- HARD CLIMB ment of middle American females THE LONG concerning their own position in (continued from preceding page) society. The Grammy award did no harm of the to California in 1968 did not, at first, either and Helen made one in accepting help. Bookings promised fell through most quoted remarks vocal and a position offered Wald in an en- hers for the best female tertainment company went the same performance for "I Am Woman.” way (the company declared bank- Including God among those she want- ruptcy soon as Wald's departure). ed to thank, she said "She makes everything possible.” So for Helen Reddy it was a long over. round of appearances at state fairs in The first long hard climb was the California hinterlands. Now it was a period of consolidation The good songs and the hits — still By now it was 1970 when the words — heavy and metal were in current kept coming. She was one of 1974's artists, with vogue and rock was in full flourish. best selling record along John Denver and Elton John. She ap- Not, as it happened, the best time ’75.” to be a female singer. Wald's selling peared in her first film, "Airport job to Capitol Records in that year A great compliment was paid to her was an impressive one, and his pre- when she appeared at a major Los benefit concert — for dictions to them all came true quickly. Angeles But again not easily. Wald had Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — with Capitol release a single and then Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. The started a mammoth telephone cam- Los Angeles Times named her the paign to the program directors of Woman of the Year for 1975, radio stations across America. And up Music and Performing Arts Lodge of and down America. His promotion on the B'nai B'rith in New York gave her Humanitarian this year, and "I Don't Know How To Love Him” a Award she was included in Engla's Royal (originally only intended as the flip Variety Show side to “I Believe In Music") gradually Television entered her life and she had its effect, with Capitol's promo- finally hosted her own series. There tion staff adding their momentum. was a $1 million contract for a series The single became Helen Reddy's of performances at MGM's Grand first hit. Hotel in Las Vegas. It has, however, been pointed out She even made the Hollywood that one record does not a career Walk of Fame Eight of Helen's records are RIAA- make. Wald probably did not need to certified gold and two of them, "I Am have this pointed out and was con- Woman” and "Long Hard Climb” went for record for tinually looking out THE platinum. his wife The American Music Awards show He found it four singles along: "I named her best female singer, the Am Woman,” a good song that was Music Operators of America, the musically infectious and also made a jukebox organization, the most cogent point that fitted into the cur- played artist and the NAACP called rent consciousness raising going on her 1 973's best female pop singer. Reddy — and Jeff Wald — among America's female population Helen are still climbing, no mistake about Helen Reddy in the song, via the that. wide airplay and strong sales, ap- But the first part is over And very pealed to the stirrings of a whole seg- satisfactorily too HELEN REDDY TO WHOM WE OWE SO MUCH RUTH ANITA BONNIE As our contribution to the U N International & Women s Year Stewart Macphersons JUNE proudly present for the first time in New Zealand, live on stage Xjetenlledcty with her own musicians, supported by singer/songwriter PETER ALLEN Playing Auckland Town Hall October 6th, 6 & 8.30 pm fr Wellington Town Hall OctobeTfp^ h,r 6 & 8.30 pm Christchurch Town Hall OkAA\\ th, 6 & 8.30 pm BOOK 0\V>V AT Pri'^/v/-00 per seat incl. booking fee. Limited offer to parties of 20 or more at $6-00 per seat incl. booking fee. STETSON PRODUCTIONS LTD U S Rep HENRY MILLER Call (213) 278-9454.