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Driveway Moment: Remembering Times Past

Teri Guy driveway moment

I have been known to sit in my car in driveways or parking lots all over town listening to the end of a story on Utah Public Radio.  It is wonderful to get caught up in a story about a place far far away or a time in history or the future.  I particularly enjoy stories on Morning Edition and All Things Considered.  

One that stands out in my mind was just last fall on Morning Edition.  There was a great story on Harry Belafonte.  Of course my children remember him more from "The Banana Boat Song" in Beatlejuice.  I grew up listening to his music and enjoyed his wistful voice and Caribbean beats in songs such as "Day-O."  He is part of my growing up in the 50's and 60's.  Belafonte was the first black actor to win an Emmy in 1959.

What captivated me most about this story, was his friendship with Sidney Poitier who was born only 8 days before Belafonte.  They grew up together in Harlem and have been life long friends.  I had no idea!  As young men, they would buy one ticket to the theatre, one would see the first half and then they would trade at intermission and the other would see the second half of a performance.  I can still hear Sidney Poitier saying "They call me Mr. Tibbs!"  in the movie In the Heat of the Night.  Poitier was the first black actor to win the academy award in 1963 for Lilies of the Field.   Both men have been strong civil rights and humanitarian activists.

Listening to Harry Belafonte share his life experiences on the radio and telling about his love of his friend Sidney Poitier captivated me.  It took me back to my childhood and helped me to appreciate the gift of a life long friendship. 

If you've enjoyed  reminiscing your youth through programming on Utah Public Radio, join me and becoming a member, or donating what you can.