Dark Monday • Betty Buckley

The amazing Betty Buckley made her Broadway debut in 1969, in the musical '1776', playing Martha, the young and fiery wife of a young Thomas Jefferson. She renewed her Broadway star status in 1982, when she owned the stage in the Broadway production of 'Cats', playing the Grizabella, the Glamour Cat. Her turn on the stage singing "Memories" was instantly iconic, and earned her the Tony. She also played Nora Desmond in the London production of 'Sunset Boulevard', taking over for Patti Lupone after the show had run for almost a year. The show was dark a month, and was retooled both with story and music. She eventually replaced Glenn Close in the original Broadway production, once again garnering rave reviews. She also was a star of the original Broadway production of 'Carrie', 'Triumph of Love', and 'Drood'. She also had memorable roles in television and movies, in shows like 'Eight is Enough', 'Oz', and 'Pretty Little Liars'. Her most popular movie appearances were in 'Carrie' and 'Tender Mercies'.

All the while, Buckley was also developing a music career, putting out albums, and offering live performances in some of the top cabarets and clubs. Buckley's shows were must have tickets, everyone was clamoring to get in. The music was a combination of great songs from the stage, as well as original tunes composed by Betty herself. Tonight, I featuring her singing a song written by Jason Robert Brown for his off-Broadway musical revue, 'Songs From a New World' in 1995. This is Betty Buckley singing "Stars and the Moon".

"Stars and the Moon" can be found on her 2001 release, 'Stars and the Moon - Live at the Donmar', which was nominated for a 2002 Grammy for 'Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album'. You can purchase it from iTunes and Amazon. For more about Betty Buckley, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook. Later this month, she will be returning to Joe's Pub, and you can find out more about that engagement and/or purchase tickets at the official Joe's Pub website.

Happy Mother's Day • Jonathan Groff & Christian Borle

To continue with my celebration of Mother's Day, I thought I would offer up a clip I recently found on YouTube. It stars the deliciously talented duo of Jonathan Groff and Christian Borle, singing a duet as a part of MCC's 'Broadway Miscast'. I am telling you, those clips can entertain me for hours. The premiss of the yearly concert is bringing on Broadway standouts, and give them a chance to perform a song for a role in a show in which they would never be cast. Groff and Borle, both known for incredible performances on Broadway, as well as strong performances in TV and film, chose to play sisters Baby June and Louise from the iconic show 'Gypsy' when they sing "If Mama Was Married". The score for 'Gypsy' was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. I think Jonathan and Christian do a great job with the song, and make me smile from deep inside. This is Jonathan Groff and Christian Borle with "If Mama Was Married" from 'Gypsy'.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Happy Mother's Day • Gavin Creel

I must admit I've had a bit of a crush on Gavin Creel for some time now. And it was long before I saw the picture posted above. He was a Broadway star, nominated for a Tony Award in his Broadway debut in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie', playing paperclip salesman Jimmy Smith opposite the ever-delightful Sutton Foster. I saw him performing on a show, either one of the morning shows, or on a talk show. Creel was adorable, and so damned talented. His voice was just so gorgeous, I had to go out and find the Broadway Cast Album for the show. And I continued to follow his career.

Outside of cast albums, Creel has three releases of his own, with two full albums and one EP. 'Goodtimenation' was his first full album, released in 2006. The first track off the album is "For Nancy", a song dedicated to his mother. The song is so heartfelt, so genuine, it touches me every time I hear it. In this particular performance, he pairs it up with a song from a show he also starred in on Broadway, earning him another Tony nomination. 'Hair' features music by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni. Eight times a week, Gavin took to the stage as Claude and sang "I Got Life", one of many songs in the sore that had popular recordings made. This is Gavin Creel singing "For Nancy" and "I Got Life".

You can find "For Nancy" on the album 'Goodtimenation', available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon. He followed up that album with the exquisite EP, 'Quiet' in 2010, and the electric 'Get Out' in 2012. I am fond of them all, and have listened to them in the last month. They are all available on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Gavin Creel, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him in Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Happy Mother's Day • Long John Baldry & Rod Stewart

Long John Baldry had some hits going on in the 1960s in the UK, most notably 1967's "Let The Heartache Begin". Baldry was almost everything the record executives were looking for: tall (6'7"), blond, handsome and talented. What they didn't like was that he was a gay man, and even in the 60s, he didn't want to play the games. In fact, the laws were so repressive for gay men and lesbians, Baldry decided to leave the country and head for North America. No, not the United States, who were even more repressive. He went to Canada, the most socially progressive country around. When he was still flying high though, he worked with two young men who appreciated all he did for them. One was young rocker Rod Stewart, and the other was keyboardist Reginald Dwight, later known as Elton John. His buddies helped him out later, producing the 1972 album 'Everything Stops For Tea'. Each took ownership of one side of the album, hoping to help their friend revive his career. One of the songs not only featured Baldry, but also Stewart, as both took on the traditional Blues song "Mother Ain't Dead". I hope you enjoy it.

