Aren’t I lucky to have friends who remember my husband in the ‘before Ardy’ part of his life? This was sent to me this morning via text from RJ Neary who owned the Howard Street Tavern in the late 70’s. The story behind it was related to me by Billy Swearingen just the other day.
His take is that Paddywack were playing on the first floor and The Heart Murmurs were playing on the second floor, Saturday, March 17, 1979. Jim would get on the stage and sing Irish songs in-between Paddywack sets. In fact there are more photos that RJ took from behind the bar that showed more ruggers up on the stage singing with him.
My original post for St Patrick’s Day was going to feature a different singing partner, Jill Anderson. The first time the two of them sang together was at one of Bill’s Spring Socials. I knew he had lost his heart to her. Her good humor, fantastic voice and willingness to sing with “Those Boys” won him over.
This photo is from March 16, 2019 in Bill’s backyard. Jim had just finished his three month chemotherapy session for his lung cancer. He wasn’t much up to singing but he had a front row seat to Jill’s beautiful voice.
This is from Jim’s retirement party at The Mill in December 2019. I’m pretty sure she loved singing with him too!
Thanks Jill!