An unexpected snow day today - I thought about slipping into my Sorrel's and snowshoes , grab my poles and funky fleece hat to do some shooing on the rim above the lake, but decided against it, and went for playing vinyl albums on the vintage stereo console downstairs instead. I collect vinyl albums like some people collect coins, or stamps, or buttons. I have hundreds, and organize into genre - rock, pop, folk, country and musicals. Many are displayed in album frames and decorate the walls. While album covers are part of the attraction, the real pleasure comes from listening to the recording. Not too long ago I read an article about vinyl albums making a comeback, even some contemporary songsters are choosing to record on vinyl first as it has a more pure sound. I have many favorites, including Peggy Lee, Ella, Patti Page, Frank and Bing, Bobby Darin, Bobby Rydell, The Brother's Four and oh, so many more.
Today, starring on the turntable is the great Mary Martin - the famed Broadway star from the 1940's and 50's. Long before Julie Andrews and Mitzi Gaynor filled the role in movie versions, this Tony Award winner sang her way into the hearts of millions as Maria in The Sound of Music, Nellie Forbush from South Pacific and perhaps her most endearing -the legendary Peter Pan, teaching Wendy,Michael and John how to fly.
Musical story lifts the spirit and gladdens the soul. Think about Oklahoma, Gypsy, Camelot, Hello Dolly, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof. How wonderful it is to have these original recordings to listen to over and over again, and help us grow our own imagination
Today, starring on the turntable is the great Mary Martin - the famed Broadway star from the 1940's and 50's. Long before Julie Andrews and Mitzi Gaynor filled the role in movie versions, this Tony Award winner sang her way into the hearts of millions as Maria in The Sound of Music, Nellie Forbush from South Pacific and perhaps her most endearing -the legendary Peter Pan, teaching Wendy,Michael and John how to fly.
Musical story lifts the spirit and gladdens the soul. Think about Oklahoma, Gypsy, Camelot, Hello Dolly, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof. How wonderful it is to have these original recordings to listen to over and over again, and help us grow our own imagination
When I see that picture of Mary Martin, I'm reminded of when Nancy and I went to the Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd. in the early 80's. Sandy Duncan was Peter Pan. Of course we were up in the balcony in one of the back rows. We were up there as well when we saw Richard Harris in Camelot. Did you know he converted to Catholicism?
ReplyDeleteOver the years I've converted my LPs to mp3 via Amazon. I like being able to just select songs I like to download, rather than paying for a CD that I'll probably listen to only once. There is something romantic about the ticks and pops on LPs that grew on me over time, and actually became a part of the song. I have two that still have the original shrink wrap: Brahms' Requiem, by I-can't-remember-whom, and Still Crazy after All These Years, by Paul Simon, my college idol.
Speaking of comebacks, CBS' Sunday Morning had a feature about manual typewriters. We have two, both somewhere in the garage.
Thanks, Paul for sharing your memories of vinyl albums and musical theater & reminding me Sandy Duncan also portrayed Peter Pan in the early 80's... in my humble opinion, a role that singularly belongs to Mary Martin :)
DeleteAh...this takes me back to being a kid and getting my first record player. I could sit for hours and play my little collection over and over. Thanks for sparking a great memory Kathy!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember make of your first record player ? And what were some of the records in your collection ?
DeleteWhat great memories you write about..........it makes us all think about days long gone. thank you!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletejm