Annette Helen: "While many film historians focus upon a star’s life after he or she gained fame, I take a unique step further into the past and illustrate a star’s life before Hollywood."

My friend Annette Helen loves everything old-fashined! If you are interested in the history of the Hollywood movies, Annette is the girl to know! Her blog Hometowns to Hollywood and her facebook page is filled with interesting info about actors and actresses that you perhaps didn't even know about...  She was very kind to answer a couple of questions for our web. 

Annette, you have been a great fan of old classic Hollywood movies and great stars of the screen . When did you first realize this was the IT you wanted to concentrate on and learn about?

I have been a fan of Golden Age films for as long as I can remember, but my actual "involvement" in them did not begin until I was an undergraduate student. While I possess a deep passion for them, I did not really contribute to conversation about them until about 2010, when I started to get involved in a local library‘s classic film series. I was sort of a novelty--a 20-year-old with a fanatical knowledge about classic film--so, my guest lecture spots and writings helped draw in younger audiences. While I was in graduate school, I also began a blog, entitled, "Hometowns to Hollywood" 

(https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/), which chronicles my trips to the hometowns of various Golden Age stars. I am fascinated by the genesis of their creativity, as well as how their legacies have been cemented within their hometowns. This has led to several exciting opportunities and retired Hollywood Golden Age star meetings for me, and I have a pretty solid following as a result. I'm excited to have a unique niche in my passion for Golden Age film, and have since started a classic film series of my own!

I have been a follower and a great fan of your Hometowns to Hollywood facebook page. You have almost 1500 followers! Facebook page is linked to your lovely web where you have published interesting articles and inside info about hometowns of famous actors and actresses. Can you please tell us more about this project? 

While many film historians focus upon a star’s life after he or she gained fame, I take a unique step further into the past and illustrate a star’s life before Hollywood. Because I actually travel to these hometown locations, I am able to credibly discuss how a specific legacy is evident within the star’s hometown. I am thrilled to offer audiences this especially significant “walk” in the star’s footsteps through photos, videos, and captivating stories. My blog is the main hub for all of my hometown travels. At present, I have covered the hometowns of Gloria Swanson, Jack Benny, Carole Lombard, James Dean, Red Skelton, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Jack Lemmon, Tyrone Power, Irene Dunne, Katharine Hepburn, the Barrymores, Oliver Hardy, Lana Turner, Anne Baxter, Cole Porter, Phil Harris, James Stewart, and Frances Farmer. I took "Hometowns to Hollywood" on the road, so to speak, as my first endeavor at manning my own film series. This series is hosted at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. I screen a set of three films on a seasonal basis. Each film screening is preceded with my presentation about the the star's life, hometown, and an exploration of how his or her legacy is documented within his or her hometown. I bring in items to display that were either owned or worn by the star of the film that night, or memorabilia relating to the film or star at hand. I kicked off my first showing in early September of 2015, which was a success. I also work to involve special guest appearances at least once per season. In October of 2015, I interviewed Tyrone Power’s daughter, Taryn Power-Greendeer during one of my screenings. You can read about that experience here: https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/editorials/a-powerful-legacy-my-afternoon-with-taryn/ I am so thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for Golden Age cinema with others, and am excited for the second round of my series to begin in April 2016. Nothing rivals the communal experience of watching a film on the "big screen."

Who are your favourite Hollywood actors / actresses?  I am sure you must have met some of them in person. Or perhaps their children to discuss lots of wonderful and interesting stories...

I have so many favorites! I am fond of Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, Eleanor Powell, Jean Arthur, William Powell, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, Eleanor Powell, and so many more! I am especially a fan of musicals and screwball comedies, and have a huge respect for „triple threat“ actors and actresses. I have met Jane Powell and Mitzi Gaynor in person through TCM’s „Road to Hollywood“ events in Chicago. I have also met Irene Dunne’s granddaughter, and one of Tyrone Power’s daughters. I’ve recently become close with an actress named Lyn Wilde, who was part of a twin act with her sister, Lee. I’m currently working on an article about Lyn’s experiences working in Hollywood, as she basically starred in the first „Parent Trap,“ which was actually a film called „Twice Blessed.“ Lyn has worked with the likes of Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, June Haver, and so many more. In addition, she was good friends with Judy Garland. She’s a wealth of information still, at the age of 93, and I’m so lucky to know her. I look forward to publishing her story as soon as possible.

