Hal Holbrook heard a 1920s recording of William Gillette imitating Twain
(that tape has often been mistaken for a recording of Twain himself).
Gillette, a Hartford boy, did an impersonation of Twain on June 5, 1877.
Twain was in the audience and pronounced WG's impersonation as excellent.
HH later met Clara who also said he'd nailed her father's voice and manner.
Then she suggested he impersonate Jesus. There being no Jesus recordings
that have been authenticated, and that market being nearly as crowded as the
Elvis market, HH decided to stick with Twain.

I've always thought HH should play the Gillette recording at the beginning
of his act, and briefly tell the story behind it as well as his encounter
with Clara, so that his audiences would realize just how close an imitation
they are hearing.

Kevin Mac Donnell
Austin TX