Continuing the story about some of the guys that dealt 21 at The Sands, in the early Vegas years. We talked about Frank, Dean, Jerry, Sammy and Lawford. I'll give you some of my memories of Joey Biship.

I did not have anything to do with putting him on the table. I heard he dealt a few times and did a good job. He had gained the respect of the guys in the casino and unlike someone I talked about earlier, Joey would be allowed to deal anytime he wanted. He had gained our respect. I'll tell you how.

1960, they're filming the movie "Oceans Eleven" at the Sands. At night the regular guys would do their shows. First up was Sinatra, and he would invite others up and introduce people from the audience. Next night would be Dean, and he would do the same thing. The Sands marquee would say Frank Sinatra (or whoever was on that night) and special guests. By the third night it was apparent that something special was starting to happen. Word was reaching L.A. and everyone was comming up to see this.

So Jack Entratter realizes this is taking a life of its own and it was decided that all the guys would be going on stage and let what ever happened, happen. This is what would become "The Summit."

The Casino pit bosses were amazed with what was taking place. Our question was, alright there's Frank, Dean and Sammy but what are the others going to do. Joey Bishop, he doesn't sing or dance or tell stories, he's not a swinger or a clown. He will get massacred. I know it sounds silly now but the casino guys thought the show would be formed around the big 3 tearing up the others. We thought Joey would get slaughtered.

That didn't happen. After the first few nights it was real clear to everyone that Joey Bishop could handle anything and more.

I saw a lot of the shows. Joey would assume the submissive role to Frank, Dean and Sammy. But during the shows he came off with some of the most brilliant lines that have been heard in The Copa Room. His come-back lines to Frank were sharp and funny. I can remember Frank looking over at Joey with surprise and yet be so pleased to see just how good he was.

Think about this compliment Dean said about Joey. A bunch of us in the casino were talking to Dean about those early days and how we thought Joey would be destroyed. Dean said "We destroy him? Hell, he destroyed us!"

So this guy armed with only his brilliant wit goes up against 3 "heavyweights" and holds his own.

A very impressive feat.

A very impressive guy.

Yeah, we liked him.