Nick Lucas (August 22, 1897, Newark, New Jersey -- July 28, 1982, Colorado Springs, Colorado) born Dominic Nicholas Anthony Lucanese was an American singer and pioneer jazz guitarist, remembered as "the grandfather of the jazz guitar", whose peak of popularity lasted from the mid-1920s to the early 1930s.
Why bring him up? I saw him entertain a number of times in Reno, at I think the Holiday Hotel. He did such nice little "airy" lite songs, very entertaining, and in awe of him and the career that he had. He did the original "Tiptoe through the Tulips," NOT Tiny Tim. He was a true, entertainer, very captivating, he held you in the palm of his hand while he performed. Not all can do that.
My thoughts went back to him from one of my blogs, Smile Awhile was another of his songs. Carl Ravazza was another "old timer" who I often saw at Harold's Club. He was also from that time frame.
Speaking of entertainers, I saw many during my time in Nevada, but only a few stand out as really being "entertainers." I think Wayne Newton worked harder than anyone to entertain ....... he was a true "pro" and knocked himself out to be entertaining. I saw him a number of times in his early days in Reno at the Riverside, late 50's or early 60's. Not the big time or Vegas yet, but he was on his way.
Della Reese entertained, as well as Johnny Mathis, and, of course, Louis Prima and Sam Butera. Some of the "lounge" acts were better than the "headliners." They tried harder and were less impressed by themselves. I have walked out on a few BIG names, some were very disappointing.
Some if the "old time" dealers and casino folks I first turned out and worked with, looked upon all entertainers as "B Flats." They were only bait to get customers in, so they had little respect for entertainers, a necessary evil, just like food and free bingo. In those days, the "dealer" was more important than any entertainer. I turned out in that environment.
Nick Lucas and Johnny Carson
