"Muse" is defined as "a source of inspiration; especially: a guiding genius."

Linda's music is not just beautiful to listen to, but for some it is also a source of great inspiration. Linda is a Muse!

Here, for the readers of THE VOICE, are the stories of some young artists who draw creative energy from Linda, and credit her with helping them to exceed even their own expectations.

Hannah Stevens is an actress and singer from Texas...

Hannah Stevens backstage and in costume for SANTA'S CHRISTMAS MAGIC: THE MUSICAL.

I have always been a professional shower singer. It’s only been within the past three years that I have taken it upon myself to leave the confinements of my bathroom to venture out onto a real stage to sing. What a tedious task that is; to stand in front of an audience and try to put forth your best when all you can think about is, “Do they like me?” Well, the one thing I have learned to ask myself is, “What would Linda do?”

I came upon Ms. Eder from the My Favorite Broadway series. Since that moment when I first heard her sing "Man of La Mancha," I was hooked! I was blessed to be able to see her in Houston in October of 2005 and anyone who holds her in esteem can know how exciting it was for me. My voice teacher had instructed me to observe and analyze the way she carries herself, how she breathes, the way she forms her vowels, how she positions her jaw and such technical things as that. Once she sang the first note, I got lost in each an every song she sang. Her talent is so enormous and her voice so engulfing that I returned to my voice teacher simply telling him that she was just amazing and that she had “good posture and a capturing stage presence.” I wanted to be just like her.

But the most thrilling moment was meeting her after the concert. She has a sweet and humble spirit that makes her such an approachable person. She was kind enough to sign her IT'S NO SECRET ANYMORE songbook that I had brought. As she was signing it, she looked up at me and asked if I was a singer. “Yes ma’am,” I replied. She smiled and nodded and handed me the songbook. All the words that I had wanted to say about how I look up to her and her example somehow got stuck in my throat and I just stood there smiling.

Linda has been a wonderful mentor and role model. As a performer, not only do I observe and admire her voice, I also respect her for the strong character which she possesses. What an accomplishment when one can look past the performer on the stage, although they admire that person greatly as a performer, but look at them as a person and have nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for them. That quality is a rare find in the entertainment industry. But that is what makes a great person. And Linda Eder happens to be one of the greatest!

Ali Sanchez is an actress and singer from New York...

In 1997, I was in my senior year of High School… bombarded with college applications, SATs, trying to figure out which scholarship to take, and which sport to take it in. Towards the end of that year, I was home on a rare day off from EVERYTHING, and I happened to turn on The Rosie O’Donnell Show and was completely overwhelmed by what I heard. Here was this woman that I had never heard of singing a song that I had never heard, and I was just blown away by it all. Linda Eder was her name, and I knew that life as I knew it was changed. Well, not really, but it’s nice to be a little dramatic once in a while. From that moment on, I was hooked. Seeing Linda 35 times in JEKYLL & HYDE, attending over 45 concerts in MANY states, experiencing random appearances, and having the chance to meet many new faces along the way was something that I never expected.

Ali Sanchez as the lead role of Florence Vassey in a production of CHESS: THE MUSICAL performed at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Old Bethpage, Long Island. Here she sings "Press Conference."

Something else that I had never expected was this overwhelming urge to start performing in shows. As a kid, I was always singing and pretending to be a Prima Ballerina, but I never took private lessons. So, here I was, venturing out into a whole new world of performing. I asked myself, “Where does this 6 foot Super-Jock start?” At the beginning of course. I started taking voice lessons, and I wanted to start right at the top. I bought all of the piano/vocal books to all of Linda’s albums, plus all of the shows that I had listened to for years and jumped right in. It was hard at first. All I had ever known were jump shots, curve balls and jump serves, and here I was learning how to breathe, when to breathe, and how to match notes that were played on a piano. Terrifying? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! I felt as if I was home… somewhere that I had always wanted to be, but was never able to get to. It was a great feeling and it was all because I had tuned into The Rosie O’Donnell Show that wonderful June morning.

So, here I am, almost ten years later, still going to concerts, still loving Linda, but a completely different person. I’m still involved in sports by coaching at my former High School, but also I’ve been performing for a few years now, and it’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve done some great shows such as GREASE!, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, RAGTIME, SIDE SHOW, HANSEL & GRETL, and ALADDIN. One of my proudest moments was when I was given the opportunity to play Florence Vassey, the female lead, in the musical, CHESS. CHESS has been my favorite musical for a very long time, and having been given that opportunity was absolutely amazing. It gave me a sense of confidence in my voice, and in myself, that I haven’t felt in a very long time. I am currently in the rehearsal process for a production of INTO THE WOODS as the Baker’s Wife, and I’m having an absolute blast! Being a part of a cast is a wonderful feeling, much like being a part of this Linda Eder community. Connections have been made, friendships have evolved, and lives have been changed. I’ve even been so lucky as to have made a wonderful friendship with a fellow board member. She and I became very close over the past few years, and I was even lucky enough to have her be a part of my Wedding Ceremony. That was the most wonderful gift of all.

