The first 45rpm recording that I made for Ember Records was released in 1956. It was a kind of an up-beat Doo-Opp arrangement of a song called "If" (You want to be my baby), written by Sid Wyche, with the "B" side being a very pretty ballad called "Before You Say Goodbye".....(more Doo-Opp, and that ever repeating piano). You may remember that about four or five weeks ago I posted some pictures from that recording session....and here above is one of the pictures I didn't post, but that was taken during the course of that session, cigarette and all......I thought it might be fun for you to hear the those songs, plus the two other songs I recorded about two years later for Cambria Records, while looking at some pictures of me taken at the time...(some are what we called 'publicity photo's' back in the day...)So......
Here, below, are the four songs. Listen, read, and remember, it was the 1950's! Enjoy.
I look at these publicity photo's, like this one above, from that time and I think....'Who is that?'. I just do not relate to that person now, whoever she was....! Of course, I didn't feel that at the time....But I sure do now.....Here below is another picture which the record company ended up using on a postcard....It gave all the stats about the recording and it was something I could send out to all sorts of people.....
I was so young. And so naive in so very many ways.....Working nightclubs was a rude awakening for me about the "realities" of what it was really like to perform in these clubs, which were all pretty horrible....in fact, there is a good reason that they were called 'toilets'. The days of these kinds of Nightclubs and 'shows' seemed to have became totally passe.....I'm not sure when that happened, but it did. Even the better clubs----the "show rooms" in the great New York Hotels---The Persian Room at the Plaza; The Maisonette at The St.Regis; The Empire Room at The Waldorf Astoria----all gone. The only two Hotel Rooms that still exist in 'the city' from the old days are The Carlyle and The Algonquin....and the newer show room at The Regency Hotel, "Feinsteins", named after Michael Feinstein.....And there are still a very few small clubs in and around the city that are considered Cabaret Venues.....The tiny out of the way clubs, in and around New York City that I played, The Neck Inn, in Throgs Neck, NY, The Monte Carlo, in New Jersey, The Miami Club on Staten Island---(I played there 4 different times....), these and all the others are gone now. Each was an experience in it's own way and I got over a lot of my naivete pretty quickly working these rooms. The first day I was told I would have to "work the bar" kind of took all the romance out of singing in nightclubs, for me.
Another picture above from the 1956 recording sessions of "If" and "Before You Say Goodbye"......Sorry this is so dark, but some of these just are very dark....that's the way I got them....Doing a recording like these, well....that was some of the best parts of my singing career at that time. Working with GREAT Musicians was such a gift and a pleasure.....I wish I could tell you all of their names, but those details of this session have left the memory bank.....But here they are anyway, in this picture below....!
This picture above looks a bit posed...And it probably was...But most of them were not.....! Here below, another picture of some of the guys actually working during the session.....
There is something about the look of a recording studio that I just love. It's messy with all sorts of cables and mics and sound-drapery, and lots of other paraphernalia---Look at that sand bag up against the drum there-----AND, it is usually pretty dark....Something about a soothing light as apposed to a harsh light....The dimmer light sets a certain mood, I think....
And above, this last picture from that recording session...(This is how this picture was sent to me....) It had been cut out and then pasted on some sort of other background. Still, I do look happy singing here...And that makes me feel good to know that my happiness was caught by the camera. Now that girl I can truly relate to....
Then we move to the 2nd recording session, about two years later....I have matured a bit. Not quite so naive and more "life" had happened to me.....
....We recorded two songs on this occasion. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and a lovely ballad called "No Other Love"...!'Alexander's', by Irving Berlin, was an old song done in a new way that reflected the "sound" of pop music of that period.....It was fun to record and I think it is kind of fun to listen to, too---you can tell me cause I hope you are listening to it right now as you are reading all about it....The Ballad on the "B" side is kind of interesting, too, because I was singing with myself on this one...All the harmonies are me, singing with me, except for the 'bass' voices, of course......I happen to love the blending of one voice singing a few parts. You can't beat the special sound that is created in this way because the tone and quality of all the voices harmonizing are all coming out of the same person....it all fits like a glove.
