Bonnie & Johnny on Bandstand in '61

I would like to tell you an interesting story regarding Johnny Crawford. I used to dance on American Bandstand in 1961. It was a great time in my life and holds many memories for me.

A few years ago, I was looking through an American Bandstand Magazine that had just come out. I was so surprised to see my picture on one of the pages! It was taken in May of 1961, and I was sitting on the bleachers at the show watching Johnny Crawford doing rope tricks with Dick Clark. I am the girl sitting on the front row, to the far left, looking right at the camera. The one with the big hairdo! I was 15 years old at the time. Johnny also sang one of his hit songs on the show, and I remember going out to the store the next day and buying his new record.
 

A week after seeing the picture in the magazine, I looked for Johnny Crawford's phone number or mailing address on the Internet, and I was able to locate his phone number. I decided to call him up. I thought I would get his secretary, but a man answered the phone. I asked if I could please speak to Johnny Crawford and he said, "I'm Johnny Crawford." I was so surprised! I told him about the magazine, and he was happy I called because he hadn't seen it yet. I wasn't sure of the exact month the picture was taken, and Johnny told me it was in May of 1961. He remembered being in New York at that time, coming to Philadelphia to be on American Bandstand, when he heard the sad news that the legendary actor, Gary Cooper, had passed away. He then told me that Gary Cooper was one of his favorite actors. He also told me about his band in Los Angeles, California.

I sent Johnny a copy of the picture from the magazine to sign, which he autographed and sent back to me. I have it hanging up in my computer room.

I loved the Rifleman TV show and would watch it all the time on my television set in the 1960's. I thought Johnny was absolutely adorable!

When I called Johnny, I never expected him to answer the phone. I only talked to him for a few minutes, but he seemed like such a nice guy and was very pleasant and friendly. Dancing on American Bandstand and seeing Johnny Crawford on one of the shows, will always be a very special memory for me.

Love and Hugs,
 Bandstand Bonnie Nadley