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From time to time, I get interesting letters from fans around the world. Many of the letters are from younger fans who have a deep appreciation for popular music. Let's hope they pass their interest on to future generations and keep the world's most beautiful music alive for years to come! I've posted some of these letters to share with you. Send me your thoughts, and perhaps I will share them with all. 10/11/07 Anita
was from New Orleans, La. She sang on the radio & was a guest
on
10/11/07 After reading your letters, I have a few additional comments. Anita Gordon did the "Linda" record with Buddy Clark. I don't think she was the girl on I'll Dance At Your Wedding". If you type in J D Hays Crooners in Google you can hear many songs by Buddy Clark."Passing By" & "Love Is A Random Thing" are 2 of my favorites. The Tower, Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Collectors Choice websites have Clark CD's 10/4/07 Hello, and thank you very much for this website I have never seen before, it is so much pleasure to find it on the Internet. I feel so amazing that I have found it. Please one of my favorite songs is "If I didn't care" could you please be so kind to send the song and letter of the song to me. I'm so in love with the song. Thank you very much for your talent. I hope I hear so soon from you. Santino 10/2/07 Good
Afternoon, 10/1/07 Jack, This request may seem an insult to the lyricist, but I have been trying to locate the piano solo sheet music for Tenderly which I played as a young man in the late 40's/early 50's I believe it had four or five flats. My wife and I scour the bins at antique stores but have found only PVG versions. It's our "special" song (especially with the lyrics) but we'd love to find the solo version. We hope all is well with you. Your music has brought wonderful memories to us. Thank you, Bob and Roberta Leigh 9/28/07 Hi
Jack: 9/27/07 Hi
there Jack, Shalom
Haver, todah le-kol hakief she natata lanu, bemeyuhad lashier shel
9/13/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence; 9/6/07 6th
Sept. 2007 9/4/07 My
mother is 85 year's old and was a singer at the tender age of 17 under
the stage name of Dana Curtis. She sang at the Blue Moon in
Buzzards Bay with Leighton Grey and his orchestra. The act was
billed as "11 Guys and a Girl." At some point, she recording
a demo record of "The Wind and the Rain in Your Hair." I was
wondering if there is any way to obtain a copy of the lyrics and/or
a recording of this song. Unfortunately, her singing career
was short-lived. At 19, she married my father, and they had
12 children! 9/3/07 I recently heard your song "The Other Half Of Me" on the soundtrack from the movie "Sweet November". It is the most beautiful song I have ever heard, both the words and the music. But I'm not sure I understand the meaning of the line .."Is there a chart for the heart of a graph?". I read someone else thought it was very poignant but I'm not sure I understand the meaning of that line. Maybe I'm just missing something somehow, but could you tell me the meaning of that line? Thank you very much, Ron Orris. 9/3/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence 9/3/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 9/2/07 Yet another fan introduced to your work through Bioshock. Granted, Bobby Darin's cover has a catchy melody, but the lyrics are what make the song for me. It describes a genuine clear-eyed romance, without being giddy, besotted, or distressed. I hope you catch the ear of an entire new generation. 8/30/07 Is your song "Linda" the same song that Jan and Dean recorded? And thanks for all the great music. 8/29/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence: 8/24/07 Hi
Jack; I love the my songs stories. This should be required reading
for all young song writers and musicians. The song that defines you
8/22/07 Mr.
Lawrence: 7/20/07 Dear
Jack, 7/8/07 Just
found this site. I thought you might be interested to see that the
"Hold My Hand" scene from SUSAN SLEPT HERE is on YouTube
as well as the reprise of the title song: 7/7/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence. 6/30/07 Jack,
6/30/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 6/26/07 Dear
Jack: 6/26/07 Mr.
Lawrence 6/20/07 Dear Mr Lawrence, A friend who is an expert on older music (swing era, etc) reminded me that Mary Lou had written this song of What's Your Story, Morning Glory? and that it has evolved into Black Coffee. Did Peggy Lee steal the tune or are they just so similar. I am fortunate enough to have my own band called Ladies Must Swing (18 piece all female big band). We are based in Madison , WI and are very popular in the area and beyond. My vocalist expressed an interest in doing the Black Coffee song, but I would prefer to do the original, as am always looking for more women composed songs to do. Do you have any insights or info that would help us? Thanks so much - we have several of your tunes in our library. Our website is www.ladiesmustswing.com regards, June Dalton 6/19/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, when I was little my father sang a song to me about
"counting the charms about Linda". My father has passed
away and after doing some research I found that the song was written
by Jack Lawrence-are you the one that wrote this song. I found
the words but they were a remake by Jan and Dean. I would love
to have the words with your name on it. I found out that the
song was a hit in the late 1940's by Ray Noble and his orchestra with
vocals by Buddy Clark. 6/9/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 6/9/07 I wrote you around two years ago to let you know how much I enjoyed THEY ALL SANG MY SONGS. I just noticed on your site that there is another book in the works, THE STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS. Do you have a target date for publication? Can't wait to get that one also. Regards, Don. 5/12/07 i
met a relative of yours. bonnie, and she showed me your book. I have
enjoyed your music over the years. another favorite of mine was Sammy
Cahn, who I met back in the 1970's. this world is a better place because
of you and Sammy 5/12/07 Dear
Jack,
5/8/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence: 5/8/07 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I just received your book, CD, and photo moments ago! It it truly a delight to receive them and I appreciate your signatures, date, and kind words! Thanks a million for dealing with the "average joe" like me! I know famous people are usually overwhelmed by the public and struggle to find privacy. Your "availability" to the public is rare and greatly appreciated! I can't wait to listen to the CD and read the book. I will get back to you as soon as I have finished reading it! May God bless you for your kindness! P.S. I have always wanted to write a short letter to Carol Burnette. The Screen Actors Guild will not forward such mail. Do you know of any one who can help me get a letter to her? I'm definitely interested in your next book! Let me know when it is out! With great respect and grateful appreciation! Larry L. Luckjohn 4/20/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 4/16/07 Hi
Jack.... I don't know whether I have the right connection or not.
4/15/07 I
remember the song LINDA back in the 40's and I have been trying to
get it on a CD but without any luck. Can you tell me where I can find
it? I have many songs of that era but not LINDA. 4/13/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence. It's 2:10 am Wisc. time. I came on the internet
to try to find words to the great song "Who" written back
in the 30's or 40's. I came across information on you and couldn't
tear away. I really miss being able to hear all the great music from
years ago. I recently ordered "Going Home" from Sheet Music
Plus in Calif. I would also like to get "Wagon Wheels" if
I can find the money. I was delighted to learn that you wrote
some of my favorite songs. I can only say that people like you are
greatly underappreciated. God has blessed us with so much great music
that it is a shame that much of it has been forgotten and is no longer
played. I hope I can get one of your biographical books when I find
the money. Are there any places that make a point of having sheet
music for your songs available? Let me know if you can! Thanks
for your music and all your work for the joy of the public!!
I would be delighted and very appreciative if you find time to respond.
4/12/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 4/12/07 Today
I received a copy of With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair! 4/12/07 Mr
Lawrence, 4/12/07 Hello, Mr. Lawrence ! It is great to see you continue to be busy and prolific. I have enjoyed seeing your column in Sheet Music Magazine. Hope all is well! 4/11/07 Hello
Jack... 4/8/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence; 4/8/07 dear
jack, 4/8/07 Dear
Jack, 4/7/07 Happy
Birthday...and the best with your next book. You make me proud.
4/6/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 4/6/07 I'm
a record collector and music historian and am doing research on the
Jack Teter Trio for a presenting for the Association for Recorded
Sound Collections next month. Do you have any stories behind your
writing new lyrics for "Johnson Rag" that he recorded in
1949? Were you surprised when it became a big hit? What did that do
for your career? I bet it was nice getting all those extra royalties
on the sheet music when it was published! 4/4/07 One
day I decided to sleuth out the mind behind the lyrics to my favourite
song, Beyond the Sea. And there you are! I wanted to drop you a line
and say that that song has practically been a theme song for my life.
It is impossible to describe the feelings it has invoked in me from
the year Bobby Darin's version came out - the year my dad died, and
I discovered boats as a healing diversion - to the present. I often
think of people who have crossed the greater sea and that I might
once again meet them on those golden sands beyond. Your lyrics bring
those thoughts together so well and are somehow fortifying. Thanks
so much for this great contribution to music and to my life. 4/2/07 Hello
- 4/2/07 How can I obtain the sheet music for Tenderly....your lyrics, Jack Lawrence, and music by Walter Gross....thanks. Peggie. 4/2/07 Hi Jack, I hope your recuperation at home went smoothly and quickly. You were correct about the Oscars and Diana Krall's CDs. Are you listening to anything new lately? All from 12 East send their regards, Linda 4/2/07 I
am 59 years old. My sister is 13 years older than me.
My mom let my sister Anna name me. She chose my name of course
after your popular song "Linda". 3/26/07 Hi
Jack 3/15/07 Hi
Jack, when I saw your web site I just had to write a short note. I
don't want to gush, as I imagine you've had a lifetime's worth of
gushing and maybe you've had your fill of it, but I have to tell you
that your music does something to me that doesn't happen with very
much music; your songs take me places! If you can imagine, I've always
been a creative 'right-brainer' that tries to understand life. When
I hear a song like 'If I didn't Care', it takes me to a time and place
I have never experienced. It's the turn of the century and I feel
the sun and heat of a summer's day. I can smell the heat, feel the
breeze through the window that gently waves the living room curtains.
I smell freshly starched bed linens; I hear the cricket serenade outdoors
as I lay my head down to sleep. I can roll over and look out the second
floor window down to the sidewalk below, as a couple walks quietly
past my picket fence, past the huge maple out front, and I watch them
disappear into the night. As I drift off, I wonder who they were and
what life may have for them. And I don't feel conflict with my world
as I often do- everything is right and I am alright with everything.
You could say your songs are to me like a place where time moves a
bit slower and one is able to contemplate things. You can actually
carry on a conversation and truly listen to your friend- truly hear
what they have to say. And if a place like that doesn't exist for
me in life, I'm glad that it does in your music. It truly gives me
a chance to go away for just a few moments and just regroup. I can't
thank you for a gift you yourself have received- I can only thank
you for the gift you willingly chose to share with your world. And
your world is a better place for it, I am sure . Someday I'd like
to tell you about the kitchen scene I see in 'Sunrise Serenade', with
white porcelain, etc, but I'm afraid you already think I might be
a bit looney. That's ok- all I know is that I have a strong sense
of gratitude for those who have made my days better and mor! 3/14/07 Hello
Jack, 3/12/07 Mr.
