When I was in school in Los Angeles and hanging out at Marie Poll's wonderful musical evenings, I ran into Earl. It was perhaps 1977-8 and Marie would gather musical friends to hang out and make music.

I was a grown up red diaper baby and had lots to ask him but he was too busy unsuccessfully trying to get int Marie's pants to spend much time talking with me. He did answer my question about the name 'Al' in his song, 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?'. He said that it was selected for the rhyme and didn't refer to anyone specific.

I have fond memories of him sitting at the piano and singing 'Black and White'.

Thanks, Deckman, for starting the thread and bringing the memories back!