The following is a collection of letters from Annette Reynolds to her best friend Ashley Peters. Annette is a 22 year old guitarist and lead singer in a new band, The Rage, based out of Washington DC. After recording their first album, "Sessions from the Garage", and having their first single release "Crazy in Love" hit # 1 on the Billboard charts, Annette’s band has been invited to perform their hit on the Tonight show.

Jan. 15, 1975

Dear Ashley,

Well we are finally on our way. I still have to pinch myself that we are finally here. I mean, if you had told me six months ago that our band would be on a plane flying to Los Angeles to be on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, I would have told you that you were nuts! But like I just said, here we are. Jason sends his love, by the way. I don’t know how we are going to stand him with you not being here to keep him from going crazy. I’m sure you miss him as much as he misses you. Next time we go anywhere on the road, you will have to find a way to be with us. I hope he can keep his mind on his work, cause we really need his beat on those skins! The rest of the guys say hi also. It seems like I can’t write this letter in peace! Mr. Rockwell, our manager, tells me that one of our other songs, "White Heat" has hit the charts, coming in at # 31 this week. To have 2 songs in the top 40 from a debut album is a bit of a rarity, according to him. Maybe that’s why we got this invitation to perform on the Tonight Show. I can tell you, I’m nervous as hell about it. I mean, when we were playing high school proms and weddings, that was business, but this is fame and I’m scared. I hope we do alright on national television in front of millions of viewers. I get the willies just thinking about it. Steve is taking this way to calmly for my liking. Maybe being a bass player, it’s part of his personality. He says that this is why he formed the band 3 years ago. He always knew we would make it big. You know I love my brother, but he is a typical musician with an ego to match! Well the plane is getting ready to land. NBC is putting us up at the Beverly Hills Hotel. We are supposed to have a limo waiting to take us there. After we get settled, we are scheduled to go to the studio to rehearse on the Tonight Show sound stage. I hope the guys the station hired to roadie for us will take good care of Baby. You know, I think the most difficult part of this whole trip is letting some else handle her. I know you think I’m way too obsessive with my guitar, but she’s been mine since grade school. I would die if anything happened to her! Well, I’ll close now. I’ll write again after the show. Pray for us and make sure you and the gang watch us tonight!

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 16, 1975

Dear Ashley,

It’s 4 am and I’m so excited, I can’t sleep. I decided that if I wrote to you , I might be able to calm down, but I don’t know if I ever will. I know you watched us last night, so you saw what happened on TV, but wait till I tell you the whole story. You are not going to believe it! Let me start at the beginning. We arrived at the hotel at 10 am and got settled. The hotel is so fancy and we have a big suite. I get the room to myself, of course, since I’m the only girl, lucky me. After freshening up, we were taken to NBC. The sound stage that the Tonight Show is taped on is positively huge compared to that TV station we played on two months ago in DC. The equipment guys were late, so we were asked to wait in the green room. That’s the room where guests of the show are put in while they wait to go on. They had a lot of good food and drink set out. It was around lunch time, so this delay was probably a good thing since you know how these guys like to eat. I couldn’t touch a bite, cause I was afraid of throwing up all over Mr. Carson, I was so nervous! It was while we were waiting in there that we got what I thought at the time was our second piece of disappointing news. Seems Mr. Carson was on vacation and there would be a guest host. I know you saw that when you watched the show. You probably know how excited I was when we found out who was guest hosting in his place. I could just picture your face when they announced that Freddie Prinze was the guest host! I need to tell you, he is hotter in person than on his TV show! Those eyes of his really do pierce right through you! And is he ever tall and lean and... Oh my God, I can’t even describe his voice, soooo sexy! I really thought I was going to lose it when he came over to the band while we rehearsed. But I’m getting ahead of my story. The guy in charge of the production, the stage manager, I think he is called, came in to tell us our equipment had arrived and Pedro asked him when we would meet Mr. Carson. That’s when we found out that he would not be there. The stage manager then took us to the sound stage and we set up our equipment. Pedro had a hard time finding all the pieces to his keyboard, so rehearsal was delayed again. That’s when Freddie Prinze came in, while we were waiting to get the rest of the keyboard. He came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder. You know how I hate being surprised like that. I swung around with a fist in the air ready to belt who ever did that and almost hit Freddie Prinze!!! I was sooo embarrassed! He was able to duck before the punch landed, fortunately. "Boy, she’s dangerous," he said to the guys. And my dumb brother answered, "Yea, you have to watch Annette, she’s a real hellcat!" I died 1,000 deaths with that remark, vowing silently I would repay my brother for that one! I very coyly took Freddie’s outstretched hand and shook it. "Mr. Prinze", I said to him, " I apologize, I didn’t know it was you standing behind me." "That’s ok, just remind me never to come upon you in a dark alley one night", he answered. And then he smiled at me, flashing those pretty white teeth and he laughed. God, Ashley, it sounded like bells ringing in my ears when he laughed. I didn’t even care that it was at me! "What brings you over here to this studio," was all I could think to ask him. "Two reasons, really", he answered. "I’m guest hosting the show tonight and I wanted to meet my new favorite band!" Ashley, he heard of us and he likes our music! I thought the studio floor would open up and swallow me right then and there! I didn’t know what to say. Steve, always the calm one, came over and introduced himself to Freddie. "I’m Steve Reynolds, the founder and bass guitarist." He then introduced the rest of the band. "This is Jason Kendel, our drummer." Jason shook Freddie’s hand and Freddie said, "I used to play drums in a band I was in when I was in high school in New York." Next Steve introduced Pedro. "Pedro Ruiz, our keyboardist." "Que pasa, Freddie", said Pedro and then he and Freddie conversed in Spanish. Ashley, Freddie speaks Spanish so dreamily! Steve then introduced Kenny. "This is Kenny Price, our lead guitarist. "Nice to meet you Mr. Prinze", was all our shy Kenny could respond. "Hey, none of that ‘Mr. Prinze’ jive. Call me Freddie." And then if I hadn’t been humiliated enough, Steve turned to me and said, "And you have already met our resident hellcat. Freddie, this is my baby sister, Annette, rhythm guitar and sultry lead vocalist." As I turned 25 shades of red, Freddie took my hand into his large one and brought the back of mine to his soft lips and kissed it saying, "Es un honor de reunirlo, senorita hermosa." Pedro smirked, being the only one of our group who spoke Spanish. I looked puzzled at him and he translated it for me. "I said it is an honor to meet you, beautiful lady! I have enjoyed your sexy voice on my record player many times. You are a very talented woman." He then addressed the whole band and said, "I really dig your music." After we had our introductions out of the way, the stage manager asked us to start our rehearsal. Pedro’s missing keyboard parts were found, so we rehearsed "Crazy in Love". Ashley, Freddie’s dark eyes never left mine the whole time I sang the song. I almost messed up several times, but there was something in the way he looked at me that made me feel all calm inside. It was like he wanted me to sing the song just for him. When I sang the part, ‘Your kisses so sweet, they melt my heart’, he blew a kiss to me! Needless to say, I couldn’t concentrate after that and I missed my next cue into the chorus. Steve stopped the song and was about to lash into me like he always does when one of us messes up his songs, but Freddie came to my defense. "It wasn’t her fault, man. I distracted her." Steve wasn’t going to argue with a big star, but I saw the look he gave me that I would be in for it later. Fortunately what happened next made him forget all about it. Freddie asked Steve if he could sit in with the band and jam with us after we finished our rehearsal. Even egotist Steve was impressed that a big star like Freddie would want to jam with us. We got through the rehearsal fine, after Freddie promised my brother he would not distract me anymore. Ashley, I wish you could have heard Freddie play the drums. I know there is no better drummer in your eyes than Jason, but that’s love blinding you! Only kidding! Freddie not only played the drums, but on a few songs, Kenny lent him his spare ax and I showed him the chords for "White Heat" and "Crazy in Love". Can Freddie ever play guitar and he has a dreamy voice that blended perfectly on the harmonies! He told me that he listens to our album all the time and learned the harmonies while singing to it. I know you watched the show, so you saw the performance. The band was happy with it and the audience went wild. Freddie asked us to do "White Heat" as an encore, but you saw that too. I’m glad we got to rehearse that one when Freddie was jamming with us. Steve told us later we could have been better, but that’s just Steve, always the perfectionist. We are going to be going to a recording studio today to cut some new tracks for a possible second album. Mr. Rockwell thinks he might be able to get us signed with Chrysalis Records. After the performance last night, he says his phone should start to ring off the hook with record deals. Well I really do need to try to get some sleep. It is a big day tomorrow and I don’t want Steve mad at me for being too tired to play at the recording studio. I’ll write again soon.

