As I look back at the memories of my life, I at times feel like it was all a beautiful dream … it’s like watching a favorite movie that I had several parts! Let me set the stage of this next scene … I was on the Board at the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame and Museum and was part of the first induction ceremony. I was rubbing elbows once again with some old friends in the business … and preparing some rehearsals for a few of the artists that would be performing at the First Induction Concert… the likes of Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Carl Gardner of the Coasters, Jimmy Merchant of the Teenagers, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night and one of my all-time favorite pioneers of the music I love … the great Bill Pinkney of the Original Drifters. Bill was at the rehearsal hall listening to us working with the artists when he asked me if my partner Bubba and I were able to sing some background harmony on the Drifters segment with He and Charlie Thomas! Would we?! Singing with two of the greatest pioneers of the Music we love? What an honor! The next day at the actual ceremony, I had the honors again of introducing Mr. Pinkney as he stood at the podium to accept his award. The next scene was truly amazing… Bill leaned on the podium and with tears in his eyes said … “I want to speak on behalf of Clyde McPhatter, Gerhart and Andrew Thrasher. They are all deceased. God spared my life … and the reason why I’m thanking God so much … He’s letting me smell the flowers”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the Hall. Another scene was performing with Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters at Montemurro’s Supper Club, watching him set the stage for his audience reminiscing about those wonderful days of early Rhythm n’ Blues. There is still another scene with Mr. Bill Pinkney at a Private session at the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame watching and listening to him talking about the early days with the legendary Ruth Brown … two R&B ICONS in the same room sitting around having a conversation like we were sitting in my living room. I have been blessed to work with and become friends with some of the biggest names in Music History and to realize that it was not a dream. I’m also blessed that I have a museum of memories at my Ginchy Stuff location here in Pittsburgh where I can share my life’s experiences with others, especially the young musicians who carry on the music today. Bill has since gone on to re-unite with Clyde, Gerhart and Andrew in Rock n’ Roll Heaven … but the memories of Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters lives on!