Free To Be

Editorial Reviews
Irving Rothenstein
I was moved by Vicki's compelling instrumental. Her ability to capture and transcend emotion without lyrics was inspirational...

Product Description
The debut of "Free To Be" by Vicki Lei Music, LLC is a collection of easy-listening ballads composed for piano and performed by Vicki Lei.

Story behind one of the songs:

Child's Play

The following piano ballad is a story of two children meeting each other and engaging in the art of playing. They are hesitant as they introduce themselves, but quickly begin to play in earnest. As they are in the height of their enjoyment, they are called by their mothers, beg for more time, and are given a few more minutes to enjoy themselves. Imagine their joy as they engage in Childs Play.

Free To Be

Free To Be,Vicki Lei

Free To Be

Free To Be

Free to Be You and Me
Average customer rating:

Okay but definately 70's sounding

Oldie but a Goodie

I still remember all the words

Still fresh and new

Still great after all these years!

Free to Be You and Me
Marlo Thomas
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Stories | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Free to Be You and Me

Free to Be You and Me

Really Rosie (1975 Television Special)

Best of Schoolhouse Rock

The Johnny Cash Children's Album

ASIN: B000F2CC0E
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

Free To Be You And Me - The New Seekers
Boy Meets Girl - Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas
When We Grow Up - Diana Ross
Don't Dress Your Cat In An Apron - Billy De Wolfe
Parents Are People - Harry Belafonte and Marlo Thomas
Housework - Carol Channing
Helping - Tom Smothers
Ladies First - Marlo Thomas
Dudley Pippin And The Principal - Billy De Wolfe, Marko Thomas, Bobby Morse
It's All Right To Cry - Rosey Grier
Sisters And Brothers - Sisters and Brothers
My Dog Is A Plumber - Dick Cavett
William's Doll - Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas
Atlanta - Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas
Grandma - Diana Sands
Girl Land - Jack Cassidy and Shirley Jones
Dudley Pippin And His No-Friend - Bobby Morse and Marlo Thomas
Glad To Have A Friend Like You - Marlo Thomas
Free To Be...You And Me - The New Seekers

Amazon.com

There are thousands upon thousands of children's albums out there, but the one that quietly left its mark with more '70s children than perhaps any other album was this disc. Free to Be...You and Me was a pet project of proud feminist Marlo Thomas (a.k.a. "That Girl"), and it was born--according to the liner notes--by the desire to provide her niece with music "to celebrate who she was and who she could be." Harry Belafonte sings "Parents Are People," ex-football great Rosie Grier offers an incredible, touching melody titled "It's All Right to Cry," and Diana Ross waxes future-positive on "When We Grow Up." A great hour of brain food for young--and not-so-young--children. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Okay but definately 70's sounding.......2007-07-10

I remembered this from childhood so I bought it. It's okay but you don't want to listen to it over & over, the songs and skits get irksome after the first run through. Not actually all songs, some short skits - a lot to do with gender equality wich is good but not alltogether entertaining... I prefer Billy Jonas - What Kind of Cat Are You!!!

Oldie but a Goodie.......2007-06-27

This title was great when my children were children; now they're adults with children of their own, and it's still great. We keep it in the player in the car for when the grandkids ride with us along with Peter, Paul and Mommy and Peter, Paul, and Mommy Too. The grandkids enjoy it just as much as our kids did.

I still remember all the words.......2007-05-24

Every time I hear these songs, it takes me back to my very first Fisher Price record player! I can still sing along with every song. My husband thinks the collection is a bit cheesey, and he is probably right. But that never stopped me from loving the best memories of my childhood. We are buying the collection for our children for sure!

Still fresh and new.......2007-05-12

Not literally fresh and new, perhaps, but thirty years ago when I was first listening to this on vinyl, I never would have imagined that the message would still be essential in the 21st century. I've been buying copies for the kids of all my friends and relatives, because I hope that the more people listen to this growing up, the more likely that eventually we'll live in a world where this CD isn't needed.

Still great after all these years! .......2007-03-14

An early birthday gift for my daughter (to be nine in April '07) - she can't get enough of this CD! After one listen, she was quoting bits and bites and getting up to hit "repeat" on the CD player. Cool.

My sister and I loved it as kids and though it's a teeny bit dated, the messages are sound, clear, and still 'work' today. The comedy is great for all ages(who can beat Mel Brooks and Alan Alda?)
So, my review says: get it! Listen ofen! And give it to someone you love!

