American Pride, Follies Version

The Neilitist is feeling more expansive and less pedantic having glutted himself on three straight Happy Days episodes including the two-part Fearless Fonzarelli episode where Fonzie jumps not the shark but fourteen trash barrels (why there had to be trash in the trash barrels is never dealt with). Nothing can cheer me up like a thirty-five year old show about life from fifty-five years ago. So here’s a great reason to bask in American pride, cross-dressing teenagers from the fifties…

Hmmm, that had to be a little uncomfortable for Fonzie. But a guy in a dress, now that’s ALWAYS funny.

Now here’s a real true American Hero, Mr Louis Armstrong. In my opinion the greatest entertainer of the 20th century…

One of his best-loved songs. It’s easy to see why he was so well-loved. Here’s a link to one of his best early songs. And another to a new biography from one of my favorite critics.

There is little else in the world as perfect as George Jones’ voice singing a sad song. Here he is singing one of Leon Payne’s great songs…

and here’s another Leon song sung by George. Although Hank had a bigger hit with it, I prefer George’s version.

Continuing n the country vein, this brings back fond memories of fish fries down in Louisiana…

And I have to give equal time to the fond memories of time spent with my Missouri Grandmother…

I am pretty sure that my current pleasure from both Hee Haw and Lawrence Welk is due to fond memories of my grandmothers. I recall being somewhat bored when the shows would come on. I know, a young Philistine.

Here’s another point of American pride