I know that many people on the message board consider Linda an inspiration in their lives. I can say that she is, and always will be, one of the biggest in mine. Thank you, Linda, for just being you and for helping me find myself. Your songs, your patience at the stage door, and your overall kindness never cease to amaze me. You truly are an amazing performer, and an even more amazing person.

Gabriella Greco is a young performer from New York...

The plaque outside NYSTI where Gabriella Greco is studying to be an actress.

As Linda speaks of Judy Garland, I speak of her. If I am being completely honest with myself, Linda Eder is the reason that I am a performer today. Every time I hear Linda, it’s a constant reminder of why I am performing. Whenever I see her, I do indeed get extremely overwhelmed with emotion. She has had that much of an effect on me, not only for who I am as a performer, but in some respects as a person as well. I love Linda Eder the performer and person. I love her warm smile. Watching her perform only makes my dream that much stronger. Every time I am performing, it brings me back to June 2002 and the night when it all began. It’s a constant reminder of not only why I am here and doing what I am doing, but of the person who inspired me to be where I am today. I honestly could go on and on, but there’s not much more I want to say except… Thank you, Linda… you’re MY INSPIRATION.

Amanda Perry is a singer from Texas...

When I saw Linda on Star Search, I loved her and cheered for her to win. I was again introduced to the voice of Linda Eder in 1993, after watching the Miss America Pageant and hearing three songs from JEKYLL & HYDE performed during the talent competition. I immediately searched for the songs, and was delighted to find the JEKYLL & HYDE CONCEPT ALBUM. I was floored by the voice I heard, and could only aspire to sound like her one day. Never did I imagine that 12 years later I would have an opportunity to own every album, to have seen over 16 concerts, and to have met "THE VOICE" several times, who became a real person and even more of a role model to me.

But to sing with my Idol? No, never! Well, some dreams do come true... I was blessed to make my "singing debut" with Linda Eder on her third performance in Houston Sunday night! She started "Don't Rain On My Parade" (a song she's done at least 1,000 times), when in the first verse she sang "And buns of salted butter" (rather than "The sun's a ball of butter") so she started laughing and stopped the band, to which she said, "I'm not even hungry! Why would I say that?" and then she started again...

Miss Houston Amanda Perry performing at the Miss Texas State Pageant '99.

She made it past the first verse and then in the second, she de-railed again! She was laughing at her own folly, apologizing to the Houston Symphony ("It's one thing to have to stop my own band, but now I've stopped a SYMPHONY, and TWICE!), and then she shared stories about how she's had numerous incidences of forgetting words to old songs while she is concentrating on learning the new ones ("And I always hear about it on the Internet... I can hear the keys typing already!") or almost tripping or getting her heel caught, etc… she's clutzy sometimes, but makes a great recovery! Anyways, she decided to give it one more try, and she said, "Ya know, this has happened to me before, and last time I had to invite an audience member up to help me with the words... is there anyone here who knows the words?"

My heart stopped as my hand went up timidly. I was sitting in the second row (THANKS MOM!) and there was no one sitting in front of us, so Linda saw me right away and said, "Oh! GREAT!" and walked over to stage right. She squatted down in front of me, as I slowly was able to pull myself out of my chair to look at her eye-to-eye... my heart was racing as the band started playing...

And then we sang together! I was full voice at first, and then I backed off (cause I wanted to hear *her*), and just lightly carried the tune while clearly mouthing the words... By the third verse, she was back to center stage and singing away! The audience members around me gave me a little ovation, but I was so stunned at what was happening, I was just smiling and singing and starting to tear up! Of course, that song is such a showstopper, and she nailed the ending to the wall, bigger and stronger and longer than I've ever heard her do it before!

She later thanked me on stage, BY NAME, and I received more applause. In fact later at the stage door, many asked if it had been staged because it went off so perfectly! As she thanked me one last time for being a "lifesaver,” I just told her that I could totally die now because I've sung with her in Jones Hall!

Lisa Gwasda is a singer and choral director from New York...

Lisa Gwasda singing "Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered" at the Smyrna Opera House in Delaware, where she has performed on numerous occasions.

From the time I was very young, I was always involved in music. I grew up in a very musical family. After years of playing violin and piano, I knew I wanted to go to college and study music. At the time, I was also dabbling in singing. I auditioned on violin and also on voice and was accepted into New York University as a violin major.

