The Copacabana
 An Illustrated History by Kristin Baggelaar
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             Nick Riggio elaborated on his initial comments about the great Tony Bennett in an exchange of e-mails with The Copacabana author Kris Baggelaar.  He also included a copy of a letter from Tony to Robert W. Dana, "Tips on Tables" columnist for the now-defunct New York World-Telegram and Sun.  Dana gave Tony glowing reviews for his Copa engagement. 
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Image Courtesy of the Big Bands and Big Names Website
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In a message dated 9/25/2009 6:42:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, kristinbaggelaar@yahoo.com writes:  

Hi Nick,   

Nice to hear from you.  I saw Tony Bennett last year at Westbury (Long Island), and he STILL put on a great, great show!  The guy is amazing - the consummate entertainer, something from another world & time, unlike today's "stars," huh?  His voice was as fine as ever, maybe better than ever, and his storytelling superb.  The only 1957 Copa show that I have any info about is the one he did in February of that year (he was probably the Valentine offering); when you mentioned that you saw him after your high school graduation, I assume that was late spring, right?  On the bill with him in February was the comedy team of Davis & Reese, the Coronados, and, of course, the Copa Girls.  He received rave reviews.  

I'd like to add your correspondence to the Copa Guest Book, if you don't mind; thanks in advance.  

Best regards,  
Kris  
 

To: kristinbaggelaar@yahoo.com  
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009  
Subject: Tony Bennett at the Copa  
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Kris, yes, my prom was in May of 1957.  Tony was fabulous!  It is funny that we are talking about Tony.  An author by the name of David Evanier is writing a book about TONY.   It will be released in two years (spring 2011) to coincide with Tony's 85th birthday.    
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I know Tony a bit and have a huge scrapbook dating to 1953.  I saw the ad for the show you mentioned in my scrapbook!    In any event, I am sure that David would like to interview you, since you worked with Tony at the Copa.  If you want, I can send him your e-mail address.  I loved the Copa. I went there several times to see Tony.  I have been sending David copies of articles from the Daily News and Journal-American about TONY at the Copa.   If you'd like copies, I would be glad to send them to you.   
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Just say the word.  Thank you for contacting me.   I am dedicated to advancing the word about TONY'S greatness.   I always have!  
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Nick Riggio 
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In a message dated 9/27/2009 6:38:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, kristinbaggelaar@yahoo.com writes: 
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Hi Nick, 
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That is wonderful news about David Evanier working on a bio about Tony Bennett.  David is a great writer.  I'm familiar with a couple of his books, Making the Wiseguys Weep (about Jimmy Rosselli) and Roman Candle (Bobby Darin).  But I think you might have misunderstood - I never worked w/ Tony, or anyone, at the Copa.  I only wrote about it! 
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Thanks for sending along the info about Tony - he is truly a marvel - I love him. 
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Best, 
Kris 
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To: kristinbaggelaar@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Subject: I have your book!

Kristin, WOW!  What memories!  I loved the book and the Copa!  I also remember Terri Stevens singing Unsuspecting Heart in the 50's.  I never knew she was so instrumental at the Copa.  I saw many photos of her in your book and that song is in my head!  Now I have to go find it and buy it!  LOL
  
Great book!

Nick Riggio
 


            Nick Riggio was also kind enough to supply information on reviews received by a variety of performers appearing at the Copa over the years.  CLICK HERE for links to those reviews. 
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