Here - Linda Eder

Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
Home Page
EDER-tors' Notes
Andy Ezrin
Trail MIX
Pets Alive
Two For Review
On The Air
Guest Reporter
Contest
Fan Corner
I struggled with the writing of this letter. I stared at the
computer's blank page for hours. I left it on the screen while I
found a million other "chores" to do around the house. I lay in bed
at night feeling the pressure of the deadline. I read my polite
reminder e-mails from Ellen and resolved to get it done… soon.
It wasn't my usual procrastination. I'm an idea person so I
generally have no problem with coming up with ideas in
abundance — everything from the sublime to the ridiculous, but in
abundance. I was struggling to find my theme.
Someone hit my pause button.
The problem is that I am truly "on the fence." I am in the exact
middle — the halfway point. Only by the grace of God there is as
much stretching out behind me as there is now in front of me.
What is all this nonsense, you may ask? I am exactly 45 and a half
years old. It feels like the true halfway point. Though I carry the
shiny number 100 in my head as I have done ever since I was a
child and learned for the first time about death, I know that only a
very few lucky, and maybe not so lucky, people reach it.
Turning 45 has been huge. It has changed my whole thinking
process almost overnight. The changes in my physical self are still
thankfully not major — unwelcome, but workable. The changes in
my brain are profound. I can't seem to escape it. I forget for a
while and then — bang — there it is again. I'm still doing all the
same things I always did. I'm stiffer in the mornings and
sometimes downright sore, but I still do everything the same. I
just think differently. Without even trying, I now look at everything
from a slightly different angle, as if someone shifted the world on me… just a little shift.
I was asked to give the commencement speech at a college I attended for a while (about a million years ago), and I was
surprised to be asked because I temporarily forgot how long ago it really was. That speech has been included in this edition of
THE VOICE. I gave that speech in the spring. Spring is really when this whole 45 thing started to hit me. I've had a summer of
revelations. I recently took my son Jake to Minnesota to spend 8 days with my parents on the lake where I grew up. I wanted
him to see Minnesota in the summertime. He needed to know that I didn't come from the North Pole and that summers are
green, warm and beautiful in Garrison, Minnesota. We hiked and fished and sat around my Dad's fire pit at night roasting
marshmallows, hotdogs and our faces when we got too close. Did I mention my Dad is a bit of a pyromaniac? We watched the
beautiful sunsets over that lake where I spent many hours of my youth dreaming about doing exactly what I am doing now. I
had not been home in Minnesota in the summertime in almost 15 years. I'd been there for gray frigid leafless Thanksgivings
and frozen white Christmases, but I had not been there for the season of my youth — summer. Summer in Minnesota is the
only time I really remember growing up because winter is long with short days filled with nothing but school and waiting for
spring. I needed to go home when it was green and the lake was waiting in order for me to bring back my real childhood.
Whatever I am now was conjured up in the summers on that lake in Minnesota.
Jake had a great time. I had a profound time. I rode my Mom's old fat seat no gear bike around the tiny town of Garrison just
like I used to do on my own bike so many summers ago. Not too much has changed in Garrison, and something about that is
both comforting and weird at the same time. Oh, there have been changes. Some things are bigger, newer and shinier, but
they are right next to things that haven't changed in 30 years.
I watched Jake as we sat in the old row boat and fished for "sunnies" and perch thirty feet out from our dock. I realized as I
looked at him that he was only a few years younger than my brother was the first time we sat together in that boat. Back then
my brother would pull the guts out of the fish when they swallowed the hook. This time I had to do it. Poor fish. I did learn
that earthworms don't feel pain just pressure, and that made me feel a little better. I really hate putting worms on a hook, but
I love my son.
Bald eagles fly over the lake and often land in the big Norway pines in front of my parents' house. You hear loons call all day,
and we saw several pair swimming with their almost grown babies. There are several new and too expensive houses built on
the lake now and it is strange to pass them while we fish, but I had to pass them on the way to the fun places on the lake that
my brother and I used to find. You have to paddle into the tall reeds and wild rice like we did the day he almost fell out of the
boat when a Canadian goose flew over our heads so low that we could have reached up and touched it.
My Dad did some fishing with us. Watching him steer the boat made me think of the time he woke my sister and I up early
before school, one cold and gray fall morning, to take us out duck hunting. He had felt that he hadn't been fair always taking
my brother on hunting trips and had decided to take the girls. The two of us sat huddled under a blanket freezing while we
waited, and I secretly hoped no ducks would fly. No ducks flew. Maybe freezing to death makes too much noise. He prefers ice
fishing now, but he came along on a few trips to run the outboard motor and give us the grand tour of all the new "too big and
expensive" homes. My Dad was there when Jake caught his first fish. A few seconds later, I caught the smallest Walleye on
record. It ate the hook. Dad…
I don't like the motor. I like to row quietly around the lake.
I went out by myself early one evening after dinner. I finally let Jake watch the cartoons he was having withdrawal from and
went down the hill to the water alone. I rowed out to the fishing spot in front of our dock and started casting. I had my Dad's
old tackle box and fishing reel. Just looking at all the lures brought back memories. My Dad has a lot of lures. He admits to
being an impatient fisherman and changes lures every few minutes. I also had a big rubber glove and a huge needle nose
pliers in case I actually did catch a fish. (I hate touching them) In an hour of fishing, I caught a lot of weeds and only one
northern but it was exciting, and fortunately the fish came off the hook while I had it by the boat trying to decide what to do
with it. But in that hour I saw the most beautiful sunset I think I have ever seen. The lake was like glass. Besides every shade
of yellow, red and orange, this sunset had shades of purple. Sitting out on that water in that little boat with all that color and
air around me made me feel like I wasn't just looking at the sunset — I was part of it. At its peak, I looked up the hill to my
parents' house to see Jake racing down it, cartoons forgotten. I rowed back to the dock, which juts out straight west from the
shoreline. I gave him the reel and watched him fish off the end of the dock, casting like a pro into that amazing sunset. My
parents' house sits 120 feet up a steep hill overlooking the lake. I wished for my camera, but I'm 45 and it's a steep hill. I can
only hope the memory stays as clear as that moment. It was a summer of revelations, and it reached its peak on that old sun
bleached dock.
As much of life behind as there is in front — if I'm lucky.
For eight days in a Minnesota summertime, I stopped to look back for awhile. On that dock silhouetted by the sunset, I saw
the ghost of a skinny 13 year old girl beside my son — one casting into the past… the other casting into the future.
Growing up in Minnesota...
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
The summer of 2006 has come to an end, and we at THE VOICE hope it
was an enjoyable one for all. What better way is there to begin fall than
with some fresh reading material about our favorite singer! The latest
edition of THE VOICE is once again filled with news, exclusive interviews
and pictures, and more!
The Home Page is always an eagerly anticipated feature of THE VOICE. We
can always expect Linda to comment on her career, and usually she leaves
us with a few teasers about things to come. She really likes to keep us
guessing! However, in this edition, Linda has written a letter unlike any
other we've ever featured in THE VOICE. This letter doesn't include a single
mention of her career! It is a letter from deep within her heart and soul.
We know this letter will strike a chord with every fan, whether you are a
son or daughter… a mother or father… a grandmother or grandfather. It is
simply beautiful.
We know you'll enjoy the in-depth interview with Andy Ezrin, Linda's
keyboardist and assistant musical director. Andy wears many hats in his
career, but one of the recent highlights is certainly his "Bar Mitzvah
dance!" Many fans have experienced it during a concert in the past several months, and Andy talks about how it came to be
performed on stage with Linda, among other things. We loved interviewing Andy and we hope you'll love getting to know more
about him.
It hardly seems possible that it's been almost eight months since the premiere of Trail MIX. Ronan Tynan, one of the
celebrities Linda interviewed for the show, took the time to speak with us about his career and about filming Trail MIX with
Linda in an insightful interview. And, we're sure you'll enjoy reading about Fan Lou Cabibi's experience of being interviewed for
the show, plus messages about Trail MIX from some fans.
The spring of 2006 brought the first auction held by Linda and THE VOICE
EDER-tors to benefit Pets Alive. The fans were amazing in their support of
this charity, and auction winners Toni Alterman, Gerry Cardwell and Judi
Mc Cabe wrote of their experience as volunteers at Pets Alive with Linda. It
was a great day of volunteering and fun!
On August 19, 2006, many of Linda's fans had the opportunity to attend a
reading of the first act of a new musical comedy at The Lenape Regional
Performing Arts Center in Marlton, New Jersey. THE SEDUCTION OF
SHEILA VALENTINE was written by Linda's friend Jack Murphy, who also
wrote the music. Jack was thrilled to be able to share thoughts on the new
show from his perspective. He told THE VOICE, "Well, we had a great
reading of Act One of THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE on August
19th at the Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. It's a
Linda and the EDER-tors at Pets Alive
kind of whacky, screwball comedy set in the 1950s starring our own, Miss
Linda Eder. Vincent Marini, the Artistic Director of the theater, directed the
reading (as well as co-wrote the Book), with orchestrations by Kim
Scharnberg under the musical direction of Koen Schoots — who came all
the way from his home in Berlin to be a part of this. The reading was cast
in Philadelphia and the actors were great — doing spectacular work with
very little time. I've got to tell you, hearing Linda sing my songs is a thrill I
won't soon forget — I Want More! Vincent and I are continuing to work on
the piece and hope to have a completed first draft of the entire show by
the end of November. We'll keep you posted." Feel free to visit Jack's Web site at www.jackmurphymusic.com.
Keeping SHEILA VALENTINE a "family affair," Linda's friend, Kim
Scharnberg orchestrated the music for the show. Kim was kind enough to
share his experience from the reading and also a little about his other
current projects.
"It was truly a fun time orchestrating Jack Murphy's new show, THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE, featuring Linda! The
show is hilarious and just perfect for her. Hopefully, she'll start doing some of the material in concert with her band… I just
happened to write it for the exact same instrumentation… hint, hint! It was like old home week with Koen Schoots coming in
from Germany to be musical director (I'd just worked with him on a show called RUDOLF over in Budapest), plus Tim Shew
was one of the other leads. Tim and I went to high school together back in Iowa, so it was fun catching up with him. I always
get to remind him that I was FIRST trombone and he was SECOND! I had a great visit over breakfast with Linda and him… just
some Midwestern folks sitting around talking about stuff! I'm told that the show went great. Unfortunately, I couldn't see it
because... I was in the pit playing trombone! Since I'd officially retired from playing after my Broadway debut as a trombone
playing Santa for Linda's Christmas concerts at the Gershwin several years ago (what could top that?!), it was fun and only
slightly painful playing for this. Word has it that it was me whistling on one of the songs too! I can't wait to do Act 2 of SHEILA
VALENTINE and see this thing get to Broadway!
As for me, I'm staying busy as always. Besides orchestrating RUDOLF in Budapest this past spring, I'm still hard at work on the
'Metal Messiah,' which is a rock version of Handel's classic piece. I'm co-producing and orchestrating the album, which also will
be a PBS style video and then a tour going out a year from this holiday season. I'm also doing some more arranging for guitar
great Earl Klugh. My big project is that I'm starting to publish a lot of the pieces I've written and arranged over the years. No…
no Linda charts. Those are hers and hers alone, but I have several things for Pops orchestra and several brass pieces getting
ready to go 'out there' for the first time! Look on my Web site (www.KimScharnberg.com) for more information in a few
months."
Linda's multi-talented band members are always quite busy with other projects when they are not on the road with Linda.
Dan Levine tells THE VOICE, "I've been busy working on the new series of Dunkin Donuts commercials as a player and
orchestrator. I also performed and made a DVD with Jay-Z at Radio City Music Hall and have been doing some recording and
performing with my old pals, They Might Be Giants."
Barry Danielian tells THE VOICE, "2006 has proven to be a busy year for me. I recorded with Tony Bennett on the upcoming
'duets' CD; performed at Radio City with Jay-Z and the Roots; and performed at Carnegie Hall with Sting, Billy Joel and James
Taylor for the Rainforest Foundation. I am currently in rehearsals for Barbra Streisand's US tour and am working on my second
CD. I am also the lead trumpet player for the hit musical, THE COLOR PURPLE." Visit Barry's Web site at
www.barrydanielian.com.
John Meyer's life has been quite exciting since we interviewed him for THE VOICE last year when Linda recorded one of the
songs he wrote for Judy Garland, "I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning." He welcomes the chance to update Linda's fans.
John told us, "I've been very busy since I was interviewed for THE VOICE as Linda prepared for the release of BY MYSELF: THE
SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND. I was thrilled to be able to attend Linda's Carnegie Hall performance in November and to hear her
sing my songs as well as other 'Judy songs.'
The new edition of Heartbreaker, the story of the time I spent with Judy Garland, was released in May, and since then I've
done one radio interview and three readings at library fundraisers in both East Hampton and West Hampton. I bring my
keyboard and get everyone to sing along with one of Judy's songs, 'For Me And My Gal.' On November 26, 2006, I'll be at the
Jewish Association for the Aged (JASA) at 1 p.m. For further information call (212) 273-5304.
I've also adapted the story into a nightclub show with a superb singer/actress, Paty Lombard. We tell the story and sing five of
my original songs, plus a few of Judy's standards. Paty is able to evoke the Garland spirit without doing any kind of
impersonation. For me it's stimulating acting the part of John (myself) against Paty's Judy. We're repeating the show on
October 23 and 24, 2006, at The Metropolitan Room on West 22nd Street at 9:30 p.m. For more information call (212) 206-0440.
(A special note from the EDER-tors: GO!!! We saw the show in June — it's wonderful!)
The best part has been hearing from people who've reacted to Heartbreaker by e-mailing me. One
guy called it 'the best book about Judy — yes!' Another said 'it's like discovering a pristine
shipwreck.' I think he means 'Perfectly Preserved.' Some people have even taken me to task for bad
language. But, hey, that's the way it was.
I'd be happy to hear from interested parties, both pro and con, at [email protected] or
www.judygarlandheartbreaker.com. I'd like to thank the marvelous Ellen Jacobs, Amanda
Christensen, and Lori Phelan, EDER-tors of THE VOICE, for the chance to communicate with Linda's
fans once again."
Many fans have had the great pleasure of attending a "Two For The Road" show since it first debuted
more than a year ago. Linda Eder and Michael Feinstein are truly a "match made in heaven!" Check
out the "Two For Review" page for enlightening interviews with Michael and Linda, fan reviews and
exclusive pictures from the show.
Karel is a renowned radio talk show host from California and a huge fan of Linda Eder. He has had an interesting and varied
career and has had the honor of having Linda on his show several times. He was so gracious as we spoke with him about his
career, personal life and connection with Linda.
Fan Heather Hunt was very fortunate to attend the graduation at Central Lakes College
where Linda received her honorary degree this spring and to hear Linda give the
commencement speech to the lucky graduates. As you will see in this issue's Guest
Reporter feature, Linda was very inspiring and made a lasting impression on all those in
attendance. Also as a special treat for the fans, we've included a video of Linda delivering
the commencement speech! Check it out for a limited time.
Some of the fans really showed their imagination and creativity, as you will see from the
entries in "THE VOICE Beau-TEE-ful Fashion!" Summer 2006 Contest. Congratulations to all
the participants! Don't forget to send in your votes for the winner!
Fan Corner is once again filled with great pictures and messages to Linda from all over the
world. It's always wonderful to hear from old fans and new fans as well! It's the fans who
continuously show their support for Linda and her career, and who make THE VOICE
possible.
We'd like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to this edition of THE VOICE.
To Linda: We are so grateful for your continuous support of THE VOICE. We couldn't do it
without you. Thank you for your inspiration to hold the auction for Pets Alive. The task looked
monumental in the beginning, but we did it!
To Andy Ezrin: It's great to have you back where you belong! Thank you for offering the fans a
glimpse into your life and career. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
To Michael Feinstein: You may love a piano, but we love you! The "Two For The Road" tour has been nothing less than
delightful. Your knowledge of the Great American Songbook astounds us. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
To Ronan Tynan: You are an inspiration to us all. We can't thank you enough for sharing your story with THE VOICE. It was
an honor and a pleasure speaking with you.
To Karel: Our interview with you was a joy! It was great to get your perspective as a fan, as well as a respected media
professional… and on top of that, it was just so much fun! Thank you.
To Heather Hunt: You did a fabulous job reporting on Linda's commencement speech. Thank you for helping us to get such
great pictures, too!
To Toni Alterman, Gerry Cardwell and Judi Mc Cabe: Congratulations on winning the Day at Pets Alive with Linda, and
thank you for sharing you thoughts on the experience. It was fun! Your generosity has helped to make a true difference at Pets
Alive.
To Our "Special Friends of THE VOICE"- Jack Murphy, Kim Scharnberg, John Meyer, Dan Levine, Barry Danielian,
and David Finck: Whenever we ring the bell, we can always count on you to answer! Thank you for helping to keep THE
VOICE current and interesting for our readers.
To Ronni and Dave Hart, Jill Siegel and Jeffery Osborne: As always, thank you so much for your behind-the-scenes help
and support. You make our job much easier!
To All Linda's Fans: Thank you for your interest in THE VOICE. Without you, we would not have such a wonderful newsletter.
Please check out the "Future Issue" page to see how you can get involved. Keep those photos and messages coming! We
always look forward to hearing from you.
Happy reading!
Warmest regards,
THE VOICE EDITORIAL STAFF
Amanda Christensen (Webmistress and Editor), Ellen Jacobs (Editor) and Lori Phelan (Editor)
THE VOICE Team
Jill Siegel, Amanda Christensen, Linda Eder, Ellen Jacobs, and Lori Phelan
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
"Andy is an anomaly. He is an
incredibly talented artist and
comedian who somehow still
manages to always be in a good
mood. Aren't they supposed to be
tortured souls with tormented
pasts? Life on the road would not
be nearly as much fun without him
and his playing is magical. Now his
dancing..."
Andy Ezrin and Linda Eder
Andy Ezrin is no stranger to Linda's musical family. He first met Linda back in the JEKYLL & HYDE days and played with her
band frequently. Recently, Andy has "returned home" and re-joined the band as the permanent Keyboardist, Assistant Musical
Director, and resident dancer! It's great to have you back, Andy!
THE VOICE caught-up with Andy this Summer…
VOICE: Were you born into a musical family?
ANDY: We always had piano music in the house. My dad studied piano when he was young, but he really played by ear and
did it as a hobby. He would play more of a cocktail style. He'd always come home from shows and play anything he had heard.
My brother played a little piano, and when I was ten years old, I was always fighting with him to get on the piano. One day my
father asked me if I wanted to take some lessons, and so I took lessons from the same teacher my brother did. And… I just
kept going.
VOICE: Did your brother keep up with the piano also?
ANDY: No… I think I hogged all the piano time! He's an interior designer in New York City. Recently he showed me that he had
an interest in taking piano lessons again… he actually remembered quite a lot of what he had learned. I found him a piano
teacher, and now he's taking lessons and playing and enjoying it. I'm happy because I always
felt like I pushed him out of the way when we were growing up.
VOICE: You started playing professionally when you were 12 years old. Do you remember your
first gig?
ANDY: When I was in sixth grade, I accompanied the chorus on a song from GREASE. That
wasn't a paying job though. My elementary school music teacher recently gave me a cassette of
that concert. My first paying job was in New Hampshire. We used to go skiing there, and we
stayed in an Alpine style inn. I'd ski, and when I got cold, I would sneak my way into the
restaurant, sit at the piano, and improvise. One of the managers saw me and said, "Hey, kid!
