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Jill
Olthoff (and Jeff, of course!) from Connecticut writes...
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Hi Linda,
 |
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Fans
Jill Olthoff and Jeff Bankson with Linda
|
I
first "discovered" you as the result of a chance
viewing on PBS. It can only be described as a "chills
down my spine" moment. When I began my friendship with
Jeff oh so many years ago, his taste in music was limited
to that which played at a million decibels and could be only
called hard rock. Ugh! I always hated riding in the car with
him because I couldn't hear myself think. Then he began to
enjoy Broadway tunes and other old standards thanks to his
friendship with yours truly. He actually listened to the lyrics.
Well, I knew when I found your music that he would love your
voice. To say nothing of the fact that you are beautiful!
Sure enough, a love affair was born! If you want to laugh,
imagine his rendition of "Bring On The Men!" Many
concerts later, we still eagerly await your next performance.
It is so much fun to watch his excitement build leading up
to a concert… especially at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret due
to the intimate setting. The best night of all was your amazing
performance as Camille. We sat in the front row and I had
to literally hold him back by his shirt… I was so afraid
he would fall onto you during the opening scene. You were
just two feet away.
My
first concert was in Sarasota, Florida in 2002. My Dad had
died the previous May, and I wanted to treat Mom to her first
night out since his passing. I e-mailed someone listed on
the old Web site and asked if they might request that you
sing their favorite song called "I'll Be Seeing You,"
and they wrote back saying you did not do requests. You can
imagine my excitement when you recorded that song. Dad served
in the Marine Corps during WW2 and was severely wounded on
Iwo Jima, so this song held special significance for Mom.
She was tickled pink when she heard your lovely rendition!
Without
a doubt, the best part about being a Linda fan has been the
opportunity to develop real friendships with others who share
our passion for your music. We have had so much fun over these
past four years meeting up with folks we have met through
your concerts. We have met them for dinner, Broadway shows
in NYC, pre-concert get-togethers, and just plain old hugs
while waiting in line. Of special note here is the fun we
have with the wonderful Eder-tors. So for that, we thank you!
We
wish you the best of all life has to offer on this new journey
you are taking… personally and professionally. May all
the love and joy you bring to others come back to you a thousand
fold!
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| Ignacio
R. Collada from Cuba writes... |
Mimi
Horstmann from Pennsylvania writes...
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|
It's a real pleasure to be able to talk to you all. I don't
have full Internet access. A friend sent me a page from your
Web site.
What can I say? I love Linda even though I have only listened
to one of her songs, the gorgeous "Someone Like You.”
It was in a various artists album a friend brought to me,
and I became an instant fan. Now I am into her completely.
I said to myself, “Who is this amazing singer?”
Well, thanks to amazon.com, I have been reading all the reviews
and I have now a very clear picture of what this girl does.
If everything goes as planned for me, I will be soon listening
to her various performances.
Thank you, Linda, and thank you all for giving me the chance
to express my feelings about her.
Ok, my best wishes for everyone.
|
I love the newsletter. It is great to be reading current updates
on the fabulous Linda. My daughter Emily and I have been to
most of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area concerts in the
last few years. We love to play Linda’s CDs loud and
sing along (we are not great!) while we drive. The concerts
have brought us close together. Emily is now 24 years old,
and we still listen together when we get out by ourselves.
In high school and college, my daughter was dancing in several
groups, and she used the Linda music for many of her performances.
Now when she teaches dance, she uses Linda Eder music for
her students. It is always lyrical and flowing, and adds to
the performances. I still listen to the early CDs and enjoy
them just as much as when I first heard Linda sing “Someone
Like You” on the JEKYLL & HYDE CD. What a talent!
What a blessing!
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Fan Annarose Foley, Linda and Fan Kelly Wolner
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Kelly
Wolner and Annarose Foley from New York write...
