JOANNE MCGAHON In her own words QUESTIONS BY CHANTELLE CONSTABLE

How it All Began

As a girl, I started singing in my school Open Air Prom. I sang ‘O Mio Babbino choir and we were lucky enough to sing on Caro’ and all the Last Night of the Prom the BBC and at St. Albans Cathedral. I favorites with full orchestra which was one loved being in a choir during my school of the most exciting nights of my life – all days and after leaving school I initially my family and friends were there, a very performed in musical theatre shows such as special moment! 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Oliver'. It was then This ignited my passion further and I then that I started some vocal training and my performed a huge amount of oratorio with singing teacher encouraged me to try opera choirs and choral societies – the hardest which he assured me would help with all being Bach's Mass in B Minor which was aspects and styles of singing. I began by one of the most challenging but definitely learning some arias from Bizet's 'Carmen' very rewarding! I have been very fortunate and I immediately fell in love with the to have been asked to sing at many events in music. Britain and abroad and some of these Within a year I had auditioned and experiences have been the most fulfilling successfully gained a place training with and happy times. It's exciting working with English National Opera, which resulted in new people and sharing music with performances of some modern operas - one audiences. I feel very privileged to have had in particular at the Hackney Empire. I was the opportunities that have come my way. then fortunate to win 'The Voice of North I love the diversity of my work - Corporate London' and was asked to sing at Trent Park and Sporting Events, Concerts and Oratorio, Opera roles, session recording and last year I sang live on Absolute Radio as well as music, it's very emotional and it never fails joining the panel on BBC 3 Counties Radio. to move me. I will normally sing at least one A highlight of my career was recently Puccini aria at a solo concert as it has the touring with 'All Souls Orchestra' in Vienna, ability to connect with the audience like they are an amazing group of musicians, nothing else. After my concerts, audience working together to perform moving members regularly say they are inspired to programs which were truly uplifting. go and watch a whole opera for the first time and I like to think I am a stepping stone to New Album mainstream opera. When I put a program together I always try and chose songs that My first classical album ‘Laudate the audience will find familiar, the best bits Dominum’ was recorded back in 2010 with from operas, shows, and musicals that will piano, trumpet and violin and I thought it take them on a journey of emotions but I was time for a follow up album! I am so will always end with something joyful, excited about my new recording with the preferably with a big ending! City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and I admire the voice of Maria Callas, her early the amazing conductor Paul Bateman. recordings in particular where her voice was Travelling to Prague to sing live at Smecky at its best. I am also a massive fan of Julie Studios was a dream come true and I was Andrews, her voice is like a bell and her well looked after by the Tadlow Music diction is so clear and endearing. Performing production team. I had to pinch myself when the role of Maria and singing Do Re Mi with I was in the studio as it was such an amazing children's choir at the Alban Arena a few experience – of course, there was pressure years back was a moment I will always singing live but it was worth it as the treasure! orchestra responded organically to my singing and we created some magic Charity moments. The new album consists of popular operatic arias and classical favorites In my spare time, I work for a charity called as well as some Gershwin and musical Lost Chord providing therapeutic concerts theatre pieces, hopefully, there is something for Alzheimer and Dementia patients. I for everyone. I can't wait to share the album perform lots of familiar songs and arias, and I hope to release the recording early often holding the patient's hands and using 2018. eye contact and musical expression to encourage participation. The concerts are The Voice very moving as the music reignites memories and brings so much happiness to My voice type is a dramatic soprano – last patients, families, and careers. It's such a year I made my debut in the title role of privilege to see the power of music and use Tosca by Puccini. It was my dream role – I my singing in this way. loved every minute of it and I hope to play the part again someday. I love Puccini's

