“It all comes full circle at some point” … Back in the early 1980’s, I was invited by club owner, Ted Wilebski, to perform with the one and only Etta James. Etta agreed to play at Wilebski’s (now known as “Wilebski’s Blues Saloon”) provided that Ted put together a local back-up band for her. One night, I got a call from Ted, asking me if I’d like to play in concert with Etta James. There was only one answer for this! I performed two shows with Etta that year, only to receive a call the following year from Ted, asking me if I’d like to do two more shows with this great legend. He said that Etta asked specifically for me. This was “music to my ears.”
About 15 years passed, and I received a call from my musician friend, Jean Verstraete, a harmonica player and a writer for “The Blues News.” Etta was performing at an outdoor concert in Minneapolis and Jean, as a reporter, had an extra back-stage pass for me. We got to the concert early. Etta’s manager shouted out that Etta was not feeling her best. She was going ahead with her show, but she was not going to be doing any interviews. I approached her manager and politely said “I think if Etta knew I was here, she’d want to say a quick ‘hello.’ I played sax with her years ago.” He asked “Is your name ‘Rose?’ I said “yes,” and he took me back stage and said “She talks about you.”
Etta was very happy to see me and said she would have taken me out after the show if she would have been feeling better. I said “That’s okay” and I began to walk away. I was pretty far away when I then heard her shout out my name. I walked back towards her, and she said “Rose, I want you to know that I get your Christmas card every year, and I look forward to receiving one each year. I’m sorry that I’ve never been able to send one to you.” I just smiled and said “That’s okay.”
I vividly remember decorating my house this past Christmas. I looked out my big picture window to take in the most beautiful snowfall I have ever seen. In selecting a Christmas CD to listen to, I came across Etta’s CD. I put it in my CD player and quickly realized that I was not going to be able to send her a card anymore. I sat down on my couch and texted my sister, Nancy, about my feelings of sadness. The very moment I texted the words “Christmas card,” Etta’s one-of-a-kind singing voice came shining through, loud and crystal clear … “With every Christmas card I write … May your days be merry … and bright … and may all your Christmases be white.” No doubt, I got my first Christmas card from the late, Great Etta James … sent from up above … I think SQuire Rushnell, the author of “When God Winks” and “Divine Alignment,” would most definitely agree with me … This was a true “God Wink.”
Jean Verstraete and I had lost touch for many years. I became busy with my kids, and Jean was also busy with her son. We reconnected on Facebook back a couple years ago. She had been battling cancer. She was a true warrior for the longest time … but I recently saw a notice on Facebook that Jean had just two weeks left to survive here on earth. It was important for me to visit her to tell her about my Etta James Christmas story. After all, she was instrumental in getting me back stage for my visit with Etta. I arrived at Jean’s bed side the very next day. She looked terribly exhausted. I took her hand and said “Jean, this is Rose Duffy.” Jean’s eyes opened widely … and she listened to my every word. She had a huge smile on her face, and I knew that she understood what I was telling her. Unfortunately, Jean passed away the following day … Jean touched so many lives with her loving heart … My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
This past weekend, I attended the service for Jean. I also went to the open jam session that immediately followed the service in celebration of her life. I played about 5 tunes with the band. When I got off the stage, I was approached by the singer/percussionist who was also on stage with the band. Her name is Lady J of KFAI Radio. I gave her my card, and she called me the following day. She said that my story is “fresh” and invited me to do an interview with her on her radio program. Please tune in to KFAI Radio (FM 90.3 and FM 106.7 FM, St. Paul/Minneapolis) on July 2nd at 5:00 p.m. (CST). You can also tune in from anywhere in the world (KFAI.org). I know in my heart that Jean has now met up with her idol … and they are “working it” from up above …
With love,
Rose
Wow. What a story Rose! So proud of my cousin!!!!! Had no idea you got to play with Etta James! Can’t wait to listen to your interview..
Thanks Debbie!!! I’m looking forward to seeing all of my cousins at the big party. Love you!
What a great story Rose! I’d love to hear more some time, we’ve got alot of the same heros. KFAI is the perfect spot to “air your story” too. One of the last truly local players on the dial. The Mighty T-Bone is a good friend of mine. He does ‘Our Show of Shows’ of KFAI Tuesday mornings 2-6 AM. I’ll try to catch your interview.
Cool!
Craig – Thanks so much for your ongoing support. I appreciate it more than you know. Try to come out to Armadillo Jump’s show at Manitou Station on July 13th, okay??? Many thanks!
Great Story Rose. I’m impressed by how fast you learn and adapt to change. I have no doubt in mind that you are headed toward the right direction. Keep it up.
John El Hanafi (Business Admin. Marketing Analyst. Strategic Thinker / Social Media & Web Developer. Devoted Stepfather & Friend )
Many, many, many thanks to you John! You are brilliant … and I very much appreciate our new friendship. Your light just shines …
Aren’t GODWINKS wonderful connectors to God, Rose? Your evolving Etta James story demonstrates His handiwork in our lives, proving that we are constantly on His magnificent GPS … God’s Positioning System … and that our paths are Divinely Aligned to connect us with just the right person and the right time. Good Wishes for abundant godwinks. SQuire
Your note made my day, SQuire … Many thanks for being an inspiration to me (as well as countless others). I sure admire you and your talents…
I love this story & it’s written so well! I feel horrible that we didn’t get any photos when you played those nights with Etta. I rally need to thank you for those memories & so many others that I got to experience because you’re my sister. 😀 Here’s to many more!!
Thanks Nancy! We didn’t realize how important pictures were back then … Speaking of … Why didn’t I get my picture taken with Tommy Castro??? Thanks for being my #1 fan (Don’t tell Sherry I said that : ) Okay, you two are tied … I love you!
I’m so sorry to hear about Jean. She used to sit in with the Vicious Fish and other bands at the bar. I’m also sorry that I will be working at 5:00 tonight and UPS doesn’t put radios in their trucks. Somebody somewhere has to be recording it, right?
Jane
Very sad about Jean … She was a bright light here. You can listen to the radio interview KFAI.org … “Archives” … I believe Lady J’s program is called “Rockin & Tumblin'” (or something close to that). The interview was on July 2nd … I guess I did okay as a first-timer. Thanks …
Wonderful inspirational story Rose! We should never underestimate the importance of love and connectedness.
Peace and Love,
Ang 🙂
You’ve got that right, Angela .. I’m so happy we’ve met through the magic of Twitter … Some day, you’ll be invited to my Victory Party : ) Peace to you and your loved ones …