Kate Dudding: Voices From the Past: November, 2009

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This is the eleventh issue of Voices From the Past. My goal for each issue is to publish some highlights of one of my historical stories as well as an update on my activities. Please feel free to forward this e-newsletter to anyone you think might be interested.

Valuing the Opinions of Others

Photo of George Gershwin, age 37, 1936 George Gershwin was always asking the opinion of those around him about the music he was currently working on.

For example in 1930, six years after the debut of Rhapsody in Blue, George asked a 21 year old nightclub singer to his penthouse apartment on Riverside Drive overlooking the Hudson River. She was going to be in his next Broadway show, Girl Crazy, and he wanted her to hear the three songs she was going to sing. Ira Gershwin sang the lyrics he had written while George played the piano. After she had heard the songs, George asked, to her great amazement,

“Miss Merman, if there’s anything about these songs you don’t like, I’ll be most happy to change it.”

There is no record of Ethel Merman changing any part of those songs. When she sang the following song on opening night, she stopped the show and became a Broadway star:

I got rhythm, I got music. I got my man. Who could ask for anything more? I got daisies in green pastures. I got my man. Who could ask for anything more?

Ol' Man Trouble, I don't mind him. You won't find him 'round my door.

I got starlight, I got sweet dreams. I got my man, Who could ask for anything more? Who could ask for anything more?

George Gershwin -- a man who asked people for their opinions.

Here is some more information about George Gershwin.

News about me

If you want to hear more about George Gershwin, come to Story Sunday at the Glen Sanders Mansion on December 6 at 5 p.m. I'll be telling stories with Barbara Chepaitis about Kindred Spirits. Sometimes our lives are blessed by caring and sharing people who touch our hearts and change our lives. Hear a story about George and Ira Gershwin (where you can join in singing some Gershwin songs), a story about friendship, as well as other heartwarming tales. $30 per person, includes entertainment, three course dinner, tax and tip. Save $3 if you’re new or bring someone new to Story Sundays. (Only one discount per person.) Entrée choices this month: Brisket of Beef with Pan Gravy; Herb Crusted Panko Chicken; Orecchiette Pasta with Broccolini and Plum Tomatoes. Reservations: (518) 384-1700

I also have two free public performances in December:

  • Thu. December 3, 6:30 p.m.
    Sweaters and Mittens and Hats, Oh My! Stories about Knitting To celebrate Trumpet Hill’s third anniversary, I will share folktales, personal stories and an historical story on how Aran Island sweaters came to be -- all great 'yarns' not to be missed! FREE BONUS: I will hand out directions for a knitted Christmas ornament, a four-pointed star, as well as the story behind the ornament.
    Trumpet Hill....Fine Yarns & Accents , Rosewood Plaza, 501 New Karner Road, Albany, NY.

  • Wed. December 16, 1:00 p.m.
    Hanukkah Stories Sponsored by Upper NYS/Hadassah Capital District Chapter, I will share stories as part of the annual Latke party.
    Shenendehowa Adult Center, off of Vischer Ferry Road, Clifton Park, NY.

Thanks for reading this issue. I’ll be sending you some more story highlights in a few months.

 

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Copyright 2009 by Kathryn Eike Dudding. All Rights Reserved.

 


Kate Dudding (518) 383-4620
8 Sandalwood Drive kate@katedudding.com
Clifton Park, NY 12065-2700 USA
Home | Watch Kate Tell | What's New | Calendar | Stories | Bio
People From the Past Who Made a Difference
Adult Programs | Family Programs | School Programs | CDs | Free Newsletter
Articles | Reviews | Venues | Publications | Press Kit | Contact