Bobby Short Stood Tall

Okay, it's not politics. It's not a rant. And I wouldn't dare call it a eulogy. But the death of singer, arranger and showman Bobby Short has caught me off guard. He was an American treasure. Grew up during the depression, the 9th of 10 children. A prodigy who taught himself piano and went on the road at a young age. A black man who found his way into white "society" when blacks were mostly still holding lamps out along the driveway of those lovely white mansions. We saw him at The Carlyle several years ago on a magical night. We got the best seats in the house, a wonderful dinner...and the show of a lifetime, from a showman who never stopped pleasing his audience. Coda. If there is a heaven, Gershwin, Porter, Waller, Blake and Ellington met him at the door...