Jingle Bell Rock

By David Ward Davis and Lisa E. Brown

Jingle Bell Rock is the story (not really a biography) of Bobby Helms the 50's Pop/Country icon who sang this monstrous hit song.

Bobby was there during the birth of Rock n’ Roll. His records were burned. His songs were considered more of that “New York” JUNGLE BEAT sweeping the planet and destroying America’s teens.

Merely mentioning the word ROCK in a Christmas song in those days was considered akin to blasphemy. He played many shows where the contract actually stipulated: “Must NOT perform JINGLE BELL ROCK.”

The Authors present a warm and touching profile of this iconic recording artist. "Jingle Bell Rock" is an engrossing look at the music business from the inside by someone who was actually there.

David Ward Davis, a former partner and manager of Bobby’s, and Lisa E. Brown, his co-author and wife bring life to this tragic story.

A star by the age of eight, Bobby Helms literally burst onto the International scene with the all-time pop hit "My Special Angel" and the #1 all-time Country Music chart song "Fraulein", three mega hits, several gold records and a long string of top 40 singles, yet this artist has gone virtually unknown...all we want to know is Why?

What really happened to Bobby Helms and his wonderful career? Did organized crime destroy his future over something unseemly that lays hidden in his past? Were the constant "death threats" just a sad, never ending, tormenting joke? The Authors detail each threat that David was personally a part of.

Bobby was internationally known - and loved. He was a man who never gave up on his career, or turned his back on his multitude of passionate fans.

Strange as it may seem, Jingle Bell Rock is now considered a "COUNTRY" golden oldie, however, it was considered Rock n' Roll in the 50's.

Yes, without question Bobby Helms is a legend, there is no mistake about that. No, he will never be enshrined in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (Jingle Bell Rock should have guaranteed that) and he will never be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame - Fraulein, the #1 Country Chart Song of all Time (on the Singles chart according to Billboard Magazine) should have guaranteed that.

The listening public will never let him die - a hundred years from now, during the holiday season, people will still hear his song blaring, from whatever exotic means they have for playing music at that time - "Mix and mingle to the Jingle'n beat - That's the Jingle Bell Rock...

As Wolfman Jack, the late iconic disc jockey once said: "Bobby you is a legend man, Jingle Bell Rock is a legendary song...My Special Angel is an all-time classic...you dig where I'm comin' from?

Yes, Wolfman - we all dig where you were coming from...

This is Bobby’s story; heartbreaking, exhilarating and electrifying - you will love “Jingle Bell Rock”.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Ward Davis
• Release date: Jan 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781892642004

David Ward Davis

Lisa E. Brown and David Ward Davis are the bestselling authors of "Jingle Bell Rock", "The Topanginu Warrior", "Murder at 1217" “The Receptor Planet” and "Lisa's Down Home Tenmnessee Country Cooking".Smashwords does not make accomodations for 2 authors so both Authors have to be combined into ONE Author page. They really don't mind."We write as a team." Lisa says, "the system is just not set up to handle that..."Lisa E. Brown was born in Georgia and raised in Tennessee, she was daughter number four to hard working parents who made sure their home was filled with love and conviction.David Ward Davis hails from "small town" Indiana, (Martinsville) where he grew up the fifth son of loving parents and the wandering soul out of seven children.Lisa and David have been together for over 18 years and equally share the authoring of their books. They have recently begun to focus on the ebook market."Our books will always be available as printed works, but we must take advantage of new technology and present our stories however people want to receive them." David says.David and Lisa have many more books that will become available over the next four or five years - join them as they pursue their craft. They continue to move forward in their careers.Lisa E. Brown and Davis Ward Davis are names you will hear a lot of in the future. No, not as great literary writers, but as storytellers of heartfelt tales, biographies and sometimes stories about just plain people who love to live.Lisa and David's future is now...

Book preview

What Readers are Saying

about Jingle Bell Rock

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"This is undoubtedly a heartfelt delivery of friendship and dedication to a monumental singer in a very early time in Pop/Country and Rock music. Well done . . ."

Eric M. – Ypsilanti, MI.

". . . I have read this book three or four times, I seem to find something new each time I read it. It is an excellent book - Lisa and David did a great job telling this . . ."

Nicky P. – High Springs, FL.

"Lisa and David did a commendable job revealing Bobby Helms to their readers. Read the book . . ."

