The Peppermint Twisters

Ed Rudy part 2

Here is part 2 of the Ed Rudy article.   I will post part 3 next week.  This was found in issue #46 (from April 1984) issue of With a Little Help From my Friends.

So much for Ed's story that George stayed home.  You can see him here with his sister, Louise.

This is the only color photograph I know of that show the guys going to the night clubs.  Notice that Ringo is here with his date, Geri Miller (who I have posted a story about in the past)

Someone snapped John and Cyn leaving the Playboy club.  I hope Brian didn't find out!

During the early rehearsal period, the Beatles’ road manager, Neil Aspinall fills in for George but suddenly George come into the studio and everybody is happy, particularly Paul, John and Ringo.  There is applause and cheers as George takes his place in the Beatle line from everyone:  studio technicians, newsmen and even Ed Sullivan.

After rehearsals George goes back to the hotel and to bed while Paul, John and Ringo go to the exclusive “21” club for dinner.  The dinner was arranged by Capitol Records.  The record executives select filet mignons, pheasant under glass and other gourmet delicacies.  The Beatles order chops and mashed potatoes.  The management enforces their strict orders against table-hopping.  Nobody is allowed to get near the Beatles.  Paul tackles an order of crepe suzettes while John and Ringo go on a tour of the wine cellar.  Ringo glances at all the wine bottles, then humorously asks, “Where’s the Cokes?”

After diner, the Beatle boys headed back to their limousines and made a whirlwind tour of the city with special emphasis on the unique winding streets of Greenwich Village.  They intended to visit some of the Bohemian bistros but the dense crowds, reacting to their presence, prevented this.

Arriving back at their hotel, they stop in to see George and find that his throat is improving.  They take time to conduct special interviews; they answer telephone calls from deejays from all over America.  They turn on the radio and listen to their music being played on just about every radio station they can dial in.  The second great day in America for the Beatle boys comes to a close.

On Sunday, February 9^th, the Beatle boys sleep late then get together for mid-morn breakfast.  We take time to interview them for another of our taped interviews just before they leave for the early dress rehearsal of tonight’s Sullivan show plus the tape to show for February 23.

Beatle fans are packed into the theatre during this rehearsal period.  The theater is filled right up to the rafters.  The noise is deafening and Ed Sullivan wisecracks, “Let’s have less noise—else I’ll send for a barber!”  Rehearsals go well.  The February 23^rd show is taped.  There is a brief period where the Beatles take time to rest, grab a fast bite to eat, get themselves ready for the live show.  The Beatles are a little unhappy.  They want to say something to their American audience to their American fans everywhere for making their visit so great and for the wonderful welcome received wherever they go.  Sullivan will not let them speak.  He wants them to play only.  They end up performing only and no thank you speeches!

During the live show, John’s microphone was accidentally off during one number.  The Beatles boys are not happy about this incident.  They feel that this unbalanced the number.  However the show is over, the mistake was made and that’s that.

Deejay Murray the K takes the Beatle boys over to the Playboy club after the television show.  They head back to the hotel first where George decides to go to bed early.

Paul, John and Ringo plus Murray the K decide to walk over to the Playboy club from the hotel, about a half block away.  They are mobbed by Beatle fans even at this late time of the night and policemen assigned to the Beatles for protection help escort them to the club. They go to the penthouse lounge section of the club, followed by reporters, photographers, policemen.  They relax a little from a hectic day to the sounds of soft music, provided by a combo of piano and bass.  John is overheard saying, “This is music we really think is gear – we do Rock n Skiffle for money!”

The Beatles entourage with the Beatle boys, Paul, John and Ringo leading, then head for the “Peppermint Lounge” the place where the “Twist” originated.  There is a group of four male entertainers in the Peppermint show who did an impromptu takeoff of the Beatles.  Of all the people there, Paul, John and Ringo find this skit the most amusing—laugh the hardest and longest.

The photographs and newsmen have packed the place.  Hundreds of pictures are being taken and everybody is in each other’s way.  Ringo is an expert dancer and he twists with one of the girls int eh show.  Everybody, but everybody is trying to get near a Beatle boy.  Papers and pens are shoved towards them from every direction for autographs. It’s the end of a very great day for the Beatle three. They head back for the Plaza Hotel.  It is 4:30a.m. according to my wristwatch.

On Monday, February 10, the Beatle boys had arranged their schedule so that this day would be free to do with as they chose. However, there were still hundreds of reporters and photographers that applied for interviews and hundreds of deejays that wanted to tape interviews for air play.  So the day was designated as “p” day …for the press, although it turned out to be for “panic” because of the confusion.  Conference upon conference was held.

