Albert Stiles (Finding Aid)

Albert Stiles

1922 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Red Beans and Rice

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Las Vegas

Interview Length: 175 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 31, 2002

Interview Location(s): The Talent Factory, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Abstract

Al Stiles details his parents' backgrounds. He discusses his own popularity as a child and how he was able to convince others to go along with his beliefs. Stiles talks about his father's history and ways he was impressed by him. He talks about the success of his shoe shining business and describes how he first got into radio broadcasting. Stiles gives some insight into the troubles his family faces during the Great Depression as well as the jobs his parents held. Then, he describes himself as child and speaks about his early attempts at entrepreneurship. He also talks about serving as a ring-bearer in many weddings. Al Stiles explains how his personality made him a natural-born leader as a child. He then talks about his early adventures and successes in performing in public. Al Stiles gives the names of his brother and sisters. He then tells of his experiences in elementary school and how he first became aware of his love of performing. Stiles also recalls his favorite teachers in school. Then, he talks about his love of baseball as a child. Stiles tells the story of how he and Nathaniel Reese left home without telling their parents in order to audition for the 'Major Bowes' Amateur Hour'. Stiles talks about the success they had on the show and details their stay in New York City. He recalls his mother's reaction to his departure and then gives more details about his encounters in New York. Al Stiles talks about his return to New York City at age eleven and his appearance at the Apollo Theatre. He goes into details about what their act consisted of and talks about meeting their booking agent. Then, he remembers the groups various stage names and a financial situation that arose with their agent. Stiles talks about the reasoning for going to New York City without his parents and about the adventures he encountered during these trips. He talks about the famous performers he worked alongside during his career. Stiles then describes a situation in which he had to return home from the road and quit performing in order to go into the military during World War II. Al Stiles recalls his relationship with his musical partner Nathaniel Reese and talks about how he learned of his untimely death. Al Stiles talks about getting drafted in the army and describes his experiences there. He then shares the story of how he met his wife. Then, he details a chronic foot ailment that started while he was in the army and the troubles it caused him throughout his life. Stiles discusses his reasoning for opening up a record shop after his military career ended. He describes the eventual failure of the business and about the financial troubles caused by the failure. Al Stiles talks about his relationship with Lionel Hampton and getting back into the entertainment business. Al Stiles begins by telling the story of how he was accused of stealing while performing in Winnipeg, Canada. He talks about the details of this event and how he was affected by it. Then, he states how he came up with the idea to start the Talent Factory and gives some insight into his willingness to help up and coming entertainers. Al Stiles details the early origins of the Talent Factory and also speaks about his admiration for his entertainment partner James Johnson. He discusses performers that he's trained at the Talent Factory and successes that they've had in the professional careers. Al Stiles remembers working for the Flashfold Box Company and tells of the racism he encountered there. Al Stiles details his participation in the International Printing Pressmen Union, including how he came to be vice president of the union's chapter in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stiles describes his struggles with the management of Flashfold Carton Inc, which intensified as Stiles increased his involvement in with the union. He describes how he brought a lawsuit against the company after they denied him overtime pay and forced him to switch shifts. Stiles then discusses his plans for the future of the Talent Factory, and then considers his legacy and how he would like to be remembered. Al Stiles describes photos of friends and family that he has provided.

63 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)