I arrived to Chicago 10 minutes early, at 1:10am. There was lots of snow on the ground and it was freezing cold outside. I was one of two people waiting for a cab and it took quite a while for one to arrive. Midway was desolate except for the few maintenance workers that were dressed for the occasion. Willy loaded me into his cab and immediately told me about singing backup for Cole Porter. I haven't verified it yet, but I wouldn't put it past him. He was talking my ear off the second I climbed in. I told him to excuse me so I could make a quick phone call. Willy is 65 years old, covers his bald head with the worst wig on the planet (I thought he was a woman until he spoke) and can sing about anything. He told me I was his third and final fare tonight. He was tired and has been writing a lot tonight. He sang me songs about whatever we were talking about. It was a real treat and I told him it was a pleasure to ride in his cab as he passed my hotel.
"I think you just passed my hotel, Willy."
"I know that, Brad, but you see, I had to finish my song. And I won't charge you extra."
He dropped me off and drove 90 minutes to his apartment. His daughters were worried.
I'm sitting in a Starbucks preparing for my interview with KT Tunstall later today. We'll be taping her show at Schuba's tonight. The show will air next month. I'm really excited to see Willy Mason as well. I'll report on the show later today.
