Mal's Memories 15

DO YOU remember meeting anyone who made a lasting impression on you?

When Labour Home Secretary Charles Clarke popped into the office with our local MPs John Smith and Alun Michael during a campaign visit to South Wales in the run-up to the General Election, it reminded me that I had been lucky enough to meet quite a few famous people during my career, including royalty, politicians and stars of the entertainment world.

Foremost among the politicians was ex-Prime Minister, Mr James Callaghan, who died recently on the eve of his 93rd birthday. I met him on a number of occasions and my lasting impression is that he was “a nice man”.

In my days as a young reporter I had the pleasure of watching performances by many of the leading singers of the time when they came to Cardiff, including a youthful band called The Rolling Stones, and lots of American superstars including Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Bo Didley, The Everley Brothers, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Jerry Lee Lewis.

I also met many of them back stage and it was Jerry Lee who sticks in my mind. Unlike some others he was not in a rush to get away and I enjoyed a chat.

Just as I was going he asked: “Who is your favourite singer of all time?” Anxious that I might offend the great man, I nervously replied: “It has to be Elvis.”

Of course, Elvis Presley never performed in the UK, and it is a lasting regret that I did not have the chance to see him live.

Taking me by the hand, Jerry Lee said: “Well you might never get to meet him, but you can shake the hand that’s shaken the hand of Elvis.”

I thought that was great.