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 18, 1975

Dear Ashley,

So much has happened in the past two days. First we were able to lay down 7 new tracks at the recording studio. The sound engineer said our stuff was hot and should make the charts. Even Steve seemed happy with the session. Mr. Rockwell did hear back from Chrysalis and we went to their corporate office and signed a 2 year deal with them. They have agreed to listen to the tracks we had just recorded and Steve is now under the gun to come up with a few more songs to round out our second album. SECOND ALBUM!!! I can’t believe it! We had dinner that night at the Brown Derby to celebrate, and guess who we ran into there. Freddie Prinze. He was there with some friends and when he saw us he came over and sat down next to me! Steve told him about the record deal and the new album. Freddie asked us if we had any plans to tour for the first album and he told Freddie that we had already finished an east coast tour but had not had the chance to book anything on the west coast yet. Mr. Rockwell has been working on that for us, by the way. Freddie told us that he was going to be doing his stand-up act at a place in Tahoe in two weeks and asked if we wanted to open for him! Ashley, can you imagine opening for Freddie Prinze! Have I died and gone to heaven?! Mr. Rockwell said we would love to and asked Freddie to have his manager get in touch with him. Freddie kissed my hand and said "Hasta luega" to us and left to rejoin his friends. Chrysalis Records wants us to hang around Los Angeles for a while to promote us, so they have taken over paying for us to stay at the hotel. Mr. Rockwell heard from Freddie’s manager and they have set up the Tahoe date. I wish you could be here for it. Jason really is going nuts here without you. Some of the guys have met some girls out here, but Jason is true to you and Steve is true to his songwriting. I’m thinking of collaborating on a song with him. I’ve had this idea for a song going around in my head for a while and now that we are becoming famous, maybe I can convince Steve to help me write it. Well I need to get ready for dinner. The guys want to take me out to someplace special tonight since it’s my birthday. I’ll write again real soon.