And above, two of the most important men in my life as a singer 'back in the day'...on the left, the talented and amazing Nat Jones, an accompanist extraordinaire...and a lovely human being, as well....And, in the middle, next to me, Richard Camillucci, my 'voice' teacher, who's great gift to all his "victims" as we were known, was the opening up of one's emotions.....somehow miraculously teaching you to tap into your heart and in is so doing, to really sing better because of that connection to yourself and your feelings. How did he do that? I have no idea nor did anyone else know or understand how he did that magical thing; but we all knew that this is what he did all the while giving you vocal exercises to get your diaphragm working the way it needed to. Cami was a truly special loving and lovely man in every way.
I love this picture....We are all having such a good time here.....And that little smile on Cami's face...Delightful! In this next picture I am trying to explain something to the Conductor/Arranger....
I am afraid I didn't do to good a job trying to communicate whatever it was...So, in the next picture, dear Nat Jones is trying to explain whatever it was to him, and Dick Camillucci, Cami's son and partner in the record label, (Cambria) was trying to comfort me...!
And I guess Nat was able to explain whatever it was to every one's satisfaction because when we went back for the next 'take', I look like it is all working out just fine now.....
And there is this kind of wonderful picture below of some of the people at the recording session that day. In this photo we were on a break.
From left to tight....Nat Jones, Me, a lady who was Eddie Swanston girlfriend....(two pictures down....), Barbara Camillucci's mother who was in New York visiting from England, Barbara Camillucci, Cami's wife, and on her lap, Cami's dear daughter Maria, who's mother had died a number of years before, Eddie Camillucci's wife, and over against the wall, Eddie Camillucci himself--Cami's brother, the third partner in Cambria....Here below, a closer look at Maria...
I am happy to say I am still in touch with Maria....and I LOVE that there is this continuity and this continuum....Her father was so important to me and so is she. Maria lives in Florida and has a beautiful family....Her father would be so proud, and rightfully so......
And here above is the dear and very talented Eddie Swanston and his girlfriend....Swan played the piano like a dream....I loved it when he would play for me.....There was something about his chord structures and his harmonies that just knocked me out! And there I sit with the---in those days---ever-present cigarette and cup of coffee......Both of these things are no longer in my life I might add, and haven't been for many many years......
One last photo of me singing into that now "relic" of a microphone, the day these last two songs were recorded.....!Hope you enjoyed this post....And I thank dear Maddie, my blog designer and friend from Girliebits, now Better In Pink, for making this player possible.......
More To Come.......
-
had this to say:
The songs sound very nice and it is really a classic. Naomi you are such a beautiful woman then and now. I would really say that you do have this classic beauty. I would say that Hollywood is much better way back than it is now.
- Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 9:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
My hubby and I just sat together and listened to your songs while we read the post and looked at all those wonderful photos.
The promo shots are gorgeous, but I must admit that my favorite ones are the ones that don't looked staged or too primped or set up. You look fresh and happy in the casual shots, and I like those the best. I can see joy coming from you!!!
I enjoyed all the songs very much, but I guess my favorite is the last song with all the harmonies. I like them all so much that it is hard to choose a favorite, but for now, the last one is it. Your voice sounds terrific in these recordings! Your talent was definitely showcased in these songs.
The songs sound every bit as great as the many big hits from that era that are still well known today. I guess it was just a matter of luck or connections or whatever??? that made some songs and people more well known than others. Your talent was most certainly top notch and not at all second rate in any way, shape, or form!! I know you are proud of your work, but you are also humble in how you present it. That's part of what makes you as charming and likable as you are. You've shared your musical talents in both writing and singing, and you've shared your art and photography with us. It means a lot, and you have brought a lot of pleasure to your readers and friends. Thanks, Naomi.
:-)- Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 10:36:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I have finally managed to stop spinning on the spot and have a couple of hours to chill. It's fairly early on Sunday morning and first place I visited, after chcecking in with Michele of course!, was my friend Nay.
What a wonderful treat, to hear your beautiful voice. Although I was born later, this sound epitomises the 50's - all those lovely harmonies....