Asked one member of the press, “which is the sexy one?”  Paul took this question and answered it quickly, “Our manager, Brian Epstein is the one.”  One female reporter asked the question, “who selects your clothes?”  Answered the Beatles in unison, “We choose our own, but tell me, who chooses yours?”  The female reporter shot back, “My husband!”  Then she continued with another question, “Are there any subjects you prefer not to discuss?”  John then shot back a fast, “Yeah, your husband!”

A question was directed to Ringo by a reporter as to why he said less than the other Beatles during the press conference.  Said Ringo, “I’m the anonymous Beatles but as long as they split the money with me, I don’t mind it!”  Another question asked the Beatle boys was “What do you consider the greatest danger?  Dandruff or nuclear bombs?”  George was fast to answer this one, “We consider bomb!  We already got dandruff!”

Press conferences lasted all afternoon into the early evening and great many interviews and quite a few picture sessions.  Throughout the afternoon, the Beatles munched away on roast beef sandwiches and Cokes.  Around 7:00 in the evening, the Beatles decided to relax a little while before going on a tour of some of the New York nite clubs.  We left them, at this time, to join a few other members of the press who decided we would all have a bite to eat before continuing on the evening tour with the Beatles.

When we returned to the hotel, the Beatles were ready to leave and followed in cars behind them.   We first headed for the “Headliners Club” and we met Jill Hayworth here.   The party then headed for the “Improvisation Coffee house and Restaurant”

The club was filled with people, of all ages, who were so stunned by the Beatles’ visit that they couldn’t’ believe their eyes.  The club started to really get packed, when news leaked out in the neighborhood.  Everyone wanted to get in.  When it came time to leave, Ringo almost stepped into the bass drum.  At around 4:00a.m., the Beatles decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel.

Hidden Girl Friends

I have another article from Movieland and TV Times  magazine to share.   This one is the story of three girls who had sex with one of the Beatles....oh wait....in 1964 they would never have been so blunt to come out and say it that way.    These are three girls who "dated" the three non-married Beatles.   All of these stories take place during the time when the Beatles came to American for the first time in February 1964.    I am actually surprised that stories of the guys one-night stands haven't surfaced over the years.   It seems like the ladies who participated in such behaviors have decided to keep their stories to themselves out of respect for the Beatles.   

One of the girls, Jill Haworth, we have read about before.  I find this sort of thing very interesting because it really gives a little more insight on the guys.   

The Girl Friends the Beatles Keep Hidden!

By Steve Brandt

With all the sensational publicity the Beatles received during their visit to our shores, it seems impossible to imagine one of the three (John’s married) most eligible bachelors in the world, could have romance and keep it hidden from the press.  But romances, dates – what have you- they did have, and many of them, Ringo flipped for a Peppermint Lounge twister named Geri Miller, Paul lost his heart to filmdom’s Jill Haworth, and George resumed a longtime relationship with Estelle Bennett, one of the sensational singer, The Ronettes.  

Astute press agents working for the Beatles were aware the boys would remain popular as long as they were not linked romantically with anyone.  In fact, the press agents worked hard keeping romantic items about them out of the papers than they did getting them mentioned in various publications.  Movieland is not only giving you the scoop on these hushed-up dates, we’ve gotten the Beatles’ girl friends to tell you in their own words, just what the Beatles are really like!

Geri Miller and Ringo at the Peppermint Twist club

Ringo and Geri Miller on the dance floor at the Peppermint Twist club

Geri Miller:  I remember one of the dancers running into the dressing room and announcing the Beatles were coming into the Lounge to catch our show!  There was complete mayhem backstage.  All the girls started primping and changing into their best outfits.  All I had brought with me that evening were hip-hugger dungarees, a sweater, and dirty old sneakers.  I figured, the heck with it, I’ll never stand out from the other girls, so I didn’t even bother running a comb through my hair.

Sure enough, at half past twelve, the Beatles were sitting ringside, sipping Scotch and Coke and watching our revue!   I flipped immediately over George, I thought he was gorgeous.  After the show, all the girls (still in costume) were brought to their table and introduced.  I didn’t see George and asked for him.  I was disappointed to learn he had a sore throat and had to leave.  Oh, well, I thought, he must be a dead-head.  I probably wouldn’t have liked him anyway.  While at the table I noticed Ringo staring at me, I knew one of the other girls dug him, so I decided to go back to the dressing room and change into street clothes.  When I came out, dozens of girls were swarming about them.  I figured I’d never stand a chance with all the competition, so I got up on stage to dance with some friends.  Then the band played a real wild Monkey, and I danced as I’ve never danced before.  As I spun around, I caught Ringo staring at me intently.  Afterwards he invited me over to join his table, there were no chairs vacant, so I did the next best thing—I sat on his lap!

