Grandpa Had a Long One

To be a Benny Bell meant to be spirited, witty, funny, and sometimes a little crazy. But to be a Benny Bell also meant to be obstinate, paranoid, suspicious, and sometimes a little hasty. One of the great mysteries of Ben's life and career is whether he ever stood a chance of becoming the famous Tin Pan Alley tunesmith and vaudeville comic he set out to be.