Posted by:
Done & Done
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Date: March 12, 2019 08:19PM
So I'm reading this article from a journalist, David Hajdu, who had interviewed and become friends with Don Shirley the pianist portrayed in the Oscar winning "Green Book."
Apparently Dr. Shirley was "erudite and salty in roughly equal measures," according to Mr. Hajdu, who upon mentioning to Shirley that he had served as president of the Duke Ellington society, a hybrid study group and fan club, Shirley found the idea of the organization offensive and said, "It's idol worship. It's uncivilized. You need to resign immediately."
That tickled me. I like to be entertained by artists, musicians, and entertainers of all types, but it ends there. I don't care what they do to stay thin, who they sleep with, what their charity is, or the worst, why some laud themselves as role models---usually just before entering rehab. All I want is your song or your magnificent prose.
Made me think about the press from the DN on the visit to the Pope and the books Sherri Dew and the others write idolizing their prophets, and then about the Mormons in awe of every detail of Apostolic lives. Amusing stories to make them seem not only human but having been extra special all along. Suddenly the fact that they pushed a grandchild in a swing or were nice to a widow is awe inspiring. All I can do is repeat Don, "It's idol worship. It is uncivilized. You need to stop it immediately."
He will never match the David Cassidy fan club in its hay day, but, the thought of Russ covered in gold leaf by adoring Mormons is quite an appealing visual. Mormons have their golden calf. Might as well be up front about it.
Praise to the Man who communed with . . . the Pope!