VOLUME 37, NUMBER 9 Formerly New York Sheet Music Society www.APSSinc.org JUNE 2016 To the Programs Down at Linda’s, Julius La Rosa – to the Place Where Music Dwells, A Recollection to the Dear Old 802 We Love So Well… by Lynn DiMenna Tom Toce’s Latest Singer & Songwriter Showcase Features Emerging Talent from Yale By Jerry Osterberg

Julius (Julie) La Rosa was a very special guy! Not only did he have one of the best crooner voices of his generation but, as Whitney Balliet pointed out in his book, American Singers , “no singer had clearer diction” and he had a “hello sunshine sound” that made for a cheerful, gentle, mystifying vocal quality. My own personal experience with Back row: Linda Burns, David Alpher, Sarah Downs, Perry Sook, Zak Sandler, Alex Ratner, and Nicholas Levin him came as a result of the radio show, Middle row: Lucy Coolidge, Jennie Litt, Tom Toce, Megan Loughran, Susan Horowitz, and Michael Winther Welcome to the Club , which I hosted on Front row: Julia Meinwald, Megan Stern, Sam Bolen, Brennan Caldwell, and Marshall Pailet WRTN – 93.5FM, in the 1990’s. The station owner and president, William Tom Toce may not be a famous A bit of a Renaissance man, Tom O’Shaughnessy, was a longtime friend of chef, a fire chief, or building inspector, but admits to being influenced by Randy La Rosa, and a fellow Westchester he may well be an intrepid explorer. By Newman, the scion of a Hollywood resident. La Rosa was always invited to day, Tom is a mild-mannered actuary and dynasty. Like Newman, he leans toward the station’s yearly St. Patrick’s Day successful at what he does. By night, he funny, clever songs, not that he hasn’t celebration, a live broadcast from assumes a quite different role, that of an written serious ballads too: “The Night I Dudley’s Restaurant in New Rochelle. If award-winning songwriter. Primarily, Tom Fell in Love With ,” “Michael’s my memory serves me correctly, he rarely is a lyricist, although he’s been known, on Song,” and “Say You’ll Remember.” But, missed the event. Fortunately for me, I occasion, to write both words and music. if you’ve been charmed by Randy had the rare opportunity to spend an Several of his compositions have been Newman’s “Short People,” you’ll be afternoon of informal off-air chit-chat performed and/or recorded by stars such as absolutely delighted by Tom’s “Shalom, with La Rosa and another local celebrity Carole J. Bufford, Cynthia Crane, Tovah Santa” and “Got to Learn to Emote.” Like guest, renowned opera singer, Robert Feldshuh, Maude Maggart, Andrea Larry Kerchner, another of our active, Merrill, over large mugs of cold, green Marcovicci, Jane Monheit, Marissa prolific composer/lyricists, Tom Toce beer. Mulder, Jennifer Sheehan, and KT explores the full range of human emotions. I eventually mustered up the courage Sullivan. He finds the hilarious humor in most Continued on page 4 PAGE 2 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY JUNE, 2016 President’s Message... American Popular Linda Amiel Burns, President Song Society Board Of Directors: Don’t miss the last Program of our 2015-2016 Season on Saturday, June Linda Amiel Burns th 11 at The Musicians Hall of Local 802! We are extremely fortunate to President

have virtuoso Aaron Weinstein as our guest. He is known as “the Lynn DiMenna Groucho of the Violin” and is a renowned musician and entertainer. Sandi Durell 1st Vice Presidents Many thanks to Tom Toce for putting together a great Program last month for our annual Joan Adams Songwriter’s Showcase. The theme was talented songwriters, singers and musicians Sandy Marrone 2nd Vice Presidents from Yale University (with just a few exceptions) and you can read all about it in this issue’s lead story, written by our Editor-in-Chief, Jerry Osterberg. This month’s Glen Charlow Treasurer & Membership Newsletter features several other very interesting articles which I am sure you will enjoy. Marilyn Lester Corresponding Secretary Collector’s Corner! Can you imagine getting memorabilia and musical treasures FOR Bill Boggs FREE? Just a reminder that if you come early to Local 802 (between 12:30 & 1:30pm), Will Friedwald you can pick up sheet music, books, and CD’s at no cost! People donate their collections Michael Lavine ------to us, and it is our pleasure to share the items with you, as a gift from APSS. You might Publicist want to leave a donation in the jar, but that is optional. Richard Skipper Celebrates [email protected] I want to wish everyone a healthy and enjoyable summer, and as the song says, “See you Programs & Special Events Elliott Ames in September, see you when the summer’s through.” You will get a Newsletter from Sandi Durell us in September; however, we will resume our 2016-2017 season’s meetings on October Tom Toce th 8 with “The Algonquin Kid,” Michael Colby’s remarkable program produced by Sandi APSS Official Photographer: Durell. Rose Billings Graphic Designer, Web Guy This was another terrific year of exciting presentations, and the first year with our new Glen Charlow name: the American Popular Song Society. I am very proud of what has been N E W S L E T T E R accomplished and, along with you, I am looking forward to the future, as our Editor/Publisher: Jerry Osterberg [email protected] organization continues to grow and thrive. Contributing Editor: Marilyn Lester [email protected] Looking forward to seeing Associate Editor: Joan Adams th [email protected] you on June 11 ! Graphic Designer: Glen Charlow [email protected] Best wishes, Membership Mailing Address: American Popular Song Society P.O. Box 5856 Linda Pikesville, MD 21282 [email protected] (212) 315-3500 (Linda A. Burns)