Come back tonight!" So I did… and I just kept going back. I don't think I got paid for the first
night. I probably got stiffed on that one! I had a book of 60s songs and I also was pretty good
at sight-reading, so I'd play and people would say "what a cute little kid" and give me tips! One night I came home at about 11
p.m. and told my parents that some people asked me to play for a private Christmas party. They would pay me $100, but I
would have to go back that night. My parents have always been really supportive, and they were very excited. So they gave
me some coffee and pushed me out the door, and I went into this Christmas party. Here was this Jewish kid, and they asked if
I knew any Christmas songs. I didn't know any Christmas songs, so I made up some things and they were very nice to me.
Here I was working on Christmas, and I had never worked on Christmas before. Because I'm Jewish, I don't celebrate
Christmas. Now I know all the Christmas songs because I've worked every Christmas since I started playing professionally as a
kid. I was supposed to play for the season that year (about eight or nine weekends), and I think I made about $60. I played at
all my parents' parties also.
VOICE: How did your interest in jazz begin?
ANDY: Through my dad… learning all those songs he played at home. Also, my mom grew up with Fred Taylor, a very famous
jazz promoter in the Boston area. He used to run the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, and he owned some very influential jazz clubs
back in the 60s. He used to give me records, and I would also listen to what was on the radio. When I started really playing,
jazz was what was happening around me. When I had my Bar Mitzvah at age 13, Fred Taylor came over with a big stack of
records. He had all the great jazz pianists… Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett. My dad mixed in his own records…
Benny Goodman, Ernie Shaw, Oscar Peterson, Art Taylor. So I was surrounded by jazz and I was into jazz fusion.
VOICE: You mentioned your Bar Mitzvah. Is that where your now-famous "Bar
Mitzvah Dance" began? Did you actually dance like that at your Bar Mitzvah?
ANDY: You know… I probably did. I grew up in a suburban, reformed, Jewish
neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts. My social life revolved around happenings
in the neighborhood, and on the weekends everybody had their Bar Mitzvahs. I
must have gone to 50 or 60 of them in one year. It was crazy! I remember that
"deer caught in headlights" look that everybody had when they were dancing.
Those were the only movements we had… it was always about the feet. It was that
awkward slow dance, and you were dancing for the first time with a girl. Then you
would realize it was a really cute girl, and you were just looking straight ahead. I
remember a lot of the boys had that same little move, and a lot of them did it
really badly. Hopefully I am continuing the tradition when I do my "Bar Mitzvah
Dance" on stage!
VOICE: Who saw you do this dance for the first time?
ANDY: It started from just goofing around at sound check. Then, once we were on
the road doing Christmas shows, and Linda's cellist, Stephanie Cummins (who also
happens to be Clint's wife), was with us. We were at a Starbucks along the
highway. I told Stephanie that we had to do this dance, and somehow we ended up
doing the dance in the middle of Starbucks at a truck stop. Dan Levine had a
camera on his phone and he taped it. I'm not sure how it was worked into the
show, but we've been doing it on and off for a while. I think Linda is really settling
into a groove where she's really enjoying the shows and having fun with them, and
I think that reflects itself in the fun we all are having. Linda is such a lovely person,
and the thing about her is what you see is what you get. It's great! I probably
would not have done the "Bar Mitzvah Dance" a few years ago, but I'm happy to do
it now. I'm happy that we're all having a great time!
VOICE: It does show that you are all having a blast! We love the "Bar Mitzvah
Dance!" And what a long way you've come since those days! Would you tell us who
influenced your interest in classical chamber music at such an early age?
The "Bar Mitzvah Dance!"...
ANDY: I had a female teacher at Boston University who got me into classical
music, and I started studying the classics at age 13 or 14.
VOICE: Was it unusual to be able to study at Boston University at such a young
age?
ANDY: It was unusual. Somehow I got an interview/audition with a Hungarian
pianist by the name of Bela Nagy. I'm not sure how this happened. I was really into
jazz at this time. His wife, protege, and assistant, Linda Jiorle, was there during the
audition and offered to take me on as a student. So I took the "T" into Boston
during high school for my lessons. That's when my interest in the classics began.
The beautiful thing about Linda Jiorle was that she would include me in her
University Master Classes. She'd squeeze me in for my lesson on Wednesdays, and
then at night I would play my pieces in front of all the college students. It was a
great experience. Every now and then, my ear for music would get me in trouble
with Linda Jiorle. At home, I would always ask my dad to show me how he played
certain things, so I was learning by ear as well as by studying music. I remember
being at my lesson and I'd be playing a Bach piece. She would tell me that a
certain note I played sounded nice, but that it was not the note that Bach wrote.
So sometimes my ear for music would get me in trouble. I would be learning how
to read the music, but I would play my own thing instead of what was written.
VOICE: How did you come to attend the Tanglewood Music Institute?
ANDY: When I was about 14 years old, I went to the Tanglewood Music Institute in
the Berkshires. It was part of the Boston University piano program, and Linda Jiorle
was involved. I never really dealt with competition. I was always the kid in junior
high who played the Snoopy theme, and I was always fun at parties. After a week,
I called my parents up crying. There were these little 6 year-old Russian girls
playing Rokmananov, and this really freaked me out! So I went through some soulsearching. I was putting all this pressure on myself at Tanglewood and was
wondering then if this was really what I wanted to do. From age 10 to 14, music
was total passion, but it was a conscious decision I made at age 14 to pursue
music as a career.
VOICE: Can you tell us a little about your college years?
ANDY: For the first two years, I attended Oberlin College, which is a classical
conservatory in Ohio. It's a really good conservatory and also a fine liberal art
college. I'm sure I would not have gotten into the school if it had not been for the
conservatory. I auditioned for it in New York and I made it. There were a few guys
at the school I met when we lived in New York City, and I still know them to this
day… Ted Baker, who does THE LION KING and plays with Steely Dan, and Allen
Farnham. They were wonderful. They were a year ahead of me at Oberlin, but the
three of us were the only ones in the conservatory who improvised. The jazz
program has since grown, but back in 1983 it was kind of a sideline part of the
conservatory. There were some history courses and a few ensembles, but that was
it. The guys who were really into jazz were mostly the liberal arts students. One of
the teachers I had during this time was Sanford Margolis, a great classical pianist,
who was really into jazz also. Sometimes during our lessons we would play a little
jazz, and that was nice. Oberlin was a very interesting place where you'd find some
really unique people.
VOICE: Did you enter any competitions while at Oberlin?
ANDY: I was always very bad at competitions and shied away from them. There
was one competition when there were just three of us… Ted, Allen, and myself. It
was a nice little competition where we played in front of the judges and had to
improvise… it could be anything. At this time, I started writing my own music. The
strange thing about competition with improvisation is it can be very subjective.
These guys were playing beautifully then, so it was nice to be in the mix with them.
VOICE: You participated in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Please tell
us about that experience.
ANDY: The Great American Jazz Competition was in Jacksonville, Florida. I entered
it while I was at Miami University. I was on the five-year plan… I did two years at
Oberlin and then transferred to Miami and finished up in the jazz program. My
teacher told me about this competition. I was up against some professional guys,
and it was an honor just being a finalist. It was broadcast on a local television
station and was part of the Jacksonville Jazz Fest, which I later got to play as a
working adult. It was probably totally terrifying and exciting at the same time, and
I probably played way too many notes. It was a good experience, and there were
some really great pianists in the competition. It was good for me because it got me
out there.
VOICE: What were some of the highlights of your tour with the vocal jazz group,
New York Voices?
ANDY: I met the New York Voices in 1989. The group was founded by Darmon
Meader in 1987. There were five members at the time… three women and two
men. One of them dropped out a year after I joined the group. They are a vocal
jazz group similar to The Manhattan Transfer. I have been with them on and off
since 1987, and they have become like a second family to me. When my wife and I
got married, they moved one of their gigs with the Pops Orchestra so they could
come to the wedding. That gig is where I really cut my teeth with regard to
performing and traveling. Our first gig was in Switzerland and then Israel. I've
been to Japan with them over 20 times. They go all over the world now, and they
go as guests with other orchestras. I recently did a gig with them in Racine,
Wisconsin. They're great people and they have such a beautiful sound. It's tough to
keep something like that going, but the four of them stuck it out.
VOICE: What is it like being a studio session keyboardist in New York?
ANDY: Well, unfortunately I'd have to say I probably missed the golden age of that
with the advent of all the technology. A lot of that stuff is dried up because it's all
pre-programmed, and it can be done as slow as you want. Because I'm not very
good with computers, I've been fortunate to do a lot of work through Dave Finck
and the other guys. They are the cream of the crop, and they've actually been very
generous in throwing me a lot of calls for things. Just being around New York the
past seven or eight years, I've gotten a few calls here and there. A lot of it is just
about communicating, calling back, being on time, and making sure you're always
ready to go. The guys who think it's all about the musicians and they can show up
when they want never last because there's so much more of a dynamic. When
you're dealing with clients and advertisers, the clock is ticking. So you just have to
make sure that you try to get it right the first time. You get better by doing it and
by getting into a situation where it's just thrown at you. We did something recently
that was the most difficult reading, but we all got through it. Working with guys
like Dave Finck and the other band members is great because they do it all the
time. It's like tennis… if you want to get better at it, you play with better tennis
players. For me, it's like that. It brings your game up when you play with these
guys.
VOICE: We find it wonderful that Linda has surrounded herself with such an
incredibly talented group of musicians.
ANDY: Linda has always insisted that "these are my guys" and she's always
said, "I want these guys as much as possible." And that's really nice. She's
kept the level high. In the past, I used to think that if something's really good,
it's going to be harder for you. But it's just the opposite. When something's at
a certain level, you can sort of relax. At least that's the way it is for me now.
When something is really great, I canjust concentrate on my thing… how I'm
doing… how I'm performing. And that's great!
VOICE: How did you get involved in
the world of cartoons?
ANDY: The husband of Lauren Kinhan,
one of the members of New York
Voices, does some legal work for film
directors and producers and one of his
clients was looking for some music. I
wrote some library music for a friend…
music for background things that goes
into a library. You get paid when it gets
played. So I teamed up with this friend
of mine, Jody Gray. He's a fellow Pisces
and the only guy I can sit in a room
with for days and days and crank out
the music without the two of us killing
each other! So we met this wacky director, John Dllworth, and he has become a
good friend. He's an illustrator and such a funny guy. We did about six little oneminute shorts for "Sesame Street" that were just all music and I also did a pilot.
Later Cartoon Network gave him his own series, so we did 104 episodes, which is a
lot of music. Whenever we could, we'd get some "live" players in, but we did it
mostly with computers because unfortunately it wasn't in the budget to have the players. We did it mostly late at night, and
we'd do some crazy stuff. We'd do anything! We had a lot of technology and a lot of samples, and then we'd have cans that we
banged on… whatever was around! Because John was such a creative soul, he embraced that and we taught him. He used to
think of music as just sound effects, and he never used to have music in his work. So that was an interesting job.
VOICE: Please tell us about playing and conducting HOT FEET on Broadway.
ANDY: I started subbing in some Broadway shows, namely HAIRSPRAY and
MOVIN' OUT, and I got a call to do my own chair in HOT FEET, which is a musical
based on the music of Earth, Wind and Fire. My brother and I had all their records
and I grew up listening to their music, so that was a great experience. By default, I
became the associate conductor, which was another piano chair. The role of
associate conductor, in terms of waving and cues, is a little less intense than this
gig with Linda and the band. I had the keyboard chair, which was similar to
strings… a real groovy chair. Once I learned my part, I had to learn this other
chair. I actually conducted about five times. The show closed a few months ago,
but it was a great band and a really great experience!
VOICE: Can you tell us about your solo CDs?
ANDY: I have a couple of CDs that I made. One is called SILENT MOVIES and another CD is called ROSEBUD. It really never
took off, but then I did a trio CD with David Finck and this wonderful jazz drummer, Louis Nash. I did another trio CD in Japan
for a Japanese label a couple of years later. I'd like to do another CD in year or two.
VOICE: Do you have an idea of what direction you'd like to go in for the next CD?
ANDY: I will probably stick with the piano trio format because I feel pretty close to that. Some of it will be kind of 60s, you
know, funky jazz, but played with a trio. I always try to do some arrangements with space in them so that people can interact
and then go back to the song. I don't like to over-arrange things. I'm writing a couple of new things, and hopefully I'll get in
there soon.
VOICE: How did you meet Linda?
ANDY: Peter Calo, a friend of mine, recommended me for this gig with Linda. He played the guitar in the band and Dave Mann
was there also, but it was before there was a full horn section. It was a gig for Ted Turner up in the World Trade Center. Billy
Stein, who was associated with the band for years and was playing keyboards at the time, was locked into JEKYLL & HYDE. He
couldn't do it, so they called me and I played for some time. After that, I was on the road for a while with the 80s pop singer,
Joe Jackson. Billy took over the keyboards then for a few years, but he got involved with more writing and gave up the chair. I
started playing for Linda again, and Billy often subs for me when I have another commitment. It's a close family. He's a great
guy and a great musician.
VOICE: What was your reaction the first time you heard Linda sing?
ANDY: More than anything, it was the power of her instrument, and the beauty of
it is that it's so natural to her… so effortless for her, as it should be. I remember
working on some music at her house when I had to conduct for the first time. I
remember sitting at the piano going through some songs, and that voice was so
clear. It is so beautiful, and it's such a signature sound. It just flows. It's not
something that's ever calculated. Some people strive to get there, and some
people like Linda just have it. She's the most "non-diva" person, and I think that's
part of her charm. She's always very generous in acknowledging the band, and
that makes it nice. You always feel a sense of belonging. She is so humble and
thinks, "Who would've thought that I'd be here!" Like I said before… what you see
is what you get. Linda's the same on stage as she is off, and that's nice. I think
that's refreshing for people.
VOICE: What have you found most challenging about being Linda's associate
musical director?
ANDY: Really for me, it's about the physical waving and really being as accurate as possible. John Oddo is such a master at it,
and I don't think I could do it without his help. He's such an amazing guy and amazing musician, and he's been so patient with
me. It's been great for me to soak in what he has even though everybody finds their own way in conducting, but he's always
very helpful and it's great to be able to learn from him. I think a lot of it is about coordination. Sometimes I'll be playing the
chart and I'll mark certain parts of the music where I have to tell the guys in the band what's happening next and how it's
happening. The point man is really Clint, but the saving grace is that everybody really knows what to do. Honestly, I'd be hard
pressed to go to another state and pick up a group and conduct. John Oddo does it all the time because he's had that
experience. There are certain musical directors I try to emulate. I worked with one of John Oddo's friends and studied his style
and picked his brain during this time. I also recently worked with a great musician by the name of Jeff Klitz in HOT FEET, and I
learned a lot from him. Some musical directors have studied conducting, but I haven't. It's sort of "trial by fire." At a certain
point, you have to just go for it… like the "Bar Mitzvah Dance." If I thought about it, I'd be in real trouble!
VOICE: On the other hand, what do you find most rewarding?
ANDY: The band is great, and it feels good to drive the bus once in a while. I'm a pianist first, so it's fun to play the piano with
these guys. I remember in particular a concert at Symphony Hall. I'm from the Boston area and I used to go there as a kid, so
it was amazing to be on that stage and to conduct the band there. It was about the fourth time I had sat in John's chair, and it
started to feel pretty good. My folks were there and everything went off without a hitch. To be there and to be conducting felt
like a pretty adult move!
VOICE: Do you have a favorite Linda song?
ANDY: "When I Look In Your Eyes" is my personal favorite. It's a beautiful song. I love John's arrangement, and Linda sings it
beautifully. I also like Linda and Michael's version of "Two For The Road" even though we don't play on it. She's been digging
into the Great American Songbook, and she and Michael have really found some gems.
VOICE: What do you enjoy most about traveling on the road with Linda and the
band?
ANDY: It's really fun! There's a certain camaraderie just hanging out with the band
and Linda, and it feels really comfortable. Even if you haven't done a gig for a
while, you come in and the jokes are still going. It's like a family.
VOICE: What kind of music would we find in your CD player?
ANDY: You'd find everything! I tend to like old soul music and old R&B. I love
Brazilian music and, of course, jazz… I really love jazz. I try to get everything, but
I also tend to find things. My brother was nice enough to give me his old car, and
in it was a CD that is a compilation of African pop music, so I've been listening to
that. It doesn't seem to matter which type of music I'm listening to because it's
more the elements of the music that strike me. I try to listen to the way something
is arranged to see if it has a different twist on it. For me, it can be any type of
music.
VOICE: If you weren't a musician, is there another career you could picture for yourself?
ANDY: If I weren't a musician, I'd really be in trouble! I never had another job with the exception of working in a music store,
and I wasn't very good at it! I started playing professionally when I was 12 years old. Because I like so many different styles
of music, I jumped around a lot and I'm always looking around to see what I want to do next… but it's always been music for
me. If I had to pick another career, I'd probably be doing something in theatre or something with little children. My wife's a
schoolteacher, and I really love kids. I really don't want to think about not being a musician though.
VOICE: It's been so much fun chatting with you and seeing how much fun you're having with your career. Thank you!
ANDY: It was my pleasure.
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
"I still get people coming up to me
telling me how much they enjoyed
Trail MIX. I look at all interviews I
do so differently now that I have
been the interviewer instead of
always the interviewee. I
appreciate the people who take
the interest to do some research
and also try to ask a different kind
of question."
In January of this year, Linda's Animal Planet special, Trail MIX, debuted to the delight of fans and horse-lovers everywhere!
The show featured Linda and her celebrity guests reflecting on horses and the inspiration they draw from these beautiful
animals.
Jim Thomas from California writes...
Linda, I enjoyed your Trail MIX show on Animal
Planet tonight. I'm also from the North Country,
Washington State, and for a time ran a ranch in
Oregon called Hell's Canyon, which has been my
love ever since. I'm 61 and still going strong and
have become a beach bum as I spend a lot of time
on the California beaches. My favorite is Woods
Cove in Laguna Beach. I would like to move back
to horses one of these days and still have my
saddle from almost 40 years ago. You are very
sweet and I would like to meet you. What a
dream! Because I'm a dreamer it may come to me.
Thanks again.
Judi Bennett from Kentucky writes...
Love, love, love, love Trail MIX! Kudos to Linda and
whoever got her that gig! Blessings.
Tracy Adams from Minnesota writes...
I loved the Trail MIX show and sure hope it airs
again as many of my friends missed it. I live in
Minnesota, have three horses, and have been
singing my whole life, both professionally and with
church and family. I cannot believe I had never
heard of Linda Eder. She was simply incredible and
I plan to get out to buy her music right away. I'm
not sure how I missed this Minnesota Singing
Beauty. Thank you and all the best! Great work!
Vonnie Schramm from Minnesota
writes...
Hello from Minnesota! I just wanted to let you
know that I watched Trail MIX from start to finish
and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I fondly
remember you allowing me to ride one of your
horses when I was in Anoka. I've always loved
horses and can completely relate, although I've
never had the privilege of owning one. I'm happy
to just watch them and appreciate their beauty.
I was hoping to see your parents at your show.
Hans said they weren't coming because of the
show in Brainerd. We enjoyed your show as
always, and I am so happy that you have found
happiness once again. I miss your parents and
hope we can get up to see them this summer. My
love to you and all of your family.
Linda and Vonnie Schramm
backstage at JEKYLL & HYDE
Mary Ann Loane from Massachusetts
writes...
