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Island Photo Op – Patrick Huston Daily “A Walk With Fame”
By Peter Huston
A few years back there was serious talk about creating a Put-in-Bay entertainers “walk of fame.” Brad Ohlemacher, Ray Fogg and others shared the idea around. There was never any doubt who the first inductee would be. Unfortunately it never gained enough traction to be put into action before Pat Dailey passed. He loved Lake Erie and Put-in-Bay and even sang about his passing:
Someday I’ll be dead and gone,
And I beg you not to cry-
Cuz I’ll be pickin’ for the Lord
On the big stage in the sky!”
– Pat Dailey
Pat’s obituary talked about his life and contributions to the music scene “That day came July 3, 2024 when Patrick Huston Dailey slipped away from our world in peace and with few regrets. He lived 83 years full of music, adventures, creativity, friendships and fun. A true original, he was a singer-songwriter, entertainer extraordinaire, a mentor to many and our beloved patriarch.”
Larry Fletcher, President of the regional “Shores and Islands”, summed up Pat’s career, “He was much more than a beloved performer, he was the original ombudsman, a one man Put-in-Bay marketing director drawing people to Put-in-Bay to enjoy island life and hear him sing.”
Reese Dailey summed up his dad’s impact, “Few could equal Pat’s powerful personality-driven stage performances. He loved to entertain! He brought music, laughter and sheer delight to stages across the country for over 65 years. His shows were energetic and charismatic- part cheerleader, part preacher and all fun! Pat’s sweet and salty songs felt personal and were embraced by audiences of all ages. Most famously, he wrote of destinations from the Great Lakes to Put-in-Bay (Beer Barrel Saloon and Boathouse) to Key West (Sloppy Joe’s Bar).”
This past August there was a wonderful celebration of life party given by Pat’s family at the Boathouse Bar and Grill. It was attended by several hundred of his fans, but what was missing that day was a way to have a lasting tangible legacy for South Bass’s greatest troubadour! While we have many voices singing about island life and South Bass Island (Mad Dog Adams, Alex Bevan, Westside Steve, Bob Gatewood and Ray Fogg to name a few), there should be an effort to host an annual effort to celebrate all their contributions to island tourism and it should start with Pat.
Imagine a permanent star in the sidewalk on Delaware Ave. And to continue this legacy a yearly “walk of fame” special red carpet event that celebrates Pat, and inducts a new member to the walk. What a great and lasting legacy this would be for the island and fans of Pat.
To honor Pat’s memory, I challenge our island performers, chamber of commerce, local businesses and fans of Pat to fund a walk of fame. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to a local charity like “Friends of Put-in-Bay” in Pat’s name.
As Reese explained about his dad, “Patrick, you will not be forgotten. As long as people boat and fish, enjoy water and islands and pursue fun, a toast will be raised to you and your magical musical memories.”
“Sing me away, sing me away.
My time has come, now I’m leaving,
We always knew this day would come.
I’ve been here so long and now
You’ve heard all of my songs so-
Sing me away, sing me away!”
– Pat Dailey
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
