Who have you met in real life that you might have thought you’d never meet because they were just too famous or unreachable?

I had a crush on Jaclyn Smith. I used to watch "Charlie's Angels" all the time. I was at Fox Studios in L.A., and found out they were shooting that day, so I went over to the production office and they took me over to watch them film. I was so nervous that I started to stutter when I met her. She was so cool though, and nice. I later found out that she wanted to do the D & M Show (which was then being shot up in Utah at our studio). So, I gladly made myself available to be her guide of Provo. We had the greatest time going around the town. Unfortunately, she had a boyfriend in California, but still, it was worth the drive!

Also, Olivia Newton-John was really cool. I never thought I would get to know her, but she had a big interest in Alan at the time. She came to see us at Disneyland. Alan put on the moves, and took her around the park. Somehow I tagged along-HA!  I'll never forget that horrifying feeling as she dug her fingernail straight into my arm as the ride in "Pirates of the Caribbean" dropped down into the water (nor has my right ear recovered from that high pitched sound of her scream!).

Who haven’t you met that you really would love to have met (if they are no longer with us) or would like to meet?

I think I have met everyone that has been interesting to me that is still alive.  However, the person who intrigues me the most in history would be George Washington. He seems to have been the type of individual who would have been an honor to be associated with. 

Have you ever met someone and did not know who they were - only to find out later that they were extremely famous?

Yes, we were doing a Chevrolet television special back in the late 70s, and this sweet little old lady was standing right by me, watching some of the rehearsals. Somehow we started to talk, only to find out I was talking to the “Wicked Witch” from the Wizard of Oz. I started to laugh and told her that I was bothered as a kid when she did her thing. She laughed and told me how her grandchildren love to bring their friends over to her house, make popcorn, and watch it with her.  I had a brain freeze trying to picture this sweet little old lady as this wicked witch!

Is it true that Elvis Presley had his own copy of the Book of Mormon. and was it your family who gave it to him? If so, were you every “party” to any discussions on religion with him, and how did they go?

Unfortunately, I never had one of those discussions with him. But, the Church has in it's possession, the original book Elvis had, along with a few of his comments. I can't remember who gave him the book.

If you could spend an entire afternoon with one celebrity/dignitary that you had met or worked with in the past, who would it be and why would you choose this person?

Well, until 20 years ago, I had a regret, that I haven't told to a lot of people. Now, it seems silly, but, nevertheless, it is true. Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) and I flirted with each other during the taping of the D & M Show - season two. She would love to come over to the rehearsals at KTLA where I would be producing the part of the show "Little Bit Country/Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll." She thought it was "neat" that I was the one who did the staging, selected the music, and created the affects that Donny did, for those spots.  Needless to say, we both had chemistry for each other. Obviously, nothing ever came of it, but those were fun times then (and teasing times now!).

Do you have any memories of Richard or Karen Carpenter, musical or otherwise, that you could share with us?

They were two of the nicest people you could ever meet.  At the Anaheim Convention Center in California, Karen told me backstage that one of her, and Richard’s, desires was to do a Christmas album with us.  She and I were both sponsors for Ludwig Drums.  She also told me she had a crush on brother Alan. (I told him, and he thought that was cool, but for some reason they never went out.)

Please tell us about meeting Lucille Ball.

She was a big "Donny" fan.  I remember being at her house in Beverly Hills.  After we performed on her show, she invited us over for a big party. She was very nice, and domineering, (but in a nice way).

What was it like meeting the Queen of England? Did you get briefed beforehand on what protocol had to be followed? Did she say anything to you?

There is always a protocol before a performance, but that's just a formality. This last time, I took both my hands to shake hers, and then asked, "Do you remember my mother?"  She said, "Oh my, yes! How is she?" Then I told her that my mother was not well, and she told me to say hello from her. I also said that mother has always loved her. The Queen told me to tell mother that she too is loved, and that she wants mother to know that she personally sends her regards, and hopes she gets well soon!  When I got back to the States and told mother what the Queen said, mother's eyes lit up and a big smile came on her sweet face. I'll never forget that!

What memory of meeting Elvis Presley stands out most in your mind?

After one of his shows, we were back in his dressing room where he was telling us that he was tired, and that show business was a lot of work.  We were laughing about how our jumpsuits looked like his, and that he would sometimes go to the lighting booth (of the International Hotel -now the Hilton) and watch us perform.

Which Presidents of the United States have you met, and what was it like to meet them?

We performed for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. My brothers were very much involved in the 80s with the Reagans. I personally wasn't, but it was cool to meet those Presidents and their wives.  However, President George W. Bush (then Governor of Texas) was the person that really sticks out in my mind.  We were performing at the Home Builders Convention in Dallas, and Governor Bush was told to come up at the end of the show and sing the last song with all of us, the singers, and dancers. Well, he shows up on stage, standing next to me. 

I would love to meet Jerry Lewis, what is he like? He looks like such a nice person. Is he funny when the camera is off? I think he would be quite a loving and sincere person.

Jerry Lewis is one of the most sincere people I've met.  I was looking back on some old pictures and remembered how he would take time to talk to us about his life, and things that were important to him. He, of course, had that crazy (Wayne) side to him. I'll never forget the time he came in while we were trying to read this difficult piece of music, and lit the music paper on fire.

Of all the celebrities and dignitaries you have met throughout your career, can you name those that have stood out the most, or left a lasting impression on you?

Paul McCartney, Andy Williams, Stevie Wonder, George Burns, are a few that come to mind. But, I think meeting the group "Led Zeppelin" was the biggest impression. Even though their manager didn't like us, they insisted on having us go up on stage with them for their finale, and perform "Stairway to Heaven" with them.  I also remember how their families backstage wanted to meet us, and we ended up playing frisbee with them.

When I joined the LDS church, President Spencer W. Kimball was at the helm of the church. I have always admired him, and I was wondering if you ever got the chance to sit and talk with him, or just meet him?

Yes, in fact, he dedicated our studio in Orem. What a great Prophet and person!  He told us that our parents were very special, and that we needed to stay together.  I was blessed to share my testimony of the church with him, and tell him face to face that I knew with all my heart that he was a true Prophet of God!

What was it like to meet Michael Jackson the first time?

It was pretty cool! The time I remember most was in Toronto. He and Donny stuck their heads out of the hotel window and waved to all the people. Our two families were on the same floor of the hotel, and played football in the banquet room. I remember breaking a light really bad. Michael called me a "turkey."

Did you ever meet any famous drummers? Has there ever been a drummer that you learned from, or who you wanted to meet? Does your style of drumming come from any particular drummer?

I had the chance to meet Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson. These were the greatest jazz drummers of our time. But the best drummers, I think, were Ronnie Tutt (Elvis' drummer), Jimmy Gordon (Played on so many great 60s and 70s hit songs) and Johnnie Garron, who I patterned my drum solo after. These guys were not only great at drumming, but also took the time to teach me the important things I needed to know about drums.