A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR...

This is an open letter from me to our TIB family. I believe that from time to time each of us as Tops In Blue Priors need to reflect on what we can do to ensure the program's  continued success and to ensure that those who follow in our footsteps maintain the standards of excellence that have been the roots of the program since its inception. Our program's past is one that is deep in tradition. That tradition is one of "family entertaining family." It has been the basis for Tops In Blue since 1953. 

The program is not about us, the entertainers. It is about the people we entertain. I know that I'm from "the old school" and I realize that times change and that today's generation may have a different perspective on many issues. I believe, however, in regards to this program there can be only one proper perspective. 

Tops In Blue is not about individuals. It's about being a part of something very special; a program that has a vital mission. That is what we need to instill in those we come in contact with who want to be a part of it. It's not about the 5,000 people downtown that gave us a standing ovation at a convention center, it's about the 100 military men and women whose hearts we touched at that isolated site overseas. And it's about tradition-a tradition of being first class representatives of the Air Force. We all know this. But the key is sharing that knowledge with those who are looking to become Tops In Blue. 

Yes, Tom Edwards can lecture them at Worldwide and again at staging. But it should begin before that. It should begin with our first contact with these individuals. It's not enough to tell them how hard staging will be or how many long hours they'll have to put in. They need to know that they must be exemplary military men and women as well. They need to know that in the midst of the many challenges they will face on the road, they must still maintain the highest standards of conduct, even higher than their peers. 

As priors, we need to remember that every person that goes out on the road not only represents the Air Force and Tops In Blue, but they also represent us and a legacy of 46 years of excellence. As such, we need to do whatever we can to prepare our successors to handle that responsibility. Certainly we need to encourage as many people as possible to be a part of the program; the program can't survive without participants. But we need to do as much as we can to make sure those people are informed and prepared; people who know that Tops In Blue is not just something to. It is a serious program that requires a total commitment-24/7. Tops In Blue gave each of us a golden opportunity, not to be a star, but to be a hero. It's up to us to ensure that the tradition continues.  

-- T.A. Burrows

FLASHBACK:  TOPS IN BLUE 1979 - THE WIZ

The year was 1979. Disco was as hot as ever and on Broadway, "The Wizard of Oz" found new life in a jazzed up remake entitled "The Wiz." And as always, Tops In Blue was right on time, capturing the disco beat and the magic of the "The Wiz."  

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The show began with  dazzling mirrored balls and sparkling chase lights, as TIB's "Wiz", Wendell Anderson, opened with "Pure Imagination" and then invited a "shy" Brenna Hamilton up from the audience to sing. At first she wasn't very good, but with encouragement she not only got better, but set the stage on fire with Donna's Summer's "Last Dance."  A medley of disco hits followed, with slick choreography and wardrobe that was right out of Studio 54. Following the opening, the show presented the hottest music straight from the top of the charts. Highlights included The Bee Gees, Barry Manilow, a hot instrumental by the Heavy Blue Express, an incredible three couple duet set, and a hilarious Superhero set, featuring the band in full costume, as Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and others. 

The centerpiece of the show was TIB's abbreviated, yet spectacular version of "The Wiz."  Backed by exceptional costuming and staging, the cast performed the best of the Broadway musical. From the songs of the Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow to those obnoxious crows, (featuring Bernie Rone) to the heartless witch, Evilene, TIB's version was as good if not better than the original. In the finale, Carol Desroches as Dorothy had the audience spellbound with a heartfelt version of "Home," and the show closed with a high energy rendition of "Brand New Day."  As audiences filed out of theaters around the world, humming that tune, it was clear that Tops In Blue had given them yet another night to remember.

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?

Ernest is now living in University Heights, Ohio where he invests in Real Estate and is working full time at MBNA America Marketing Systems. He's also a member of the 179th Air National Guard located in Mansfield, Ohio. In his spare time, Ernest still plays guitar and he's done some studio work with a few musicians from New York and plays part time in and around Cleveland.

 

Name	Specialty	Tour
Mark Fletcher	Tour Director	Tops In Blue '93 (One Song, One Voice)

Mark is currently stationed at Andersen AB, Guam where he works as a radio and television broadcaster.  When he's not on the air on base, he's working as a DJ for an R&B station downtown, 94 JAMZ, under the name of "Hollywood Harrison."  Mark's also still doing quite a bit of singing and the group he sings with has opened for such performers as Coolio and Martha & The Vandellas.

Sue toured as Sue Williams back in 1980. In 1982 she married Jeff Harrison, an Air Force physician assistant. Sue's out of the military these days but she's more than busy. The couple has three boys; Joshua age 16, Mathew age 11, and Timothy age 11.  Sue and Jeff reside in Pikeville, N.C., near to Seymour Johnson AFB, where he is stationed.

Although he was a thundering bassist, Marquis was best remembered for his role as "Little Richard" in the '78 show. He got a commission in 1989 and is currently a Major in the Air National Guard on Statutory Tour with Headquarters First Air Force at Tyndall AFB, Florida.  And at the of 44, he's about to become a dad for the very first time. Here's hoping that if it's a girl, he doesn't name her "Lucille" or "Miss Molly!"