The year was 1978 and Dolly Parton was in town for a concert. Ed Koch, being Ed Koch, just had...
to give her the keys to city.
City Hall, in those days, always had something going on, and Koch would always hang with the people on the steps when he had the chance. He rarely went as far as the park where hundreds were having takeout lunch, and some of us suspected he just didn't want to know about all the pot smoke. City hall was open for tours in those days, and was a fairly popular place.
(Giuliani eventually walled off the whole mess and posted armed guards. He claimed it was because of 9-11, but we knew it was because he was just a mean, antisocial prick.)
Back to Koch. I happened to be eating a hero sandwich under a tree in the park when the commotion started. Dolly showed up to get her key, and Ed started the usual speech.
Dolly interrupted him to explain she loved the City, and loved Hizzoner and to prove it she brought a couple of sidemen-- covers were pulled off of amps and drums and she gave us a free set. Koch was speechless for once in his life, Dolly sang two or three songs, and we citizens were absolutely bowled over. (Especially the ones who shared a bowl)
Life was simpler then.
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especially her charming musical laugh.