Thank you so very much for Trail MIX. I have so
enjoyed the wonderful, heartwarming stories on
this show on a cold and otherwise overcast raw
April day at my home on Cape Cod. I have a new
found respect for and warmth towards horses that
I didn't even know that I possessed. The series
held such a caring, positive, and real center of
gravity for everyone who was interviewed, and
that center was finding themselves through this
wonderful sense of belonging by knowing and
caring and loving horses. I was very touched and
moved by it. Thank you to everyone involved and
making it possible for us to experience it for
ourselves.
On September 24, 2005, the Animal Planet Trail MIX film Crew, Directors and Producers, took to the road to acquire some
special footage for use in the show. They filmed a "fan segment" at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut where Linda was
performing. While only a few seconds from each fan who was interviewed were incorporated into the final show, there was a
lot of excitement in the air that evening and the fans had A LOT to say! Here are a some highlights from a few of the
interviewed fans, including two members of THE VOICE!
Lou Cabibi from New York...
"...She's just incredible!"
First, I want to thank Linda for giving me my
five seconds of fame! Although my tenminute interview at Mohegan Sun was edited
a bit, I am still very grateful than I am now
a permanent part of Trail MIX and that I
didn't totally end up on the cutting room
floor!
Whenever Linda is at Mohegan Sun, I arrive
very early from Long Island and get on line
immediately following lunch. Yep, that
means I am usually on line for eight hours
or so to get the front table seat. Last
September, the fans on line were advised of
the taping for Trail MIX. About six other fans were picked out of the line to be interviewed when
one of my "line friends" said to the man doing the picking, "Hey, what about the number one fan
at the front of the line?"
So, once I was picked (I was last but… I ended up first on the show!), the first question asked
was, "When did you first hear of Linda Eder?" My answer was, "Back in 1999, I believe. Linda
appeared at the Westbury Music Fair and was about to give birth at any high note! A family
member had told me to go and see this show. I've been a true fan ever since."
I was asked to explain the importance of the "quarter" ritual. So I answered that Linda gives so
much to animals and that this is her way of getting her fans involved with Pets Alive.
My next question was, "What is it about Lind's music that you love so much?" My answer, "She
sings with her soul, and no one else can sing with the emotion that Linda has in her music.
She's totally passionate about her songs."
I was then asked, "What do you like most about Linda?" Needless to say, the first thing that
came to my mind is the way she treats her fans. Linda is right in there with us, not untouchable.
She takes the time to get to know us and acknowledges us at concerts. (I digress). A true
example… Linda said to me at this concert, "Thank you for being so kind to me during the
show!" At this last concert at Mohegan Sun on June 2, 2006, Linda said to me, "It is so nice to
see your smiling face when I'm on stage!" Now… who else but Linda?
The next question was, "How often do you see Linda in concert?" I responded that I never miss
a local show, meaning New York City, Long Island or Mohegan Sun. I also remember saying that
I have seen Linda 20 to 25 times in the last several years.
I was told to go and enjoy the show. This particular show was a once-in-a-lifetime event. The
fans were wild, there were cameras everywhere, and Linda gave a show not to be forgotten.
Mohegan Sun is a very special venue. It starts with the line outside and the visiting with other
fans for hours before the show. Getting to see Linda in such an intimate atmosphere is well
worth the more than three-hour trip from Long Island.
Amanda Christensen from New Jersey...
"...just amazing!"
It's hard to believe that exciting night at the
Mohegan Sun Casino was already a full year
ago… in my mind, it feels like it was just
yesterday. If I close my eyes, I can still see
myself waiting on the line to enter the
Cabaret theatre, watching Brian Lockwood
(the director of Trail MIX) and the film crew
setting up to interview fans; and how elated
(and nervous!) I was, anticipating what I
was going to say! It was my chance to tell
the world — through another medium —
how truly wonderful and inspiring I find
Linda Eder and her music.
I remember I went first. I don't know why I was so nervous, I'd done plenty of interviews in the
past (although I was always asking the questions, not answering them). But there I was; about
to be interviewed for use on Linda's television special, and I was very, very nervous! I was
asked to stand in front of the camera, on a little spot that was marked with tape on the floor.
The spotlights the crew had set up were bright, almost blinding! Brian stood just out of view to
the side of the camera and asked me questions about Linda and her career and my feelings as a
fan. I wasn't sure if I should look at Brian or the camera, and I remember doing a little of both…
but after a short while my nerves melted away and it was just Brian and I having a
conversation. My thoughts flowed freely! After all, if there's one thing an Eder-fan knows how to
do, and do well, it's "talk Linda," right?
I remember the first question Brian asked me was, "What can you tell me about Linda Eder?" My
response was something to the tune of, "Haven't you heard? She's the greatest singer on the
planet!" which garnered some chuckles from the crew and fan-onlookers who had stopped to
see what all the fuss was about. I was asked what I knew about Linda and horses, and I think
that is where my nerves showed the most because my answer was (and I can't believe I'm
going to admit to this), "I know she likes them." Afterward, while chatting with some other fans
who were interviewed, we all laughed about that line. I told everyone I felt silly and with my
luck that was the one line of my ten-minute interview that would be aired (luckily, it wasn't!). I
also felt much better about the interview in chatting with my fellow fan, as everyone else
seemed to be as nervous as me and thought they said something equally as silly. Hey, us Ederfans need to stick together!
I think the highlight of my interview experience was getting to tell "the quarter story" and
talking about how Linda has rallied the fans to support Pets Alive. Linda has such a kind heart,
and her generous spirit is contagious — that's not something you can hear on the CDs, but it's
one of her greatest qualities. I also talked a little bit about the power of Linda's voice, and not
only in its literal, physical sense… but on another level; the power of her voice to bring people
together. I said, "Linda Eder's gift to the world is that her music transcends generations… she
has fans ranging from 8 to 80! She's amazing… just amazing!" or something like that.
Well, "… just amazing!" is what made it into the fan segment of Trail MIX! When Trail MIX
premiered back in January, I was surrounded by my closest friends (including fellow EDER-tors
Ellen and Lori!) at a little party I hosted. We all roared when Ellen, and then myself, appeared
on television for a few seconds each! What a thrill to be included in something so special… if
even in the smallest way. The next day I was inundated with a barrage of phone calls and emails from other Eder-fans telling me that it was "the best .08 of a second of television ever!"
and I was "amazing, just amazing!" To this day that makes me laugh… and smile.
Yes, it truly does feels as if this all happened yesterday… but the calendar tells a different tale! I
suppose when a moment is as thrilling and unique, and in a simple word — memorable — not
only does it stay with you, but it stays ageless, in a sense. I am blessed, because while I am
aware of the passing of time, I have many of these cherished moments, thanks in large part to
Linda Eder and the remarkable people she's brought into my life. Moments that always stay
close and never seem to age… at this rate, I may never grow old! To quote myself, "It's
amazing… just amazing!"
Ellen Jacobs from New Jersey...
"...kind, and generous."
Linda’s concerts at the Mohegan Sun Casino
are truly special experiences for me every
time, and I am always excited when new
concerts are listed for that particular venue.
I thoroughly enjoy the intimacy of the
Cabaret as well as the contagious
enthusiasm of the fans who fill this relatively
small room.
September 24, 2005, was no exception. As I
waited on line for the Cabaret doors to open
on that Saturday evening, I noticed a flurry
of activity at the front of the line. I would
soon learn that the Animal Planet crew was
“setting up shop” to film some of Linda’s fans for footage to be used in her up-coming special,
Trail MIX. Brian Lockwood, the director of Trail MIX, began asking some of the fans on the line if
they would be willing to be interviewed. When he came to me, I enthusiastically agreed to his
request without any thought about what I was about to do and about the nerves that would
overtake me when my turn actually came. Brian said I would just have to talk about Linda… that
would be a “piece of cake” for me.
However, after completing the release papers, I began thinking about being interviewed… and
not just being interviewed, but for possible airing on television! I am in front of a group every
day at work, so typically I wouldn’t be the least bit frazzled. Then it hit me… it wasn’t going to
be the ten-year-old students I teach who would be seeing and hearing me. It would be all of
America!!! The nerves kicked into high gear right then and there!
Luckily, Amanda went before me (brave soul!) so I could check out what Brian was asking. I
planned how I would answer if asked the same questions. But then when it was my turn in front
of the camera, I forgot everything I had planned! It was mildly surreal! However, Brian and the
entire film crew were very patient, and professional, and made me feel as relaxed as possible (in
the middle of the casino floor, spotlights blazing in my eyes, people rushing by and many
stopping to stare, giant television camera looming before me!… it was an everyday experience,
of course!).
Soon, we eased into a conversation and it felt like I was discussing Linda’s career with an old
friend, or perhaps a brand new fan who wanted to know more about her. Brian asked me to tell
what I know about Linda aside from her career, and I began talking away. I said that Linda has
a wonderful life outside of her career and that her passion is to be at home with her son and her
horses. In addition, I talked about the fact that Linda’s talent is not limited to singing. She is a
wonderful writer and artist as well.
My interview wrapped up with the question, “Can you tell us more about what Linda is like as a
person, as opposed to a performer?” Well, I had quite a bit to say about that, but the main focus
of my comments was that Linda is a great person. She always takes the time to give
autographs, take pictures, answer questions, and most importantly, to listen. Linda is a
wonderful listener. When approached by fans, Linda gives them her complete attention and
makes them feel very important and special. She is truly a “kind and generous” person!
Linda, Jake and Craig curl up on the couch to watch the premiere of Trail MIX!
On The Trail with Ronan Tynan!
"I wouldn't be surprised to hear
about Ronan running for President of
something someday. The man sees
no barriers and anything is always
possible. It's something more people
should live by. Of course, he would
have to curb his colorful tongue, and
I'm not sure that is possible!"
Trail MIX featured music, horses, and many happy tales from the trail! Watching the show, anyone could see that Linda and
her friend, Ronan Tynan, had a marvelous time filming their segment for Trail MIX. Even the extreme heat couldn't put a
damper on the fun they had talking, laughing, and riding their horses.
Ronan graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with THE VOICE about his life and career and the time he
spent with Linda filming Trail MIX.
VOICE: Your accomplishments are so wide and varied. You competed in the Paralympics as a young man. What sports did you
compete in?
RONAN: Shot, discus, javelin and 100 meters. Then I used to compete on a level playing field in the amateur show jumping
championships.
VOICE: Can you tell us a little about your love of horses and when that began?
RONAN: Horses have been in my family for over four generations. My grandfather was the founder of the Fox Hunters in
Ireland in Kilkenny. And my great grandfather housed a coaching company
called Charles Bianconi … it stopped in our yard. It was a pit stop for the
coachmen. They stayed in our house and the horses got bedded.
VOICE: We know your horses are in Ireland. Please tell us a little bit about
them.
RONAN: I have over 80 horses. I have a champion show jumping horse
called U2. He's a good fellow, he is. He's now 8-years-old and just went
into the Grand Prix Circuit. Yesterday he placed 6th. Last week he was 4th,
and the week before he was 5th, so he's making a name for himself.
VOICE: Do you do any jumping when you are back in Ireland with your
horses?
RONAN: I used to do it an awful lot more. I don't really do it as much as
I'd like to but I have a mare that I ride. She's a lovely animal.
VOICE: We know your horses inspire your music… so let's talk a little more about your musical career. After winning a singing
competition in Ireland, your career took off as part of a group. Please tell us about being a member of The Irish Tenors.
RONAN: [laughs heartily] The original group was John McDermott, Anthony Kearns and myself.
John and I were the first members. I was asked to join in 1998. At the time, I had won the
competition 'Go For It' in Ireland and they had the idea of forming The Irish Tenors. I said, 'I would
love to do it!' They asked me if I knew anybody else. I knew Anthony Kerns and I thought he would
be a good choice. At this time, PBS was planning to do a special with John and then it amalgamated
with Anthony and me. That's how The Irish Tenors were born. John was with us for about two
years. But he left because his mother was ill and then she died. John decided to go in a different
direction and that was fine. And then Finbar Wright came in, and after a couple of years I thought it
was time for me to move. You know different things make you think it's time to move on. It was
good fun while I was in it. I have so many projects going on at the moment and I'm enjoying the
freedom of being able to do stuff on my own and being able to sing what I want. They had a vision
that the group would sing and be very stiff and not move around, and I love jumping around the
place. I think that was getting to the others as well. [laughs]
VOICE: Throughout your career, you've had the opportunity to sing for some very well-known names. Can you tell us how you
came to know Ronald and Nancy Reagan?
RONAN: Five years ago Nancy had a big birthday party. Merv Griffin and Jerry Perenchio rang my agent up and asked if I
would sing as a surprise gift to Nancy, and I said, 'Absolutely!' So I was flown out to Beverly Hills and had supper with Jerry,
who owns the Beverly Hillbillies' house. I was a surprise guest for Nancy. You know my mom has Alzheimer's and we quietly
and gently discussed things. I told her that if she ever needed me for anything, I would always be there for her. The day
before Ronald Reagan died, I got a call and was asked if I would sing at his funeral, and I said, 'Absolutely!'
VOICE: What did you sing?
RONAN: "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria."
VOICE: Both very moving songs… we know you've written and recorded inspirational music. Can you tell us about this
material?
RONAN: For the last album, RONAN, I wrote a song that is called 'Passing Through,' which is about my mom and Alzheimer's.
A lot of people have been very taken by it because it's about a son's love and respect for his mother and the shock and
challenge of Alzheimer's and what it does to people. I also wrote a song called 'This Is The Hour,' which was taken for the
Special Olympics back in 2003. It raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics kids. It's now being considered to go to China for
the opening there.
VOICE: How exciting! And speaking of spots, you do quite a bit with the New York Yankees. Can you tell us about that?
RONAN: The Yankees came about after I was singing at Feinstein's at The Regency in New York City. I had just finished my
last night of the 21 nights there, and I was sitting down at the bar next to a gentleman who was watching the Knicks play. He
wasn't very happy with them. I said, 'They're no good. Why are you watching them?' He looked at me and asked, 'Who are
you?' And I said to him, 'Who are you?' He replied, 'I'm Steve Swindal and I'm one of the general partners of the New York
Yankees.' Jokingly I asked, 'And who are they?' We had dinner and found
out that we had something in common. His dad was very ill and my dad
had just passed, and this bonded us for life. One day we met a lady who so
enjoyed my singing. She said, 'Oh, Ronan Tynan, I just love your voice.'
And I said, 'Thank you very much, ma'am. This is Steve Swindal of the
New York Yankees… do you know the New York Yankees?' And she said, 'I
love the Yankees.' I told her Steve had just asked me to sing in Yankee
Stadium, and he said, 'Oh, Holy God!' Then I got an e-mail the next day
that said the Yankees are playing Boston and if you'd like to sing 'God
Bless America' in the seventh inning, you can do it. I said, 'Yep, let's go for
it!'
VOICE: How long ago was that?
RONAN: Six years ago.
VOICE: Did the Yankees win that night?
RONAN: They sure did! George (Steinbrenner) rang me up personally and thanked me. He said to me, 'Any time you want to
sing here, you're always welcome.' So I said, 'I appreciate that.' So I sing quite a lot there.
VOICE: Your voice is certainly no stranger to New York. You lent your voice as a comfort during the days following 9/11.Were
you in New York on that day?
RONAN: Actually I had sung the night before for the President and the next day I was to go to the Pentagon and unfortunately
(or fortunately) I cut it out because I was going to do the 50th anniversary of the Naval Academy. After the attack, I
volunteered and served food down there and helped out.
VOICE: You also sang at the re-opening dedication of Seven World Trade Center not too long ago.
RONAN: Yes. I did the premiere of the title song from my new album called 'Dawning Of The Day,' which was very
appropriate. It's about a woman and the loss of her husband. In the last verse he talks to her. It's a really beautiful song. It's
a really powerful song written by a woman named Mary Fahl, and singing it at that ceremony was a really special moment.
VOICE: Moments such as those must certainly be very gratifying to you — moments when your music reaches out and
touches people's lives. We often hear about the impact music has in the lives of Linda's fans... would you tell us about how you
first met and became friends with Linda?
RONAN: I heard Linda sing at Feinstein's at The Regency. I had just finished my show there that December. I was the opening
act of that cabaret. Linda was there the following year, and I was coming back to do a week. I was outside of the cabaret and I
didn't know Linda at the time. I was in the lobby with some friends of mine when I heard Linda singing. 'God,' I said. 'Who was
that?' The voice was so wonderful. I said, 'Wow! She's amazing! She's special… that's a very special talent.' It was then that I
was introduced to Linda Eder and I was very delighted to meet her. You know… she was just extraordinary.
VOICE: Do you remember what song you heard her sing that night?
RONAN: I heard her sing "Man Of La Mancha" and it caused me to do the
song on my album!
VOICE: Can you share any stories from your time filming Trail MIX with
Linda?
RONAN: Well, I think I made Linda blush a bit. You know Linda's a very
beautiful woman and I found her very attractive. I thought she was
beautiful, stunning actually. She has a lovely inner soul there. I told her,
'Look, girl, you know what? You're such a beautiful woman. Let this
camera know how beautiful you are. Let them realize what beauty is there,
not just in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense.' I was flirting like mad with her. Then riding this horse I was being jigged
and reeled in places where I didn't need to be jigged and reeled! I could have ended up being a soprano by the end of that
trip! It was lots of fun!
VOICE: It certainly came through in the final show! It looked like you were having a blast. Thank you for taking the time to
talk with us… before you go, can you tell Linda's fans a little bit about your new album?
RONAN: In June, I just finished recording a faith album called DAWNING OF THE DAY in Nashville that will be coming out in
September. Lots of my fans love it when I sing spiritual and inspirational music, so this album is a foundation of that really.
There's some beautiful stuff on it… there really is some gorgeous stuff. I sing a duet with Vince Gill of Country Western fame. I
hope you'll enjoy it and it's been nice chatting!
LEARN MORE ABOUT RONAN TYNAN…
We at THE VOICE were so moved by Ronan the man, as well as Ronan the
entertainer, that we have included his amazing biography as well as the
interview.
"Put courage in your dreams, Ronan, and leave the rest to the Man Above,
And then you will carve your footprints in the sand."
These words have shaped the remarkable life of the Irish tenor Ronan
Tynan — a proud and loving lesson of his mother's — from his childhood
milking cows on a farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, to an ever-evolving
career as a singer, bringing him worldwide fame and admiration that could
have existed only in the farthest reaches of those dreams. International
audiences met Tynan as a member of The Irish Tenors. Now his singular
voice and irresistible appeal have led him to strike out on his own, a
decision that seems to have resulted in something far more meaningful
than a mere solo career.
Perhaps you already know Ronan Tynan's voice. U2's Bono knows it.
"When Ronan sings the clouds cry but the sun turns up sooner than it
would have," he has written, in a liner note for Ronan, the tenor's new
recording for Decca. "He sang for my father, Bob, as we put him in the
ground, and it felt like shelter. The wind died down, the rain stopped for
the loudest, softest voice we have… a great Irish tenor."
Tynan's singing offered the gentlest consolation at the funeral of President
Ronald Reagan in the summer of 2004, when an international TV audience
of more than 35 million heard him sing "Amazing Grace" and Schubert's
"Ave Maria," at the personal invitation of Nancy Reagan.
If you're a fan of the New York Yankees — and Tynan himself is, big time — you might have heard him peal out one of his
unforgettable performances of "God Bless America" in the seventh-inning stretch of a big game, which he frequently does.
In the wake of 9/11, the men and women of the New York Police Department and New York Fire Department and their families
have been able to count on Ronan Tynan's abiding concern and beautiful voice. He has performed at benefits and memorial
services for New York's Finest and Bravest, and his singing has softened the sorrow at many a funeral in the wake of the
tragedy.
