It's
almost impossible to imagine a more exciting time than the present
for Linda and her career and for us, her devoted fans! There are
so many events to celebrate and to thoroughly enjoy. Linda is "driving
her own bus," and we are along for the ride of a lifetime!
This edition of THE VOICE is a celebration of Linda and the incredibly
wonderful happenings in "Ederville."
Linda
has once again written a warm and heartfelt letter
to you, her fans, in which she talks about her life and career.
She knows that her fans so look forward to hearing from her and
reading about what is new and incredibly exciting from her perspective.
In
this edition, we have dedicated two sections to Linda's new album:
"BY MYSELF" and "Judy
Garland." Among the features you will enjoy are interviews
with Ian Ralfini and Ettore Stratta, both of whom played a major
role in making the new album a reality; interviews with John Fricke
and John Meyer who provide wonderful background information on Judy
Garland herself and the songs on the new album.
As
we all know, Linda's musicians are such an important part of her
shows and recordings. The talented trombonist, Dan
Levine, is featured in this issue and he gives the fans a glimpse
into his successful life and career.
Everyone
was excited in June when a new recording of Leonard Bernstein's
PETER PAN was released featuring Linda.
The incomparable conductor, Alexander Frey, has graciously shared
with us the story of his journey in making this recording a reality.
Linda's
fans across the country have opened their hearts and their pocketbooks
to give quarters (and often much more
than quarters!) to support Pets Alive. You will read about the work
of an amazing woman, Sara Whalen, at this special animal shelter
and know that your quarters are making a difference.
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The
EDER-tors and Keith Lockhart following the August 10 performace
at The Mann Center in Philadelphia.
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This
summer has brought Linda to the stage with two incredibly talented
men: Michael Feinstein and Keith
Lockhart. The fans were treated to a wonderful "duet concert"
with Linda and Michael at several venues, and concerts with the
world-renowned Boston Pops as well. We have provided the fans with
reviews of these shows and special interviews with Michael and Keith.
As
we thought about an extra special page for this edition of THE VOICE,
we had a "light bulb" moment. "What would Linda love
to read about?" we wondered. And then the idea came
KIDS!
Some adorable "Linda kids"
have submitted their stories, interviews, pictures, and more. Linda,
this is for you!
Fans
submitted pictures of their "Eder-mobiles," uniquely decorated
for the ride to a Linda concert. On the Contest
page, you can view photos of the winners' entries and also read
about the contest information for the Winter 2006 edition of THE
VOICE.
Last,
but certainly not least, Fan Corner
presents your submissions of photos with Linda and heartfelt messages
to her. You, the fans, make the newsletter special.
As
always, we are deeply appreciative of the tremendous amount of support
and assistance we receive from so many as we prepare each issue
of THE VOICE. Once again, we'd like to express our sincere thank
you to all those who have contributed to the Summer/Fall 2005 issue.
To
Linda:
Thank you for being our inspiration and greatest supporter! You
have taken us on quite a "bus ride" in 2005 with some
amazing stops along the way. In the months ahead, there will be
so much more to celebrate and enjoy. You are always so gracious
as we prepare THE VOICE, taking time to allow us to take pictures
and providing us with whatever we need for each and every issue.
We want you to know how much it means to us to have your support.
We are truly grateful.
To
Ian Ralfini:
First and foremost, thank you for your incredible idea that allowed
Linda to record a tribute to Judy Garland and for the amazing job
you have done to make this a recording that Linda's fans and countless
others will treasure for years to come. A huge extra special thank
you for your help in preparing this edition of THE VOICE. Your wonderful
interview will be thoroughly enjoyed by readers of Linda's online
newsletter.
To
Ettore Stratta:
We are so grateful to you for contributing to THE VOICE. How wonderful
it is to include thoughts from somebody who knew and worked with
many world-renowned singers, especially Judy Garland, and now Linda.
Your comments are the icing on the cake!
To
John Fricke:
Your incredible knowledge of Judy Garland's life and career has
been instrumental in providing Linda's fans with interesting biographical
data, as well as background information on the songs Linda has recorded
for this tribute album and how they relate to Judy's amazing career.
You have graciously been there for us as we prepared this issue
to (in your own words) "advise, enthuse, cheerlead, counsel
whatever where Judy Garland aspects are concerned."
No matter how many e-mails we sent (eleventy-two according to you!),
you were there for us in whatever we needed. A huge, heartfelt thank
you! You make us look so good!
To
John Meyer:
You have been so kind in providing background information on "I'd
Like To Hate Myself In The Morning," the song you wrote (music
and lyrics) and actually taught to Judy Garland. Your unique experience
with Judy herself will provide the fans with first-hand knowledge.
Your input for THE VOICE is special and invaluable. Thank you.
To
Jack Murphy:
Thank you for sharing your perspective as composer/lyricist of "The
Rainbow's End." You have given Linda so many wonderful songs
over the years, and this one is right up there with the best of
them. Your incredible talent allowed you to write a song in 2005
that blends in perfectly with the classic songs Judy sang all those
years ago. We appreciate your willingness to share your perspective
on BY MYSELF with Linda's fans.
To
Dan Levine:
You're such a joy to watch perform on stage. You're an even bigger
joy to get to know as a person. Thank you for your amazing music
and for letting us tell your story in THE VOICE. We know the fans
will be as fascinated as we were.
To
Alexander Frey: It has been a pleasure getting to know
you and working closely together with you to provide the fans with
information on your wonderful new CD, PETER PAN. Your perspective
on the journey of this special project will be thoroughly enjoyed
by Linda's fans in this edition of THE VOICE. Thank you so much
for everything.
To
Michael Feinstein:
First of all, thank you for writing such an incredible and fun show,
Two For The Road. We love it! Your friendship with Linda is so evident
on the stage, and we are thrilled to have you participate in her
newsletter. We appreciate your taking the time to respond to our
interview questions. Thank you.
To
Keith Lockhart:
Linda and The Boston Pops what a perfect combination! The
most amazing orchestra in the world combined with the most beautiful
voice in the world
who could ask for anything more? Thank
you for participating in an interview about your career and your
partnership with Linda over the past several years. The fans will
enjoy reading it.
To
Kim Scharnberg and David Finck:
You have been friends of THE VOICE since its beginning. Thank you
so much for always being there when we call upon you. We know we
can always count on you.
To
the "Linda Kids:"
Thank you for sending your pictures, drawings and words. Linda and
all her fans are going to LOVE your page.
To
Jeffery Osborne: Thank you for putting up with us! :-)
You're a gem.
To
Dave and Ronni Hart:
Your support of THE VOICE is amazing! Thank you for all you do for
the fans.
To
Jill Siegel:
Without you, THE VOICE wouldn't be a reality. Thank you for always
being there for us with your advice and invaluable experience. We
love you!
To
the Fans: THE
VOICE is for you and your submissions make it complete. On the Future
Issue page, you can learn more about how to be a part of the
newsletter. We always look forward to hearing from you and we hope
you will enjoy reading THE VOICE as much as we enjoy creating it
for you. Thank you!
And
lastly, we would like to wish Jeremy Roberts well. You were always
a joy to watch perform. Thank you for everything you did for THE
VOICE. We wish you only the best.
Warmest
regards,
THE
VOICE EDITORIAL STAFF
Amanda Christensen (Webmistress and Editor), Ellen Jacobs (Editor)
and Lori Phelan (Editor)
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