Raymond K. – San Antonio, TX.

"What a book! How could anyone not know who Bobby Helms was?"

Kay W. – Mesa, AR.

"Jingle Bell Rock is an excellent book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone . . ."

Rosemarie M. – Covina, CA.

"The best way I can describe this book is 'haunting, I would advise anyone who wants to know what happened to Bobby Helms or the workings of 50' and 60's music to read Lisa and David’s fine book . . ."

Mike W. – Crested Butte, CO.

"Finally there is a definitive account of one of my favorite singers - Bobby Helms, as told by one of his best friends. I have read the book twice - I love it . . ."

Doug K. – Perry, FL.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Copyright 1997

Lisa E. Brown & David Ward Davis

Aalida Press USA

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Jingle Bell Rock - ISBN 978-1-892642-00-4

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Title Page

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Aalida Press USA

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Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the authors. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal. Purchase only duly authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of any copyrighted materials.

Cover Art 1997 L.E. Brown & D.W. Davis

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

This is a Biographical work. All events depicted are true to the best of the authors and publishers knowledge. No part of this book is intended to harm any persons, group or entity either professionally or privately.

The Publisher does not have, and does not assume, any control over and does not have or assume any responsibility for authors or third party websites or their content.

Contact Us

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Please Visit our website: www.aalidausa.com

Leave a Comment or Friend David on his

Facebook Page

Please leave Comments or Friend Lisa on her

Facebook Page

Follow Lisa on Twitter

Follow David on Twitter

eMail Lisa: [e-mail]

eMail David: [e-mail]

Author's Other Works

(Published Books Available in All Formats)

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Lisa E. Brown & David Ward Davis

Murder at 1217

The Horizontal Lie

The Receptor Planet

The Topanginu Warrior

Lisa's Tennessee Country Cooking

* * * * *

This book is dedicated

to my dear late mother Helen M. Davis

who always believed in us,

and to our friend Bobby Helms

for whom this work was ultimately undertaken.

* * * * *

Some men are destined to be great.

Some men are great regardless of their destiny.

Some great men are destined to obscurity,

No matter their greatness.

* * * * *

Table of Contents

What Readers are Saying

Copyright Page

Title Page

Aalida USA

Contact Us

Author's Other Works

Author's Preface

Prologue

Introduction

Chapter 1 - (Going Back)

Chapter 2 - (The Seed)

Chapter 3 - (Musical Roots)

Chapter 4 - (Monroe County Barndance)

Chapter 5 - (Hayloft Frolics)

Chapter 6 - (Eerie Apparition)

Chapter 7 - (Going Big-Time)

Chapter 8 - (Decca Years)

Chapter 9 - (Birth of Jingle Bell Gold)

Chapter 10 - (1958 Skyrocket)

Chapter 11 - (Golden 1959)

Chapter 12 - (Traumatic 1960)

Chapter 13 - (Joe The Musical Genius)

Chapter 14 - (Tommy Williams)

Chapter 15 - (Career Adrift)

Chapter 16 - (Columbia Fizzle)

Chapter 17 - (New Wife, New Life)

Chapter 18 - (Kapp Reload)

Chapter 19 - (Little Darlin')

Chapter 20 - (So Long)

Chapter 21 - (Mary Goes Round)

Chapter 22 - (Dollar Store Encounter)

Chapter 23 - (The Gospel Fiasco)

Chapter 24 - (1973 Closing In)

Chapter 25 - (Follow The Dream)

Chapter 26 - (Civil Defense Nightmare)

Chapter 27 - (Dave, Take Over)

Chapter 28 - (IRS Troubles)

Chapter 29 - (A New Hope)

Chapter 30 - (On The Road 1975)

Chapter 31 - (Follow The Money)

Chapter 32 - (I Met The Real Wizard)

Chapter 33 - (Bootless)

Chapter 34 - (Birth of a Namesake)

Chapter 35 - (Sun Studio Album 1980)

Chapter 36 - (Dangerous Encounter)

Chapter 37 - (Strange Rocks Episode)

Chapter 38 - (TV Album Deal Implodes)

Chapter 39 - (Bonita Springs Show)

Chapter 40 - (The Marietta Adventure)

Chapter 41 - (Humorous Anecdotes)

Chapter 42 - (Murphy's Country Palace)

