From
the
Author's
Foreword:
"...Searching
the Internet for Vardon, Perry & Wilber at that time (the
early 2000s) revealed little more than a photo of the group.
Then things got interesting.
"Before
long, a new VP&W image appeared…and
Wilber was clearly not the same guy. That seemed odd. I
started to do articles and blogs about the mysterious trio. And
soon…another Wilber?!
"All
this finally got the attention of a descendant of Harry Perry,
who explained that Wilber was actually “a fictional
character.” And I was off!
How fascinating; two “real” entertainers as
themselves and a partner who was made up? Why?
(later…)
"For
nearly all of the Wilbers, there is evidence that they were a
part of long, successful and popular tours. Not only were they
professional and undoubtedly talented young men playing what had
become a popular “character,” but at least three of the men
permanently adopted the surname of “Wilber” as their
professional stage name – not just for the gig, but forever
afterwards. Dedication, indeed!
"Besides
the original Jess Wilber, you’re going to meet another six
“stage Wilbers” – some enigmatic, some with their own
stories. You’ll also learn about the team’s many harp
guitars, which each new Wilber was expected to play – and
did!" |