Pat Rocco (1934-2018) made my genius list because he did so many things and did most of them very well. After coming out as gay in Pasadena at age 13, he had to finish high school at home by correspondence course because he refused to hide his sexuality. He had his own Los Angeles radio show singing at age 16 and was a regular singer on the Tennessee Ernie Ford TV show by his late teens. Here's just a partial list of his professional credits: Radio, television, records, at least three types of print media, films, stage plays, pageants, and drag shows. And on top of that, he was a tireless and pre-eminent campaigner for Gay Rights and orgainizer in the gay community. In my world, that's a genius. Get some popcorn, guys. This is going to be a long one.
Jerry, this series is so good and so informational that I don't have the words. "Good job" is the best I can do right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leroy!
DeleteWhat a legacy he has left for us. I would love to go through the collection at UCLA one day. Beautiful series Jerry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat!
DeleteThanks so much for this series. Really moved me to find out about Pat Rocco and all he did. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYou're quite welcome, and I appreciate the compliment!
DeleteRocco is his mother's maiden name, he may have changed after his father divorced and remarried.
ReplyDeletePasquale Pat Vincent Serrapica Rocco
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/GGRC-QMB
Interesting. I had no idea.
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