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 25, 1975

Dear Ashley,

Boy, that was a nice surprise to see you this past weekend. I know Jason appreciated it. He’s much calmer, but you will have to see if you can get out here more often and for longer stretches. It really looks as if we are out here to stay for a while. I do miss DC, but not the weather! You can have the snow. Mr. Rockwell has set up some concert dates for us in February and March. We fly to Seattle the Tuesday after the Tahoe date. It will be a grueling two months, but you know I will write and keep you up to date. We have eight cities set up so far and Chrysalis is trying to set up more. So far we are booked in Seattle for 3 shows, then Denver, Salem, Phoenix, Tulsa, San Diego, San Francisco, and back to LA for 3 shows each. It looks as if "White Heat" might make it into the top ten this week. I can’t believe that we might have two songs from our first album make into the top ten. Steve says that doesn’t happen very often, so I guess we are hot right now. I just hope we don’t crash and burn going so fast on our first try. I think Steve is starting to feel the pressure from it though. He has been more moody lately. I finally have the lyrics to my song down. You know I’m better with the music than the lyrics, so it was a challenge. It’s a song about being on the road and not being able to get too close to anyone to form a relationship with them. I’m glad I’m not seeing anyone right now. I don’t know how you and Jason do it, but I couldn’t stand being in love with someone and not being able to see them. I guess seeing the two of you last weekend was part of the inspiration I needed to write my song. Now I have to get up the nerve to show it to Steve. Speaking of relationships, Pedro told me that you told him you saw Tony the other day. How is the SOB. No, maybe you’d better not tell me. Pedro wouldn’t say much and that is probably for the better. I really don’t know why I let myself get suckered into that relationship. I know we broke up a year ago, but you know those wounds still run deep. I guess it’s because it was my first physical experience with a guy. Well this girl learned her lesson. No more till there is a ring involved and there is no way I’m ready for that to happen! I have too much life to live first! Heck, I’m 22 and riding the crest of this wave right now. I’m not going to mess that up with a relationship. I’m sorry if this makes you sad because of you and Jason, but that is different. You guys are really in love. I shouldn’t vent to you, but who else can I talk to about this. The guys don’t understand, that’s for sure. Their brains are in the wrong part of their body! Well it’s getting late and we are going back to the recording studio tomorrow to cut a few more tracks that Steve has written. Keep your fingers crossed for me because I’m going to present my song idea to the band tomorrow at the studio. I figure if Steve hears the song in front of everyone, he will be less likely to object!

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 28, 1975

Dear Ashley,

I know I only wrote to you a few days ago, but I can’t wait to tell you what happened. I was sitting in my hotel room finishing up the lunch I had room service bring up to me. The band didn’t have anything planned for yesterday till 7, so each of us decided we needed some time to ourselves and I had planned to lounge around the room all day and do nothing. As I said, I was finishing lunch, when my phone rang. You won’t believe this, but it was Freddie. I had not seen him since that night in the Brown Derby, so I wasn’t expecting this call to say the least. He asked me if I was busy and I told him that actually I was just laying around doing nothing today, but I had a meeting with the record company at 7 that night. He told me that things were really hectic and he wanted to get away for a few hours and asked if I would like to go for a drive with him. After I got over the shock, I told him I would love to. He picked me up about 20 minutes later. He has the dreamiest stingray convertible you have ever seen. It is truly a California car! As he held my door open for me, a true gentleman, he asked me if I had had the chance to see the coast yet. Since we have spent most of our time in downtown LA, I told him no, but I would love to. "Great," he answered and we went for a drive up highway 1 along the Pacific coast. Ashley, the Pacific Ocean is nothing like the Atlantic. It is so calm and blue and peaceful, just like its name. The drive was wonderful. It was hard to imagine it being January, it was so warm. But that is California for you. We talked the whole time we drove. I asked him how he was able to get away from the show, since it was midweek and he said they were taking a week off, something about the mid season writers meeting week. I really didn’t understand. I guess this is what TV shows do in January. He told me he was looking forward to our joint date in Tahoe this weekend and wanted to spend some time with me before we went. I told him I was glad he called, that he saved me from a boring afternoon. We shared about our families and told stories about growing up on the east coast. He thought it was neat that I lived so close to DC and all its history, and I told him I envied him growing up in New York City, with all it’s culture. He told me that actually he preferred LA to New York, that the part of New York that he grew up in was nothing to write home about. We talked and drove for a couple of hours when he found a turn off that led down to the beach. I didn’t have a swim suit with me and, even though it was warm, I didn’t think it was that warm to go swimming anyway. We took our shoes off and rolled up our jeans and waded in the water instead. We had fun splashing each other and acting like a couple of kids. It is sometimes hard to remember he is only 20, since he talks and acts so mature most of the time. After our little frolic in the water, we returned to the car and he got a couple of towels out of the back seat. "I see you came prepared," I remarked to him, and he responded that he thought we might need them if we went where he had hoped we would go. After drying off and putting our shoes back on, we got back in the car and sat for a while. He invited me to lean against him and he told me that he had fun getting away from the city for awhile with me. The beach we were at was deserted except for the sea gulls. It was very peaceful. We sat like that for several minutes, just listening to the waves and the gulls and not saying anything. After a little while, he shifted his weight and I sat up. Facing me he looked deep into my eyes with those dark expressive ones of his. He didn’t say anything for several minutes, just looked at me. Just as I though he was going to speak, he reached down instead and placed his warm, full lips against mine and kissed me! Oh, my God, Ashley, it was wonderful. I know I told you I was not ready to get involved with a guy anytime soon, but Tony is no Freddie, I can tell you that. Where Tony always was physically aggressive, Freddie is so tender. He gently ended the kiss and seeing me open my eyes he said, "Did you like that?" He actually asked me how I felt! God, is he ever different from the guys I dated in DC. I told him that it was wonderful and he put his large hands with those long fingers gently on either side of my face and brought it up to his again for another kiss. This time he slowly and carefully parted my lips with his tongue. Now you know how I usually hate French kissing, but I have never been French kissed like this before. It was so natural and sensuous how he probed my mouth with his long, firm tongue. After a few minutes of this, he again ended the kiss very slowly. This time he didn’t say anything, but began to stroke my cheek and hair with his left hand. I reached up to run my fingers through his gorgeous long locks but hesitated not knowing if he would let me. He bent his head down slightly so I could reach it. Wow. His hair is so soft and full. "Mmmm," he said, "That feels good." He enjoyed this for another few minutes and then leaned back and guided my head into a resting position on his chest. I could hear the beating of his heart as he stroked my hair. I ventured to rub the part of his chest that my head was not against with my free hand, since one of them was now wrapped around his ribcage in a half hug. He did not seem to mind, even when I touched his more sensitive spots. This actually had a desired effect because he began to caress my breasts through my shirt with his free hand. This was not aggressive in anyway, but gentle and slow, like we had all of eternity to explore each other. Our caressing went on for a long time before he shifted again and took my face into those large hands again and indulged his pleasure in another long, passionate kiss. This time after he explored my mouth with his tongue, he took it and was able to guide my tongue into his mouth. I had never experienced that sensation before. Now I know why guys like to tongue kiss so much! I don’t know if you have ever done this with Jason, but I recommend it highly. It is sooo... I can’t describe it in mere words, Ashley. You will just have to experience it for yourself to understand what I’m trying to say. I really thought that this activity was going to lead further, but Freddie carefully shifted me off of him, very gently, as he had been all afternoon, and looked at his watch. "I think we need to be heading back, if you are going to be on time for your meeting." "Noo," was all my brain could answer, but I knew he was right. We straightened ourselves up and he started the car. We didn’t say too much on the drive back, but he did let me lean against him as he drove. He kissed me goodbye when he dropped me off at the hotel and told me again how he was looking forward to Tahoe. I told you I didn’t want to get involved with any more guys, but I think I might be changing my mind, Ashley. That tender encounter has made me realize how much I miss the touch of a man and what a man Freddie is! I can’t wait to see what might happen this weekend. I hope we are not so busy with performing and publicity shots and parties and that stuff that Freddie and I won’t be able to steal some time to ourselves. If he asks me to sleep with him, I think I might be inclined to say yes! I’m sorry if this was so detailed and it made you miss Jason. I didn’t mean to make you frustrated! I just needed someone to tell this to and I knew you would understand. Jason tells me you are thinking about quitting your job and coming on the road with us. I think that is wonderful. I will love having you around. It’s hard to talk to the guys about girl stuff. Hope to see you in Seattle in a couple of weeks.