Chapter 43 - (Possible Movie Deal)

Chapter 44 - (The New Team)

Chapter 45 - (Perilous Path)

Chapter 46 - (Meeting The Screenwriters)

Chapter 47 - (Music City Press Confab)

Chapter 48 - (Home Visit for Doris)

Chapter 49 - (Slow Death of a Deal)

Chapter 50 - (Nashville and its Perils)

Chapter 51 - (Personal Managers)

Chapter 52 - (Death Threats)

Chapter 53 - (Living a Death Threat)

Chapter 54 - (Jim Ray a True Friend)

Chapter 55 - (Bobby's Favorite Road Stories)

Chapter 56 - (More Road Stories)

Chapter 57 - (False Positives)

Chapter 58 - (Fave Studio Musicians)

Chapter 59 - (Doris' Illness)

Chapter 60 - (Bobby's Good Heart)

Chapter 61 - (Bobby Helms the Man?)

Chapter 62 - (The Final Visit)

Chapter 63 - (End of the Journey)

Epilogue

Update September 2011

Photo Gallery

Chart Longevity Single Records 1940-1998

Jingle Bell Rock Sources

Bobby Helms Discography

Albums by Bobby Helms

Our Thanks to You

Short Synopsis' of Our Books

Author's Bios

Author's Preface

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Bobby Helms was my friend - In this book, Lisa and I tell his unique story. He was there during the birth of Rock n' Roll. His records were burned. His songs were considered more of that New York JUNGLE BEAT sweeping the planet and destroying America's teens. Merely mentioning the word ROCK in a Christmas song in the 50's was considered blasphemy. He played many shows where the contract stipulated: Must NOT perform JINGLE BELL ROCK . . .

What really happened to Bobby Helms? Did organized crime destroy his career over something unseemly that happened in his past? Were the constant death threats just a sad, never ending, tormenting joke? We detail each one that we were personally a part of.

We do our best to reveal to you a somewhat ordinary man with an extraordinary talent. He truly was a legend in the eyes of many, including his peers in the music industry. Waylon Jennings once told him (I was there) Bobby Just give me one Jingle Bell Rock or Fraulein, and I'll never work again.

Bobby was internationally known - and loved. He was a man who never gave up on his career, or turned his back on his multitude of passionate fans.

Strange as it may seem, Jingle Bell Rock is now considered a COUNTRY golden oldie standard, however, it was considered hard Rock n' Roll in the 50's.

Yes, without question Bobby Helms is a legend, make no mistake about that. No, he will never be enshrined in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (Jingle Bell Rock should have guaranteed that) and he will never be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame - Fraulein, the #1 Country Chart Song of all Time (on the Singles chart according to Billboard Magazine) should have guaranteed that.

The public will never let him die - a hundred years from now, during the holiday season, people will still hear his song blaring, from whatever exotic means they have for playing music at that time - Mix and mingle to the Jingle'n beat - That's the Jingle Bell Rock . . .

As Wolfman Jack, the legendary disc jockey once said: "Bobby you is a legend - man. Jingle Bell Rock is a legendary song . . . My Special Angel is an all-time classic . . . you dig where I'm comin' from?

Yes, Wolfman - we all dig where you were coming from . . .

* * * * *

Prologue

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I take this opportunity to heap praise upon those who endured the creation of this work with me. I am quite lucky they weren't all in one room at a certain time; for surely they would have formed a lynch-mob and enjoyed putting me out of my misery. I was obsessed and relentless with the completion of this project and if nothing else, I am proud to say, I give you the truth.

I tried hard to get input from outside sources, no easy task! My heartfelt thanks to those who responded with help: Faron Young, Mel Tillis, the late Marty Robbins, MCA Records, Billboard Magazine, Joe Edwards, Tommy Williams, Jim Vest, Columbia Records, Jim Ray, Dick Clark, NBC, CBS, and ABC. Also, The Country Music Hall of Fame, Louis Nunley Sr. of The Anita Kerr singers, Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires, and many, many others.

I also would like to thank those who did not return my calls or letters of inquiry for whatever reason, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Ralph Emery and others. Some I couldn't get to; others their management would not allow me access.