There are plenty of joyous moments, as well. In the spring of 2004, the
Belmont Stakes got off to a rollicking start when Tynan — himself a
passionate horseman — christened the race with a ringing rendition of
"New York, New York." He sang at the wedding of New York's former Mayor
Rudolph Giuliani to Judith Nathan on the grounds of Gracie Mansion. His
voice brightened the 80th birthday celebration of former President George
H.W. Bush in Houston. He gives motivational speeches all over the
country. He has played Feinstein's, one of New York's most prestigious
cabaret rooms. And the Spring 2005 release of his new self-titled CD, the
first in a new exclusive agreement with Universal Music's Decca label,
begins a new chapter in his amazing story.
"I think it shows a greater versatility than any other album I've done,"
Tynan says of the recording. "For the first time I'm singing material that
has tremendous depth and weight. I wanted to sing a greater variety of
music and spread my wings a bit, make a move out of the classic 'Irish
tenor' vein."
Ronan Tynan is barely out of his 30s, yet he has already overcome formidable personal challenges and achieved the kind of
success only a mother could have wished for him. Though he had always sung as a boy, he did not seriously consider formal
voice study until he was 33, when he was well into his residency as a physician. The success he quickly found as a singer is a
typical development in a life of extraordinary achievement. Born with lower limb disability that might have sidelined him,
Tynan was still "as wild as a March hare" when he was a growing boy, riding horses and racing motorcycles. When he was
twenty, his legs had to be amputated below the knee after an auto accident caused serious complications. Just weeks after the
operation, he was climbing up the steps of his college dorm. Within a year, he was winning gold medals in the Paralympics as a
multitalented athlete. Between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records.
Such determination — reinforced by his steadfast parents, a diminutive
couple with gigantic ambitions for their son — soon propelled him to
conquer a whole new field. Tynan became the first disabled person ever
admitted to the National College of Physical Education, and then a fullfledged medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries, with a
degree from prestigious Trinity College. He won both the John McCormack
Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show Go For It less than one year
after beginning the study of voice. The following year, he won the
International Operatic Singing Competition in Maumarde, France. He made
his operatic debut as Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, and cut his
teeth on the concert repertoire in performances of Verdi's Requiem,
Mendelssohn's Elijah, Handel's Messiah, Rossini's Stabat Mater and
Puccini's Messa di Gloria. In 1998, Tynan joined Anthony Kearns and John
McDermott (later Finbar Wright) as The Irish Tenors, an instant worldwide
sensation. His autobiography Halfway Home was published in February of
2001.
Ronan receives a medal at the Paralympics
Collaborating on Ronan with producer Nick Patrick — the man behind the great recordings of Russell Watson, Amici Forever
and Dominic Miller — Tynan sings powerful hymns of the spirit such as "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." With the
assistance of his friend Margaret Byrne, he has written the heartfelt "Passing Through" to honor his mother, whose vibrant
spirit has been taken away by the long night of Alzheimer's disease. The recording also includes the bristling title song from
the musical Man of La Mancha, the pop classic "From a Distance," a prayerful aria from a beloved Spanish zarzuela ("La roca
fria del calvario" from Serrano's La Dolorosa), a great film theme that has become a song — "Mansions of the Lord" (from We
Were Soldiers) — as well several new songs created especially for the recording. Some of the assorted and well known writers
of the original tracks include Richard Marx, Desmond Child, Aldo Nova, Gary Burr and Jeff Cohen. "I want to reach everyone
with this album," Tynan says. Ronan is getting ready to release a new album, Dawning Of The Day, in September, 2006.
The big Irishman has a special relationship with American audiences now, and he considers New York "my home away from
home."
"New York is powerful and intense, and it begs you to take it on," Tynan marvels. "If you do that and do it right, it will give
you absolutely everything you want. The thing I love about New York and the states is that there are so many people who
want you do well. They will you do well. They encourage you, and they rejoice in your success. That's a great virtue. I think
Americans are fantastic people, amazing. I think can stand up and be proud, and hold their heads high, and if others don't get
it. Well, it's their problem. I am so grateful. And I'll never forget that America has given me so much more than I'll ever be
able to give back."
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
"I am continually amazed by the
kindness and generosity of people.
Maybe because we live in a world
bombarded with news stories of
the horrors of humanity. But on
that special day I was surrounded
by ladies whose hearts were huge,
even if their muscles were tiny.
When you are surrounded by need,
it does the heart good to be the
hand that can fill some."
From left to right: Fan volunteers Judi Mc Cabe, Toni
Alterman and Gerry Cardwell prepare to "pitch in" at Pets
Alive with Linda Eder.
Last winter, a seed was planted by Linda in the minds of THE VOICE EDER-tors. This spring, the idea began to grow and
eventually blossomed into something that far surpassed what any of us could have imagined. The very first Linda Eder Online
Charity Auction to benefit Pets Alive was held in May and yielded unparalleled success. The fans opened their hearts (and
pocketbooks!) and helped to raise an amazing $6,685.93.
The auction items included many Linda Eder collectables, such as Trail MIX hats and posters, which were autographed to the
winners by Linda, and unique items from JEKYLL & HYDE and CAMILLE CLAUDEL, among other items. The auction "grand
prize" was truly a one-of-a-kind experience to benefit Pets Alive in a most unique way — a Day of Volunteering with Linda at
Pets Alive!
We would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the fan volunteers who spent the day with Linda, as well as to all the generous
bidders, and those who donated the wonderful items for the auction — fellow fans, Maureen Smith at Animal Planet, friends of
Pets Alive, Rob and Marisol Thomas, and Linda herself. As Linda said at the end of the day of volunteering, "We did it!"
Here, for the readers of THE VOICE, the fan volunteers share the wonderful experience they had working along side Linda to
benefit the animals at Pets Alive.
Fan and Pets Alive Day Volunteer Toni Alterman recalls the day...
I think that I am still high from the experience.
Okay, I was a little excited at just the thought of
spending a day with Linda. Since I volunteer with
several animal rescue groups, donating money to a
no-kill shelter is something I often do. Gerry and I
were screaming when the auction ended and we
found out that we had won. Neither of us is
experienced with eBay, so we were amazed. I
actually thought about calling someone from work
who buys stuff all the time to bid for me, but then I
didn't think it would help our working relationship if I
lost. Of course, we screamed again when we found
out it was our buddy Judi who would be joining us,
even though she had been bidding against us!
Gerry and I flew out the day before (Friday). It took
us nine hours to get to Middletown. Normally I would
have been stressed and complaining. However,
Gerry and I just laughed and talked about our
excitement as we sat for hours on the runway
because the airport was closed. We didn't even mind
not finding the streets that our computer maps
directed us to after picking up our rental car. With
the help of my GPS, we made it in the pouring rain.
We were just grateful that we didn't try to fly in the
same day.
Fan Toni Alterman and Linda take a break from the
daily chores at Pets Alive to pose for a photograph.
The weather on that Saturday in June was chilly and
windy, which we preferred to hot. Of course, we kept
watching those rain clouds. Judi, Gerry, and I were
the first to arrive at 1 p.m. THE VOICE Staff came
shortly after, followed by Linda and Jill. After
introductions with Sara, we entered a room full of
cats. Many of them were friendly and wanted to be
petted and held. From there we went outside and
decided on the chores for the day. Of course, we wanted to be with Linda, and since she announced that
she was most familiar with horses and would help clean the pastures, we quickly said that we would do
what she was doing.
We took rakes and wheelbarrows and headed out. Linda showed us what to do, and explained some of
the best approaches to our "task." Since I have yard duty at my house with a pooper-scooper, this didn't
seem that much different — except for the volume! Four large dogs do not even compare to deposits
from one horse! I have to admit, having very limited exposure to horses, that when Linda left to dump
the contents of the wheelbarrow, I kept an eye on the horses and looked forward to her return. There
were no mishaps… well, except for stepping in something unpleasant. We chatted with Linda and took
photos while shoveling. She was friendly and warm as always, but perhaps a little shy. We visited with
THE VOICE Staff and watched them paint a fence.
The time went too quickly, and when we finished the pastures, we went inside the small building and
watched Judi and Linda play with an adorable Labrador puppy. Lunch was more extravagant than we
had expected, and we all ate outside and chatted and laughed. Sara gave us a tour of the dog pens
where we saw mostly Chow mixes that were not adoptable. Some of us went to visit the pig, and there
was a singing chicken that Sara was very attached to and had sing for us. We took photos and our day
ended around 5 p.m. with Linda going to collect some chickens to take home to Jake, and Sara
delivering lots of eggs. We left with a very positive impression of Pets Alive, and we could see that the
money donated truly goes for pet care and not for any extravagances for the staff or facilities.
Fan and Pets Alive Day Volunteer Gerry Cardwell shares her experience...
On one level, I originally felt that I didn't want to share that special day with anyone else. Needless to
say, after seeing first hand what's happening at Pets Alive, you [the fans] need to know how you've
already helped make a difference!
The first part of our day started with Sara introducing us to many of the animals. One special horse,
Maureen, I'm glad to report, is doing very well in her care. She has a new shelter and fenced in grassy
paddock. I had a hard time leaving her as she snuggled up to me and wanted attention. We had a lovely
visit with Robert the pig, the biggest guy I've ever seen. He's very friendly and pushed his nose through
the fence to greet me. The geese honked out a greeting too. The animals are a very vocal bunch… so
many animals and so many sad stories that now have happy endings because they found their way to
Sara. She is one special lady with an enormous task. Please continue to lend your support to her cause.
We really are making a difference.
Sara offered several different jobs that needed our attention. We waited for Linda to choose her job and
we followed behind her, pushing wheelbarrows and pitchforks. Imagine getting instruction from Linda on
the fine art of scooping! She did have to correct me on my technique. In our case, it took two of us with
a push and lift system to retrieve the fertilizer and get it into the wheelbarrow. Linda was a patient
instructor. She probably laughed all the way home at the sight of us struggling. I will say that Linda can
heave a wheelbarrow. She pushed it up the driveway, across the street, and down into the woods. When
I followed with my load, I had to stop and breathe at the top of the driveway. Luckily, the workers
decided to use my load for the flower garden, so they took it from me. Little did I know when I posted at
the beginning of the auction that I was practicing my pitchfork technique, that I would actually be
standing next to Linda and doing just that!
Sara arranged for a wonderful lunch, which we were able to eat outdoors. We had time to visit and take
lots of pictures.
Linda, thank you for making this day possible. Your generous heart touches all of us. You are very
special and appreciated by all of your fans, especially the "Poop Scoop Squad!"
American Gothic? No — but another masterpiece in the works! Fan Gerry Cardwell and
Linda pose for a picture while "pitching in" at Pets Alive.
Fan and Pets Alive Day Volunteer Judi Mc Cabe reflects on the moment...
We had a great day at Pets Alive! It started around 1 p.m. Sara took us to the cat room, but I backed off
when I saw more than 30 cats. I did go in when Sara said only seven or eight cats will come to us. They
were okay and very friendly. Then one tried to "love nip" me.
Linda got there around 1:15 p.m. She had on overalls with a grey thermal top under them, well-worn
boots, and a London England cap with her ponytail through it. After saying hello, Sara showed us a new
dog and puppy. Linda held a chocolate Lab puppy named Bella for a while and when I started to pet it,
she handed Bella to me. Linda and I were playing with the puppy, and she kept telling me to take the
dog home. I told her and Sara I couldn't because I go to "some singer's" concerts and didn't want to
leave a dog home or in somebody else's care.
Sara gave us a choice of things to do. Linda said she would go into the horse pastures and pick up
@#%#. Toni said, "It's a day with Linda, so that's what we'll do." And we did. We cleaned up three
horse pens. Linda and Gerry moved the wheelbarrows, and we all raked the stuff. Didn't smell… wasn't
that bad. Linda was fun but sort of quiet. We talked about things other than her career… vacations,
family, etc. I didn't ask about a new CD or concerts. She mentioned some charity things she had done or
will do.
Around 3 p.m. we had lunch… stuffed shells, eggplant rollatini, salad, dessert, fruit, etc. While we were
eating, Linda and I chatted about the U.S. equestrian team, which is in Gladstone, New Jersey. New York
City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's daughter probably will make the team. They live near Linda.
After lunch we just hung around and talked. The "day" with Linda ended around 5 p.m. Linda thanked
and hugged us for helping. Sara thanked us and gave us the DVD that Rob Thomas made for Pets Alive.
Linda took home two chicks… no, not that kind… real ones… that lay eggs.
Several people have asked if my impression has changed after spending time with Linda. She's nice and
fun. I don't think I've learned anything new. Maybe she didn't really want to let loose, I don't know.
What you see after a show is what you get.
So keep giving your dollars and coins to Pets Alive and if you get a chance to volunteer, do so.
Fan Judi Mc Cabe and Linda "dig in" for a good cause at Pets Alive! The horses were
thrilled with their freshly cleaned paddock!
A Day of Volunteering at Pets Alive With Linda Eder... the story in photos...
Linda and Sara Whalen, Executive Director of Pets Alive,
lead the volunteers off to begin the day's chores.
Digging right in!
Linda wasted no time! Only five minutes after arriving for
the day she grabbed her supplies and rallied the
volunteers — "Let's get to work!"
Snack time! Linda gives Robert the Pig a special treat.
Gidget, the resident Billy Goat, mugs for the camera.
Everyone fell in love with Gidget!
Linda visits with Bella, a Chocolate Lab puppy who is
looking for a new home.
The fan volunteers had a puuuuuuuurfect time visiting
with the cats of Pets Alive. Judi Mc Cabe pets Regine,
Gerry Cardwell holds Betty, and Toni Alterman snuggles
with Patch.
Linda hard at work in Noble's paddock.
It was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it!...
Some of the horses of Pets Alive (left to right) Jupe,
Noble and Mabel. Little Mabel is 45-years-old!
Linda says hello to Moe while Sara Whalen looks on.
Lunch time! Linda and the fan volunteers pause for a welldeserved break.
Gerry Cardwell bonds with Maureen, a retired NYC
Carriage Horse.
Goofing around at lunch! The joke of the moment was
that it's always fun to take pictures while you're eating!
Linda poses for a group picture with the fan volunteers at the end of a very successful day! Great job everyone!
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
"Michael is brilliant. He has forged
this classic career and is so
respected for his taste and his
knowledge of great music. He is
also funny and sweet and a really
decent person who cares about the
world around him."
Linda Eder and Michael Feinstein
Click here for exclusive "Two For The Road" pictures
and interviews with Linda and Michael.
In the Summer of 2005, Linda Eder and Michael Feinstein kicked-off the "Two For The Road" tour and quickly captured the
hearts of fans nationwide. They've traveled from coast-to-coast for more than a year now, and everyone agrees — the show is
a hit and we just can't wait for them to "duet" again!
Marsha Wulf from Virginia writes...
"Believe it or not, I had no idea who Linda Eder or Michael Feinstein was before attending the
'Two For The Road' concert in Newport News, Virginia. I just knew I had to get tickets because it
was advertised as featuring Broadway music. The magic word was Broadway. Simply can't
resist.
The evening was astounding… two people so comfortable with each other and their audience. It
was kind of like you just dropped by their house for a bit of entertainment and left with your
senses soaring.
That was four months ago. I'm now the proud owner of Linda's Christmas DVD and seven of
Linda's CDs. Plus, her generous fans sent me DVD copies of Trail MIX, the PBS Special, the
Bravo Profile, and a CD and DVD of her Star Search appearances. I now own more Eder material
than that of any other artist and I'm totally hooked. What a wonderful addition to my life."
Pat and Dick Cooper from New Jersey write...
"We just returned from our second 'Two For The Road' show at the Mann Center in Philadelphia
last night. (Our first was in Atlantic City in February.) The truth is I have no words! This was the
best and most spectacular show we have seen. If Linda was not at her all time best, it must
have been the closest to the Carnegie Hall show that we have seen. She was spectacular! And
the very partial audience was appropriately appreciative. (We were even able to leave a few
pesos on the stage for the animals.)
Linda simply sparkled! And after breaking a shoe in the first half, she continued singing
barefoot. She came out in a red dress for part two. Aside from that incredible gift that she so
ably shares with us (Thank you, God), she was also stunningly beautiful!
The obvious chemistry between these two friends (Linda and Michael Feinstein) is so powerful it
just jumps off the stage. As I said, there are no words. So many accolades have been bestowed
on Linda over the years that it becomes redundant to gush about her, either as an unbelievable
talent or as a person. And, of course, Michael's talent and musical knowledge speak for
themselves. Together they are a very special combination. It simply works!
We have continued to be adoring fans of Linda for many years, but only recently became online
members. We live near Philadelphia and make every show within driving distance. There are a
couple of shows on the calendar that we can reach. And we'll be there 'with bells on!'
Thank you, Linda! Never underestimate the power that you have to raise many of us from the
depths, simply with the turn of a phrase or with that soaring sound! We hope and pray you can
hang in there on those nights when the road becomes really hard! God bless you! (And Jake!)"
Toni Alterman from Ohio writes...
"My husband, Michael Lichstein, Yoshi , our seeing eye dog from Morristown, New Jersey, and I
attended Linda and Michael's 'Two For The Road' show and benefit for The Anti-Cruelty Society
of Illinois at Ravinia in Chicago. Yoshi is a big Michael Feinstein fan, but he has a special place in
his heart for beautiful women with gorgeous voices and looks forward to seeing Linda and
Michael perform 'Two For The Road'
together. Yoshi also saw Linda at Feinstein's At The Regency in May and plans to see her
perform several times in 2007. He loves it best when Linda is with Michael Feinstein since he
always gives Yoshi lots of attention."
Linda and Michael's No. 1 canine fan, Yoshi, shares special moments
with the stars of Two For The Road.
Tisha Waters from New York writes...
"Two for the Road… a concert made in heaven, brought to us by two powerful voices that blend
together in perfect harmony. From the opening chords of 'Some Enchanted Evening' through
songs by Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder weave their magic
throughout the evening, blending nostalgia with a touch of comedy. The chemistry between
these two performers is evident, as they ease through the material, taking their audience on an
unforgettable evening of adventure.
Favorite songs are featured, such as 'Don't Rain On My Parade,' which has become an Eder
classic. It never fails to bring the house down. Old friends are what these two are, always
putting an extra spin on any song, whether it is a pop classic like 'Both Sides Now' or 'The Glory
Of Love' or a Sondheim classic like 'Old Friends.' Michael Feinstein sets the stage on fire with his
impression of Jerry Lee Lewis's 'Great Balls Of Fire,' clearly showcasing his talent as both an
entertainer and a pianist. Their impression of Sonny and Cher only goes to warm the hearts of
the audience and leaves them screaming for more. And more is what there should be… more
concerts like these."
Gerry Cardwell from Kentucky writes...
"Since I've seen about eight 'Two For The Road' concerts so far, I can say that no two are
exactly the same. Linda and Michael are a wonderful match in every way. Their voices blend so
beautifully. Linda has said that she loves being with Michael because they have so much fun.
You can hear that in their voices and in the way they banter back and forth each night
throughout the concert. They mix it up to keep it fresh for themselves.
Linda gives Michael all the credit for choosing the songs, but she has contributed some too. It's
amazing how many songs they touch on during the evening. I counted 12 songs in their last
medley. I give Linda much credit for learning two different arrangements of songs that are on
her Judy CD. A few of them are in their medleys so it can be a real challenge to sort out all
those lyrics, and that is true for Michael too. Linda and Michael have their own segment during
the evening. They take turns wowing the crowd with their own special tunes. They switch those
songs out every so often too. Many fans have posted and written about the set list, so I don't
need to do that. I will say that 'The Music Never Ends' and 'I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love'
are my favorites.
