Because you asked...

In 1983, I was doing a fun, little radio show from 10 pm to 1 am weeknights on what was then called CJOR, AM600.

The show was called "A Little Berner on the Night."

A local entrepreneur was running a nightclub in what was then the Plaza Hotel at the foot of Capilano Road on Marine Drive.

It was my great please, because of these two coinciding events to interview and spend time with Ginger Rogers, Tony Bennett and others, each a story unto themselves.

When B.B. King was here, I brought my trusty Sony tape recorder up tio his hotel room and we hung out for about 3 hours.

He was great.

Charming and self-effacing, full of stories and good will.

No doubt he had had his share of life's troubles and no doubt he could muster a darker side when the occasion called for it, but I saw none of that.

He told me wonderful tales about his life and his guitar and the tremendous stretch of fabulous musicians with whom he had played over the years.

In truth, the only thing I remember vividly from this conversation was the gracious and uncalled for compliment he showered on me as I was leaving.

With a giant beaming smile and a great strong handshake, he declared, "Oh David Berner, I have learned soooo much from you today! It hs been a priviledge to spend this time with you."

I have no idea what any of that meant, but I was thrilled to hear it and I've never forgotten it.