Annette with the one and only Michael Feinstein (2015)

I also know you are a teacher. Can you tell us where and what you exactly teach your students?

I am an English and Film Studies teacher at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois, which is essentially located in Chicago’s north shore. The subjects I teach are Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, American Literature, Creative Writing, College Writing, and Film Study. In particular, I’m delighted to be teaching the „first run“ of my Film Study course. The course is taught chronologically, but I plan on featuring shorts, silents, noirs, screwballs, musicals, and so much more. I am especially excited to familiarize students with the idea of the studio system and to emphasize that before there was a Hollywood, there was Chicago. I worked for Essanay Studios Chicago throughout graduate school, which is where stars like Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson got their start. It's one of the last remaining silent film studios. While the film industry moved West for the steadier climate, we are still in a critical location regarding film history, and have fantastic archives nearby that document its importance. I also want to emphasize how cinema is constantly building. One technique makes way for the next over and over again until we come to what is familiar to us in the present day. However, I have a deep love for early cinema, and will remind my students that almost every part of it is groundbreaking. After all, these were the pioneers who were experimenting with just about everything for the first time, and their craft is both phenomenal and inspiring. So much of their work has aged well and has certainly shaped the film industry. While we may be used to the modern, it is so crucial that we do not dismiss the old. There is a certain glamour to Hollywood’s Golden Age that just cannot be replicated today.

Reunited with the Johnny Mercer piano! 

Taken at the Great American Songbook Foundation in Carmel, IN

You have even been introducing films on TCM (Turner Classic Movies)? Can you tell us more about your work for TCM?

TCM periodically reaches out to its fans via social media, seeking audience members with "interesting, funny or poignant stories about their relationship to classic films." Simply mentioning which film you would like to see is not enough--they want to know why fans love a film. Upon seeing their posting, I submitted my entry via TCM.com. I selected the 1936 screwball comedy, Theodora Goes Wild, for a number of reasons. First off, I admire the film's leading lady, Irene Dunne, for probably being one of the most down-to-earth stars to come out of Hollywood. I previously co-screened the film as part of a local library’s classic film series in May of 2014, which showcased lesser-known films of Hollywood's Golden Age. Upon coordinating with Irene's granddaughter, Ann-Marie Streibich, I was able to invite her to speak at the screening. I remember feeling moved when I heard the many stories she shared about her grandmother, and felt so lucky to be able to view this film alongside someone so closely connected to the lead actress. Finally, I met my boyfriend, Don, at that screening! I think TCM enjoyed that factor most of all, so I received an email informing me that I was selected to introduce and offer commentary about the film on the air. You can view my pre-film and post-film interviews here:  
https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/tcm-publicity-and-i-oh-my/

It might be a difficult task but can you name your Top 10 favorite movies and why are they the best in your eyes?

This is an extremely difficult task, but I will try my best!

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This film turned me into the film fanatic I am today! Judy Garland provides her iconic portrayal of Dorothy, and is supported by an equally immortalized část. „Over the Rainbow“ is easily my favorite song.

Gone With the Wind (1939)
Vivien Leigh shines as the cutthroat Scarlett O’Hara, alongisde a legendary část. There are just so many elements to this film that the story behind its making is just as terrific! The costumes and scenery are breathtaking and inimitable.

Easter Parade (1948)
You just can’t beat these Irving Berlin tunes. I remember seeing this film on VHS for the first time and playing back the tape to record all of the songs on cassettes. Thank goodness for CD soundtracks. This film also has such a dream cast—and a good few of them weren’t even signed on to do the film initially! Judy Garland and Fred Astaire are accompanied by the amazing Ann Miller and a crooning Peter Lawford in some gorgeous period costumes.