I have been out of the business for some time now and I don't have the contacts I once did. The late Dottie West's manager (at that time), informed me, when I asked for an interview, that Dottie had never heard of Bobby Helms, (this was before her untimely death). Even though, during a backstage conversation in Detroit, I, along with five other persons, listened as SHE told us how Bobby persuaded Paul Cohen to give her an audition. She hugged Bobby and thanked him for helping her career. It's been frustrating, to say the least.

In the course of this writing I may have overlooked mentioning someone who feels a part of Bobby's life, if I did, it was unintentional and I humbly apologize.

I thank Louie Nunley Sr. for his kind words concerning Bobby and his career. I could sit and talk to this man for several days and not tire of the conversation.

Louie Nunley was a member of the Anita Kerr singers, the foremost background vocal group in the fifties and sixties. It is their voices you hear on JINGLE BELL ROCK and MY SPECIAL ANGEL. They were THE VOICE of Nashville and harmonized on almost all of Bobby's hits.

Those were great times and Bobby was a wonderful kid, Louie says. He had a great voice and never did more than one or two takes of anything, unlike the singers today. Some do twenty or thirty takes before they get it right.

Louie is still singing as he has done for the past forty years. His voice is still filled with youthful exuberance concerning his career. It was a delight to interview him and I do hope to speak with him again.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank one of the Jordanaires, Mr. Gordon Stoker. It was my extreme pleasure to talk with him concerning Bobby and the music of the fifties and sixties. Gordon is one of the men in the music business that it is a pleasure to converse with. In his voice you detect a fierce loyalty to truth and honesty. He is not a man who talks down to anyone. Gordon Stoker's love of the music business comes through in his conversation.

I asked Gordon if he would write the liner notes for this book. He told me many people have asked him to do liner notes through the years, but he had turned them down. I tend to believe this is because they expected praise of the work or the artist they were writing about. I asked none of this, only a few words about the times, the music, and his remembrances.

Gordon and I spoke for quite a while and he didn't feel that he had enough to say to make it worthwhile. It wasn't until five months later that I realized he did indeed have enough to say, in fact, he had given me the liner notes. There would be no need to search for someone else to do this; my first choice would be the correct one.

His comments are not glowing hype about how great Bobby was, I would be disappointed if they were. They are just simple words with a lot of compassion, truth and heart.

Yes, the music of the 50's and 60's has a magic quality and we owe each a debt of gratitude for the tireless effort involved in creating a lasting legacy. The engineers, the producers, the studio musicians, the artists and the back up singers all worked together. As a group all of them deserve to be recognized for what they did, not just a single artist.

There were many others; the staff at the Country Music Hall of Fame for allowing me access to the historical archives. The family of the late Ed Sullivan who turned down my request to use a photo I have of Bobby and Ed together. At least they took the time to hear my request, there were many who wouldn't give me the time of day.

I thank the late Dick Clark, for taking the time to converse with me on the phone and sending me a permission letter to use a few quotes. To MCA Records who allowed me to use an ad from Billboard Magazine that appeared in 1957. To the late Wolfman Jack who gave me many hours and gracious compliments. He was a legend in his own right and he is greatly missed by millions of fans, including me.

Lastly, I wish I could thank BOBBY himself. We spent volumes of hours going over the details of this book. I questioned him relentlessly, the ever-present tape recorder became a torment and anchor, yet he withstood. He was so tired at times he could hardly hold his head up. We tried to leave nothing out, good or bad. I believe we succeeded.

Bobby passed from this life to the heavenly chorus in June of 1997 and to my deep regret he did not get to see this in print. It was our final goal, we worked our tails off, somehow I failed to make it happen. Thank you Bobby wherever you are.

This project took many years and a tremendous toll on many peoples' lives. Hearts were broken, feelings hurt and tears shed. My obsession was also my affliction. Thank you to my late MOTHER for always being there, JOYCE for understanding, and my wonderful partner, co-writer and wife LISA, who is my strength.

There are so many others I need to thank, however this would easily fill yet another book, so I thank them from my heart - which is my highest praise.

To anyone I have failed to recognize I humbly thank you and apologize, it was not intentional, likewise through me, Bobby thanks you also. God Bless you all!

David Ward Davis

July 1998

North Ft. Myers, Florida

Introduction

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`JINGLE BELL ROCK'. If I were to ask you the name of the artist who sang this gigantic hit, could you tell me? Believed to be second only to Bing Crosby's `WHITE CHRISTMAS', it is one of the largest selling Christmas records of all-time. In fact it is one of the largest selling records of ANY kind.