He asked me my name.  I told him and then mentioned I was considered the “clown” of the girl dancers and I knew he was considered the “clown” of the Beatles, and why didn’t we try swapping jokes!   He laughed; I think he thought I was crazy.  He offered me a drink.  I told him I didn’t drink.  He offered me a cigarette.  I told him I didn’t smoke.  “Well, what DO you do?” he asked.  Nothing I answered, I guess I’m a drip.  Ringo smiled at me and said, “Geri the way you dance, you can’t be a drip!”

We talked on aimlessly about rock n roll music and the dances that were popular here.  Soon his manager was motioning that it was time to go.  He asked what I was doing later and could he see me.  I flipped.  Of course, I answered, the only thing is, I don’t get off work until 4am.  I knew Ringo didn’t want to stay in the Lounge and wait for me because the place was crawling with photographers, and I knew he didn’t want to go back to his hotel with the rest of the group.  “I’ve got it,” I announced, “Why don’t you wait for me at my apartment.  I live right around the corner.  I have a hi-fi and dozens of albums.  You can listen to all of our popular recording artists until I get there.”  Ringo liked the idea.  I gave him the key to my apartment and directions. 

There was only one more show to do, but it seemed like an eternity until I was finished working and free to leave.  On the way home, I stopped off and bought eggs, milk and rolls.  I felt that after waiting an hour and a half for me, the least I could do was make him breakfast.  As I made my way to my house a terrible thought hit me like a flash:  I didn’t give him my apartment number!  Gosh.  I thought ot myself, here’s where I lose a date with Ringo AND my keys!

When I got to my door I heard the TV and felt relieved.  I rang the bell and a shoeless Ringo answered the door.  He explained he met a neighbor in the lobby and she told him which apartment I lived in.  I pictured my neighbor wondering why the one and only Ringo Starr was asking for silly ol Geri Miller’s apartment!  I made him breakfast and we talked and talked.  “What made you ask me out?”   I asked him.  He told me I seemed down-to-earth and natural.  I knew he dated dozens of girls all over the globe.  “What country did you like the best, as far as girls?”  I asked.  “It’s not the country, “he told me, “all girls are different.”

By now it was close to 7a.m. I could see he was tired and knew he had important press conferences in a matter of hours.  He told me he had to leave and get some sleep.  He also mentioned he hoped to see me before he left New York for Miami.  I walked him to the door and kissed him goodnight. “Just a minute,” I called out as he waited for the elevator.  I ran into the hallway and gave him a Peppermint Lounge souvenir key chain and told him to “use it and think of me.”  I watched him put his keys on the chain and slip them into his pocket.  “Thank you Geri,” he whispered, “thank you.”  He kissed me again and said goodnight. 

Jill Hayworth and her mother

Jill Hayworth:   I was a big Beatle booster before I even met them.  Being a British citizen, I felt we had something in common.  Of all the boys, I always thought Paul was the cutest.  I had wanted to meet the Beatles and expressed my desire to all my friends.  I thought the opportunity finally presented itself when one afternoon, Georgia Brown, the star of “Oliver” called and told me she would be appearing on the Ed Sullivan show with them!  I made arrangements to meet her at one of the rehearsals.  As fate had it, there were so many fans swarming about the CBS-TV studio, Georgia called and advised me not to come. I had to settle for watching them on my television along with the rest of the nation.  I thought they were just sensational!

Two days later, my best friend, columnist Steve Brandt called and invited me to attend their concert at Carnegie Hall.  I thanked him a dozen times for thinking of me.  The night of the concert I wore a new reds suit.  It was one of those evenings when I knew I really looked good.  The concert was a sellout and a smash success.  Afterwards, Steve brought me to the Beatles’ suite at the Plaza, where a party was already in progress.  I met all the boys, but especially enjoyed meeting Paul.  He looked at me with his big brown eyes and I melted.  We started talking and really hit it off.  We spoke for about an hour and then Steve took the entire party to a twist club.  As we left the hotel, Paul didn’t leave my side, in the cab he sat with his arm around me, and when we arrived at the club, he took my hand as we entered.  Also at this last minute soiree were Tuesday Weld and Stella Stevens.  I was a bit concerned as to whether Paul would become interested in these two gorgeous girls.  I was in heaven.  Pau was cordial to them and chatted for a few moments, but at no time did eh exclude me from the conversation, or let go of my hand. 

