My sister mentioned to me that I should create a "my space" account to further promote my work as an author. Up to this point I thought that "my space" was just for young kids and dirty old man but after doing some research, I discovered that "my space" is also good for networking, making new friends and lovers etc. The "my space" website also has a feature where you can do a search and if that person is a "my space" member, you are allowed to request his/her friendship.

One evening I was on "my space" and did a search for Melba Moore. I'm an old school brother, and still will pull out my LP's, if necessary. Anyway, my Melba Moore search lead me to Ron Richardson, who happens to be her manager. I read his profile and immediately sent a request for his friendship, of which he granted.

After a few months, while he and I were chatting I mentioned how I was a huge Melba Moore fan and that the first Broadway play that I saw was "Purlie". I also mentioned that I had seen her in Central Park, in NYC and also at Carnegie Hall. Laughingly, I told him of the disco's I attended, dancing the night away to "Standing Right Here" and "You Stepped Into My Life", both huge hits recorded by Ms. Moore. Even tho, I love her music, I stated that I'm not one of those fans who feels that he has to go to every concert or stark any celebrity in order to appreciate their talent. From there we chatted about other things of the day.

The next time we chatted, he surprised me, by informing me that he had told Ms. Moore about me and she said to give her a call. What? A call?? I couldn't believe it. Was Ron pulling my leg? Did he really know Melba?! I just happened to be in the Bronx, in NYC, visiting a close friend. I e-mailed my cell number to Ron, who promised to telephone me that following morning with Melba's number. I couldn't wait, I couldn't sleep.

True to his word, Ron called me around 8:00, Sunday morning with the number and he also informed me that she would be doing an AID'S benefit in the Bronx that evening. I couldn't believe this. First she wanted to talk to me. Secondly, she would be in the Bronx, not far from where I was staying. At the appointed time, I was at the benefit which was in a church, sitting five row's back. The concert was excellent. They also showed a video of Ms. Moore in Africa, where she assisted with the victims who have AIDS and with the children who had lost their parents due to this terrible disease.

Before the ending of the film, I stepped into the lobby before the crowd and there was Ron and sitting next to him was Melba Moore. I went over and introduced myself to Ron, who said, "I was just telling Melba about you!" He said, "Melba this is Johnny." She said, "Hi, Johnny." I said hello and before I knew it, I said, "Please give me a hug!!" She did. She laughed and I laughed. Now the crowd was exiting, and a line was forming. I promised to call her the following morning.

Monday about 8:30, I called. She was already up, as entertainers start their days early. When she answered, I asked to speak to Ms. Moore, and she replied, "This is she." Wow, I thought, she answers her own phone. I asked was it a good time to talk and she apologized, she didn't have a moment, for she was extremely busy but asked if I could call her the next day, Tuesday. I wanted to say, "Can I?", I would call her any hour she wanted. I was so honored to have been in the same space as she.

Tuesday morning, I called again, and again she was busy but asked if I could meet her at the Marriott at 2:00, that afternoon, in Manhattan. I couldn't believe it, I had a date to meet Ms. Moore, one on one. Shake me somebody! This can't be real, I thought. When I arrived she was already there and Ron was there to make sure that I wasn't some crazy nut, which I totally understood. I thought that Melba and I would talk for about 10 minutes as she wanted some information on a project that I had completed. Anyway, Melba and I sat at one of the tables and talked for 1 hour. We talked about everything, her life, my life, our faith in God, how He has blessed us. She was everything that I had hoped for. Nice. Sometimes serious, other times funny, she even sang a little bit during the conversation. We talked about family, friends, everything!! It was like I was one of her friends. Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye.

As we hugged goodbye, I said to her, "Melba, I feel like I have a new friend." She replied, "You do have a new friend." We hugged and kissed (on the cheeks) goodbye and I floated on cloud nine all the way back to the Bronx.

On my birthday, I received a birthday wish, as I sent her a birthday wish, we are both Scorpio's On Thanksgiving, I called her, we spoke and we wished each other a blessed holiday, she was on her way to Philly to do "Aint Misbehavin".

When I recall this wonderful story, I can't believe it. Dreams do come true, sometimes not as fast as we would like them, but whatever God has planned for you, no man can take away.

For other Melba Moore fan's like myself, you may go to http://www.myspace.com/melbamoore for concert dates and showings.

Also pick up her live DVD, excellent!!!