Photos by Rose Billings Tom Toce APSS Member: Susan Horowitz

MEETING LOCATION: Local 802 – Musicians’ Hall 322 West 48th Street. Program: 1:45 – 3:30PM. Come early to look thru Sheet Music & CD’s & stuff, all FREE. JUNE, 2016 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 3 Singer/Songwriter ... the theme being emerging songwriters Julia Meinwald with Gordon Leary. from Yale, to no one’s surprise. Another tune by Pailet was “This Boy Continued from page 1 And so, at precisely 2:00 PM, Here,” partnering with A.D. Penedo this corners of the human condition, although undoubtedly as the old carillon bells time. The singer, Sam Bolen, added little of the romance and heartbreak chimed from the Harkness Tower on the “Feelin’ Our Way,” words and music again escapes his notice. Yale quad, Linda re-introduced Tom Toce by Ratner. Broadway veteran Michael Within the past few years, Tom’s and the show began with Richard Maltby Winther performed Zak Sandler’s “An star appears to be rising. After presenting and David Shire’s “Crossword Puzzle.” Opera Kid,” arguably the most heart- Hopelessly in Love to the New York Sheet wrenching song of the day. Music Society in 2013, he went on to Most of the accompaniment was accept the producing reins from Sandi provided by the deft pianist Jon Delfin, a Durell for the annual Singer & Songwriter seven time crossword puzzle winner, who Showcase, beginning in 2014 with Living was featured in the documentary, Standards. Starring Marissa Mulder, the “Wordplay”. Tom Toce presented a well-received program was reprised at the program with something for everyone. Metropolitan Room soon after, another Representing eighteen original songs were opportunity for Marissa to shine brightly, a two dozen composers, lyricists, and challenge well met. Far from exhausting Not in group photo: Lucy Ledbetter vocalists. It’s encouraging that not only is the available talent pool, Tom returned last there so much young and energetic talent year with a second edition of Living With Alex Ratner on piano, Lucy Ledbetter out there, but that the performance was so Standards, this time with a diversified cast delivered the cute tune, as she did later with well received by the APSS audience, which included himself. Filling in for Tom “I Got Me a Carpenter,” words and music schooled as it is in the American Gamblin, who had to cancel out close to by Ratner, now part of the illustrious Songbook. Tom Toce is not the only show time, the singing songwriter did alumni which include Cole Porter, Mitch proponent of popular music to remind us himself proud. Leigh, Maury Yeston, and Adam Guettel. that plenty of good, hummable tunes have Never content to rest on his laurels Susan Horowitz, one of the APSS’s been added to the canon over the past or limit his extracurricular activities, Tom members, rendered her own tunes “Blame several decades. While there may be fewer writes puzzles for the AAA, as in American it on the Tango” and “Together Forever,” songs of today’s singer-songwriters which Academy of Actuaries, appeared on both songs seemingly influenced by Porter. will exist independently, that is, covered by Jeopardy (inducted into the elite “Hall of Tom Toce’s “You’re a No- other artists, the same might have been said Champions” for high score in a single Brainer” and “When I Remember You,” of an earlier time. Isn’t it grand to be part of game), has written musicals for children, written with Bill Zeffiro and Nicholas an organization which might well be at the and more recently, reviewed a new Frank Levin, respectively. The songs were virtual cusp of a new age of popular music Sinatra biography for the Los Angeles performed by Brennan Caldwell, who also whose songs are of the caliber to stand the Review of Books. In addition to all that, he sang Marshall Pailet’s “Player 2” (written test of time. produced the Harvard-Yale Cantata at 54 with Drew Fornarola), and Zina Ellis, who Below, which featured Harvard alumni also contributed “Money Matters,” a tune performing songs written by Harvard grads by Lucy Collidge and Tom, Ellis joined by in competition with Yale graduates Jennie Litt and Megan Loughran in lovely performing songs written by former Yale harmony. Collidge was additionally students, a category which includes Tom. represented in “On Line for Section A” The