The trip to Chicago was very special for me because I took three friends who had not seen Linda
before. As Nancy said to me, 'I guess I just need to see for myself what you keep carrying on
about.' To top off the evening, I got to introduce them to Linda and Michael. Most of our
conversation during the drive home revolved around the concert. The girls didn't even mind
ending up in Michigan on our way home, and that just gave me more time to share all of my
Linda music with them.
Truthfully, I can say that I never get tired of this duo. I've been truly blessed to be able to see
them so many times. Thankfully, I already have more concerts booked. What adds to these
experiences is hooking up with friends I've met on this journey. Never could I have imagined
meeting so many great and generous people along the way. Linda, if you're not aware, but I
hope you are, you have made extraordinary memories for me and I will be forever grateful."
Bill Montgomery from Pennsylvania writes...
"I saw your show with Michael Feinstein at Bushkill, Pennsylvania. WOW! What a great show and
a wonderful evening! I can't wait to see you perform again! The evening began with Linda and
Michael offstage. Suddenly Linda started singing 'Some Enchanted Evening' with Michael joining
in the duet. The beauty and clarity of their voices and the song were mesmerizing. I literally
could not believe what I was hearing. Michael and Linda seemed so at ease and relaxed on
stage. They made their appearance seem easy. The rapport and respect between Linda and
Michael were obvious. They not only enjoyed singing the songs on the program, but they
obviously enjoyed each other's company. They had fun, which was contagious to the members
of the audience. We had fun too. Michael kidded with the audience (and Linda) and shared some
of the history behind the songs. Linda connected right away with the audience and, much to her
credit, made me feel that there is still a lot of the Minnesota farm girl in her. With the exception
of a fifteen-minute break, the show lasted for two hours. I could have listened to them all night.
The performing center at Bushkill is about 30 minutes from my home in Milford, Pennsylvania
and within easy driving distance from New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania and Northern
New Jersey. It was a wonderful evening of pure entertainment. Michael and Linda mentioned
that they enjoyed the center and the staff. They commented on how beautiful it was and how
they would come back if asked. I hope that Linda and Michael make a CD from one of these live
performances. It would be a wonderful memory of a truly 'enchanted evening.'"
Alan Pacquer and Bob Rebl from Illinois write…
"Seeing Linda Eder in concert in always a treat, but seeing her perform with Michael Feinstein
was twice the pleasure. Michael has always been a powerhouse performer, and seeing him
perform with Linda Eder at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, on July 19th was no
disappointment. Linda and Michael harmonized perfectly that evening over the sound of the
cicadas, and they effortlessly endured Chicago's summertime heat and humidity. Linda and
Michael's friendly banter back and forth truly demonstrated to the audience their sincere
friendship and professional commitment toward each other, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by
the crowd. One of the highlights of the concert was Linda singing 'It's Almost Like Being In
Love.' Hearing her sing with a live orchestra allows her to stretch the notes and phrases during
the most climactic areas of the songs. Of course, that same command of the orchestra was
evident during her singing of 'Don't Rain On My Parade.' Her dedication to those who have
children, and even pets, was touching just before singing 'If I Could.' Linda and Michael playfully
mimicked Sonny and Cher. Linda even did the 'finger through the hair' thing while licking her
upper lip as Cher does. Now I'm confused, Linda. I thought Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand
were your musical influences. I had joked with Linda after the concert about possibly performing
with Barbra Streisand. She replied she didn't think it would be good for her career because the
public may then perceive her to be a 'Barbra Streisand wanna-be.' Actually, my partner and I
did have the honor of speaking with both Linda and Michael after the concert. Linda and Michael
are both actively involved with animal support groups. Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society sponsored
a cocktail reception after their performance where they mingled with some of the Anti-Cruelty's
supporters. The concert was truly a memorable experience, followed by joining Linda and
Michael in their support for the animal population and then chatting with old and new friends. As
always, Linda, thank you for coming back to Chicago and we are looking forward to your return
real soon."
Top left: Fan Alan Pacquer and Linda Eder; Top right: Fan Bob Rebl and Linda Eder
Bottom: Fans Alan and Bob with Michael Feinstein
Tom Larimore from California writes...
"We have long admired Linda's glorious voice, and are saddened to miss a duets concert
featuring Linda and Michael Feinstein at The Greek Theatre. We have several marvelous CDs by
Linda, with our special favorite recording being 'I Am What I Am,' and her fantastic, ultra-long
note, with which she ends the song. Wow!
And, we also have several CDs by Michael Feinstein, whom we have enjoyed both as a clever
singer and gifted pianist. To have seen them performing together would have been a wonderful
experience."
Lexi Sanders from Utah writes...
"The opening song of the 'Two For The Road' show, 'Some Enchanted Evening,' pretty much
sums up my concert experience. I was definitely enchanted by Linda and Michael's 'Two For the
Road' show at Lake Las Vegas Resort! First of all, it was a beautiful night, and very warm. They
performed on a floating stage, with one section up close and also floating. The other sections
were on land, but not far away. Linda expressed that arriving at the stage by boat was a first for
her. The best way to describe my feelings during the concert is pure elation. I was smiling the
whole time, and it wasn't the pain meds I was on. Michael is actually quite funny! Linda and
Michael took my mind off all of the seriousness going on in my life at this time and truly lifted
my spirits. I think the highlight for me was hearing Linda sing songs that I have never heard her
sing before. I didn't take note of all of the songs they sang… there were so many! All I know is
that they were having a great time, and it was a near perfect performance in every aspect…
except for maybe the big bug that landed on Linda during one of her songs. She couldn't help
but brush it off. She shared that the last time she tried to just ignore a bug that landed on her
during a song, it bit her! I just have to say, Linda has never sounded better or looked happier or
more radiant than she did at Lake Las Vegas! I am grateful to Linda and Michael for taking the
time to put together such a wonderful concert to share with us. What would be even better is if
they would record these songs for us to enjoy over and over again!"
Ederfans and sisters Treia Krieger and Mary Vesci from Illinois are truly
"Two For The Road!"...
THE VOICE Catches Up With Linda and Michael
About Two For The Road...
VOICE: What has been most rewarding for you in working with Michael on Two For
The Road?
LINDA: The companionship. Having someone to share the stage with. I really like
to be up there playing off someone else and not always having the full weight of
the show be on my shoulders. I have also really enjoyed learning some of the
classic songs that we have in the show. I may not have ever sung some of them
otherwise.
VOICE: What is your favorite song to sing with Michael?
LINDA: "Teach Me Tonight" is so much fun. I also really enjoy "Both Sides Now."
VOICE: Can you tell us one funny or memorable moment from your time on the
road with Michael?
LINDA: We were doing a slow ballad and right in the beginning on one of the soft
lines as Michael was about to sing, someone blew their nose really loudly. Michael's
eyes almost crossed and for a second we held it, and then we both burst out
laughing. Then the audience was laughing, and it went on for quite a while before
we could get ourselves back together. I was afraid I wouldn't!
VOICE: Many of the topics we're going to discuss today actually have been
generated by the fans. We've received so much positive feedback through e-mails
directed to THE VOICE about how wonderful the "Two For The Road" show is, so
congratulations! It's just an amazing show!
MICHAEL: Thank you! That makes me very happy!
VOICE: On stage, you do talk a little about the process of choosing the songs and
how you would go down into the vault and find the music and bring it to life.
[Michael laughs] Could you please expand a little bit on how you chose those
wonderful songs we hear in the show?
MICHAEL: The process is one that is always daunting because of the number of
options that are out there. For any entertainer, the first thing is simply starting to
write down titles, thoughts and ideas. Things will pop into my head in the middle of
the night if I'm in the mode of creating something. There is a subconscious process
where the wheels start turning, so I find that I would make notes and jot things
down and put some things on my little palm computer just to try and remember
everything. Sometimes the things are good and sometimes they're bad, but it's a
process that's a winnowing process. Then, of course, for this show it's finding out
what Linda has in mind and comparing notes, and then looking at the practicalities
of each song. At some point, we get down to the actual reality of figuring out how
we are going to do it. For example, what key are we going to do it in? When songs
are published, they're usually published in a man's key. Most female singers sing
about four tones away from where a guy sings, so we have to pick a key that will
work for both of us. In some cases, it's having Linda sing the melody in her key
and I do most of the harmony, or it will be mainly in my key and she'll do most of
the harmony. Then we have to break down the song line by line as to where the
range suits each voice. It's a complicated process.
VOICE: With your background knowledge of the Great American Songbook, it must
have been difficult to choose from so many wonderful songs.
MICHAEL: I did have a lot of thoughts, and Linda would always be willing to try
the songs I suggested. She's very open and very game, and she's willing to go
where we want to go. If it doesn't work, she'll say she doesn't think it's going to
work. She's willing to try new things and experiment. It sometimes takes Linda a
while to figure out if something is right or not because she has her own process of
how that song feels, how she's going to interpret it, where she's going to put the
accents on different parts of the lyric, and what kind of voice she's going to use.
For example, in our opening number, "Some Enchanted Evening," do you use a soft
voice or do you use a loud voice? There are choices that you have to make as to
where it fits comfortably in the voice, and then interpretively how it affects the
words. Sometimes you don't know that until you get in front of an audience
because when you sing in front of an audience, it brings out something that's
completely different. There's something that happens with adrenalin when you
have the interplay and the energy of a "live" show that can completely change an
interpretation.
VOICE: As you continue to tour, do you think we can expect other songs to come
into the mix?
MICHAEL: Certainly the fact that we've been asked to return to some of the places
we've played before is a motivation. Because of the process I just described, it's
not always easy to add new numbers. It involves rehearsal and a process that we
sometimes don't have the luxury of time to experience before the next gig.
Certainly the most important thing is that we keep it fresh for ourselves and then it
is fresh for the audience.
VOICE: We'd like to talk a little bit about the fans since you mentioned that the
energy from the crowd can affect the way the show is perceived. You have actually
created a whole new category of fan. There were "Michael fans" and "Linda fans"
and now we have "Michael/Linda fans." Recently after a concert we heard someone
in the audience saying, "He's Feinstein and she's Eder, but together they're finer."
[Michael chuckles] How does hearing something like that make you feel?
MICHAEL: It's very gratifying. It feels wonderful because our desire, to put it
simply, was to create one and one equals three. We wanted to create something
together that we couldn't do separately that would make our fans, the people who
know our work or know one or the other, happy. Our desire was to create
something new that would not in one way or the other detract from what we
normally do individually. Hopefully it would just add something new to the mix, and
that makes me very happy. I know that inevitably there will be people who will
prefer each of us individually, but certainly the response that we have had
collectively has been magnificent and has made us both very happy.
VOICE: Do you have a personal favorite moment from the show now that you have
been doing it for over a year?
MICHAEL: My personal favorites change from night to night even though I do love
"Both Sides Now," and I'm so grateful Linda suggested that as a duet. That is one
of my favorites every night, but so much of the show is just wonderful to sing. It
feels great to sing it with Linda. I also am very fond of "I'd Rather Leave While I'm
In Love." It's a very heartfelt, passionate song that I love singing as I look into her
eyes.
VOICE: We don't know how you manage to hold your breath for that long!
MICHAEL: I have to do it because Linda does it! I just have to try to keep up!
VOICE: Do you have a favorite venue where you've performed Two For The Road?
MICHAEL: Each place brings something special to the experience. I can't say that I
do. We've done this show in different kinds of places, one being "in the round" both
indoor and outdoor, namely Westbury Music Fair on Long Island and three "in the
round" venues in Massachusetts [Melody Tent in Hyannis, South Shore Music Circus
in Cohasset, and North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly]. We've also done what
they call "sheds" like Ravinia in Chicago and the Mann Center in Philadelphia, and
we've done traditional theatres. Each one of them brings something different.
Performing in the round, of course, changes completely what we do because we
have people surrounding us, and therefore we have to be aware of that when we
sing our duets to each other. We also have to make sure that everybody else feels
included. I think that was most challenging for both of us at first, but now we're
quite comfortable with that in the way we both move. We work the room and make
sure it's covered. Acoustically every place is different, and certainly the most
challenging are the outdoor venues. You can rehearse all you want setting the
sound, but as soon as the audience arrives, it completely changes the acoustical
characteristics. Sometimes adjustments are made during the show.
VOICE: Not to mention how hot it can get at the outdoor venues during the
summer!
MICHAEL: Absolutely! Of all the places we played this year, I was the hottest at
Ocean Grove, New Jersey. I don't ever remember being that hot on stage, and
Linda looked cool as a cucumber. Usually it's the other way around because I have
a great tolerance for heat, but that night was very uncomfortable. Even though it
was a place of Methodist tradition, I felt like I was in hell! The only thing that made
it wonderful was that the audience was so great that it transcended the heat. It
was just physically uncomfortable.
VOICE: We'd like to talk about some things that you mention on stage during the
shows, specifically cataloging music for the Gershwins. Can you tell us what is
involved in the process of cataloging music and how that experience has benefited
you as a performer?
MICHAEL: Cataloging is a very general term. In the process of working for Ira
Gershwin, which I did for six years, I became his archivist. I had to organize his
memorabilia of all different kinds, from his brother George's little black book with
his girlfriends' phone numbers to other physical artifacts that George had left
behind: papers, musical manuscripts, lyric sheets, recordings on disc, old reel-toreel tapes, and cassettes. That was a learning process. When I say "cataloging
music," generally it means organizing materials so that if something is needed it
can be found. For example, looking up a composer, a lyricist, a subject, a title, a
year, or a show. It's cross-indexing all these things so that if I'm working on a
particular concept or theme, I can locate what I need to help me accomplish my
goal. In the process of cataloging music, I've learned a great deal about songs and
songwriters because there are different editions of songs where the lyrics will
change because of something that's happened in the world. The songwriter may
rewrite it or it may be censored or an early edition will have a whole two-page
verse that precedes the chorus that they'll later cut out because they want to save
money on printing the song. It could be anything! I learn a great deal about the
songs by discovering the different editions and reading the information on the
cover of a sheet, where it may reveal to me who introduced a song or other pieces
of history that will place it in a context and this will help me interpretively. And also
in going through music, I will file it in the back of my brain. I'll think, "Oh, this
would be good for this kind of show or this would be a good duet or this would be
good to do with Linda." So those things go into my brain, or I'll make some a note
somewhere with the intention of eventually coming back to it.
VOICE: Is there any particular person or event that sparked your interest in and
passion for the Great American Songbook?
MICHAEL: My parents were the first people to interest me in the Great American
Songbook, even though that isn't what it was called when I was a child. Their love
of this music was transmitted to me. Certainly working for Ira Gershwin was an
extraordinary experience. I met him when I was 20 years old, and he introduced
me to many other songwriters who wrote the songs that I now sing. Meeting
Rosemary Clooney was one of the great gifts of my life. She was Ira Gershwin's
next door neighbor, and she taught me interpretively so much of how to sing any
kind of song and about connecting to the lyric and how to express an emotion. I
remember when I did my first recording. With trepidation, I asked Rosemary if she
would sing a duet with me and she generously agreed to do so. When we were
singing, I was nervous. At one point she said, "Honey, when you sing that phrase,
smile. People will be able to hear it." And I suddenly understood that the physical
expressions that we have on our face when we sing not only transmits visually, but
orally. We hear them.
VOICE: We know that Frank Sinatra was a big influence on your style of singing. Is
there anything you learned from him that is reflected in the way you perform
today?
MICHAEL: Frank Sinatra had a supreme confidence, and that's one thing he did
better than any other singer. He had a swagger when he chose to do a swing
number that was complete dominance in the way he sang a song. I was fascinated
by that and still am. It was almost an arrogance, but it didn't come off that way. It
was just a supreme confidence. He also was not afraid to be vulnerable, which was
the important counterpart to the swagger. And so I learned not only about both of
those things, but also the importance of being able to express all different sorts of
attitudes. From him I learned that I didn't want to mess around with the lyrics as
he did in some cases. He sometimes would change around the lyric in a way that I
wouldn't like. This gave me a consciousness of being truer to the lyric.
VOICE: Please tell us a little about your charity work with animals. As you know,
Linda's fans have been supporting Pets Alive, and we know you do a lot of charity
work with animals as well.
MICHAEL: I have a deep love for animals because I have never considered them
second-class residents to humans on earth. To me, animals have just as much of a
right to live as we do, and there is a generally accepted belief that we have
dominance over animals and we have the right to do whatever we want to them
and with them. I don't see it that way. I feel that God created all sorts of creatures
on the earth and it is our responsibility to take care of them and not hurt them and
destroy them or even eat them.
VOICE: Really? You're a vegetarian?
MICHAEL: I find that I can live very healthfully without eating animals. I'm a
vegan. I don't discuss it because I feel that just by living my life a certain way is
powerful enough in itself. I just feel that we are here to protect other creatures,
and so I have been involved with the ASPCA and also with the Los Angeles Zoo
doing benefits for them and doing other sorts of work in other ways, sometimes
very small ways, just to help. I would never buy an animal from a pet store. I
always have rescue animals and it's just a very important part of my life. I treasure
animals and they have vastly improved my quality of life.
VOICE: Can you tell us a little about the pets you have? Are you a dog person?
MICHAEL: Yes, I am a dog person, but I have more cats because cats are easier
to take care of with my traveling lifestyle. I have two rescue cats that live in New
York… they receive constant attention when I'm gone, and I have a stray that
moved in with me in Los Angeles. I have a Shitzu with me here in Los Angeles and
she mainly spends time with my parents. She's thrilled to be there because they
dote on her 24 hours a day and, even sometimes against my wishes, they take her
to Burger King for a burger. They take the drive-thru with the dog! She loves it and
I object to it, but the dog thinks it's the high point of her day when they take her
to Burger King. Grandma and Grandpa have spoiled my baby!
VOICE: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
MICHAEL: My feeling is very simple. I would not be here if people didn't want to
hear what I do. Especially so with Linda and I trying out a show together, we knew
we would only succeed if fans liked what we do. I am well aware that making a
living as a performer, which is my favorite pursuit, is an extraordinary gift. It's a
blessing, and I do not take it for granted. I know that I would not be able to live a
dream if it were not for people who also wanted to hear me sing. So very simply to
anyone who likes what I do or what any entertainer does and supports them, a
very heartfelt thank you is the best way I can describe my feelings.
VOICE: On behalf of THE VOICE and all the fans who truly love Two For The Road,
thank you for the wonderful show you and Linda have created. It has brought joy
to so many and we know it will continue to do so. Thank you for spending this time
speaking with us.
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
"If I had a few more Karel-like fans, I would be
bigger than Madonna! He has done so much for
me, so much promotion — I can't thank him
enough."
Karel is a prominent radio talk show host and entertainment
journalist who can be heard on the KAREL SHOW each Saturday
and Sunday on KGO AM 810 San Francisco, a 50,000 watt member
of the ABC Radio Network. He's also a celebrity Eder-fan who
simply adores Linda and does everything he can to help promote
her career!
THE VOICE recently chatted with Karel…
VOICE: It's so nice to talk to you.
KAREL: Why thank you. It's great talking to you.
VOICE: Before we 'talk Linda,' would you please tell us a little bit
about yourself and your career, which is quite amazing. You've
done so many varied and different things over the years.
