That song was the much lesser-known sequel to the Big Bopper’s only top ten hit “Chantilly Lace”. It was one of his many resurrected songs that became popular with the crowd, and it was one of our favorites too. Sure enough, Buster started his encore with the dedication and The Big Bopper’s Wedding.

One night, my friends and I were seated at one of those back tables when the band came to the bar after their second set. David sat at a stool right opposite us. I yelled over, “Hey Buster, our friend Eddie is getting married tomorrow. Could you play “The Big Bopper’s Wedding” for him?”

While Buster’s stage persona was built on the artifice of an unctuous lounge lizard, David’s connection with the audience was warm and genuine. In the small room, his humorous tales had the feel of a conversation instead of a performance.

The story goes that David wanted a place close to his apartment to hang out and play the old jump blues, swing, and pop novelty songs he loved. He talked the owner of Tramps into giving him a regular Monday gig. The gig became an open secret among regulars of the Manhattan music scene.

Caveats:
• In the order I thought of them and reached ten
• Ask me again tomorrow and I’ll probably come up with a different list
• I excluded teams, e.g. Lennon/McCartney, Leiber/Stoller, Hayes/Porter
• Except for Woody, I didn’t try to compare pre-1960’s songwriters, e.g. Cole Porter, Berlin...

• Bob Dylan
• Lou Reed
• John Prine
• Woody Guthrie
• Prince
• Sly Stone
• Smokey Robinson
• Elvis Costello
• Neil Young
• Bob Marley

I just came back from my polling station a few minutes ago. I was disappointed to see my ballot was only the 62nd cast on that machine today. Low turnout is never good news.

Today's the day - you have from 6AM to 9PM to vote. Don't know where? Find your polling place here citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/find-polling...