 Easter Parade trailer

Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)
Two words: Dick Powell. I enjoy watching musicals, and I do adore the crooners! Additionally, Gloria Stuart is such a delight in this film. It’s fun to see her at the height of her 1930s career, long before her appearance in Titanic!

Born to Dance (1936)
I love to see films which showcase moments when studios just didn’t know what to do with some of their newly acquired stars. I think of Jimmy Stewart here, in particular, who croons several tunes along the way. The studio had him learn dance routines for Born to Dance, but ultimately decided he wasn’t. Luckily, Eleanor Powell was! Frances Langford, Una Merkel, and Buddy Ebsen also offer wonderful performances.

Sons of the Desert (1933)
I highly admire the old comedy teams, and I think that this is the best Laurel and Hardy film. It’s a riot from beginning to end!

It Happened One Night (1934)
I adore Frank Capra’s work, and this film is one of his best. Both Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable thought that this film would flop, but it wound up being a hugely successful moment in both of their careers! My Frank Capra Collection came with me to undergrad, and I had so much fun sharing this film with my roommates.

Strike Up the Band (1940)
I think that the Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland films are such a treat. I hold a soft spot for this one, since this was the first film in which I spotted Judy Garland outside of The Wizard of Oz. I caught it on TCM one day and have been hooked on the channel ever since.

Strike Up the Band trailer

The Thin Man (1934)
I’m a fan of witty exchanges, and William Powell’s banter with Myrna Loy does not disappoint. Who doesn’t want to be Nick and Nora?

Singin‘ in the Rain (1952)
It should not come as a surprise that I enjoy musicals, but this is THE musical. What’s not to like? Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and the hilarious Donald O’Connor give their best performances in this film.

What interesting places have you visited recently?

I completed several hometown travels in Wisconsin pretty recently. Stay tuned! I covered two Hollywood stars, and am planning on going back soon to cover Ten Chimneys—the home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine just for fun. I also visited the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research to work with original Edith Head sketches and to view their Melvyn Douglas collection. Expect updates soon!

Are there any ‘’ hometowns’’ you’d like to visit in the future? Perhaps even in Europe? Cary Grant’s Bristol, Liz Taylor’s and Bob Hope’s London? Any other?

Absolutely! There are certainly no limits to hometowns! All of the ones you mentioned are high on my list, along with the hometowns of Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin in England, Maureen O’Hara in Ireland, Greta Garbo in Sweden, and so many others. There are plenty in the United States that I still wish to cover, including the hometowns of Ava Gardner, Ginger Rogers, Jean Harlow, and Myrna Loy. Also, I have never been to California, so covering the „to Hollywood“ portion of my blog would be a dream come true! 

For more info, please visit Annette's great web and facebook page:

Blog Link: http://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/ 
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/home2hollywood/

Don Romano: "For me, I think the composer shrouded in the most mystery is Irving Berlin."

Some people love Great American Songbook. And some know a lot about its history and people that were associated with it. My dear friend Don Romano is one of a kind. He's a great expert. Don has been collecting sheet music, photographs and other memorabilia for years. Great American Songbook is his passion! I was delighted when he agreed to answer some of my questions on his favorite topic. Here is our interview...

 

Great American Songbook. History, artists, songs, songwriters and lyricists. It’s so much more. It’s also the people who keep it alive nowadays. Don, you are truly one of the most knowledgeable people I know. Can you please tell us how did it all start for you? When were you introduced to these wonderful songs and this era?

Thank you for the kind words, Anna. My love of the Great American Songbook began when I was very young. I would play with my mother’s Victrola that she had purchased from an estate sale when she was young (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree). The record player came with three records that I played endlessly: Billy Murray and Billy Jones’ „Down By the O-Hi-O“, Henry Busse and His Orchestra’s „Alexander’s Ragtime Band“, and Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra’s „Afraid To Say ‚Hello‘ (Since You Said Goodbye)‘“. That was my first exposure to early popular American music from the first half of the twentieth century. I also had a healthy exposure to an array of popular music while growing up.  My parents gave me many CDs by early rock ‚n‘ roll artists (i.e. Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, etc.), Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (where I learned about and grew to appreciate pop music), and most importantly Frank Sinatra (where I was first exposed to popular interpreations of the Great American Songbook).  Additionally, I devoured library books about musicians and liner notes to CDs.  My interest in the songwriters deepened after I saw „High Society“ at a family party and was introduced to the work of Cole Porter.