Busking the nerves away Continuing Education

A few years ago, I began opera singing in I recently did a course at the National Opera the lower piazza in Covent Garden. Even Studio working with some amazing tutors though I was a seasoned performer, I was and I still regularly meet with my original struggling with nerves at that time so I singing teacher (who sang at Covent decided it would be good to have a regular Garden) for coaching and he is wonderfully showing platform to help normalize encouraging and honest. Over the years I've performance and take some of the pressure learned to trust in my technique and for me, off that I would often pile on myself to be one of the most important things is to perfect! (of course, no one is perfect!) I had prepare and practice properly so that I'm never done anything like busking before and completely ready and confident – this it was quite daunting to start with as the particularly helps with nerves. audience is transient but I worked hard to connect with the crowds and the rewards Travel were joyous! I now get so much lovely feedback when I sing there and lots of I have been very blessed to sing in some people buy my CD! The atmosphere is very wonderful places: Turkey, New York, Italy, exciting and although I still get nervous on France, Scotland, Sweden, and Prague. A occasion, singing there has really released highlight for me was recently touring with me to perform freely and built my 'All Souls Orchestra' in Vienna, an amazing confidence as a performer. group of musicians, working together to perform moving programs which were truly Keeping Active uplifting.

Being an active performer can be hard work, Most of my performances are in London especially when juggling family life and where I live and recently I have been managing gigs and bookings so I think it's nicknamed 'The London Soprano' which I important to try and keep fairly fit as a love as I'm proud to be associated with our singer. You need stamina to get through capital city. My main ambition is to use my some of the schedules and the rollercoaster music to bring pleasure to audiences and I of performing life. Running helps with hope to get involved in more charity work in breathing technique and aids sleeping which the future using music to impact on people's all combines to aid well-being. I have two lives. I'm looking forward to working on Labradors (Bernard and Stanley) so I jog new projects and fingers crossed with them wherever possible. I have been collaborating with some exciting artists and known to run for charity but it's more of a composers. Please watch out for my new jog! album and I hope you enjoy!

God Bless, Joanne xxx

To learn more about Joanne visit her website joannemcgahon.com

Christina Johnston By Natasha Barbieri

Nicknamed the ‘Nightingale,’ Christina She continued to study at Framlingham Johnston has been singing her whole life. College with fellow alumna Laura Wright. From the age of nine on she began to take This was an especially important step as lessons. "I loved every minute of singing, it Christina was unsure of her musical was my favorite part of the day and week at direction. "I always wanted to be a singer, school apart from acting and painting." As but I didn't know which genre I wanted to go she has matured Christina has gained a into as I loved musical theatre, classical and reputation for a sound that is crystal clear pop." The support of her teachers especially with an incredible upper range that has been from the Head of Music, Rob Goodrich, carefully cultivated. "I think my high notes proved to be a turning point. "He were always there but teachers never pushed encouraged me to enter BBC Choir Girl of my voice as not to damage it. I only realized the Year and he also gave me opportunities how powerful my top range was when I was outside the school to perform solos to gain 21 during my training at the State Opera more experience and grow as an artist." House in Prague." Interestingly, although Suffolk was her She encourages other singers to "try and find home, Christina would make Prague her a really good teacher who can train you and base. "Prague has been fantastic for me to show you the right technique in using your begin my career there and gain valuable voice. However, I think singers have to be experience, wonderful teaching and showed aware not to push the voice as it is a me that classical music is still thriving. delicate muscle and you wouldn't want to Czechs of all generations go to classical overstrain the voice too early." concerts often and there are concerts held

