AMELIA DAVIS with MICHELLE MARGETTS
Jim just loved certain musicals, like South Pacific, especially the song “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.” I mean he was just crazy about that show. So in January 2009, there was a revival here at the Curran Theatre, and Bonita and I surprised him with tickets for Christmas. He had seen that it was coming to town, and he kept saying how great it would be to go. But for the thirteen years that I knew him, he would talk about going to movies and shows but then lose heart. The only way he would do it was if somebody went with him.
I remember he even put his hearing aids in that night, which meant it was a very special occasion. I kept looking over at him and he was just humming and singing along, tears streaming down his face. It was crazy how much he loved it!
MARY MARTIN in the recording studio for the musical Jennie, New York City, 1963
