|
Memories of Carl Perkins by Wayne Combs, a former
broadcaster at WSGS & WKIC (1958 - 1962) In my freshman year at MC Napier High School, I first met David Porter, a senior. A few years after his 1957 graduation, I was surprised to see David again. In 1959 he contacted me at WKIC about becoming involved in a concert promotion. In the youthful zeal of a 17 year old, I envisioned the booking of Carl Perkins with warm-up group, The Casuals, at Memorial Gym as a way to make money. I think the William Morris Agency handled the booking. David and I made all the right moves in promoting the Saturday night concert. We had flyers and posters printed and advertised in the Hazard Herald and on WKIC. However, our funds were limited and we could not advertise extensively. At MC Napier, I promoted the concert between my classes and at lunch while David tried to get the word out at Dilce Combs and Hazard High Schools. Obviously, the low budget promotion did not produce results. Also, shortage of time was a factor. David had learned of Carl’s availability at the last moment. Noting the lack of advance sales, we knew the concert was in trouble. Comments heard on the street were very disturbing. Over and over, people with the same question kept asking, "Why should I have to pay to see a politician at Hazard’s Memorial Gym?" Therefore, the confusion surrounding Carl Perkins, the politician and Carl Perkins, the singer, can be understood to a certain extent. Regarding the financial arrangements for the concert, Carl Perkins was set-up to receive 60 % of the gate sales and we would get 40%. As contracts from that time period usually stated, if a certain figure (I don’t remember the exact amount) wasn’t reached, then the performer got everything. The bottom line was that he did get all the money collected. Therefore, David and I lost around $300.00 on gym rent and the cost for advertising. However, Carl Perkins was a very nice man. Being a caring person, I believe that the end results bothered him because we were young and inexperienced. After the concert, he wanted to know where to get something to eat. David suggested a new restaurant in Hazard called "The Shamrock." Carl treated us to a steak dinner! The pleasure of eating with a famous singer, the warm-up group, the road band, etc. totally amazed me. They were such a fun-loving group. Speaking for myself, the loss of money was temporally forgotten that night in the restaurant. Do you have a photograph or memory of Carl Perkins' 1959 concert at Memorial Gym in Hazard? Share it with us at HazardKentucky.com Home | Early Years | 30's & 40s | 50's & 60s | 70's & beyond |