friendly feud generated favorable which she wrote with Frank Evans, here reviews, and 54 Below has committed to sung by Loughran. Her set list included hosting another tournament in the fall. “Hate Me” (Zak Sandler) and “The In 2015, Tom made his Pregnancy Song” (Robert Lopez & Kristen performing debut with Songwriter in the Anderson). Perry Sook joined Loughran House at the Metropolitan Room, for “Hate Me.” accompanying himself on guitar, backed Singer-Songwriter Jennie Litt, up on bass by Jon Burr. Although he was accompanied by her husband and unaccustomed to presenting his own collaborator David Alpher, performed her material, his performance drew respectable own “You and Your Big Nose,” the second praise, enough to encourage Tom to extend number “Two Apples” sung by Sarah the engagement. With such experience Downs. Megan Stern delivered “It’s Hard behind him, Tom was well suited to for Me Not to Love You,” and From bottom: Brennan Caldwell, Sam Bolen produce this year’s showcase on May 14, “Hummingbird Heart,” both written by Marshall Pailet PAGE 4 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY JUNE, 2016 La Rosa by Lynn ... window, watching him navigate his way instinctively, I just started singing them “a through the three-foot-high snowdrifts that cappella.” Continued from page 1 lined the path outside the studio door. He Playing gently o’er the water, soft to ask him to be a guest on my radio show had a look of sheer determination on his winds murmur low, remember? And and he enthusiastically agreed. A date in kind but craggy face, as he exited his car enchanted I lie dreaming, sighing, longing January was set, but a blizzard hit the day and made his way through the drifts into dear for you! before the interview, and two feet of new the building. Without missing a beat, he chimed in snow hit the ground. Once in, it was as if my own brother with the original Neopolitan Given that I was coming from had just arrived from out of town to lyrics… Gurard gua’ chistu ciardinao. Connecticut and he would be leaving from surprise me. He was incredibly sweet and Siente sie’ sti scuire ‘arancio…nu profumo his home in Irvington, NY, I thought long so concerned that he would have accuse fino, dint’o core se ne va . and hard about calling him that morning to disappointed me if he hadn’t shown up. We then finished our respective verses cancel. I decided to plod ahead, but once I The show soon began and we immediately in duet to the end, much to our amazement was on the slick roads, I fully expected to engaged in some on air conversation about and delight. It was a lovely, spontaneous, receive a cancellation call from him when his career and family life. We began talking unrehearsed moment on the radio with one I reached the station, suggesting an about our Italian roots and, in retrospect, I of the nicest and most highly regarded alternative date. To my shock and may have been feeling just a bit too interpreters of the American Songbook and amazement, we both made it in to the comfortable. I asked him if he knew the I will never, ever forget it or him. station with time to spare. I will never English words to “Torna A Sorrento?” To forget peering out of a frost covered office my surprise, he said he didn’t and,

improvise solo lines in the jazz idiom. Along with guitarist Eddie Jazz Violin — Lang, Venuti advanced the “hot violin” style; as a duo, the two made Swinging at the Ziggurat? many recordings as featured soloists, mainly in the 1920s (Lang died in 1933). Although his career in the 1930s waned, Venuti worked with by Marilyn Lester many great jazz and swing bands, including those led by Benny The violin is probably one of the most versatile of all musical Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers, Bix Beiderbecke and Jack Teagarden. instruments. Its history evolves from humankind’s earliest impulse to Eddie South, born in 1904, was a classical violin prodigy. He make music. As far back as ancient Sumer, in the cradle of civilization, switched to jazz which offered more opportunity than other outlets to musicians played stringed instruments that were either plucked, bowed people of color. South’s career was encompassed entirely in Chicago. or strummed. Through the centuries, evidence Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith, known as Stuff abounds that every culture of record has a history of Smith (born in 1909) scored big with a jazz violin hit, stringed instruments, although no one knows who “You’se A Viper.” Influenced greatly by Louis invented the violin as we’ve come to appreciate it. In Armstrong, Smith, who also sang, gigged regularly in Europe, the instrument can be traced to the 9 th century, the 1920s and 30s, notably with jazz greats Alphonse with Italy becoming the center of what we now Trent, and later beboppers Charlie consider modern violin-making. Who isn’t familiar Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. with that master of the instrument, Antonio