More on a Man of Many Voices

You should publish an apology, or perhaps a severe smarm alert, for the spiteful and nonsensical piece on Danny Gans (“Las Vegas Loves Who?,” by Paul Brownfield, July 28).

He’s sneered at for carrying water around and protecting his throat? Every singer in Vegas does that--they’re in the desert.

He has pictures of himself with famous people on the wall? He sells T-shirts? He works hard for his money and people love his show enough to make their friends go see it? Horror of horrors! Who does he think he is--a professional entertainer or something?

He’s a family man whose life actually reflects his Christian beliefs? Unspeakable! How dare he succeed in his chosen field!

I agree with the letter writer from last week--I haven’t seen him, but because of this hatchet job of an article, I will go as soon as I can. Go get ‘em, Danny.

BILL CANTOS

Glendale

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As a former Las Vegas entertainment journalist, I’m not surprised in the least that Danny Gans would not only rebuff a reviewer who didn’t privately contact him before the performance to tell him what not to perform, but also criticize an A-minus rating. Las Vegas entertainers, generally speaking, are never satisfied with anything less than glowing praise, and regard journalistic ethics as something that should apply to everyone but themselves. Oh well, he’s got bigger things to cry over. If his ego is still stung by a near-excellent critique in his hometown paper, can you imagine how he’ll react once he realizes that no one outside Nevada really cares about his Rich Little-on-steroids shtick?

MIKE PREVATT

Northridge

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On Aug. 1 Danny Gans perpetuated an appalling gay stereotype in his impression of Johnny Mathis by batting his eyes, prancing, swishing and mincing about the stage while hissing and lisping sibilant S’s. The bit ended with a pursed-lipped kiss blown from a limp-wristed hand.

This vile impression brought into horrifying perspective other snide gay innuendoes involving Prince and Inspector Clouseau.

This heinous behavior is especially unconscionable from a man who purports to be a devout Christian and who uses the expression “what the heck” instead of its alternative. It was not a family-oriented show, but hate-mongering from a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Gans is reckless for fanning those flames. If he wants to be so savagely satirical, he should bill himself as the new Andrew Dice Clay and not mislead people.

His take on Mathis was deliberately hateful and disgusting. And he didn’t even sound like him.

CIRO BARBARO

Los Angeles

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What kind of burr does Geoff Nelson have under his saddle that he had to use the article on Danny Gans to take a cheap shot at Johnny Mathis (Letters, Aug. 4)? My friends and I went to Las Vegas every time Johnny performed there. We also attended a concert every time he appeared in the Los Angeles-Orange County area. I never heard him say he had to give up a shot at the 1956 Olympics. In fact, he never said much at all, he just did what he does best--sing. I have read articles through the years that mentioned he was an athlete at school. What’s wrong with that?

I’m glad Nelson finally got that off his chest. Forty-plus years is a long time to brood about something so insignificant.

Johnny Mathis never had to be a wannabe. He was, and is, the greatest.

JULIA LAMB

Placentia

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An Aug. 4 letter commenting on Danny Gans’ claims of sports achievements and comparing them to those of a singer and athlete from another era had some misinformation.

While Johnny Mathis and Bill Russell both attended colleges in San Francisco in the 1950s, they were never teammates.

Johnny Mathis attended San Francisco State and set a Gator and conference high-jump record of 6 feet, 5 inches in 1955--two inches short of the Olympic record at the time, according to school records.

Bill Russell played in 55 games of a 60-game winning streak in 1955-56 for the University of San Francisco Dons. As a member of the U.S. Olympic team in the 1956 Summer Games in Melbourne, Russell won a gold medal.

Instead of accepting an invitation to try out for the Olympics, Mathis chose a recording career, signing with Columbia Records.

PAT O’DANIELS

Pismo Beach