My first introduction with Nancy Reagan was on the phone, I was at the home of Miss Peggy Lee. These two incredible women were friends and as it has happened several times the only referral I need was “P.L.” The former First Lady had United States Secret Service protection till the day that she died and I was about to get a taste of what that was. In my opinion to this day, is that it does not get any better than the USSS; I speak from having worked with them for years.
Whenever I spoke to Nancy Reagan it was always, Mrs. Reagan, just as when I spoke to Peggy Lee, it was and still is Miss Lee. One exception is Paul Anka, I refer to him as “PA”, and this is what he likes. Just as it is with pictures, I almost never take a photo unless someone on the staff is requested to take one. There are times that I will sit back and think of the times I spent with people like Mr. Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, (“Elizabeth”, I heard often, for me it was Ms. Taylor) and of course Mrs. Reagan. Assistants and managers are pretty easy, “get out of my way”.
My invitation to meet with Mrs. Reagan was to take place at the Hotel Bel-Air on Stone Canyon Road. Absolutely love The Bel-Air, having had amazing dinners there in the past. It is actually one of my favorite places to eat, great service and even greater food, when I am in the area. It was also one of my favorite drives when I was using my Bentley, bringing a Bentley to this hotel was like looking for a donut at Winchels, they are everywhere.
About an 8th of a mile from the hotel the road was blocked by black suburbans and agents with that dead give away look/appearance, very conservative suit and even more conservative haircut. The Beverly Hills police also had a presence and automobile traffic was limited and access had to be verified. One of the “suits” was motioning me to pull over and I was asked if I was ‘John J. Nazarian,’ never to be shook, I of course said, “yes sir.” I did recall speaking with an assistant as it was not sure where we would meet and I was asked what I drove. My license plate too was a dead giveaway, SPYGAME. Just like the movies he spoke into the air and I heard a response, ‘White Bentley, roger that.’ When I arrived I was directed to a parking spot, however, I always valet park here, as this place knows how to park a Bentley. The attendant welcomed me in the usual manner, “Good Evening Mr. Nazarian” again this was not my first time and I am a great tipper. These 5 star hotels staff remember those of us who are generous.
The odd thing on this visit was that I was greeted by a “suit” and politely asked me to follow her. The bulge under her suit led me to believe she was a member of the security detail. The entrance at this hotel is the same for years and the swans are nice to see, actually one of my favorites. Upon entering the dining room Mrs. Reagan was seated and I of course, was greeted as if I was an old friend. The issues and concerns that Mrs. Reagan had were things I had heard before. We had a wonderful dinner and spoke mostly about music and things in the news. Mrs. Reagan and I spoke as if we were friends for years. I so wished that Miss Peggy Lee could have joined us. Unfortunately PL had a conflict and could not be with us. Just as the first time I met Miss Peggy Lee it was magical and now, I was meeting Mrs. Nancy Reagan and having dinner, another magical evening. Welcome to the world of John J. Nazarian.
A few weeks later I would meet with Mrs. Reagan again and discuss issues and concerns that she was interested in and those subjects will remain in my memories till the end of my days. One of the most intelligent women I have ever met and she was married to what I believe was one of the greatest presidents America ever had!