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Dear
Linda,
Congratulations on all the new and exciting things going
on in your career! BY MYSELF is packed with wonderful material
that you present absolutely perfectly on stage! “Bravo”
for your remarkable night in the Isaac Stern Auditorium
this past November 9th at Carnegie Hall! And by the way,
thanks for teaching us all about the “Torch Song.”
We are looking forward to seeing your show with Michael
Feinstein in Atlantic City. You are spoiling us with all
these entertaining opportunities. From what I have heard,
it will be more than "Some Enchanted Evening.”
We don’t even know what to say about your upcoming
television show! Trail MIX is going to be outrageous and
we can't wait to see you hosting it! Thank you for providing
so many ways for your fans to enjoy your awesome talents.
We are thrilled to see you having so much fun!
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J.J.
from Nebraska writes...
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Fan
Virginia Zaiss and Linda
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BY
MYSELF…
This is a wonderful collection of old favorites given new
life by the only voice worthy of bringing these songs back
to us. The arrangements and the incredible London Symphony
are the perfect complement to the one who so lovingly and
beautifully fills the soul with her amazing talent…
Linda Eder. No other voice today has the strength and compassion
to bring these timeless songs to a new generation.
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|
Evan
Olson from North Carolina writes...
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|
I
just heard Linda Eder for the first time on a cable music
station. It was her version of "Have Yourself A Merry
Little Christmas." I was completely blown away by the
emotion she was able to pull from that song. It took me over.
Her voice is a true gift for us all.
|
Linda
and Fan David "Bucky" Buckner
|
Linda
and Fan Joe Gomez
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Steve
Myers and Pete Sanders from England write...
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Anne
Kotarski from Pennsylvania writes...
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Hello
Linda,
Just
a quick message from two huge fans from Brighton, England.
I recently received your latest CD, BY MYSELF, as an early
birthday present. It is, as usual, outstanding. We love it.
It does both yourself and Judy justice.
We
haven't had the pleasure of seeing you in person yet, but
we understand that you might be coming to Europe. We would
love to know when! We have seen you on DVD in the “My
Favorite Broadway” concerts. We wondered where you store
your extra set of lungs! How on earth do you sustain notes
like you do? How do you even hit some of them? Talent, obviously,
but your technique is truly amazing.
Not
sure about the horse riding… it sounds exhilarating,
but the only time I've been on a horse I was told not to sit
there like a lemon! The thing would not move for love nor
money! I think he probably knew that I wasn't too happy to
be on something twice the size of me with teeth the size of
bathroom tiles and two back legs that could kick me into next
week. Glad to hear your experiences have been so much better!
Anyway,
be well, be safe and be you. We’re glad to read in THE
VOICE that you are feeling positive about the future and wish
you all the very, very best. We can't wait to come to a concert
and hear your voice “live” properly. Warmest
wishes and thanks!
|
Dear
Linda,
I first saw you in JEKYLL & HYDE with my niece on Broadway,
and I remember telling her to watch you and your career because
one day you were going to have a huge singing career. And
look at you now.
I have always found solace in music, since my mother took
me to see Barbra Streisand in FUNNY GIRL at a very young age.
Both of my parents passed away when I was in my twenties,
and I've never really been able to find peace, except in music.
While I am not musical myself, I love listening to music.
The meaning you bring to each and every song is amazing. I
find myself listening to your CDs over and over again, never
tiring of the words or the music. This latest CD, BY MYSELF,
is truly inspiring, and your voice is absolutely incredible.
Since your career has taken off, I have tried to see you as
often as I could, and in fact, have seen you at the Mann Center,
Eisenhower Auditorium, Radio City, Williamsport, Pennsylvania,
The Kirby Center in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, The Lenape
Performing Arts Center, last year at Carnegie Hall and just
this last November at Carnegie Hall. Your performance of Judy
Garland's songs was magnificent. I was fortunate enough to
have fourth row seats and for me, it was an unforgettable
night and an unforgettable performance.
