Spotlight, Ledbetter's.. Steve Martin

So... another spotlight from Ledbetter's. "THE NIGHT WE TURNED STEVE MARTIN'S HAIR GRAY"..

Many people started or enhanced their careers at Ledbetter's. Among the most talented and driven was Steve Martin. He, along with John Denver and others wanted success more than most. Along with talent, they had that drive and the 'it' or spark needed to make it.

But that didn't mean it came easily... (and I'm smiling at this moment, although it was a terrible trick to play)

One night Fats Johnson, a good comic in his own right, came on stage before Steve and told us all that we were going to play a little trick on him.

I must mention here that Ledbetter's was a different club in one aspect. This was a place where entertainers came to try stuff and learn stuff and show what they could do, If you were in the audience and were rowdy or stupid you were asked to leave. If you talked through the entertainment you were asked to leave. It let the entertainers know that at least people were listening... or at least quiet!!

Fats told us that no matter what Steve did, we were NOT TO LAUGH or show any signs of the normal delight that accompanied his stellar performances.

We were very very very good... (except that someone had to sit on me in the back. Not only did I find him very funny, the entire joke in itself made me laugh).

So out he comes, ratafranz ratafranz (mimicking the patter of his opening).

Nothing.

Now I have to tell you, he may have been funnier back then than now, even. He was funny (and very musical)

ratafranz ratafranz.. again..

Nothing.,..

We could have been made from stone.

Now this is a comic's worst nightmare. And he started to sweat jussst a little bit..

Finally, after what seemed like forever (to him, I'm sure), Fats came out and let him in on the joke..

We were a more appreciative audience than usual that night... we 'owned' a little part of him.


Steve Martin... before that night (grin)