Dick Renna When Dick Renna, St. Louis Music legend, was asked about his biggest thrill in the world of professional musicians he replied a la Stan Musial style, “Just playing was a big thrill.” He chuckled and added, “It was a big thrill getting a contract, too.” A native St. Louisan, Renna grew up in South St. Louis by the Compton Hill Water Tower on Grand Avenue. His first musical instrument acquired at age 15 was an accordion. “All good Italian mothers wanted their sons to play the accordion,” he explained. Renna and his good buddy Jack Whalen started entering all the amateur contests that were so big in the late ‘30s. Jackie sang while Dick played. “We almost always took first prize” said Dick with all due modesty.” We even played at the old Garrick Theatre (a St. Louis burlesque house) when we were 18 or 19.” Does anyone know if Dick Renna is still alive?----Jim

Dear Jim, Does the name Ted Steiter (not sure of spelling) sound familiar to you (or any other member of the mailing list) as an entertainer in St. Louis-late '20s through the 40s or 50s? Georgia Jims505@aol.com wrote: > Dick Renna > > When Dick Renna, St. Louis Music legend, was asked about his biggest thrill > in the world of professional musicians he replied a la Stan Musial style, “Just > playing was a big thrill.” He chuckled and added, “It was a big thrill > getting a contract, too.” > > A native St. Louisan, Renna grew up in South St. Louis by the Compton Hill > Water Tower on Grand Avenue. His first musical instrument acquired at age 15 > was an accordion. “All good Italian mothers wanted their sons to play the > accordion,” he explained. > > Renna and his good buddy Jack Whalen started entering all the amateur > contests that were so big in the late ‘30s. Jackie sang while Dick played. “We > almost always took first prize” said Dick with all due modesty.” We even played at > the old Garrick Theatre (a St. Louis burlesque house) when we were 18 or 19.” > > Does anyone know if Dick Renna is still alive?----Jim > > > > ==== MO-STLOUIS-METRO Mailing List ==== > To unsubscribe from this list, email MO-STLOUIS-METRO-L-request@rootsweb.com; in the subject line, put only the word UNSUBSCRIBE with nothing in the message body. You can contact Michelle or Laura at MO-STLOUIS-METRO-admin@rootsweb.com.