Forever Friends,

Annette

February 2, 1975

Dear Ashley,

Hola! That’s Spanish for hello. Forgive me, but I’m on cloud nine right now. I’ll tell you why in a minute. As always I need to tell you the whole story! I hope you are not busy doing anything else while you read this, cause you are going to need lots of time and concentration for this one. Ashley, I’m in LOVE!!! But let me tell you what happened from the beginning. We arrived at the club in Lake Tahoe. It is a beautiful place, with a hotel adjacent to it. We have one of the biggest guest suites in the place. We got unpacked, and went down to rehearse for the set we were doing that night. After setting up our equipment, we practiced "Crazy in Love". I guess we were quite loud, cause employees of the club started to gather to listen to us rehearse. After a few more numbers, Freddie wandered in and some of the band members waved to him. He came up on stage and gave the guys hugs and slaps on the back. You should have seen it. It was like old home week! After greeting the guys, he came up to me and gave me a long kiss. The guys all ooohed at us and made crude comments. I didn’t tell them about the drive the other day and I think the kiss took them off guard. I ignored their juvenile behavior and asked Freddie if he would like to jam with us again, like he did that afternoon on the Tonight Show set. He was happy that I asked him and we jammed for several hours. He even sang me an old Spanish love song while the guys were on a break. God, Ashley, he is sooo romantic. After rehearsals, the band and Freddie went out to the pool and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, as much as we could with all the fans that were around hounding Freddie for autographs. He told his fans who we were and we even had to sign autographs too. Seems people are listening to our music, but don’t know our faces too well yet. Freddie tells me that will change as soon as we go on tour. We did manage to have a little fun at the pool. Freddie put sun tan lotion on my back with those long fingers of his. MMmmm boy, was that nice! Then we went swimming in the pool. The guys wanted to horse around and chicken fight. Freddie joined them, but I stayed by the side of the pool and watched. He then said it was my turn and I got on his broad shoulders and we challenged Pedro and Steve to a round. We won! Everyone was sorry to quit the pool and go in to get ready for the evening’s show. Freddie has a suite on the same floor as the band, but on the other side of the building. He dropped me off at my door and gave me a kiss for luck. I was not too nervous before that, but something in the way he wished me luck and said good bye started my nerves going. The guys wanted to catch a bite to eat but I was too nervous to get more than a few bites down. Freddie told me earlier that we probably would not see him till the show. I wished he was there having dinner with us. Maybe his presence would have had a calming effect on my stomach! I’m sure Jason told you that our set was fantastic. The audience loved us and we wound up doing three encores! Then we sat in the audience while Freddie came on and did his act. He is even funnier in person than on his TV show. After the show, we all were taken to a large room where the club hosted some big shot producer types and we had to mingle and party with this crowd for a while. Freddie and I were separated for about an hour, talking to people I’d never met before. I hated it, but Steve told me it was good publicity and I should act like I was enjoying myself, since I’m the front singer for the band. He was really getting into this PR stuff, and I know it is important for the band, but Ashley, it was soooo boring. After about an hour of being introduced to and talking to executive types, Freddie was able to make his way over to me and whispered to me that we should make the great escape. I couldn’t have agreed more. We were able to sneak away to a quieter corner of the room. He seemed as interested in ditching the party as I was. "Is this always the way it is after a show?", I asked him. He said pretty much and I better get used to it now that the band were becoming stars. Can you imagine an big star like Freddie calling us stars! We made it out to the corridor outside the banquet hall where the party was still going strong. He asked me if I had supper yet and I told him that I hadn’t eaten very much before the show. He said he was tired of all the people and wanted to go someplace quiet. "Let’s go to my room then and order room service," he suggested. I was all for that, being tired of the crowds myself. His suite was not as large as ours, but it was as elaborate. He took off his jacket and tie and threw them on the bed. He phoned down for a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of wine. Then he sat down on the edge of the bed and started rubbing the back of his neck and moaning. I asked him if his neck hurt. "A little," he answered. "You mind rubbing it for me?", he asked and I was very glad to oblige. After a couple of minutes of rubbing, he told me that I did that very well. I told him that I had been studying to become a physical therapist before the band’s music career took off. He asked me if I would give him a back rub. I told him to wait a minute and I went to my room to get the scented oil I always pack to massage my legs with when I have been on them too long. I returned to the room and room service had brought our order up. We ate first and then I had Freddie strip to the waist and lay on his stomach across the bed. I prepared the oil in my hands, like I was taught, swirling it in my palms to warm it. Then I started the massage, his broad shoulders first, and then up and down his spine, and then back and forth across his ribcage. He moaned in delight as I was able to get his back muscles to relax. He is a very tense person. At one point, I thought he had gone to sleep on me, he had stopped making any noise. Just as I was about to get up though, he rolled over and gently pulled me to him and said, "Gracias, mi amor, that was muy maravilloso." I asked him what that meant and he said very wonderful. Then he kissed me and the next thing I knew we are lying beside each other, unclothed and enjoying each others caresses and kisses. Foreplay was long, sensuous and wonderful with Freddie. Not at all like my encounters with Tony. I never knew sex could be this wonderful with the right person. We made love all night, taking brief internals to sleep. I don’t know if I will be able to stand being separated from him when we go on tour. I can finally see how you and Jason must feel. For your sake I hope you can meet us in Seattle. Freddie said he would try, but I know how busy he is. We are getting ready to pack up and head back to LA. Freddie already left this morning. I kissed Freddie goodbye, and he said, "Not goodbye, Hasta luego." Pedro had told me earlier when Freddie had said that in the Brown Derby, that it meant "till later". Boy I hope so. Well I really must end this letter and finish packing. Hope to see you in a week in Seattle.

