Well I know HE wasn't every one's cup of tea...but for me, the world was better because of Soupy Sales! His passion was having fun, it came through in everything he did. Soupy was one of the first things my dad and shared together, the others were the classic comedy teams (3 Stooges, Marx Brothers and Laurel & Hardy) and of course the Looney Tunes. My dad and I loved to laugh and Soupy to us was "local boy makes good"...He started out on Channel 7 here in Detroit, then went onto L.A., then New York. The world was loving our Soupy!
One of my greatest memories was upon returning from Scout summer camp, I was informed that my parents were taking me to SEE Soupy that night. Soupy was performing his standup at the Top Hat dinner club over in Windsor and we were going. Between shows I took my program backstage for an autograph, scared beyond my years of 12. But the thought of meeting a real celebrity, one that I had known and loved for years drove me through the body of adults mulling about. Once I stood before my idol I was met with his beaming, trademark 
smile and he said "Well hello there young fellow." I felt a warmth instantly. "How can I help you today?" he continued. When I asked for his autograph---if it wouldn't be too much trouble...he was most obliging, and thanked ME. What made the interaction so perfect was that for years, everyone accept my mom, misspelled my name. Even my pediatrician consistently spelled Alan with two L's and an E! So when my hero asked how I spelled Alan, "is it A-L-A-N?" I was floored, stunned, almost speechless. I managed to blurt out "Yes" and "Thank you" that seemed to catch every one's attention. It was obvious to Soupy and all the adults mulling about, that he had made my day --- and he loved it! Soupy laughed and announced to everyone that THIS is why he does what he does, happy kids are what it's all about. And suddenly I was the focal point of attention backstage.
smile and he said "Well hello there young fellow." I felt a warmth instantly. "How can I help you today?" he continued. When I asked for his autograph---if it wouldn't be too much trouble...he was most obliging, and thanked ME. What made the interaction so perfect was that for years, everyone accept my mom, misspelled my name. Even my pediatrician consistently spelled Alan with two L's and an E! So when my hero asked how I spelled Alan, "is it A-L-A-N?" I was floored, stunned, almost speechless. I managed to blurt out "Yes" and "Thank you" that seemed to catch every one's attention. It was obvious to Soupy and all the adults mulling about, that he had made my day --- and he loved it! Soupy laughed and announced to everyone that THIS is why he does what he does, happy kids are what it's all about. And suddenly I was the focal point of attention backstage. I thanked Mr. Sales---vaguely remember shaking his hand, heard him thank me for coming to see him while my eyes became transfixed on the program he had handed back to me. In very clear letters it said "To Alan, best wishes, Soupy Sales".
I clutched the program as I walked back to parents, rarely taking my eyes off what he had written. My mother knew the frustration that I had endured with my name. (Seems like a simple thing, but when your own family doctor doesn't pay attention...well I was 12, lots of stuff was more traumatic back then) Mom was thrilled on that little detail, that little consideration Mr. Sales had given me. She had never totally "gotten" Soupy like dad and I had, but that night her opinion of him grew.
So with that, I will miss Soupy. For any of you too young remember I encourage you to search, explore and experience the one and only Soupy Sales! There was a collection through Rhino Records that you might want to track down. Anyways, thanks for reading along, until next time, stay tuned.
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