Frank Sinatra is best known for his hit, My Way. To all who heard him sing the song, the song seemed to fit him. Some even believed he may have written the song himself, but he didn’t. So it’s not surprising, that the song was written specifically for him by Paul Anka. Paul Anka was Read More
Category: Performers
Profile of a Performer: Mary Martin
The Sound of Music was originally conceived and developed as a project for the popular Broadway actress Mary Martin. So, who was Mary Martin? Mary Virginia Martin was born December 1, 1913, in Weatherford, Texas. According to her autobiography, her childhood was “happy and secure.” She was a tomboy and enjoyed keeping her family entertained. Read More
The Real Family that Inspired The Sound of Music
In celebration of The Sound of Music {the film} turning 50 years old, we are exploring the true story behind the popular musical. The Sound of Music is based on The Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp. But who were the Trapp Family Singers? Before we explore their contributions to music, let’s discuss the Read More
Profile of a Performer: George M. Cohan
George M. Cohan was a popular vaudeville and Broadway act. He was born July 3, 1878 in Rhode Island. He and his parents always insisted he was born on the 4th of July, 1878. He began performing with his parents and sister at a young age. Before he was able to walk, he was used Read More
Profile of a Performer: Gene Autry
Gene Autry gained fame as a singing cowboy, when his career began in the 1930s. He was born Orvon Grover Autry on September 29, 1907 in north Texas. He would work on his father’s ranch while he was still in school. After leaving school, his talents singing and playing the guitar led to the opportunity Read More
Frank Sinatra—The Early Years
Frank Sinatra was the biggest star of his day. He suffered numerous ups and downs throughout his career. Yet, how did it all begin? Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915. From all accounts his birth was extremely traumatic and he almost did not survive. He had a scar on his left ear, Read More
Who Is the Wind Beneath Your Wings?
One of the residents at the nursing home where I do music always request “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The song was one of my favorites by Bette Midler in her movie Beaches. The song was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley in 1982. The title came from a poem Henley had written. Silbar was Read More
Heroes: The Titanic Band
“They kept it up to the very end. Only the engulfing ocean had power to drown them into silence. The band was playing ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee.’ I could hear it distinctly. The end was very close.” -CHARLOTTE COLLYER, TITANIC SURVIVOR We have all heard the stories of how the Titanic orchestra played until Read More
A Tribute to Whitney Houston
The world was saddened by the unexpected passing of Whitney Houston. I remember seeing her in The Bodyguard while still in high school. Enjoy this performance of one of her most popular songs.