THEY REMEMBER JOHN LENNON FOREVER
CINDY FOREVER – Let me set the scene: Yesterday at 7AM on the set of Fox’s Good Day New York – with Rosanna Scotto and Greg Kelly. I was there as a guest of Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno who wrote the book Plan To Party (Yorkshire Publishing) which explains in terrific and specific detail how to plan a party and execute it perfectly; whether it’s their Chocolate Soiree or their section on Fancy Nibbles there’s something there for everyone. While I watched the ladies and their PR-man David Salidor dress the table that would showcase just some of their fanciful designs for the show, who walks in but, the one and only Cindy Adams … and, with her two delicious ‘yorkies’ Jazzy and Juicy. Now, I've known Cindy for what seems like eons (beginning back in the days of the original production of The Fantasticks; as her late-husband Joey was one of the original investors and supporters of the play) and earlier this year she had a serious health scare which seriously threatened her return to her column at the New York Post. Well, let me be the first to report from the scene: Cindy is officially back in full form. As she walked in and graciously greeted everyone, the Plan To Party ladies were ushered over to her by their mouth-piece Salidor and they quickly began a conversation about the book as the two doggies played on the floor and greeted almost everyone in the room; which besides the aforementioned, also included radio-legend Dennis Elsas (there for the 30th Anniversary of the John Lennon-assassination); producer Alan Weiss, who was the first journalist to report on the slaying (he happened by chance to be at Roosevelt Hospital, where the singer was first brought to after the shooting); and, the group Old 97’s, in the area for a series of shows. Adams was simply in full control; greeting and talking to everyone while making mental notes for her column and prepping her appearance on the show, then in walked Scott and Kelly. Talk about a media-moment! We just lost one New York-legend (Elaine Kaufman) …it would have been hell to have lost another!
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STEVE WINWOOD REVOLUTIONS – Speaking of music; has there even been a more overlooked or undervalued artist than Steve Winwood? Winwood was part of 4 crucial ensembles on the music scene; The Spencer Davis Group; Traffic; Blind Faith; and his own terrific, solo career. His song “Higher Love” with none other than Chaka Khan on background vocals was just superb; he not introduced one great song, but re-introduced himself to American music audiences with much success. His additional solo hits, “Back In The High Life,” “Roll With It,” and last year’s “Dirty City” all sounded so good. Last year he hooked up again with guitarist Eric Clapton (who was also in Blind Faith) and made two rather extensive tours with him. That song “Dirty City” features Clapton on guitar, and if they don't both sound like they were in Blind Faith again … I'll eat my hat! I also enjoyed listening to those great Traffic songs again, especially “The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys.” Those songs are terrifically introspective, atmospheric, and moody … but, just great. I don't know how any of them would fare today … but, remain exemplary examples of good, good music.
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ARETHA FRANKLIN – How sad to hear that the Queen of Soul is suffering from cancer back in her native Detroit. She’s had a long arduous career; but, every time I hear her voice I feel confident and renewed. That career and life has not been without its drama, but every time she has resurfaced. Our prayers are with her.
Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Derek Storm/Leon/Retna
Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Derek Storm/Leon/Retna
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