I seemd to be enjoying the Great American Songbook through crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Perry Como as I was growing up.  By the time I reached the fourth grade, however, I became distracted by The Beatles.  I learned a lot about their music, read countless books about the band, and learned everything I thought I could know about them.  I began to realize that some of my favorite Beatles songs were either written by American composers (Meredith Willson’s „Till There Was You“ and Milton Ager & Jack Yellen’s „Ain’t She Sweet“) or were written in the style of early American song (Pau l McCartney’s „Honey Pie“ and „When I’m Sixty-Four“). This helped me renew my interest in the genre.

I suppose my relationship with the Great American Songbook turned from interest to obsession in college when I made the most important musical purchase of my life: the box set of Ella Fitzgerald’s Songbook albums produced by Norman Granz.  I would not have a radio show or a Facebook Page if this collection did not come into my life. I fell in love with the arrangements and the unique style that each songwriter had in his catalogue. I thank Ella and Norman every day for making such quality albums.  I wouldn’t be typing this today if they had not come into my life!

 Don with Debbie Reynolds

Some of Stardust Melodies fans already know your wonderful facebook page Don's American Songbook. I know that your page celebrated the first year of existence. Congratulations! You have posted so many wonderful photos and great and detailed info about many artists and musical pieces. I am sure you must have learned a lot from doing such facebook page as well...

Thanks, Anna.  Yes I have.  I am glad you enjoy the photographs and facts. I spend a lot of time trying to find unusual photographs I have not seen before and facts that I find interesting. I have developed quite a library since I began researching the Great American Songbook and get many of my facts from there. Other times I find facts on the Internet. I refer to these sources each time I make a post.  Oftentimes, I spotlight Great American Songbook figures or Hollywood actors and actresses on their birthdates. I spend a lot of time reading about their lives and pick out facts I find fascinating.  I also started a series of posts on my page called „Great American Songbook Connections“ where I spotlight everybody from historical figures to pop stars who have been refrenced in or had a brush with the Great American Songbook in one way or another. It is really fascinating how often non-musical subjects and the Great American Songbook can interact with one other!

When I started my Facebook Page I called it „Don’s American Songbook“. I really didn’t think much of it and never suspected it would become the success it is today.  I thought about Michael Feinstein’s wonderful PBS program „Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook“, because the show was about the Great American Songbook in the context of his own life. This radio show has a similar concept. I play songs that are pleasant, interesting, and meaningful to me. Sometimes, however, I feel the title of my Page is a misnomer. I tend to post about anything I am interested in, which is not always limited to the Great American Songbook. I post about actors, actresses, films, old Hollywood, musical theater, rock ‚n‘ roll, and anything that captures my interest. I always try to tie whatever I am posting about to the Great American Songbook in some way.

It would be very difficult if someone asks me to name my favorite singers. I am sure it’s as difficult for you as it is for me. But still... who are your favorite vocalists and why?

Oh dear, such a tough question! I have many favorites. For female vocalists, one of my absolute favorite singers is Jo Stafford.  I believe she sang songs the way the composer would intend them to be sung. The same could be said for another vocalist I regard very highly: Ella Fitzgerald. There is nobody quite like her.  Another singer I am mad about is Irene Dunne. She may be better remembered as an actress today in her wonderful screwball commedies, but she left us some lovely renditions of Great American Songbook tunes. I love her Jerome Kern songs. I also love Lee Wiley, Helen Forrest, Doris Day, and Julie Andrews as well.  Three other names that deserve special recognition include Blossom Dearie, the Incomparable Hildegarde, and Peggy King. Blossom had such a unique style of singing, and there is a very special place in my heart for her. I believe Hildegarde has some of the definitive versions of popular American songs.  You could tell she loved what she did, and she did it very well. Peggy is a dear friend of mine and a wonderful singer. In my honest unbiased opinion, she has the definitive versions of „You’ll Never Know“ and „Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo“ from her Lazy Afternoon album. I mentioned a lot of names, but those are the females I love best!