almost daily around the country! I would good for me and I was awarded 3rd place, love to bring that to the UK and show which was wonderful. Through that, I was classical music is for everyone!" then heard by the director at the opera house and I got chosen to debut as Queen of One of the highlights of Christina's career so the Night there. It was extremely exciting for far has been participating in the International me as I was only 22. From there I then sang Mozart competition. "My wonderful singing in many more operas in Prague, Europe and teacher in Prague entered me for the across the world." competition as he thought it would be very It is fitting then that her debut album was recording sessions, it was a lot of hard work recorded in Prague and is entitled but we also had a lot of fun!" ‘Blessing.’ It marks a new phase in her career as she strives to fulfill lifelong The album was released September 22nd on dreams. "Since I was about 16 I have wanted Tadlow Classics and also marks the to be a recording artist and tour the world beginning of a homecoming tour entitled with orchestras. I have always wanted to ‘The Miracle of the Voice.’ "I will be make an album with beautiful music and get touring with my very talented Russian to number 1 and touch people's hearts." pianist, Inga Goldsmith. We will be performing a collection of beautiful songs "I was singing for the Film Music Festival in from the album and also a few special pieces the famous Rudolfinum Hall in Prague 2 that I plan to feature on my next album. For years ago (where I now am a regular this tour, I have chosen a lot of easy soloist) and James Fitzpatrick (my listening pieces for audiences who are new wonderful producer) had his orchestra, The to classical music and also a couple of City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra difficult pieces that will show off the agility playing for the festival. After he heard me of my voice and what I can do (the technical sing, we had a chat and he believed there ability my voice has)." was a gap in the market for me and my voice, as he had discovered Lesley Garrett Christina will also be featured on the in the past. This was the beginning of our upcoming album ‘On Stage’ singing a duet album together!" of ‘Tonight’ from West Side Story with Paul Potts. In addition, she shares her knowledge Christina was especially excited about with other young performers through recording with a live orchestra. "There is masterclasses in schools. "I would love to such an electric feeling and atmosphere help young singers find their passion for when singing alongside a live orchestra. I classical music and all genres of music. I knew a lot of the orchestra members from would love to sing more old musical theatre the operas I had sung in and we all worked for example: Bernstein, Sondheim, Rodgers as a team to create something really and Hammerstein and Gershwin." beautiful. There was such a wonderful Additionally, she hopes to do some atmosphere in the studio during the songwriting as well. "I would say my ambitions are endless."

Follow Christina on her official website christinajohnston.co.uk Tayla Alexander The Up & Comer

You began singing at the tender age of 5. From a very early age, I've had an incredibly Do you think it's important for younger deep relationship with all music. From singers to be encouraged early on? Maria Callas to The Beetles, country musicians, even Michael Bublé! I definitely feel that it's so important to allow young creatives to feel supported and How much do you practice daily and do inspired to create and do more of what they you have any advice for other young love, just as I was. So that you then have the musicians on how to stay disciplined? confidence to make your own decisions. It's incredibly important to create a strong Who were some of your earliest influences? routine which allows you to practice every day. The most important thing that I would encourage is to make sure that practice is of the Auckland Opera studio and Opera quality-concentrated over quantity, focused Idol, I've been able to understand that my productivity is the most important thing in passion for performing incorporates not only order to create good habits for sure! the singing but also the entire process, including acting. Opera allows me to Tell us a little bit about your first album express my creativity in the most incredible "Songbird." ways.

Songbird is my first album that I created You were voted the "Best Buskers Award." when I was 11, it's a classical crossover Please share a little bit about busking with creation which says a huge amount about our listeners. that stage in my life and really represented my passion for music. It's essentially a When I was younger and growing into my combination of songs which are performance style, I used busking to allow internationally loved by not only me but me room to grow and experience. After the people across the world. "best buskers" competition I was able to truly understand the importance of Although girl's voices do not change as connecting with the audience and using an dramatically as boys they certainly do emotional connection to create beautiful change. Have you experienced any changes music! in your range or timbre? You have collaborated with Victoria Tocca The voice definitely changes quite (Do you hear what I hear) and Gray drastically over the years. My voice has Bartlett (Fields of Gold). What was it like been developing from a clear timbre to working with them? deeper and richer, strong sounds. These changes have had to be supported quite Having the opportunity at such a young age lovingly with the way I sing and how my to perform and collaborate with such vocal technique can carry a different voice. talented and forward-thinking performers is Not only do I sing higher the older I get but such an honor for me. I still think about how I also have a much lower range as well! lucky I truly am, both of these performers have one thing in common apart from their You have been involved with Auckland talent, and it's their ability to incorporate Opera Studio and New Zealand Opera Idol. different genres that they love. Classical Tell us a little bit about what you learned music especially is so flexible, it allows a through these experiences and if you wish huge amount of opportunity. to continue studying opera in the future? You have lived in South Africa and New Over the past few years, as my voice has Zealand. Do you ever dream of living in developed and grown my focus and love for another country? opera has developed greatly. By being a part