Lawrence, 3/11/07 I searched Hal Leonard website, but cannot locate. the sheet music to Play Fiddle Play. Would you be so kind as to tell me how I may obtain a copy of this sheet music, or perhaps there is a book of songs with this music in it? I play the violin and mandolin (not all that well, YET...just retired so now am able to play my mandobanjo and mandolin every day, but just purchased my first violin). I heard a violin player play this song at a concert tonight and would like so much to learn to play it...I was overwhelmed with emotion as I listened to the artist play it. I am from southern Minnesota , and the group was a local blue grass group called Tangled Roots. Thank you so much for reading my e-mail and assisting me. If I can only learn one melody well, I want it to be this one. Thanks, again. 3/10/07 Dear
Jack, 3/10/07 I
was wondering if the rights are available to perform "I Had a
Ball"? I am trying to look for a show that is rarely done to
be performed in concert for the student produced music theatre society
at my university. 3/9/07 Dear
Mr. Lawrence, 9/5/06 I
was an American History- Government HS teacher. I idolized Buddy
since 9/4/06 I'm
honored to get an E Mail from a great composer, You won't find Lawrence-
7/26/06 Hello, My name is Grace Craig and I represent Beacon Tree Elementary School in Michigan . We would like permission to use a song for a music cd we are producing for a fundraiser for the school. The students have performed the song "Never Smile At A Crocodile" and the CD was made available to the parents to purchase as a fundraiser in an effort to raise money for the school music department to purchase music books, instruments, supplies, etc. We made aprox. 250 cd's. We would greatly appreciate your consideration in discounting or possibly waiving the royalty fee if able. Thank you for your time. Grace Craig Music CD Fundraiser For Listed Elementary School 7/26/06 I was searching for the song and year that I was named for. It happens to be Linda. I was supposed to be named Elizabeth , but my dad at the last minute changed it to Linda, because he and his best friend used to sing it all the time. I have met just a few Linda's. I saw that on your letters, that there is a Linda club. Could you send me info? By the way thanks for my name! Linda 7/25/06 Hi, "Delicado" has been my all-time favorite song since more than 45 years now, but only yesterday I learned from your website that there are lyrics to it. However, although I tried I cannot find these lyrics anywhere. Could you possibly give me a hint where I can find, or even mail me a copy? I would be much obliged. Thanks and best regards Arno Sebulke Pretoria, South Africa 7/24/06 Thank you soooo much Mr. Lawrence. I am speechless to express my gratitude. The music printed just fine. My mother's name is Rosalie Grandinetti. He maiden name is Zienciak (Polish). She grew up in Chicago , Illinois and graduated from Morton H.S. in 1945. She went on to attend DePaul Univ. where she studied music (piano theory and vocal). You were obviously one of her favorite composers, as I do have her original 1945 sheet music to another of your tunes "Symphony" which I also plan to use as the opening melody for her funeral service! My mom always had a good taste for music, and judging from your attention to my concern, she had you pegged right!!! You are a beautiful man. My wife and I will keep you in our prayers... With kindest appreciation, Sincerely, John Grandinetti 7/24/06 Hello Mr. Lawrence, A few days ago, I saw Kevin Spacey's movie, ' Beyond The Sea.' I rented it and have seen it a few times. Once just wasn't enough. Being a musician myself, as well as an artist who paints the language of music; hearing your song and watching the movie brought back great memories of my high school music years. Bobby Darin was a favorite of mine. He died too young. As yourself, I too was in a military music organization. (328th Army Band) One day in 1966 while serving part of my time at a helicopter training base in Texas , I recorded on a 5" reel to reel, one of Bobby's songs. (If I was a Carpenter) I sang it and played it on vibes - with 4 mallets. Then sent it home. Interested in learning more about Bobby Darin whom I've admired as a songwriter, a musician, a singer and as a person since childhood, I Googled the title of the movie. It was cool to find out about yourself and the many other songs you've composed as well as the long list of other accomplishments in your life, not to mention you're still writing and working!!! You're amazing, man. It's great to learn about you as well as see another music person, 'in the background,' finally getting their due in relation to their hard work. You've accomplished a lot. It's very gratifying to hear and see your work. Thanks for your ingenious creativeness, your inspiring songs and life. 'Mai cha Marefu' (Long Life- in the Masai language) Sincerely, MMicky Shine 7/22/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Hello and it is a pleasure to be writing you. Your song "Hold My Hand" 1954 was one of my mother's favorites. She passed away last week after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Throughout her life she loved to sing. This song was the last that she still could manage to recall and sing a few phrases even late into her illness. I have been trying to find sheet music to play at her funeral this Wednesday, July 26. I am hoping you my have a good source where I can find it. Your song will always hold a special place in my heart! Thank you and may God Bless you! Sincerely, John Grandinetti San Marcos , CA 7/19/06 I have just visited your terrific site and especially enjoyed the photos. Regarding the song "Beyond The Sea" and movies in which it can be heard, you may wish to add to the list the animated feature "Finding Nemo" (2003). At the start of the closing credits is a version by British pop singer Robbie Williams, in the Bobby Darin style with a similar orchestral arrangement. All the best to you. Warrenn Barfield 7/17/06 My wife's name is Linda. I found your song Linda, but it seems to have been written for a movie. Was it, and what was the movie. Thanks Chris (Linda) Heiden 7/16/06 Hello Jack, I was named after your song "Linda". I was adopted at age 2 and renamed by my adoptive parents. A few years ago, I did a search and found my biological older sister who suggested that name to our mother. That sister died two days ago, and I never did learn the words to the song, although she could hum the tune a bit. Can you please email me the words to that song. It would make me so happy. Thank you. Lyn Ryder 7/16/06 Excellent website Jack. I am proud to be able to write to such a songwriting legend. I thank you for putting smiles on millions of faces with the great words you write. I hope things are well in your life. Best wishes! Tom 7/14/06 Mr. Lawrence, Just wanted to say hello and tell you how much I admire your songwriting talents. I'm a performer and producer here in Nashville TN and Tenderly is one of my all time favorite songs. I'd like to send you my rendition if you'd like to hear it. I could MP3 a version if you'd like. Thanks for the great music! Sincerely, Joihn Jonethis 7/14/06 Hey Jack: Mr. Lawrence; I hope you're still active and productive doing what you do. I just think it's great. I know you're very busy working with some very wonderful and talented friends. You are one of my favorite songwriters. I may be way off in la-la land somewhere, but I (and this is Just my opinion) believe that tunes are based (timing and melody) and constructed on lyrics. Anyways before I take up too much of your time, what I'd like to know if you even know is how or what was the format or process you worked when you wrote some of the great tunes such tenderly with Walter Gross. I think this would be very interesting at least to me if not to eternity as you will be remembered. You fan as always Bob 7/14/06 Mr. Lawrence, Thank you so much for writing back. Please give me an address to send the CD of my rendition of "Tenderly" I would very much like to buy a copy of your book. Is it available on your website? Again, thanks for the great songs and your time. Sincerely, John Jonethis 7/13/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence , So delighted to find your website! I was searching the internet for the story behind "All or Nothing At All" (which I think is one of the most beautiful and passionate songs ever written) and I found you. Next time I sing one of your songs, I will tell the audience about the song and your website. Thanks for all of your songs and for taking the time to write the story too. Thank you! Sally Palmer 7/9/06 7/9/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, First, I would like to tell you how much of a fan I am of your work! The reason I am e-mailing you is because I would like to tell you how much I admire you. You are a true asset to your profession and an exceedingly talented songwriter. It is always a delight to listen to your wonderful and melodious words in "Beyond The Sea." I was wondering, if possible, you would be able to please send me a personalized, autographed picture? Thank you! If so, you may send it to the address below: Harrison Friedman Philadelphia , PA. 6/28/06 I enjoyed your site very much. I came upon it by accident doing a search for the writer of Delicado. It has been one of my favorites for many years, I particularly like the Edmundo Ros (another favorite of mine) version. I am an accordionist and I feature Delicado in my own arrangement for the instrument, in future I will give credit to you as the writer whenever I play it. Thank you, Jack Beecroft 6/25/06 Kinna hora, Mr. Lawrence! You and my father are only a month apart in age. His birthday is March 13, 1912 . At 94, I do hope you are still doing well. You share your name with a very dear friend who is the musical partner of the famous flatpicking guitarist, Doc Watson. My friend will be my first guest this coming September for our second full-season house concert series. I am quite familiar with your music, and I think my favorite song of yours is "Somewhere, Beyond The Sea". I, too, am a songwriter, but I have never had a hit. Still hanging in there, though, at 57. I am also a singer and guitarist. We live in Charlottesville, VA now, but I grew up in the DC area (primarily Silver Spring, MD) and lived in that region most of my life, up until November of 2004, when we relocated to help out with a family matter. Wonderful site, wonderful songs. Zie gesunt, Mr. Lawrence. Be well. Len Jaffe Barking Cherry House Concerts Charlottesville , VA 6/24/06 Jack, Hope you might be feeling up to coming next Friday! Enjoying the book so much! Lynnn Di Menna DARIEN ARTS CENTER presents "DiMenna sings DINAH!" One-Night Only, Friday, June 30 8 p.m. 6/24/06 Hi Jack, You sent me your book last month, and I wanted to thank you for it, and for the amazing CD. I have a friend, a professional conductor and musician, who stated “What a Jewel”. I agree. And if I can not find my CD, I know where to look – in my 18 year old daughter, Cherylin's, car. I appreciate all you have done for us who have the pleasure of listening to your wonderful creation. And what an amazing life you have had. Thank you again, and please say hi to your son, Richard, for me. Patrick G. André - André Consulting, Inc. 6/17/06 Dear Jack, ...GUESS WHAT...ANOTHER "LINDA"! EXCEPT I AM "LYNNDA" DROP THE I ADD A Y AND ANOTHER N AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU SEE JACK, I WAS BORN MARCH 30, 1947 , YOUR SONG "LINDA" WAS AS YOU KNOW "THE SONG" TO ALL NEW MOTHERS, MINE INCLUDED. I KNOW IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE I COULD BE NAMED AFTER YOUR SONG, SPELLING AND ALL, BUT I WAS BORN IN LOS ANGELES, CA AND EVERY AND I MEAN EVERY BABY GIRL IN THE NURSERY WAS NAMED LINDA SO THEY CHANGED THE SPELLING!! I JUST HAPPENED ON TO YOUR WEB PAGE BY SHEER ACCIDENT, I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES, IT FELT GOOD TO TELL YOU I AM "LYNNDA" AND FIND OUT ABOUT THE MAN WHO NAMED ME THANKS "DAD"! (JUST KIDDING YOU) SUNDAY IS FATHERS DAY SO HAPPY FATHERS DAY JACK FROM ALL THE "LINDA'S" WHO WEAR YOUR SONG! LOVE LYNNDA 6/17/06 Nice hearing you on Marc Middleton's show! All the best, Roger McGuinn 6/15/06 Just wanted to let you know how much I've really enjoyed your music down through the years. I grew up during the rock generation. But, I had the good fortune to have a musician as a dad. So, we were made to learn music and taught to play several instruments. My son is now a third generation bass player. The beat goes on... Please forgive me for saying this-but, I had no idea you were still around! I recently enjoyed a recital of vocal music by some youngsters, most teenagers. One of them sang one of your songs. all writers birth and death years were listed. That's right, you were the only one with just a birth date! So, Thank you for the songs-I glad to know "They All Sang (Your) Songs!" Doug St. Clair in Roanoke , Virginia
6/12/06 My first girl friend, 1949, was named Linda. I am now almost 70. My wife died 2 years ago. I am considering dating a woman named Linda. This song brings back a lot of memories. I would like to get a copy of the words to this song; could you help me? Wade Gladin 6/9/06 Dear Mr Lawrence, Just wondering what movie your song "Beyond the Sea" first appeared in. I just saw the movie "Every Girl Should be Married" with Betsy Drake and Cary Grant from 1948. The song was playing in the background - with a strings arrangement. Is this the Benny Goodman version? And is this the first movie it was in? Thanks a lot - Carol Sotack Hawthorne, CA 6/3/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, As you can see, I am just one of what seemed liked millions of Lindas born in the late 40' - early 50's. My mother who, g-d bless her, is still alive and kicking (we think at times just to make us crazy) used to sing snippets of your song to me as a child. There was always music playing in our house and my mother taught all of my brother's friends how to do the box-step and cha-cha so they wouldn't be embarrassed at the school dances. The internet is a wonderful thing....I can now turn those snippets into a complete song. Linda Corson 5/29/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Hi! I am enjoying reading your user friendly website. I joined ASCAP as a lyricist many years ago and joined the Writers Guild when I sold a TV series to Aaron Spelling. I was born in NYC and raised in NJ, and lived in LA for many years, getting my BA and MA and Ph.D. in psychology all in Southern California , and having my private practice in La Jolla , Pasadena and Beverly Hills . I was named Linnda because of your song. (I added the extra n) My parents used to go out for dinner and dancing at the Chi-Am on Rt. 22 in Martinsville , NJ when they were dating in 1947 and for some reason, the bandleader thought my mother's name was Linda, and played that song for her. My parents said that their first daughter would be named Linda and so I was. I read that you had written that song for Linda Eastman McCartney, when she was a little girl and that unbeknownst to you, Lee Eastman owned the publishing rights. When Buddy Clark recorded it and made it a number #1 smash, did you receive royalties on the song? Did you ever get the publishing rights back? My uncle was Buddy Page, who was a talent scout for Major Bowes Amateur Hour and also for the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and discovered Pat Boone, and several others. Perhaps you knew him. Your lyrics and career are just so impressive. "All or Nothing At All," by Sinatra is one of my favorites, as is "Tenderly." And "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin is also one of my favs. What did you think of Kevin Spacey's movie? I thought the dance sequences were unnecessary, but he looked so much like him it was uncanny. And the music was great. I took my parents to the Lena Horne one woman show when it was at the Pantages in LA, when I lived there and it was a sensational show. You did her show, as I have read. Continued success! I hope you will email me back. My best, Linnda Durre 5/29/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I just sent you an email and I'm going to add this. You may know Gilda Maiken who was my agent, and who passed away years ago. She was a member of the Skylarks and sang on Dinah Shore 's TV show, and Sonny and Cher 's TV show. Carol Burnett was one of her best friends. I was at Gilda's surprise birthday party at Sportsman Lodge in the Valley and met Cyd Charisse, Tony Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. Gilda was a dear friend and I went to her Christmas parties at her home and sang around the piano with Henry Mancini, since Ginny, his wife, was a Big Band singer like Gilda. Ginny planned the birthday party. Gilda's daughter Julie lives in Las Vegas now and is married with children. She and her husband Matt are in real estate together. Gilda and Ginny founded Society for Singers. I miss Gilda a great deal. She was one special woman! Looking forward to hearing from you! Best, Linnda Durre 5/25/06 My 50th wedding anniversary is coming up and I would like to give my wife a CD of Hold My Hand sung by Don Cornell. Please tell me if I can buy one or download one over the internet. Thanks Bernard Cristal 5/10/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I happened to stumble across your website this evening and wanted to express my thanks for all of the wonderful music you've brought into my life. "All Of Nothing At All", "If I Didn't Care", and "Beyond The Sea" are three of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard in my 38 years. As a writer who is chronicling the career of the Flamingos, a vocal harmony quintet-sextet that recorded in the 1950s and 1960s, I would like to ask you for your impression of their five-part harmony version of "Tenderly", which was recorded in 1960. My thanks in advance for your reply. With sincerest best wishes and appreciation, Todd Baptista Westport , MA 5/6/06 This is a question I have been trying to find the answer to for years, I was named by my brother and he chose "Linda" (I was born in 49 and he was 8 years older than me). I'm not sure if it was the same song I heard on your internet sight, I have two copies of the same record but I don't have a record player that plays 78's..When I fall asleep, I never count sheep.....Is that your song? but my real question is..... Do you happen to know what movie it was in? Thanks for any help. Linda Zeiders 4/25/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, My name is Lynn Del Guercio DiMenna. I live in Darien and I am V.P. of the New York Sheet Music Society. Linda Amiel Burns and Ed Shanaphy are old and dear professional and personal friends of mine! I have been on the radio for 13 years, hosting and producing three shows that all showcase the Great American Songbook and its' interpreters. In addition, I have maintained a career as a performer as well. I have been a featured vocalist with The Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and Les Brown Orchestras as well as a two year stint as Stan Rubin's featured vocalist at The Red Blazer Too! Presently I'm appearing with the TAVERN ON THE GREEN ALL STARS in the outdoor SUMMER SWING SERIES in the garden at Tavern on the Green. I have also mounted a show "DiMENNA sings DINAH! A celebration of the life and music of Dinah Shore, which I have presented in New York, Florida and I will be doing the show for the Darien Arts Center on Friday, June 30th at 8pm at THE WEATHERSTONE STUDIO in Darien. Any chance you could be my special guest?? I may be performing the song "Yes, My Darling Daughter, with my own "darling daughter, Meredith, a professional singer in her own right! I'd love to hear back from you.. Don't hesitate to call me at 203-656-3595 or return this e-mail. Warmly, Lynn DiMenna P.S. My father was a golfing buddy of Fred Coots at the Westchester Country Club in Rye , N.Y. and his brother, Lou, was V.P. of 20th Century Fox Records in the 50's. My grandfather was a partner in Cooperman & Del Guercio and they printed the sheet music for "Yes, We Have No Bananas!!" The music is in my blood!