Alexander is one of my favourite 'fun' songs - you can't help but smile when you sing 'Come on and hear, Come on and hear - Alexander's Ragtime Band!'
It's nice to hear the voice that we so recently heard serenading the Handsome Sweetie.
cq- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 12:36:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What an amazing career! I love these old photos and those recordings are priceless. You just don't hear very much real talent these days, I'm afraid. Thanks for posting so much of your life Naomi, I never can get enough...
Michele sent me,
Mike- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 1:03:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I love that doggy advert.
It's little normally scaredy dog who becomes supremely confident and 'The Man' in his owner's VW Polo.
I love the little dog nervously whispering the words in the big outdoors, then hammering it out full volume in the car :-)
cq- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 1:05:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Good morning Naomi! It's early morning here......and I can't listen to your songs as yet or I'll wake everyone up. But I will as soon as I can! I can hardly wait.
I'm blown away by your photos and accompanying stories here.....they are such lovely timepieces.
I'll be back later today! :)- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 1:23:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Wow Naomi. How wonderful to hear your lovely singing voice!! Great that we can now all hear you sing at long last. It has been worth the wait. Those photographs are magical and the story that goes with them are just as wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us from Blogland...
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 3:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a great post Naomi. I love everything about it. Your voice is so beautifully clear and your face would make a great screen goddess. I wore just the same clothes in '56. I wonder who you admired most whilst you were following your singing career? Fantastic that you can let us all see and hear these precious memories. Thank you.xoxoxoxox
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 5:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, what a treasure you are to share your life with us. I loved hearing Alexander's Ragtime Band and seeing all the wonderful photos. I will listen to the rest of the songs after I have breakfast. Like Pat, I wore similar clothing in the late 50's. It is a treat to see all this, Naomi. Thanks.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 6:11:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow Naomi you have a great voice - thanks for sharing the tracks and the great photos with us - love them!
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 6:14:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am sitting here in disbelief!!! How amazing a singer are you??!! I adore this era, and these arrangements, these melodies, your voice...wow!!! WOW!!! This is great stuff! As Jamie Dawn said, they stand the test of time, they really do. And I am not just being flippant in saying all of this - I mean, I am bopping away here lol!!
I can't get enough of that first song, 'If (You Want To Be My Baby)' - the harmonies, and that guitar, it's such a wonderfully catchy song. And 'No Other Love' is just beautiful...actually, lol, I think you can tell I like them all LOL!
The photos really capture the mood of the era too, they are stunning. The dark one where you are laughing is my favourite.
What a talent you are, Naomi! Really amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing all this - I was really looking forward to this post, and it was SO worth the wait!!!- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 6:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
By far, this is your best post to date. The songs are priceless. Numbers 1and 3 made me want to grab my dancing shoes and MOVE. What a voice!
The photos are fantastic! Your personality shines through in each and every one of them, and they tell a wonderful story. It's so good to know you still have these gems in your possession. What a treasure!- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 6:51:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You really put feelings into those songs which is something not all singers did back in those days. It brings back a lot of memories and makes you wonder why some, with lesser voices, hit it big and others have good careers but never the big hits. A lot has to be politics as it isn't in talent-- not with any of the arts.
Thanks for sharing the music. You were a beautiful woman, still are and had a wonderful voice.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:11:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
wow! What a precious post, Naomi! Wonderful memories and fantastic photos! Love reading your story and seeing all photos!
I will come back later because my Internet connection today morning is very bad and I could not hear your splendid voice!
I see you later, my dear!
Have a nice Sunday!- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What fun listening to your Doo Wop music Naomi. Your voice is clear and marvelous. You almost sound like Patty Page, but better. Thanks for sharing these delicious memories of yours.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:14:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
The songs brought back memories inasmuch as Big Band to mid-50's music (pre-Elvis) was my parents' thing. When I was a real little kid, maybe 3 or 4, I woke up in the middle of the night and sneaked down the hall to the living room to find my parents dancing together in the darkness to some early Perry Como. Even then, it gave me a real sense of comfort seeing my parents like that.