with a cup of tea and a journal, as creative Travel is a huge part of Opera specifically in writing and poetry are two of my most Europe and America. My biggest dream is to treasured pastimes. study either at Julliard or the Royal Academy of Music, where I can continue to Your latest release was a cover of "Nella grow in my musical education! I have Fantasia." What does this song mean to incredible dreams of living in Italy one day you? where I can perform and train. This song really means so much to me, not Outside of singing what is your favorite only because of all the incredible thing to do? opportunities it's allowed me, but also because it signifies a time of hope. "Nella Acting is one of my biggest passions Fantasia", is about imagining a future which alongside my personal passions such as is kind and peaceful, the kind of message cooking and love for animals. There's also which I believe needs to be universally secretly nothing I love more than to sit down spread.

Since our interview took place Tayla has released a cover of "A Time for Us" taylaalexander.com

NEW AIRS

In an age of electronic instruments composer different types of music and I soaked it all Glen Austin is breathing new life into up." It developed a real eclectic taste in him popular hits with his ensemble aptly named that has continued to this day. "I grew up ‘New Airs.’ From the beginning, Glen was loving guitar music as a kid so I connected raised in a home "where everyone listened to with groups like The Beatles and Thin Lizzy. When I started learning guitar Oasis was Some of Glen's first compositions and big at the time so I learned to play a lot of arrangements were written as exercises for their songs. I discovered Led Zeppelin in my study but as he says, "It's all a process of teens so they took up quite a lot of my learning. I consider my version of the listening and practice time! All that music is traditional Irish air ‘She Moved Through still with me and I enjoy listening to it now. The Fair’ for string quartet, as being the As I became more interested in music I first arrangement I wrote that is true to my wanted to understand it more and through own personal style. I wrote this for The my music studies that led me to classical and Mountain Ash in Connemara which was orchestral music."

Glen's interests quickly developed beyond collaboration with the Irish Poet Joan solo playing to arranging. "Once I learned McBreen." Listeners can hear the how to play guitar I was improvising with arrangement on the first New Airs album, a everything I learned so I was writing songs collection of instrumental arrangements of and little riffs and instrumental pieces from Irish popular and folk songs played by the my early teenage years. As I got more RTE Contempo String Quartet. "At the time interested in music as a career I studied I felt that Irish rock and pop music had not composition and arrangement together." been shown reimagined in a classical chamber ensemble setting so that's why I is an incredible singer with the talent, skill, focused on Irish artists and groups for the and consistency to record in a live recording first CD collection," Glen shares. "I also setting. I also wanted the style to blur the wanted to include a more contemporary lines between the classical and rock/pop element with the electronics and a genres further so I wanted a singer that traditional Irish element with the bodhran (a could sing in a rock/folk style rather than traditional Irish drum). So the idea of the classical soprano type sound. Rachel is setting new and old Irish airs in a different classically trained but she is also one of way led to the name New Airs." those rare singers that can sing in both

