Red Hot Sugar Daddies - Curly Howard

dA dAddIeS

hOnOrArY SuGaR dAddIe -Jerome Lester Horwitz aKa cUrlY hOwArD
As a young man, Curly loved to dance and listen to music, and became a dancer. He would go regularly to Triangle Ballroom in Brooklyn. Curly also tried his hand at the ukulele, singing along as he strummed. Moe once said, "He was not a good student but he was in demand socially, what with his beautiful singing voice." In 1928, Curly landed a job as a comedy musical conductor for the Orville Knapp Band, which, to that date, was his only stage experience.

Moe recalls his brother's performances usually overshadowed those of the band. "He was billed as guest conductor and would come out and lead the band in a break away tuxedo. Sections would fall away, piece by piece, while he stood swinging his baton." But success virtually destroyed Curly. He started to drink heavily, feeling that his shaven head robbed him of his sex appeal. Larry Fine once remarked that Curly wore a hat in public to confirm an image of masculinity, since he felt like a little kid with his hair shaved off. Curly was also unable to save a cent. When he received his check he'd rush to spend it on life's pleasures: wine, women, a new house, new car or a new dog. Curly was no businessman! Moe handled all of his affairs, helped him manage his money and even made out his income tax returns. n'yuk-n'yuk!

"I'd have to say that without a doubt, Curly Howard had the single most influence on my singin'
style. Without Curly I would of done sumpin' else. Tanx Curly for everythang! Wooo-woo-wo!"
Your pal - Frankie Martini