Hollywood On 52nd Street
“Thank Heavens For Little Girls” is from the 1958 Academy Award-winning film Gigi. Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner composed the song and lyrics and it went on to win the Academy Award for Best original Song in 1958. A cover version by Billy Eckstine peaked at #8 in the UK Singles Chart in 1959. The film starred Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jordan.
The Story: Set in turn-of-the-20th century Paris, the film opens with Honoré Lachaille, a charming old roué among high society. Dodging marriage Honoré is concerned with his bored nephew who enjoys hanging out with his mamita, Madame Alvarez and her precocious and carefree granddaughter Gigi. However she is sent away to be groomed as a courtesan and learn etiquette and charm. The two young people spend a lot of time together with the thought of taking Gigi as a mistress. Finally Gaston finds the thought unbearable with the help of high society. Taking Gigi home, he wanders the streets until finally ending back at Madame Alvarez’s door asking for Gigi’s hand in marriage. They couple are elegant, beautiful, and happily married. Honoré has been a framing device for the film, which can be seen as a romantic victory of love over cynicism.
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The Jazz Voyager
Heading down to Panama City for the Panama Jazz Festival from the 12th to the 17th of January to take in its founder as well as Claudia Acuna, Ruben Blades, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenon, Omar Alfanno, Brian Blade, Uwe Kropinski, Phil Ranelin, Kevin Harris Project and Benny Golson among others.
Founded in 2003 by Panamanian Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Perez, with the mission of bettering the lives of people through shared musical experiences as listeners, on stage and in the classrooms.
The festival features master classes conducted by such renowned institutions and foundations as Berklee School of Music, New England Conservatory, Golandsky Piano Institute and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Sienna Jazz Foundation and the Paris Conservatory. The event has also become a center for auditions for admissions and scholarships for the participating institutions.
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Voices From The Community
Hollywood On 52nd Street
You Brought A New Kind of Love is the theme song from the 1963 romantic comedy film a New Kind Of Love starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward with supporting cast Thelma Rita, Eva Gabor, George Tobias and Maurice Chevalier. Frank Sinatra sang over the credits with music written by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Irving Kahal.
The Story: A womanizing American reporter assigned in Paris (Paul Newman) mistakes a cynical fashion copycat designer (Joanne Woodward) for a prostitute after she receives a makeover. He decides to interview her for a series of articles, and then falls in love with her. The girl goes along with it, first out of revenge as he snubbed her during a past encounter, then out of feelings of her own.
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Hollywood On 52nd Street
Makin’ Whoopee! and My Baby Just Cares for Me are jazz classics. The former, a jazz/blues song with lyrics written by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson was first popularized by Eddie Cantor in the 1928 musical Whoopee!, and then reprised the role in the 1930 movie. Kahn and Donaldson also wrote the latter for the musical comedy film in 1930.
The title is a euphemism for sexual intimacy and the song itself has been called a “dire warning”, largely to men, about the “trap” of marriage. Makin’ Whoopee begins with the celebration of a wedding honeymoon and marital bliss, but moves on to babies and responsibilities, and ultimately on to affairs and possible divorce, ending with a judge’s advice.
The Story: In California Sheriff Bob Wells and the daughter of a rancher Sally Morgan are getting married. She, however is in love with Wanenis, whose part-Indian heritage presents difficulties. Sally abandons Sheriff Bob and their wedding, catching a ride with Henry Williams. Henry has problems of his own, being a hypochondriac, but Sally adds to his problems when she leaves a note saying they have eloped. A chase ensues, with the jilted Bob; Mary, who is Henry’s nurse and is in love with him; and a cast of others. Along the way they arrive at the Indian Reservation where Wanenis lives.
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The Jazz Voyager
Lenox Lounge: 288 Lenox Avenue, New York City, NY / Telephone: 212-427-0253 / The historic Lenox Lounge and its Zebra Room is located between 124th & 125th Streets. A renowned landmark, it has been a significant destination for jazz in the Harlem community since its opening in the late 1930’s. It has served as the backdrop for many jazz legends. Join us for an exciting evening of dining and jazz in one of the few original art-deco clubs in New York City.
Next Stop: Unknown – Stay tuned in the New Year!
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