The idea was so intriguing that even after styles exceptionally well so as an arranger the album was completed, Glen looked for and producer I am very happy to work with ways to continue the production her." As the group emerged their repertoire experimenting with different instruments expanded to include music written by and a vocalist. He knew many of the international artists and helped him form instrumentalists already from other gigs and new relationships. "One of the great joys of had met singer Rachel Voloczi in college. the production is working with such great "Rachel Voloczi was the only choice as she musicians and getting to know new musicians also as the project grows." together and capture what they can do Thanks to suggestions from the other anywhere anytime." musicians their list of suggested songs is "One of the things I feel that is lost today "Quite long at this stage!" Glen's personal with a lot of the new performers is the favorites are classic rock and pop from the ability to play to a high standard in a live 80's "These songs are top of my list." setting; to just do it and go with it. Classical One of the unique qualities about New Airs musicians are trained to a very high level, is that each track is recorded live in a with live performance being the ultimate different venue. "The pop-up studio idea showcase. Their performances are always grew organically from the first New Airs very consistent and a lot of times the spark album. I realized as I was editing it after the can be lost with the recording session. I find

recording sessions that a lot of the sessions that sometimes more takes and rehearsals had their own magic and individual quality lose the character of the music, even in a about them and choosing one take for each show. I felt that one of the elements that is song was difficult. I had the idea about unique to classically trained musicians is the capturing the studio live experience outside standard of performance; the difference of the room but with all the equipment. I between a live concert and studio recording wanted to turn the recording process on its can be minimal so I wanted to showcase head; take the equipment out of the studio, this." set up in a beautiful venue, get the musicians Of course, preparing for one of these pop-up being hired I first ask what they are looking sessions takes time and commitment. for from the arrangement and what it will be "Firstly, there is the musical element; the for, just so I have a context and idea what arrangement itself is the most important the music is for. After this, the arrangement thing. I like to spend a lot of time with the process begins with simply listening to the music and focus on the melody and setting song a lot and holding back on getting into for a long time. In addition to this, there is the process of analyzing the melody, the scheduling with the musicians, logistical harmony etc. I think to arrange or produce a element and communication with the venue, song properly you have to connect with it it's a pretty big task!" and get it on an emotional level and understand what is being communicated. When working on an arrangement, Glen After the listening process, I then choose tries to "reimagine the song and focus on instrumentation if that is not already what the melody is communicating both decided upon by the group." musically and lyrically" so that it's more than just playing a popular piece with As far as new music Glen teases us that stringed instruments. "I like to completely there are "exciting collaborations on the change or include extra elements within the way" but remains tight-lipped saying "I music. I approach it as a composition, where generally don't like talking about things the melody is completed and now you have until they are done but what I can say is that to turn it into a dialogue or develop it within we are very excited about the new the group." recordings so watch this space!" Glen is often also hired to create arrangements for other projects. "If I'm

newairsmusic.com

Natalie Orlie

Natalie Orlie is an experimental classical crossover singer from the Ukraine. She is currently at work on an album entitled ‘Song of Wind.’ The project will see Natalie writing new lyrics and arrangements to popular arias and will also feature her compositions. Her ability to change from a more trained classical sound to a breathy, sensual pop sound is thanks to a "very rich creative musical life" which included singing in a rock band before receiving further training at the music academy. "The music that is closest to my heart is Classical Crossover." Her album inspiration came first from the music, and after feeling that personal connection Natalie says she "Immediately wrote the text." Her goal is to make her music accessible around the world so the lyrics on the album will be in English, Czech, Italian, French, Russian and Ukrainian. "In the future, I want to write songs in more complex languages such as Chinese and Japanese." ‘Songs of the Wind’ is produced by Roman Nepomnyaschiy whom Natalie has known for almost 10 years. "He is a very gifted sound producer. He works in many musical directions and creates a quality product." They have worked together previously but she says their creative energies "moved to a higher level" with this crossover album. She is hopeful that the "combination of hard work and creative compatibility" will result in a product that resonates with the crossover audience.

This album does not signal Natalie's departure from classical music however she assures us that, "I will continue to develop as a classical and opera singer. I am learning new operatic roles as well as concerts and performances, where I sing classical arias and romances." Natalie hopes her music will provide entertainment and joy to her listeners. "Music is a very powerful… It affects our moods, our thoughts, and our souls. I would very much like my music to touch the sad and disillusioned people and fill them with warmth and spiritual joy and make the world a little happier." Although Natalie tells us, "My parents are not musicians," she is grateful that "They always supported me in everything." She describes herself in the following words: sincere, purposeful, goodwill, stubborn, and willful.

