Sal Capozucca

The original Birdland. That was my home. It had big bands, small groups, I saw everyone, Dizzy, Stan Kenton, Ella, Bird .... and I knew Pee Wee, the MC. There'd be a line around the corner and he'd let me right in. There were a lot of other jazz clubs on 52nd Street back then. That's also where I saw Billie Holiday. That was a treat. I was shaking. I was standing because the place was jammed and she almost brushed into me. She had a gardenia in her hair. I couldn't believe I was there. I only saw her once and that once was enough.