Celebrate Autobiography Birth - 20 years!

I’ve been sick and hospitalized twice since September 16, 2022. It’s all I can do to face this computer screen and my audience again.

However, October 10, 2002, I began my first emails to the famous Canadian – American Chicago Radio DJ, Bob Dearborn. Never before has an autobiography gone out to the media. It’s historical. Everything we have since the 1970s is repetitive and hypnotic.

To begin with, Dearborn’s famous for starting talk radio in Texas in the 1970s on his midnight call-in show. He also did the analysis of the Don McLean Song, “Bye, Bye Miss American Pie.” And yes, it’s the end of the White American pie or Whites if there aren’t changes put into effect. Not only in government but in White minds, hearts, and bodies.

My First Emails 20 years ago

How did my autobiography start? In 2001, after the 9/11 World Trade Centers’ Tragedy, the USA war in Afghanistan and the Middle East had started and was predicted to last for 100 years.

Then, I entered a contest: “If you were to write your autobiography, what would be the title and why?”

In addition, I wrote for the first time in my life. I said I came from a large family of 15. My life episodes were like popular tunes, country, blues, rock’n’roll, and hymns. Above all, they were like a symphony since God wove a silver thread harmonizing, helping, and healing our broken lives.

At first – I wanted the title to be a melodic love ballad by Petula Clark – “This Is My Song.” Lyrics and video. ^[i] I won an Italian leather journal and lighted pen.

However, I stared at the pages, felt paralyzed, and unable to write. I used it to count how many glasses of wine I consumed daily. Although I never drank in my life until Mama’s funeral dinner in 1996, I had turned into an alcoholic. I read that most White writers are addicted. I don’t consume alcohol or drugs now.

After winning the contest, I felt a divine impulse to buy an eMachine. After I discovered the Internet, I found a Chicago Oldies radio station.

On my blog is the first historical email I sent to radio, DJ Dick Biondi on January 24, 2002, three months after the 9/11 Tragedy. My writings showed I adored and worshipped non-Whites. “Autobio: How I Became Addicted to Jews and Blacks.” ^[ii] I also went to the radio station and left a book for him at the radio reception desk. It was about Elvis and his early radio interviews when he often talked about Jesus.

But it wasn’t until October that I called into the station. DJ Bob Dearborn had asked the audience to request songs with “summer” in the title. Off the air, I told him I wanted to hear “Summer Nights” from the movie Grease. “Could I sing it on the airwaves?” ^[iii] The White DJ gave me his email and said to write him, but added he received 500 daily, so not to expect an answer. I did sing. I did write.

Barbara Ann, Sandy Olsson from the movie “Grease.” Queen of Karaoke self-made/designed costumed character (1 of 300) queenofkaraoke.com

Barbara Ann as Sandy Olsson from the movie “Grease.” Queen of Karaoke self-made/designed costumed character (1 of 300) queenofkaraoke.com

On Thursday, October 10, 2002, at 9:10 a.m., the DJ emailed back. “I’d love to learn more about you as seen through your eyes instead of getting on the Barbie Bandwagon because other people have. I’d like to know who you are – your authentic self.”

I saved the floppy disks, flash drives, and documents. His demand for unearthing my real identity fired up many lengthy emails to unlimited recipients until today. I’ll be eternally grateful to him because the DJ’s insistence birthed my autobiography – the first in history to go out to the media. Bob’s original reply to my email and my response are on my blog. ^[iv]

Here’s a Dearborn sound clip that I put on Sound Cloud to petition his name for the Radio Hall of Fame. ^[v] Also, a YouTube. ^[vi] The radio station played 1960s Oldies music such as the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer.” I blogged my parody of the song since it seemed to sing about my life and autobiography. ^[vii] When he mentioned “Skate downtown,” I had gone to his WJMK radio station’s “Skate on State.” I fell backward, smashed my head, imagined lying in a pool of blood, reversed my thinking, and was healed.