Of course, they were not amused to find me sitting on the floor at 10:00 P.M., but what the heck, eh?
Thanks for this post.
Cheers.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:27:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
Thank you so much for the FYI that this post was up!
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it....I almost felt like I was right there with you in the recording studio...between the songs, the photos and the commentary.
Your voice was SO great! Pristine is the word that comes to mind. Your style reminds me so much of Jo Stafford and all the other great singers of the special 50's. I just don't understand why that gifted voice of yours didn't get to the top...but then, I understand how very difficult the business is.
I smiled all the way through Rag Time Band....That Cami accomplished his job....he brought your emotion out very vividly via your voice.
Thanks so much for sharing all of this, Naomi. What a treasure.....just like you are!
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:38:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I love the songs, Naomi! Thanks so much for letting us hear them. lots of love.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Bravo!
I really really enjoyed listening to that and the pic's made it even better.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 9:34:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my gosh! You are a classic...a classic beauty and it is exude even till now I bet....I'm awe-stuck!!! Honest you are so pretty :D
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 10:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
It's again quite a while I haven't been here ! I use Google Reader now which allows me to see who of my blog friends have written a new post and strangely with your blog it doesn't work. I subscribed you to my Google Reader but it says you have no "feed" whatever that means. So I forgot, sorry. Now when I opened your blog and saw the first picture I thought it was my aunt ! You could have been twins ! I love your voice ! Your blog is full of very interesting souvenirs you had apparently a very interesting life. I also listened to Marlene Dietrich, I had never heard this song in english, always in german ! I didn't even know she spoke so good english.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 10:44:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
The pictures and songs turned out wonderful -- I am so glad the music came across so well from the records enabling you to share them with all your friends! Really looks great ---
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 11:16:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
Hi Naomi,
I just went to your blog, actually for the second time. The first time was when you had those wonderful things to say about Larry getting his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. And today I went on to hear your recordings. As you know, I was around in the '50's, and to this day I love the music of that era. You 'wus' robbed. That first label did nothing to help you, or that first song would have been a hit. I loved it, as I did the others. Every time I've ever seen you perform, you exude a peace and tranquility, even though that might not be what you are feeling at the moment. It has always been a pleasure for me to see you work.
One thing I've always regretted, not being the "social" person I wish I was, is that I've always found out interesting things about members of Theatre West who are no longer with us, at their memorial services. May your health improve, and may you be with us for many, many more years; but it is so nice to learn things about you, now, that I have not known before.
Be well!!
Jack- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 11:49:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Thanks for sharing that with us. I loved all the songs and the pictures. Good job!
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 12:08:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am listening now, LOVE IT
Mark is not home I will have to play them for him when he gets home. Right now it is just Gizmo and I listening lol. How scary that I know the words to Alexanders Ragtime band.
So nice to have you seranading me while I type :)
I love looking at the pictures too, you were and are gorgeous. The posed shots look very much like the "glamour" shots that people still go and have taken now hehe.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 1:10:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I came back to hear the other 3 songs. I don't remember any of them, but I liked them very much. YOu have a really good voice (which I didn't doubt for a minute). Thanks for sharing!
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:03:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Jeepers Naomi... I feel like a moax!! I cant find the songs anywhere!! Cant see a 'player' box and tried clicking on the pics, but no sounds!! Whaz'amada me???
- Butchie- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 3:09:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
Hi Naomi! Your voice is absolutely wonderful. Many weekend afternoons in 1950's, I would sit and spin my 45's.
Your sound is unique to the era and brought up some great memories for me. American Bandstand replaced my 1950's activities with TV and music and dance shows.
You have done a great job getting all this info together and letting us hear your beautiful songs.
Well done!
Anne- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 3:58:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi!
We ALL enjoyed your songs today....it was GREAT. Thank you for persevering and getting them posted to share with us. I particularly liked your first song.....
I took the liberty of linking you from my blog......I wanted some of the bloggers who visit me to meet you too. There's also a little prezzie there for you.