Forever Friends,

Annette

April 1, 1975

Dear Ashley,

Well it’s April Fools day and I’m the one proving to be the fool. I guess it’s official now. Freddie has cast me aside for some one else. And I can’t stop crying. When will the hurting stop? I really thought we could make a go of it. Maybe that’s what makes me the biggest fool of all. When you came on tour, things were going great. I was riding high. Our band was a hit everywhere we toured, I had a man who loved me and nothing was going wrong. I guess I was too blinded by all the stage lights to see the truth. Now it’s over. I’m glad for you and Jason. We were sorry to see him leave the band at the end of the tour, but you two have been away from each other for too long. How did you do it? Be apart and still stay in love? Maybe that’s because you were together longer, I don’t know. But I wish I knew your secret! Your wedding in Las Vegas was beautiful. It was nice that we played there last so you could be married before you had to leave to go home to DC. I wish you nothing but the best. I probably should have seen this coming, but I guess I wanted to believe we could be like you and Jason. He used to call me, you know. Every city, before every show. The last time I saw him, when we were in Seattle, was the biggest hint I missed about how things were going to be. I wanted to be alone with him so bad after the show, but the reporters and the fans were hounding us for so long that all we had time for was a quick goodbye. He had taken time out of his busy schedule to see me and I was not available for him. He told me on the phone later that it was OK and he, above every one, understood the price you pay when you become famous. But I didn’t understand. I still think it’s unfair that your personal life has to take a back seat to your public life. My brother is no help. You saw how he was when Jason announced he was leaving the band. All he sees is the fame and can’t figure out why anyone would give that up, especially for love. But I was not ready either, so I guess I can’t judge him too harshly. Freddie’s last call to me was right after we finished the Tucson show and we were heading for the Vegas gig. I was looking forward to winding the tour down and returning to LA and Freddie. He was a little distant. He was so busy with his public appearances and the show, that he sounded tired. That was another hint I missed. The calls in February were always full of the plans we were making for after our tour and by March all we did, it seemed, was complain to each other how grueling this business can be. In that last call, Freddie talked about settling down, but I was still flying high on the tour and told him I wasn’t ready yet. Then he didn’t call me when we got to Las Vegas and I really should have gotten the hint. It was that weekend that he met his new girlfriend, I found out later. The media said it was in Jackson’s Hole that they met, but rumor has it that it might have been right there in Vegas. He wouldn’t tell me, and I really don’t want to know, cause if he was in Vegas while we were there and he didn’t come to see me... God, Ashley I can’t even think about that. He did call me when I got back to LA on the 29th. He wanted me to know before I read about it in the papers. He told me again how he was wanting to settle down and he knew that marrying another performer would be too much of a strain on him. He asked me again if I was ready to settle down, and I told him no. I am still enjoying this first taste of the apple of fame and it is still sweet. He said he understood, but knew it was time for him find someone he could share his life with. I can’t understand how at 20 anyone could think of settling down, but he has always been mature for his years. He thinks he has found someone he can do that with, someone who is not a performer. He says she is a sweet person. He told me that he cherishes the time we had together. He had hoped we could have a relationship that would have lasted. He believed we could when we were in Tahoe, but the more I was on the road and away from him, the more he began to realize it wasn’t going to work. I wished him happiness and hoped he had found what he was looking for. He told me that they had decided to try living together first before they would consider getting married, to see if it would work. He wished me success and happiness, too and then he hung up. I have not stopped crying since. I’m not angry at him and I can’t really be angry at her. I guess I’m angry at this business and myself for buying into the lifestyle. I hope I do find true happiness one day, the happiness you and Jason have found. I do know though, that if I ever do fall in love with someone, they will have a tough act to follow. Well I guess I have cried in your beer long enough. We should be home for Easter for a visit. Hope to see you then and then we can have a long talk.