For male vocalists, I was raised on Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.  They will always be the best in my opinion. I also love Mel Torme. To be perfectly honest, some of my favorite male vocalists are the songwriters singing their own songs. Koch International Records and the Library of Congress released wonderful albums of „singing songwriters“. Songwriters like Sammy Fain, Frank Loesser, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Hugh Martin all have albums featuring them singing their own songs.  These are my favorite recordings. Hearing the songwriters sing and play their own work is the best.  You feel like you are listening to them demonstrating a song to a director or singer for the first time.  Many of them were not professional singers, but there is something about hearing the songwriter sing their own songs that is magical.

Could you describe let’s say Top 5-10 songs you would like to take to a desert island with you and why?

Another tough question! This list changes all the time (almost daily), but I will give you my top 10 right now in no particular order:

(1) Better Luck Next Time (Irving Berlin)

I have so many favorite Irving Berlin songs, but this one is very unique from other songs in his catalogue. And who could forget Judy singing it in Easter Parade?

(2) Someone to Watch Over Me (George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin)
 

This will always be a favorite of mine. It’s a beautiful marriage of words and music and one of the best songs by George and Ira.

(3) It’s Easy to Remember (Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart)

I love almost every version of this song I have heard. The phrasing of the music is lovely and the lyrics are so evocative.  I love the chord progression in the bridge.  It’s always hard to listen to those lyrics and think about Larry’s life. Still, they are beautiful words. Peggy King has my absolute favorite version of this song from her album „Wish Upon a Star“. Percy Faith’s arrangement on that recording was just wonderful.

(4) Bill (Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, P.G. Wodehouse)
 

Oscar was very vocal about giving lyric credit to P.G. Wodehouse. Just reading over the lyrics, you can tell it is a Wodehouse lyric: „He can’t play golf or tennis or polo/or sing a solo/or row“. Sounds a lot like Bertram Wooster! This is one of the most beautiful Kern melodies in my opinion (next to „The Didn’t Believe Me). Outside of Helen Morgan’s definitive recording of the song, Margaret Whiting has the best version out there.

(5) You Are For Loving (Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane)

Another melody with beautiful phrasing and wonderful rhyming patterns. This is a lyric that reads like poetry. A wonderful combination of words and music. This song has so much Hugh Martin in it.  Listen to this lyric: „You are for loving/and loving, and loving, and loving/by someone just as wonderful as you/and so I guess I’ll never do“. That’s not a character for a situation. That‘s Hugh talking! He was very self-reflective, and his thoughts, dreams, and, in this case, vulnerabilities can be seen so clearly in his writing. In some ways, more than any other lyricist that comes to mind.

(6) It’s Been a Long Long Time (Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn)

This is a great song because it has a timeless theme. To the Great American Songbook novice, „It’s Been a Long, Long Time“ is a song about two people who are reuniting after „a long, long time“.  However, it takes on a totally different meaning when you think about the year it came out: 1945.  The lyrics are being sung by a person welcoming home his or her lover at the end of World War II.  It’s a timeless theme, but it takes on a special meaning when you think about the history. I love stories behind songs like that.

 

(7) You Took Advantage of Me (Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart)

I love the musical phrasing of this song.  Lee Wiley recorded my favorite version of the song.

(8) I’ll See You In My Dreams (Isham Jones & Gus Kahn)
 

This is a wonderful song. Jeannette MacDonald’s version of this song is one of the few recordings that can move me to tears any time I hear it.

(9) In the Shade of the New Apple Tree (Harold Arlen and E.Y. „Yip“ Harburg)

I guess this is an odd Arlen/Harburg collaboration to select, but without it, their score to „The Wizard of Oz“ may never have happened. This song from their 1937 show „Hooray for What!“ caught the attention of Arthur Freed who thought it was exactly the tone that would fit with the 1939 musical, so he hired them.