Stradivari, Ray Nance, born in 1913, who soloed with the who reigned supreme among luthiers in 17 th century Duke Ellington Orchestra, was also a trumpet player Cremona. and singer. Nance worked with Ellington from 1940 to Then there’s the fiddle, which is essentially a 1963, with a career highlight being the violin violin with some modifications to make it easier to contribution to the original version of “C Jam Blues” play: whereas the violin became a staple of the in 1942. symphony, classical or concert orchestra, the fiddler But the violinist of the swing era most closely St phane Grappelli and his/her instrument specialized in traditional, é associated with jazz is Stéphane Grappelli, who country, and folk music. founded the “Gypsy Jazz” style of music with fellow When American music was revolutionized in the early 20 th Frenchman, the gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. Their Quintette du century with the emergence of jazz, the violin was right there. A Hot Club de France was one of the seminal jazz groups of continental typical jazz band, even from the earliest times, has been almost string- Europe, flourishing between 1934 and 1948. free (contrary to a symphonic orchestra). The emphasis has been on In 1920, Grappelli began playing violin at age 12; by age 15 brass and reeds: trumpets/horns, trombones and saxophones/reeds in he’d already become a street musician, busking full-time to support addition to the rhythm section of piano, drums, and bass (a tuba was himself. He became intrigued with the sound of Joe Venuti’s used for timekeeping in the earlier bands). Early bands might also instrument on the standard “Dinah,” and began to experiment with his have featured a banjo player, with the guitar quickly replacing it as own style of playing jazz music, although he soon gave it up and the music evolved. switched to piano playing, which provided a steady income. Grappelli The violin as a feature of jazz was not so much thought of, until had been working the keys for a bandleader named, Grégor, who urged the emergence of Giuseppe “Joe” Venuti, born in Italy in 1903, “the him to take up the violin again. Around the same time, in 1931, father of the jazz violin.” Venuti was among the first to use a violin to Grappelli met gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt who was looking JUNE, 2016 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 5 for a violinist interested in jazz. The two clicked, but their individual Jean-Luc Ponty, the virtuoso French violinist commitments prevented a permanent arrangement until 1934. The (born in 1942), attracted to the genius of Miles rest, as they say, is history. Reinhardt was an innovator, who Davis and John Coltrane, took the style of the jazz created a new style of jazz guitar technique. He also violin to the next level by taking up the electric composed; some of his works, which have become violin. Ponty also brought a symphonic approach standards are “Minor Swing,” “Daphne,” to the music, birthing the school of jazz fusion. “Nuages,” “Djangoology” and “Belleville.” Ponty’s contributions were intertwined with Grapelli’s chemistry with Reinhardt was technology; he was among the first to use distortion matchless. When Django died in 1953, boxes, phase shifters and wah-wah pedals. Grapelli continued on, forging a stellar Today’s generation of modern jazz career as a jazz violin maestro, slowing violinists stand on the shoulders of these down, but still playing up until his predecessors, and include stellar performers such death in 1997, at age 89. He’s still as Mark Feldman, Regina Carter, Sara Caswell, regarded as one of the foremost Scott Tixier, Zach Brock, Christian Howes and our improvisers in the history of jazz violin. own Aaron Weinstein. Julius LaRosa: Earning Success One Day at a Time By Jerry Osterberg proclaimed ‘No compromises.’” Chorus!” Impressed by LaRosa’s In 1988, Stephen Jay At about the same time Although he dreamed renditions of “The Song is You” Gould, a world-renowned Stephen Jay Gould was sharing of playing baseball with the and “Don’t Take Your Love from professor of geology at Harvard his music experience with Dodgers, singing Me,” Godfrey offered him a spot University, wrote an essay which readers of the New York Times, seemed much more accessible. on his extremely popular radio appeared in the New York Times. the singing career of Julius “Well,” Julie said, “my father, show. The “Old Redhead,” Entitled “Strike up the Choir!” LaRosa, another alumnus of the though he was unschooled, liked persuaded LaRosa’s superior to the piece was a recollection of his All-City High School Chorus, music. Always I was hearing allow him to take a few days high school days, primarily of his was in full swing. In reviewing a either classical music or excerpts leave to appear on the program, experience performing with the LaRosa performance at from operas. Not the whole and after a bit of polishing by New York All-City High School