Tag: TBT

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Song Of The Day: Dionne Warwick “(Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls”

My dear friend Alex Rybeck, (uber-talented composer, music director, arranger) reminded me of the artful yet melancholy “Theme from Valley of the Dolls” recorded by a wistful Dionne Warwick back in 1968.

The spare, haunting arrangement coupled with Warwick’s elegantly pensive vocal has always struck me as a special kind of pop song.

Hitting #1 on the Record World Chart in March 1968, the song was the “B” side of Dionne’s million selling “I Say a Little Prayer”, which also became another million-seller for Dionne.

What I didn’t know was that the song was originally intended for Judy Garland, who was initially cast in the film Valley of the Dolls but subsequently fired.

I can definitely see Judy bringing her unmistakable vulnerability and poignancy to the tune.

They say the mark of a great song is how future generations can connect to it. In this Trumpian day and age, who hasn’t thought:

“Gotta get off,
Gonna get, 
Have to get off from this ride.”

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#TBT: Olivia Newton-John “Help Me To Heal”

For a bit of #ThrowBackThursday, I’m thinking of my girl, Olivia Newton-John.

Her brilliant 2006 album, Grace and Gratitude, was a touchstone for my cancer journey back in 2009.

She re-released the album, dubbed Grace and Gratitude Renewed, in 2010 with added tracks, including a contribution from Grammy winner David Darling.

When she re-released the album in 2010, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard New Age chart – a new frontier for her.

I was clear of my cancer at the time, and Olivia asked me to direct a charity concert of the album. I was, of course, honored.

The new iteration of G&G featured a new song, “Help Me To Heal.” There wasn’t a music video for the album, but her team gave me raw footage from the original recording sessions in Toronto, Ontario, inviting me to create.

What you see below became the “official” music video for the song. How cool is that?

The album is easily a highlight of her already golden career. Not necessarily a “new age” release, it’s relaxing, revitalizing and helps people “breathe” after day-to-day pressures. I think it’s quite fantastic.

As many know, Olivia is currently facing a recurrence of her breast cancer from 1992.

I hear she is doing very well with her current treatment, and I look forward to seeing her back onstage next month.

#F*ckCancer #TeamONJ

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#TBT – Hottie Young Tim Kaine

How about this for #ThrowBackThursday?

I’ve always thought Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Kaine has a handsome face, but take a look at these pics of a young Tim Kaine!

Woof.

(h/t Queerty)

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#TBT – “The Rookies”

I hadn’t seen the opening of The Rookies probably since the show aired from 1972-1976.

Looking at it now, three things immediately jump out at me that I’d never noticed:

• Check that famous Police Academy shot – same one used in the original opener for Charlie’s Angels

• Speaking of Charlie’s Angels, Rookies cast member Kate Jackson went on to big-time stardom with that mega-hit from the 1970s

• And one more Kate Jackson connection – Rookies cast member Michael Ontkean starred as Jackson’s husband in the 1982 “coming out” pic Making Love.

That flick was probably the first mainstream portrayal of gay life I’d ever seen. I can remember like it was yesterday sitting in a movie theater with my freshman college roommate, Matthew. Neither of us had come out yet, and the silence driving home that night was ripe.

Ah, 1970s TV. See what you do to me.

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When Jerry Herman & “Dolly Levi” Worked Their Magic Into My Life

‪#‎TBT‬ I got this photo recently from Bruce Blanchard, my HELLO, DOLLY! cast mate from the 1995 Broadway revival. I’d never seen this before.

Back in late 1995, the cast made an appearance with the Tony Award winning composer/lyricist Jerry Herman at a record store (Tower Records I guess?) in support of our Broadway cast recording.

Amazing to see this all these years later. I should add that it was the BCR of HELLO, DOLLY! that introduced me to my husband, Michael. We met at the recording session for the album (he was VP of Marketing & Publicity for the record company that recorded the album) and have been together ever since.

I’ve often thanked Jerry for that.

Dolly worked her magic yet again 🙂

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Throwback Thursday: 3rd Grade

Front row, 2nd from right

So, I don’t do many #ThrowbackThursday things because I never think to go find something.

But recently I was moving some boxes and came across of picture of me in 3rd Grade.  Why on earth I would have this still after moving all over the world…?

But, honestly, it’s pretty cool to see these faces all these years later.  Friends of mine from Fort Worth days feel free to chime in a identify folks.

I think I’m standing next to Stephen Phillips, who would be one of my future best friends through Texas Boys Choir days – note the crossed arms – a rebel even then.  On the other side of me might be Randy MilliganSecond row – second from left is Leanne Price, my girlfriend of elementary school years.  I’m pretty sure that’s Ricky Moore looking away in the third row.  All the way at the end of that row on the left is Steve someone – I just remember he was always the smartest kid in class.

Mrs. Anderson was the teacher.  Kinda famous for being tough.  But I remember not so bad once we were there.

In any case, there you go.  I should note my instinct for pulling focus even then by wearing red…  That would serve me well later 🙂