If you have heard this song, then you have undoubtedly heard the original artist. It is HIS version played heavily every holiday season, and his voice you hear singing `JINGLE BELL ROCK' as the 1987 hit movie `Lethal Weapon' begins.

Some say `JINGLE BELL ROCK' has sold as many as ONE-HUNDRED MILLION copies, others insist the total is only FORTY THREE-MILLION, either way, that, my friend, is a lot of records. There are very few recording artists who can lay claim to such numbers for a single record. Forty three million people can't be wrong.

The artist is Bobby Helms. Who is he? Why have I written a book about him? I address this in the following pages. I reveal to you a somewhat ordinary man, who was fortunate enough to have accomplished some extraordinary things. His songs and music are legendary; they seemingly live a life of their own.

`JINGLE BELL ROCK' should have kept his name on the lips of Pop music enthusiasts forever. `MY SPECIAL ANGEL' should have set his name in stone. `FRAULEIN' was, and remains, one of the most beloved and largest selling country songs of ALL time.

What in the world happened? How could his name not be as well known as any other million selling artist. It is baffling.

According to Billboard Magazine; FRAULEIN is the CHAMPION country chart single of all time. These three songs sold more single copies than ANY single hit by any major star that you can name! Why then does his identity remain unknown, this awesome talent virtually unheralded?

Thus, I have attempted to chronicle his life within these pages in an attempt to set the record straight. I honestly believe he deserves many more plaudits than have been afforded.

This biography is somewhat biased as I have lived part of my life with Bobby. Our lives were so intertwined the past twenty-seven years of his life it is impossible to present his life without presenting a portion of mine. I have been privy to the exhilaration and the pain of this man.

My credentials are many; I have, through many tumultuous years, done just about everything a music man can do. I was a bus driver, frontman, sound engineer, lighting specialist, road manager, concession manager, mechanic and electrician.

I also functioned as a studio engineer, commercial jingle producer, arranger, songwriter, personal manager, accountant, tax advisor, handyman and head of three publishing companies.

I was gopher, waiter, porter, friend, fetch-it-boy and amateur psychologist; as well as, national promotions director, public relations chief, song plugger and secretary.

I served as a functional sounding board, doormat, bodyguard and occasionally a small but bothersome thorn in the side of my friend, pal, artist, soul-brother, boss and confidant. I can honestly say, throughout ALL those years, we NEVER had a bad word between us; disagreements yes, but words NEVER! This friendship weathered many storms that raged about us, but WE remained undaunted.

I've taken him groceries when he had none; in return he has brought me groceries when I had none. Conversely, we have walked around with briefcases full of money.

We've shared hurt, pain, laughter, children, grandchildren and memories, yet somehow we managed to smile. Too often we have walked the valley of desperation together, never expecting more of one another than what we were.

I often wonder WHY he confided in ME the true story of his life and career with no holds barred, and no skeletons left in the closet.

Some of what I have written has been hard to put into words and was hard for Bobby to tell, but we tell it all. Bobby was open, frank and forthright with his story. This made it an easier task for me.

Though I wasn't there during his GLORY YEARS, I probably know more details concerning them than any man alive. Those were great years and I wish I had been there. The truth is, the REAL story is after the glory years.

Regardless of your vocation in life, whether it be banker, mechanic, secretary or athlete, consider never being allowed to ply your craft again. You are capable, but are blocked at every turn and stopped at every door. When given the opportunity, you excel, but again you are shunned and forgotten, then pushed aside. Past accomplishments are no longer recognized.

You lose your home, your self-respect and your hope, yet somehow you are still driven to persevere, for this is you, your life and love. Every once in a while someone steps forward out of the gloom with a brass ring in hand. Just grab hold! he says. When you reach out it is gone, having totally drained you physically and emotionally, all seems quite hopeless.

There may be those who will disagree with some of what is written. I must, as recourse, answer in this fashion: This book is compiled of facts, where facts can be obtained. However, a lot of it comes from Bobby's and my personal recollections. If someone doesn't remember an incident the same as we do, that is fine, we are just telling it the way WE remember it. Neither Bobby nor I are out to hurt anyone. Our goal has never been to be spiteful or bare the skeletons in anyone's closet.

