Читать книгу Reflections - Gary Italiaander - Страница 8

FOREWORD

Why this book?

This is something I cannot easily answer.

That I felt a compelling responsibility to create a tribute to Larry Adler is without question.

His talent inspired me as I had displayed musical ability at a young age. Music is still a passionate interest to me although my work has taken me in a different direction. I have been fortunate enough to meet many interesting celebrities through my work as a portrait photographer but Larry was the one person I always wanted to meet and photograph. Not only did I get that opportunity but an amazing friendship developed as well.

We had shared interests; we both loved music with the ability to create it. It’s just that his ability to do so was in a different league to mine! I would not be so presumptuous as to compare my musical talent to Larry’s in any way but that unquestionably had a bearing on how our friendship developed and my need to create this project.

We also shared a love of tennis. When I first met Larry he was still playing occasionally and when I asked him if he won, his reply was; “I never win!” Somehow, knowing the man, I doubt this was the case and I feel sure that, at least in his younger days, he was rather good.

We did discuss creating a book together but at that time Larry wasn’t able to make a commitment as he was already in his early eighties - still travelling, performing and busy with the writing that he was doing for a variety of magazines. He did however provide a number of opportunities for me to create a photographic record. The reason for making such a record was unclear at the time, but I felt it was important to do it all the same. The significance became apparent once he’d departed the stage, with the concept for this book.

While Larry was in hospital in London, seriously ill, he received an invitation to perform in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall for Prince Phillip’s 80^th birthday. He was told by his doctors that he was far too unwell to attend (to which he agreed); nevertheless, he slipped out of the hospital and made his way to the venue. Only when he appeared on television were the medical staff aware that he had done so. No matter what his state of health, it was always Larry’s view that ‘the show must go on!’

At the time of his funeral I was abroad, but I was invited by his family to attend the memorial concert that took place at The Arts Theatre in London some time later. During that concert, when his family, friends and associates spoke of him, it became clear to me that I should gather together thoughts and comments from those who knew him personally and so I began collecting memories from those closest to him. However, for a variety of reasons, I became aware that it was the wrong time to complete this project.

Two of the most important people in Larry’s life were his brother Jerry and Larry’s partner for the last eighteen years of his life, Gloria Leighton. Jerry was delighted to be able to put something on record. Gloria was more reticent as she was unsure whether she had the ability to write but she eventually agreed (with lots of encouragement from me). This was only on the basis that my wife, Tamar, would do all the typing for her and I am extremely grateful that Tamar agreed to do so. Gloria had a lot to contribute, as you will, and so I am delighted that we were able to capture her own very special thoughts. It is fortunate that I started the process when I did as sadly both Jerry and Gloria are no longer with us.

Once I realised the 100^th anniversary of Larry’s birth would be in 2014, I decided that it was time to complete the project. Nearly everyone I have been able to contact has agreed to participate. I am delighted that I have been able to gather so many contributors who have added their own ‘reflections’.

This book provides a brief history of Larry’s life, interspersed with my own commentary, as well as tributes from his family, friends and associates. What clearly emerges is that Larry was the greatest of entertainers, perfectly at home performing on the mouthorgan (as he preferred to call it rather than the more usual harmonica) or as a raconteur, speaking and joking with his audiences. His approach to performing remained the same, regardless of what had happened or how he felt.

So, I now feel that I have achieved what I set out to do, creating this tribute. Larry; although in many ways he appeared down to earth and quite ordinary, he left his mark on our world in the most extraordinary way. I am honoured that he allowed me to share some memorable times with him that I can now share with you, along with those reflections of his family, friends and colleagues.