Despite having just seen you, I never tire of the inspiration
I get from your performances. I have tickets for April for
a show you will be performing in Newark and I can't wait!
The meaning you bring to songs is truly a gift, and it has
been a gift for me to be able to listen and enjoy. Thank you!
|
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Chris
and Jim Jackson from Minnesota write...
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Linda
joins Chris and Jim Jackson, family and friends, between
sets at Lord Fletcher's on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota,
on August 21, 1984.
|
I
am one of the "original fans" and go back 24 years
ago. A group of friends (six couples in all) ventured up to
a resort on Lake Mille Lacs in mid-winter and traveled several
hours in a whiteout blizzard to get there. We were crazy,
but our craziness led us into the most delightful weekend
I could ever imagine. The entertainment was Linda Eder, fresh
out of high school and looking so young!
Linda
had bangs and beautiful long hair and was wearing a dress
that she probably wore to the prom. We were the only people
in the dining room as the weather had kept everyone else
away. We were not prepared for the surprise we were to experience.
This young girl opened her mouth and out came the most glorious
sounds I have ever heard. She put on a full show that blew
us away. There were to be two shows and we begged her to
perform again.
The
following weekend we brought friends with us to hear her
and the weekend following that we brought our family. To
our good fortune, someone else heard her and booked her
to come to the "Big City" to perform at various
locations. Lord Fletcher's was a beautiful restaurant on
Lake Minnetonka, and she was there for a few years. My husband,
Jim, and I would finish dinner on any given weeknight and
decide we needed a "Linda Fix," and off we'd go
to hear another show! We introduced dozens of friends to
the show and it became a regular hangout for us. We followed
her all over town and spent many a night downtown at the
Marriott with friends or just the two of us. It was a wonderful
time of our life.
When
Linda appeared on Star Search, we taped every performance
and had "Linda" parties on Saturday nights. We
would cheer as if we were at a live performance. I still
have the video of each show and, of course, the highlight
when she won! Of course, this fame brought her away from
us, but we were faithful to attend her shows when she came
to town. We are so blessed to say that we knew her back
then, and we have never stopped being her "old fans.”
One of my favorite memories is a performance at a local
Legion club. Of course, we were the first ones there and
got the seats right under the stage. During one of her songs,
she stopped and looked down and said, "Jim, I can see
your molars from here.” We were so connected with her
and so many of our anniversaries (our 25th was a particularly
special night), birthdays, and other special events were
spent watching a Linda Show. The memories are so great.
She
has come such a long way and we have been thrilled with
her successes, always hoping the world would recognize the
voice as the "Best Ever." It appears as if that
is now happening. As I write this, I am listening to the
GOLD album. I just finished listening to the VIENNA album.
I remember the performance when she dedicated that song
to her Dad. He was sitting next to us and the tears flowed.
We were at the local concerts when she first introduced
Jeremy, when she brought Baby Jake on stage and were always
so thrilled that she would sing one of the numbers from
the past. "Argentina" was always one of the crowd
favorites, and we were tough on her as we continued to want
to hear the "old stuff.” I apologize for trying
to hold her back.
So
the joy we have had because of this remarkable woman and
her remarkable voice is so abundant. I want to personally
thank her for bringing such unbelievable joy and happiness
to our lives. We are forever grateful and will spend our
late years enjoying listening to every song! We continue
to be very big fans ("very old fans!!"). We love
you, Linda!
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Victoria
Botwinick from New York writes...
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Angelina
Diana from Connecticut writes...
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I
hope that I am writing to the right person and that would
be the unbelievable Linda Eder! I have just returned from
yet another sensational night in my life... Linda's latest
concert! I usually get the pleasure of seeing Linda's concerts
at the Westbury Music Fair. This time around I saw her at
the Tilles Center at C.W. Post. Every time I go, I make sure
to share the concert with a few different friends. It seems
to be the greatest gift I can give to someone I love! This
time I was overjoyed, as usual!
