Julliard-educated composer & performer Terry Hammond talks about what Judy Garland once told him, the legendary Marlin Beach Hotel, and how he’s poised for the next chapter of his life
PHOTOGRAPH BY POMPANO BILL
Where did you grow up? I’m from New Hampshire, but we moved to New York City when I was very young. My parents saw that I had talent, so we moved there. I majored in piano at Julliard. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1979. Why did you move here? Before moving here, I was working in TV and Broadway in New York. I had a two-year stint in Europe, and a friend suggested that we swing by Fort Lauderdale. I was enchanted with here. I decided to move here because the notion of having my own home was appealing, and I had friends here. Also, I believed that my writing skills were of primary importance, and I felt that I could do that anywhere. Besides, the guys are hotter here than in New York. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Coral Ridge neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, which is by the intercostal highway. What do you like most about living here? There are three things that I like most about living here—the weather, the weather, and the weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Marlin Beach Hotel. It had everything, and that was the very first place that I performed at when I moved here. Does anyone still remember it? Where do you hang out in South Florida now? In my lovely home, which is filled with everything that inspires me and that I love. But when I need a break, I hop over to Le Boy.
4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”
What is Palate Party? It’s the restaurant that’s in Rumors Bar & Grill. The restaurant is overseen by celebrity chef Robyn Almodovar. Was there an age restriction? I don’t believe so. How was the maître d’? There isn’t one. You seat yourself. What was the décor like? The industrial-inspired décor is reminiscent of Almodovar’s famous South Florida food truck. What was the seating like? It’s all outside. There are pub tables and regular tables. What was the atmosphere like? The “atmosphere” was essentially nonexistent since it was the Tuesday before Hurricane Irene. No one was around. Was it cruisy? No cruising. Everyone was too busy preparing for the upcoming “festivities.” When is happy hour? 2-4-1 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.
3 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “NO SHADE, BUT SHE DIDN’T TURN IT OUT”
Where’s Beefcake’s? It’s in Boardwalk, which is in Wilton Manors. Boardwalk is an all-male strip club that offers “men for men entertainment.” Was there an age restriction? Yes. 18 and up. What was the décor and atmosphere like? American-Asian faux chic, with a bordello-ish whiff. The tables and chairs were stainless steel. The lighting consisted of faux paper lanterns, and there are neon accents about. Patrons can select music from a digital jukebox (which itself was a form of entertainment since one queen didn’t like what another queen was playing). What was the seating like? There was seating around the bar. There were also pub tables and regular tables. What was the crowd like? It was mostly locals, and they were in small groups. However, the crowd was friendly. We overheard the people next to us say that they were visiting. Was it cruisy? If you’re sitting at the bar, and the person next to you is single, this definitely seems like a possibility. The cruising factor likely diminishes if you’re sitting at a table.
At almost 92-years-young, Pompano Bill discusses the joys of life, his crushes, and how he made—and continues to make—a unique contribution to South Florida’s LGBT community
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID WESSIN
Where did you grow up? I’m still working on that. However, I grew up in Norway, Michigan, which is in the upper peninsula of the state. How long have you lived in South Florida? Full-time? Since 1987. Which, at 91 years-of-age, is not long enough. Why did you move here? It was easy to leave La La Land. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live very close to gay Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I like most of the community. I like the weather, too. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I’m old, you know, so I don’t really go out at night. I used to love the Sunday tea dance at the old Sea Monster. Where do you hang out in South Florida now, and why? I like Rosie’s because the service is consistent. I have lunch there about three or four times a week. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not famous, but I do enjoy being “known.” I became adept at “profiling” people. I was the first one around here who took headshots of people, and I named them—with the first name only—in the caption. I also made sure that seniors got published, too. I focused on the entire community, not just the bare-chested crowd.
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What’s thelast thing that you looked at online? I don’t recall. And I don’t have time for Facebook. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV?The Late Show, with Stephen Colbert—he’s “real.” And then I go to bed. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? “Place” has many meanings. However, I enjoyed visiting people along the California coast, my four trips to Italy, and the two gay cruises that I took. How do you most enjoy spending your time? That’s a difficult question. I enjoy spending time with people who I like. What celebrity would you like to sleep with? Only one?! Currently, John Krasinski. What two historical figures would be your ideal parents? I can’t think of any. Most have skeletons in their closets. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why?Abraham Lincoln. The “why” is obvious.
PHOTOGRAPH BY POMPANO BILL
Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go forward, to 2020. I’m hoping… really hoping. What would your last meal be? Hopefully, not before an execution. Lasagna and a salad would be nice. What do you worry about? The country… the world… the planet. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Baaaaaa! Who do you depend on? As few people as possible. But every morning, my good friends John and Michael—who I’ve known for over forty years—call me at 9:30 to make sure that I’m not room temperature. I also don’t drive anymore. If I go somewhere, it has to be Driving Miss Daisy. Who are you closest with? Good friends, first. You can choose your friends. Family is second. What would your autobiography be called?Things in my Head.What’s your greatest regret in life? Not having one lifelong person to love. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. It’s still a secret. You might be a blabbermouth.
Pompano Bill’s weekly column, “Outlook,” can be seen in Hotspots Magazine.