Why do I feel qualified to tell this story? Frankly, I don't. It seemed an overwhelming project at first, then, I realized I can tell it because I know it. I know the story, it was easy pretending to be sitting across from an imaginary listener telling the Bobby Helms story as I know it to be.

I am not articulate, nor is this work literary in content. Just a fellow from Indiana relating a story to whomever will listen.

Now, I beckon you, come with me and enter Bobby's world, the world of music, of great success, and of tormenting heartbreak. Pull up a chair, lean back and relax, there is a lot of information to digest.

Is this really a biography? I hardly think so. Is it a love story? Perhaps, an adventure? Without question; could it be a comedy? Although dark at times, yes, it is a comedy none-the-less. Take my word for it, you will absolutely love the Bobby Helms story.

Chapter 1 - (Going Back)

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I had not seen Bobby Helms in almost two years when he telephoned me in Maryland in late August, 1988 and told me he needed my help. There was a movie based on his life being discussed and he wanted me to be there. So, I hopped on a plane and flew to Indiana. This man had been my friend for nineteen years, when he needed me I tried to always be there.

The flight was basically uneventful, although I spent the time rummaging through past memories and considering the possibilities a movie based on his life might present. In my mind I believed he deserved this and more.

As the 727 circled the city of Indianapolis, I looked out over a very familiar landscape. There were a million memories down there and my thoughts raced as I tried to recall a few of them.

As I debarked the plane there stood Bobby waiting to greet me in the passengers' lounge. I knew he hated driving in the city or going anywhere alone, so I glanced around to see if I spied any familiar faces. I didn't.

Dave, how the hell are you? he said as he grabbed me and hugged me tightly.

Not worth a damn, I grinned. You gold toothed S.O.B.

Man, I'm glad you're here, he said as we hurried through the airport. This damn thing is getting to big for me to handle.

That's why I'm here, I winked; If we can't outsmart `em, we'll just confuse `em.

He grinned that infectious Helms' grin and slapped me on the back. Excitement sparkled in his eyes and his voice resounded a warm ring. It was good to see him hyped and feeling good about something again. This was the Bobby I knew.

As we drove down Indiana 37 toward Martinsville he related all that had taken place concerning this movie. I could hardly get a word in edgewise, but that was okay, I was getting the information I needed. The evening passed quickly as we reminisced deep into the night.

The following morning we went to visit Doris, his beautiful wife, and my dear friend. She had been hospitalized a full six months in Madison State Hospital.

As we silently exited the elevator and crossed the main lobby Bobby thrust his hands into his pockets and shook his head from side-to-side. This was not the Bobby who had picked me up at the airport.

Bobby, whose frame was small, now looked very thin, his face haggard and pale, yet his boyish features were still quite evident. The grim lines etched on his brow revealed the hurt that permeated his being. His shoulders slumped and his face drooped a tiny bit. I noticed a struggle in his step as his pace slowed and he revealed the pain in his heart.

I silently worried about the strain on this man. It was clear the past twenty years had taken a heavy toll, but the last two had evidently been the hardest. I had no idea what I was about to become a part of.

Doris Helms suffered from Paranoid Schizophrenia. This is an incurable, although sometimes a clinically controllable affliction. A loss of identity and confusion coupled with an unexplained fear of everyone and everything are the by-products of this debilitating illness. There is no known cause or cure of this disease.

Twice weekly, from February 1988 to April 1990, Bobby made the long trip to see her. Half of the time she didn't know who he was; this was a constant torment to him, but he understood. It was never easy for him seeing her this way but his love for her would not allow him to stay away.

Today had been the first time I had seen her in two years. Believe me when I say this is no longer the Doris I knew. When we first arrived, she recognized me immediately.

Dave! she grinned widely, her face lit up, it's good to see you!

Doris, it's good to see you too, I replied as I leaned downward and kissed her on the cheek.

You know, I just inherited three hundred and fifty million dollars from Grandma and Grandpa Eisenhower! she exclaimed seriously.

Margaret sends her love, Bobby said offhandedly as we took our seats.

I don't see how, she frowned and lit the first of many cigarettes.

What do you mean Doris?" Bobby questioned.

She's DEAD? she said emphatically, my mother has been dead for three or four years . . . you know that.

I don't . . . know . . . Bobby trailed as he conceded to her delusion.

We've got to quit living in sin, she continued, clearly irritated.

