18 months. I guessed her “Tennessee Waltz” and it was third.
My dear, late Fay and I were honored as guest visitors at her performance in Brevard, N.C., in 2000.
When we got back stage, we posed for a photo with her, which is on a cork board in our house now.
A few years ago, she sang at the University of Tennessee football game against Ohio. At halftime she walked on the field in a light rain and sang “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window and “The Tennessee Waltz.”
After our return visit we joined the Patti Page Appreciation Society. In the December issue she wrote she was having health problems — little did we know it would be her last words for her millions of followers.
I have just ordered her latest CD of unrecorded songs through Amazon.
She was a strong supporter of all veterans.
Her smooth voice will be sadly missed by her legion of followers.
Sincerely,
Leroy Rogers
413 Belle Meade Drive
Maryville, TN 37803
