04/25/24
March 22, 2006
The meanest hunk o' woman that anybody ever seen: Frank DeFord eulogizes the original Roller Derby Queen, Ann Calvello, who died of cancer last week. See her body of work in Demon of the Derby.
Here it is , .
posted by Hugh Janus at 01:23 PM on March 22, 2006
Anyone who might have even remotely inspired that Jim Croce song is worthy of a Frank DeFord eulogy.
posted by wfrazerjr at 02:38 PM on March 22, 2006
I look forward to the death of Rapid Roy.
posted by yerfatma at 03:22 PM on March 22, 2006
Saw her skate on TV with my Dad. He always said "What a WOMAN!" Thanks Frank for remembering.
posted by Dianng at 03:47 PM on March 22, 2006
Interesting- she was highlighted in a recent episode of "Rollergirls", the since-"hiatused" A&E show which apparently I was the only one watching (sorry, but rollergirls with their Robert Crumb-style thighs and school girl uniforms are hot! I always looked forward to some Punky Bruiser on my tv every monday, "Lou Diamond" notwithstanding...). The TXRD had named their championship trophy the "Calvello Cup" when they started it a few years ago, and the episode in question was taped maybe last August when they flew to SF to convince Ann to come be the guest of honor at their Championship game (she apparently did go). She looked fine then- still feisty and energetic, and all these punk-ish Austin girls were absolutely enthralled with her. She did smoke like a chimney, but given her energy 8 months ago it's kind of surprising to read she's passed away. Sounds like she was an inspiration to a lot of women who didn't have many kickin'-ass role models for a long time- and plenty of guys who didn't want a women to be demure and submissive.
posted by hincandenza at 04:30 PM on March 22, 2006
And did anybody see that comma I misplaced? I see it. Liver cancer. Hits a little too close to home. Thanks, that was cool.
posted by justgary at 06:42 PM on March 22, 2006
What a lady! I wish I'd known more about her when she was alive. I would have loved to have seen her skate.
posted by Joey Michaels at 09:29 PM on March 22, 2006
I remember watching Ann Cavello every Sunday night on tv when she skated for the Bay Bombers. The Bombers and Cavello came to Salinas on several occasions to skate at the basebal diamond. We were always there with our bottle of blackberry brandy. Those were the days (I think) She and Charlie O'Connell brought us many memories.
posted by olbookie at 11:51 PM on March 22, 2006
Sorry to hear of her passing. I spent many saturday mornings with my dad watchin her and The Bombers.
posted by doggstarr at 01:30 AM on March 23, 2006
When I first saw the title to this thread I thought it was about my wife or my ex-wife's lawyer. Phew! I remember watching her on TV in the 60's when I was a kid. My mom was addicted to watching roller derby. Sorry to see her pass.
posted by commander cody at 04:11 PM on March 23, 2006
hal, i was watching too. that was a great episode, and i'm glad the texas rollergirls and ann were able to meet and pay respects.
posted by lescour at 05:04 PM on March 23, 2006
P.S., when I die, get Frank to write it up. And did anybody see that comma I misplaced?