Linda
said something that stuck with me this time. She mentioned
how she thinks the age of seven or eight seems to be pivotal.
She talked about how much she enjoyed seeing THE WIZARD
OF OZ and Judy Garland singing "Over The Rainbow."
I thought that was special because she and I are the same
age. I not only feel the same way, but at the ripe old age
of seven, I fell in love with Barbra Streisand! I can remember
sitting on my bed staring at the album cover of "People!"
Since that time, I have craved singing the songs of Barbra
(like Rosie O'Donnell!). Now picture how thrilled I am to
have Linda, a new generation of my kind of music! I feel
so happy to know that I have many, many more years to look
forward to hearing Linda sing! It starts in the morning
on my way to work… listening to the wonderful song
choices sung by one of the strongest and purist voices of
our time! I sometimes forget to breathe while listening…
Thank you, Linda, for bringing such joy into my heart! By
the way, having been in my own concert choir for many years
(like you) I totally get it when you talk about the way
it feels to be part of such an amazing experience.
Until
you come my way again, I will continue to brag about you
to everyone I meet. I'm really hoping that the Broadway
show you had been working on is still in the works. “Gold”
is one of my favorite songs! Stay well, and give Jake a
kiss.
|
"Your
Voice Is A Friend"
(Sung
to the melody of "Home Again" from THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL)
A
gentle sweet note
lay soft in my ear
That carries me
so far from here
Touching my heart
that's on the mend
Your voice can heal
it always transcends...
I
heard your voice
when I needed it so
Lifting me so high
than I ever could go
Your strong loud notes
hold determined and long
Inspiring me
to believe I'm strong...
You
sing, I fly
helped my heart mend
You don’t even know me
but your voice is a friend
oh uh ooh woo oh uh uh ooo
I want to thank you
for all you do
Cuz when I think
of what I’ve been through
I don’t think I
could have made it then
If I didn’t hear
your voice as a friend
It’s the simple things
that mean so much...
I’m thanking you
for all the people you touch
|
Fan
Lisa Sardisco and Linda
|
Lisa
Sardisco from California writes...
|
On
December 10, 2005, I saw Linda at the Wilshire Theatre here
in Beverly Hills, California. I have seen Linda about eight
times before and decided that I would like to meet her and
take my photo with her. I decided not to tell my Mom this
bit of information until intermission. :)
I
introduced Linda to my Mom a few years ago at the Wiltern
Theatre... I told her just to be dressed and ready and I
had a surprise for her. For two weeks she kept asking where
we were going, but my lips were sealed. Finally, as I drove
to the theatre, I told my Mom we were going to see Linda
Eder. She asked, "Who is that?" She was now scared
that Linda was an Alanis angry woman clone. Halfway through
Linda's first song, my Mom leaned over and squeezed my arm
and whispered, "Thank you" in my ear. A new fan
was born.
I
had never been at a stage door before and I made some interesting
new friends. Linda came out and signed things, took pictures,
and was very kind and gracious. I thanked her for sharing
her gift with us, and she squeezed my arm and thanked me.
Perhaps the next time we meet it will be warmer and we can
chat longer... perhaps over a Margarita or two.
|
|
Bob
Montanye from New Jersey writes...
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Fan
Bob Montanye and Linda
|
|
This
was my 12th concert [December 3, 2005] and every one is just
as amazing! Hearing Linda hit the notes in person sends chills
down my spine. I have such respect and admiration for this
beautiful woman. She is so real and so down to earth and takes
the time, even in the bitter December cold, to stop and talk
to her fans after a show. She has more class in one little
finger than most people have at all! She has been a true inspiration
to me this past year as I myself came off a ten year relationship.
Seeing how happy Linda is has made me feel I can find happiness
again myself. Linda you are one class act and I look forward
to the next 12 concerts. Thank you.
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P.D.
from Massachusetts writes...
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Eileen
Knecht from Florida writes...