4/25/06 Is your song "I Had a Ball" available on sheet music? I love it! Kurt Koehler 4/22/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I cannot believe that I never heard "Beyond the Sea" until this year. It came via a commercial of all things. I finally looked it up and found about you & Bobby Darin's involvement in the song. I haven't heard Sinatra's recording of it yet. This song is by far one of my all time favorites. This is good music. Not all of us 40 something like rock and metal and all that indistinguishable junk. Good, popular music is the way to go. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. Jonathan Phillips 4/20/06 I am a retired public school music teacher and have started a new career sharing my love of music in adult education "Adventures in Music" sessions for three school districts. I visit 4 convalescent facilities Monday thru Thursdays and talk about my favorite subject. I have shared several of your articles and mentions from my favorite magazine Sheet Music! I really enjoy your web sight which I stumbled on to from a link from musicbooksnow. Tenderly was one of my favorite songs when I played string bass in a dance band during my college days at Stanford in the 50's. Only wish you could include full versions of the songs with the stories behind the songs. (Really appreciate i\the interesting insight!) Donald Walter 4/5/06 TENDERLY: "The first vocal recording was by Sarah Vaughan and the first instrumental was by Randy Brooks. Those were in 1946." Mr Lawrence, could it be the very first recording was by a Brazilian crooner named Dick Farney on Majestic 7246 in June 1947 ? For Sarah Vaughn I found: July 2, 1947 and for Richard Brooks: July 14, 1947 ... NOT in 1946, when this lovely song was probably created. Anyway, I did enjoy the stories behind these songs, bye bye. 4/5/06 Hi, Mr. Lawrence, My name is Marly but you can call me May, the name to I begin my career of singer... I'm Brazilian, 37 years old, and I'm starting now to make a dream kept come true. I'm studying Jazz, a style of music that let me so free to sing and express my feelings. I love Ella Fitzgerald and she is my great teacher that inspire me to sing with pleasure and happiness. And I did always love the song "What's your history, morning glory" and I wanna record this song and also other music so wonderful, "Tenderly". I did discover your site now and how I believe very much in God's hands, I resolved write you some words to show my great and sincere respect and admiration. Music is so heavenly and who has the inspiration is blessed by God. Thank you very much for your beautiful songs that you wrote to the world stay more special! And, with your permission, I wanna record this two songs to let my world more shine. May I record it?? A kiss in your heart, Marly (May) Ikeda 4/11/06 I would like to hear you do something new. I think you are a genius. You can only get better with age. They say the older the violin the sweeter the music. If nobody else wants to give it a shot, I would like to hear you try. Forget about the business part. You can still do it and maybe inspire a kid or two to swing a little bit it's worth it. Times change but good times remain forever. You're still the same kid with a little more left. We're waiting for you to do what you do. Bob 3/25/06 Dear Jack Lawrence, I was wondering through a thrift store and I came upon an old piece of luggage. Inside were several things, I think ice skates, gloves but also two pieces of sheet music that you signed to Velma. The pieces are Symphony and In the Moon Mist. I found this very interesting and the owner of the store kindly said I could have them with my purchase of the luggage and some plates. It is interesting to have a piece of such a significant part of musical history. Alana Wellins 3/24/06 dear Mr. Lawrence, After doing some research on the Internet to find the sheet music for the song Linda performed by Jan & Dean, I came to your site. The reason for this search is that my girlfriend's name is Linda and I wanted to sing the song for here. The lyrics (from Jan&Dean) I know by heart, but I hoped to find some tabs or chords, so I could play it on the Guitar. My favorite music is from the late fifties and the romantic classical music from Liszt, Paganinni, Beethoven and Brahms. Now that I know the story about your Linda, the song even became more interesting, besides the fact that it is really beautiful. However I have to confess that I only heard the performance of Jan&Dean. I listened to the short intro available on your web site, and it seems that it differs a lot from the version I know. I hope to find it on CD or maybe an old record. It is also easier for me to sing, because I do not have the voice that Dean has. I hope to find the sheet music here in Holland , maybe you could give me a suggestion where to get it? Thanks for writing this nice song and with kind regards, Peter van Duijsen, Holland
3/20/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence,My mother Ruth Bauman and my Uncle Sidney Bauman went to Jefferson at the same time that you did. I guess my Mom named me Linda because of your song. She did say she knew you. My Mom lived at 560 Bristol Street . Did Artie Shaw go to Jefferson at the same time? Thank you. Linda P.S. My Mom is living in Florida and she will be moving to New York in the next few months. 3/19/06 Hello Jack, Well-done and a good website. You are handsome at your age! Sincerely, AraMcr 3/12/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Consider your book sold! It sounded very interesting even without the Connee piece. Your website refers me to Barnes and Noble- should I follow that link or do you also sell them directly? Let me know. Mr. Lawrence, I literally grew up with your music and have sung your songs since I was just a kid. But the music of Connee Boswell was something I only recently "discovered". Her talent, her story and her work with the Boswell Sisters has all the markings of a name to remember. But Connee and the Sisters seem to have almost been forgotten. As a friend and contemporary, do you have any thoughts on why this happened? Thanks for the response and also for all the wonderful music! Warm regards, Cynthia Lucas Jack Lawrence writes: Dear Cynthia, Copnnee was a good friend and we wrote a couple of songs together. I my recent book of memoirs called THEY ALL SANG MY SONGS I talk about Connee and our friendship. If you are interested in purchasing my book I will send it to you along with A CD of 21 of my songs, including Connee's SUNRISE SERENADE. Jack Lawrence 3/12/06 Forgot to mention how impressed I was to see you co-produced "Come back to the five and dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean." It took courage and vision to produce that show and it is one of my favorites. Bravo, Mr. Lawrence! I learned about "Jimmy Dean" from you website. But I am buying your book and look forward to reading more about it. Thanks again for all the good music AND theater! Cynthia 3/12/06 My granddaughter loves your work, especially your "In an 18th Century Drawing Room." I was hoping that you could please tell me the name of the 'charming Mozart etude' that this piece was from. I would be truly thankful. Yours truly from a grateful grandmother that is so pleased her family has found a love for truly beautiful music. 3/12/06 I'm always delighted when I hear from folks like you who remember the big band era when music was truly music. Did you happen to see the Oscars last week and listen to that garbage that won the best song Oscar? I knew then that I had truly outlived my time. Anyway, do stay in touch. Dear Mr. Lawrence, I'm afraid I don't exactly remember the Big Band Era. Ike was still president when I was born but Elvis was the King and Kennedy in Camelot in my first memories. But I was the kind of kid in the 70s who tape recorded Lawrence Welk from the TV so I could learn the lyrics to songs. George and Ira Gershwin were the subject of my first high school term paper and I grew up playing in the ruins of the music school where Cole Porter had studied. There are a lot of us boomers and gen-X-ers who love big band, swing and jazz. And with the internet it has become possible to hear, buy and learn about the music. The net has changed the way people consume and the dependency upon the kind of hype that the Oscars are all about is diminishing. You would be amazed at the number of 20-somethings I have "Bozzed" (meaning I play them some Boswell tunes while telling them the story of Connie and the Sisters as I know it) and at how many of them really enjoy their music. So don't feel you've outlived your time. Your music will be sung long after this year's Oscar winner is just a joke in a trivia contest. Rest assured, your music is alive, well and treasured by millions. It is an archetype that generations will return to, much as they return to the Greeks or Shakespeare in theater. I've sent my money order and look forward to receiving your book. The Connie Boswell story has really captured my imagination and I will enjoy reading about your work with her. She must have been an incredibly courageous woman. You are the first person I have heard speak of her health problems, other than the obvious paralysis. And you have confirmed what my research suggested about Harry and Ben Leedy. But what a trooper - and what a singer she was. Vet's daughter Chica is working with David McCain on a book about the Boswell Sisters, which I understand is about 95% finished. I'm sure you'll be in it. Thanks again for your correspondence. It has been a real honor and a pleasure. Warm regards, Cynthia Lucas 3/11/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, First let me say thanks for all the wonderful songs. I was raised with your words all around me and was thrilled to find your website. I found reference on your website to an article you wrote about Connee Boswell for Sheet Music Magazine. I am working on a site dedicated to the Boswell Sisters and Connee, and would love to read that article, but it does not seem to be available anywhere. Would you consider sharing the article and any memories of Connee with me? Sunrise Serenade is one of my favorite Connee numbers and your lyrics are perfect. Many thanks Cynthia Lucas - Georgetown , TX 2/28/06 Hi. A friend of mine is recovering from a stroke, and we have found that music is easier to use to get his vocal skills back. His wife's name is "Linda" and I remember a song by that name, and wondered if it was yours. Bill Estes 2/28/06 Hi Jack, I sent out the money order today. I'm so glad you can sign the book!!! My wife's name is Marina . There's just the two of us and she loves your music as well. Our favorite song of all time is "Time After Time" especially as it was sung by John Gary who also sang your great song "Tenderly". What is your opinion of John Gary . I'm no connoisseur like you but I think Vic Damone, John Gary and Jack Jones are among the best. In fact Damone also sings Tenderly very effectively. If I'm not mistaken Time After Time was written by Johnny Mercer. Did you know him? If you have the time to share your thoughts with me Thank you! Jerry Shonda - New Jersey 2/27/06 Hi Jack. I would be delighted if you signed it and even mentioned my dear attachment to your Sleepy Lagoon lyrics, if that is no problem . I will be sending a money order tomorrow and am so beside myself with joy that I have had the chance to correspond with the living legend that you are. Thank you again. Your devoted fan, Jerry Shonda 2/26/06 Hello Mr. Lawrence, When I was in college almost 35 years ago my roommate had an LP that was called as I can remember " Music For Reading " or music for something and I remember how attached I had become to the Sleepy Lagoon selection . Since then I have spent so many years searching for that album not knowing either the precise title of the album nor the artist. Sometimes I think before I die Ill find this version of the song you made so popular. Would you have any suggestions as to how I can find that violinist version of that song? How terrible the way the years fly past us, we have in each of us his own unbearably dear holy of holies of memories and favorite songs , The songs that define and sustain us . You have enriched so many lives with your God given lyrics!!!! Whenever I get down in the dumps I just have to sing a few of your songs and suddenly I am soaring on the heights , reliving moments of a life that keeps rushing past us like a quickly flowing stream TOO FINE TO EVER HOLD AND TOO SWEET TO EVER LET GO . Your devoted fan, Jerry Shonda , born in 1948. 2/25/06 I read of your Eastman contact on Jorie Gracen's website. I find it interesting if for no other reason than it proves once again - it is not what you can do BUT who you know. I don't know what Linda looked like at age five. The first time I saw her I thought she would have fit into a homeless shelter - unshaved legs, clothes that didn't fit - you get the picture. Her talents did not extend to the stage and the spotlight she was sharing. 2/25/06 Bernice, Unfortunately, I did not know your grandfather or ever get the chance to meet him and thank him personally for making one of the first recordings that started the JOHNSON RAG on to fame. Where was he living when he made that recording? Jack Lawrence Dear Mr. Lawrence, I have been online searching for any and all information about my grandfather, Jack "Johnson Rag" Teter and discovered your site. I wanted to personally thank you for writing such an upbeat song and, as you can imagine, I grew up hearing it quite often. It is what made my grandpa famous. I so much enjoy finding his records on Ebay and reading articles I find on the Internet. It warms my heart to know he is not forgotten. Thank you for playing a part in that. 2/15/06 In the early 1960's, my parents often played a Dinah Washington album (I think it was called Dinah '62, released right around the time she died). My favorite song on it was Handful of Stars. Her rendition of this spectacular song was amazing, and very sexy. I still hum and sing it - it's stayed with me for more than 40 years( In fact, I think the song would do well today if a new artist recorded it- it still works and the lyrics are still pretty hot- would love to hear someone like Patti LaBelle do it). For some reason, the song no longer appears on any Dinah Washington CD's, not even the CD version of the album. Do you know what happened? And by the way, thanks for the great song! Jay Rakow 2/15/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence: After sending you my email about the Dinah Washington version of Handful of Stars, I actually found it on a reissue of the Dinah '62 CD, so I am throwing out my Dinah CD that doesn't have it and am buying the new one just to get that song again. The fact that so many of your songs have stood the test of time is really a tribute to your genius. 2/15/06 Thank you for your nice response regarding my grandfather, Jack Teter and his recording of your song JOHNSON RAG. Jack was living in Wisconsin during that time period. In fact, you may be interested in this article that was recently posted to the Internet. It mentions your song. It is just so nice to know his name, and the Johnson Rag, live on. Bernice Tresemer East Troy , Wisconsin 2/14/06 Huckleberry Duck is on a large record, 33? The singer is Barry Wood and the orchestra is "under direction of Mark Warnow" on Columbia ----- Dear Judy, You might be able to download Danny Boy since that song is in the public domain' Huckleberry Duck is still protected by copyright. What size is the Columbia record you found - - - large or small and what singer and orchestra are listed on it? If they were well known then it's possible that there is a reissued album by that artist with that song. Send me the information and I'll try to track it down for you. Jack Lawrence 2/12/06 Hello. I was born in 1950 and one of my favorite songs as a child was "Huckleberry Duck". I played it over and over on my record player and I remember my mother singing it to me. My dad would sing "Danny Boy", one of his favorites. My parents have been gone a long time now and when I was going through boxes, long ago put up, I found the Columbia record of both of the songs. Can the songs be bought now on CDs or Cassetts? Or downloaded on the computer? Thank you, Judy Williams 2/11/06 Dear Jack Lawrence: I am a retired Boston newspaper reporter-columnist-editor and was a longtime friend of Bill Kenny's. Played his recordings all the time on my radio shows, wrote many stories about the Ink Spots (when he was with them) and I wrote his obit for The Boston Globe. My question: Would you possibly know the address in NYC of the Decca studios where "If I Didn't Care" was recorded in Jan. 1939? If you don't know this, do you have any suggestions where I might get this location? And yes, I have the music to "Care" and play it on my Hammond organ. Many special thanks to you. Bill Buchanan 2/11/06 Dear Jack... I was perusing over your Bio. You will be celebrating your 94th birthday this April? How is your health? Dottie Spathis 2/10/06 How are you Jack? I enjoyed reading the letters posted on your website... Your song "Linda" certainly was the common thread among the numerous comments... I purchased Barry Manilow's latest cd...his tribute to the 50's...which includes your song "Beyond the Sea"...it is beautiful. Your songs are timeless and unforgettable... thank you so much! All the Best! Dottie Spathis P.S.: gonna order your book...can I mail it to you for an autograph? 