[Trombone-l] Homer Rodeheaver

[Dan Thornton]

I just found some interesting trivia. I have often wondered how Homer
Rodeheaver would use his trombone as an aid in leading huge crowds in
congregational singing. (Rodeheaver was evangelist Billy Sunday's music
director from about 1910-1930.) Here's the interesting story I found.

 

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"During his around-the-nation trek with Billy Sunday, Dr. Rodeheaver's famed
trombone averted crowd panic on two different occasions.

 

"In Kansas a severe wind storm struck in the middle of the closing meeting
of a revival campaign. Lightning, thunder and heavy rains, as well as
near-hurricane winds caused chaos under the big canvas. Winds began to pull
the big tent poles. The top and sides began to sag. One of the quarter poles
fell, striking a woman on the head. The crowd was prepared to panic, nearly
everyone jumped up to run. Dr. Rodeheaver picked up his trombone and began
to play. The crowd quieted down. He was able to maintain the crowd's
attention until the storm ended. Newspapers headlined Rodeheaver's action. A
similar incident occurred in Toledo, O., when a section of bleachers
crumbled in the armory where a meeting was being held. Again Dr.
Rodeheaver's trombone saved the day."

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[copied from http://yesteryear.clunette.com/rodeheaver.html]

 

Dan