MIAMI BEACH AND THE NIGHT I MET DIANA ROSS [SORT OF]

It's 1967 I am still in college and have a part time job. A friend and I decide we would like to go to Miami Beach during the December holiday break. We planned to fly. I had never been on a plan and was very excited about flying. It was already December 1, late to book a flight to Florida for the holidays. This of course was in the "olden days". You either called the airlines or a travel agent to book flights.

I start to call airlines that fly to Miami. I was told all flights to the Miami area were booked solid around the holidays. I was told not to be discouraged by the person at the reservation desk. {I am young and not discouraged}. She advised me that flights are usually added to Florida in December. In addition, some people will cancel their plans. She suggested that I call back twice a day to check if anything has come available. I do this every day for about two weeks, we get a flight just when we wanted to go. By the way I am told we have no seats available around the time you would like to return. We will sell you a round-trip ticket with what's called an open reservation for your return. When you get to Florida start the routine again of calling twice a day. Don't worry you will get back. I did not worry, and we got back.

What about a reservation at a place we can afford. We had names of places where young people like to stay that are reasonable. Again, we quickly find out places are booked. My friend tells his father our dilemma. His father has a successful business and is a nice person. He say's don't worry. I will give you my American Express card. When you get to Miami rent a car on me. Drive to Miami beach drive around you will find a room. You are young have a good time.

My dad drops us off at the airport on a snowy Monday morning. I may have forgot to tell my parent's that we did not have a place to stay. I guess that does not matter anymore. We land in Miami on a beautiful sunny hot Monday afternoon. We retrieve our luggage and head straight to a car rental desk. My buddy is quickly told your name is not on this card. Your father should have given you a letter authorizing to use his card. By the way we don't rent cars to people under twenty-five. Welcome to Florida. Have a nice day, take a cab.

We go to the cab stand and tell the cab driver we want to go to Miami Beach but we do not have a place stay. He says he can't help us but directs us to nearby limousine driver who he says can be of help. We talk to the limo driver. He say's don't worry I can help you get in the car. [why does everyone think we are worried?} He takes us directly to a motel that fits the bill. The motel is in a good location tucked in between two very nice hotels. He tells us to wait in the car. He's back in a few minutes. He tells us no problem. {who thought there was a problem?} We have a room for as long as we want. We pay and tip the driver an extra five dollars each. {this is the sixties pre inflation.} The people at the desk were actually very nice. They tell us that Frank Sinatra Jr. had recently stayed at the motel while appearing in town. Things have really gone our way.

That night we go out exploring. Miami Beach is very busy. All the big hotel lobbies are very crowded. You need a jacket and tie to get into the nicer hotels. But you know me I was ready and wearing a sport coat and tie. We walk into the lobby of the Fontainebleau Hotel. Things continue to go our way. I bump into a girl I know from Detroit who is on vacation with her family. She is waiting to meet her friend who has also come down with her family.

Suddenly we have dates and are going next door to the Edon Roc hotel to see Little Anthony and the Imperials. Everyone remembers their big hits. "Tears on my pillow,1959." "Going out of my head,1964." Hurts so bad,1965." This is just the first day of the trip.

Christmas Eve is two nights later. We have found out that Diana Ross and the Supremes maybe my favorite performers at the time will be performing a mid-night show that night at another big hotel in Miami. I go there and buy tickets. Twenty-Five dollars a person. 'Again, before inflation." We are given a table next to the isle that leads from a back entrance to the stage. The lights go down. The music begins. I look to my left and standing inches from me waiting to make her entrance is Diana Ross. I look right at her and smile. I can't be sure, but I think she gave me a quick smile back as she began to sing and make her entrance.

They did a great show singing all of the big hits. I have always felt that I kind of connected with Diana that night. I wonder does she often think of seeing me that night in Miami Beach many years ago.

Yes, I do sometimes think to myself did Frank Sinatra Jr. really stay at that motel?

WRITTEN BY

RON TURETT