The beauty of the relationship between these great artist and myself was our friendship.

Our business association grew out of the friendship instead – of first developing business then a friendship. By the time business materialized, the relationships were rock solid.

No need to say that the artistic talent of these individuals was astounding. In a sea of artistic emulation, Etta, Leon and Charles were each one, and only one, of a kind.

Etta’s talent was only surpassed by her charm. Her treatment of her fans could only be matched by a loving mother or aunt. I can truly say no one ever had other than a kind word to say about her. She had the ability to make you feel as important as she herself was.

Leon was undoubtedly the king of the mystic vocalizers. He was able to fuse the cultural characteristic that could span 5 continents. Those who never had the opportunity to experience his jazz yodeling, if there is such a person, has surely missed one of the musical wonders of the world. To say his abilities were unique is an insufficient use of language. His powers to mesmerize his audience was almost supernatural.

Charles Earland, fondly referred to as Charlie, took the B-3 jazz organ to a new level. From his early days out of Philadelphia on up through the now defunct clubs of Newark New Jersey and Harlem and in New York, it was obvious he would become a giant. Always happy on and off stage, it was a delight to watch his smiling face as he produced his hard driving exciting percussive style. He has left a legacy for B-3 players not to be equaled.