Michael’s Pub, musician and opera, just excerpts. I heard a lot Godfrey’s musical director Chorus. The conductor during biographer Dick Sudhalter wrote: of old Caruso records. I guess , LaRosa was on Gould’s tenure was Peter J. “A song, one very wise from that I developed a love of national television in his dress Wilhousky, whose main performer has said, is a one-act music and ultimately singing.” blues, performing a solo “I Only responsibility was to manage the play. It tells a story, establishes a Upon graduating high school a Have Eyes for You” and joining entire music program in the New point of view. Reveals truth, year later, LaRosa joined the U.S. Godfrey for a duet of “Sam’s York City Schools. character, feeling. Fine singers Navy to learn electronics to go Song,” an established hit by Bing The All-City Chorus know this. In fact, there’s a into the radio business with his Crosby and his son Gary. consisted of over 250 unformed singer…who illustrates it father. Stationed in Pensacola, Within days of boys and girls who Wilhousky grandly. His name is Julius Florida, he worked by day and completing his four year hitch managed to forge into a cohesive LaRosa.” sang by night. Besides with the Navy, LaRosa bought singing machine beginning with Four decades before performing in the glee club, he himself a set of civilian clothes a magnificent performance of that evening, a sixteen year old sang for his supper, more and became a member of Arthur 1,500 voices at Madison Square LaRosa was performing with the accurately his drinks at a local Godfrey’s radio and television Garden in 1936. Speaking of a Grover Cleveland High School road house. “family,” then consisting of concert which occurred more senior chorus. Years later, he Those born within the Frank Parker, Marian Marlowe, than twenty years later at would admit that he “joined the era of the Great American Lu Ann Sims, the Mariners, , Gould recalled chorus to get those (rehearsal) Songbook will already know Haleloke, Jeanette Davis, the being among a group of chorus days off.” Soon, after falling hard about the early days of LaRosa’s McGuire Sisters, and other alumni who joined the students for a beautiful young fellow career. CBS radio giant Arthur “stars” who sat around on folding to perform a difficult classical chorus member who also sang Godfrey, an amateur pilot and chairs waiting for their moments choral piece in close four-part a with the All-City chorus, he tried Navy buff, happened to visit the in the spotlight. LaRosa was cappella harmony. Said Gould: out in order to spend Saturday Pensacola Naval Base to further soon popular, eventually “I still marvel at the discipline afternoons with the object of his advance his piloting skills and attracting up to 7,000 fan letters a that Wilhousky could maintain crush. The audition song was earn his wings. One of LaRosa’s week, more than Godfrey with his mixture of awe and “Just a Song at Twilight” which buddies got word to Godfrey himself. When viewers started to terror. Peter immediately won him a place in about the young man’s singing write in asking where they could Wilhousky…inspired us all and All-City. Of that day LaRosa skills. Godfrey, always on the purchase LaRosa’s records, none conveyed the most important said: “I’ll never forget that. In my lookout for talent, especially if it of which yet existed, Archie lesson of intellectual life. His whole life. That’s when I began was cheap, agreed to listen to the Bleyer got the idea to found his only rule, tacit but persuasive, to sing. I was in the All-City Brooklyn born crooner. own record company Cadence PAGE 6 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY JUNE, 2016 and record the genuine star, who Boston theater, including the father two children, daughter never asked for a re-write, and was only 23 at the time. LaRosa’s arrival time in his broadcast. Maria and son Chris. that he employed “idiosyncratic first recording was “Anywhere I When LaRosa’s plane touched In 1969, LaRosa phrasing in ad lib passages which Wander.” The label featured down at Logan Airport, there received an offer to host an could be challenging for an LaRosa’s image and the number were thousands of fans waiting afternoon radio program on accompanist.” Like many in the of the record was F1230, an for him. Of the incident, LaRosa WNEW radio, which he did for business, Arnold has maintained abbreviation of the date of his said: “And then I went out and, the next eight years. A naturally that LaRosa was “underrated and birthday: January 2, 1930. literally, learned my job,” adding gifted raconteur, he was an under-recorded.” Echoing Along with “Eh, Cumpari,” a “You can’t learn it from a book; immediate hit with the Arnold’s sentiment precisely, the cute Sicilian folk style song, you can’t learn it any way but to housewives. Len Triola, who writer Gene Lees said: “…in LaRosa scored big; “Eh, go out on a stage and get your programmed LaRosa’s radio 1996, Julie recorded a new