Keep up to date with the ‘Song of the Wind' album at natalieorliemusic.com

Music Changed Me Completely By Jennie Watters

Howard stared at his father writhing around later that I sat down and tried to figure out in pain on the floor. His parents had been what had caused my father to do what he arguing when Homer Keel, a forty-five- did." Even as an adult, the exact reason why year-old alcoholic, shouted, "I'm going to his father committed suicide remained a kill myself" and downed a bottle of carbolic mystery. So was the man himself. Howard acid front of his family. Coal-miner by Keel didn't see him much, and was fearful trade, Homer may have acquired it through when he was around. So why did his strong his work since the chemical (also known as religious mother marry this distant and Phenol) is extracted through coal-tar. As the abusive alcoholic? It appeared to have been agonizing seconds dragged by, Howard a shotgun wedding (Howard's older brother Keel, only eleven years old, started to run was born eight months later.) The two of for help. On the way to his uncle's house, he them were as different as could be. Mrs. remembered that he had left his dog, Keel was part of the temperance movement Wiggles, behind. Afraid that his father might and was even against allowing root beer in kill the little dog, he turned around and the house. Meanwhile, her husband dashed back to his house. Scooping up squandered his money on booze and Wiggles, he could hear cries and moans cigarettes. coming from the bedroom. Those were the last sounds he would ever hear his father Needless to say, Howard Keel (born Herold make as by the time help came later, Homer Clifton Keel) did not have the sort of Keel was dead. childhood one would imagine for the man who would grow up to play the leading man "The father I needed, but never knew, was in many of MGM's technicolor musicals. gone. It was June 26, 1930. I was beyond After his father's death, he fell into a consolation, young, and lost. I crawled depression, became an apathetic student and inside my anger, and locked the whole world started smoking and drinking at a very out. I cried for days...it wasn't until years young age. When he was fifteen, he was

Howard Keel in ‘Kiss me Kate’ with frequent co-star Kathryn Grayson cutting through a neighbor's yard on his way to school when their teenage son befriended him. As they walked together, Chuck asked him, "What's wrong with your teeth?" Confused, Keel asked what he meant. "Your teeth are green! Don't you ever wash your teeth? You'll never get a girl with teeth like that!" For the next year, Chuck became a mentor to the lonely youth, teaching him good grooming habits, encouraging him to stop slacking when it came to schoolwork and including him in his social circle.

Howard's life changed again when his mother sold their four-room house, furnishings included, for $400 and decided to make the trip from Illinois to California. Driving through the Midwest during the dust bowl was a hellish experience, especially once they reached New Mexico. Chugging along at 20 miles of hour through the heat, wind and billowing dirt, Keel marveled that their poor old Ford didn't fall apart. Once they reached their destination, his mother managed to buy a new house, found a job working as a cook and sent Howard to Fallbrook High School. Now sixteen, he was tall, skinny and awkward but at least now he knew to keep his teeth clean! Howard made a few friends in his new school but he had a bitter streak like his father and sometimes made the mistake of taking his pain out on others. "I was mean and rebellious and had a terrible temper...I would have stayed in that narrow kind of life if I hadn't discovered art. Music changed me completely," he later said.