The album did not return Long John to the top of the charts, but is did bring him closer and closer to the music he loved, the Blues. In fact, he was one of the artists I enjoyed listening to, even before I discovered he was gay. I still enjoy listening to his music, but I am sad that he has been gone for almost 10 years now. 'Everything Stops For Tea' can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • Nick Adams Sings

Sometimes, I surprise myself. It has been far too long since I have included the handsome and talented Nick Adams on this blog. He is a true triple threat, being an excellent dancer, as well as a strong singer, and an excellent actor. And man, is he gorgeous. In fact, he is so nice to look at, it is easy to forget just how talented he is. So I thought I would start with him singing a classic song, one everyone knows. That would be "On The Street Where You Live" from 'My Fair Lady', written by the great team of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1956, and starred Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews. He has sung it a couple of times, and I just love it. This is Nick Adams singing "On The Street Where You Live".

Nick has an impressive resume, starring on Broadway in the revivals of great musicals like 'Chicago', A Chorus Line', and 'Guys and Dolls'. HE was also a member of the original Broadway cast of 'The Pirate Queen' and 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. He played the role of Adam/Felicia, the younger of the trio who take a bus trip together. He had several numbers in the show, including his version of "Like A Prayer", written by Madonna and Patrick Leonard. The song was, of course, the title cut of her 1989 album, and a big hit. The Broadway version was a bit different, but very special in it's own way. This is Nick Adams singing "Like A Prayer" with the Divas from 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'.

Currently, Nick is on tour with the music 'Wicked', with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Adams is playing Fiyero Tiggular, the prince of the Arjiki tribe. He had a bit of a romance with Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, while at college. There was an attempt on his life, only to be saved by former love. It is through her saving spell that he is transformed into a scarecrow. But before all that happens, he sings "Dancing Through Life". This is a clip of Nick singing the song as part of the National Touring Company.

You can find Nick Adams' music online, as a featured performer on Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. You can purchase it on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Nick Adams, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. He is still on tour, so you can see when he will be in a town near you. You can check out the schedule at the official 'Wicked' website.

Milestone • Over 2 Million Hits

I am not sure exactly when S2MD passed 2 million hits, but is sneaked up on me, and passed me by. But even if it surprised me, I find it cause for celebration. So light the fireworks, and and strike up the band, and let the party begin!

But before I drink just a little too much, I wanted to say to everyone who reads this blog that I am so very grateful for your support over the past six years. I must admit, when I started 'Soundtrack to my Day' in June of 2009, I had no idea I'd still be at it, and would have more that 2 million hits. For that, I owe my heartfelt thanks to all who have stopped here, and helped me share some great music. But, I must admit, rather than spewing more, I think I will let an artists speak for me. This is the late, great Sylvester, with his wonderful song "Grateful".

For many who stop by here, I feel as though we have become friends, or more apropos, e-friends. Like we are back in college again, you stop by my room, listen to some music, and hopefully, had a great time. We might be in different states, or, in some cases, in different countries, but we are having a shared experience nonetheless. To thank my dear friends, I thought I would share with you a great clip of Michael Feinstein singing "Old Friend", written by Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford.

And, finally, I want to offer a big "Thank You!" to everyone involved, be it those who stop by to read and listen, as well as the artist who are making amazing music that inspires me all the time. While I love all music, it is the LGBT artists in particular that really lift me up, and make me proud to post about their music. In my time writing this blog, I've seen artists releasing music, some of which I still follow and love. Others made a big impression, but just kinda disappeared, like the band I am featuring next. Archy & Mehitabel was made up by the very handsome duo of Lee Waters & Alexander Horwitz. I loved all the music they made, and still listen to it. And they have the perfect song for the mood I am in. This is "Thank You" by Archy and Mehitabel.

So, once again, I just want to thank everyone who helps make this blog possible. From the readers of the blog, both regular and those who just stopped by for a favorite song, to the artists who sing their heart out and make music I can't help but share, to the fans with their posted videos that reminds me of some great music, to the people who share links to help promote these amazing musicians. Thank you all, 2 million times over.

Miss Hope Springs • Where Have the Good Times Gone

I was thrilled to get the notification of a new music video for the one and only Miss Hope Springs. I have noticed the grand dame is preparing a new show in London, 'Queen of Fools', set to open early next month. One can only hope there will be a new album to accompany that show. After all, not everyone can fly over to catch her performances, but I can live vicariously through the videos and albums so I can feel like I was there, drinking in her glorious talent. The latest is "Where Have the Good Times Gone", a wistful remembrance that combines just the right amount of melancholy to the song. It makes me think Miss Hope Springs is the Miss Peggy Lee for a new generation, with her husky vocals imparting knowledge while striking a balance of heart and irony to keep me under her spell. This is Miss Hope Springs with her latest, "Where Have the Good Times Gone".

While "Where Have the Good Times Gone" is not available for purchase, you can still find her first album 'Live in London: Welcome to the Carnival'. That album can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. I love it, and can't hear it enough! For more about Miss Hope Springs, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook. You can also find plenty of videos on YouTube.