The Cummings Attraction

About the Book

How did his mischievous childhood foretell later events? How did the rebellious St. Louis teenager fare in the Navy during World War II? (He chose the Navy because they allegedly had clean sheets every night.) Stationed in the South Pacific, he was the youngest chief petty officer at 19 and written up in Navy annals. He drove fleet cars for a four-striper and ferried visiting entertainers to their performances on the island. Ernie describes exciting moments as a professional race car driver, winning many races driving open wheels, midgets, and stock cars in NASCAR’s predecessor races. In the 1960s, he booked big-name entertainers into St. Louis arenas and stadiums, eventually producing his own million-selling record. You’ll never guess what happened when he booked the Beatles into Busch Stadium. What did he think about his acting in films and television? And what will you find (literally) in the palms of his hands? Whether it’s racing cars, booking name entertainers, or charming his way through the Navy, Ernie’s unique perspective and vivid memories will lighten your day.

About the Author

Born in 1925, retired 2050. I’m going to be the oldest working person in the world. Here is a list of how I eat. For instance, I have never tasted the following food or drinks: Shrimp, lobster, blue cheese or any cheeses other than American or cheddar, sour cream, lasagna, pizza, oysters, liver, avocado, salmon, cheesecake, or popcorn. If it doesn’t look right, I won’t eat it. Beer, whiskey, wine, or any type of mixed drink, hot tea, iced tea, and I seldom drink water. I like Pepsi. I was told that my bones are so strong I will probably never have one broken. I do like hamburgers and good steaks. An ultra-Midwestern diet — meat, potatoes and a vegetable — are fine with me. I don’t like salads and like hardly any fresh vegetables. I have never had a headache or cold, and have never been sick. I have been to a doctor four times in my life: the first two were in 1942 when I joined the Navy and in 1946 when I was discharged from the Navy. In 1997 my wife insisted I should see a doctor. “Why? There’s nothing wrong with me.” She said, “You don’t know what could be wrong because you never go.” After much discussion on the subject, I tired of hearing it. I said “Find a doctor and let’s get this over with.” Her reply was “You have a doctor.” “I do?” “You’ve had one since you went on Medicare.” When she called the doctor listed on my Medicare card, she was told that the doctor was not taking any new patients. My wife told them his name was listed on my Medicare card as my doctor. The doctor’s office called my wife later and said “You’re right, he is one of our patients, but we’ve never seen him.” I went, and he gave me a complete physical. He could not find anything wrong. My last physical exam was a few years ago and again all turned out well. I have no “M’s” in the palms of my hands (“M”-shaped diagonal lines). I have checked many hands all over the world, from my Navy days until today. Everyone has an “M” in his or her palms except me. My line goes straight across. One day when Sam the Sham (of the Pharaohs) was with me, he noticed that I did not have the same hand pattern as everyone else. He was so impressed, he flew me to New York to meet his palm reader...but nothing. No one has ever seen a palm like mine. Look at your hand; you more than likely have an “M.”