KAREL: Every weekend is a highlight of my career. The fact that I
have a career is a highlight, actually! It's complex — and funny —
because I was just talking about this. We never really end up where we think we're going to, or if we do, the journey along the
way is never the journey we expected. I certainly didn't expect to be a talk show host. And if I did, I certainly didn't expect to
be on the No. 1 network in the country! If you would have told me that in high school, I would have laughed at you. I would
have told you I'm going to be on the stage… I'm going to be on the screen… I'm going to be on TV. I've certainly done those
things, but it's really a wonder how I ended up where I am today.
I got into talk radio by promoting a dance record. I was a singer. That was something that I loved to do. Truthfully I don't
know if I'm a good singer or a bad singer. [laughs] Right now we're getting things up on iTunes; actually my nephew is in a
band and I'm very excited that I'm getting his stuff up on iTunes and other places.
I would say that the highlight of my career is that I was able to work with people I love. I was able to be on the top talk radio
show on the No. 1 station [KFI] in the country with my [late] husband, Andrew Howard, which was absolutely incredible. It has
been an incredible life.
VOICE: Did you start on the radio show with him?
KAREL: Actually I started on the show with a lesbian co-host on a little tiny station that had less wattage than a blow dryer!
And when I started, I asked Andrew to go with me. I didn't think the talk radio thing was real! I was out promoting a dance
record when someone called the music director of the radio station where I was working and said that they were looking for
someone for an entertainment style talk show… and they wanted the host to be gay since the listening audience was going to
be in West Hollywood. I took the job because I thought it sounded like fun. I had been a writer for years and years and years
for Billboard Magazine and many other publications. That's how I met Linda. I was interviewing her for Billboard. I had many
contacts in the entertainment world, so my roladex was pretty extensive.
VOICE: So we hear! A little birdie told us you introduced Linda to Maureen Smith!
KAREL: Well, yes! Maureen was a fan of our (Andrew and me) radio talk show in Los
Angeles. After Andrew died, she was working at FOX Family, which was to become ABC
Family. She always would hear me talking about the fact that Andrew wrote several
children's stories and novels, and then one day she called me out of the blue. She
introduced herself as a fan of mine and told me she was the President of the FOX Family
Channel. She was interested in talking to me about some of the scripts Andrew left behind
and so we met. We instantly clicked. We just talked forever!
Maureen began calling me on the days when she knew I'd need to be called, like on
Andrew's birthday. She always tried to incorporate me into jobs there at the network when
she could.
VOICE: And you eventually introduced Maureen to Linda?
KAREL: In a manner of speaking! I played Linda on my show all the time on KFI, even when Andrew was alive. And, we
played her on our show even though it was a talk show! The station played music in and out of the breaks, and at Christmas
time I would insist that it would be Linda Eder's Christmas album. So Maureen became familiar with Linda through my show.
When we saw JEKYLL & HYDE in Orange County with Linda, I went on the radio the next day and said, 'Oh, my God! Now I
know how people felt when they saw Barbra Streisand in FUNNY GIRL!' A lot of people were interested in Linda Eder so I got
tickets to Linda's Christmas concert. I asked Maureen and her husband Jeff if they wanted to go and they did. I told her that
afterward we would go back to see Linda because I had written about her and we had also had her on our show already. So we
went back to see Linda for a quick hello. They took a picture and Maureen told Linda that she'd be interested in talking with
her about future possibilities. Obviously , we know that conversation led to some future possibilities, and now they're best of
friends.
VOICE: Did you watch Trail MIX?
KAREL: I did see Trail MIX, which was great! I actually have another idea for them that I desperately want them to do. I went
to Ireland and stayed at a place called Mount Juliet, which houses incredible stables. Aiden Quinn, Colin Farrell, and several
other actors who live in Ireland have horses there. I told Linda and Maureen that they really need to go to Ireland and do a
show from there. We'll see if they do, but when I was there I thought it would be a really great place to do another Trail MIX.
VOICE: The fans would love that! Do you remember the first time you heard Linda sing?
KAREL: It was JEKYLL & HYDE.
VOICE: What was your reaction?
KAREL: It's funny… we saw her in October in JEKYLL & HYDE at the Orange County Center for Performing Arts. Then for my
birthday, Andrew gave me every Linda Eder CD that there was, including the soundtrack from JEKYLL & HYDE. He told me he
had to go through great pains to get that one!
After JEKYLL & HYDE, we walked out saying that now we know how people felt when they walked out of FUNNY GIRL. I mean
we were mesmerized. The Orange County audience is very conservative, yet people were
ready to throw everything but their pants at her! [laughs] When she was singing 'A New
Life,' the mic went out and we barely knew! I told Andrew, 'That's Streisand… that's
Garland… that's a talent… that's something that doesn't exist in nature.' It's a freak, truly!
I've said on my show that extraordinarily talented people are freaks because if they
weren't, then we'd all be able to do it. We all can't, but these people can and they're
freaks… freaks in a good way. I mean even supermodels are freaks. If we all looked like
that, then they wouldn't be supermodels.
JEKYLL & HYDE was the most incredible experience. It's one of the things I look back on in
my life and say, 'I am so glad I was there.' I worked for Billboard for many years. I have
interviewed every major star in the world including Streisand. I have been at every concert
since I was 16-years-old because I wrote for papers. I've seen every major superstar from
Diana Ross to Madonna. When it comes to music, I have pretty much seen and done it all
and written about it along the way. In my lifetime, there are very few moments in that
space… in that time. When I saw JEKYLL & HYDE, truly it was the most incredible thing. The
next time Andrew and I saw Linda was about a year later. She was at The Wiltern. Andrew
was a rocker, so the fact that he would listen to Linda Eder really spoke to me of her talent.
Andrew actually gave up tickets to the absolute 'final' tour of Streisand at The Staple
Center. They had sent me two $3,000 tickets for the main floor in front of Sidney Poitier
and behind James Brolin, and he wouldn't go. He told me to let somebody else, someone who would appreciate it more than
he would, go! Yet with Linda Eder, he would never miss one of her shows… never. I remember a time when we were at a
concert and she sang 'Don't Rain On My Parade.' I remember Andrew saying, 'Oh, no, she's not!' At the end of the song, he
was the first one to jump to his feet and say, 'Oh, yes, she did!'
VOICE: Isn't it simply amazing how powerful her voice is?
KAREL: It certainly is. And in my lifetime, I am so grateful to have been exposed to not just Linda's voice, but also to have
interviewed her… actually I can't count the number of times I've interviewed her. She's just so great! In fact, in my media kit
there's a piece of video (and you can watch it on the Web). I was at her hotel interviewing her before one of her Wiltern dates
after Andrew's death, and 'If I Had My Way' was out. I asked her, 'If you had your way, what things would be different, but not
in the world… in your life?' Linda said, 'No one's ever asked me that before.' I said, 'Honey, that's my job.' She really didn't
have an answer… she was really happy with the way things were. Linda's such a gracious person to take the time out after
sound check to sit down and do interviews. She always tries to come out to the stage door and talk, as you know. You just
don't see that graciousness among people that talented, especially when I know, as I'm sure you know, that she'd rather be
back at her house with her kid and her horses! So to take that kind of time shows that she really 'gets it'… what this business
is about and what it takes to succeed in it.
VOICE: It's a tough business!
KAREL: Without question! The bane of my existence at Billboard and everywhere else is
that Linda doesn't sell more records. I remember every time I'd do an interview for
Billboard, I'd also have to talk to the record companies. I would talk to the record company
executives when she was at Atlantic and tell them that I didn't want them to drop her
because I love her records. Also Linda has a very strong fan base with a big following, and
it was always my goal to expose her to as many people as possible. But when you have this
fabulous secret (in other words gay people especially and others have known about her for
years and years), she's almost like our fabulous secret. I don't want her to be a secret
because she can out sing any of these divas who call themselves divas today. I could put
her on the same stage as Mariah Carey, and she's not only going to keep up, she's going to
leap right over her. So to know that and to know the business as I know it, and to know
she's got the voice… she's got the looks (she's a beautiful woman), it makes me wonder
why she isn't selling more records and it boggles my mind. So whatever record comes out,
I always try to do what I can.
VOICE: Like what?
KAREL: One of the things I try to do with my radio show (because talk radio doesn't like
entertainment topics and my bosses prefer that I don't do them) is include some entertainment topics. You never hear Rush
Limbaugh talk for an hour with some celebrity he likes. With my listeners, I feel that if you just pound them with politics and
world events every single hour, they're going to get bored. My listeners also know that when I really love something, I really
want to talk about it. And since it's my show, I will. So that's how Linda has been incorporated into our talk show. They never
did celebrity interviews on KFI, but yet I had Linda on our show. On KGO they don't do celebrity interviews, but I have Linda
on my show. I think it's because the people who listen to talk radio also can recognize good music. If I can open Linda up to
250,000 to 300,000 people who are listening to me at that moment, then I want to do that. I just want everyone to hear that
voice.
VOICE: Do you have a favorite Linda song or album?
KAREL: Well, that's like saying what's your favorite food! I have four songs that are staples for me just because of the time of
my life when they happened. 'A New Life' is something that I'll never forget because it was the finale in JEKYLL & HYDE and it
was incredible. It was recently important in my life after losing Andrew five years ago. We were never apart five days in 12
years. Even though I have a great life, sometimes I feel like I need a Part Two, and that song really speaks about a Part Two.
'Vienna,' I just love it for the instrumental bridge and the power that comes back. 'If I Had My Way' still can make me cry just
because I saw Linda do it right after 9/11. It moved her and it moved me. Since I do a talk show where I have to talk about
the atrocities in the world each and every week, the sentiment of 'If I had my way, things would be different. Terror wouldn't
come from a sky so blue,' is very poignant. It's an incredible, incredible song. There are so many songs. 'Gold'… I love 'Gold.' I
hope CAMILLE CLAUDEL ends up being produced one day on a bigger basis. I think it's a great song and a great concept. It
speaks to my life because I look back on my life. I've had pretty incredible things happen… from being a nobody who was
homeless at one point in my life… to having CNN call and send a car because they want me to comment on this, that, or the
other thing… to being in love with Andrew for 12 wonderful years and having his niece and nephew now live with me… to
having a family because of Andrew. I truly have 'touched the gold,' and that gives the song a whole other meaning… because
life is fleeting.
I remember two days before Andrew died, I was in the yard and Andrew was watering
plants in the garden. I thought, I may never become 'Barbra Streisand famous' and I don't
know where my life is going to go now… but I have everything I need (my four dogs that I
adore, one cat, two chickens, and a rabbit, most of which we got when Andrew was alive).
Andrew was watering and there were little chickens running around and the dogs were
laying out there. I took a picture of it, and my very good friend, Karen Dittman, has made
an enormous painting of it. In that moment, I thought if it were all to end tomorrow,
everything in the world I need is right here. I have a man who loves me, a family, dogs, a
beautiful garden, a beautiful home. I think that Linda has gotten to feel the same way. I
never talked to her about it, but maybe I will some day. No matter what level of success I
achieve, my life's been pretty good so far. I think it just gets better in degrees. In other
words, it's always good, it just gets better… the trappings get better. You can be happy in a
$500,000 home and suddenly you're happy in a $1,000,000 home. The trappings get
better, but the emotions don't. The things that make you happy are still the things you
love, and those things don't change. So I think I 'touched the gold,' but it is fleeting. At one
moment I was able to touch it, but then it was gone. That doesn't mean that I can't touch it
again, or grab it, or have it. I realize now that I have touched it, so 'Gold' really does speak
to me and I always cry when I sing it. I have the wonderful pleasure of singing it because I
used to be a singer. I can sing along with the greatest antidote in the world. It's so much
fun because there's nothing like putting on 'Vienna' and 'Gold' and 'A New Life' and just singing at the top of your lungs and
holding those notes. I may not sound as good as Linda doing it, but it speaks to my soul.
VOICE: Music does have healing powers… we hear stories time and time again from Linda's fans about how music has touched
their lives.
KAREL: I truly believe that music speaks to your soul. One day at work, my editor-in-chief walked up to me and asked me
why I wasn't singing. She said I usually sing every day, all day long. I told her I had just broken up with somebody (that was
before Andrew). She told me she knew something was wrong. I thought that was funny. People notice when I sing all the time.
When I'm not singing, they know something is wrong. After Andrew died, I didn't sing for the longest time. Music would play,
but I just wouldn't sing. All of a sudden, I started singing again one day and I felt better. And so it does speak to your soul.
When you have this great material to work with and a singer who you know is in the same moment as you are… invested in
the music, invested in the lyrics, invested in the sentiment at the same time you are… then it is really a magical experience.
It's like when you go to see Linda, you realize that what you get on record and in concert are the exact same thing. With other
artists, their concerts in no way resemble their recordings. With Linda, she does the notes… she doesn't go down instead of up
(unless she has a cold). For the most part, Linda sings it just like it's meant to be sung.
VOICE: Most of the time Linda far surpasses her recordings.
KAREL: Anita Baker told me once to never put your best stuff on the record first because when you go out there and do it live,
they're going to expect you to do the exact same thing. Secondly, it leaves you nowhere to go when you go out and do a live
show. She told me that you should be great on a record but not to be your ultimate best. Save that for a live show.
VOICE: That's excellent advice, for sure! Let us ask you this… Linda is currently doing a tour with Michael Feinstein of all
duets. Having such an extensive rolodex of celebrity 'friends,' and being a singer yourself… have you ever ventured a duet with
one of the stars?
KAREL: That's so funny that you asked that! [laughs] I remember when I interviewed Linda once... I told her I interviewed
every major superstar in the world, and I had never once asked to sing with them. I told
her it's my goal to sing a little song with her. She asked me which one I wanted to sing,
and we just sat there and sang it. I have to tell you that it was one of the highest points of
my life.
VOICE: What did you sing?
KAREL: 'If I Had My Way.' We were at her hotel and I told her that song was just
incredible. She just started singing, 'Long ago and far away.' All of a sudden, I jumped in
and it was really wonderful. We didn't sing the whole thing, but it was just so cool.
VOICE: That does sound quite incredible.
KAREL: Yes, and the great thing is there's still more to come.
VOICE: The best is yet to come, as they say.
KAREL: It's been really incredible to surround myself with such wonderful people, and Linda is one of them. I am so blessed to
have shared in her talent.
I did an autograph signing once, and many people brought Anastasia because I adore her. If you don't know who she is, find
her and love her. You can only get her stuff basically through Europe, even though she's from LA. I was going to do a show
called 'Soon To Be Divas Live,' and I'm still pitching it to several networks. I wanted Linda for my first show because I find so
many talents like Linda and Anastasia. Anastasia's from LA… she's sold 30,000,000 albums in Europe, and she's only sold
250,000 albums in the United States. She can't go anywhere in Europe without being swamped and mobbed. Here she can
drive right down the middle of Hollywood Boulevard and nobody would even know who she was. I would do a show where
Linda would come out for 15 minutes, and Anastasia would come out for 15 minutes. Each week I'd present people like this.
It's such a crime that around Christmas time people don't know the best version ever, ever in history of 'Do You Hear What I
Hear?' is Linda Eder's version. There is no better version on the planet, and there's not a better Christmas album made out of
all the Christmas albums that exist. The best Christmas album on the planet is Linda Eder's.
VOICE: It does make a wonderful Christmas gift!
KAREL: It is the best Christmas album ever made. The arrangements are incredible… the
vocals are incredible. When the whole tribal thing starts, you know 'Said the King to the
people everywhere,' and then you hear that huge voice just bust over, it's beyond belief. I
listen to it when it's not Christmas. I listen to it in June or July… 'The Little Drummer Boy,'
'Silent Night,' 'Ave Maria,' which was my mother's favorite song (I sang it for her at her
funeral). You know it's been a bad five years. I lost Andrew and then three years later I lost
my mom. Music saw me through… Linda's music, and I don't think she knows. As a talk
show host, I get so many people who come to public appearances or send me e-mails that
tell me how I have completely changed their lives, changed their opinion, changed their
viewpoint, made them vote a different way, made them come out to their parents. They
have really made life changes because of me. I can't fathom that because I'm not that type
of person. When I went through my grief over losing Andrew and over losing my mom, I
did shows every weekend and would talk about nursing home care and long term planning
because my mom died in a nursing home. I still get hugs… people just walk up and hug
me. I try to understand that… I'm humbled by that. But yet I can't fully understand it. I
don't think Linda realizes it fully in her heart. I don't think she really knows. After Andrew
died and I was so very by myself, when I heard 'Gold' it gave me a reason to feel better for
that moment, genuinely better. I would actually then be able to go on with my day and not
fall into a huge deep depression. I don't think we're supposed to understand it. I don't think
Linda's supposed to get that. I don't think that any artist is supposed to fully understand it
because it would change the way you would do things. I just think it's a remarkable thing that in sharing her gift, Linda can
touch so many people in ways that she will never be able to understand. I think the most beautiful thing about her is that her
music can touch you in such a special way. It will not be Christmas to me if I don't hear her album, and I don't think she
understands that. But it is good because it keeps her focused on her work and the same with me.
I can tell you this from an entertainer's viewpoint. I have people who moderate my chat room for me because I can't possibly
do that while I'm on air. I have message boards on my Web site that are moderated by volunteers. I do my Web site myself.
I'm a control freak, but I have people who have offered to help me with it. I might be doing a TV show now for CNN… it's all in
the works. In the next few years, you might be seeing a whole lot more of me internationally. When it gets to that point, I'm
not going to be able to sit there and do the Web site every day. It means so much to me that I have people in my world who
aren't there because they get to hang around me all day. They are there because they like what I do and they like the way I
do it. They just genuinely want to help. You don't know how much people like you mean to entertainers because you're
genuine. When it's people like you who really like what we do and want to give of their talents… your Web talents, your writing
talents, the other talents you possess… it means so much. I think that THE VOICE is a wonderful thing. I had a newsletter for a
while. I couldn't write it all by myself, and I couldn't find anybody to do it so I just let it go. THE VOICE is such an important
aspect of keeping Linda's name out there… keeping her visible and exposing her to new people. I will tell you, it's just so nice
to have that kind of support from people who don't want anything from you except to share in your talent. They're really there
to try to give of their talent. Art is collaborative and it takes people like you and Linda and all of us to make art. If we don't
have everybody doing all these little things, then it's not art. You have to have that support around you that insulates you, and
so I would like to say thank you on behalf of Linda and every other artist out there who have people like you who are really
genuine and really supportive.
VOICE: Linda's fans are certainly supportive!
KAREL: And that's amazing. When Linda gets off a plane and walks into a room, you have a little applause for her. You don't
know how her day has been and it means so much to have that support. And I truly speak from experience. When Andrew
died, I was in shock needless to say. I got over 20,000 e-mails and 10,000 cards and letters. I have a whole trunk full of them,
and I cry when I just think about that. He touched so many people and when he died, all these heterosexual couples were
sending me cards saying they wished they had the same love Andrew and I had. I can't tell you how that helped me get
through that time… the support of people who were Karel fans. They were really just my friends… people who help with the
Web site, help with whatever. But they were there for me. They offered to answer e-mails for me, opened the cards and then
gave them to me. That saved my life, so what you guys do is so important. I appreciate it because I read all about Linda in
THE VOICE, and then I can talk about it on the radio.
VOICE: We can thank you for being a part of THE VOICE now.
KAREL: Since JEKYLL & HYDE I was hooked. I decided that as long as I had a voice whether it's on radio or TV, I will do
everything in my power to make sure Linda Eder is known. I want people to see her, talk about her, and love her as much as I
do!
VOICE: Thank you again for taking the time to speak with us, Karel.
KAREL: Thank YOU! Feel free to keep me in the loop with news of Linda.