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Linda,
I'm not one to gush over things, but there is one exception
and that's your incredible talent. Something clicked when
I first heard you on a public television broadcast and has
not diminished over the years, so I can identify with your
reaction to Judy, only, of course, with you as the focus of
the attraction. I'm in my mid-sixties, and for the first time
in my life I have been accused of being a groupie. I walk
and I listen to any one of your CDs while walking. I live
in Massachusetts, but have traveled to New York (Radio City,
The Palace, Carnegie Hall), many times to Mohegan Sun, and
up to Tanglewood and have never been disappointed. So I guess
I am a groupie. I wish you the happiness and blessings of
the holiday season and continuation of your success in the
New Year.
|
Linda,
I don't often write a note to anyone, let alone you. However,
I couldn't listen to your latest CD and not let you know how
phenomenal a recording you have made. You have gathered material,
orchestrations, musicians, which are equal to your voice.
This rarely happens. First of all, rarely does anyone have
your gift… that voice. As a matter of fact, I'm here
to say that you and your voice are in a class "By Yourself.”
You have broken the code. This is an award winning CD. I have
seen you in person several times and always leave in amazement,
not just at your talent, but at your taste. Now with your
latest CD, BY MYSELF: THE SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND, I am blown
away. You are the only vocalist who could do justice to Judy.
Not just to her songs, but to her heart and soul, which is
definitely evident in your interpretation of her songs. I
am here in Naples, Florida, and will see you at the Philharmonic
in February. My dream would be to see you at Carnegie Hall
in NYC. I know you were there in November and I know you got
a Judy Garland reception. You completed the picture that night…
one that you can take, keep and sing to the world. You have
the material that no one else could do justice to, the heart,
the soul, the commitment and finally, the audience gave you
the adulation that you deserve. And by the way, I think you
will experience more success and fulfillment. The best is
yet to come for you and your audience. Thank you.
|
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Dan
Companion from Florida writes...
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Ken
Medei from Florida writes...
|
|
I
saw you for the first time at the Jim Brickman concert and
you were amazing… more amazing than any other female
vocalist I have ever seen. Thank you for your wonderful talents,
and always remember that you are a tremendously gifted woman.
I hope I have the chance to experience your gift again. To
a long amazing future and your happiness!
|
I
have to first state that I am not one to write to someone I
don't know (unless they're prospective customers, of course:)).
I'm so excited that we'll be seeing you here in Melbourne, Florida,
in February. Of course, in February the weather may feel like
my hometown in upstate New York. Linda, there are three singers
who have made me feel like "they're singing to me and not
at me," and whose lyrics the listener can feel… and
they are Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and YOU! I just want
to wish you all the very best in 2006. I love the fact that
you're a horse/animal lover too. My Irish wolfhound makes me
feel like have a horse too! :) Hugs from Florida! |
|
Young
Eder Fan Sophie Macary from Massachusetts writes...
I
first saw Linda Eder when I was seven. I saw her in New York
at Carnegie Hall. I liked her on the first note. She has a
beautiful voice and can hold a note for a long time. After
that, I always listened to her music. My five favorite songs
of hers are: 1) "I Am What I Am;" 2) "What
Kind Of Fool Am I?;" 3) "Some People;" 4) "One
Bad Habit;" and 5) "When I Look In Your Eyes."
Chivas Sandage (Sophie's Mom) from Massachusetts writes...
Before
Linda, there existed only one vocalist who could make me weep
with her song — my sister, Amanda Perry. Every time Amanda
sang, she broke open my heart, a heart I'd forgotten was even
there. I thought this phenomenon was due to the simple fact
that she was my sister. Then, on the occasion of a family
reunion, I heard Linda sing in Carnegie Hall, with Amanda
and my daughter beside me (Mom enjoyed a closer seat!). The
power and beauty of Linda's voice and presence filled all
of us, amazing us not only with her beauty as she manifested
her soul through song, but somehow touching the beauty within
each of us. From then on, I would listen to her remarkable
albums and still feel the magic of that voice, as if she were
singing in my living room. And I must admit, there is yet
another reason why I love Linda: her voice re-awakened my
sister's passion to sing — a love so great, as only a
life path can be. Thank you, Linda, forever.
|
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Ten-year-old
Eder fan Sophie Macary with her horse, Pepper. Sophie
loves that Linda loves horses, too!