Cumpari” reached number 2 on face bashed in. Which is what broadcast when he returned to album, it was his first in eleven the charts, while “Anywhere I happened to me a lot of times.” the same station in the 1980’s, years. It’s a dark comment on the Wander” placed at number 4, music business that one of the both among the biggest hit songs most brilliant vocal talents in the of 1953. Of course, Rock & history of the American song has Roll, hadn’t made it to the charts been so little documented on just yet. Some of the older record.” crooners were still producing hits Speaking of Frank that year: , Eddie Sinatra, LaRosa said: “He came Fisher, (three), Dean out of the era of dance bands, and Martin, , and Nat the singer had to stay within the King Cole. All of this would framework of the meter. Despite soon change, beginning in 1954. the restrictions, he was still able By the end of the decade, Rock to put a period there, a comma & Roll had been dominating the there, to heighten the meaning. charts for three years. And all he was doing was telling With the benefit of the story as he believed those hindsight, there’s little doubt that words should be spoken. And so Julius LaRosa’s departure from those who grew up listening to the Godfrey clan, in slightly less him didn’t copy him but than two years, had to do with the recognized the intelligence of fact that the homey voiced that kind of interpretation.” pitchman wasn’t truly how he Whitney Balliett, writing about appeared to his 35 million LaRosa in 1987 said: “His work viewers. Indeed, the autocratic bears little resemblance now to television host was simply ’s. LaRosa’s jealous. Except for a couple of He continued to take replacing Jim Lowe, has said phrasing is built closely around years on television, performing voice lessons, studied acting, how much he enjoyed working the meaning of his lyrics. No with a glee club, and singing in made frequent appearances on with LaRosa during that three singer has clearer diction. His saloons, LaRosa lacked the television shows such as those of year period. It was around this voice, a pleasing baritone, has a experience to convert his Polly Bergen, Jackie Gleason, time that LaRosa was asked to slightly mystifying quality.” Dick charismatic raw talent into a Pat Boone, and Perry Como, become part of a quartet which Sudhalter describing a LaRosa fully- fledged professional filling in for Como during the included Margaret Whiting, interpretation of a classic showman. For him, the stardom summer, eventually getting his Carol Woods, and Marlene Hammerstein lyric, wrote: came too easily. “I was scared own three-times-a-week VerPlanck. I Remember “LaRosa delivers it all with stiff! I didn’t know what I was television program in 1955. He Johnny…The Magic of Mercer, respect and easy charm. Julius doing! I was awed, bewildered worked night clubs and did opened at the 92 nd Street Y and LaRosa does it…by letting it do and totally unprepared!” summer stock, starring in also toured successfully. Carol its own talking.” Within days of leaving productions of Stalag 17 and Woods said that what aspects Julius LaRosa summed the Godfrey program, LaRosa Carousel. (Many years later, he really stood out about LaRosa it up this way: “I love the things appeared for the first of many would go on to be nominated for were “…his voice, his phrasing, the great songs say. I try to say outings on the Show. an Emmy as Best Supporting and his sense of humor. them the best way I know how. I His appearance drew the highest Actor for his role as a waiter in Rehearsals were always fun and like to sing a song so people rating of any Sullivan show up to the TV soap opera Another very productive.” Pianist Tex really hear the lyrics, so they that time. LaRosa liked to tell World). Somewhere along the Arnold, who accompanied both listen to the words and have that about a time when Sullivan way he found the time to court Whiting and LaRosa for many mean something to them.” For a announced that his frequent guest and marry Rosemary Meyer, years, said that he wrote a lot of “kid from Brooklyn” he’s done was scheduled to perform at a Perry Como’s secretary, and arrangements for LaRosa, who that and a lot more. JUNE, 2016 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 7

Hilary Kole’s newest CD: The Project (Miranda Music) is now on- Member sale. The remarkable performer conjures the spirit and beauty of Judy Garland in stunning arrangements of songs made famous by the legendary singer, News... including “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” “A Cottage for Sale,” “The Man That Got Away,” and “Over the Rainbow.” If you have any member news, or other items you would like to have Do you seek an elusive song? If you do, write APSS Board member Sandy considered for this newsletter, please send it by e-mail to the co- Marrone @ [email protected] or call 856-829-6104. You can also visit editor, Jerry Osterbergg : [email protected]. It will be subject to Sandy in New Jersey to see thousands and thousands of sheets of music, editing, depending on size and content, and please remember that most of which can be yours very reasonably. She is a marvelous resource and we try to go to press two weeks before each monthly meeting. We a super-great lady! often get very good items that get to us after the newsletter has been printed and mailed. Sandi Durell is Publisher-Editor of TheaterPizzazz.com, a vital website that

