When I was five years old I fell in love with a Kansas girl named Dorothy. She was absolutely beautiful and I'll never forget the song she sang on the silver screen that day. I can still hear it in my aging mind, despite that it was 66 years ago, and I have a very difficult time trying to sing it because I become too emotional.

During the past 7 weeks I was restricted from lifting anything over 30 pounds due to my eye surgery. I adhered strictly to the rules, and asked my daughter Laura if she could help. Laura is a beautiful lady raising an active 4-year-old boy who thinks he is Spiderman.

The first few days she only unloaded and set up the equipment for me. One day my throat was a bit sore and I asked if she would sing a few songs for me. I knew she had a good voice, but she never wanted to get into the entertainment biz and we never practiced any songs at all. This was her first attempt at Over The Rainbow and the recording is a one-shot-deal from the headphone output of the PSR-3000 directly to the line-in of the Zoom H2 recorder. No editing at all.

I'm back on my own now, but I believe she will eventually spend some more time with her "old dad" and do some more recordings. BTW: While she was singing the song, and I hate to admit this, there were tears flowing down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them off before she saw them, but she noticed and asked "Are you crying, Dad?" I replied "Yes, but don't tell anyone." I guess I'm still in love with Dorothy.

Over The Rainbow

Cheers,

Gary

Beautiful... You should be a proud Papa

She sure sings better'n Pop!
DonM

Beautiful!!!!!

Hi Garry,

Verry nice story and great singing you must be verry hapopy with that
its nice to make music together
Regards Rico

Excellent Gary!! Talent runs in the family!

Why not?
Must men continue to hide their tears, in fear of appearing weak and vulnerable.
Gary, that was a beautiful story.
As both an artist and musician, its especially important that we open up our hearts freely with honest expressive emotion when we sing and play.
btw: how are things progressing following your cataract surgery.
Did you eventually change switch from a soft to a hard lenses? I hope your eyesight is finally improving. - Scott

Gary, welcome to the "Crusty old dad" club...a little crusty on the outside, sometimes, with a warm, soft middle.

I feel the same way every time my trio plays...several times a week...my grandson on drums, my son on bass and "dad, the old softee.

You're a good man, friend,

Russ

Thanks for the kudos everyone. I'll forward this link to Laura and I'm sure she'll love reading the comments as much as I have.

Scott, I spent an entire day having various tests done at another eye group's center, they explained in great detail what was wrong, and they feel they can correct much of the problem(s) with laser surgery and some minor adjustments of the existing lenses. I'll be back there in two weeks to get things started, and hopefully my sight will be restored shortly thereafter. There is, however, a good chance that I'll be wearing eyeglasses again, and likely for the rest of my life. Not much more I can do at this time other than hope for the best. Today is also the day that DNJ will be undergoing a biopsy of an eyelid and possibly having eyelid surgery in the not too distant future. I wish him well.

Thanks again everyone,

Gary

Gary and Laura ... beautifully done ... to bad we didn't have a chance to hear Laura sing during our visit ...

Gary ... I think Laura would be a great addition to your performances ...

BTW ... our daughter is also named Laura ...

It is a very special feeling when you have the chance to gig with your child ... I had that opportunity when our son was in high school and played electric bass ... unfortunately, he stopped playing when he went to college ...

Gary, give our best to your family, especially that wonderful grandson of yours ...

PS ... I just played the mp3 for Lydia and she wants to know why your are not performing as a duo?

Thanks Tony,

During the 7 weeks we performed together we did lots of songs as a duo, many of which the crowds absolutely loved. The last song we performed together was Unforgetable, which was at Avondell, an upscale retirement community in the town of Bel Air, MD. When we finished there wasn't a dry eye in the place and the applause seemed endless. Since then, everyplace I go wants to know when Laura will be back. And, a couple ADs offered to pay an extra $50 if we performed as a duo, something that is unheard of around this part of the world.

With luck, she will be doing a lot more with me this summer, and she said she's trying to find a way to head to the Florida Keys next winter and spend some time performing with me in the Tiki Bars. She may even sail to the Bahamas with me, but I'm not sure if this will happen, mainly because Grandma will have to become a full-time baby sitter during the time she's with me on the boat.

Thanks again,

Gary

Beautifully done. Fantastic story! Thanks so much for sharing this.

Fantastic rendition of a much beloved song. I'm surprised Laura has no previous professional experience. She sound like a pro to me!
I think I see a great musical dou in your future. Best wishes to the both of you.

Gary,
For me, crying just at the sound of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" would be a vast improvement. I cry during Randolph Scott movies.
Can you use a sax player.
Do "Unforgettable" eh?

One of my fave songs, good story, good job! Best of luck with whatever ails ya, amigo!

Thanks guys and gals for the kudos. Laura has read all the posts and I think we'll be doing some duets in the very near future. Turns out my eye surgery was botched really bad, and from all outward appearances I'll be having more surgery in the next few weeks. If this is the case, she'll be back working with me in the very near future.

Gary

I was late getting to this Gary...I can only echo the opinions above.

Very nice stuff, indeed.

Ian

Gary ... As great a duo you and Laura make, I hope your next eye surgery is soon and completely successful ...