2/10/06 RICHIE ORNSTEIN PRODUCER JOE FRANKLIN SHOW DEAR JACK : WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE A GUEST ON THE "JOE FRANKLIN SHOW" ALL THE BEST, RICHIE ORNSTEIN PRODUCER 2/10/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I love your website. I also love your songs. My aunt Linda was born a couple of years after your "Linda" song, and I am a huge, huge fan of both Linda McCartney and Paul McCartney. In fact, I found out about your website on Jorie Gracen's Macca Report. My name is mentioned in the front of Jorie's "I Saw Him Standing There" book because I made a phone call to my literary agent on behalf of Jorie, and they then found a publisher for that fantastic book of hers about Paul and Linda. Jorie does an outstanding job always, in all she does. But most of all, I want you to know that because your song Sleepy Lagoon is one of the reasons I grew up to major in music and become a music teacher. I loved that song. I listened to it when I was young, and I listened to it a lot. It was a surprise to me to see just how old the song was, because I thought it was new when I would listen to it. It was on an album that my parents had. To this day, I can remember listening to that in my room, and how thrilling and beautiful the song is. It's so nice to hear it again on your website. I will have to buy a version of that song. I miss it! It was like finding an old friend again when I heard that segment of it on your website. Maybe, too, it helped me become a writer, because it evokes such images of places beautiful and unseen! Thank you for your wonderful music, Lynette Stark 2/9/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I am very grateful for your prompt reply and for your gracious permission to quote from your classic song - subject to getting the details correct! You have been very patient with me and my original haphazard quotation which I did by ear. How could I miss the 'golden' sands? I didn't have access to the written version, so I hope you will forgive me. I have a number of stylistic issues to consider for the book and MUP may have others. For example, I have included very brief explanatory notes in the reference for many quotations. I love your detail about Odysseus and want to include it. There are other lyrics that I have collected. For example, I have quoted some lines of Heinrich Heine's 'Am Meer' which were set to music by Schubert and I did something very similar to what I am proposing below - which I hope you will approve. Jack Lawrence (1912— ) Somewhere . . . beyond the sea, Somewhere . . . waiting for me My lover stands on golden sands And watches the ships that go sailing [Odysseus envisioning Penelope] Beyond the Sea, lines 1—4, English lyrics to the music of Charles Trenet I have permission to quote from several of Bob Dylan's songs, but I would love to quote from Irving Berlin's 'We Saw the Sea'. Would you by any chance know his daughter Linda Emmet? I believe she lives in Paris now. I know this is a long shot, but I hope you will forgive me asking. There is a great deal of detective work involved in checking rights, let alone the scholarship of collecting the quotations. With very best wishes, Ed. Duyker Jack wrote: Dear Dr. Duyker, You have my permission - - - but only if you quote my lyric correctly: Somewhere . . . .beyond the sea, Somewhere. . . waiting for me My lover stands on golden sands And watches the ships that go sailing As you have noted this is far from a direct translation of the Trenet lyric. I used the classic myth of the sailor Odyseus envisioning his Penelope waiting for him to come home. Please be sure to credit the title BEYOND THE SEA, lyric by Jack Lawrence, music by Charles Trenet. Jack Lawrence 2/8/06 Just like to say what a thrill to find your wonderful website. I am a great fan of your music. As a musician I love to play your tunes as I find them very clever and interesting chordal and phrasing structure not to mention lyrics. Sort of like Jimmy McHugh in overdrive (ha ha just kidding) I love Jimmy's tunes as well. Thanks again for the memories. Good music never goes out of style. Bob Powers 2/8/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I am a Sydney-based historian working on 'A Dictionary of Sea Quotations'. This will probably be published by Melbourne University Press who have published my last 6 books. I went searching the net in search of a quote from Charles Trenet's haunting 'La Mer' which I was prepared to translate myself if I could gain permission (my mother is a native French speaker from Mauritius), but then reconsidered. Your version, 'Beyond the Sea', while not an actual translation, has classic status in its own right in English. I wonder if I could have permission to quote the words for one verse, say, Jack Lawrence (1912- ) and Charles Trenet Somewhere beyond the sea, Somewhere waiting for me, My lover stands I am told, in sand And watches the ships That go sailing. Beyond the Sea, lines 1-6 I don't have a copy of your lyrics or the proper punctuation, so this may need correction. I also realize that I may also need the permission of Charles Trenet's heirs. Even if you don't want me to quote your version, could you help me get in touch with Charles Trenet's family? Although I have gathered quotations from Homer to the present, I have permission from one other living contributor Dr Phillip Law who was born in 1912. He is a famous Australian Antarctic explorer. I have to tell you that while he is still driving his silver Toyota Celica, I don't think he is connected to the internet as you are! Congratulations on your website. I very much look forward to your reply Sincerely, Ed. Duyker 2/5/06 I can't find the chart/sheet music for Foolin' Myself. I so love this tune, and would like to sing it with a trio here in Chicago . Can you send the chart? Or direct me to where I can find it? (not available at Hal Leonard, or SheetMusicDirect). Respectfully, Paula J Hoffman 2/4/06 Hi I'm John Cartwright a 19 year old swing/jazz singer from Manchester ( England ). I'm singing professionally and at the moment I'm recording some original songs with the pianist Ben Dawson who played the piano in the Kevin Spacey film "Beyond the Sea". I would like you to listen to the original songs and see what you think? I've got my own show at Manchester United Football club on the 24th of February with a 17 piece swing band. If you would be interested in coming I will reserve you a table if you let me know plenty of time before. 2/2/06 Jack, thank you for your music. I am a professional singer and musician and perform some of your songs regularly and they are wonderful. Thank you so much and best wishes! Frankie Strub 2/2/06 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for Play, Fiddle, Play Rudy Ricciardi 2/1/06 I have been online searching for any and all information about my grandfather, Jack "Johnson Rag" Teter and discovered your site. I wanted to personally thank you for writing such an upbeat song and, as you can imagine, I grew up hearing it quite often. It is what made my grandpa famous. I so much enjoy finding his records on Ebay and reading articles I find on the Internet. It warms my heart to know he is not forgotten. Thank you for playing a part in that. Bernice Tresewmer 1/31/06 I just can't believe I finally found the man who wrote the song I was named after. My mom always said I was named after a song and I am so excited to find you. The only sad part is my mom has gone home to a much better place but I know she is with me always. I loved reading your story also and you wrote so many great hits. The one who always seems to be in the back seat instead of in front where he belongs. Well I am 57 almost 58 born in 48 and I love all the songs you wrote. My mom had them all. And I do love your web site I My daughter made a beautiful site for my mom. She always wanted to get a computer but ran out of time but she is really on line now. Well sorry I didn't mean to talk so much but just had to write you after finally finding the one who really wrote the Linda song. God Bless LINDA P.S. I would like to add the Linda song to my moms web site do you know how I might get it? Thanks again. 1/29/06 Jennifer M: Dear Dr. Lawrence , I am a freshman in high school. One of my English class topics was Homer's Odysseus. My dad told me to listen to Bobby Darin singing "Beyond the Sea." I can't help but think that your lyrics were influenced by Odysseus's longing for his wife, Penelope, and her longing for him to return home. Am I correct? Thank you, Jennifer 1/28/06 To the best of my knowledge Perry Como never recorded "In An 18th Century Drawing Room", certainly not for RCA. Do you have any information suggesting otherwise? Regards, George Townsend Perry Como Discography & CD Companion 1/27/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I am writing to request rights to the composition "Beyond The Sea". We would like to use the music in our theatrical stage production of "Up" by Bridget Carpenter. We would be using it for a wordless dance within a scene that would last for sixty seconds. We are a non-profit, regional theater in Southern Oregon . If you can grant us the rights then please let us know how you would like credit to appear in our playbill. Thank you for your time and consideration. Our production goes into technical rehearsals on February 16, 2006 and we'd love to hear from you by February 12, 2006 . Please contact Todd Barton, Resident Composer and Music Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kay Hilton 1/20/06 I have just visited your web site and enjoyed it. I won tickets in 1959 to see the premier of Sleeping Beauty in Toronto , by winning the best actress award that year amongst some of the high schools. I now have a granddaughter who is 3 and we have almost worn the movie out. She knows everyone in it and what is going to happen and when. I have looked everywhere for the words to Once Upon a Dream which I could print out on my computer to make some kind of framed memento for my granddaughter, but nowhere have I been able to find this. I would appreciate any help you can give me. And, thank you for writing such a catchy and memorable and uplifting "anthem". Wendy Bellany - Music Assistant Oregon Shakespeare Festival 1/11/06 Greetings, Mr. Lawrence, Just a quick note to thank you for your wonderful song "Beyond the Sea." Today is Cary Grant's birthday, and Turner Classic Movies showed "Every Girl Should Be Married." I was pleasantly surprised to hear "Beyond the Sea" played throughout the film. The Bobby Darin version is a song that I grew up with, and every time I hear it, I get a renewed sense of optimism for everything that lies beyond my city, beyond my current circumstances, and perhaps beyond this life. Thanks very much! Tom Kuzmik 1/10/06 I do not have time at the moment to properly express how I feel ...having discovered you and who you are!! Let me just say that I feel like a blushing teen who just got her first kiss from the Romeo in her life!! I never explored the composer of 'handful of stars' till now ... (I had heard the song sung by Bob Eberly on WJIB in Cambridge MA )..... I am 52yrs. old with music in my blood!! I have much I would like to share and say....but for now-----thank you for bringing so much joy into my life!!... Ellen Wolpe Newton Ma 1/10/06 Dear Jack....thanks for your response!---I am very interested in reading your memoirs! ...I will have to search for the Nat Cole and Mel Torme recordings of 'handful'....after , or with my search for Bob Eberly's !!! After not playing piano for almost 40 yrs. I have decided that I am passionate enough to go ahead and study again ,,and also learn how to sing your beautiful music.....Looking at your website with the backround information about your songs was very generous of you!!....... Dear Ellen Wolpe, What a pleasant surprise and warm letter! I'm so glad you wrote about HANDFUL OF STARS. Have you heard Nat Cole's and Mel Torme's recordings? Superb! You might be interested in reading my memoirs recently published; THEY ALL SANG MY SONGS. Jack Lawrence 1/9/06 Mr. Lawrence, Hopefully you will get a laugh out of this because you wrote a song that has been bouncing around in my head for years -- and I never knew the name of it until today. For years whenever I would see the Preston Sturges film "The Lady Eve" (Henry Fonda & Barbara Stanwyck), I would hear a melody played in the filmscore and I felt it had to have been a popular song of the day, but I couldn't place it. For the next couple of days, I would continue to hear that tune in my head. Often I invite friends over for dinner and then let them pick a classic movie to watch afterwards. Recently, we watched "The Lady Eve" again and so when that melody suddenly appeared, I asked everyone in the room if anyone could place that tune. No one could. (Everyone in the room was born post-1950.) Today I had the "40s" music channel from XM satellite radio on and suddenly I heard that tune again. I quickly checked the screen to see the title "With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair" (Kay Kyser version). So I am relieved to have solved the mystery and finally know the title of the tune that I couldn't get out of my head. P.S. I see by your website that Sturges also used that song in "Sullivan's Travels" so I'll have to make a note to watch that one again. Bob Grace 1/5/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I'm a rookie jazz singer who greatly admires your music. I would like nothing more than to sing "What's Your Story, Morning Glory"? Do you know where I could get a score or lead sheet for it? Thanks so much! All the best, Judith Ames aka Judith Ames Whitenack 1/1/06 Hi Mr. Lawrence: Thanks so much for taking time to send a reply to my email. In regards to your question about did the radio interview mention your new book They All Sang My Songs, the answer is definitely YES; and I will be looking for it soon in the bookstores. I'm sure it will be a fascinating read. Since I was born in 1942, I missed some of what must have been a quite memorable part of your most glorious beginnings. Even though some of the true music fans did not get to know you as well as those who sang your songs, you must take much pleasure in knowing that ALL those who sang them not only knew you but were extremely grateful to you for writing lyrics and arrangements to classic tunes made them famous, loved by all Americans, and in many cases fabulously wealthy. Congratulations Sir, for constructing and sharing such a Beautiful Life with all of us.....your adoring fans; and continued best wishes to a memorable gentleman who's life typified and helped to develop the architecture of what has always been known to others round the world as the American Dream! May God Bless you always. An adoring Fan, Danny Hogg 1/1/06 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I have a shameful confession to make. I am sixty three years old and until today never heard your name. Then I heard your conversation on the Joey Reynolds show and thought "I can't believe I've never heard of this guy. So I went immediately to the internet and typed in "Jack Lawrence"........and this HANDSOME young man's picture comes on the screen and I thought NO; this man can't have accomplished all this and still look so young and vibrant and handsome. Then I read a little farther and discovered the "JACK LAWRENCE" I was looking seeing on the monitor..... WASN'T YOU......he was a PORN star! Type in your name in the "Google" search engine and you'll see what I mean. I think you'll get a kick out of it. But mainly I wanted to apologize for not immediately recognizing you after hearing you on the radio with Joey and then reading your "real" website which listed all your accomplishments. At my age CERTAINLY I remember ALL those great tunes and singers and it just opened my eyes to the fact that far too often the guy who writes the music is NOT given the recognition he/she deserves. At least part of the reason your songs and those singers became so famous was because of YOUR remarkable talent, yet you never received AS MUCH recognition as you deserved for so many indescribable accomplishments. Just goes to show us that far too often the man behind the successes does not receive his just due. So please accept my apology for being too lazy to do the homework of learning more about how some of my favorite songs and singers came to fame. (Also, type in your name on "Google" and see the guy I first thought was you and read a little about him....you'll get a big kick out of it :)! Best Regards for another successful new year. An old, new fan.....Danny Hogg 1/1/06 Hi Again Jack: I am on the lookout at the bookstore for a copy of your book, They All Sang My Songs. I would love to have you sign it and will forward it to you once I acquire it. You are also correct that my name should be spelled Danny. I went back to check the two previous mails I had sent to you and see that in fact, they are both signed with two "n"s making it Danny. I agree, if they had been signed with only one "n", spelling Dany, it would indicate a girl's name; but I am of the male persuasion and have always enjoyed being so. What enjoyable events lie in your future Jack? Do you travel much anymore. From previous reading of your history it appears you have enjoyed traveling round the world on more than one occasion? I really miss many of those who "Sang your songs", as so many others do. Wouldn't it be nice to still have Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat Cole and the endless list of stars still around to put their vocals with your classic lyrics. Those days are gone now, but the memories of them will live forever. Take care of your health; a fan forever Danny Hogg 12/31/05 Dear Jack. Are there any cd's available with the song on them???? Have a wonderful New Year's and I would love to come to a book signing at a Barnes and Noble in central New Jersey . Thanks, Linda 12/30/05 I heard you on the Joey Reynolds show last night.... Obviously you can figure out my fave song...Are there any cd's available with Linda on them??? Which artists??? I was born in 1946 and I guess that is where the name came from.... Keep up the good work, Linda PS When my son was born, my roommate named her baby after me!!!!! Linda 12/30/05 Hello, I remember the song Hold my Hand from the movie Susan Slept Here and have always wanted to hear it again. The other day, I heard it on the radio! I want to make a personal CD including my favorite songs from the 1950's, but cannot find this song