I got a part time job during school, working in the Classical/Broadway department of the Virgin Mega Store in Union Square, New York. One day, I put on a CD out of curiosity (IT'S TIME, by Linda Eder), and when I heard it, it changed my life.

I instantly became infatuated with the most amazing voice I had ever heard! I had done high school musicals and played all of the "loud" roles, and hearing Linda's belty voice made me want to sing again. After listening to every recording of hers I could find, I decided to re-audition at NYU to become a voice major. I did just that and was accepted. I sang "Unusual Way," "Bring On The Men," and two Italian arias.

It was as a voice concentration that I was given the opportunity of a lifetime! I had a blast performing in NYU shows and ensembles. I had my music theory and sight singing classes with students who were starring in shows such as LES MISERABLES. I took classes with and even became friends with Natalie Hill, who went on to perform with Linda in CAMILLE CLAUDEL.

I had amazing opportunities to perform with stars such as Christianne Noll and Molly Ringwald in SYMPHONY SPACE, and even had the opportunity to perform under the musical direction of Mr. Ron Noll, Christianne's dad! Last fall, I starred in a world premiere musical, VOICES THAT ARE GONE and traveled with it on tour, and then performed it in NYC at Shetler Theatre 54.

Needless to say, Linda's inspiration had changed my life. I never went to an audition without listening to her, and warming up to her beforehand! ("Rescue Me" from the LINDA EDER CD is my "psych song!") I have credited Linda Eder in each of my bios, as my life and career would not be the same if she didn't have such a powerful effect on me as a performer.

I had a very tough time with the classical voice teachers at NYU, and I studied with the musical theatre department. After deciding that Linda was my best teacher, and my voice came out the best simply by her inspiration, I gave my senior recital without a teacher. I received an A. It was the best night of my life!

Linda continues to inspire me, as I am now in my third year as the Choral Director and head of the Voice Department at the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music (performing arts high school). My choirs travel the United States and have been on countless news stations. We will be traveling to perform in Disney World this February! My students love to hear about Linda and how she inspires me. Her poster proudly hangs on my wall! I can only hope to inspire these students and change their lives the way that Linda Eder has changed mine. Each day when I walk into my chorus room or perform on a stage, be it solo or in front of my choir, I am thankful that I heard that CD, and that I have Linda Eder in my life. Linda Eder is my muse.

Alison Nolan is a singer from Minnesota...

Alison Nolan performing at her senior recital.

I never considered myself a singer until just before I started college. One day, my best friend loaned me her JEKYLL & HYDE CD, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the voice of Lucy. When I asked my friend who that was, she said, "It's Linda Eder.” Of course, I asked, "Who?" like most people do. So, she made me a CD of all her favorite songs to listen to and I was hooked. But not only did I listen to these CDs over and over again, I also started singing along with Linda.

It was in my car singing along with Linda that I found my voice. Having had no training in the past, I started developing my own chest voice. I loved belting along with Linda. Now, I have chosen a path in music and theatre, and I owe it all to her. She inspired me and taught me to sing. My biggest wish in life is to one day sing with Linda. She is an amazing woman, and while my voice is nowhere near as wondrous as hers, all I want in life is to have the same kind of success she has.

In my sophomore year of college, I also did a one-woman show where I was Linda. I got to sing her songs and talk about her life as though I were her. It was a lot of fun and although I don't look much like her, I sure tried!

That performance was the first time many of my family members really got to hear me sing, and since then they have fully supported my career as an artist. Since then, I have seen Linda in concert six times.

As for my career, I have since recorded my own demo CD, which includes a few songs that Linda has done in the past, and I had a senior recital in which I got to be the star. I also recently joined an a cappella quintet and will be recording a new CD this winter. Through Linda I have found my calling and many lifetime friends.

I owe everything I have now to Linda. If I hadn't discovered my voice when I did, I'd still be trying to figure out what to pursue in life. Thank you, Linda.

Amanda Hudson is a singer from New York...

Amanda Hudson singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."

I’ve always been a musical person, even as a 4 year old. But finding Linda one day on The Rosie O’Donnell Show singing “Someone Like You” is something I’ll never forget. I was in high school at the time, and I remember wondering why I hadn’t heard her voice before. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to go to lots and lots of concerts where I continue to be in awe. Because of Linda and the friends I made through her music, I have confidence in my singing. She's definitely made me a better performer. Linda is the only person I see in concert who almost causes me to convulse in my seat at the excitement. Sometimes we think she isn’t human! Linda to me is almost like singing royalty. No matter how many times I see her, when she walks out on stage my heart can't help but beat faster. I’m also inspired by Linda the person. She’s gone out of her way to be sweet to my friends and me.