Learn more about Karel (or perhaps pick up his book!) at his Web site
www.karelchannel.com
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
Home Page
EDER-tors' Notes
Andy Ezrin
Trail MIX
Pets Alive
Two For Review
On The Air
Guest Reporter
Contest
Fan Corner
We all know and revere Linda Eder as the unparalleled talent who
touches our hearts with her musical ability. Many of us have also
had the opportunity to encounter her personality; on-stage as she
banters with the audience between songs; and off-stage as she
signs autographs, gets photographed and offers advice to her fans
on how to get the best picture with their cameras (She's a whiz
with the Canon Powershot!).
In an industry, which generally measures success by the dollar
sign, I've often wondered how Linda has managed to remain true
to herself and full of integrity. Much to my delight, I had the
opportunity to see Linda in a different venue. On May 11th, 2006,
Linda received an honorary degree (Associate in Arts) from Central
Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd, MN. In addition to receiving a
degree, Linda was asked to address the graduates in the esteemed
role of commencement speaker. Instead of captivating the
audience with the big notes, Linda infused honesty, humor and
wisdom to share her philosophy of life with the graduates. In the
process of imparting knowledge and during an interview after the
Fan and VOICE Guest Reporter Heather Hunt and Linda Eder
ceremony, Linda answered some of my questions about what
motivates her and how she continues to come out on top in her career and personal life.
It's no secret that when the beginning of Linda's college career intersected with the opportunity to pursue her music career,
she chose the latter, leaving Brainerd Community College (now CLC) to perform on a regular basis in Minneapolis. As Linda
accepted her honorary degree, she joked that her parents never thought they would see the day when their middle child
obtained a college degree. In fact, after the ceremony, Linda's mother, Laila Eder, teased that she figured her chances were
higher of getting struck by lightning than ever seeing Linda in graduation garb, let alone giving the speech.
Joking aside, Linda values and respects the power of education. In fact, Linda and her family have established the Eder Family
Scholarship in collaboration with the Central Lakes College Foundation to help students in the Brainerd Lakes Area finance their
education. It is evident that, even though Linda's own college experience was cut short, her education did not stop when she
left Brainerd. Her experiences in "the business" have helped her discover realities about herself and the world through trial and
error. Throughout her career, Linda has learned that you have to know yourself and know your capabilities to achieve what
you want. In order to best capitalize on her natural gifts, Linda has learned to surround herself with people who are good at
being "finishers." She realizes that she needs people who continue to push her through the process and, more importantly, she
is not afraid to admit that she needs those supportive people in her life.
One such person became important while Linda was a teenager. Linda's vocal
talent was evident early, but her shyness and stage fright prevented her from
sharing it with many people. To overcome her fears, she opened herself up to a
challenging, but rewarding, mentor relationship with her high school choir
conductor. It wasn't always pleasant to be pushed and stretched in that way, but it
certainly paid off, as over time her audience grew from appreciative farm animals
to applauding concert goers at Carnegie Hall.
Linda acknowledged that, while the beginning and end of the journey receive all
the glory, the middle of the road typically gets overlooked. But it is this work, the
day-to-day, behind the scenes efforts that no one applauds, which truly leads to
self-discovery and growth. In an interview after the ceremony, Linda recalled that
the 10 years it took to get JEKYLL & HYDE to Broadway was a clear example of the
middle of the road. She credits the exuberance of the people involved in the
project for helping her to quell the doubt that occasionally crept in. Finishing the
NYC Marathon was a great source of pride for Linda, yet she admitted that she
couldn't have done it without the support of one of her good friends who kept Linda from succumbing to tempting food along
the way (i.e. Hamburgers and Margaritas).
One aspect of her career that is unavoidable and not always pleasant is the critics.
Although Linda admits that the words can still sting, she has learned to capitalize
on critics' responses to her work without compromising her vision for herself.
Instead of being paralyzed by difficult reviews, Linda uses them to gain insight on
areas where she can improve and to capitalize on areas she knows are her
strengths. While it is true that fear is often a motivating factor in success, Linda
feels strongly that fear should not hinder your willingness to try. Facing your fears
head on and working through the "negative voices of reality" have not only kept
Linda in the game, but have contributed to her ability to reflect and change course
if necessary.
Lucky for her fans, Linda was able to acknowledge her talent and define her dream
of becoming a professional musician. This sense of self-awareness has helped Linda
throughout her career. Instead of considering herself lucky, Linda asserts that the
way you present yourself and utilize the skills of others are key to realizing your
dream. As she stated, "Luck is the world responding to the energy you're putting
out." Although Linda admitted to being nervous about writing a speech and feeling pressure to make an impact on the
graduates, their laughter, enthusiastic nodding heads and smiles were clear indicators that her energy, honesty and humor
made a real impact on the audience… and she didn't even sing a note!
**Special acknowledgement and thanks to Diane Scearcy of the Central Lakes College Foundation 1) for her role in getting Linda back to Brainerd for a
concert and, 2) for making it possible for the author to attend the ceremony and reception. Thanks, Diane!
(Above commencement photos by Steve Waller, Assistant Director of Marketing & Public Information at Central Lakes College)
The text of Linda's insipational address to the graduates follows...
"When I was asked to speak at this graduation my first reaction was why me? I'm just a kid. Then I remembered that a few
years have passed since I went to this college. Too many years have passed. But they have been really good years, and
maybe that is why I was asked to speak.
I still had some moments of panic. What would I say? What could I possibly say that would not be forgotten a few minutes
after walking out of this room? So I thought back over some of the speeches that I had heard in my life, and the truth was
that I couldn't remember most of them. I remembered how uncomfortable the seats were, the clearing of throats, the fact that
it was usually too hot, but I didn't remember the speeches. Mother nature has given mankind an amazing ability to forget. It's
a blessing in times of sadness and pain, but most of the time it's a curse.
I may not remember most of the speeches, but every now and then I would hear something that would stay with me. So I
wrote something down and I can only hope that somewhere in it you might find that one thing that causes a spark that doesn't
just burn out a few hours after you walk out of here.
I have been asked many times over the years, 'How do you get into show business?' My answer was always the same. 'I have
no idea; it sort of fell in my lap.' But somewhere along the way my answer started to change. I started to have an answer.
I honestly believe …
The hardest part of getting what you want is knowing what it is you really want.
It sounds simple but it's not. Oh, it's easy to think, 'I want to do this or I want to do that.' But unless you can actually imagine
it in detail, then you don't really understand what it is and have no way of knowing how to get it.
I believe that if you really know what it is that you want, then somehow you rearrange the world around you to
make it happen. What feels like luck is really just the world responding to the energy that you are putting out. But to do that
you have to know what it is you want… and you can't want it just a little.
I knew what I wanted to be when I was eight years old. It was 1969. That's the year I 'Woke Up.' It's the year that I can
clearly remember writing in the upper right hand corner of all my school papers, and it's the year I first watched Judy Garland
sing 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' in the Wizard of Oz. A shy eight-year-old kid from Minnesota found her PASSION. I
wanted to be a singer, and it didn't matter that I was too shy to sing in front of anyone except our three cows, two horses and
a sheep named Clara.
I'm not here to promote show business. Far from it.
The single most important thing that I can say tonight is…
FIND YOUR PASSION.
It doesn't matter what it is. Producing a three-legged chicken, designing a better toothpick or running for President. The most
important thing is to FIND YOUR PASSION because it's the spark that's going to fuel your life. It's going to get you up in the
morning and make you too excited to sleep at night. It's your single best defense against apathy and boredom. It's the
antidote to Pay Per View, Infomercials, Soap Operas, and Reality TV.
FIND YOUR PASSION AND DREAM BIG.
Don't be afraid of the brass ring. If I had announced to the kids in my 9th grade math class that one day I was going to make
record albums, fly around the country giving concerts, star in a Broadway show and sell out Carnegie Hall, they would have
laughed me right out of the class room. (I'm sure my math teacher was probably hoping I could sing because I certainly wasn't
any good at math.) Carnegie Hall was my dream. Maybe because it was a concert hall so famous that its name reached the
ears of a kid growing up in Garrison, Minnesota. (You have to multiply the entire population of Garrison 16 times in order to fill
Carnegie Hall.) I may have had to use a calculator to figure that out, but I have now played Carnegie Hall four times.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE IF YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS YOU WANT AND YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR IT.
Maybe all the parents and teachers will cringe at this next remark, but I'll say it anyway.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT REALITY.
Reality sounds like a nice word, but think about how it is so often used.
'You have to face reality…'
'I know you WANT this but the reality is…'
'You have to face the reality of the situation…'
'You have to live in the real world…'
I'm not saying live in fantasyland. I'm saying don't worry about reality. Reality is something none of us can run away from
anyway. It always grabs hold of you around the age of 40. So run ahead of it for as long as you can.
DON'T LET REALITY BE A NEGATIVE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD.
If I had listened to that negative voice, I wouldn't have pushed myself through all the difficult and sometimes scary moments
that led me to the next step.
In 1997, I decided to run the New York Marathon. I had done a lot of distance running my life, but the 'reality' was that…
I was 36.
I was working eight shows a week on Broadway.
I hadn't done much running in a few years,
and my knees were already starting to bother me
because of all the running I had already done in my life.
During the months of training, I discovered how loud that negative voice of reality can be. As I ran, this nagging voice in my
head would say,
'Why don't you stop?'
'You don't really want to do this.'
'You don't need to do this.'
'You can't possibly run 27 miles.'
'Why don't you run into that restaurant over there and have a hamburger and a margarita!'
The reality is… most people never run a marathon.
The voice repeated those statistics every step of my training.
I ran the New York Marathon with my best friend. She likes to talk; I like to listen. She talked nonstop for 27 miles loud
enough to drown out that negative voice. We ran in the pouring rain, and finishing that race was one of the most
satisfying moments of my life.
I don't know that I could have done it alone.
FIND SOMEONE WHO SHARES YOUR DREAM.
Find a friend to help motivate you. Find a mentor to help guide you. There are very few things in life that can be done alone so
find someone who shares your dream. No matter what it is. There is someone else dreaming of that three legged chicken, so
find them.
Don't let reality be a negative voice in your head.
Don't let it get in the way of your dream.
DON'T LET SOMEONE ELSE TELL YOU WHAT YOUR DREAM SHOULD BE.
I recently spent some time with a young 17 year-old girl who wants to do musical theater. This girl is tiny for her age, and
there is not really anything about her that says theater performer let alone theater star. She didn't get a part in the school
play this semester; they have her doing props backstage, stage crew. But she has a passion for theater that burns so hot that
she can hardly sit still, and it isn't up to me or anyone else to extinguish the fire in her eyes.
You can't be afraid to fail. If you're afraid to fail, then you can't really succeed because you will always be playing it safe and
the best apples are always on the highest part of the tree. Up there where that brass ring is hanging.
That 17 year-old girl will succeed. It may or may not be on the stage, but because she is pursuing a passion, she is alive with
a light and an energy that is going to bring positive things into her life.
I'm NOT always great at this next point, but I know how important it is.
FINISH WHAT YOU START.
Most of the really successful people that I know are people who are finishers. It is so easy to start things. (I start things all the
time. I'm an idea person.) It's much harder to finish them.
Everyone knows the saying, 'The Journey Is Everything!'
That's because most of the fun is really the process of getting there.
But you won't get anywhere in your journey unless you finish the steps along the way.
Beginnings get all the excitement.
Endings get all the glory.
It's the hard work in the middle that knocks a lot of us out of the running. So finish what you start.
BE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF TIME.
On my 9th birthday, my Mother said something to me that I will never forget. She said, 'Well, you will never be 8 again.' She's
probably cringing right now, but she actually did me a favor. From that moment on, I was always aware of the passing of time.
Time flies…
That's a knowledge that older people are endlessly trying to make younger people understand. Trying and failing. But think
back to grade school when summer vacation seemed to last a lifetime. The point is that if you have a dream and a passion to
make it come true, then don't wait and don't waste too much time because dreams take work and work takes time.
You never know where you are going to hear something that stays with you. A few years ago, I was taking a limo service to
the airport and I was chatting away with the driver (because I'm from Minnesota and people from Minnesota are friendly), and
at the end of the ride he told me his secret to a happy life. He said the secret to a happy life is three things:
SOMEONE TO LOVE
SOMETHING TO DO
AND SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
It seemed very simple, but the more I thought about it the more I realized how right he was.
I WISH ALL OF YOU A HAPPY LIFE.
FIND YOUR PASSIONS.
LIVE YOUR DREAMS.
FIND SOMEONE TO SHARE YOUR PASSIONS AND DREAMS WITH.
BE AWARE OF THE PASSING OF TIME
AND HOW PRECIOUS YOUR LIFE TRULY IS."
(For a limited time, click on any of the above images to watch a video (.wmv) of Linda's speech!)
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
We've all been known to get a little dressed up to attend a Linda concert, right? With THE VOICE Summer 2006 Contest, we
asked you to get just a little more creative and design your very own unique Linda-themed tee-shirt!
We're thrilled to present the semi-finalists in THE VOICE "Beau-TEE-ful Fashion" contest. And now, the ultimate grand-prize
winning design will be decided upon by you, Linda's fans, in a public vote! Click on the links below the design you like the most
to e-mail us your vote for a winner! (one vote per e-mail address please). Vote by Friday, December 1, and keep an eye on
THE VOICE section of the message at lindaeder.com for further announcements.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of our semi-finalists! And Good Luck... let the voting begin!
Sisters and Fans Jill Beechly of Florida and Sandy Ostrander of New York ...
Jill tells THE VOICE, "The night before I was to fly to Schenectady for the
concert at Proctors Theatre, my sister emailed me and asked how quickly
I could embroider two T-shirts (no pressure there). Well, I was able to
get them done in time!"
To vote for the sisters' hand-stitched design, CLICK
HERE!
Sisters and Fans Treia Krieger and Mary Vesci of Illinois...
Treia tells THE VOICE that Linda was delighted by her and her sister's
matching ensemble! The sleeves on Treia's shirt read "#1 Fan" and
Mary's read "Me Too!"
To vote for the sisters' clever creation, CLICK HERE!
Fan Judi Mc Cabe of New Jersey...
To vote for Judi's fun fashion, CLICK HERE!
Fan Robert MacLean-Wood of Florida...
Robert tells THE VOICE that Linda was
thrilled to autograph his creation...
featuring a rather striking image of her! It is
now framed and hangs on the wall as one of
his prized possessions!
To vote for Robert's striking shirt,
CLICK HERE!
Judi's design was artistic, imaginative
and fun! The shirt features a photo of
Linda wearing a hat embroidered "Eder
Bus Company" and a cartoon drawing of
a bus (by Judi) with Linda at the wheel
and Judi and other Eder-fans along for
the ride! At left, Judi poses with Scott
and Lisa McDougall, two of her fellow
"passengers!"
Fan friends Amanda Hudson and Lisa Gwasda of New York...
These New York City gals appreciate good
music when they hear it... and proved it!...
by showing love for Linda AND the band!
According to Amanda, she and Lisa designed
these shirts one evening when they were
"feeling silly," but they were quite a hit at the
concert!
To vote for these friend's
appreciative attire, CLICK HERE!
Fan Robin Batastini of Alabama...
Robin has been designing "Linda shirts" for YEARS!
She tells THE VOICE, "Basically, I wanted to create a shirt for any
special Linda trip for me to remember the event and I wanted to
share those shirts with various people at the events, so that they
could have a 'unique' souvenir as well. My intention was to
always create something different that most people might enjoy
having. I did no certain number of shirts for any event... it was
determined usually by my checkbook balance! The only people
that always got a shirt were Linda and the people closest to her.
It was my small way of thanking her for the happiness she
brought into my life. When I’d get stumped for the 'right thing' to
embroider on the shirts I had a couple of reserve 'brains' to help
me out and that in itself always proved to be good for a few
laughs!"
To vote for Robin's do-good FANtastic designs,
CLICK HERE!
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
Tracy Cusumano from New York writes…
It all started when my fiance got me front row tickets to Linda's show
in Westbury, New York. It's not a huge arena, so front row felt like I
was on stage with her! Linda started singing from backstage, and I got
a lump in my throat when they introduced her. Linda and Michael
began singing together, and it was amazing! Their voices blended
together in perfect harmony. Linda makes every note seem effortless.
She is an amazing talent, but I think what touches the audience the
most is her kind spirit. Her eyes "smile" into the crowd! She is so
appreciative and humble, qualities that some talented performers
seem to lack.
Linda and I made eye contact many times during the show, mainly
because I couldn't stay in my seat! After each song, I stood for her
and clapped! Linda and Michael received countless standing ovations
during the night, and the concert was a huge success! Linda sang a
few songs alone and treated the crowd to "Don't Rain On My Parade"
and "Man Of LaMancha," in addition to songs from her new CD, BY
MYSELF. While you're at a Linda concert, time seems to fly by and the
end of the night was upon us.
It was announced that Linda was signing copies of the new CD, and I
immediately got on line. I was planning on waiting outside the stage
door in the rain, so the fact that I could wait inside and still meet her
was the best thing in the world! I waited patiently to meet Linda, and
all the while my heart was racing. Finally I got up to meet Linda. She
looked up at me and said, "Hey, I remember you from the audience!
You're a singer."(I guess she knew that because I was in the front row
dancing in my seat with the songs, while most sat still in their chairs).
I replied nervously, "I am." I tried without much success to put a
The first meeting of Fan Tracy Cusumano and Linda
sentence together. After years of idolizing Linda and singing along to
each of her songs, here I was face to face with "The Voice!" Linda stood up next to me, and we got cheek to cheek and
took a picture. Since my hand was on her back, Linda told me, "Oh, goodness, you're shaking!" I hugged her because I
didn't know what else to do! I could only whisper to her, "This is the greatest moment of my life!" I floated all the way
home! It took a few days to sink in that I had finally met my idol, and it is something I will treasure for the rest of my life!
Not long after my first meeting, I had the privilege of being at the reading for THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE. I
attended the reading with my friend Gabriella. Between the both of us, we traveled about 16 hours to get to see Linda
perform in the reading of the first act. We traveled by train first and then by car. We sat in traffic all the way into New
Jersey, but we packed about six Linda CDs and we knew nothing would keep us from getting there. There is nothing like
singing along to Linda Eder with your good friend while stuck in traffic! Every minute of traveling was well worth it! The
show was amazing, and the cast was powerful and funny. I am so glad I was able to be there to see it. It definitely was a
"once in a lifetime" event that Gabriella and I will remember forever. Seeing Linda on stage again was so exciting, and she
proved that night that she really is "back where she belongs."
Joani Cohen from New Jersey writes...
Victoria Botwinick from New York writes...
Just got back from Linda's concert at Proctors Theatre. As
usual, she was the best! This was the first time that I
actually traveled to see Linda. I usually wait until she is in
my area… but quite frankly, once a year is not enough!
Linda looked just radiant. She dedicated a song to
someone special... could he be the reason? It was so nice
to hear some of my favorite songs added to the mix! I will
never tire of hearing her songs from the past. Just "ask"
the CD player in my car. It holds six discs, all of which are
Linda Eder! I laughed out loud at all of the chatter
between songs... things I could definitely relate to! By the
way, consider getting up at 6:30 a.m. a blessing... it gets
worse! Anyway, I look forward to my next exciting night
out to hear Linda on July 22 at The Westbury Music Fair.
Until then... keep singing!
