Remembering John

January 16, 1993...
26 years ago today...

John Ettline died. 

John spent the last nine years of his life without his wife Helen.
Imagine the strength and courage it took for John, a man in his 80s,
to go it alone, enduring the hardships of winter and keeping the Dell
in operation even as the teenage patrons became increasingly
rough, rowdy and disrespectful. How many of us
could have stood up to that challenge?

 THE FOUR LADS 

This year as we remember John I selected for your listening pleasure
three songs that I think he would have enjoyed, beginning with a song
that is worth a thousand memories, one that reached its zenith on the
pop chart 63 years ago. The Four Lads sing "Moments To Remember."

 "Moments To Remember" - The Four Lads 

 (Jan. 1956, highest chart pos. #2) 

 FRANKIE LYMON 

 AND THE TEENAGERS 

Here's a great record that failed to reach the chart in the U.S. but made a run
at the top 10 in the UK. Released in December 1956, The Teenagers Featuring
Frankie Lymon is the group's only album. This song from the album peaked
at #12 in the UK. The title reminds us that generations of Dell rats needed
to convince their parents, teachers, clergymen and police that going to
the Dell did not turn them into bad kids. Frankie Lymon and the
Teenagers sing - "I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent."

 "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" - Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers 

 (Nov. 1956 U.S. ver. uncharted, Feb. 1957 UK version reached #12, 
 from Dec. 1956 album The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon) 

 ROY ORBISON 

Hard to believe it's been more than 30 years since the great Roy Orbison's voice

fell silent. I think John would enjoy hearing Roy's first major hit, a record that

shoulda been, coulda been and woulda been #1 on the chart in 1960 had it

not been blocked by Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry." Here's Roy Orbison aka

"The Big O" aka "The Caruso of Rock" singing "Only The Lonely."

 "Only The Lonely" - Roy Orbison 

 (July 1960, highest chart pos. #2) 

John, you were the King of all Dell Rats.

If we have anything to say about it, you
and Helen will always be remembered.

We love you and miss you, John!