Golden Classics

by

Chi Coltrane

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I love Chi's debut album and still listen to my original vinyl version. I met Chi at the Hynes Auditorium/Convention Center in Boston years ago (1972, I think) when she was promoting this album. "Thunder and Lightening" was on the radio, and she was about to release "Go Like Elijah," I think. I was fifteen years old and my buddy and I took the bus into Boston to see her. We were very excited. I think we were her first groupies! We hung around with her half the day (or followed her around, I should say), until she called us over and put her arms around us and had a photo taken. I still have the big black and white glossy. Needless to say, I had a grin from ear to ear. Later my friend and I tried to sneak into a club where she was performing, but they kicked us out because we were under age. The club was right next to Fenway Park. I have some color snapshots I took of Chi hamming it up on Boylston Street, where she posed for us when leaving the Hynes. She seemed to be riding high that day. I thought she was going to be big. She was very sweet and kind to us; I won't forget her. I, too, though she was the next Carole King or Carly Simon. Her talent seemed large to me, even then. I love Chi's piano playing, her unique voice, and the heart-felt songs on this album. In fact, the photo of her sitting at the grand piano on the back of the original LP package is what first attracted me to this record. I remember she told me that she was either given this piano or she bought it because she liked it so much (or they liked her?). I was jealous! That piano was something my friend and I asked her about because we both played and didn't have pianos at home. I can still play a Chi song or two on the piano. "The Tree" and "I Will Not Dance" are two of my favorites. I was trying to convince her to release "I Will Not Dance" as a single--how bold! (Her manager said with the election coming up that year it was worth considering. It never happened though.) One last memory from that day in 1972.... My friend (Jim)-wherever he may be-and I called Chi at her hotel room the day after her Boston show. It was early and we woke her up! Chi actually answered the phone. She didn't say much and sounded groggy. I don't think she was too happy with her two best fans. I always wondered if our obsessive groupie (and lovesick) behavior is what drove her into seclusion! Chi, I'm sorry. Please come back. You were truly one of the best-and a nice person, to boot! Where did you go? I hope life's been good to you, Chi. (Joe)