As If We Always Knew

It seemed for a while that "What I Did for Love" was going to become one of those inescapable songs, like "Feelings" or the song most usually known as "Mem'ry (from Cats)."  A Chorus Line was, after all, a phenomenal hit, a rare one for the mid-'70s that could be equally adored by aficionados of old-line musicals, those seeking some sign that musicals could still thrive in a rock-n-roll culture, and just the usual theatergoers who like a good story.  But at some point within a decade or so, it kind of went away for a while.  I thought it would be fun to think about that.

What's My Wednesdays? #9: Love & Marriage

You'll have to click on the image to view today's WMW?, as the naughty 
uploader has forbidden embedding.  It's worth it.  But do come back!

This week, a day-late salute to birthday boy Mr. Steve Lawrence, and (at 19:30) a very special Mystery Challenger.  It really is a lovely episode if your time allows you to take it all in, if only to appreciate both Arlene's fur shrug and Dorothy's wiglet (and at least one other Hair Hall of Fame potential entry).

File Under "Feelings, Unlikely"

Well, that's as maybe, Mrs. Steve Lawrence, but it's going to take more than a little Max Factor Light Egyptian to turn you into the Rose of Spanish Harlem.

She may be feeling Spanish, but the overall effect is less Sexy Señorita than a vague attempt at a Princess Margaret impression, don't you think?  I suppose in 1961, though, an album called "I Feel So Snowdon" wasn't likely to be much of a chart-topper...

Not that the onetime Edith Garmezano doesn't offer the occasional surprise, mind you - did you know that she's half Turkish?

Blame Game

...or perhaps the salmon mousse...

Birthday Girl: Steve and...

77 years ago, Fortune and Nessim Gormezano of the Bronx had themselves a baby daughter, Edith. Little did they suspect that she would grow up to be an international superstar, one of the most publicly married people in the United States, and a regular on the Mike Douglas Show.

Yes, it's Eydie Gorme's big day, and we wish her many happy returns. I hope Steve has gotten her something nice.

I actually love her voice - it's warm and unaffected, much like, from all accounts, the lady herself, but big and brassy when necessary (ditto). It is, if such a thing is possible, a Populuxe voice, entirely of the time when she and Steve were young and on the rise.

But I have to say -

I can think of few performers less likely to Swing the Blues. Especially while dressed, however fabulously, as Maria Callas.