It was a dream come true (as they say) to finally visit “Pops” Corona house and take in the archives at Queens run by Ricky Riccardi, who did such a brilliant job in writing Pops’ biography. The highlights:
1. What is striking is that all employees, paid or volunteer, are so passionate about “Pops.”
2. My favourite room of course was “Pops'” den the only room in the house that had his imprint. It was lovely hearing him tell an interviewer about Tony Bennett’s portrait of him while I was standing right next to it.
3. Thanks to one of the volunteers (and Ricky) she sent me a shot of a Hebrew bible sent to “Pops” and inscribed as follows: “To Louis Armstrong who made the bible sing, from Yacov Uriel whose people wrote it.”
4. Highlights at the archives included being able to page through Pops’ original handwritten ms where he talks about the Karnofkys.
5. Courtesy of Ricky, listening to Pops pleading letter to Joe Glaser to ensure that forthwith he need a) an constant supply of dope (weed) and b) that he needed protection from prosecution – read the full details in Ricky’s bio.
6. Listening to Pops and Lucille having an argument with her showing her ability to use language as colourful as Pops’ in contrast to “Lady” Armstrong’s public persona.
7. Seeing the shelves of tapes (and Pops decorated boxes) and artifacts of all sorts from around the world.
8. Last, but by no means least, and I can’t believe this actually happened, Ricky allowed me to hold one of Pops’ gold-plated horns.
I would urge all New Yorkers who love that musical Einstein and God’s angel on earth (reference to Wings of Desire), to visit the house and by appointment the archives. It’s a very modest place, nicely cared for and will only take 45 minutes to see. I was in tears which came as no surprise to the folk that work at the archives – apparently not an uncommon phenomenon. Support them please. Thank you Ricky and Enid.
manwithoutqualities 