I am still sad that I managed to not be in the audience of the 2010 production of 'Sondheim On Sondheim', a musical revue much like 'Side By Side By Sondheim' which was first heard 34 years earlier, in 1976. Both picked some of the great music written by Sondheim over the course of his career, with the latter revue having the benefit of some additional great musicals written in the years since. It featured the amazing talents of singer/actress Vanessa Williams, as well as the legendary singer Barbara Cook. The ladies appeared on 'The View' together to perform a number from the show, which was a mash-up of two song from two different shows. Enjoy as the ladies deliver the goods on "Not A Day Goes By" from 'Merrily We Roll Along' and "Losing My Mind" from 'Follies'.
Both ladies are brilliant performers, as can be seen in the clip above. You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast recording of Sondheim On Sondheim on iTunes and Amazon.
Barbara Cook was a big star on Broadway in the late 1950s, capturing hearts of many with starring roles in Candide and The Music Man. She made her Broadway debut in 1951 in a short-lived musical, Flahooley. Not only did the audiences love her, but her peers were equally impressed, and she earned a Tony Award for her role as Marion the librarian in original production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. By the time the 1970s rolled around, Cook struggled with her demons, a battle that continued through music of the decade. But by the end, she was gaining back her life, and started headlining concerts that were must-have tickets. Her voice was still angelic, and she was known as a great interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and the new music of the American theater as well. Listen as she sings Losing My Mind from the great Stephen Sondheim show, Follies.
You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast recording of Sondheim On Sondheim on iTunes and Amazon. Cook as a member of the original cast, and, in fact, sung "Losing My Mind" and "Not A Day Goes By" with the beautiful Vanessa Williams. You can also check out her official website, where you can hear more great music, and find out more about this amazing artist.
It all happened so quickly, it was almost hard to digest. My mother was a big fan of the Miss America pageant, so I kinda grew up on them. I remember watching the 1984 pageant, and cheering Vanessa Williams on. She was gorgeous and talented, and should be the winner. To my surprise, she was crowned, and became the first ever African American contestant to earn the crown. However, just shy of a a full year, pictures were purchased by Penthouse magazine, who obviously wanted to take advantage of the publicity generated, and soon Vanessa stepped down as Miss America, and many thought she would not be seen again. I hoped not, for I loved her. She had already been making guest appearances on various television shows, and in 1995 was cast in a television version of Broadway musical, Bye Bye Birdie. In 1988, she released her first album, The Right Stuff. No one was sure how the album would fare, but no one need to worry. The album was certified Gold, and helped secure her place as an R&B signer of note. The first single off the album was the title cut, and it certainly announced her arrival. The song made it to #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the R&B chart, and #1 on the US Dance chart. Here is the video for The Right Stuff.
Her third single off the album is the slow and sexy Dreamin'. The song, written by Lisa Montgomery and Geneva Paschal, captured the heart and souls of many, making it to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the Billboard R&B chart. It was being played on radio stations across the world, and firmly establishing Williams as a talent that would be on the charts for years to come.
Continuing the trend of hit songs, Running Back To You went to #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the R&B chart, and #2 on the US Dance chart. It has a strong R&B groove, and perfect vocals from Vanessa.
The last song I'll focus on today will be The Comfort Zone. The title track off the second album from Williams, the song topped out at #62 Billboard Hot 100, but ran up to #2 on the Billboard R&B chart, and #25 on the Dance chart. The song had a sultriness that is hard to miss.
While this really only includes songs off her first two albums, The Right Stuff and The Comfort Zone, these four songs also happen to be the first 4 cuts off Vanessa Williams' Greatest Hits: The First Ten Years album, released in 1998. You can purchase the album off iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Vanessa Williams and her music, visit the official website.
Top: Chris Coons. Middle: John Carney, Jr. Bottom: Beau Biden
After watching the election coverage for hours while I should have been coming up with a blog post, I got nothing, so to speak. A bit drained. Good news is that Democratic candidates Chris Coons won US Senator, John Carney, Jr. won Representative in Congress, and Beau Biden won the Attorney General race. The Tea Party candidates were sent packing, and after all the storm and fury over the races, it signified nothing.
To celebrate the wins, as well as the wins by several other great candidates across the nation, I am resurrecting an old campaign favorite. So here is Happy Days Are Here Again, only this version by Vanessa Williams when she was on the road to win Miss America in 1984.