I don’t get to go to as many concerts anymore but when I do, I am completely overjoyed. I just came back from a performance in a show called HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS where I sang Linda’s arrangement of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” After the show, my mom and her friend came up to me and said, “You had a Linda moment up there!” I said, “What are you talking about?” Apparently during the small instrumental break, I pivoted myself back towards the band while they played, and then pivoted back to the microphone to finish the song. In my head, it just seemed silly to stand there facing the audience while the band was playing, but I guess I did learn that from watching Linda. I did it subconsciously.

Leanne Weiss is a singer from New Jersey…

Leanne Weiss

There are two kinds of inspiration: the physical act of inhaling one's breath, using this breath to create sound, and the spiritual kind, a divine force influencing the mind and soul emotionally and creatively. As an artist, Linda Eder has an advantage — her physical talent and her generous, loving spirit are equally inspiring to those who know her.

Artistically, she understands the fine mechanics of singing. She knows just how long to hold a note and execute the nuances of every melody. And isn't this divine? The body propels the air; the soul becomes one with the song. She is inspired by something deep within to create powerful music, thereby inspiring her audience. We are captivated. We are inspired.

Personally, Linda understands the fine mechanics of being a star. She is a giver. Her sense of humor, warmth, and humility are as dynamic as her talent. She champions important causes and uses her celebrity for the greater good. I can only hope to be this kind of inspiration as a singer. I can only emulate her good heart and her pure love of singing. When listening to her voice, I am motivated to be the best possible person. We are all given gifts, but until we give them, we can never really inspire.

I love to write lyrics and sometimes I dare imagine having someone putting them into music, and someone other than me singing them, so, of course, Linda's wonderful voice came to my mind. She has the most wonderful voice I have ever heard, and listening to it just made me want to put the feeling into words. So here is my attempt at it. (It could have been called "Linda's Tribute," but this title was much more poetic:-) I hope you like it. I hope Linda likes it!

"The Voice"

Verse 1:
Close your eyes
And let yourself fall
New perspectives
So attractive
This golden moment when the note is hit
It gives me some rest from what oppresses me
It all becomes spiritual
I tremble and embrace serenity
It all seemed so hard
Now it's all so bright

Bridge 1:
Now free from all pain
Music takes over my mind
For a few minutes out of time
Nothing will ever feel the same again

Chorus:
Once I heard the voice
Whispering sweet lullabies from heaven
Saying words that mean the world
I finally found peace
When I heard this voice

Verse 2:
Now that I'm on my way to Vienna
I wish I could say something deep enough
To allow you to understand
Those tunes will forever stay in my mind
Cause a simple song
Can move me to tears

Bridge 2:
Now I wonder
What's wrong with wanting more
Of this so perfect compromise
That had been made between earth and heaven

Chorus:
Once I heard the voice
Whispering sweet lullabies from heaven
Saying words that mean the world
I finally found peace
When I heard this voice

Tous droits réservés par
Cristel SPOTTI
Le 11 octobre 2005

Eden Pelletier is a singer from Canada…

Linda Inspired This Little Canuck!

Eden Pelletier

Wow! Where does one start? Linda has been a profound influence on my singing. It was thanks to her voice that I found the one I had been looking for in me. I was 16 years old when the urge to sing Broadway type music came back to me with a vengeance. I had gotten away from Broadway music, wanting to sing R&B during the time I was 12 to 15 years old. I was wondering who on earth sang Judy Garland music besides my mother at home (and go figure, her name is Dorothy!) or played Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra like my family? I did not know anyone who liked that kind of music. So my Quest for The Voice commenced!

It was really by fortune that I found Linda. One girl in my Musical Theatre class was running around singing tunes from JEKYLL & HYDE. I was hooked on the music and went out and bought the CD. I instantly fell in love with Linda's voice in "A New Life." It had everything that I wanted to aspire to in my own voice. It was big, loud and full of emotion. But did Linda sing anything else besides Broadway? At that point, I knew people liked to watch musicals, but I didn't just want to do that. A couple of months later, I saw the PBS special and was jumping for joy! I went out and bought IT'S TIME and have been hooked ever since. I have learned more voice techniques from listening to Linda than I did while studying to get my music degree with a private voice teacher. People compare my voice to Linda's, but I don't think I really sound like her… she's better! My concerts during college were not as good as hers.

Thank you, Linda, and it is thanks to you that I am finally getting around to recording my first demo this year with an original arrangement and an original song by me. Good Luck, eh!

We would love to hear from you! Please write to THE VOICE at lethevoice@comcast.net
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