Bittersweet memories of Beirut, poking fun in a rabbi’s retirement video, a song parody performed by Ronnie Hawkins and very funny baby photos that have gone viral – all in our second issue of ‘Life Stories.'

The debut issue of our newsletter (Jan. 26) was warmly received. More than 40 people reached out with comments, feedback and congratulations. An old friend, Deborah, asked how we were able to get Christopher Plummer to appear in a gala video (answer: he was a childhood friend of the honouree in Montreal). We also heard from a Richmond, Virginia client with whom we’d lost touch. Tony wrote: “Bob, great hearing from you and finding out the rumors of your demise were premature. I often reflect on you as we continue to introduce new friends to Gary’s (65th birthday) video, 'Great Man of Leisure.' Trust everything is going well.”

Great news that larger live gatherings are returning to Ontario. But be it live, virtual or hybrid, we and other entertainment suppliers are at your service.

Hope you enjoy Life Stories 2.0

- Bob Pomerantz, founder, YLP

Life Legends

Ronnie Hawkins

"Wanna smoke a joint with me before the recording session?” he asked. It was 1998 and I was with singer Ronnie Hawkins at his farm near Peterborough, Ontario, recording a parody of "Johnny Be Goode" for a surprise 50th birthday video for Heather Reisman, owner of the Indigo stores chain.

The rockabilly musician was a total charmer and non-stop raconteur: half his stories seemed to revolve around fellow Arkansas native Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson and some of Ronnie’s other pals from his old back-up group, “The Hawks”, who went on to form “The Band” and achieve huge fame. He waxed nostalgic about Bob Dylan and told a sad story about a former business manager, who ran off to Europe with a chunk of his money. A character, yes, but when it came time to work, Rompin’ Ronnie was a total pro and he and his band delivered the goods.

Here’s the music video we recorded with Ronnie: