Cuckoo
- Jane Rosemont
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
It was a Thursday night in Los Angeles. I was hanging out at House of Pies with friend and actor Jim Hoffmaster, subject of my film Acting Like Nothing is Wrong. Throughout my years of spending time in LA, House of Pies has remained a favorite venue for us and our friends.
A man I have noticed there many times before was dining alone. A striking, lanky older gentleman, he always wears a bedazzled peaked hat and a wool, black uniform of sorts accessorized with gold trim, pins, and turquoise & silver jewelry. You can't not notice him.
I've seen the way he saunters in, or out. He always holds my attention.
After Jim and I were seated I debated aloud about asking Mystery Man if I could photograph him. Truth be told I’m shy about approaching someone in public, a subject I address in
my very first blog, “Don’t Be Shy."
Jim encouraged me, so I walked over and introduced myself by name and as a photographer. “I’ve noticed you before” I said. “I love” - and I pointed - “your hat, your jewelry, your big smile.” I asked him to tell me about himself and he said “You’re too young to remember, but I used to be in a band.” Well aware that I look younger than I am, I said “Try me.”
“The Chambers Brothers” he responded. "We had a hit song with 'Time Has Come Today.'
You’re damn right I remember! “Time" was big in 1968, when I was in high school.
“I’m Willie Chambers” he said, clearly pleased I knew the song. Willie, along with his brother Joe, wrote that “psychedelic anthem” as it is often described. Their brother Lester sang lead.
I sat there, somewhat stunned. Tears welled in my eyes as I pulled together his past with mine. Over 50 years later there we were, two individuals with polar backgrounds having a chat. The Chambers Brothers had performed at the iconic venue Grande Ballroom in Detroit as did Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc. I was too young to attend those concerts, and frankly, oblivious about these soon-to-be world sensations. But on the opposite side of town, in my pink bedroom on Riad Avenue, I danced to "Time."
If you remember the song, you will know the “cuckoo” reference. You can hear it just 4 seconds in. Funny how little nuggets from a song become indelibly etched in our minds.
I have access to Willie's contact info but what would I say? "Meet you at House of Pies"?
Maybe I'll do just that.