Forever Friends,

Annette

June 29, 1975

Dear Ashley,

Well I hope you are feeling better. You’d better take the doctor’s advice and quit that job and stay home. I am so happy that you and Jason are starting a family and I don’t want to see your health be affected by you working. I was tickled that you asked me to be the godmother. I would be honored. Jason is making a good salary in that new job of his, that you can afford to take off for a year. I want you to take good care of that godchild of mine, and yourself. You really need to watch that blood pressure. Please relax! Chrysalis records wants us to go on another tour to promote our second album, "Party of Five". I am still tired from the first tour, but Steve says if we aren’t out in the public pushing our records, we could be has-beens very quickly in this business. I guess he is right, but I get weary of it all sometimes. I actually am starting to envy the life you and Jason have, even though I’m still not ready to give this one up yet. Steve says that we need to start thinking toward another album. I swear he pushes harder that the record company and our manager put together. I have been working on several new songs and I hope they will prove to be as big a hit as my first song, "Road Weary" is proving to be. Billboard has it at no.16 this week and it is still climbing. I can’t listen to it, though. It is going to be really hard to play on tour as well. Too many bitter memories. Speaking of which, I heard a rumor today that floored me, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Freddie and his girlfriend may be pregnant. I guess they will be getting married soon, now that a kid is expected. Actually I don’t know if it is true. The jerk at the record company who told me might have been pulling my chain, seeing as he likes me and he somehow found out that Freddie and I were and "item". I guess his telling me this is going to make me want to go out with him? Men are such jerks! I’m not sure how he found out this piece of information anyway. He wouldn’t tell me that. Well you take care of yourself and that baby and I’ll see you as soon as I can. Give my love to Jason.

Forever Friends,

Annette

September 12,1975

Dear Ashley,

Hey how’s that new mama to be and my godchild doing! I hope all is going well. It should be down hill from here on out now. So, do you think it will be a New yYear’s baby? That would be cool. Think of the publicity! The first bicentennial baby born in DC! Well I guess you will be glad if it is healthy at least. I guess you have heard but in case you haven’t, the "Party of Five" tour is coming to DC in a few weeks. It has been such a success that we are ready to cut another album when the tour is over the middle of October. Steve has written nine new songs and I have written four. The guys at Chrysalis really like my stuff and think I might have a couple of more hits. Some one there has been talking to Mr. Rockwell about a solo album for me, but that is out. I wouldn’t do that to the band. I hope you feel up to coming to the show when we are in town. I asked Mr. Rockwell if we could have a few days off to visit family, since we are playing our home town and all, and he said he would see what he could do. I hope to see you there. I really need to go now and rehearse for tonight’s show. The road has been tough, but the fans have been wonderful. I wish I could write more, and I really wish I could talk to you more, but the show has its demands, as you saw when you and Jason were with us the last time. Well you take care of yourself and that baby and I’ll see you as soon as I can. Give my love to Jason.

Forever Friends,

Annette

October 15, 1975

Dear Ashley,

It was really good to see you and Jason while we were in DC! I’m glad Mr. Rockwell was able to get us a few days to spend together. You are looking soooo pregnant, girl! You are going to make a good mother and Jason is going to be one terrific dad! I really wish I could have stayed in DC. I need you today to hold on to me so I don’t go all to pieces. I’m not sure if it made the news in DC, but it’s in all the trade papers in LA. Freddie and Kathy finally got married. Seems the information that jerk at the record company gave me was true. He and his new bride are expecting their baby in March. Some savvy news paper reporter managed to sneak a picture of the wedding and they do look happy together. I wish I could be. Ashley, I feel like such a fool. That could have been me and I blew it. I could be the one talking babies with you instead of my feeling so sad and lonely right now. Is fame really worth the price of happiness. Am I really chasing a rainbow. Everyone says my career is going through the roof, but I am alone. The guys I meet are jerks and only want to date me cause I’m a rock star and they think making it with a star will make them big too. I can’t take it any more. The executive at the record company want me to see a shrink and the doctors out here only prescribe Quaaludes to make you feel better. I have some friends who are on them and all I can see are bigger jerks. I don’t want to go that route. I’ll quit before they put me on drugs to help me to cope! I’m sorry to dump on you. I guess I should be over Freddie by now, after all it’s been 9 months since we broke up, but it still hurts. I need a break. That might make the difference. We cut the new album next week and then I told the record executives and Mr. Rockwell I want 3 months off. No road tours, no public appearances, nothing. They actually agreed to it! I think they are worried about my health and think I might benefit from the rest. Steve was a harder sell, but I don’t care! Let him run himself into the ground. I will be home in November and be able to spend the holidays with my family and friends. And best of all I will be there to see that new godchild of mine! All of this will help me to get my life back into perspective again I am sure! I hope to see you really soon! Take care of yourself and that baby and I’ll see you as soon as I can. Give my love to Jason.

