MY JOHNNY ANGEL

The next night Hank cancelled the show planning meeting with Rodger. Something was up, but no one would listen to me. Hank had become the Flo Ziegfeld of Feathers and let everyone know it. He had the songs laid out for us every Wednesday with lyrics and dress suggestions. All of a sudden he was too busy to meet with us AND was allowing us to choose our own songs!
Rodger enjoyed the freedom and told me to relax, “I am not going to let anyone ruin the shows that we created” he reassured me. Unfortunately Rodger did not know Terry. Kenny Alton chose “Holding Out For A Hero”, Casper performed “Flashdance, What a feeling”, Sammy was going to wow them with “Le Jazz Hot”, Terry was performing Irene Cara’s “Why ME?” Rodger hosted the show as Elxa, a drag persona he had created years earlier. Elxa Rodgers performed some Shirley Bassey number and I chose the song I was born to perform, “Johnny Angel.”
“Why do you want to do that slow number? We are putting on a high energy show!” ,“Haven’t you learned your lesson?”, “Maybe we should change your name to Pearl Harbor.”

I didn’t care what anyone said that song was burning in my heart and was destined to be released. I chose a lovely dress and wig- I looked ridicules, but felt like a million dollars! We got to the bar and settled in. Terry chose to get dressed at the bar and was enjoying a cocktail when we arrived. He had three suitcases for one number. He also had three costume changes. “I need an outfit to greet people with before the show, one for after and one to perform in.”
Terry brought the music to the dee jay while we settled in. The overture began and Rodger , Elxa got ready to go on, the dee-jay’s friend came back ina a panic “You cassette tape is all tangled up!” Elxa Rodgers was baffled- “I just listened to it in the car.” Terry jumped in, ”We don’t have time for this, just tell him to play my number – I’ll open the show.” Terry opened the show and never left the stage. He brought Elxa/Rodger out and then placed him at the side of the bar.
The crowd loved Terry’s energy and he was a natural performer. “and our next performer is…oh…If anyone’s thirsty now is the time to get your drink…hahaha, only kidding darlings, my dear friend Queen Eddie” The song “Johnny Angel” began-I was furious, but I had to be strong Johnny was there and this was my last attempt to win him over.
I entered that stage and was so nervous, I hated Terry at the moment and my face showed it. I lipped the song while everyone ignored me. Johnny came towards me and tipped me! My heart stopped and I couldn’t breathe! I was singing “Johnny Angel” to my Johnny Angel and he smiled! I was so nervous- How was I supposed tossing? Then I realized it was a record and it didn’t matter what I was feeling the voice stayed the same. Then it happened- the record skipped, “I’m in hea---I’m in hea---I’m in hea---VEN”. I went along with the skips and horrified that my love song was turning into a comedy routine. The audience was soaking up my fear and nervousness as I prayed for the song to end, which it didn’t because it kept skipping. All I could see was everyone bowed over, laughing and smiling. I stole the show and the anger that was on my face at the beginning of the number was now on Terry’s face.
Hank came running up stairs to find out what everyone was stamping and applauding. Hank made sure he was available the next night to take the control back. I was a hot and he had nothing to do with it, and I know Terry scratched that record on purpose, but I ended up making the best of it. Rodger/ Elxa was the casualty that night, but he never let on-he was proud of me.
Till Tomorrow, Be kind.