on Merv Griffin

While at Resorts International back in 1990, the producer for a TV pilot filming at the resort happened to hear me, and the next thing I knew, Merv was listening to me sing and giving me his signature “ooh!”. He was kind and generous and even invited me to visit him in LA at his posh office in the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was great fun singing on that show. Merv was really wonderful.

being kind can take you places

His job in food and beverage ended at the same time my last set was over, so I would occasionally drive a fellow from Resorts home. 3 years later, I get a call from my old acquaintance, he was now the head of entertainment at Paradise Island in Grand Cayman…would I be interested in coming to Grand Cayman for a month with my group? The answer was yes, of course!

on travel

Japan, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Las Vegas… The first time I traveled far from home for a gig, it was pure magic. To get paid handsomely to do what I love and travel the globe! I met many Brazilians who were vacationing in Aruba and got my first taste of samba and bossa nova. This musical travel enriched my life and continues to influence my perspective, my music and my world.

who’s in the dark glasses?

I had the opportunity to meet Johnny Mathis. …back in the 90’s, Johnny would come in with his body guard, wearing big dark glasses, to listen to me sing. He was a doll and so very complimentary.

back up, baby, back up!

I’ve sung back up for Wayne Brady, Leslie Gore, Lou Christie, Shawn King (Larry King’s wife), even sang for Shawn on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” It’s fun getting a residual check every now and again! …and more recently, I sang with “The Soprano’s” when they visited The Hilton at the close of their HBO hit show. I got a lil’ tongue tied when I met James Gandolfini…he has quite a presence…I don’t usually get star struck, however I must admit, I was!

on stage make-up

Never, I repeat never, try to separate your lashes with an open safety pin. I was performing at Caesars with a revue show called “A Blast From The Past” when I scratched my cornea with a safety pin, trying to separate my lashes. Giving birth didn’t hurt as much as a scratched cornea…and who cares if there’s a clump or two? They had to close the showroom that night because there was no understudy!

on The Kimmel Center

A dream come true, I was part of a concert “The Rhythms of Christmas” where I performed one of my original tunes with a large orchestra…what a blast!