In the mid-1990s, his daughter Celia passed away from a heart ailment. And so here in town, the Winers created a memorial garden in honor of the light of their life. Today, it thrives, and a painting of Celia hangs in the bookstore.
The town pitched in to help the pair grieve.
But the town also took issue with Winer's nakedness.
"They tried to pass an ordinance just because of me," Winer said, "but the ACLU got involved and stopped it. Then I think everyone started to realize I was good for business, so they sort of embraced me. Not literally. But you get what I mean."
Throughout any given day, travelers from all over the world stop in to shop for books and have their photo taken with Winer, who's more than happy to oblige.
Suddenly in January, the "Sweet Pie" act became aroused once more.
"Salisbury Beach brought me back for a festival," Winer explained. "I hadn't played for 20 years, so I practiced for about 200 hours and it paid off. More than 1,000 people turned out. They sang along, they knew the jokes. They remembered."
Sponsored LinksSomething else happened once he got home. Some customers got to talking with Winer and told him they were on their way to visit their friend -- Jay Leno. Winer gave them a note to deliver to his old pal and the next day, the phone rang.
"It was Jay," Winer said, smiling. "We reminisced for a while and then he told me that when I'm ready, since I'm playing again, that he wants to have me on 'The Tonight Show.' I don't have his number, but I want Jay to know right now -- I've been playing some local shows here in Quartzsite and I'm ready. I'm ready, Jay, so if you're reading this article, let's make a plan."
Back at the counter, ringing up some maps, travel books and DVDs a customer is buying, Winer smiles to himself. "Whatever happens next, you've just got to laugh at your a--."
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