One day after graduating High School, Keel was hanging out with a couple buddies, having some drinks and listening to the football game. Their landlady sat down at "You can take the pitchers and this job and the piano and one of the fellows asked him you know where you can put them!" Just like to sing. Because he had some liquid courage that he quit and never even went back for his in him, he wasn't bashful about belting out last paycheck. ‘In the Still of the Night’ to the landlady's accompaniment. When the song came to a After that Howard became an airplane close she complimented him on his fine mechanic. When World War II started, he voice. "You should study," she said, "Where was unable to enlist, even though he wanted would I do that?" he wanted to know. Mom to. He felt that at least he was doing Ryder, as the boys called her, suggested a something useful working for the Douglas place for him to go, and he took his first Aircraft Company. Keel continued his music lesson for 25 cents. Not long after, he landed lessons and used his operatic pipes to woo a certain young lady, a showgirl named Seven Wives for Seven Brothers with Jane Powell

a job as a singing busboy. He liked the job Rosemary Randall. It must have worked but not the head busboy who would boss because she fell madly in love with him. him around. One day his temper g Soon after they started dating, his company ot the best of him. When the head busboy offered him a better paying position if he told him to "get the lead out," he threw two would agree to move to Detroit. When he pitchers of water against the wall and said, told her he was leaving in a few days, she started crying. "I just found you and now It must have been an impressive audition, you're leaving me?" she sobbed. He because after that Keel became the impulsively proposed marriage. The young understudy for John Raitt in the Rogers and couple had to move a few different times Hammerstein musical ‘Carousel.’ that year, but they enjoyed attending shows Immediately he felt a sort of kinship with together in their spare time. While he didn't the troubled character of Billy Bigelow, and quit his day job quite yet, Howard had was thrilled when he got to perform when begun to perform and was quickly receiving the lead actor was out on vacation. "I walked recognition for his powerful voice. Once he on air for three of the most exciting weeks of signed with N.C.A.C., an opera concert my life," he said. After ‘Carousel,’ he went management group, he was asked to on to play the part of ‘Curly’ in another audition for the great Oscar Hammerstein! great Rogers and Hammerstein musical, ‘Oklahoma.’ When the cast was traveling to London, he decided to go too. His career took off but his marriage suffered. In his autobiography, ‘Only Make Believe: My Life in Show Business,’ Howard Keel admits that the failure of his first marriage was due to his distance and unfaithfulness. Strangely, although he confessed his guilt, he also seemed to recount his many affairs and flirtations with nostalgia. His first love was always his love for music though, and when MGM offered him the opportunity to become a musical star, he didn't hesitate!

