House Members with young Wallis
1963 was a big year for me. I was preparing
to go into the army, had marriage on my mind, had my new Corvette
Sting Ray and my career was on the rise.
While working a club in Oklahoma City, some members of the
State Legislature came in. I had a running "heckler"
battle with that group, and since it was all good natured, everyone
had fun.
Because I had lived in Oklahoma City, I knew about the local
politics and recognized some of the politicians.The legislature
was in session, and that meant most of the representatives and
senators were away from home.
Word quickly spread among them that my show was fun, and we
quickly became a "standing room only" club, with a
long line waiting outside. Small club, big legislature.
Speaker of the House, J.D. McCartney was among
those who came to the club, and I had a lot of fun with him
and another "portly" member, having the audience visualize
them in tights, one standing on a small tower, with the other
on a teeter board, waiting to be catapulted into the air onto
the shoulders of another lean, thin, house member.
The story didn't really need a punch line.
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House Speaker J.D. McCartney
Having attended Oklahoma University and entertaining to make
money there, I had been on all of the OKC radio and TV shows many
times, and knew most of the news people pretty well.
Bill Tippit, a long time friend and cameraman,
was a regular at my shows, and unless he was on assignment, he
was there enjoying night after night. From covering the legislature
in his job, Bill knew most of the Oklahoma House and Senate.
Early one morning, and I do mean early...It was before ten o'clock,
Bill called and told me to get dressed. Put on a suit and he would
be by to pick me up in a half hour. He wouldn't answer any questions,
so as I stumbled around dressing and trying to get the sleep out
of my eyes, there was a knock and I was gone.
I still didn't have a clue as we drove up to the area of the
State Capitol Building. I had no idea where the legislature met.
Other than at the club where I was working.
Bill escorted me into the building and as we entered, I could
see where we were. The House was in session, and they were loudly
debating a bill.
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Reserved for the
Resolution
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Suddenly, I was spotted at the back of the room, the action changed
from debate to praise,
I stood there, bleary eyes becoming teary eyes as the resolution
was read before the entire House. It had been submitted by several
house members and was presented to me by the Speaker.
I left as quickly as I had entered, the debate began again, but
I left as "Oklahoma's Best Comedian" according to the
HR
THANKS TO THOSE FINE PEOPLE!
During that same run, I was invited to appear on "Hollywood
Talent Scouts" on CBS. That had to wait until after the army.
1963 was a great year!
Jimmy Wallis May 20, 2006
Note: I have copies of the resolution and will
post details when I find them!
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