Forever Friends,

Annette

March 9, 1976

Dear Ashley,

How’s Tyler? I miss him soo much. I bet he is getting big! Two months already. Where has the time gone? Give him a big kiss from his godmother for me. You are truly blessed, you and Jason, to have such a beautiful son! It looks like I no sooner get back to LA and the record company is hounding us to do another tour to promote "Street Lights", our third album. They say it is not moving as fast as our other two did, but I figure it sometimes takes time for these things to take off. You can’t hit it big with all of them. Steve says we have to go and that is final! I guess I should be glad they let me have one extra month off. I do feel better and I am anxious to go back out and play for the crowds. It’s better that sitting around here and feeling sorry for myself. That’s the worst part about living in LA, the loneliness. I was thinking about buying a house in Belaire and getting out of this apartment, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of commitment. See I can’t even commit to a house, much less a relationship! I guess the tour gets me away from here and all these negative feelings. I am happier on the road! Just a side note, even though I had promised you that I wouldn’t do this to myself and talk about "you know who" again, but I just read that they had a boy. He decided to name it after himself. Freddie Prinze Junior! Brother, does that kid have a name to live up to! (Ok, Ok! I won’t say any more!) Well I have to be going. Steve has set up a PA, that’s a public appearance, for this afternoon at a shopping mall. I hate these, but they are important. Kiss Tyler for me and say Hi to Jason!

Forever Friends,

Annette

June 17, 1976

Dear Ashley,

Steve says I can come home for a short visit before our new tour starts. I know this is a short letter, but really, nothing is too new around here. No guys to report about, but I have been dating more lately. It’s just that LA guys are such drips! I hear from mom that Tyler is cutting teeth and keeping you up at night! I guess having a kid is not all cute and cuddly. I do miss him, though, and can’t wait to see him and you! I will be home in a week and will be able to stay for two. Then it’s off on the "Street Lights" tour. We start in New York on the fourth of July. What a show that should be. We will be with a whole lot of other famous bands. This was a big one to pull off, but Mr. Rockwell was able to pull some strings and get us this gig. I’m really excited! NYC on the bicentennial fourth! Ought to be a blast! Well gotta run. See you in a week!

Forever Friends,

Annette

September 12, 1976

Dear Ashley,

Sorry I haven’t written to you more, but touring is such a grueling grind. You never have a moment’s peace. I have been writing songs again and I think I’m ready to consider a solo career. Steve is driving me up the wall. Even the other guys in the band are talking of quitting. I guess it was too good to last. Maybe I should consider going out on my own while the band is still hot. I really don’t think it’s going to be for very much longer. Three of my songs from the new album have made it into the top 40 and I think this is bothering Steve, too. I guess it’s like they say, there is a time and a season for everything. I loved the pictures you sent me of Tyler. He’s getting to be such a cutie! He’s going to break a lot of hearts when he grows up! Mom says you and Jason are thinking on starting on no. 2! Have fun with that *wink, wink*. I have to go again! Keep the pictures of Tyler coming! I have him plastered on my trailer walls! He’s much better looking than any of the guys I’m dating, that’s for sure. Hope to see you for the holidays! Love to all and give my baby a big kiss for me!

Forever Friends,

Annette

December 11, 1976

Dear Ashley,

Sorry I had to cut the holiday visit short, but the record company has agreed to letting me cut a solo album. Steve was livid, but I think it’s over for The Rage, anyway. Most of the guys have opted to stay in DC and I don’t think they are coming back to LA. Steve doesn’t know this and I’m not going to be the one to tell him. Maybe I can get him to produce my album. He has become quite good at all aspects of the record business, and I think he would make a fine producer if he could see past the band! It is ironic that I came back when I did. You are not going to believe who I got a call from the other night. Freddie! Just like that! Out of the blue. He sounded soo depressed. I had heard through the grape vine that he broke up with his wife. I didn’t mention it to you cause we agreed that this was a topic verboten! But this time it’s different. I have to tell you what happened! He is living in a hotel/apartment building near the TV studio. When I got to his place, he was very stoned. Seems he has been abusing prescription Quaaludes and alcohol for a long time now. He didn’t make a whole lot of sense and he was trying to apologize for not waiting for me. He said his life was spiraling out of control lately and he doesn’t get to see his family much. I told him that he needed to get help for his obvious dependence on the drugs, but he said he needed the ludes to keep him from going crazy. I don’t know what was worse, hearing him go on about how miserable his life has been, or watching him down more pills and drink more wine. I have been around celebrities doing drugs, you almost can’t avoid that in the entertainment business these days, but Ashley, this was beyond having fun with drugs. I mean, I was scared for him. I kept pleading with him to get help and he said he wanted help, but he thought it was too late. I told him I would look into somewhere he could go to get straightened out. He said that would be great. He had to go out, so I couldn’t stay. As I left, I had a funny feeling in my gut that I shouldn’t have left him alone, but I could not do anything for him at that moment. When I got back to my apartment, I made a few phone calls, but I didn’t tell them who I was inquiring for, cause Freddie asked me not to. He is so scared someone will find out he has a problem and he will be washed up as an entertainer. I’m not sure how the people around him haven’t figured out that he has a problem, or why they haven’t sought help for him. All I know is when I made my calls, there isn’t as much help out there for this problem as you might think. And much of it would be too public for him to seek, if he is avoiding publicity. I will keep trying though. Maybe he will call me again soon and I will have an answer for him. God, I hope so. Well I guess you have had enough of that for one letter. I’ll let you know if anything happens. Kiss Tyler for me and I hope to be home for Christmas. It will be a short one cause I need to be back here for New Years to do a show in Las Vegas. My first as a solo act. I’m so nervous! I’ll tell you all about that when I get home.

