Some derided him as a novelty act but there is no doubt that, when he ?Tiptoed Through the Tulips? on the Johnny Carson-hosted ?Tonight Show,? that the singing, ukelele-playing and inimitable personality of Tiny Tim made him a national sensation.
We lost this musical legend in 1996 but the men, women and children across America may have to brace themselves for another overnight smash hit, this time on the ?Tonight Show? as hosted by lantern-jawed Jay Leno.
Ladies and germs, let?s have a warm welcome for the one, the only?Megamanny!
Bob Arum didn?t draw the Tiny Tim comparison. That comes from my admittedly warped mind but Pacquaio?s promoter did say that, before his next fight, he can easily envision Manny in the guest?s chair on either Leno?s show or the rival David Letterman Show,
Maybe I haven?t been paying proper attention but I did note that Pacquaio spoke entirely in English, passably proficient English at that, at the postfight press conference in Las vegas Saturday night. I mentioned this to Arum.
?I told you,? Arum said, ?Manny?s really been studying his English. He sounds great.?
Arum said he thinks he can achieve his goal of getting Pacman on such high-profile, non-sports programs soon.
?Look, he can play musical instruments. He plays the guitar, the piano and some wind instrument. He is really a very talented kid. He?s got an absolutely upbeat, bubbly personality. He?s not just smiling and talking. I think he will be a smash hit on those type of programs.?
Speaking of the late, great Herbert Khaury, I am reminded of the ancient black comedienne, Jackie ?Moms? Mobley. In the wake of Tiny Tim?s off-key warbling, she responded with her own tune, ?When You Tip Toe Through The Ghetto At Night.?
H-h-h-h-h-h-ollywood, here comes the Pacman. I don?t know if there?s ever been a Pinoy equivalent of the multitalented Sammy Davis Jr., but Pacman may give it a shot.
He punches. He sings. He dances. He plays four instruments. He tells jokes. Soon to be available to perform at your bah mitzvah, wedding party or divorce celebration.
He tapdances his way around all his Mexican opponents. And he may dance his way into your heart!
But, please Manny, don?t ever wreck ?Theme From Shaft? the way Sammy?s version did.
