On Weds July 12th theRockin45s had the honor of playing for the original Bozo the Clown of WPIX, NY (channel 11), Bill Britten, at the assisted living facility that he now resides in. We took photos with him and got to talk to him for a bit. He said we were the best band that had ever played there, which meant a lot because the facility hires quality entertainment every week.
Mr Britten began playing Bozo on WPIX on Sept 14th 1959. He asked Vini if his children had watched him and Vini replied “I watched you”. We all did and he was a big part of all our childhoods.
Bill Britten played Bozo on WPIX from September 1959 though August 1964. Surprisingly though, many people remember Gordon Ramsey who played Bozo on WOR beginning in 1969 as the original.
Also in attendance and a resident at the same facility is a lady who was the original drummer for the Ed Sullivan show. That is really an accomplishment because not only were women drummers a rarity at that time but those high paying union jobs almost always were occupied by men.
The highlights of the night were as always the interaction with the audience, and Mikey and Janet always make everyone feel like they are included. Playing for the seniors at places like this is a special thing though because they tend to appreciate it and show their appreciation with great enthusiasm.
Life is good people. No clowning about it.
