The article from the "San Clemente Sun Post" tells the story...
On a sunny fourth of July in 1972 on Jerry's day off, he was relaxing with his family at a friends backyard barbeque when the phone rang and it was Jerry's boss from the San Clemente Inn who insisted that Jerry come down there straight away. They needed Jerry to entertain at a private party but he did not say who it was for.
When Jerry arrived he was ushered outside to the garden at the rear where a small stage was set up with a Spinet piano, microphone and P.A. all ready to go. As Jerry worked his way through the crowd of about 100 people to reach the stage he was greeted by Johnny Grant who is known as the unofficial Mayor of Hollywood. He tells Jerry that it is a special birthday celebration for a very special lady and introduces Jerry to the crowd.
Suddenly the crowd parts like the red sea and Johnny Grant returns to take the microphone and says, "ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to present the President of the United States, Mr. Richard M. Nixon". Jerry stood up quickly, his heart pounding as the President approached the band stand. The President walked over to Jerry, reached out and shook his hand and said "I enjoy your music very much"... "Thank you, Mr. President", Jerry replied.
The President then thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the birthday of his daughter Julie, and said "let's all have a good time". The President then gestured to Jerry to continue playing...the party begins! |