online . If you could tell me where I can find a copy, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your time. Betty Bennett 12/30/05 I heard you on a repeat broadcast on WOR radio station at 2am . I am 75 and to hear how you are mentally was great. I would love your record. Mel Lesner 12/30/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I have a shameful confession to make. I am 63 years old and until today never heard your name. Then I heard your conversation on the Joey Reynolds show and thought "I can't believe I've never heard of this guy. So I went immediately to the internet and typed in "Jack Lawrence"... and this HANDSOME young man's picture comes on the screen and I thought NO; this man can't have accomplished all this and still look so young and vibrant and handsome. Then I read a little farther and discovered the "JACK LAWRENCE" I was looking seeing on the monitor... WASN'T YOU... he was a PORN star! Type in your name in the "Google" search engine and you'll see what I mean. I think you'll get a kick out of it. But mainly I wanted to apologize for not immediately recognizing you after hearing you on the radio with Joey and then reading your "real" website which listed all your accomplishments. At my age CERTAINLY I remember ALL those great tunes and singers and it just opened my eyes to the fact that far too often the guy who writes the music is NOT given the recognition he/she deserves. At least part of the reason your songs and those singers became so famous was because of YOUR remarkable talent, yet you never received AS MUCH recognition as you deserved for so many indescribable accomplishments. Just goes to show us that far too often the man behind the successes does not receive his just due. So please accept my apology for being too lazy to do the homework of learning more about how some of my favorite songs and singers came to fame. (Also, type in your name on "Google" and see the guy I first thought was you and read a little about him...you'll get a big kick out of it :)! Best Regards for another successful new year. An old, new fan... Danny Hogg 12/5/05 Mr. Lawrence, Thank you so much for your kind response. I'll look forward to the possibility that you might find that picture - but it's probably a long shot that my father would have been in it. Although I grew up in the throes of 50s-60s-70s rock 'n roll and pop music, I learned, played, and sang hundreds of "standards" with my "old man" and assorted musical friends of his. But every trip through a new (or old) fake book reminds me what an incredibly rich vein there is of great tunes from the 20s-30s-40s-early 50s. On that note, I was interested in your short history surrounding the tune "What Will I Tell My Heart." Somehow it had escaped my attention until about six months ago. After singing/playing through it I thought, "how did I miss this one?" Now I play and sing it frequently, getting comfortable with it, finding the feel, pointing it out to other folks. I see from your site there are others I need to track down, so thanks for the ongoing inspiration. Best, Mark Hamby / Seattle , WA 12/4/05 For 200 years the name "Mary" was the most used name ... until "Linda" @ 1945/6. In the mid 60's, my dorm floor of 20 girls had 10 named "Linda"!! I never knew where my parents found their inspiration for my name ... I thought, perhaps, that an actress by the name Linda Darnell had been the source. After all these almost 60 years of life, I had just been informed of the Linda behind your song "Linda" and in researching the validity, discovered your website, you and the song's story. Thank you, so very, very much for all your wonderful music, but most of all for all the "beautiful" girls now named Linda. 11/29/05 Hi Jack, I was in New York for two days last weekend (my wife had a trade show there) .Just got back and found that fantastic gift waiting. What a surprise! It was wonderful of you to send this to me. It will be a treasured item in my collection. Please keep in touch and let me know when the new book is available and we'll do another "interview". All the best for good health in 2006. Warmest regards, Rob 11/10/05 Mark, I was in the Coast Guard for a very short time. If you read my recent book of memoirs called THEY ALL SANG MY SONGS you will read the story of how the navy transferred me to a neighboring facility in Manhattan Beach where I ran the Welfare and Morale Department. I think I used that Coast Guyard band photo in my book and will have to look for the original. If I find it I'll try to email it to you. ------------------------------------- Mr. Lawrence, What a kick to find your site. You wrote some very great tunes. I'll have to revisit a bunch of them. One quick question: Among your photos is one of the Coast Guard Band at Sheep's Head Bay in 1942. It's small and hard to see the faces, and when I try to enlarge it, it just gets very blurry. But my father was in a Coast Guard Band in 1942, and it kind of looks like it could be... Well, I just wondered if you had a larger, clear version of the image. In any case, I'll continue to explore the site and your great tunes. Thanks much, Mark Hamby / Seattle , WA 11/15/05 Thank you for an informative website. We are studying the opening section of The Shawshank Redemption for a GCSE Media assignment and we are interested in why the director chose your song for the opening credits. We think it helps to show Andy Dufresne's state of mind (heartbroken and mentally unhinged!) and place the film in its 40s context with the ragtime music. Do you think that our hypothesis holds true? We'd love to hear from you. Amanda Farmer 11/06/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I was a nursing student at Misericordia Hospital in New York during 1951-1953. One night a Jack Lawrence was admitted for emergency surgery. Someone told me that this patient had written "Tenderly". I've often wondered how you fared and now I know. Thank you for your fine music. Anne Tonrey 11/06/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence I am a huge fan of Bobby Darin and I think that his version of your song "The Other Half of Me" is superb and in my opinion the best slow number that Bobby Darin ever recorded. I have however been unable to find the sheet music for the song and I would be very grateful if you could help me out. Kind regards, Chris Groves - England 11/04/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I stumbled on you fascinating website while searching for the year of publication for "Tenderly," which I first learned as a child through a light concert arrangement played by the Melachrino Orchestra on an early LP (actually RCA's first 12" popular issue, LPM 1000, Music for Dining). I've spent the past three quarters of an hour reading with great interest about the genesis of many songs for which you supplied the lyrics. The "Tenderly" anecdote was particularly interesting. I read with considerable surprise about the score you wrote with Sammy Fain for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, before Tchaikovsky was posthumously called in as a collaborator! Does your original score still exist on paper? Were any demo records made? Any of the songs commercially recorded? It would be very interesting to hear what it was like. I am a discographer and record historian, working on a history of recordings of musical shows. I'd love to speak with you about the cast album of "I had a Ball" and all of the instrumental and jazz recordings that were issued. Spending time with your website was a great pleasure. Sincerely, Richard Markowitz 11/04/05 My twin 7 year old daughters would like to sing, "Once Upon a Dream" in a talent show. I am searching for the music on CD or tape without words, so they can be the only singers. Would you be able to direct me to a resource? They absolutely love this song and sing it beautifully! Thank you, Kathy Cooper 11/02/05 First, the fan mail: I am a great admirer of your body of work. It's a thrill to read the things you've posted to Songbirds." Why the hell don't more singers do "A Handful of Stars"? Second, a query: I am tremendously fond of the title song to "I Had A Ball," but I've only been able to find it in truncated versions, sans verse and the "Call me lover and call me shameless" section. I've had friends send me (a.) a photocopy from some dismal fake book, and (b.) even worse, a simplified version for Hammond Organ. You don't want to know what they did to it harmonically. Is there anyone I could contact to get a lead sheet of the whole song? Every best wish to you! Jeff Austin 11/02/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence. Please notice that I am Danish, and my spelling can be well...funny. I'm rehearsing with a big band for a big new year concert in Randers wich is a very small city in Denmark ! I ill be singing "I had a ball" and on my way searching for the lyrics, I came to your site! It's just fantastic to see, hear and read about you and your story. I would never in my life had guessed, that when I started my search for the lyrics of Jack Lawrence and Stan Freeman, I would be writing you this evening. I will look forward to sing the new year in with your song!! Many Greetings from Copenhagen , R.Bendtsen 10/24/05 Dear Jack, How wonderful to hear back from you ! I will be sending you a card and I am going to send you my 1st demo CD. It's 5 years old and unfortunately, does not have any of your songs on it but I wanted you to have it anyway. In addition to the other material there are a couple of standards on it that you might like. I am returning to the studio soon and will be recording another CD. Maybe being named after a song was part of my destiny to become a singer. I do perform your songs when I sing at my engagements and my favorites are "Tenderly" "Beyond The Sea" and "Once upon a dream." I am perusing your web site and see how gracious you were to include Sammy Fain in the credits. You are a giving spirit and you have been blessed because of it. Musically yours, Linda Ciofalo 10/23/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I was one of the many little girls named after your song "Linda". You've written so many beautiful songs that have added meaning to so many people lives. We had a recording of the tune that I heard as a child growing up. My father sang "Linda" to me often. When we went to family gatherings, my uncles and aunts would break into a unison chorus of "Linda" when someone called my name. When I became a teen I told them to please stop that! I had always wondered why you wrote a song and chose that particular name. I see that the song does have a special story behind it and that you wrote it for Linda Eastman. I am very grateful that you did not use the name Ida as people suggested to you. No offense to" Ida" there already is a song by that name anyway. "Linda" went on to become a very popular name due to your chart topping hit. When I was growing up we always had 2 or 3 Lindas in the classroom. So all of the Lindas had a preface, there was 'big' Linda and 'little' Linda, I was "skinny" Linda. Haha. Well things change you know. I have the original sheet music of the tune which someone framed for me as a gift. The sheet has a picture of Charlie Spivak on the front cover. I'm not sure how old it is. Mr. Lawrence, I wondered if there is any way I could get your autograph either on the sheet or on a separate piece of paper? It would mean so much to me. I have listed my email address above. Thanks for the music. Bless your heart. Musically yours, Linda Ciofalo 10/20/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I love so much your songs, my favorite one is "If I didn't care". It's difficult for those days of commercial music to listen to songs like yours are, but it's a good way to spend a moment in the day for relax and tranquility. I'd like to find your music here in Italy , but it's almost impossible in music stores. Can you suggest me a place where I can buy them (...my favorite one first!). Best regards, Gianluca 10/04/05 I read an article recently about an organization called "Linda". Linda's involved in Network Development Association. You wrote a song for Linda McCartney and you performed at the third LINDA convention in Des Moines . Do you have the web site for this group? It was not listed in the article, only yours was. I'd appreciate it if you have any info about this group. Thank You. Linda 08/24/05 Dear Jack, I have realized that I never did let you know my reaction to the "I Had a Ball" CD that I had ordered from Amazon.com last month. Well, I enjoyed hearing it very much and have listened to it several times. I especially enjoy the patter songs. I also really enjoyed your liner notes. It is such a shame that Hackett's behavior was so egocentric and selfish that no other big name (like Phil Silvers, etc) could have stepped into the role and kept the show running longer. Karen Morrow has the vocal power of Ethel Merman. For sure, and has done "Gypsy" I understand. I enjoyed all the songs and all the performers. By the way, I like your new website! It is spiffy! It features "Beyond the Sea", too! But I do miss the listing of "Passing By" that you had on the other website, and would enjoy a little background story to go along with it, maybe? My best, Don Shepard 08/22/05 Mr. Lawrence, your website is great!!! I never realized everything you've done. My mom was just raving about "Beyond The Sea" (the movie) and cited the song as one of her favorites and my daughters absolutely love "Once Upon a Dream" and break out in song on a regular basis. What a connection!!!! I'm excited to read your book. I just ordered it. I just stumbled across a copy of music with your name on it published in 1942(?) and sung by Frank Sinatra. It's called "My Heart Isn't In it." Are there any recordings of it? What's the story behind it? Kyle Olson August 19, 2005 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Would you please tell me how to get a copy of your song "Linda"? My brother had an original 78 RPM record of "Linda" which he gave to me and, in a weak moment, I gave it to a friend who moved to San Francisco . I was born in 1945 and gave the record away in 1967. When I was a little girl, my doctor would always sing "Linda" to me whenever I saw him. Thank you. Linda Schissler August 18, 2005 Hi Mr. Lawrence, First let me say that I'll thrilled that you are still with us and still active. I've long admired your work and was stunned to read about the Ink Spots reaction to "Its Funny To Everyone But Me," which I always liked as one of their best works. I bet they didn't gripe when the royalties started coming in to them for that one. It insured that they would not be a one record wonder. Did Hoppy Jones make up the talking chorus? Of course the best song Bobby Darin ever did in my opinion was "Beynond The Sea." It must be gratifying to know that such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald also recorded your songs. I'm very pleased with your web site and will keep in touch. Warm regards for a healthy and "long" life. Glenn Laxton WPRI TV Eyewitness News East Providence , RI 08/15/05 I just came across a great article about the name "LINDA" and about the song that made the name popular in 1946. I would like to know how I would go about getting a copy of the words to the song or even the record (now CD). Linda Magnone 08/15/05 I picked up my local newspaper today in Wilmington , DE ( www.delawareonline.com ) and read about the LINDA club and was floored that you inspired such a dedicated group of women who so strongly identify with your song. I grew up (I am 43 now) hearing my father sing this song to me "When I go to sleep..." and he said I was named after your song. I wanted him to sing this to me at my wedding but he has been deceased over 22 years now and I couldn't hear him sing your song to me. I have never heard the entire song just the 2 lyrics that follow the above mentioned lyric. He would know the entire song but they are the 3 I remember best. I have worked as an investment specialist for the past 16 years and occasionally when my clients tell me there was a popular song when they were growing up called Linda. I tell them that I know and I was named after the song. They then proceed to sing the above lyrics and it always brings a tear to my eyes. It is a good thing that I talk to these clients over the phone. You have a great legacy in your work. You have touched my life in a way that no one else has or ever could. Thank you for bringing these special memories to me. Lynda Sult August 15, 2005 Hello Jack, Read an article in the paper yesterday about the L.I.N.D.A club, and when it mentioned some of the lyrics of the song, I almost passed out. My Mother used to sing that to me all the time, she was a singer and came from a musical family. I had always thought that song was hers just for me. Imagine that!! So now I know where it all came from, including my name. She's been gone 14 years now, but I can still hear her singing that tune, "when I fall asleep, I never count sheep, I count all the charms about Linda..." Is it possible to get a recording of it? Gee that would be great. Love your website, a lot of interesting stuff. Keep on keeping on. Your Friend, Linda August 14, 2005 Hello there, my name Is Linda Higgins and I was reading your article in the paper today about the group of women "named Linda." I was curious how I could go about learning more about this and maybe even becoming a member. August 14, 2005 Hi, We are working on a cover database and came upon a discussion about the Tenderly original. Who performed/recorded this first: Sarah Vaughan or Randy Brooks? You can view this discussion at http://www.secondhandsongs.com/forum/index.php?topic=3229.0 Thanks for your reply. Denis Monsieur 08/13/05 Dear Jack, Thank you (and your muse!) for all of those beautiful lyrics/songs. I turn 60 this December 10th and I can't recall how many times the radiance of your work has shed light on my heart, during the happy, sad and wistful times. My father, long gone now, introduced