Page 6 - Italian-American Herald - February 2023

6 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | FEBRUARY2023 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD IN MEMORIAM
Harris: Athlete who inspired ‘Franco’s Italian Army’ dies at 72
Continued from front page
the Year, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Harris died days before the 50th
anniversary of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history, his unlikely shoestring catch known as the “Immaculate Reception.” And his death came just hours after he gave a SiriusXM radio interview in which he talked about that fabled day, Dec. 23, 1972.
It was a cold day in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers were battling the Oakland Raiders in a divisional playoff matchup. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw hurled a long pass that ricocheted off an Oakland Raiders defender straight into the hands of Harris, a rookie running back, who galloped like a stallion into the end zone for a touchdown, with five seconds remaining in the game.
The stadium erupted into mayhem and exultant fans poured onto the field. The mayhem lasted 15 minutes before the fans
went back to their seats to witness the extra point kick and the final score of 13-7 – at which time the joyous mayhem resumed. It was the first playoff victory in Steelers history.
Mike Tomlin, the current Steelers head coach, called the catch “the most significant play in the history of the game.”
For years afterward, homemade banners reading “Franco’s Italian Army” and “Run Paisano Run” began appearing in the stands at Steelers games. Even Frank Sinatra became a member of the “Franco’s Italian Army” fan club.
Franco Harris was arguably Pittsburgh’s favorite son. A statue of him making his famous catch greets arriving passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport.
On Dec. 21, Philadelphia’s History of Italian Immigration Museum posted a Facebook remembrance of Harris, “an amazing American football player.”
Immaculate Reception aside, Harris was a powerhouse on the playing field. He was the fourth player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards or more in his rookie season. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry; rushed for 10 touchdowns and caught three touchdown passes.
“His greatest achievements, however, were made off of the playing field,” read the Post-Gazette obituary. “His steadfast dedication to helping others throughout his life serve as an inspiration to all and a testament to his commitment to kindness, charity, decency, and humility.”
Visitation was held on Dec. 27 at the Acrisure Stadium PNC Champions Club in Pittsburgh, where thousands of fans lined up to pay their respects.
Memorial contributions are welcome at Harris’s charity, the Pittsburgh Promise (pittsburghpromise.org) or the
Franco Harris’s performance with the Pittsburgh Steelers verges on the legendary.
Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation (franciscanfoundation.org). IAH
Philadelphia’s Charlie Gracie, a rock music pioneer, dies at 86
By Al Kemp
South Philadelphia’s Charlie Gracie, the singer, guitarist and early-rock hit-maker, died Dec. 16 in Delaware County, Pa., at age 86.
Mr. Gracie was one of rock music’s pioneers. His early singles included “Rockin’ ‘n’ Rollin’,” “Boogie Woogie Blues” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.” His breakthrough hit came in 1957 with the rockabilly-soaked “Butterfly,” which would become his signature tune.
He toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers, Bo Diddley and Eddie Cochran, scoring hits with songs such as “Fabulous,” “Ninety-Nine Ways” and “Cool Baby.”
Gracie was among the first American artists to bring rock ’n’ roll to England, where he garnered rave reviews in the press. Numerous rock superstars have named Gracie an important influence, including Van Morrison, Graham Nash, George Harrison, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Paul McCartney, who recorded his own version of Gracie’s hit single “Fabulous” In 1999.
Gracie’s star burned bright but brief. After his early-rock heyday and chart-topping hits, he appeared primarily in small nightclubs and similar venues.
“I’ve never had the fame of Elvis Presley or Paul McCartney,” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2012. “But you know what? Being respected and loved by the people who followed you and became famous because
of you – a little bit because of you – what more do you want out of life as a performer and artist?”
Charlie Gracie Jr. wrote a tribute to his father for the Italian-American Herald in September 2022.
“He is a family man, first and foremost, happily married to his wife Joan for 64 years. He still reveres the memory of his parents and grandparents who encouraged him to pursue his love for music. And he considers his fans as family,” he wrote.
He also quoted his father on the subject of his own legacy:
“When all is said and done, I am just little Charlie Gracie from South Philadelphia
Charlie Gracie in a 1957 publicity photo.
who sings and plays the guitar. If you ever came to see me perform and found yourself entertained—and I made you happy for a few hours, then I’ve fulfilled my mission in this life. I am eternally grateful to God for that
Charlie Gracie with his wife Joan and Paul McCartney in a 1991 photo.
opportunity.”
Funeral services were private. A
celebration of Charlie Gracie’s life is planned for May 14. IAH
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