I don't know if you will actually read this, but with the hope
that you will, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart
for your soulful music. I am in training for a 60 mile, threeday walk for breast cancer in Philadelphia in October, and I
don't leave the house without my iPod and your beautiful
voice! It gives me energy; it gives me hope; and it fills me
with strength to know I can do it! It has been six years since
I was diagnosed, and I am so very fortunate to be healthy
and able to live an incredible life. So I am helping raise
money through this walk for the Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation. Maybe we can find a cure! I wanted you
to know you are a part of my team and I am ever so
grateful. I live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and I have enjoyed
your concerts at the Lenape Performing Arts Center. I always
feel good when I hear your voice. We are all survivors, aren't
we? Be well, and be healthy!
Gabriella Greco from New
York writes…
Fan Gabriella Greco and Linda following the reading
of THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE
First, let me just say that the
weekend of August 19, 2006
will go down in the history
books without a doubt. I know
Tracy will more than agree.
After seeing THE SEDUCTION
OF SHEILA VALENTINE, it was
nice talking to you. It always
helps me put things into the
proper perspective: the chaos
that I've had to deal with for
the past few months, the 16
hours of travel between Tracy
and me, the traffic on the
George Washington Bridge,
missing our turn to the theatre,
the excruciating migraine that
unexpectedly hit during the
show, the scary guy at the 711, getting lost in the Bronx at
1 a.m. on the way home. It
was all worth it.
After everything that I have
been through these past few
months, I cannot thank you
enough! I would truly be lost
without you. You have been my
rock and support system
through everything. You are
always there reassuring me
that there is always a sunny
side to life. It will take a little
while for me to find the silver
lining, but because of you I
now know it's there and I am
no longer afraid. I hope that
when I do find the silver lining,
I will be able to share all the
wonderful things that are
waiting for me on the other
side of the rainbow.
Mary Harmon from California writes...
Linda's latest album is absolutely the best. Of
course, Judy Garland is one of my favorites, and
Linda doing an album of her songs was the
ultimate gift to all her fans. I just love her voice
and her as an individual.
Marianne Ling from Illinois writes...
I love Judy Garland. I thank Linda so much for
making my two favorite singers into one great CD.
My father likes it as well. He said that because he
was in choir with Linda her sophomore year. He
will always be her #1 fan in Crystal Lake, Illinois,
but now that he has passed the pleasure of
listening to Linda down to me, I think am her #1
fan in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Fan Michael Lichstein, Fan Toni Alterman,
and Fan/Seeing Eye Dog Yoshi with Linda
Fans Betty Duffy, Susan Cooper, Joan Johnson, Kris Johnson, Joanne Johnson, Beth
Cooper Zobott, Debbie Garner, and Carol Blalock, pose for a picture before Linda and
Michael's July 2006 concert in Illinois.
Fan Bob Montanye and Linda
Pat and Dick Cooper from New Jersey write...
This is only my second note to THE VOICE. We (my wife and I)
are anxiously looking forward to seeing you again at Feinstein's
next week (4/7). I had the great opportunity to meet you for the
first time in Atlantic City. I just wanted to try to express what
very few can accurately express. And that is the true depth of
the impact you have had on so many of our lives. I actually look
forward to the traveling I occasionally have to do because it
becomes my "time alone" with Linda. You can lift a person's
spirits for an entire day, simply with your phrasing, or with that
incredible sound that "takes off" like a rocket or a butterfly. God,
how I love "Vole Mon Ange!" Every album is better than the last
from the difficult STORYBOOK to the powerful BY MYSELF. I have
been a fan since the early 90s, but new to the on-line fan club.
We try to make every event within driving distance. I do get
emotional when I know an "event" is coming. And, we are really
glad you have teamed up with Michael. The Atlantic City show
was truly phenomenal! What a combo! We pray that you never
tire of touring. We know how tough it is for you, but we all love
you. God Bless!
Joyce Watson from Edinburgh, Scotland writes...
I live in Edinburgh, Scotland and I was totally knocked
out to hear Linda's "live" recording of "Man Of La
Mancha" two weeks ago on the radio. I had never
heard of her before but just could not get over how
fabulous her voice is. It was one of those "hairs
standing up on the back on my neck" moments. The
presenter of the radio show was Elaine Paige, one of
the UK's best musical stars, and at the end of the
song even she said, "Wow, I'm glad I'm not following
her on the bill!"
I checked out Linda's Web site and I'm now the very
happy owner of two CDs, BROADWAY MY WAY and MY
FAVORITE BROADWAY — THE LEADING LADIES and
I'm loving listening to them. I don't know if Linda has
ever given any concerts in the UK, but I hope she'll
consider it in the future or I'll just have to have a US
holiday to see her.
Fan Alan Pacquer and Linda
Fan Bob Rebl and Linda
Shelley Taylor from Ohio writes...
It's been quite a while, Linda, since I first heard you on Star Search
and echoed the same words to my husband that many people were
saying at that time. "This singer reminds me a lot of Barbra
Streisand." Being the huge Streisand fan that I was and still am and
recognizing that same quality in your voice, I instantly was drawn to
you. Needless to say, I was thrilled that you won.
Having a young child back then, my life seemed to be very busy and
I lost track of you. Then one day there was a newspaper article about
a show coming to town, and it raved about this singer who they
compared to... well, you know that famous singer. I just remember
thinking, "Yeah, right." The show came and went and I never
checked it out. Big mistake on my part! However, once again a
television show brought your voice back into my life. I will be forever
grateful that Rosie O'Donnell had you on her show that day. I had
the television on but was not really paying too much attention until
you started singing. I instantly stopped and then it all came together.
"Star Search," show coming to town with singer who sounds like...
and then… wow! Needless to say, I was thrilled that I caught up with
you again.
My young child had grown up, and off we went to New York to
celebrate her graduating from high school. As I sat in that theater
watching you sing your heart out in JEKYLL & HYDE, I couldn't have
Fan Shelley Taylor and Linda
been happier seeing you in person. I was only saddened when your
character had met her end because I knew that my evening of
hearing you was over at least for the moment. Since that time, I have tried to attend as many shows that are possible
for me. Some people, who will remain nameless, think I am crazy. Some people don't understand, but those of us who
are your fans understand completely. You don't have to explain yourself when you are among the fans of one of the
greatest and nicest singers around.
That young child of mine is now a young mother, and together we have some of our best times at your concerts. Her
children also are enjoying you and so does my mom. I guess it's safe to say you have reached four generations of my
family. Now that I am nearly twenty years older than when I first heard you, your voice is richer and if possible, even
more beautiful to enjoy. You making growing older a whole lot easier!
I hope there are many more years and opportunities ahead to enjoy your music. It's always a joy to watch you, and it's
twice as great being on the receiving end of your joy and happiness that comes through when you sing. I wish you
nothing but the best for you and your loved ones.
Jody Cosenza from Texas writes…
Mary Ann Taranto from Florida writes...
I admit that I had heard Linda's name and may have heard her in
JEKYLL & HYDE, but I had not heard one of her CDs until recently. I
am a decorative wall painter (faux finisher) and was on a ladder
going away when I heard Linda's BROADWAY MY WAY CD. I
immediately got down and asked my client who in the world this
singer was and asked myself why I did not have every CD she had
ever recorded. I hurriedly got on the Internet and ordered my first
CD of hers (BROADWAY MY WAY), and today I just got the BY
MYSELF tribute to Judy. I am thrilled and am in complete
agreement with the writer that Judy, Barbara and Linda and truly in
a class of their own. I have added Linda to my list of favorite
singers, too.
I love the fact that you let yourself and your
feelings be known on many levels. I enjoy what
you have to say. I moved to Texas two years ago
from Monterey, California. I have not been very
happy for none of my favorite performers seem to
put San Antonio, Texas on their tour cities except
Johnny Mathis. I'm planning to attend your concert
in Palm Desert on November 17, 2006 and plan to
get tickets when they go on sale in September. I
hope to be fortunate enough to get two. If you do
plan to have a concert in San Antonio, Texas, I will
spread the word and make sure everyone here
knows what an excellent talent you have and that
it is imperative that they see you perform. Break a
leg!
Jill Olthoff and Jeff Bankson from
Connecticut write...
The wait for the rescheduled
Feinstein's concert was well worth it! It
was by far the best listening
experience we have had in our many
years attending Linda's performances.
The venue, although small, was
perfect for the "new" Linda. It was so
intimate that you felt like she was
singing just to you! And, of course, the
opportunity to spend time with our
friends we have made through the
message board made it that much
more special for us. We look forward
to many more concerts in the months
to come and look forward to seeing
everyone, but especially Linda!
Fan Jill Olthoff and Fan Jeff Bankson with Linda
Ann Kotarski from Pennsylvania writes...
What a thrill to finally meet you! After getting front row tickets to your
concert in Red Bank, New Jersey, I never dreamed the night could get
better. Then at intermission I met some members of your fan club who told
me if I waited afterwards I might be able to see you at the stage door. I
know I probably rambled on and on, but whatever I said I meant to say
that I have found you to be inspirational to me. Your voice and your
delivery of music are just moving. You have an incredible way of giving
new meaning to old songs and making new ones unforgettable and
timeless. Meeting you was a pleasure and I now hang the picture proudly.
Thank you for your music and your voice. You are truly a remarkable
performer.
The first meeting of Fan Ann Kotarski and Linda
Rita and Ron Cowan from Florida write...
Several years ago, while on my treadmill very early in the
morning, I was clicking the remote for the TV and saw a
beautiful woman talking about her singing. Since I love
music, I stopped and watched. How fortunate for me that a
rerun of a prime-time interview with Linda Eder was being
shown at 5:15 a.m. As they played clips of her singing, I
was in awe at the depth, intensity and quality of her voice.
So began my "love affair" with Linda Eder. Within a couple
of days I had bought my first CD, BROADWAY MY WAY.
And, soon after that... another one. (I think I have them
all.) I found the Web site for Linda and bought tickets for
her show at the North Shore Theatre outside of Boston. My
husband liked her music, but after her first song he looked
at me literally stunned and uttered one word, "Wow!" We
have given so many of Linda's CDs to friends to spread the
word of this phenomenal singer and inspiration. We were
fortunate enough to get tickets to see CAMILLE CLAUDEL
starring Linda. Again, she was superb. All this took place
while living in Connecticut.
We moved to Florida 18 months ago, and I am delighted to
see that Linda will be performing in Clearwater in January
and plan to get tickets. We're hoping she makes the West
Coast of Florida a regular stop. At the first show we saw,
we fell in love with Linda's voice, but even more her warm
yet feisty personality. She's such a unique and special
person.
God bless.
Marsha Wolf from Virginia writes...
It appears I am a newly addicted fan of Linda Eder's. If
Linda were a potato chip, I'd weigh 800 pounds by now. My
husband and I saw her concert with Michael Feinstein last
month in our hometown here in Virginia. We were sitting
way in the back row of the concert hall so weren't able to
really see the performer's expressions, but the power of the
evening stays with me still.
I have never heard any singer wrap more honest emotion
around a lyric than Linda does. In watching the streaming
video posted on her Web site of Linda recording BY
MYSELF, it seems that she sort of loses herself within her
emotions. I love Leslie Bricusse's assessment of pairing
Linda with Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in "all three
phenomenal singers' ability to express heartbreak in their
voice. It makes the listener respond emotionally."
Another wonderful discovery after reading about Linda is
her testament that her performances are her job, but her
life is centered on her son. How refreshing. I own Talent
Link, one of the largest talent agencies in Virginia, and am
approached daily by a few desperate people willing to sell
their souls to be in the spotlight.
And finally, I must complement all involved in Linda's Web
site and THE VOICE. How generous of Linda to share her
thoughts in each issue. She is a very gifted writer who
appears so genuine. The entire Web site is easily
navigated, comprehensive, readable and engaging. During
the course of my business day, I must visit many
performers' Web sites. Linda's is one of the best I've seen.
Jamie Risedorph and Clarence Foss from New York
write...
We just saw Linda at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, New
York. We live in Johnstown,
New York. My husband and I were totally entranced and
thrilled with her performance. With a voice (and presence
and looks) like that, why isn't Linda a superstar? I mean,
Barbra and Judy were first, but why is it so few fans of
good music know who Linda Eder is? Maybe that's as she
wants it, which is fine. Linda, you are simply the best
female vocalist bar none. We love you.
Charles Beltram from Texas writes...
I was looking for some Jazz or some Easy Listening music
this evening and came across your albums on Rhapsody. I
have to say that I am just overwhelmed by the beauty of
your voice. I'm sure you hear it all the time, but you are
just magnificent! I'm shocked that I had never listened to
you before. But as I said, I am sure you have heard it many
times before, but I wanted to tell you.
Fan Gerry Cardwell (right of Linda) And Friends with Linda in Chicago
Fan Bill Budris with Linda and his mother, Fan Zena Budris
Baby Eder Fan Alexander Golden (just 7 weeks old) and Linda
Fan Annarose Foley and Fan Kelly Wolner with Linda
Donna Nicholson from Florida writes...
Music has always been important to me since I was a little girl. As with books,
music can take you to another place, another time, another emotion, even to
another plateau of spiritual awareness within your own soul! Linda's voice has
always helped me through bad times, and to her I shall always be grateful and
I will always adore her. Because of her, I have met many special people.
Meeting Linda at NJPAC was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I believe
that success in life is if one person has breathed easier because you have
lived, and in my case, that is true with Linda's voice and her talent that she
has graciously shared with all of us! God Bless Linda, and may she always
have and find the happiness that she deserves! I am just one in the million
who believes!
Fan Donna Nicholson and Linda
Lucille Sandal from Sykkylven,
Norway writes...
I live in Norway and very much enjoy
your (old) CD, IT'S NO SECRET
ANYMORE. I plan to be in the States
this Fall and Winter, and I was
disappointed when I saw your schedule
on your Web site that you will not be
in Northern California at any time. I
would like very much to hear you in
concert. You have an outstanding
voice, and your phrasing is
magnificent. Perhaps you will come to
Norway some day? Keep those vocal
chords in good shape.
Ken Stefin from Pennsylvania writes...
I thoroughly enjoyed both your performance with Michael Feinstein on Saturday,
August 12 at the Mt. Laurel Performing Arts Center in Bushkill, Pennsylvania.
I've been a fan since the beginning of your career. I was in the front row with
my 81 year-old Mom. You touched both of our hearts. I'm the guy who gave
you the orchid. I also contributed to your pet project. I'm a member of The
American Theatre Wing , The Drama League, and The New Dramatists. I was
one of the honorary producers of this year's luncheon honoring Chita Rivera. I
counsel women, men and children with cancer and fit them for wigs. I work with
all area hospitals and oncologists, and do a lot of volunteer work for the cancer
society. I love my job, but emotionally it can get to me. Music has always been
my comfort. Your "gift of song" truly inspires and makes life a pleasure. May
God always bless you.
Twins Deena and Donna Hugh-Yeun of Toronto, Canada
write...
Our message to
Linda is that she
brings her fans
much joy, and we
are happy to
represent her
Canadian fans. We
would love for her
to perform in
Toronto someday.
Fan Deena Hugh-Yeun (left) and Donna
Hugh-Yeun with Linda
Fan Jose Perez and Linda
Treia Krieger from Illinois writes…
I have never thought to write about a fan experience, but I just read the "last call" for items, and had only been thinking
of the t-shirt contest. Let me fill you in about our Linda and Michael concert in Chicago. I convinced my sister, who is a
fan, but not obsessed like I am, to decorate shirts to wear to Ravinia. I painted my van for the five hour road trip,
arrived two hours early for a prime parking spot, and still had to convince the parking lot attendants I had to park on the
end for my work and license plate to be seen. As my sister, Mary, and I walked around looking for the message board
banner, she is getting concerned no one has on Linda shirts and questioning our sanity for dressing alike. (Thank you,
Shawn and Todd for appreciating them.) We were in a food line when a couple spotted us and said, "I love your shirts,
and did you see the van in the parking lot?" I was thrilled to say it was mine.
At intermission, concert-goers approached us to ask about Linda and how we had heard about her. My sister now realizes
the stares from earlier are paying off. We were told Linda would not be able to come to the stage door after the concert
because of a prior charity commitment. After telling the security guard about the shirt contest, I explained that we
needed our photo with Linda. What an adrenaline rush to be invited to the hospitality room. We decided we must now be
in the secret handshake club. Linda was gracious as always and said our shirts were "tastefully done." I do wish Mary
and I hadn't melted so much in the heat and drizzle for this special picture.
I also want to share with everyone who has never had the pleasure of hearing Linda's conversation voice without a
microphone. She is so soft spoken that I have a hard time relating it to the same voice that is so powerful when she is
singing. Thanks for letting me share.
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
FUTURE ISSUE
THE VOICE IS BY THE FANS FOR THE FANS!
The Winter/Spring 2007 issue of THE VOICE is due out in March 2007. As always, we look forward to your submissions and
feedback.
We're especially interested in fan photos, short messages to Linda and suggestions for future articles. If you would like
to be a contributing reporter to THE VOICE, we welcome your reviews and fan stories for consideration.
We're also working on a few exciting features for upcoming issues of THE VOICE and WE NEED YOU!
Funny Faces On Film!
It happens to the best of us… you're posing for a photograph and then something goes awry! You sneeze, or you laugh, or
something else catches your attention. Suddenly, a rather funny moment is caught on film! Do you have a picture of Linda, or
anyone in the "Linda Eder musical family," where one of these funny faces appears? If so, we want to see your pictures/hear
your stories!
Getting To Know You
Ever wonder what Linda's favorite color is? Or her favorite flavor of ice cream? What about her favorite book or television
show? Does she prefer Winter or Summer? … if you've ever wondered about any of these little details, now if your chance to
ask! Submit your short "getting to know you," one- or two-word answer questions to be answered by Linda in an upcoming
issue of THE VOICE.
Please send submissions electronically to [email protected].
Or mail to:
THE VOICE
P.O. BOX 20180
BALTIMORE, MD 21284-0180
The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 1, 2007.
Please keep an eye on the Linda Eder Message Board for further announcements.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Volume 7- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2006
Printing Tips and Disclaimer
THE VOICE is best viewed electronically using Internet Explorer at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768. A special note about
viewing the newsletter online with AOL- if pictures appear blurred, distorted or are not loading, please try refreshing the page.
If pages are still not displaying properly, we recommend that you view the newsletter using an alternate browser.
If you would like to keep a copy of the Summer/Fall 2006 issue of THE VOICE for your personal Linda collection, we
recommend that you download the printable version (.pdf) which you can access from the bottom of any page in this issue.
If you would like to print individual pages directly from your Web browser, you may need to adjust your print margins, as
individual printers will vary by personal preferences/settings. To adjust print margins using Internet Explorer, go to “File” in
the menu bar, select “Page Setup,” and adjust the margins as appropriate (but be sure to remember your original settings
should you want to change the margins back!).
THE VOICE prints best with background colors enabled. To enable the printing of background colors in Internet Explorer, go to
“Tools” in the menu bar, select “Internet Options” and then click on the “Advanced” tab. Scroll to the “Printing” section and
check the box for “print background colors and images.” Click “Apply;” click “OK.”
If you are experiencing problems printing THE VOICE, please e-mail us and we will try to help you (if we can!).
THE VOICE is a non-profit publication that has been compiled by the fans of Linda Eder. Our sole purpose is to promote her
career, recordings, concert appearances, and to support and show appreciation for Linda Eder. By submitting materials to THE
VOICE, the submitter claims that materials are original works and are not otherwise copyrighted. The publisher reserves the
right to edit submitted materials. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher of
THE VOICE.
We would love to hear from you! Please write to THE VOICE at [email protected]
or feel free to share your comments in THE VOICE section of the Linda Eder Message Board.
The Voice is best viewed at 1024x768
© 2005-2006 Linda Eder & The Voice, All Rights Reserved