me to your outstanding music when I was a kid growing up in St. Louis . He and Mom would swoon when Tenderly was playing on the record player. Again, thanks for deeply touching the hearts and souls of millions of human beings. Be well. My best to you always. Yours, Charles Briggs - Redding CA 08/12/05 Please tell me where I can get or download your song with vocals entitled Sunrise Serenade. We can only download the instrumental version by Glen Miller. My dad would appreciate it if you could help me acquire this song with vocals. Thank you. Ricky Monfort 08/11/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I've been an unwitting admirer of your music for years. I recently heard someone sing a song of yours called, "The Other Half Of Me". Is it possible to obtain a lead sheet for it. Someday, when I record again, I'd love to do it. How on earth did you think up that poignant line, "is there a chart for the heart"? I would so appreciate being able to add another of your unique songs to my collection. Thanking you in advance. Best Regards, Stephanie Crawford 08/02/05 Greetings from my lil' corner of the world. Beautiful Coeur d'Alene - Idaho . Two months ago I started a Linda Lunch Club. The only rule is they have to spell their name LINDA. Based on of course your song, LINDA. Thank you for your story behind this. I then noticed on your website information on a L.I.N.D.A Club. I was so amazed as I had never heard of this before. I understand you sang your song at the L.I.N.D.A convention or two. How special I'm sure that was. Ironically, many of the things they did as a group we are doing as a group also. So a few days ago I made new friends from different areas. Thank you for your website. It brightened my day, and led me to a deeper search that will bring much more fun and excitement for our LINDA LUNCH August 13th. Again, before I ever knew this L.I.N.D.A Club existed, or knew of your website, I asked a gentlemen to surprise the Linda's and sing your song for us while we are eating lunch. So, if he doesn't chicken out on us he will liven the ladies up with the surprise song. I think I will include your story that you shared on your website about the writing of this song. Another thing I would like to thank you for....it took years for me to like my name. Now I am so proud of my name. Your song has helped in that (along with other composers/singers) as well. If you have any ideas for our group (as we plan on having more luncheons and growing as we may have a reporter come join us) I would appreciate your sharing with me. Sincerely, Linda Gail 07/31/05 I am trying to find a tape or CD that contains "Poor People of Paris" with no luck. How can I find it? Thanks! Patti Stewart 07/30/05 Dear Jack, I live in Los Angeles and I was just listening to the Peter Pan soundtrack I loved as a child. So many memories! I was re-listening to "Never Smile at A Crocodile" and wanted to find the lyrics to the entire song. Nothing I've searched on the internet prints the lyrics in their entirety. There is a rapidly spoken-word part after the musical lyrics that I thought was excellent, but cannot find these spoken-word lyrics anywhere. Could you help me? Thank you much! Hayden 07/29/05 Hi Jack, Greetings from the UK , yes at the moment I'm avoiding the bombs! However, I do have another problem, a very good friend of mine has just celebrated his 70'th birthday and as a gift I have been tracking down all his lifetime favorite songs to make a compilation. "Hold My Hand" your song by Don Cornell is one of his most favorite. Unfortunately every version I can find is NOT the one he recalls??? I'm really disappointed in the failure of my quest, as it would make this man so happy! I have just now found your website, it plays just a few bars of "Hold My Hand" and the version on your site sounds like it might be the original film soundtrack and IS different to others I have found?? Is it possible to get a FULL version of this soundtrack please, I will gladly pay. Alternatively can you throw any light on why my friend remembers a "different version" to the one that topped the charts?? Warm regards, Ken Wolverson 07/27/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I first became aware of your song, "Linda" via the Jan and Dean version. Do you have a complete list of artists who recorded it and when? (Maybe original format 78/45/LP) I just think it would be fun and something to do to track down a copy of each. Thanks, John Awarski 07/26/05 I live in Germantown , Tennessee . Tonight we went to a concert of our River City Band and they played a medly of your work. When I was growing up in Alabama nobody ever mentioned who wrote what songs and I'd never heard your name, but my wife Cindy and I sat there singing along the very well known lyrics of Beyond the Sea, Tenderly, Sleepy Lagoon, Johnson Rag and a couple we couldn't title. Thanks for giving us a pleasant walk down memory lane. Times sure were good then... God blessed you with a great talent! And what a joy to be able to tell you how much we enjoyed that talent tonight... Sewell Dunkin 07/25/05 I just discovered your website and have enjoyed browsing it very much. "Beyond the Sea" has long been a favorite song for me. Bobby Darin's version was great, as well as George Benson's, but I first learned the song from Martin Denny in his 1959 album "The Enchanted Sea." I have had that album on CD for several years now and still listen to it quite often. Thanks for a song for the ages. Jay Snipes 07/19/05 As I grew up, my grandmother had a London-label copy of Johnson Rag by Jack Teter. I loved that song and just about played it to death. We lost the record when we moved in 1969, and I never heard the song again until I found another London copy on eBay. I bid with flames coming out my ears and won the record. At that point, it had been well over 25 years since I had heard that song. It's still just as great as ever. I've got it recorded in my computer and saved out to a data CD for safekeeping. I rarely get to thank the person responsible for something I really like, so here goes: Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. Bill Adams 07/14/05 Mr. Lawrence, "Once Upon a Dream" is a beautiful song, but I have a question. I have listened as close as I can to the song on CD and DVD and to me it sounds as if the lyrics are "Yet I know it's true...". However, I have also, more often than not, seen the lyric as "Yes I know it's true..". Please could you tell me which is correct? And thank you for a song that still makes a 43-year old father of four feel like a little kid watching Disney movies at the drive-in in our family's old Buick station wagon. Best Wishes, Dan Przybyl 07/13/05 Dear Jack, Just a note to let you know that I have just completed the reading of your book for the 2nd time. I loved it the 2nd time around even more than the first time around. Also, I have turned many of my friends on to the book and to you and they, like I, are awe-struck. Thanks so much for sharing. I also wanted to let you and Richard know that a very good friend of mine is the Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the U. of Connecticut at Storrs . His name is Dr. David G. Woods. He is an accomplished musician and music educator in his own right. He and I met when we worked together for the Denver YMCA way back in 1962 when we both were in college. We became very close friends but have not been in touch for a very long time. If you and Richard should be interested in meeting David, let me know and I will facilitate the introduction. As always, I remember the great times I enjoyed with you and Richard in your homes in NYC and Connecticut back in the late 80s and early 90s. Fondly, Mike Hancock 07/12/05 I just finished enjoying your autobiography. At the end, you mention that some younger talents are now recording the standards. I just wondered if you were aware of a young singer named Renee Olstead whose C.D. features songs like On a Slow Boat to China , Taking a Chance on Love, Sunday Kind of Love, and Someone to Watch Over Me. This girl is only about 16, but what style. She must have listened to a lot of Peggy, Rosie, Connee, and Ella. She certainly didn't get it from Brittany . I think you'd like her. Thanks for the great music and the entertaining book. By the way, I never liked Buddy Hackett either. Ed Marchbank 07/11/05 Hi Jack, Great site! You might remember me contacted you once about the Ink Spots and you gave me a very enlightening tale about the Ink Spots, your first song for them and a subsequent title. I know that much of the liner notes was pure fiction, especially the tale about Hoppy first talking on "Care." We- www.inkspots.ca have recordings from 1937/'38 with his talking choruses. So glad to find that you are still with us and doing such a marvelous web site. Yours truly, Bill Proctor 07/09/05 I am reading your book and enjoying it immensely. Are you still writing songs? I think you might enjoy the songbirds list. We discuss singers and songs, esp. the Great American Songs. I think your input would be interesting and educating. (I am but a listener of music, and a mostly-lurker on the songbirds list) I love your web page too. Indeed, you have made many many people happy with your music! I wish you health and happiness for the rest of your days. Jacqueline Davidson 07/05/05 What a fascinating book! (Ashamed to say I was unaware of all your accomplishments.) Now I know who provided the inspiration for that memorable episode of "Rhoda" where her sister Brenda (Julie Kavner) falls for some guy who claims he's written a song especially for her--until Rhoda (Valerie Harper) hears the song and points out that he's just changed the words to "Linda." The shmuck! Dewey Webb 06/28/05 When I was a kid, I wore my copy of "I Had A Ball" to dust, so not surprisingly, I was thrilled when it was reissued a few years ago. I promptly placed the recording into my IPOD. There's a little known fact about IPODs: If you let them, they'll tell you how often you've listened to every single song they contain. Out of the 8,342 songs on my IPOD (most of them musicals or light opera) "Addie's At It Again" and "I Had A Ball" were numbers one and two. I belong to a Usenet discussion group on musicals, and I listed the top five songs on my IPODs "most listened to" list. I was shocked by how many other fanatical "IHAB" fans there were out there. Everyone agrees that the title number was easily the equal of the most famous number from "Hello, Dolly". Bill Vallely 06/27/05 Mr. Lawrence, Just thought you'd like to know that LINCOLN PARK , in Lincoln , Rhode Island , has been using the song, "Beyond the Sea" for the past few months in its television advertising for its new CASINO ROOM called "Latitudes". Aren't you supposed to receive "royalties" for the use of the song????? Great song and KEEP ON WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Carmine Senerchia 06/24/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I like your website and "Handful of Stars" is one of my favorite songs which I first heard played by pianist Jimmy Rowles and bassist Monty Budwig. I am pleased to say I added it to my repertoire several years ago and find it touching. Noreen Jackson 06/13/05 Hi Jack, I've enjoyed viewing your website, especially the stories behind the songs. I was wondering if of the lyrics from My Heart Belongs to Daddy, which I have a recording of Mary Martin singing, that start with "While tearing off a game of golf..." were the one's you wrote of those of Cole Porter. Thank you, Helen Umber 06/06/05 Dear Jack, Your genius will live forever. Your fan & friend, Vince Vance - songwriter/composer of "All I Want for Christmas is You" 06/02/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I have been meaning to write ever since the delightful evening at the Mark Twain Library last fall. A college friend was visiting from Chicago , and I was really pleased that her weekend stay coincided with "An Evening With Jack Lawrence." My husband regrets that he was not able to come. We loved hearing you read about your experiences with Mae West, and later I thoroughly enjoyed your autobiography. The CD was a special treat. Thank you again for a memorable evening. Best wishes. Jane McKee - Farview Farm Road / Redding 05/19/05 Hello, Mr. Lawrence , I heard the wonderful CD, They All Sang My Songs, at a friend's home, and it brought many warm memories that I would like to share with my family. Will the CD be available commercially? I hope it will be soon. Best wishes, llen 05/14/05 My graduating class's theme song, Baldwin [NY] High School in 1951, was "Beyond The Sea." Any version of this song gets me to recall fondly those days. I would love to get that particular vocal cut in 1947 or a CD if possible. Can you tell me if this might have been your rendition, or could it have been Ronnie Deauville's, or possibly both without me knowing the difference? I'd like to get your record, and Ronnie's too [if he made one] Thanks very much, Ron Davis 05/14/05 Have always loved "Beyond The Sea" and as a songwriter myself, I aspire to create lyrics such as those. Found your website by mistake but glad I did. Love, Sylvia McFarlane 05/12/05 DENNY BEACH,OF NEW YORK , WAS VISITING US A FEW WEEKS AGO IN PALM SPRINGS. SHE TOLD US ABOUT YOUR BIOGRAPHY - AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO READING IT. I WONDER IF YOU HAVE INCLUDED ANY MEMORIES OF YOUR VISIT TO THE PORTUGESE ALGARVE TWO DECADES AGO! IT IS TOO BAD THAT THE PERSON WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO US (OR VICE-VERSA) DID NOT TELL ME "WHO" YOU WERE - "THE SONG WRITER". WE MIGHT HAVE HAD A MORE PLEASANT AND LONGER ACQUAINTANCE - WE TOOK YOU FOR THE AVERAGE TOURIST WHO WANTED SITE-SEEING AND BARGAIN-SHOPPING INFORMATION ! I APOLOGISE, BELATEDLY, FOR OUR IGNORANCE. I MANAGED A LONG AND PLEASANT FRIENDSHIP WITH "COLE" AND "NOEL" ROBERT WHEATON /ANTONIO DEJESUS 05/12/05 Dear Dr. Lawrence, As you can see, I am a Linda. Maybe I should phrase that a "Lindaian", since there are so many of us. I like my name, contrary to many friends of mine who have their names changed. I have never known a bad "Linda." Maybe it had to do with the loving energy and sad betrayal behind your song. I was however born Nov 13th, 1946 . My Mother (Gilda, 82 years) claims I was born and named "before" your song came out. You first wrote it in 1942, so the words were already in the ethers. I want to believe Mom, except that half of the girls in my class were already named "Linda." The teachers would name us Linda 1, Linda 2, Linda 3 etc. Once, in 1953 in Huntington , Long Island , New York I was Linda 27. Your beautiful song "Linda, "was sung to me many times by several of my Mother's boyfriends. My Father never sang it to me, he divorced my Mother because she gave birth to a girl, and immediately married a woman who gave him 3 sons. I was sorry to hear that your attorney (so called best friend) stole your bliss. But I feel the Universe keeps rewarding you in some magical way to produce so many other mystifying, hauntingly beautiful songs. Best Wishes, Linda Domin in Miami , Florida 05/11/05 Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful site. I just found it and will add it to my favorites. You wrote some beautiful songs, no doubt about it! Gretchen Morrison 04/26/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I am 52 years old and seeing your name today just took me back to my days as a child and the music that filled our home at that time. Beyond the Sea, Tenderly, Play Fiddle Play etc. etc.! So let me first THANK YOU for that sweet trip back in time. Along with it came a memory of trying to carefully lift up the "arm" on our old console stereo record player to find the right groove that would allow me to play my favorites over& over again. (And sometimes accidentally scratching the vinyl!) When my daughter was in kindergarten (she is a college sophomore today) her class dressed in safari clothes to sing "Never Smile at A Crocodile" and she can sing every verse to this day. So your music crossed over another generation and at that time again, brought back some sweet memories. Today I am pricing some old books to put onto Ebay to help pay for her tuition. That is where I came across your name! My Uncle had a collection of boxing books that he left to me, and inside one titled Knuckles And Gloves is an inscription that reads: "Tex ~ The author of this book asked me to give you a copy~ Jack Lawrence" I don't know if this "Jack Lawrence" is you or not, or who "Tex" is. That was not my Uncle's name. But seeing it took me back once more and I find myself typing and humming "Tenderly"... and I know that is how I will always remember you and your hauntingly beautiful music! May God Bless You! Dee Licursi 04/25/05 Hey Jack! This is great. Nice site! I was browsing for Buddy Clark info and you site came up. I love to see songwriters get the credit they deserve. I looked at your list of tunes and I know 18 of them. All big band and pop classics. I see that PPoPAris is now being used on a commercial for DOVE (soap?) Had lots of blondes in it. The only other 'real' songwriter I ever had a chance to speak with was Henry Nemo. Quite a character, even in his super late years. Glad you are still around and thanks for the great songs! Sincerely, John Cooper 04/25/05 Several of us are trying to find the Andrews Sister's rendition of The Eighteenth-Century Drawing Room. Is there a way we could hear the melody, and if not, how can we know which of their CDs has that song? It's driving us all CRAZY... Raymond Scott jazzes it up too much. We want it to sound like we remember it. Thank you Grace 04/25/05 Hello, My Mother has been searching for years for a copy of "In an 18th Century Drawing Room". You mentioned a beautiful rendition by the Andrew Sisters, and that is the exact song my Mother & her sisters used to sing when they were young. Is there any way of getting or finding a copy of the same song? Thank you very much... Mike Bradburry 04/23/05 Last weekend we sat at an adjacent table in the Phoenix Turf Paradise race track clubhouse to a man who claimed to have written the song "Linda", and many others. The confusing thing to us is that he went by the name Jimmie. Was that really you? Patrick Gallagher 04/20/05 Dear Mister LAWRENCE, I am a 33 years old French fan of Joan Crawford and I would like to know if you mention her or your collaboration during the making of the movie "Torch Song" in your autobiography. Thank you Michel ABRAHAM 04/15/05 We were sitting here playing guitar learning "Beyond the Sea" and admiring what a great song it is, and we stumbled upon your website. We didn't realize you had written so many amazing lyrics (Tenderly, All or Nothing at All, etc.) We appreciated reading the stories behind the making them. Thank you for the music. Jay, Terry and Brendan Miggins ( Milford , East Windsor and Farmington , CT ) P.S. My brother Jay met you at Sally's Place several years ago. 04/11/05 Jack! Thanks for the beautiful music. I am planning to put your song All or Nothing At All on my upcoming CD, which will be my first CD release. I am a 50+ singer, writer, inventor, comic, art-sort of fellow from St. Louis MO. My web site is aloxlive.com if you get the chance to check it out. How neat to be able to write you and thank you thank you thank you. Sincerely, Al Oxenhandler. PS: if you have suggestions for the process to get your song on my CD, please let me know how to do this or what org to contact! And thanks again! 