th presents up to date theater reviews, news, interviews and previews, along Linda Amiel Burns, APSS President, is celebrating the 39 year of The Singing with cabaret reviews and videos. There is a large contributing group of writers Experience. A number of APSS members have taken this workshop, some who offer discerning and professional reviews and information. Sandi is a more than once. For those of us who have, we can assure you that you’ll feel Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards Voter, member of the American like a pro by the night of the performance. Although many students have Theatre Critics Association, League of Professional Theatre Women, The never sung in public before, the supportive environment has prepared them Lambs, and The Dutch Treat Club. Visit: www.theaterpizzazz.com . well for their debut. Call Linda at 212-315-3500 to sign up. The Singing Experience Cable TV show continues on MNN Time Warner: Channel 56 or Dennis Livingston’s debut CD The Stories in My Mind: The Songs of Dennis RCN: Channel 111. The program broadcasts are every Sunday at 5:00 PM. Livingston, is the subject of a one-hour interview hosted by Jim Farley at the You can also see your fellow NYSMS members on YouTube at any time. Musical/World Podcast website. The program includes a conversation about the songs and his life as a cabaret/jazz songwriter, along with anecdotes about Midday Jazz Midtown continues on Wednesdays (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) at his songwriting father Jerry Livingston. The podcast can be heard at Saint Peter’s Church (East 54 Street (entrance) @ Lexington Ave), NYC, www.musicalworld.us or the iTunes Store (write musicalworld in the search Hosted by Ronny Whyte. Programs: June 1, David Chamberlain-Band of window). CD can be purchased from CD Baby: Bones; June 8, Harmonie Ensemble New York, Toshiko Akiyoshi – piano, Lew http://cdbaby.com/cd/dennislivingston . Tabackin – tenor sax & flute, Steve Whipple – bass, Tim Horner – drums; June 15, Dick Hyman – piano; June 22, Eyal Vilner Big Band; June 29, Patti Bob Levy is out with a brand new CD – Connections, with lyrics by Bob and Dunham – singer, Gary Haberman – singer/pianist; July 6, Aaron Weinstein music provided by Harriet Goldberg, Alex Rybeck, Ronny Whyte, Dennis – jazz violin, Tedd Firth – piano; July 13, Geoff Gallante (14 years old) – Livingston, Jon Burr, Krisanthi Pappas, and the man himself Bob Levy. The trumpet; July 20, Jimmy Roberts – composer/pianist/singer; July 27, Hilary vocalists are Pappas, Dane Vannatter, Barbara Porteous, Ronny Whyte, Judi Kole; August 3, Bucky Pizzarelli & Ed Laub – two guitars; August 10, David Figel, Joyce Breach, Matt Ray, Jinny Sagorin, and Jamey Whiting. The album White Jazz Orchestra; August 17, Brian Charette’s Organ Sextette, Brian features top musicians which include the Billy Novick Trio & Quartet. Charette – organ, Jochen Rueckert – drums, Brandon Wright – flute, Mike www.silkrivermusic.com , www.cdbaby.com . DiRubbo – alto sax, Kenny Brooks – tenor sax, Frank Perowsky – bass clarinet; August 24, Sheila Jordan – singer, Cameron Brown – bass; August Surprise! Author David Hajdu makes his songwriter debut with Waiting for the 31, David Hazeltine – piano, Sean Smith – bass. Suggested donation: $10. Angel, culminating a five year collaboration with esteemed multi-genre Parking: Icon Parking, East 51 St, between Third and Lexington Ave. $15 composers Jill Sobule, Fred Hersch, Renee Rosnes, and Mickey Leonard. including tax for five hours with validation @ Saint Peter’s reception desk. Featured vocalists are Jo Lawry, Michael Winther, and Karen Oberlin, with www.ronnywhyte.com/ www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm . musicians Steve Wilson, Steven Bernstein, Charles Pillow, Peter Bernstein, The count goes on! The latest edition of The Singing Experience, #477, will Dave Eggar, Sean Smith, Carl Allen. www.mirandamusic.com , have its performance at The Triad on June 14. For additional information, www.cdbaby.com . contact Linda Amiel Burns at 212-315-3500 or write to www.singingexperience.com . Stop procrastinating! Hundreds of singers have Karen Oberlin & Sean Harkness have just released a new CD A Wish on paved the way for your debut. Sign up to sing! You’ll be glad that you did. Miranda Music. If you never had the opportunity to see their fantastic show, here’s a chance to hear what you missed. The album incorporates a mix of Carol J. Binkowski’s new book, Opening Carnegie Hall: The Creation and