(10) I Cling to You (Vernon Duke and Ted Fetter)

This is a very underrated song from The Ziegfeld Follies of 1933. I only know of a few recorded versions – Hildegarde and Anthony Perkins (!!!) recorded nice renditions. It is a great little gem that is not nearly as well known as it should be.

I have learned so much from listening to your radio program. Can you please tell us more about it? I know you have been enjoying it very much... And so have we!

I should begin by saying that my show is recorded at Elmhurst College, the school where I did my undergraduate work in Elmhurst, Illinois. Their radio station, WRSE, broadcasts locally. I record and archive each of my shows. They are housed at my friend Peggy King’s website (http://peggyking.org/DonRomanoPageFour.htm) for you all to listen to.  They are generously posted by Al, who manages her webpage.  I am very grateful to him for doing this.

On my radio show, I play popular American music from 1900 to about 1950. I always have exceptions, but that is the general time range I pull from. The songs come from Hollywood flims, Tin Pan Alley, and Broadway shows. Those are the songs that make up the Great American Songbook. I scour record stores, antique stores, the Internet, and various other sources for the material I play. I enjoy playing some favorite standards that everybody knows and loves, but I also look for obscure songs that are forgotten about. Oftentimes popular recording artists omit precious verses because they were too wedded to the show they came from or they were simply not commercial enough. I try to play recordings that feature the verses so my listeners know how the songwriter intended the song to be heard. Oftentimes, the verse gives the refrain a different context. For example, I did not know Rodgers and Hart’s „Here in My Arms“ had a verse. Then I heard Lee Wiley’s version, and I found that the verse was almost essential to the refrain! I have also begun playing old time radio shows such as George Burns & Gracie Allen, The Edgar Burgen and Charlie McCarthy Show, Our Miss Brooks, and The Fred Allen Show. Oftentimes the broadcasts I play are related to the Great American Songbook one way or another.

The general format of my show is very simple. I usually do not have much time to prepare themes for my shows throughout the week, so the format is very similar to having your Ipod on „shuffle“ mode. I generally play four songs in one set. After the set is complete, I talk about the songs I played. I try to provide facts, interesting background stories, and information about the particular recording. It is very simple, but it is a format that has worked well.

You are also an active collector of photos, sheet music and other things. Do you have any really special pieces you treasure? Perhaps personally signed photos?

I began collecting autographed photos and sheet music a few years ago. I tend to find my treasures on ebay.com or Amazon.com for very reasonable prices. My collection is not nearly as impressive as people who have done it for a long time, but I have some gems.  From the top of my head, here are a few of my favorites: I have a piece of sheet music for the song “I Said No” that is signed by Frank Loesser. I have a copy of Meredith Willson’s “Eggs I Have Laid” that is signed by him. I have a copy of Lyrics on Several Occasions signed by Ira Gershwin, a gift from my mother. Another favorite is a book of records featuring Hildegarde singing Noel Coward songs.  It is signed by her. I have a photograph signed by the three Boswell Sisters. The most fascinating autograph I have is a single envelope signed by Fred Astaire, Dorothy Lamour, Lillian Gish, Andy Griffith, and Bob Hope. It is the most unbelievable item in my autograph collection. It was very inexpensive, and I was able to purchase it as a college student with a part-time job! I love collecting autographs. I have scanned most of my collection, and I post the scans on my Facebook page for all of you to view and enjoy.

In 2010, I purchased a number of items from the estate of Blossom Dearie. I managed to purchase many of the items very inexpensively. The items I purchased include several unpublished personal photographs of Blossom, signatures, record albums, gifts from family members, a handwritten leadsheet, lyric sheets, and personal items. The most interesting items include two autographs.  The first is a fan letter from Cary Grant.  In the letter, he thanks Blossom for sending him a few of her records. It is typewritten on his Faberge letterhead. The second item is a signed photograph of Jo Stafford. Jo inscribed it: “To Bloss, Love Jo”. Since Blossom and Jo are two of my favorite interpreters of the Great American Songbook, this is a particularly special item in my collection.

