As a kid I watched in amazement as my father played 'the bones' and the spoons. By the time I was 7 years old I was playing the spoons in the neighborhood saloons in Greenwich Village and Chelsea areas of New York City. I'd go in with my shoe shine box and give shoe shines and play my spoons for the crowd. This was 1936 and we were in the depths of the Big Depression so the pennies and nickels were an incentive, but I loved playing the spoons so the offerings were just icing on the cake.
As the years passed I honed my craft and while in the army during the Korean War I entertained the soldiers at Fort Dix and West Point. By this time I added more singing to my spoon playing performances. In the mid sixties I was a guest on Cousin Bruce Morrows radio show. Cousin Brucie was the top D.J. on the radio.
I've entertained at parties, street fairs, Central Park, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and was a member of a Banjo Band that entertained veterans and community affairs. I was even requested to play my spoons at a wake because the family of the deceased were carrying out his wishes.
I'm still available to play at wakes and weddings and every other occasion.
You can contact The Original Mr. Spoons at Gardenias1@verizon.net