I was a teenager in the 1960's growing up in a home where all types of music were prized. My grandmother liked Lawrence Welk, my mom Pearl Bailey, my brother The Beach Boys and me Motown.

My dad was a Billie Holiday fan...sneaking down into Chicago in the 1930's from Kenosha to buy the "race record" masterpieces of Billie Holiday.

I was home alone one Saturday night...was going to tape record the "HOLLYWOOD PALACE" tv show because the Supremes were to be hosts. I had my trusty reel to reel Panasonic recorder all ready...when they introduced Ethel Waters.

Alone on a stage with a sparse set she sang the heartbreaking "Suppertime". Chills went up my spine. Though the voice was about gone, it was unimportant..the power and majesty remained. Remain a huge fan to this day.