Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller has some terrific finds including an incredible concert by Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Pops Orchestra, that she’s posting in memory of Marvin who died August 6, 2012. She’s also found a rare video of Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore singing a medley together from 1958. And then, there’s a Jimmy Stewart star-studded tribute to legendary actress, Ingrid Bergman. And for some good dish, she’s come up with a conversation between Joan Rivers and Henry Bushkin, Johnny Carson biographer, and former best friend and lawyer for Johnny.

Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Pops: Looking Back

OMG, I can’t believe I found this extraordinary Marvin Hamlisch concert from 1996, “Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Pops: Looking Back”, which aired on PBS-TV. His special guests are Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, as well as Hal Linden, who plays a clarinet solo, as Marvin conducts the orchestra. The orchestra plays the rarely heard truly magnificent, and haunting score to the movie, “The Swimmer” from 1968 starring Burt Lancaster, which was his first film score (and my most favorite!) Another highlight has Marvin paying musical tribute to his idol, Gene Kelly, who was born in Pittsburgh. At the very end of the segment, Broadway veteran, singer/dancer (and Tony award nominee) Don Correa sings and dances a la Gene Kelly.

Marvin Hamlisch and Randie at Camp Geneva Reunion, August 1990

It’s all very special and for me, very nostalgic as Marvin and I knew each other since he was the music counselor and I was a camper at Camp Geneva in the 1960s. August 6 marks 11 years that he is gone. I am posting this incredible concert in memory of my friend, Marvin Hamlisch.

Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore

Two of the greatest stars of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore, team up for a medley of songs which they performed on Dinah’s show in 1958. They were friends from their early days on radio. You can see their wonderful rapport. She’s lovely…he’s so cool! They are a great combination and are so comfortable together. Don’t miss nine glorious minutes of the golden days of TV at its best. They don’t make them like that anymore.!

All-Star Tribute to. Ingrid Bergman

From 1979: an All-Star Tribute to. Ingrid Bergman, hosted by James Stewart, On the same stage, where the famous Rick’s Cafe was built for “Casablanca”. Some of the stars paying tribute to Ms. Bergman, include:  Frank Sinatra, who sings “As Time Goes By” to Ingrid Bergman; as well as, Cary Grant, Helen Hayes, Richard Widmark, Peter Falk, Goldie Hawn, Joseph Cotton, Monty Hall, Paul Henreid, along with the legendary Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra.  This is pure Hollywood gold, when stars were stars! The evening was an event that benefited the Variety Clubs Children’s Charities. Here’s looking at you, Ingrid!

Joan Rivers

From 2014: Joan Rivers filled in for host Leonard Lopate on WNYC-Radio. She talks about Johnny Carson‘s dark side with Henry Bushkin, his longtime lawyer, friend, fixer and confident; and author of “Johnny Carson.” They talk about what the public doesn’t know about and it’s very dishy. They both had a falling out with Carson and never heard from him again, but they both acknowledged how important he was to their careers.  I found this so interesting, and I’m sure you will, too, especially if you were a fan of Joan Rivers, and/or Johnny Carson, as I was. This is a video shot live in the studio of the conversation.