"Several Guys Called Elmer"
A long time ago in Orlando
Sullivan's Trailways Country Music Nightclub advertised:
"Elmer Fudpucker", country comedian, with hit records.
His real name was Hollis Champion.
Misty and I and some friends went to the club on opening night
and the Elmer Fudpucker that night was Mack Vickery,
another Nashville recording artist and songwriter.
He was dressed like Elmer
and doing Champion's comedy act.
Someone told us
that Hollis Champion had more bookings than he could handle,
and had trained a couple of other guys to do the act,
allowing engagements all over the country
at the same time.
Fudpucker's comedy was primarily famous on the radio,
but not many people knew what he looked like,
so the strategy apparently worked.
Copyright © Dec. 23, 2004, Jack Blanchard. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission.
