By Tracy Dietlin

BB Ingle is a National Treasure, or at least our Coachella Valley treasure and hero. To know BB is to love BB. He has been hosting parties here in the desert for 38 years, bringing people together earning him the name “Godfather of Parties and Promotions”. You rarely see BB without a smile on his face and he always has a kind word to say about everyone.

Most of you know that BB was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer over 5 years ago. At that time, although, he kept it very quiet, things were not looking good for BB. He was told that it could not be cured since it was so advanced, yet, in typical BB fashion…he did not take “no” for an answer. He opted out of chemo and instead pursued a radical form of hormone treatment which just about put him in remission. However, unfortunately, since this type of cancer is a non-curable progressive disease…his cancer numbers began to steadily climb, with upward surge occurring in 2019. At that point, his only option was chemo, in an attempt to slow the progression of the disease. BB has been through 10 rounds of chemo and recently went through radiation trying to fight as hard as he can.

Many of his friends have rallied around him during this time, but his best friend Elizabeth Scarcella has been by his side through all of it. “One day last year, BB came to my house, head hung low and looking very sad. That is when he told me that his PSA number had skyrocketed and the current (hormone) treatment was no longer working. That is when I made a commitment to BB to help him with his fight. We have worked together with his oncologist to make the best choice to prolong his quality of life. I told BB then, and will keep the promise to the very end, I will never leave his side and I will fight hard to make sure he has the very best medical care, nutrition and support that he deserves. And that is what will continue to happen!”

Taking turns to make sure that BB is not alone, his brother Jerrell and his wife Sheryl from Alabama have been staying with him until this past Monday and now his other brother, Kip and his wife Kathy have come in from Arizona to stay with him.

Since BB has always been such a light and good friend to me and everyone he touches I thought it would be appropriate to put him on this week’s cover in honor of his 68th birthday, so we could all send him some birthday and well wishes since his FB account has been hacked.

I first met BB about 10 years ago when I was working at Desert Star Weekly. We became fast friends and when I decided to start my own publication CV Weekly, I asked BB if I could put him on the mock sample cover/issue that I would use to go out and gather advertisers. Of course, he agreed. That would be the first of a total of 17 covers that BB would be on over the last 8 years.

I also selected him to be one of our Top 12 Most Interesting & Influential Men in 2015 and 2016. He also won “Best Promoter” at our CV Music Awards 6 out of the 7 years and last year we awarded him the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for Promoter.

This year BB was to be given a Star on the Palm Springs Walk in May but because of the pandemic/quarantine it had to be postponed and possibly might take place in late Fall.

So, in the interim, until he can receive that accolade we will honor him on another CV Weekly cover and wish him the happiest of birthdays possible under the circumstances. (His birthday was actually Tuesday, July 29, but we don’t publish until Thursday.) Below are a few friends that chimed in to wish you well.

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BB you are one of the best human beings I have ever met, one of my dearest friends, my hero, and I love you from the bottom of my heart! Thank you for everything you have brought to my life and for all you have done to support CV Weekly! Tracy Dietlin

Happy Birthday to my best friend and warrior! I am so inspired by your fight with this illness. You amaze me with your strength, tenacity and all with the same loving spirit you bring with you wherever you go. I love you! Forever by your side, Elizabeth (Scarcella)

Happy birthday BB, from your family in sweet home Alabama. You mean a lot to us! Especially since we got engaged at one of your parties (Christmas in Paradise) we met 32 years ago and married 31 of those years . We had 3 kids (now just 2) that loved you as their uncle. You’ve been a great big brother to me (JJ) and I love you more than anything. Love and respect Jerrell and Sheryl❤️ ROLL TIDE!

Happy Birthday to my brother BB! He has been and is such a wonderful role model … great friend and positive influence in my life…his passion for life is outstanding and contagious… he is always spreading words of wisdom to all who listen…❤️He has shown such bravery with his fight with cancer… such a fighter!! Love you brother! Kip

Happy birthday to my precious brother who is the most courageous person I know… such a warrior in this battle that so many must fight!! His faith and determination to beat this evil cancer is fierce!! You are always in my prayers….I love you and the many fun memories we share from oh so many years (46). You are a bright light to so many!! Keep that sparkle!! ❤️ Kathy

Happy Birthday BB. You may be the second largest concert promoter in the Coachella Valley but you will always be #1 to me! Skip

Thank you for all the great memories you have created for people over the decades. I cherish the times we’ve spent together and love all of your colorful stories brother. Craig Michaels

Happy Birthday to you my brother BB! Thank you for the years of bringing people together! You make friends happen like no one else ever could and I am honored to call my friend. Love ya Beeb’s! Gerard Noonan

BB Happy Birthday to the “King” of Party Throwers. We’ve done it all together over the years my friend. You have always set the bar high in the industry! In “BB we trust!” God Bless! Steve Johns

Happy Birthday to my favorite Leo and dearest friend in the Desert! What an amazing 15 years we’ve had to celebrate together! Love you! Chelsea Van Es

Happy Birthday BB!!! You have always been such a bright light in the desert! Your enthusiasm and positive spirit has always inspired me. Love you my dear friend and I wish you the happiest of birthdays! Valerie Kattz

BB – Congratulations on another successful trip around the sun!!! This one has been a rough ride but I am confident that you are going to get through this. I am looking forward to doing more great events together. Laura and I miss your company and look forward to the day that we can all hang out again soon!!!! We raise a glass to you, BB, on your birthday to celebrate all the goodness, positivity and joy that you bring to the world around you.” Greg and Laura Little