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 15, 1977

Dear Ashley,

I just came back from the recording studio and it was a great session. I think Steve really enjoys producing as much as he did playing and recording. I knew he would. I’m glad I asked him and he agreed to do it. The New Years show was a blast. I never thought I could do a solo, but Steve went with me for support and I was not as nervous as I thought I’d be. He really has changed for the better since the band broke up. He has become my loving big brother again, instead of the grouch he had been the past year. I’m sorry I missed Tyler’s 1st birthday. I hope he had a good one. I hope you got the gift I sent him and it fits. I saw that outfit in the store and I couldn’t resist it. I bet he looks cute in it! I hear you just found out you are pregnant again! Congratulations. I hope it’s a girl this time, but Tyler is such a cute kid, I guess I could stand you having another boy. I hope you can get a little rest with a toddler on you hands. Tyler sure gets into things now that he is walking! I’m kind of tired right now from the recording session, so I’m going to make this a short one. I’ll write you again real soon.

Forever Friends,

Annette

January 30, 1977

Dear Ashley,

I can hardly see to put pen to paper to write this letter to you. I know you have seen the news and know about Freddie’s death. It made the front pages of all the newspapers here as well as the evening news on all three networks. I can’t stand it. I still can’t believe it. I’m in such shock right now. I tried to get to the hospital right after the shooting, but they weren’t letting anyone in who wasn’t family or business related. Why did he do it? Life can’t have been that bad for him! God, Ashley, I should have pressed him harder to seek help, but I guess we all thought he had time. Now he’s gone. I’m sorry I can’t write any more. Maybe another day. Sorry this is so short. Pray for him and his family and pray for me too. I think I’m going crazy over this.

Annette

February 9, 1977

Dear Ashley,

I’m sorry I left you to worry about my sanity after that last letter. I am still trying to make sense of this, still coping with so many conflicting feelings. I couldn’t bring myself to attend the funeral, but I went to his grave today. I went real early in the morning so I could be alone with him. I sat there and stared at the crypt surrounded by the the flowers people still are sending. I asked him why, but he didn’t answer me. I thought about all the songs I have written in my short career and could see his face in every one. I don’t know if I was truly conscious of it or not, but he has been my inspiration; my muse, if you will. Now that he is gone...... I made a decision while I sat there trying to seek answers. I can’t be a part of an industry that can let this happen to it’s best and brightest any more. I doubt I will be able to write any more songs anyway, since the light of my inspiration has flickered and died within me. I’m going to the record company today and resigning and then I’m coming home to DC for good. I know Steve will be livid, but he’ll just have to deal with it. I didn’t sign the solo contract yet, I was supposed to this afternoon. Maybe that’s why I waited till today to see Freddie, to say my good bye first and then to turn the deal down and walk away. It’s probably best this way. I’m afraid if I continue, I might be another causality. You know I’ve been fighting depression and loneliness. The same two things Freddie told me he was battling and taking the drugs to relieve. I don’t want to be like him. I want a normal life. I’m ready to settle down now. I only wish Freddie was still here to settle down with! I’m sorry, I must go now. I will be home soon. And then we can have a good cry together.

Forever Friends,

Annette

Postscript--June 2001

These letters were given to me by Ashley a few months after Annette’s death from a massive brain tumor. She was only 49. She had come back to DC and completed her degree in physical therapy. A year after leaving LA, she married a doctor who worked in the hospital where she did, and raised two children. Ashley has only shared a few of the nearly hundred letters Annette wrote her over those three years she was on the road performing. Annette never shared her brief relationship with Freddie Prinze with anyone but Ashley. Ashley knew Annette never got over Freddie, even though nothing more was said about him between the two friends. Every year, on the anniversaries of their first meeting, their stay in Tahoe, and his death, Annette would go to her room and keep a quiet vigil. Ashley never told Evan, Annette’s husband, why, only that she needed this time to herself. Evan was a kind man and knew that his wife suffered from depression. He never questioned Ashley about it. When Annette was near the end of her battle with her cancer, she told Ashley that it was ok to tell the friends of Freddie about her love for the man who brought love into her life and the inspiration for the music she made. She told Ashley that she made peace with Evan about this and that he suspected her depression stemmed from a past relationship. He told Ashley after Annette’s passing that it was ok with him to carry out her last wishes. Ashley hopes to publish a biography one day honoring her friend and her brief life in show business. Freddie will surely be a part of that story. In the mean time, Ashley wanted me to have a copy of this little glimpse into the beauty and tragedy that was Annette’s relationship with Freddie Prinze. Ashley knew that I networked with fans around the country and wanted me to share the story with you. Ashley, who is a fan herself, knows that people are wondering today what kind of a man Freddie was. Annette always told Ashley that no one was a more gentle or passionate lover than Freddie. And he was a person who had a great zest for living. That’s how Annette always remembered Freddie, with love in her heart and passion in her soul. She regretted, till the day she died, not taking him up on his offer to settle down with him. Maybe now she is at peace too.