If you could go back in time, who would you like to meet? What would you ask the person / people?

For me, I think the composer shrouded in the most mystery is Irving Berlin. Most people who listen to my show or follow my Facebook Page know he is my favorite songwriter. Think about the man for a moment. His family came penniless to America from Russia after watching their home burn to the ground. He came from a Yiddish-speaking home and stopped going to formal school at age eight. He learned to play piano while he was a singing waiter in the seedy Pelham Café in the Lower East Side, Chinatown. He could not read or write music the way his contemporaries could. How did such a man go on to become one of the greatest songwriters in history? What was the method behind his songwriting? How did he write song after song after song – many of them hits? What did his songwriting process look like?  What kind of a person could write a song like “Always” in 1925 and then write a song like “I Don’t Want to Be Married (I Just Want To Be Friends)” in 1931?  How could an immigrant whose native tongue was Yiddish have such a command for the English language?  How could he make such sophisticated rhymes and observations about American society and culture while he was still so young? What kind of experiences did he have to write these songs? How much of himself did he invest in his songs? What did he think of his career in his later life? In the few interviews we have of Berlin, he seems to take a very business-like approach to writing songs – write from the heart (not the brain) and keep it simple if you want to write a hit. He was less like a songwriter and more like a hit-writing machine! I feel like I would have a lot of questions to ask him.  Knowing Irving Berlin from the countless books I have read, however, I do not think he would be very willing to answer them.

Don with Michael Feinstein

Apart from being Great American Songbook expert, you also enjoy other art forms. How about opera and operetta? Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the most wonderful companies (I know that because I lived in Chicago 10 years ago)…

Opera is something I have recently discovered. The Lyric Opera set up a wonderful program called NExT for students enrolled in school. When you sign up for the program, tickets are a mere $20.  Fortunately I will be a student until 2017! The lovely Renee Fleming is the artistic director at the Lyric and does a great job overseeing the productions. Among my favorites from this past season were “Die Fledermaus” and “Madama Butterfly”. I am very excited for Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” next season. I have been getting a great education from their pre-opera lectures. The whole experience is just wonderful, and I am sorry I had not discovered it sooner.

I have seen almost every show this past season. Last season I went to see Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”. I sat in my seat imagining it was opening night in 1943 and Dick and Oscar were in the front seats watching as the audience heard songs like “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “I Cain’t Say No” for the first time. I imagined what it would be like knowing that your production would change the way musical theater would be produced for generations.  Maybe that sounds a bit silly, but it was an exciting thought for me!


You currently study at Elmhurst College in Illinois. What would you like to do after you finish your education?
I graduated from Elmhurst College in 2011 and I now attend Midwestern University where I am working on my Psy.D., a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. I oftentimes use music to connect with patients. I have always thought about writing a book or paper about psychology based on the songs of the Great American Songbook. Think about a songwriter like the tragic Lorenz Hart. He had a well documented history of alcoholism and depression. He wrote the lyric, „All alone/all at sea/why does nobody care for me?“ from „A Ship Without a Sail“. That sounds like a quote from a therapy session to me. Sadly, I believe it is one of the most autobiographical songs he wrote. How might a clinician understand Larry from a psychological perspective? I have some ideas that are much too dense to include here, but I believe a psychological conceptualization of the Great American Songbook would be interesting. Certainly unconventional in its approach. Maybe I will call the book „The Psychology of the Great American Songbook and Its Songwriters“.

I have also dreamed about writing biographical books on the side. For example, there is no definitive work about supper club singer Hildegarde. Besides her pseudo-autobiorgraphy „Over 50 – So What!“, I think there is a huge gap in the literature regarding her life and career. Her papers are housed at the Marquette University Library Archives. The library is not terribly far from me. I plan on making a visit to look through her papers and listen to the rare recordings that are housed there.  Maybe I can begin taking notes about her life and how I would outline the book. I know writing a book is a lot of work and an extremely difficult undertaking, but I think I am fanatical enough to do it. Unfortunately that dream needs to be put off for awhile – I have a dissertation to complete first!