Take care, and thank you. Your music and beautiful voice made my day.
dana- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 4:39:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Boy oh Boy! You really have a wonderful voice and that beauty I knew it! There was something behind the beauty that I see in you. This is what they say.....you have aged beautifully.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 4:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Can I buy this music somewhere? I want to listen to it again without my computer!
Awareness sent me via Michele.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 5:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi :-)
Had my toes tapping all the way through those :-)
Thank you very much for sharing them with us.- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 5:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I really am very sorry but I just can't give you the name of the author of the poem. These are one of my collections and this is one of those that have been copied many many years ago and I don't even remember where I got it. I just was so excited to copy it when I read it because i really love to copy and keep beautiful passages, quotes and poems.
- Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 8:03:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
This is awesome! To have these recording and photos and to have you narrate us through them. The songs sound very 50's hip. Before...sounds like Doris Day. And the last one like one that my father would have loved and would have had playing in his room or his car (he listened to music from his all the time). In the first photo you look like your dad (from a photo I remember you posting). It sounds like such an exciting time, toilet dives and all. Do you still sing?
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 6:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I read through all your post and then went back, with the music to see your pictures again...kind of bringing everything to live. I just love IF that was my favorite...that happy 50s beat or melody would it be called? I thought you sounded fantastic in them all. You just never fail to fascinate me and put me in awe of all you've accomplished in your life.
After tiny peeks behind the curtains into those night clubs through the movies I can only imagine what it would be like on such a young innocent girl. I am sure you have to grow up very quickly. I'm sure it makes you tough too!
Your pictures, your voice...all just beautiful...and so classy. Thanks for another look into your wonderful world.- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Thanks for sharing your great songs, it's such a delight to listen to them! You are very talented, Naomi,you have so many artistic sides and you never cease to amaze me!!! or should I say "us all"? !!
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:27:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi:
You are amazing! Your voice is so rich and full. I love it! Makes me want to do my vocal aerobics and get myself back into singing-shape.
Kendra- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 11:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
WhooHOo! I LOVED that. LOVED it!!!! BIg Red walked by and was mesmerized.....how very fun to 'hear' this side of you. You have so very many talents....so many enormous gifts.....such a rich legacy to leave, it should make me happy, and yet i'm sitting here whining to myself that I have amounted to nothing thus far in my own life. I mean, really!! The amount of tenacity in which you embrace life is blinding to me. You give me hope, dear Naomi, that someday maybe I can do something monumental, exquisite, endearing. I am SO glad I took a few minutes to stop by, and i'm so thankful you haven't forgotten lil' ol' me. I am slowly but surely inching my way back to more regular posts. (And hopefully emails as well.) You are such a treasure. (((Hugs)))
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 2:09:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
Awwwww Naomi - this is a musical history jewellery post. How nice to see and read about this from the inside or back stage so to speak.
I love the music from that time (born in the 50s you know) and Alexander Band was my mothers favourite - I loved to dance to that music too!
Thanks for posting so much of your life Naomi - keep on sharing - I love it :-)- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 2:40:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
What a blessing to hear these recordings! You have a marvelous voice and I love the "style" of that era. Thank you thank you for finding a way to share these with us! This post is definitely a treasure. :)
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 5:20:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I tip my hat to you.
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:29:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You sound wonderful Naomi, such a clear crisp voice. I liked all of the songs and a chance to see all of those pictures. I really do enjoy listening to you describe you fasinating life. It looks like you have made some really good friends.....Thanks for the post.
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 10:56:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi! Wow! Bravo! Encore! Thank you so very much. Will you be producing a memoir with recordings? That will be a nice treat for us to have one in possession. Cheerio.
- Monday, March 10, 2008 at 11:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
OMG!! I don't know how you managed to get them on your blog but they are WONDERFUL NAOMI!! (also I am old enough to "sing along" to Alexanders Rag Time Band LOL)
What a marvelous voice!!!!... and what a grand life! Thank you sooooooo much for sharing your marvelous voice! (even if you don't recognize that young girl in the photo's !..)- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 6:55:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my goodness! What marvelous music! I absolutely love it! I do like older music as well as modern stuff. I think that comes with growing up with a few generations in the same household. The pictures are great too. It helps put you back there when the songs were recorded. I just love your posts! Oh, by the way, I've been trying to figure out how to get audio files downloaded to Blogger to put up a post on M's band so I can include their music. How did you download your audio files? You can e-mail me when you have time. Thanks.
- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 9:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi - how delightful. Love, love, love the songs and your voice is clear, expressive and the songs so much fun. Looking at the pictures of all the women sitting in a row caused me to remember how we "dressed up" for such everyday things - hats, gloves and those little white anklets - thanks for a beautiful trip back to the 50's. Love and hugs.
- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 10:08:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
My GAWD Naomi! I, who with the most annoying angst to have your songs in your blog and I STILL cannot "see" a player or hear your songs!!! I did click on the "Hear the songs" over on the right column, but still no dice! I am only glad to have your CD here ( which as I promised will end up being included consecutively in my up-coming "Doo Wop Diner" shows on "Rock-it Radio" - rockitradio.net ) I've just produced a "blues" show but my next "Diner" show will likely be on the playlist ( with one of your songs ) in about a week or so! Want to say my fave is "No other love can ever do"... a truely smoldering "torch" song!!! And at the risk of being piggish and forward... Naomi- how in Gods EARTH did you manage to remain single??? You were, and ARE simply lovely!!!
- Butchie- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:17:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
Holy Mackerel and great balls of fire! You are such a talented woman! I can't wait till everyone gets home so I can have them listen to your songs as well.
These are great memories, Naomi. And I must say, what a stunning woman as well. As your other commenters said, a classic beauty is right. There is so much joy and emotion in your face in those photos as you sang.
I'm so glad you shared this with us!!- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:29:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
WOW...every word and photo on this post, mesmerized me. The music , WONDERFULL!... You are truelly beautiful..then and now...I think the promo shots are fun to have...but the natural pics..reflect u more as you actually are...truelly special. Thanks so much for this continued story of your life...we are blessed to be able to enjoy it all.
- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Loved hearing you sing!!
- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 1:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so sorry it has taken so long to comment on this post. I did come by at the weekend but I knew I had to go away and digest what I had read and heard before coming back to comment because your songs are so wonderful. I only hope that one day I can look back over my past and be so proud of the things I had acheived.
You have a wonderful talent and those photos of you are beautiful! You also have a talent for story telling as I love the way you have written about this and how the words and pictures paint a complete picture with the music itself. Simply gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your music.- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 4:30:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Fabulous!!!! I swear I heard you sing back in the day. Gotta love anything by Irving -- and I love your rendition!!!! Those were the days, weren't they? And wow! You were (and still are) a cutie!
P.S. I published the next installment today.- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 6:34:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a delightful post! I love the sound of the songs -- and the 'tic - tics' of an actual record! The near-perfect sound of music today sometimes takes away from the charm!
I also loved the picture of Maria. I remember being dressed exactly like that when I was a child!- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful post! Thank you so much for sharing. I always love hearing/reading your stories and experiences.
- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 8:53:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh! What fun! You know how I love music and singing and to hear YOU sing is such a treat! :)
I love all the songs and I agree with you about using the same voice to sing all parts, it just mixes really well! As always, thank you so much for sharing.- Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 10:19:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
HURRAY! Just now I could hear all your music, Naomi! What a WONDERFUL voice you has! I am full of emotions, my dear! LOVE ALL THEM! Congratulations!
- Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 9:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
Popped over here from Jamie Dawn's blog. What a beautiful voice you have! I enjoyed all four songs thoroughly. And the stills from the recording sessions were great too.
Thanks for sharing all of this with us!- Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 9:48:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Very cool to hear you singing! And such professional pix!
- Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 11:33:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
So much fun to read your blog and listen to your songs. What a wonderful voice you had - this entry was truly an unexpected gift. Thank you!
- Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:24:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
Naomi! It's uuuuuuunanamus! You're a HIT!!!
- Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 1:27:00 AM PDT
-
had this to say:
Naomi, you did it again--said just what I would have said about the ambience in a recording studio!
