January 16, 1993...
27 years ago today...
27 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?
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?
This year as we remember John, I selected three
songs that I believe John would have enjoyed.
songs that I believe John would have enjoyed.
GENE CHANDLER
John Ettline had style, class and swag. He reminded me
of The Duke of Earl as he walked through his dukedom,
The Shady Dell, a paradise he and his Duchess Helen
shared with thousands of grateful teenagers.
of The Duke of Earl as he walked through his dukedom,
The Shady Dell, a paradise he and his Duchess Helen
shared with thousands of grateful teenagers.
"Duke Of Earl" - Gene Chandler
(perf. on Apr. 3, 1965, ep. of Hollywood A Go-Go)
NANCY SINATRA
& FRANK SINATRA
& FRANK SINATRA
"Somethin' Stupid" was written by C. Carson Parks, brother of composer
Van Dyke Parks. The song was originally recorded in 1966 by Parks and
his wife Gaile Foote, the duo known as Carson and Gaile. The following
year a cover by “Ol ' Blue Eyes," Frank Sinatra, a duet with his daughter
Nancy, shot to #1 on the chart. I think this is John's kind of song.
"Somethin' Stupid" - Nancy Sinatra And Frank Sinatra
(Apr./May 1967, highest chart pos. #1)
FRANK SINATRA
"It Was A Very Good Year" was written in 1961 by Bob Shane, the only surviving
founding member of The Kingston Trio. and introduced on the group's album
Goin' Places. The song was famously recorded by Frank Sinatra and earned
The Chairman of the Board the 1966 Grammy Award for Best Vocal
Performance, Male. 1966 was my first full year at the Dell, my
first year of knowing, loving and respecting John Ettline.
I was 16. It was a very good year.
founding member of The Kingston Trio. and introduced on the group's album
Goin' Places. The song was famously recorded by Frank Sinatra and earned
The Chairman of the Board the 1966 Grammy Award for Best Vocal
Performance, Male. 1966 was my first full year at the Dell, my
first year of knowing, loving and respecting John Ettline.
I was 16. It was a very good year.
"It Was A Very Good Year" - Frank Sinatra
(Jan./Feb. 1966, highest chart position
#28 Hot 100/#1 Adult Contemporary)
John, you were the King of all Dell Rats.
If we have anything to say about it, you
and Helen will always be remembered.
and Helen will always be remembered.
We love you and miss you, John!
