Page Wilson's memorable performance of 'This Land Is Your Land'

Hearing "This Land Is Your Land" during Biden's inauguration brought a tear to my eye, because it prompted a vivid flash of memory: 

The setting was the Biograph Theatre's 30th anniversary party at Poe's Pub, an event I produced and promoted in 2002. Leading up to it, as I planned what would go where, I was a little surprised when Page Wilson volunteered to lead off the show. So the bands performed in the order seen on the poster (as seen on the right). Films were presented between bands.

Page knew exactly how he wanted to start the party, but he kept it to himself. First, he eulogized the long-dead theater (1972-87), generously, for the ears of a friendly crowd that had gathered to remember it fondly. 

Then Page looked my way and said, "This one's for you, my friend." 

Page sang a slow version of "This Land is Your Land." That night his rendition of the Woody Guthrie classic was a far cry from most of his usual suitable-for-a-saloon material. Truth be told, when boisterous Page Wilson (who died at 56 in 2011) wanted to, yes, he could wring a lot of feeling out of a song. Feb. 17, 2002, he made that great Woody Guthrie song sound like a heartfelt hymn. The packed bar was quiet as he sang.

Then the party got underway and of course most of us did what we could to follow the old Biograph's sturdy motto: "Have a Good Time." The live music made that goal easier to reach. Making sure no one went thirsty for long, Chuck Wrenn, the Biograph's original assistant manager, was the bartender of record for this special occasion. 

Flashback Update: For info about hearing radio broadcasts gathered from Page's old show, “Out O’ the Blue Radio Revue”, go here.  

-- 30 --