I was a senior in college when my Dad called me and told he he had been working on a special new project. He went on to divulge he would be writing and arranging music for the first ever hip hop concert at Carnegie Hall with Wyclef Jean, and a cast of other famous characters.
He said he could only get one ticket, and that after discussing it with my Mom, they had both agreed that ticket should go to me.
At the time I went to college in Pennsylvania, and didn't have a car. I took the bus from PA to the Port Authority and made my way over to Carnegie Hall where I met my Dad.
He was wearing a tux, and I remember thinking he looked so handsome. He handed me my ticket and disappeared through the back entrance as he had to prepare. If he was nervous, it didn't show.
I went in and there was a true carnival like atmosphere. I was handed a mask and other props upon entering, I was so excited.
My seat was near the back but I could see the full stage. As I looked over the program my eyes grew wide. Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, and Eric Clapton were set to perform, just to name a few.
This was going to be something else I remember thinking. I sat next to couple who were excited, talking about how much they couldn't wait to see all these performers and how hard they had tried to get these 2 tickets.
I chimed in that my Dad was only able to get one ticket for me. They then asked, who is your Dad? I will never forget pointing to the stage. I remember pointing to the Conductor, MY DAD, and saying that's him.
I truly don't know when I have been more proud.
Then the lights lowered. It was about to begin. My Dad redid Gone Till November with a 60 piece orchestra. It was AMAZING. Even more so the back and forth between Wyclef and my Dad. After his death a dear girlfriend of mine gifted me with the DVD of that concert. He also rewrote the Destiny's Child song, Independent Women with violins, and it was incredible. I remember Whitney Huston talking to the first row and mentioning Clive Davis being present.
The whole experience was a wonderful blur, and then it was over. I exited the theater and waited out front for my Dad. He looked tired, but accomplished. The whole ride home he told me stories of Whitney's entourage making he and a well known reggae band exit the elevator. He also told me because his back was to the stage, he could barely hear anything that was happening behind him and it made him panic.
I told him it didn't show on stage. I also mentioned how excited and proud I was of him. We went out to eat at a Japanese restaurant, our favorite 'date spot' and continued to recap. He admitted, even he was surprised when Stevie Wonder showed up.
My Dad and I always shared a special bond, but on this day it really felt extra special.
Looking back I am so glad for days like that, and I have so many, I am so lucky.
Gone till November...
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