Just did my morning Crossword Puzzle. A Paul Anka song was mentioned. Had not thought of him in a long time.
Late 50's, not sure of exact date, I was working at the Primm in Reno, and before my shift started I was sitting in the coffee shop having a bite to eat and was was perusing the "Entertainment" section of the Reno Gazette. Front page article about Paul Anka appearing at the Riverside Hotel. Tells about the background and success of this twenty year old entertainer.
I finished and headed for my table and reported to Don Eammelli, my shift manager.
Had not been on the table too long when I glanced over at one of the 21 tables, and who was playing 21, Paul Anka.
I motioned to Don, he came over, and I told him that Anka was not old enough to be playing.
"How do you know?"
"It's in the newspaper."
So Don went over and politely asked him to leave the table. He got a little belligerent about it, "I'm old enough to sing in these joints but not old enough to gamble," or something like that. He reluctantly left the Primm.
Funny what you read in the paper.
