Connie Atkinson was probably Bill Evan's closest friend and spent 3 years in high school and 4 years in college together. They played together in dance bands all over New Jersey working in Connie's fathers band, and then in college at South Eastern College in Hammond, playing in small groups and big bands in the State of Louisiana.

Connie remembers what Bill was like as he was honing his skills and becoming the player he was. I spent a whole day with him and his wife Fern. He showed me some great pictures of Bill growing up and becoming the talented piano player he became. I actually stayed with them in their home in an adjoining apartment when the interview was over. Connie passed away in 2009 from cancer.

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