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Fan
Chivas Sandage poses with her daughter, young Eder fan
Sophie, following Linda's BROADWAY MY WAY Carnegie Hall
performance.
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Cathy
Chimenti from New York writes...
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I
have to say, this new album is just unstoppable. I have
to share something with you that really has moved me after
listening to one particular song. My next door neighbor
just recently lost her husband of 54 years. They were inseparable.
They were special. The words to “The Boy Next Door”
fit them to a tee. Many years ago, they lived in East Harlem
on 114th Street back when the neighborhood was well kept
and very family oriented.
Anyway,
the story goes on... they met at a dance when she was 17
and he was about 24. They hit it off instantly. When he
asked her where she lived, she said, “On 325 114th
Street and 1st Avenue.” He said, "I live at 360
114th Street and lst Avenue. How come I've never seen you
before?” And as they say... the rest is history.
I
realize we would have to change the words to "The Boy
Across The Street," but the meaning is still there.
Every time I hear it, I cry. It completely touches my soul.
Since I am a singer as well, I am looking forward to performing
it in front of an audience since it now has special meaning
for me.
Theirs
was a love like no other. I have always used them as role
models on how to make a relationship strong and more beautiful
than when they first met. They weren't perfect, but close
enough. So that's my little story. I felt I had to share
that with you.
Linda,
you are amazing! I watched you when you were on Star Search
and wished for you to win every week. Who else would have
deserved that? You are a Star... you're divine. Looking
forward to seeing you in Westbury. Maybe I will bring my
little girl with me... she is turning nine on that day.
My other little guy will be six... but he's too young to
take to the theatre. Much love!
|
The
first meeting of Fan Hannah Stevens and Linda
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Fan Bill Budris and Linda
|
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Patty
K. Spelman from California writes...
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Fan
Patty Spelman and Linda
|
|
Thank
you for your letter to your fans — I have been one since
I was first introduced to you through your Christmas album.
The new CD is just awesome — beautiful clarity and strength
in your voice, and it's a real treat to hear you backed by
a full symphony orchestra. I saw you in concert in December
in Palm Springs — the McCullum is a terrific venue for
you. It was the 7th time I have heard you in concert, and
I look forward to your return to Palm Springs. I hope you
would consider reprising your "Two For The Road"
concert with Michael Feinstein for your West Coast fans. I
was first introduced to him when he did an open mic at a small
club in Los Angeles before anyone knew who he was, and I have
seen him perform several times. I imagine the two of you are
wonderful together. I applaud you for continuing to share
your amazing vocal talent with all of us through concerts
and CDs. I know you have been compared to Barbra, but the
comparison ends abruptly because she went for years without
performing, which angered me. Then when she did perform in
'94, her ticket prices were prohibitive, at least for me.
So I appreciate your carrying on with what you do best —
you are such a gift! Thank you so much!
|
| Gail
Stiff from Florida writes… |
Pat
Breitwieser from New Jersey writes…
|
|
I
so hope that Linda's album of the songs of Judy Garland is
only the first of many.
Like
Judy Garland, Linda's lyrical interpretation is utterly phenomenal,
as is her range and intensity. A wonderful album... please...
please... do more.
|
Just
wanted to send my thanks to Linda for her concert on December
3, 2005 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
It was wonderful! "Silent Night" sung as a round
was very special. I have seen her twice, and each time I'm
moved by the quality and clarity of her voice. Thanks for
a great Web site and newsletter and I hope you enjoyed happy
and safe holidays. My regards to you, Linda.
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