Sign Your Name

I've been fortunate in my career to have the opportunity to work with, and chat with, many icons, idols and inspirations. But one experience towers over the rest. Let me set the scene - It was a rainy day in 1986, when my father and I double parked the car outside Manny's Music Store in Manhattan so I could run in and pick up some guitar strings (yes, I was a guitar player at the time...) I darted up to the counter and tried to get the attention of the long-haired salesman so I could speedily complete the purchase and avoid a traffic ticket. But, he was preoccupied with another customer, and I could not get his attention. After a few moments, I turned my head to see what could be so important as to keep the counter-man so focused. Next to me, at the counter, was a large man in a hat and glasses. One glance in his direction was all it took. The salesman finally looked my way, and I mouthed, "is that...?" He merely nodded back, and I knew. I was in the presence of the legend - B.B. King.

As non-chalantly as a teenager can, I ran out to the car, and tore off a piece of a paper bag. Grabbing a pen from the dashboard, I raced back to the counter, where the transaction was just about completed. This was my big chance. I thrust the paper and pen outward.

"Mr. King? I was just wondering...I'm a huge fan..." Gasp for breath. "In fact, I'm a guitar player too, and you know, I hope one day that I'd be able to play with you." Total geek moment. I couldn't believe the words had left my mouth. I paused and waited to see what the reaction would be. Did I just blow it?

Smiling, he took the pen and tattered paper from my hands, and proceeded to sign his name on the counter. And then, he spoke possibly the coolest sentence anyone ever said to me -

"I know you will."

From that moment, I never got another autograph from anyone else, ever again. There was simply no need. Performers, when they attain a certain level of notoriety, are 'onstage' all the time. And the great ones know that memorable experiences for an audience member don't just happen at the concerts. And sometimes, those moments can last a lifetime.

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