I’ve known BB since I moved to the desert back in 1991 and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the happiness and fun he’s brought to the Coachella Valley. He’s an authentic man with a heart of gold and endless creative ideas and positivity. He has an incredible knack for remembering everyone’s names and making people feel special when he engages with them. He speaks but most importantly – he also LISTENS! He is loved, respected and appreciated by so many. Thanks! PJ Paula Jo Ubben

Hi BB! We are so excited to wish you a very happy birthday. You have brought much joy to others and continue to have a big heart for everyone you meet. Looking forward to hanging again soon. Love, Brandon & Rach Henderson

BB Ingle, it was a lucky day in 2004 when I met you strolling through the Living Desert shortly after moving to the Coachella Valley. Your bright smile and Southern Charm made this seem like home. Love you, and love you more given our mutual love of dogs, good friends, and music (including Sweet Home Alabama). God bless you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Janet McAfee

 Happy Birthday my Friend! The Roos family has tremendous love for you! Enjoy your day the best you can and we will see you when all of this craziness is over! Jeremy T Roos

Hi BB! I want to wish you a happy birthday! I also wish you continued strength, health and healing. Thank you for all your support! Josh Heinz

Happiest of days to you our friend! Kathy and Don

Happy Birthday to the amazing BB!! You cheer everyone on supporting them in their passion. You are thoughtful, kind, intelligent, talented, handsome, patient, and full of a spirit that inspires us all. I hope that you can feel the love from all of us as you have given us so much love. Thank you for sharing your life with us and for encouraging each of us in ours. Lots of love on your special day. XOXO Cherise Sonderman and the Sonderman Family

Happiest of birthdays to my red dirt, southern soul brother, believer, peace warrior and Captain of the ship, “Celebration.” May all the love and happiness you have facilitated for others be returned to you 100-fold. May you feel the depths of it in its entirety. I love you Beebs! Lisa Lynn Morgan

BB is a friend that keeps the light on for you, always! Christopher Spellman

Happiest of birthdays to you – your legendary goodwill and indomitable spirit are inspirational and inspiring. May all your wishes and dreams come true. Lotsa love and hugs. Ellen Pirosh

Happy Birthday BB 🎂. You are such a rockstar! 💞 Lynn Mack

Happy Birthday, BB! We wish you lots and lots of love on your special day. We pray for your healing and that you will be back to your old self. May God be with you always.💖 Sincerely, Dale & Sarah Johnson-Barber

Happy Birthday, BB. You are a ray of sunshine when it’s grey and a force of love who always brings out the best in others. May you receive back on your birthday what you have given so freely. Much love and tight hugs, Aimee xo

Dear BB, we have been friends for 29 years since you showed up at Gumbo Joe’s and asked us to play Mustang Sally (for the 3,738th time 😂). Through the changes we have all been through, we have known you to be a good natured, uplifting, sweet, authentic Bama Boy!! and a dear friend! We love you BB Ingle!! Happy Birthday darlin’♥️ Thoughts of healing and plenty of love… Lauri and Kal

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday BB! Big hugs! ❤ Kerry Anderson

In a world full of clouds and uncertainty, you are a like a rainbow, a rare phenomenon that disperses beautiful rays of light that fills everyone’s heart with magic and joy. I wish you so much love on your birthday BB, keep shining my friend, you are a rare and precious gem. Xoxo, Cathy Serif

Wishing you a Happy Birthday BB!! Praying for you, and sending you much love every day!! Hugs, Denise Ortuno

Best wishes and prayers for you now and always! Brenda Martin

Here’s wishing you a very happy birthday and looking forward to many more Sweet Home Alabama’s! Love & hugs from Mary Ann Rojo

Happy Birthday Beebs…always the life of the party…you are the desert rainmaker. I hope your day is filled with Blessings. 30 years and counting my friend. Love you to the Beach and Back. Caroldean xoxo

Happy Birthday, BB! Wishing you a very happy day and wonderful year of health ahead. We are praying for you and we know you got this! All the best, Graison and Trent Stemper

Happy Birthday! Thank you for being a great pillar of strength and courage. There is so much love for you! Crystal Harrell

Cheers BB! May this birthday bring you laughter, peace of mind, health and a great year ahead! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Carol Corcoran XO

BB….Wishing such an amazing man an amazing Birthday! Sending hugs, and prayers to you! With Lots of Love Annemarie

Hey my brother, This is John from The Smooth Brothers wishing you a beautiful Happy Birthday and we both can kick cancer in the ass. John Carey

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday love 3M Mark Gregg, Misty Howell, Mandy Calvano

Happy Birthday, BB Ingle! I’ve been honored to be your friend and a part of your legacy from BB O’Brien’s to selling out the Palm Springs Convention Center! 3M sends you love and a wish of total healing. I’ll see you soon, my friend. Mark Gregg

Happy Birthday, BB! Thank you for making great memories for my boys who know you as “Iron Man” and for being such a legend in our community. I can hear your voice in my head and feel your spirit in my heart. Wishing you health and happiness and every joy you hope for! Hope to see you soon! Keeping you in prayer. Cindy, Dyson and Dylan Burreson

Happy Birthday BB! We are all here for you. You can beat this! 💞 Diana Marlo

Happy Happy birthday to you, dear BB. You’ve been the glue that’s held so many of us together over the years, and we hope you know we are here for you! Sending love, hugs and a million kisses to you on your special day! xoxox Dennis & Stephanie Greene

Happy Birthday, BB! You’ve been a bright light and community friend for as long as I can remember. Thank you for bringing people together! I think I can speak for us all when I say we miss you and adore you. – Katie Stice, Rancho Mirage Chamber

Happy Birthday BB. It’s been awesome getting to know you over the years. Wishing you nothing but the best as you deserve it! Dayna

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