JO STAFFORD
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Photo by Dan Chapman ©2001 Stanyan
Entertainment Group
A Thought for Today
Of all the amazing gifts we have been
given in this best of all possible worlds none is more precious than the
lives that have been risked and lost so that we can continue to enjoy
freedom in this country and the other democracies that co exist with us.
Today is the birthday of quite
possibly the greatest female singer ever to inhale air and exhale song, Jo
Stafford. In a four-decade plus career she had more number one hit singles
than any singer in history including Sinatra and Crosby. Her influence has
spread from folk, jazz and opera divas to pop singers of several
generations. And, many an instrumentalist has learned to breath and phrase
from her. I’ve written about Jo extensively in my "Songs That Won The War"
series and every other place I’ve had a chance to shout her praise.
Once when someone asked me what I considered a perfect day I replied "Any
day that I can turn someone on to the voice of Jo Stafford and/or the
songs of Johnny Mercer." I’ll stand by that.
Celebrate American Popular Song by celebrating the birthday today of Jo
Stafford.
RM 11/11/98 First published
in Flight Plan 11/12/1998
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Veterans
Day Observed
Alexander Borodin o
Nadia Comaneci o
Bob Crewe o
Barbara Fairchild o
Ryan Gosling o
Tonya Harding o
Kim Hunter o
Brian Hyland o
Grace Kelly o
David Loeffler o Al
Michaels o
Jack Oakie o
Lucia Popp o
Auguste Rodin o
David Schwimmer o
Wallace Shawn o
James Sheldon o
Sammy Sosa o
Yat-Sen Sun o
DeWitt Wallace o
Neil Young |
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The
selfish cheat themselves.
When all the animals have been killed,
abused, or used up - man will turn on man.
Life remains unfinished without love.
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FOR JO ON HER BIRTHDAY |
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I am grateful
for the stars
that circle in the sky,
gentleness whenever
and wherever I find it.
An easier life
than I ever deserved.
Unexpected love and
unplanned lasting
friendships.
A God that’s always
been there.
And best of all
your voice floating
over good and bad days,
rich and not so rich times.
Assuring us that whatever
happens down a lifetime
as people, as friends,
as those who love or
never know love,
we mustn’t say goodbye;
Not without a smile,
some show of kindness.
or a wave that passes
through eternity.
- Rod McKuen 11/12/98 |
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