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

Average customer rating:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
One of the best cds I ever bought.
Never Sounded Better
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Hits: Broadway
That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
Get Happy - Judy Garland
Night And Day - Fred Astaire
True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
Gigi - Louis Jourdan
I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Embraceable You - Connie Francis
On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)

Average customer rating:

HEAVENLY
Sweetest voices ever!
Awesome
Soothing and thought provoking
Pure Crystal

Free
Chris Dodd , Fiona Pears , Anthony Chadney , Ben Crawley , Christopher Robson , and Raoul Platt
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Luminosa
Visions
Libera
Angel Voices
Angel Voices 3

ASIN: B0002RUAAQ
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

I Am The Day
Stay With Me
Voca Me
A Song Of Enchantment
Ave Verum
Do Not Stand At My Grave
When A Knight
A New Heaven
I Vow To Thee My Country
Lament
Twilight
Be Still My Soul
Adoramus

Amazon.com

English composer Robert Prizeman has taken a conventional English boy's choir--usually a haven for sweet songs and ecclesiastical renderings--and made them contemporary without selling out any of their intrinsic charm. Their stacked choral voices and lead sopranos, dressed up with electronica rhythms, synthesizers, and strings still sound like they could be coming from the church balcony, even while they exude an Enya-like appeal. While there are adaptations of Gregorian chants and Sibelius hymns, most of the songs are Prizeman originals based on those styles, with texts often drawn from Latin Liturgy. Except for the chilled romanticism of "Stay With Me," and the rhythm driven "Adoramus," whose chorus sounds like a Harry Potter incantation, few of the songs on Free have the anthemic pop appeal of "Salva Me" or "Vespera" from previous albums. Instead, Prizeman has opted for a more serene sound on Free, even with their first video from the disc, the yearning "I Am the Day." Some of it, like Prizeman's setting of a Walter de la Mare poem on "A Song of Enchantment," gets lugubrious. But most of Free floats on gentle soprano breezes, intrinsically innocent, even if the boys might be smoking cigarettes behind the altar. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

HEAVENLY.......2007-06-19

This cd is like listening to a heavenly choir. "Free" is an awesome audio experience. It can turn a stressful day into a calm evening.

Sweetest voices ever!.......2007-06-16

I happened across this CD at Borders and was able to listen to it! One of the sweetest and heavenly CDs ever! I bought two: one for myself and one as a gift.

Awesome.......2007-01-04

I never knew that young boys could have such wonderful voices, almost angelic. The music is very relaxing and haunting at times, but that's what makes it a good album to hear to. The harmonies were so beautiful. To all choir fans, this is a must-have album.

Soothing and thought provoking.......2006-02-23

Libera is an amazing group of boys and Robert Prizeman really knows how to put everything together. My favorite songs on "Free" are Voca Me, Stay With Me, Adoramus, I Am the Day and Twilight. Each time I listen to this disc, another song seems to start growing on me. This was my first Libera CD (I have since bought Luminosa, Libera and Visions) and at first I liked the faster more upbeat songs but as time went on I started to really love the softer ones like Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep (beautifully done by Ben Crawley and Joseph Platt). The soloists are lovely with clear and pure voices, and the chorus just swells with harmonies. This is choir music for people who hate choir music.

Pure Crystal.......2006-02-20

Like Luminosa, this is incredible. I can only compare it to the beautiful, pristine, classical pieces of antiquity, such as Vivaldi's Spring and Bach's many ethereal melodies. It's beautiful.

Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast)

Average customer rating:

Share this with your children...and your children's children...
Awesome songs that cry out "Liberation NOW!!!"
A message that still needs to be heard
Free to Be You and Me CD
GREAT CD TO SING ALONG WITH IN CAR WITH KIDS!

Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast)

Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Stories | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Free to Be You and Me
Free to Be You and Me
Really Rosie (1975 Television Special)
Best of Schoolhouse Rock
Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites (Blister Pack)

ASIN: B000002VDL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Free To Be You And Me - The New Seekers
Boy Meets Girl - Mel Brooks And Marlo Thomas
When We Grow Up - Diana Ross
Don't Dress Your Cat In An Apron - Billy De Wolfe
Parents Are People - Harry Belafonte And Marlo Thomas
Housework - Carol Channing
Helping - Tom Smothers
Ladies First - Marlo Thomas
Dudley Pippin And The Principal - Billy De Wolfe, Marko Thomas, Bobby Morse
It's All Right To Cry - Rosey Grier
Sisters And Brothers - Sisters And Brothers
My Dog Is A Plumber - Dick Cavett
William's Doll - Alan Alda And Marlo Thomas
Atlanta - Alan Alda And Marlo Thomas
Grandma - Diana Sands
Girl Land - Jack Cassidy Adn Shirley Jones
Dudley Pippin And His No-Friend - Bobby Morse And Marlo Thomas
Glad To Have A Friend Like You - Marlo Thomas
Bonus Track - Free To Be...You And Me

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Share this with your children...and your children's children..........2007-07-19

I was born in 1983, but this album was a staple of my childhood. Born into a family of strong, Irish women who were, at that point, pretty much doing it on thier own, this album was relished at family gatherings. My mother and aunts wanted all of us (and by all of us I mean some of born in the 70's and some in 80's) to understand that just because we were girls didn't mean we had to be teachers or ballerina dancers, and just because we were boys we didn't had to be firemen or police officers. This album preaches absolutely wonderful values to both the young and the young at heart. At 24, I still know every lyric and love to sing all the songs at the top of my lungs. God bless Marlo Thomas and friends for creating such a classic. I can't wait to pass this music on to my children the same way it was passed on to me!

