Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller, has found some wonderful nostalgic musical treats this week– including a star-studded tribute to ASCAP with some of the best singers of the last century singing the songs of some of the best songwriters of the last century. Also, included: Ethel Merman and Agnes Moorehead on the “Dick Cavett Show” with the Merm and Dick singing together; a behind the scenes documentary about the making of the 1957 TV Musical “Cinderella”; and a Henry Mancini concert with Robert Goulet and Vikki Carr.

The Music Makers: An ASCAP Celebration of American Music at Wolf Trap

From 1987, this show aired on PBS-TV’s Great Performances with a star studded cast of some of the most outstanding singers of the last century, including: Bernadette Peters, Tony Bennett, Judy Collins, Clamma Dale, Roberta Flack, Robert Guillaume, Glenn Close, Ashford and Simpson, Andy Williams and Peter Yarrow,  as well as, some of the most lauded songwriters of the last century: Charles Strouse, Leiber and Stoller, Henry Mancini, Marvin Hamlisch, Burton Lane, Johnny Green, Cy Coleman, Sammy Fain and Sammy Cahn. Opening on a high note with Bernadette Peters singing “The Way We Were” with Marvin at the piano, the program continues to soar with one great performer after the next.

Two legends on the “Dick Cavett Show”

A terrific treat, especially for Baby Boomers….From 1973, two legends on the “Dick Cavett Show”… Ethel Merman and Agnes Moorehead are interviewed by my most favorite and most intelligent talk show host of his day, Dick Cavett. Merman sings two Irving Berlin songs from her “Merman Sings Merman” album, including a duet of “You’re Just In Love” with Cavett which is absolutely adorable! Moorehead discusses her lengthy working relationship with Orson Welles.She was one of the finest character actresses of her day. Sadly, she died months after doing this memorable program. She was adored and respected by her peers. She was an elegant lady and only had kind words to say about everyone she worked with. As you can see from this video, these were real stars… They don’t make ’em like that anymore!

Sidebar:  I did a few events with legendary talk show host, Dick Cavett at the Friars Club and got to know him and his incredible, lovely wife, Martha Rogers, PhD.  I observed him as an “interviewer” and learned from Dick that “it’s not an interview”… “it’s a conversation!”  I think I learned my lessons well!

“A Lovely Night -The Making of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”

From 2004, this is a behind the scenes look at the making of the live 1957 TV Musical, “Cinderella.” which starred Julie Andrews. It was the largest stage musical ever made for TV broadcast. This documentary was a companion piece to the 2005 DVD issue of the TV Musical, “Cinderella.”  The host for this special is Ted Chapin, who was president of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization at the time. He recently retired after 40 years and is one of the most  knowledgeable experts on musical theater.  Among those interviewed are Julie Andrews (the good Cinderella!!), along with original cast members Kaye Ballard, Ilke Chase, Edie Adams and John Cypher. The 1957 TV production had a cast of 56, an orchestra of 33 and a crew of 80. Chapin claims that over 120 million households viewed the live show. It set the record as the largest TV audience at that time!

“Henry Mancini and Friends”

Henry Mancini was a master musical artist.  From 1980,  the show was videoed at the Jubilee Auditorium in Canada for ITV.  His “friends” for this concert are musical greats, Robert Goulet and Vicki Carr; plus he assembled some of the best musicians for his orchestra to back them up. Mancini was often cited as one of the greatest composers in the history of film.  He won 4 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, 20 Grammy Awards, plus a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.  This is a totally delightful concert. Enjoy!