First standards, as well as some lesser known tunes, but those with staying power: Performances of America’s Premier Concert Stage was just published by “More Than You Know,” “A Wish,” “Train in the Distance,” “Remind Me.” McFarland & Company. Details are available at www.caroljbinkowski.com . The APSS newsletter is in need of members who have an interesting story to Ronny Whyte has a new CD: Nevertheless, the Kalmar & Ruby Songbook, tell about anything relating to American popular music. If it’s something you’d featuring Warren Vache, Lou Caputo, Ben Sher, Boots Maleson & David enjoy doing, but you’re uncertain about whether or not it would be of interest Silliman. The brilliant album includes: “Nevertheless,” “Give Me the Simple to our fellow readers, please contact the Editor, Jerry Osterberg @ Life,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” “Three Little Words,” “A Kiss to Build a Dream On,” [email protected] or 516-248-7549. and “I Wanna Be Loved By You.” www.ronnywhyte.com ? Send Member News to [email protected] no later than the 15th of each month for the next issue. American Popular Song Society P.O. Box 5856 PIKESVILLE, MD 21282

Did you know every issue of this newsletter is in COLOR online at www.NYSMS.org

Our 2015-16 Season October 10, 2015: Lush popular ballads, swing, latin beat, all March 12, 2016: Join "Dinahphiles" Lynn DiMenna, Meredith with lyricists such as Berlin, Porter, Lerner/Lowe, Hal David, Leonard DiMenna, Jeff MacAuley, Kimberly Hawkey, Margi Gianquinto and co- Cohen and even Todd Murray himself. With the support of piano, producer, Will Friedwald for a Dinah Shore Centennial Celebration of bass, jazz guitar, drums, and back-up vocals, CROON is not merely the life and music of "one of the best female pop singers of all time!" a concert, it’s an experience. Todd connects with conversational lyrics set to heartfelt Stories, hit songs and video clips will all be part of this timely and entertaining tunes, and even though it is a public setting, he sings to you, and only you. afternoon.

November 14, 2015: Will Friedwald A program of April 9, 2016: Sarah Vaughan was one of the greatest artists songwriters performing their own works, from the twenties to the ever known in music. Respected by musicians across the globe, she sixties (maybe something more contemporary as well) Richard was known as the “opera star of the jazz world.” Join La Tanya Hall Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Sammy Fain, Harry Warren, Cy Coleman, as she celebrates the life of this legitimate diva. From her earliest hits Johnny Mercer (lots of Mercer), Hoagy Carmichael (lots of Hoagy). to some of her more adventurous musical forays, Ms. Hall plumbs the depths of Sarah Vaughan’s musical legacy in this thrilling exploration of the Divine One. December 12, 2015: Focus is on the 1947-'55 period in pop music, post-Great American Songbook, pre-Rock and Roll. Presentation revolves around Mitch Miller as the personification of the era. Ben May 14, 2016: Songwriter and APSS Board Member Tom Toce Yagoda will illuminate this transitional period between the Great will present his annual Singer & Songwriter Showcase. After the American Songbook days that preceded it and the rock ‘n roll era that followed, with its success of The Harvard-Yale Cantata last fall, he’s been asked by superb American writers such as Carole King, , Burt Bacharach...etc. Studio 54 to produce a second edition. Tom will provide members with a taste of what’s to come with Emerging Songwriters from Yale, whose illustrious January 9, 2016: Julie Budd is considered to be one of the alumni include Porter, Rome, Leigh, Maltby, Shire, Yeston, and Guettel. The Yale most exciting singers today. Winner of "The Broadway World Award tradition lives on among the younger unheralded songwriters. The performers will "for Best Show "They Wrote The Songs", she has enjoyed a multi- also be Yale graduates, except for singer/songwriter Jennie Litt who attended faceted career that ranges from television to film, along with the NY Harvard, and collaborator David Alpher. stage & symphonies all over the country. "The NY Times" raved in a glowing Called “the Groucho of the violin” by Tony retrospect of Julie's career, declaring Ms. Budd "The Consummate Performer" June 11, 2016: Bennett and “a perfect musician” by jazz guitar legend, Bucky February 13, 2016: Peter Filicia in Conversation with Richard Pizzarelli, Aaron Weinstein “is rapidly establishing himself as one of Skipper celebrating Peter's "The Great Parade: Broadway's his instrument’s rare jazz masters.” Aaron is the recipient of a New Astonishing Never-to-be-Forgotten 1962-1964 Season". This York City Nightlife Award and Bistro Award. He is a graduate of the afternoon we will celebrate Peter's book with performances of the Berklee College of Music where he was awarded a full four-year talent-based songs that came from Broadway that season. Books will be for sale after scholarship. presentation.