04/10/05 Jack, I am a V.P. of the New York Sheet Music Society as well as a vocalist and radio host ( AT THE RITZ! WVOF FM in Fairfield, Ct.) We have many mutual friends...Ed Shanaphy, Linda A. Burns, Sally White, Max Wilk etc. I am preparing a Dinah Shore tribute and I would love to "pick your brain" regarding "Yes, My Darling Daughter" and other possible "inside scoops" regarding Ms. Shore. So far, I haven't been able to unearth one negative word about her and that's exactly why I think she's so worthy of as many tributes as her admirers can muster! Would you give me a call at your earliest convenience??? I live in Darien . Please refer to my website for additional info. Very sincerely, Lynn DiMenna 3/29/2005 I have no particular story to share but just wanted to tell you that your songs have pleased many people for many, many years. When one uses the phrase "they don't write them like they used to," it is easy to see how much truth there is to that statement. Thanks for your contributions to the world of music and stay healthy. Burton Boxerman 3/29/2005 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I have been your fan and admired your work for many years and would love to be able to get your CD "they all sang my songs" but have not been able to find it. Can you please tell me how/where I can purchase it? Thank you so very much for your kind assistance. All the best to you! Your admirer, Christina Dettler 3/27/2005 I just finished your book, "They All Sang My Songs," and truly enjoyed every page of it. What a fascinating life and career you've had. (Before I continue, there's a reference on p.243 to Sen. Eugene McCarthy and the attack on the "Red Menace." Should that be Sen. Joseph McCarthy? But I digress.) I had no idea how many wonderful songs you wrote. Strangely, as a musical theatre buff, I have played on the piano the songs from "I Had A Ball" for years, and even delighted in seeing Stan Freeman in his one-man show about Oscar Levant at the Coronet in West Hollywood some years ago. In fact, your assessment of "I Had A Ball" toward the end of your book is right on the money. How do these hammy, unprofessional performers get off ruining a show, which should be a team effort in search of an excellent result? I hope someone revisits your show on the strength of the songs in it. I have the cast CD (and the vinyl before the CD came out) and song score book (bought when it cost $2.50!), and, at least once a week, I pull out the score and play "Think Beautiful," which, in my opinion, is one of the most charming theatre songs ever written. That you were saddled with two uncontrollable shtick-monsters, Brown and Hackett, may have ultimately cost the musical theatre world many wonderful scores. I can understand why you'd be burned out after two such experiences. In any event, thank you for writing a terrific page-turner, and for giving us a treasure chest of wonderful songs. I rarely write "fan mail" to so-called stars; rather, I write to people like you (the real stars, if you will!) who have created something of lasting value and importance. And just listening to the current state of electronically-enhanced, pre-fab music, and listening to rap music's one-trick-pony sound, I become even more aware of the value of Lawrence, Porter, Gershwin, Rodgers, et al. Thanks, again, and I hope you keep creating music until you're in your hundreds! Don Linde - La Verne , CA 3/27/2005 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Just a brief note to let you know how much I am looking forward to your talk at B&N next week. I am the daughter of Alma Schwartz whose parents were Jacob and Miriam Schwartz; the Schwartz boys or "Paragon Boys” whom you refer to in your book were cousins. Mother and Dad, Bill Mann, spoke of you often and with great admiration for your wonderful career!! What a surprise and delight it will be to meet you at last at the book signing. Best Regards, Joan Bilsky 3/16/2005 Handful Of Stars" I have a CD by jazz guitar player Russell Malone and he covers this great tune. I'm looking for the sheet music. Is it available other than in a fake book? Guitar/Piano/Vocal Thanks Jim O'Connor 3/16/2005 Hi, Jack, The Jarick2 address came back undeliverable -- lucky you're so handy around the Internet! This is Judy -- Fred's daughter. Byron told Mother you would be in Los Angeles for your book signing, and she is so (well, we all are), thrilled. She remembers your letter from two years ago (!) in which you talked about it and that you put in a lot of people you knew. Maybe even a mention of my Dad, who knows. She wanted me to write this to know if you could autograph a copy to her, and she would call "A Different Light" (or the Pasadena Borders, which I just saw online) and give them a credit card # and have them send it to her. It breaks my heart that I probably will not be able to show up -- but I am in my fourth year of cancer treatment and this particular regimen feels pretty rough. Honest to god -- I want to see you so badly, but driving anywhere at that hour from the valley is tough. We'll just have to see. Best of luck with it. We're going to pass it around when we get it. Gogi Grant with you, too !!! Just in case you are curious, here is my photobucket album, which has pictures of all of us under "Childhood years" and of me, up to almost the present: www.photobucket.com/albums/v422/gonzoj . When I get a chance, and you are a little less busy, I may send you at your e-mail site, some of the (short-story-style memoirs). I've lately written about "my father's Hollywood ," what it was losing him, but "finding him" again at that music industry reunion, and all that. Regards, Judy Raphael 3/16/2005 Mr. Jack, Thank you for your prodigious contribution to the world of music. Over the years, I have heard/sung/whistled your music not knowing the composer. Today, I was listening to Brad Chambers in LA on radio station KLAC and was "educated" to your music. I call it serendipity. Are you currently working on any projects? Thank you again. Ellie K. 3/15/2005 My dear Mr. Lawrence, Thank you for your reply (and a very prompt reply at that) to my e-mail message of last night. Because I was more than curious, I ordered I HAD A BALL from the Internet after I wrote you. I have known Buddy Hackett's son, Sandy , for almost as long as I have lived in Las Vegas . Sandy spent much of his adult life as a standup comic (and funnier than his late father, in my opinion) but, for the past few years, he has played the Joey Bishop role in a Rat Pack tribute show, which he also produces. Interestingly, one of the gimmicks of "The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean" is Buddy as the voice of God introducing the "boys." I don't know how Buddy was to work with in I Had A Ball, but I can tell you that he had a hard time getting employment in Las Vegas the last 20-some years of his life because he was so difficult (I would call it "crazy") to work with. Hope he's behaving himself these days, wherever he is. As for Hold My Hand losing the Oscar, "you was robbed!!!" Out of curiosity (being curious is my nature), which song DID win that year (around 1954-55 I would guess?)??? I will get a copy of your book and after I listen to the CD and read They All Sang My Songs (and I'm sure they did!), I will make contact again. My friend, Las Vegas rabbi Gary Golbart, is a very fine singer (he was a cantor before he went on with his studies to become a rabbi) and plans to do a CD singing songs written by Jewish songwriters. Because he knows of my love for music (not to mention my extensive CD collection) he asked for my input and suggestions. Prior to that request and the research I did, I KNEW there were lots of Jewish music-men (AND women), I just had no idea how many Jews contributed to the genre. I have since decided, if not for us, the world would have much less music and, because of our impact on comedy, very little laughter. Thank you for YOUR contribution! You never said if you knew Ervin Drake. Do you? I suggested "I Believe" and "One God," two of Mr. Drake's songs, for inclusion in the rabbi's upcoming CD. All the best to you, Esther Lynn 3/12/2005 Dear Mr. Lawrence, Your website is delightful - a terrible distraction from my work. The diversity of your accomplishments is as great as any of the other great songwriters of your generation. I look forward to reading your memoirs. One anecdote in particular caught my attention. I am an intellectual property attorney who frequently represents the interests of songwriters and music publishers. Recently I began doing research for a possible article or book on Ira Arnstein. While it is easy to write him off as a paranoid flake, and his own music may be justly forgotten, his legal cases established many important copyright principles and are still read and cited by lawyers in the field. By and large, these precedents actually strengthen copyright protection for music. This is not an uncommon phenomenon in the law and something I think will be worth some analysis. I would like very much to learn more about your run-in with Arnstein and your thoughts about him. Would you be willing to meet with me and my research associate for an hour or so at a time and place convenient to you? We would be most grateful for your consideration of this request. Gary A. Rosen 03/11/05 Dear Jack I love your web site as much as your songs. My favorites are “All or Nothing At All” and “Linda”. Take care. Tom Coyle 03/11/05 I loved your book. What a detailed generous account of your personal life and of course all the dish about how the songs were written. I couldn't put it down, but you are harsh on Don Cornell. I can't get over how rude Frank and Lena were, after you did so much for them. I'm curious how you reacted to the parody of "If I Didn't Care" in "Jute Box Saturday Nite. I am a Director and am married to the granddaughter of Harry Ruby. Did you ever meet him? After reading the lyric in the book I fell in love all over again with "I've Got Everything I Want "My older brother's favorite recording is Ray Eberle and Glenn's and your "A Handful Of Stars" Sincerely, Larry Lowqenstein 03/08/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence: I stumbled on you fascinating website while searching for the year of publication for "Tenderly," which I first learned as a child through a light concert arrangement played by the Melachrino Orchestra on an early LP (actually RCA's first 12" popular issue, LPM 1000, Music for Dining). I've spent the past three quarters of an hour reading with great interest about the genesis of many songs for which you supplied the lyrics. The "Tenderly" anecdote was particularly interesting. I read with considerable surprise about the score you wrote with Sammy Fain for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, before Tchaikovsky was posthumously called in as a collaborator! Does your original score still exist on paper? Were any demo records made? Any of the songs commercially recorded? It would be very interesting to hear what it was like. I am a discographer and record historian, working on a history of recordings of musical shows. I'd love to speak with you about the cast album of "I had a Ball" and all of the instrumental and jazz recordings that were issued. Spending time with your website was a great pleasure. Sincerely, Richard Markowitz 03/06/05 Hello Jack... I have enjoyed perusing your fine website, with particular interest in the report dedicated to "With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair." In my late teens and early 20s, I had been into big band music and jazz for several years... collected 78s and was into the music scene to the extent that I spent the summer of '40 in a dumpy apartment up over the Famous Door in NYC. My regular residence was with my grandparents in Babson Park , a small town in Central Florida . Sometime in late '41, I was told I had to go out and sleep on the sun porch as we were having a visitor... an old friend from NYC. She was to use my bedroom. All on schedule, this lady showed up and with her grace and charm, had this youngster under her spell in no time. In addition, I was absolutely struck by her flamboyant mode of dress... we lived on a lake and most of the time we were in a bathing suit, shorts or jeans... not this lady, she wore brightly flowered dresses and big hats, and looked totally out of place, but she just fit right in anyhow and no one even considered what she looked like. By then, I had already found out that she was Clara Edwards, and that she was the co-author of "With the Wind and the Rain In Your Hair." I never met her again but I can recall her visit over 60 years later... whatta a lady! I admire your work, and you take care, Loudon 03/05/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, First off, I just wanted to tell you that "Beyond The Sea" is an enchanting song and I think that the English lyrics are even more lovely than the original French lyrics. Ever since the recent "Beyond The Sea" Bobby Darin biopic, it's been fun hearing the song being used in different ways from the Carnival Cruise ads to the background music in PBS's Provence: Visions from the Air (they play BTS as the helicopter gives aerial views of the Cassis claques which are by the Mediterranean Sea). I wanted to ask you a favor. I own a few Kevin Spacey mailing lists and I was wondering if you would care to share your thoughts with us on your song being an integral part of this movie. Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of my request and thank you again for your lovely song! Sincerely, HC Gabriel 02/20/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence I'm 64, and have been hearing your songs all my life without knowing they were the work of one man until today. For some reason, as I sat down at the computer today, I remembered the use of "La Mer" in a recent episode of "Lost" and decided to figure out the connection to "Beyond the Sea". It didn't take long to find out with Google, and I was soon at your excellent web site. I was stunned to see the variety of excellent lyrics and music written by one man. I always thought that over the years I had retained the names of the major songwriters, but I was obviously mistaken. Your music and lyrics certainly need no introduction to anyone, and I plan to fill in the blanks for myself by reading your book - not surprisingly, I like your prose on the web site as much as I like your lyrics. I work as a backlist buyer in an independent bookstore in the San Francisco Bay area, and I only wish that you had a signing scheduled for our area. Perhaps you can answer a question that has been nagging me. I have "Peter Pan" on both Laserdisc and DVD, and there is no sign of "Never Smile At a Crocodile" being sung on either of them, although the music is used. Some scenes that I recall from the original theatrical showing in the 50's are also missing, so I've assumed that part of the original film has been lost. Do you have any information about how the song went missing? For me (and I suspect for many others) that song was the whole point of owning a copy of the film. Many thanks for all your songs from a "new" fan, Phil Spiro 02/13/05 I finally got some time to sit down with your book. Thank you for the memories. Even though you are 30 years my senior I have experienced so much of what you relate. My parents were from Russia , My uncle a Cossak, my wife went to Jefferson , I went to those frat houses in East New York . Even my inability to ask to go to the bathroom in school and being sent home, because of my speech impediment, my severe stutter, which I have overcome. You are amazing in your writing....I rarely read more than 10 pages at a sitting and I read 100 today alone. If you recall, my uncle was Arthur Altman and I was completely intrigued by your early adventures with him. Can't wait to read some more but my wife, who is starting to remind me of your Bubeh, needs some help with a few things. LOL. It is a pleasure to see you give credit to the true songwriters and singers of our day, especially the Beatles, Paul Simon. I always suspected the Beatles were paying someone to write their wonderful tunes, so different, so deep. I thought it was you for a while after I heard the story about Linda, but I guess it was not. Love songs take on a special meaning when you are in love. Please take care and enjoy. Elliot 02/08/05 Mr. Lawrence, After reading the article about you in the recent edition of Connecticut magazine, a thought came to mind with regard to your music. I am the music instructor for a local musical unit in Bridgeport , CT known as The Park City Pride. We are a group of adults who have come together after many years of being away from playing and have now formed an alumni organization. We have about 80 brass instrument players and 40 in the drum section. We perform at musical event and parades through the northeast. As a tribute to you as a fellow Connecticut resident I thought that a way in which we could honor you would be to perform some of your songs. A major performance for us this year will be at the Barnum Festival to be held in Bridgeport in June and July. It would be great if we could prepare an arrangement or two for that show. Please let me know your feelings regarding this and I would be happy to discuss this in greater detail with you. Thank you for all your wonderful music over the years. Best regards, Paul Mayer 02/07/05 Hi Mr. Lawrence, I just wanted to tell you that I am in the band at Marquette University . We are playing a compilation of your music for our upcoming concert. My director, Nick Contorno, sings your praises. Your work is some of the best I have played and it is an honor to get the chance to play it. If there is some sort of mailing address for you I would love to send you a recording of what we played. Thank you for your time. Alex Smith 02/05/05 Mr. Lawrence, My name is Travis Anderson. I'm 24, a photographer and pianist (in the Art Tatum tradition). First of all, it's an honor just to write to you. Of course, everyone knows "Tenderly", but it's been a treat to discover more of your songs. I don't know if people realize how intrinsically linked lyrics are to the melody. I have a proposal for you: I'm working on a book of portraits of my favorite jazz musicians. Music, specifically jazz, has brought me so much joy, and I'm sad to see it becoming unimportant to young people. If there's anything I can do to spread awareness of the people I consider to be the real heroes of our culture, this may be it. You are one of those people, and it would be my honor to include you in this project. I realize that you are not a jazz musician, per se, but your importance to the musical world, and particularly to the jazz scene, is immense. Some of the people I've photographed so far are Anita O'Day, Hank Jones, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Lalo Schifrin, Dick Hyman, Louis Hayes, Roy Hargrove, Sammy Nestico, Louis Hayes, Dave Brubeck, Terry Gibbs, Nancy Wilson, Benny Powell, Les McCann, Toots Thielemans, Joe Wilder and lots more. Now, here's my offer: I don't expect you to take my word on this, so if you'd like, I'll be happy to send you samples from the book if you give me an address. Also, if you decide you would like to be a part of this, you are welcome to use any of the images I shoot for your own publicity. Thank you for your artistry, and I appreciate any consideration you could give to my project. Most sincerely, Travis Anderson 02/03/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, A mutual friends of ours, Ed Tourtellote, sent me a lovely announcement of the publication the publication of your biography. Ed or "Pete" as I still call him ha often told me of visits to your place in CT and of the wonderful times he had there. We both live in Kips Bay in New York for years until I sold my condo and moved to Palm Springs in 1999. I ordered the book online from Amazon.com. The book was certainly an entertaining read and though I am not among those "who sang your songs", I am certainly happy to sing your praises. Back in the 1930's I was a kid in small towns in Texas when my dad worked for Gulf Oil. "If I Didn't Care" was one of the songs that let mi little filled-with-dreams heart soar. I just loved it. And, oh, so many of the others as well. Particularly Don Cornell's single, "Hold My Hands", that came out while I was in navy during the Korean crisis and was my favorite love song during my one true romance. I lived in NY for 45 years and for awhile I was doing my best to be in big-time show business. I met some of the people with whom you crossed paths and I consider myself fortunate to have seen "I Had a Ball". And to own the recent released CD. I loved - and still love - Karen Morrow's belting voice. She is still singing today. And lovely little Luba Lisa and I used to take jazz classes together from Frank Wagner at Canergie Hall. Your life has been rich and full. I allowed myself to vicariously dream along with all of the things you actually did. You sound like a genuinely nice person and I am happy that you have such a stunning life and are still going strong! Cheers, Bud Cruse (The following from Edward Cramer, ex-President of BMI) 02/02/05 Dear Jack, Again, thanks for writing THEY ALL SANG MY SONGS. On almost every page I recognized names I knew and they brought back great memories. For example, despite fact that nelson Riddle was ill, he performed a series of concerts in Hackensack , new Jersey , near where we live in Englewood . I knew he would be tired between shows so I called and agreed to pick him up home to rest. Robin prepared a special meal for him. We remember him napping in the hammock on our front porch. Every summer we go to a small, informal resort, Quissisana, on Keezer Lake in Lowell , Maine . I'm sure that this is where Rudy Vallee had his country home about which you write in your book. I can go on for pages, but last and certainly not least, there's Bella, whom I've known from the time she first started to practice law. She was a very good friend of my wife, Rocin's brother and knew her long before I did. I have an amusing story about that relationship which I may save for another day. You couldn't have better representation. I'm taking the liberty of sending you your book with the hope that you'll inscribe it to me. Sincerely, Ed 01/30/05 Mr. Lawrence, I enjoyed reading about you in the Connecticut Magazine. I never really knew we had such a 'national treasure' like yourself in our own backyard. I did pick up your bio as well as enjoyed reading it, I finished it in a few days. it was nice to read what wonderful collaborations you have had with some of the most legendary singers. As far as Frank Sinatra goes I guess you can say he had an attitude back then you knew first hand. And Buddy Hackett sounds as though he was simply an asshole. Music today is certainly much different than it was back then and even a few years ago. With lip-synching and lyrics that are demeaning to women it really is amazing what sells. It's said in the "rap" industry you have made it when you have a Bentley; the B stands for the bomb. They are making millions and buying huge homes and an array of fine cars that are customized. However, I think there are still a few good singers around: Celine Dion, Harry Connick. Celine even ad a special theater built for her in Vegas and a boutique with her own bottled water. As a matter of fact I asked some of my mother's friends if they had ever heard of you; some had not. I told them you wrote the song LINDA - - -and they all started singing it. Not in harmony, I might add! Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy letter. Barry Manilow sang "I WRITE THE SONGS" I'd say you were supposed to be the one to sing that! I'm so glad that you live in this beautiful state of Connecticut - - -after all, Bing and Judy once sang: "Better yet - - - Connecticut !" Warmest regards, Stephen DeFrancesco, New Haven . P.S. You can't be over 90 years old! Can I see your I.D.? 01/30/05 I enjoyed reading your book, "They sang my songs." I was a singer and song writer and I wrote one song for a singer that loved jazz but had to sing R& B to make a living. Currently, I'm a teacher-librarian and a member of the Thelonius Monk Jazz Society in Rocky Mount , N.C. The Thelonius Monk Jazz Society's has jazz education classes for the public. We also work schools with jazz education in schools. I am a school librarian and I like to read books to students about jazz artist and share their music. I am going to purchase some of the songs you have written and share them with the students. Now, singing is a hobby of mine, and I can't wait to learn, "Tenderly!" "They don't write them like used to!" I wanted to know do you have unpublished lyrics that you would like for someone to sing. I know some professional jazz keyboardist from New York that could help me with a musical arrangement. (In show business you have to be bold!) Your book was great! Thank you. Jackie Ruffin 01/30/05 I'm a big fan or yours and all the other wonderful songwriter's who wrote all those great standards. I'm a songwriter myself, I haven't gotten my break yet but I'm still working at it. I try to write my songs in the style of you and those other fellas. I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that your writing has been an influence and good health to you and a long life. You take care. Regards, Fritz Souder 01/29/05 I just finished reading "They All Sang My Songs" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have enjoyed your songs for many years and knowing the stories behind them - as told so well in your book - makes them even more enjoyable. I'm 64, which means that I was a teenager when rock 'n roll was coming on strong. My high school classmates thought I was rather strange in that I much preferred the music and songs of the 20s, 30s, 40s, and early 50s. I still feel that way today and only wish that those days of lovely and meaningful lyrics and good melodies would make a comeback. Congratulations on a wonderful life and marvelous career. (P. S. Your website is a winner!) Jim Sharpe 01/27/05 I am 63 years old, and I have been a songwriter for nearly 35 years. I have been haunted by your song "With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair," ever since I heard the Pat Boone version while I was a senior in high school. I have never heard any other version of the song, and since high school, I don't recall hearing Pat Boone's again either. Still, I find myself thinking of the melody many times a year. A couple of weeks ago, I found the Pat Boone 45rpm single on a used record Internet site, and ordered it. I have been playing it over and over since I received it a few days ago, and now the song even haunts me more. I went to my piano and tried to work out the chords, but I was stumped on the first chord, at least the one on Pat Boone's record. The rest of the song has a rather conventional chord structure, but that first chord sounded very strange. I think I finally figured it out. Assuming the song is in C major (to make it simple), I hear Pat Boone singing a E over an F major chord. So technically, the first chord is an F major seventh. After one bar, the song returns to the root: C major. I love the way this harmonic idea works. It seems very unusual to start a song on the four chord, especially the major seventh of that chord. It gives the tune a very mysterious and nostalgic sound, and it's brilliant. Am I correct about this? If not, what IS that first chord? Joe Manning 01/22/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, As a lover of musicals, especially from the fifties and sixties... I'm always on the lookout for "new" old musicals, so I was thrilled to discover your musical I HAD A BALL. Many of the songs are now my favorites, and I love introducing other singers to these songs. I've been able to find sheet music for many of the songs, but there is one very beautiful song... "The Other Half of Me"... that I'm having a hard time tracking down. Do you know of a publisher that would have that song available? Sincerely, Stacie 01/21/05 Dear Jack Lawrence, I just finished reading your book "They Sang All My Songs: The Life and Times of Jack Lawrence" (I include the whole title in fear of being chastised for not. I thank you for sharing such a rich and wonderful life! I am in my fifth decade and after having pursued, somewhat successfully (though still mostly unknown), theatre as an actor/director, ran a small art gallery in NYC, written poetry and fiction, dabbled in erotic photography and lost a lover in the early 80's to the big "A" I am now heading out again into uncharted waters collaborating (as book/lyric writer) on a new musical with a composer in Boston. I can only hope that in this new endeavor I might capture some of the spirit and verve that is so apparent in your life. Again, thank you for sharing a lot of yourself with us who can only look up and admire you for who you are and what you have done. Best, David Logan-Morrow 01/19/05 Hi Jack, I received your book 1/17 and have now just finished it. Excellent reading and I hope many, many people avail themselves to it. I have been playing your songs for years. I play all types of music to include Hawaiian, country, western swing and pop standards; all on steel guitar. Tenderly, Linda, etc; sound great on a steel guitar using an F#m tuning. Thank you for your wonderful songs and best wishes to you and yours. C. C. Johnson 01/02/05 Mr. Lawrence, I've just returned home from seeing "Beyond the Sea" with Kevin Spacey, and I waited for the credits to see who wrote the lyrics to this favorite song of mine. I can't believe it has taken me so long to "discover" you, but I did tonight by finding your wonderful website. I have saved it under my favorites to check often to see how you are doing. I am excited to hear about your new book, and will look for it this week. Your book signing schedule does not mention Dallas , but I hope the New Year will bring you here so I could say hello in person. I do have my story about "Beyond the Sea". It has been one of my favorite songs since I first heard Bobby Darin's recording. I don't know what it is, but I just fell in love with it from the start. I really didn't know of its origins in 1946, or of the other recordings besides Bobby's. (I was born in 1948). Whenever my husband and I go out, and there are music requests available, I ALWAYS request "Beyond the Sea". Some know it, some don't, but I always try. When I saw the Steve Martin movie, "LA Story", the opening music was "Beyond the Sea", but in French! I had no idea where they'd gotten this song and music! This was before the Internet, and I just didn't research it. I thought the movie would certainly have a sound track and I could find out that way, but of all the movies NOT to have a sound track, this was one of them. When visiting my sister, who had recently purchased a video tape player, she showed the movie LA Story, and I was able to pause the credits and finally discover "La Mer" and Mr. Charles Trenet. I had never heard of him, and thought this was some obscure song. (Goodness!) My husband and I were able to go to Paris a few years later, and I was determined to discover Trenet and La Mer. I stopped by the Virgin Megastore at the Louvre, and handed the clerk my notes about Charles Trenet. He pointed me toward a huge display of his recordings, and of course since then I have discovered how famous and talented he was. I had a young French student working for me a few years later, and asked him about Trenet and he explained how beloved he was in France , even to the youngsters. In fact, his grandfather lived not far from Trenet in the south of France , and I always intended to write to him via the grandfather to tell him of my recent discovery and how much I loved his work and his songs. I regret I didn't follow through with my plan before his death. I now own many of his CD's, can't speak French, but sing along with the songs anyway in my car! I cry every time at the end of La Mer. My husband and I love old French Advertising posters, and were on the Left Bank one day, and discovered a wonderful shop on Rue de Seine. I found a great Charles Trenet poster, from the 30's-40's, with his little hat. I have it framed in my bedroom, and greet him each morning. When looking at a local Dallas gallery for more posters of Trenet, I met the French seller and we sang the song to each other, he with the French words and me with your English ones! We laughed and laughed...what a fun way to communicate... I am happy to have found you, the lyricist, whose beautiful words I have enjoyed so much. I know this is a long letter, but I felt you would understand and appreciate the story of my search for the history and pedigree of "Beyond the Sea". Thank you so much for your other songs as well, but most especially for this one. I wish you well, and a most happy New Year! Sincerely, Cheri Neil Dallas, Texas . 01/02/05 Dear Jack, I just this evening met with your nephew. Bob Schwartz here in Phoenix . (We are both at a party for one of our friend's fathers who is 92 years young today---a youngster like yourself).We have known Bob and Jill for over 30 years and just started talking about you tonight. We told them we were going to see the movie “Beyond the Sea” with Kevin Spacey and he mentioned the song that you wrote---the title song. Bob said to look your website for more information---so I am writing this quick note to you. When we have time on Sunday we will spend time going down your list. Your songs are beautiful, and have such great meanings to all of us. Have a healthy, happy New Year!!! Best regards Joel and Candy Arthur 01/02/05 Dear Mr. Lawrence, I have just finished reading your autobiography and was so captivated by it. I enjoyed sharing your wonderful memories. My daughter Sami Weisberg is marrying your great nephew Adam Schwartz this coming April and, of course, we hope to have you and Richard share in the simcha with us. I just visited my mother(87)in El Paso , Texas and shared your book with her. She is originally from the Bronx , and she connected with so many of your wonderful memories about people and the music and she really enjoyed your yiddishkite. As an aside....It is a very small world. My mother has been friends with Fannie Lerner Margolis for many many years. (I can't remember exactly how you are related) In fact Fannie and my mom live in the same building. Be well, and I wish you and Richard a very happy, healthy new year! With warm regards, Marcia Weisberg |
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