Brian Williams + Sugarhill Gang

When I was about 12 years old, I went roller skating at the Roller Roost II every weekend, and I was desperately in love with Mike, the lanky, blonde, sort of stoner kid who worked the skate rental counter most of the time, but sometimes sometimes magical-sometimes, was the substitute DJ in the carpet-covered booth that towered over the skating floor.

Mike’s favorite song was “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang, and I memorized as much of it as I could, just in case it ever came up. I cried like my heart would never mend when he got engaged, even though, as far as I can tell, we never had a chance because he never knew I existed. (I had my own skates, you see; never needed to partake of his rental services.)

Anyway. I still adore “Rapper’s Delight” and, without prompting, will bust out rhymes from time to time. (You might also, sometime, if you see me in person, request that I entertain you with my version of the opening of Kid Rock’s “Devil Without a Cause”… just sayin’…)

Because I also have a thing for Brian Williams — he of the perfect hair, sonorous voice, kind eyes, and sharp sense of humor — this video made me so ridiculously happy.