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"You Stepped Out of a Dream" is from the film "Ziegfield Girl", which could have easily starred my mother Rose (see first photo of her at age 18). In fact, she stood in line for movie auditions as a young woman in L.A., but impatient with the long line decided to go home! This song, sung so rich and tenderly by Johnny, is dedicated to my mother Rose, who at this moment is probably "Dancing with the Stars", passed away nearly a year ago in July, three weeks shy of her 101st birthday. While I will elaborate, there is still not enough room for me to describe her - hopefully the photos will speak for themselves. She was as comfortable 'down on the farm' as in a 'tea room' at the Ritz or the like. Unlike many children who are promised "ice cream' if they're good- Rose would say "If you're good- you'll go to the Ritz!" Whether we went or not- the idea was still a treat. When able to- it was pure 'Eloise"- if any of you know the story. But, I digress.
The joy Johnny has brought to so many through his gifted voice and expressed essence, is of the same level of joy Rose brought into the lives of the many who came in contact with her. A warm heart, a fabulous laugh, a sensitive ear, a great business woman. She was a "Renaissance Girl". Note the very first photo of my sisters, self and mother - and in case you can't tell (!), my mother is the 'girl' to the far right, at (one of her) 100th birthday parties, 8/09 - followed by sisters Joan and Marilyn and myself, up and behind on the couch. She was still a 'girl' at 100 - and very much a lady.
There is a sweet connection between my mother and Johnny here . Three weeks before this special birthday, I was fortunate to see Johnny just north of Boston, near to home. A friend suggested that I bring a "Happy 100th Birthday " card for Johnny to sign for my mother - 'How often does he get such a request?!', she said. Overcoming initial hesitation- was very glad to have taken her advise. With assistance, the card was brought to Johnny before the show began, he signed it with a sweet, loving note, and it was returned to me. I actually included a photo of my mother at the ''young age of 99' (my sisters and I were always so proud to show her off - delighting in the look on people's faces when they learned of her age). She never looked nor considered herself "old". Just prior to her 100th we told her about the upcoming special birthday. She remarked "How old am I ?" (Her bright character remained till the end - her memory was not at it's best). When told her age she said, (classic "Rose") "Oh! Don't tell anyone - I'm so embarrassed!". Upon seeing her photo- I understand Johnny remarked "Gee, I hope I look like her at at that age!". With a heart and soul filled with music, Johnny, you cannot miss! We all wish that for you- as you keep all of us 'forever young' listening to you time and time again.
When presented with Johnny's card, I asked "If Johnny were here now - what would you like to say to him?". "Well", (she sat back thoughtfully in a busy brunch room of the Four Seasons Hotel (where else?). I could see the 'wheels' turning despite chatter at the table and room), " I would say, "Thank you for your lovely card - and I hope we see each other soon - and - I wish you a happy life!". Rose, always thinking of others, and open heart and hand.
My mother adored movies and wonderful music. Inculcated early- we listened to American Songbook classics Cole Porter, Gershwin, Hammerstein and more, and enjoyed classic films. So while they never met- I am sure that if Rose and Johnny's paths had crossed, the joy each of them brings through their being - and their humble natures- would have made for an instant, lovely connection.
A few parting words - my mother had several sayings that remain always. Among her favorites "Life can be beautiful!" And uttered most often, "Every day is a gift". She truly felt that every day was just that for her. I believe her youthful spirit and openness to people, without judgment, and zest for life, kept her 'Young At Heart" (a song, which if sung by Johnny, I might have included). I'm sure she's listening now - and ready to 'Step Out of A Dream" and dance the 'light fantastic'. We love you, Mom. Your 'Joie de Vivre' and positive attitude has left a lasting glow for all of us.
-- *** Please note , if you do not own this classic CD, "The Hollywood Musicals" , it is a 'must' for your JM collection. A fabulous collaboration between Johnny and Henry Mancini - who made beautiful music together always.***
The joy Johnny has brought to so many through his gifted voice and expressed essence, is of the same level of joy Rose brought into the lives of the many who came in contact with her. A warm heart, a fabulous laugh, a sensitive ear, a great business woman. She was a "Renaissance Girl". Note the very first photo of my sisters, self and mother - and in case you can't tell (!), my mother is the 'girl' to the far right, at (one of her) 100th birthday parties, 8/09 - followed by sisters Joan and Marilyn and myself, up and behind on the couch. She was still a 'girl' at 100 - and very much a lady.
There is a sweet connection between my mother and Johnny here . Three weeks before this special birthday, I was fortunate to see Johnny just north of Boston, near to home. A friend suggested that I bring a "Happy 100th Birthday " card for Johnny to sign for my mother - 'How often does he get such a request?!', she said. Overcoming initial hesitation- was very glad to have taken her advise. With assistance, the card was brought to Johnny before the show began, he signed it with a sweet, loving note, and it was returned to me. I actually included a photo of my mother at the ''young age of 99' (my sisters and I were always so proud to show her off - delighting in the look on people's faces when they learned of her age). She never looked nor considered herself "old". Just prior to her 100th we told her about the upcoming special birthday. She remarked "How old am I ?" (Her bright character remained till the end - her memory was not at it's best). When told her age she said, (classic "Rose") "Oh! Don't tell anyone - I'm so embarrassed!". Upon seeing her photo- I understand Johnny remarked "Gee, I hope I look like her at at that age!". With a heart and soul filled with music, Johnny, you cannot miss! We all wish that for you- as you keep all of us 'forever young' listening to you time and time again.
When presented with Johnny's card, I asked "If Johnny were here now - what would you like to say to him?". "Well", (she sat back thoughtfully in a busy brunch room of the Four Seasons Hotel (where else?). I could see the 'wheels' turning despite chatter at the table and room), " I would say, "Thank you for your lovely card - and I hope we see each other soon - and - I wish you a happy life!". Rose, always thinking of others, and open heart and hand.
My mother adored movies and wonderful music. Inculcated early- we listened to American Songbook classics Cole Porter, Gershwin, Hammerstein and more, and enjoyed classic films. So while they never met- I am sure that if Rose and Johnny's paths had crossed, the joy each of them brings through their being - and their humble natures- would have made for an instant, lovely connection.
A few parting words - my mother had several sayings that remain always. Among her favorites "Life can be beautiful!" And uttered most often, "Every day is a gift". She truly felt that every day was just that for her. I believe her youthful spirit and openness to people, without judgment, and zest for life, kept her 'Young At Heart" (a song, which if sung by Johnny, I might have included). I'm sure she's listening now - and ready to 'Step Out of A Dream" and dance the 'light fantastic'. We love you, Mom. Your 'Joie de Vivre' and positive attitude has left a lasting glow for all of us.
-- *** Please note , if you do not own this classic CD, "The Hollywood Musicals" , it is a 'must' for your JM collection. A fabulous collaboration between Johnny and Henry Mancini - who made beautiful music together always.***