The repertoire for this debut show, stemmed from the songs I had heard from early childhood. When I was growing up our home was always filled with my father’s music–from the piano, radio and phonograph. I also heard great live music of every genre, but mostly Swing, Jazz, Classical, Opera and Negro Spirituals. This was before televison, the internet and streaming) In our home I learned the”Count of Basie” and the “Duke of Ellington” were royalty.
I have to tell a story through the lyrics every time I sing or select a repertoire. Perhaps it’s my stage training, but a song is a play in three acts–period. This particular story had to have been gritty and I wasn’t holding back. Check out the yards of organdy on this dress designed and made especially for my debut by my dear friend John Miller!
My Debut as a Cabaret Singer at a major mid-town Cabaret Room was me viewing myself as the “Singer” I had seen and loved in the One Night Club Scene from a Black and White Films or MGM Technicolor now being shown on Turner Classic Movies. I envisioned myself a cross between Lena Horne and Lauren Bacall! I worked with my first Musical Director, and a Trio; the Room was packed with a responsive audience of friends and I was asked back A new career began!
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