Hanging Out With Judy Tenuta

Judy and I worked at the Rose

about

1979-1980

My Back Went Out But The Show Must Go On

My back used to go out sometimes and it could hurt for days.  One time my back was sore I was even kind of bent and in pain.
The phone rang and it was one of the strip telegram companies I used to work for!
I said OK, but I knew I needed a miracle to do the job.
Some girl was going to be surprised at a party.  I went into the house and saw lots of girls and guys.   I had my boom box ready to go and found the birthday girl. I tried to stand up straight and dance.  My back hurt and I knew I was dancing a bit crooked. I took off my trench coat and untied my tie.  I unbuttoned my shirt and unbuckled my pants.  I was in pain and bent to the side a bit.  I knew I was faking it and should be resting.  In a few seconds when I took off my shirt, everybody would see I was dancing with a sore, bent back!
Suddenly the guy who was paying for the surprise strip telegram for the  birthday  girl shoved some money into my hand and said thanks, that's enough, that was great!.....
Thank you God for the miracle!!!

The Night They Shot My Car

Kings Of Hearts were working at a night club out near Aurora and someone shot my car!   I don't remember if this is was our first night or what, but we worked there two or three times, and we always had a big crowd.  The girls and us guys always had a great time.
I went outside during intermission or it might have been after the show.  I was getting some fresh air and was going to go back inside when l looked at my '69 Oldsmobile.... I saw a couple of bullet holes in the side near the back. I couldn't believe it! .... Why!....?...
Must have been a jealous boyfriend of one of those happy screaming girls!
Oh well, now I had another story about those fun-filled years of dancing!

I Tried To Lift Two Girls At Once

 I had so much fun on the stage doing my act. I had a lot of energy.  Sometimes I felt so sure of my self, I got carried away trying to do a great show. 

I would grab a lady from the audience and dance with her, then another, and another. Sometimes I would have her unbutton my shirt. Sometimes I would lift her up and and dance around put her down, and sometimes all the way down to the floor!

One time I tried to lift two girls at once and though I think it looked OK to the audience, I hurt myself...Ouch!  I don't remember exactly but when I brought them down to the floor, or we sort of fell down, I think I either hurt my back! or my knee! (it was 40 years ago, my memory is a little foggy)... anyway I was sore for a couple days.... but I never did that again!