After about an hour of sitting, listening to music and watching people dance, Paul suggested we go back to the hotel.  When we returned, we flipped on the radio and talked.  Paul knew I was going semi-steady with Sal Mineo and I knew he was seeing a girl in England named Jane Asher.  Neither of us discussed them.  We just enjoyed being with each other and talking about life in general.

I looked at my watch and saw it was well past three in the morning. I told Paul I had to leave.  “Jill,” he asked me, “please come to Miami with us.”  I told him I couldn’t just pick myself up and fly off to Florida.  “Please Jill, try,” he repeated, “just think about it.  I’ll call you from Miami tomorrow night.”

The next evening Paul called as promised.  I told him I was coming to Florida!  Steve Brandt was going on a business assignment and I decided to fly down with him.  In fact our crowd grew and there were half a dozen of us going.  Besides, my mother wanted me to get some sun and relaxation.

Florida was wonderful; I checked into a nearby hotel and was with Paul the moment I finished unpacking. The first night there we all went out night-clubbing.  I found myself really falling for him.  Then my sweet dreams turning into a nightmare.  The British press who were trailing the Beatles all over Miami, found out I was there and dating Paul.  They started following us and about trying to snap pictures whenever they could.  I could see Pau was under a great deal of pressure from his press agent, who didn’t want him linked with anyone romantically!  The press didn’t let up, they followed me about and called continually.  I decided to leave Miami.  I didn’t want to upset Paul, so I just left without saying goodbye.   Paul called me in New York later that night and I explained why I had left.  I told him I didn’t want to ruin his vacation by not being able to go anywhere for fear of the press.  He told me he missed me, wanted to see me again and made me promise to go out with him the next time he was in New York.  I felt a little empty as I hung up the phone.

A fan taken snapshot of the Ronnettes (including Estelle) before the Beatles 1966 concert in Cleveland where they were the opening act

George with the Ronnetts and Phil Spector (and someone else) in 1964

Estelle Bennett:  I met the Beatles when I was in England on tour.  I’m a member of the Ronettes, a singing group.  I hit it off with George Harrison as soon as we met.  We kept running into each other at parties and gatherings and always found our eyes meeting no matter how many other people were in the room.  George and I talked whenever we’d see each other.  We found we liked the same things, long walks while wearing comfortable clothes and being with sincere people who liked us for ourselves and not because we were in show business.

I think I was the happiest when I was talking with George.  There was something about him that made me open up and spill out anything that was on my mind.  I think he felt the same way, for he’d often call late in the evening and talk on the phone for hours.  We started seeing each other in England, but then had to say goodbye when he and the other Beatles left for Paris and an engagement.  He called me every day.  He even flew into London so he could see me on the one day he was off.  I liked George.  He wasn’t my boyfriend, but someone special, someone who meant an awful lot to me.  When our tour of England was finished, I was truly sorry to say goodbye to him. I knew he’d be visiting the U.S. in a few months and we made plans to see each other.

Finally the day came when the Beatles arrived here.  And what an arrival!  Thousands of fans at the airport.  Thousands of fans surrounding their hotel.  Along with my sister Ronnie and cousin Nedra (who make up the rest of the Ronettes) we went to greet them.  The boys seemed so happy to see us, amongst the dozens of people milling about their suite; we were the only visitors who really knew them.  George took me aside and asked me to please come back and see him the next evening when he’d be free to talk with me.  We then said goodbye.

The next night I met George at the hotel.  Along with the other Beatles, and Cynthia, John’s wife, we sat down to dinner.  What a good feeling it was to be with all of them again, just like old time in England.  After dinner, George and I went into an adjoining study and brought each other up to date on the various happenings since our last meeting.  George looked tired and told me he never gets a chance to relax.  I got the impression he didn’t enjoy traveling as much as the other boys did.  He picked dup his guitar and played.  This is his favorite form of enjoyment.  He played for hours and I was enchanted listening to him.  It was comfortable and nice.  That’s the best way I can describe my feelings about being with him.   Neither of us felt any obligations, we just enjoyed being there together.  George playing and I, listening.

We saw each other many times.  I was with him at the party after their concert and on other evenings when we just sat around the hotel with the rest of the group.  But somehow things weren’t the same.  We couldn’t recreate the same relationship we had when I was in London.

Instinct told me this wasn’t the right time to be with him.  I didn’t want to be around when he wasn’t happy.  Since I’d be returning to England soon, I decided it would be better to see each other on his home ground.  Over there he’s at his best, he’s relaxed, he’s George Harrison, Englishman and not George Harrison, Beatle.