My first job in Hollywood was at the venerable C.P. MacGregor studios--I was low techie on the totem pole. My job involved lots of cable coiling and ash-tray emptying.(lol) During film scoring sessions, I sat on the floor and operated the "click-track" (electronic metronome) equipment while the likes of David Rose, Alfred Newman etc. conducted a symphony orchestra to picture.
It was always below 65 degrees, so the room would be cold enough to shut off "the blower" during takes. And yes, the light was low--lighting, in those days produced lots of unwanted heat, and created "noise" that could ruin takes. Incidently, that condenser mike in the picture is still used, and in high demand. Working with such outstanding artists was a wonderful opportunity. There are times when I shut my eyes for a moment, and I am back in the dark, cold studio in the midst of dozens of musicians, and there is nothing but the music.
Your four sides are great. You have a somewhat Ethel Merman quality, which you could exploit if you decide to do a 21st century cd...or dvd???
Thanks for sharing- Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:19:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Nay--was so tickled to see these photos and to read your loving comments about Dad (Cami)--to listen to your recordings again was magical--I've had an "earworm" for several days now and it's been lovely to have you sitting on my shoulder. While this post invokes personal memories, it's amazing to read others' reawakened fond remembrances also--memory, "the diary that we all carry around with us" (Oscar Wilde). You just blow me away with the amount of content that's in your "diary"!! Hugs, Maria.
- Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 8:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, Loved the songs and the post. Such an interesting life.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 9:07:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just listened to all 4 songs and I must say that they are wonderful!!! Why you were not a HUGE singing star, I don't know. I thought they were all great and I wanted to get up and dance!!! You have a really lovely singing voice.
I'm so glad you shared these great songs Naomi. Thank you so much. I will be coming back and listening to them again!!! xxoxx- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:28:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Look at you! Va-va-vavoom. I love the lacy outfit.
What an amazing life you have, Naomi. :) I Love "No Other Love." I think that's my favorite. "If" is a lot of fun too. I wasn't expecting such a strong, brassy and confident sound. What a great voice, Naomi. I can hear a little Eydie Gorme in your voice.
~S :)- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:46:00 PM PDT
-
had this to say:
This is amazing, Naomi. Your voice is terrific and you were so glamourous and beautiful. Well done on putting it all together for your blog too!
- Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:26:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, thanks for sharing this history and these memories you have. Pictures and voice!
- Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 5:26:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hello Naomi!
How's it goin' doll?! Just a heads-up as I promised- when your songs are presented in my "Butchie Boys Doo Wop Diner" shows on "Rock-it Radio"! As I'd told you- its an internet broadcast... so you and friends can link to the "Rock-it" playlist at:
http://www.palmsradio.com/rockittext.htm
Once there just left-click the audio play button to the left of my show title. If you or anyone have trouble getting the show to play just scroll-down and there is a link for help.
This one is a special "All Girls" show... so its appropo that my 1st offering of one of your tunes ( "No other love can ever do" ) is among the 4 "opener" songs at the top of the show! Your song is 4th... but remember- in the 45rpm world your at the "..top of the stack"!!
Trust this finds you well and happy sis... and thank you for allowing me the opportunities to play your songs!!
Lord hug you tight... - Butchie- Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 1:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, all I could think of when playing your songs was Ethel Mermen. You are fantastic!! PS> copied them to itunes.
- Friday, April 4, 2008 at 1:46:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What an amazing post.
The music and pictures are wonderful too.
I'm just glad I stopped by. Thank you.- Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 10:28:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
the songs are very nostalgic. i love the songs.
my comments probably sound very happy-happy and flaky, but i love all the posts i've read so far...it takes me to another place. thank you.
and i'll definitely be bookmarking you for further reading :)- Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1:54:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, you have an amazing voice. I love these songs and I think you are just gorgeous. What fantastic memories and its wonderful to keep sharing your talent with the wold like this. I wmust look around to see if I can find some of your paintings too. Thank you for sharing these songs with us.
- Friday, June 12, 2009 at 6:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
That was fun! Thanks for making the post accessible for your new readers. So interesting to learn the backstory (yours and the way recordings worked)...all new to me.
- Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 5:16:00 PM PDT
x4
