David LeBoeuf Sr.
April 20, 2018
WHERE CAN YOU RELAY?
April 20, 2018
In 1990 I got a call from Floyd Soileau, my song publisher
You’re getting a call from John Duncan and Mary Mom seeking one two B.M.I. song writers In fly to Washington DLC, to visit your senators and copyright bill going through Congress I recommended you and Vin Bruce. Five days. all expenses paid, don’t miss it” he said and hung up.
They called I called Vin arrangements were made and one Sunday two Cajuns were off to Washington D.C
On arrival young couple held a sign a Allen Toussaint Vin Bras and Leroy Martin.” Deplaning from first class {we flew coach) Mr. Toussaint was an ASLC AP. member joining us We were in awe of him because he had written so many hits. Mother in Law. It’s Raining, All These Things and Glen Campbell national hit Southern Nights
We took a cab ride to the Ritz-Carlton hotel, registered and were shown to our luxurlous roams As we entered VTN said “there it IS
That’s a mini-bar.” I replied “$10 for a beer. $8 for a snickers and who knows what those tiny bottles of liquor cost?” I know but Mary said it was free to m” us he answered
Delighted. I opened the mini-bar, filled one hand peanuts and a two ounce bottle of V.O. in the other, jumped in the king size bed and shouted to my song writing partner, “Slap me, I might be dreaming With a big grim he answered,” No! Slap me
In 1990 I got a call from Floyd Soileau, my song publisher
You’re getting a call from John Duncan and Mary Mom seeking one two B.M.I. song writers In fly to Washington DLC, to visit your senators and copyright bill going through Congress I recommended you and Vin Bruce. Five days. all expenses paid, don’t miss it” he said and hung up.
They called I called Vin arrangements were made and one Sunday two Cajuns were off to Washington D.C
On arrival young couple held a sign a Allen Toussaint Vin Bras and Leroy Martin.” Deplaning from first class {we flew coach) Mr. Toussaint was an ASLC AP. member joining us We were in awe of him because he had written so many hits. Mother in Law. It’s Raining, All These Things and Glen Campbell national hit Southern Nights
We took a cab ride to the Ritz-Carlton hotel, registered and were shown to our luxurlous roams As we entered VTN said “there it IS
That’s a mini-bar.” I replied “$10 for a beer. $8 for a snickers and who knows what those tiny bottles of liquor cost?” I know but Mary said it was free to m” us he answered
Delighted. I opened the mini-bar, filled one hand peanuts and a two ounce bottle of V.O. in the other, jumped in the king size bed and shouted to my song writing partner, “Slap me, I might be dreaming With a big grim he answered,” No! Slap me
At 9 a.m. on Monday a cab with, John Mary and Alien arrived and we headed for the Capitol to visit Senator Bennett Johnson who had succeeded Houma Senator Allen Ellender in 1972 who had succeeded Huey Lone; in 1938 John and Mary consulted with the Senator about the legislation.. Then we were off to the lei Urban for lunch and later to Le Dipbmata for dinner, both lavish French restaurants
Tuesday was a. holiday so we toured the Washington Lin-COIN and Jefferson Monuments, viewed the J.FK. eternal flame at Arlington Cemetery and the Vietnam well then beaded back to town. Mary sated us to choose a restaurant and VIN pointed to a McDonald’s
“Mr. Bruce.” Mary said. “If I ever entertained a guest there, it would be goodbye job we went to another French Restaurant Bernaise Viva La France
Vin and I surmised that being Cajuns and with Mr. Toussaint’s name our hosts assumed we were accustomed to eating in French restaurants Why not We just saluted and enjoyed Snails (escargot) liver (Foie gras) et plain duvin cest tet si bon
Wednesday we visited Senator John Breaux. who had succeeded Senator Senator Long in 1987 who had succeeded Senator John Overton in 1948. That night dinner at Bristro Franca Is. another, well you know.
Thursday we visited Congress-man Billy Tauzin who bad flown me, Vin and our band to Washington for his fundraiser in 1972. That afternoon Vin and I visited the White House where’ he-sat and chatted with a group of war protestors.” They asked rue to march with them tonight.” Vin said I mid them I’d think about it and let them know/With Vin, I never knew if he was serious or not.
Our last evening we were picked up at 6 p.m. (Wenever knew where Toussaint was housed — a fancier hotel? I couldn’t imagine there could be one We were off to Bistro Francais Maisoui cher!
Next day at the airport (now Ronald Rengan National) we were in a long line and Allen was in a much shorter one “Give me your tickets. I”II get your passes” he said, which was nice of him We boarded in the coach Section and watched Alien Tonssaint enter first class. “There are sang; writere and there are song writers”
It was goodbye Pals du Fois Gras with truffles and hello red beans and rice, which to us was a step up. We never found cut if the bill passed or not. (Allen Tous-saint died 11/10/1511) BYE NOW.
Oh, the stories he could tell in this week’s column, Historical Columnist Leroy Martin talks about going to Washington D.C. with dear friend Vin Bruce. What’s an adventure!