What do you mean honey, Bobby looked over at me totally befuddled.

We've got to get married.

Doris honey, we ARE married, he assured her leaning forward in his chair and taking her hand.

No we're not, I was married to HIM.

Him? he barely grinned; who's him?

You know who I mean, her eyes narrowed, Bobby Helms.

Okay, he agreed, where can we get married?

I know the place, she smiled and stood to her feet still clasping his hand as she pulled him upward. She led us outside onto the grounds of the hospital. We walked for what seemed a mile to a row of apple trees.

This is the place, she said grinning confidently. We can get married here. Isn't this beautiful?

This is the perfect place, Bobby agreed.

She looked to me for approval.

This is a great place for a wedding, I concurred.

As we started back toward the building she was animated and happy. Who she thought Bobby was, wasn't important, at least she was in good spirits.

Doris I saw that show you like on T.V. last night, you know the one with Peter Faulk? he said.

I don't like watching television, she frowned and stopped, then glanced around. They use it to watch me, they record my thoughts. I know what they're up to.

Who's doing this? Bobby asked seriously.

Them, she nodded toward the right.

You mean the Doctors?

No, them, you can't see them, only I can.

We continued to walk in silence. Once back inside in the visitation area the conversation continued.

I want to go home to Shireman Estates.

We don't live in Shireman Estates, Doris, Bobby grinned, we never have lived there. We live in the same house we always have on Teeters Road.

No, we don't, she said as she jerked her hand from his. I don't know why you're trying to confuse me, I KNOW where we live.

Bobby received letter after letter from Doris addressed to a fictitious address in Shireman Estates. The mailman evidently knew of the confusion and took care that her mail was properly delivered.

My name is really Roosevelt! she continued, the crux of the conversation abruptly shifting; her anger totally dissipated. If you don't believe me just call the Nixon's, they'll verify who I am!

Elizabeth Taylor is my mother, she insisted, and Liberace is my father, we call him Lib, I go by lots of names, she smiled. Doris Prince, Doris Helms, Doris Taylor, Doris Roosevelt, Doris Lincoln and several others. I can be anybody I want to be!

If you didn't know Doris you'd believe her. She is serious, calm and very convincing. She doesn't appear to be out of control. It's frightening.

Bobby looked grimly at me and shook his head. The experience is traumatic, straight out of a Stephen King novel. Doris tells of walking on the moon, belonging to the C.I.A. and F.B.I. She insists people are wearing expensive masks to fool her. After a while, it is evident she no longer recognizes me.

She looked at Bobby and said, Who are YOU anyway?

I'm your husband . . . he replied, Bobby!

No you're not. You look like him, you dress like him but you're not him. I think you're a stand-in! They use them in movies all the time. I don't know why everybody tries to keep it from me! she continued. I KNOW Bobby Helms is dead, I'm GLAD he's dead, I wish they would just admit it!

Honey - Bobby Helms ain't dead, he countered.

That's what you think, she smiled, he IS dead!

Him and Bun (Bobby Helms Junior) and Dave Davis hijacked a plane, she continued without blinking an eye. The FBI blew it up and killed all of them except Bun. He's on the run. They tried to flim flam that man in Florida . . . they're all crooks.

Then, WHO am I? he questioned her.

You're Gary Prince! she retorted emphatically. Disgust covered her face, he was challenging her and she was clearly irritated.

I KNOW who you are, I want to go home, I can't stand it here much longer. They're renting these rooms out to all kinds of strange people!

What do you mean Doris? Bobby asked. Honey they don't rent these rooms out, this is a hospital!

That's what you think! she continued. They rent these rooms out and stick the money in their pockets! My doctor isn't a doctor at all; he just rents a room here!"

You mean . . . Bobby hesitated, then looked at me, a bit confused, honey . . . you mean that YOUR doctor isn't a doctor at all?

Doris fidgeted continually, lighting up one cigarette after another and drinking Tab cola after Tab cola. There is a look of disinterest on her face, yet a look of fear and helplessness too.

NO, he isn't, she insisted, he just lives here, that's all, he pretends to be a doctor. I don't see how he gets away with it.

Bobby looked at me, his face drawn and sullen; he had heard it all before. I was stunned, I was not prepared to see THIS Doris. She had been sick a long time, but I had never seen her go this far afield.

She