His first starring role was in the musical, ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ which was originally supposed to be a vehicle for Judy Garland. Showboat with co-star Ava Gardner Howard described Judy as "cute as a button and awesome to work with" but also incredibly anxious. After singing tangle with me." When he reassured her that ‘Falling in Love is Wonderful’ for studio it would be all right, she slapped him across head Louis B. Mayer, Howard noticed Judy the face with so much force that "I saw trembling and put his arm around her for stars! From then on, I ducked. God, she support. He later acknowledged the irony of could hit - all five feet of her!" The two of HIM reassuring someone as experienced and them remained lifelong friends. talented as Garland, but he also realized she was insecure and overworked. Judy's His next success was ‘Seven Brides for workload increased when during filming a Seven Brothers,’ which was a surprise hit. horse fell on Keel's leg and they had to shoot "Jane Powell, as Milly, was perfect," Keel around his scenes while he recovered. Judy later reminisced, "and I loved working with could not keep up the energy level needed her. She was cute and persnickety and a for the physically demanding part of Annie multi-talented pro." This soundtrack is Oakley. It seemed unfair to Howard when fabulous and includes many upbeat songs the studio replaced her with another actress, sung with great gusto by Keel. It's a movie a boisterous spitfire named Betty Hutton. In full of pure joy. One year later, 1955, he was all his years at MGM, Keel had the eager to get started filming ‘Kismet,’ a opportunity to co-star with many incredible comedy set in old Bagdad that featured women, including Esther Williams, Jane some of the most exciting music of his Powell, Ava Gardner, Ann Blyth, Doris Day career. But the atmosphere on set was and Kathryn Grayson. stressful. Director Vincent Minelli was in a foul mood, he had lost two of the actors he In fact, starting with the musical wanted for the film and stopped caring about ‘Showboat,’ Kathryn Grayson was one of the finished product. Ever the professional, his most frequent co-stars. Her trembling, Keel fumed "I hate performers who quit bird-like soprano perfectly complimented performing, and directors who stop doing his masculine baritone. Their onscreen their job. The Play is the thing." It upset him chemistry reflected a real-life affection that to see a project with so much potential go to the two of them deeply felt, but could rarely waste. In my opinion, the film is still express since by this time Keel had already definitely worth seeing for Keel's hilarious married a second time, and even had performance as the clever but destitute poet children. Although there was a sadness that for hire and the stunning musical score. they could not be together, they still had a lot of fun on-set, and Keel would treasure Just as in real life, although the music was many wonderful memories. In their third his first love, Keel's career had a side-chick movie, ‘Kiss Me, Kate,’ there was a scene too: straight acting. He appeared in where Kathryn was supposed to slap him, Westerns and even a Biblical epic called but he could tell that she kept holding back. ‘The Big Fisherman.’ At first, the producer Keel urged her to let loose, even when she thought he would be too sophisticated for warned him, "Howard, I can hit pretty hard. the role of apostle Peter, but through his I had two big brothers, and they didn't audition, Keel captured their attention with his compelling acting and got the role. thought that his years of fame were over, but Although currently out of print, at the time in his 60s, Howard Keel was once again a the film was nominated for three Oscars: for household name! Although surrounded by cinematography, art direction, and costume beautiful women, he finally gave up his design. They lost to a similarly religious womanizing ways and stayed true to his film that also came out in 1959, ‘Ben Hur,’ wife. He even began a recording career as a and ‘The Big Fisherman’ faded into solo artist for the first time! He released obscurity. In the years that followed, it records and gave concert tours. He also became more and more difficult to find good became involved in charity, raising money movie roles. Like so many other for the National Society for the Prevention unemployed of Cruelty to former movie Children. musical stars, Howard Keel When Howard died returned to the of colon cancer in stage. 2004, his wife, Audiences got Judy, wrote this to see him in touching tribute: plays like "Although there ‘Camelot’ and was a twenty-five- ‘The Unsinkable year age difference Molly Brown,’ between us, I was and over the the one who years he also struggled to keep reprised roles up with his energy from some of and the fight he his best films. gave to everything he faced in life...he cared for his voice his entire life and that in itself Two things happened to change Howard's was a tremendous burden to carry on one's life again. After over twenty years of staying shoulder. As a perfectionist, he tried to in a marriage that he was never fully never disappoint an audience. 'Give 'em committed to, Keel left his wife and got everything you've got,' he'd say, and he married for a third and final time to Judy meant it. I know how much his fans loved Magamoll. He became a father again when him, and he loved them just as much. I his fourth child, Leslie, was born. Then in met a wonderful man who loved me so much 1981, he got an unexpected call asking him more the day he died than on that first blind to meet with Leonard Katzman, the writer- date almost thirty-six years ago. And I was producer-director of the hottest soap opera given the gift to love and care for him in the on television at the time: ‘Dallas.’ He had brilliant winter of his life."

As heartwarming as Judy's thoughts on her husband's life were, I believe Howard said it best at the conclusion of his autobiography: "If you're ever in the market for a trombone player, a pool shooter, dancing fool, a fighter, skin fitter, a mechanic, horseback rider, gun-handler, fast-draw artist, bullwhipper, airline or boat pilot, motorcyclist, actor or singer, call me. I'm available. The timing of my life has had some wild ups and downs, but the timing of my meeting Judy has been one of the constant joy and love. She is the love and joy of my life! What's the best part of me? My singing. I can still peel the paint off the walls."

FEATURED SONG Loveliest of Trees by George Butterworth

“This is a song about the beauty of life, the importance of time and the essence of living life to the very fullest. Something we all aspire to do, even though times can be difficult. It reflects the concept that we don't live forever, so we should live each day in beauty, harmony & peace.”

Available on the on "Classic Collection" from Victoria Paterson www.victoriasoprano.co.uk