Awesome songs that cry out "Liberation NOW!!!".......2007-05-05

Free To Be...You And Me emerged as one of the first and most successful mainstream efforts to teach children that they could grow up to be what they wanted to be regardless of their gender. This CD replicates the 1972 original cast album chock full of celebrities encouraging children through words and music to be truthful to themselves and others about their likes, dislikes and their hopes for the future. Girls were no longer to be restricted to working as housewives and boys could enjoy dolls as one way to prepare themselves for the real life challenges of being a good father.

The CD starts out with the folk-style song entitled "Free To Be...You And Me" sung by The New Seekers. They harmonize beautifully and the musical arrangement makes great use of the guitar and piano. This song makes it clear that children can and should grow up to be the person they truly want to be. This optimistic message with its infectiously catchy melody provides the album with a very strong start.

The CD continues with a very amusing dialogue between two newborn infants in a hospital nursery. Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas perform the voices of the babies; and they manage to conclude that Mel is a baby girl and Marlo must be a baby boy. Imagine their surprise when they find out that using traditional stereotypes for the physical attributes for grown men and women don't go with the way they see themselves!

Other great tracks include Diana Ross singing "When We Grow Up;" this number sends the message that looks don't matter as long as you like yourself and the way you look. The great Harry Belafonte and Marlo Thomas sing "Parents Are People" to teach children that mommies and daddies can work any job they wish. Moreover, there's the awesome song "It's All Right To Cry" sung by football star Rosey Grier. I remember how surprised we all were when Rosey Grier, a tough guy football star expected by old conventions to hide his feelings, actually sang this song; and he performed it well on TV, too.

"William's Doll" tells children that kids of both genders can make good use of dolls as toys. At first blush it might be surprising or disappointing that a boy would want a doll; but his grandmother has the good wisdom to give him a doll so that he can practice being a good father. "William's Doll" is a very sweet song performed very well by Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas. Similarly, "Atalanta" discusses in story form the fact that not every girl wants to marry--at least not right away. Atalanta wants to see the world before she even considers marriage; and this story is told so well you truly have lots of understanding for Atalanta.

The CD concludes with a brief reprise of "Free To Be...You And Me." This final track reinforces the message that every child can grow up to be his or her own person.

The liner notes give all the song credits and it's truly a pleasure to hear all these very talented artists and actors performing on this album. The sound quality could be a little better but the high quality control of the content makes me give this CD five stars anyway.

I highly recommend this for every parent who wishes to communicate to their children in a fun, meaningful and inspiring way that they can truly become the person they wish to be. Children can become adults who make meaningful contributions to society even in the most unconventional of roles. Girls can grow up to be brain surgeons and members of the presidential cabinet; and boys can aspire to be nurses who share the household chores with their wives or girlfriends. It was a powerful and relevant message in 1972 and these lessons remain very important today in these times.

A message that still needs to be heard.......2006-03-07

I listened to this when I was a kid and loved it. I bought it for my children and although they are still pretty young, I am hoping the messages contained therein seep into their little heads. This should be required listening for everyone! It is just as relevant today as it was in 1972! A little groovey- a little folksy but just great.

Free to Be You and Me CD.......2006-03-03

The Free to Be You and Me TV special was one of my childhood favorites, as was this album. (I actually still have the vinyl album my mom bought for me 30 years ago!) I introduced my 4 year-old daughter to the video, and she immediately fell in love with the soundtrack. So I purchased this CD for her and it has become the only thing she wants to listen to during any car ride. The only thing that is disappointing to me is that not all of the songs are exactly the same as what is on the video... not that they aren't good, they're just not the same. While my daughter doesn't seem to mind, I have to admit I prefer the versions on the video. There are a lot of extras on the CD that aren't on the video as well, which is a bonus. Overall, this is a great CD to own if your child loves the video/DVD.

GREAT CD TO SING ALONG WITH IN CAR WITH KIDS!.......2006-02-28

I loved the "vinyl" version of this back in the 70's when I was a kid. I bought the CD to share with my kids when they were 5 and 10. The 5 year old particularly liked "William wants a doll" which I think has a great message behind it. Actually there are wonderful messages behind everything on the album, conveyed in a playful, fun (not "preachy") way. The album has lots of variety on it and the tunes are very catchy! This was a "must" for us to listen to in the car on road trips. I am now going to buy this for my friends' sons' sixth birthday and I'm sure he'll love it!

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

A very good CD to buy
What an Excellent Work of Art!
Excellent!
What A Blast - A Fun and Inspiring CD
What A Blast - A Fun and Inspiring CD

Over There - Songs From America's Wars
Marlborough Singers & Chamber Players
Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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Great War
The Great War: Classical And Popular Selections From The Time Of World War I (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)
Words and Music of World War II
Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II
Songs That Got Us Through WWII

ASIN: B00006BCBU
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

Free America
The Red, White And Blue (O Columbia, The Gem Of The Ocean)
The Soldier's Tear
The Bonnie Blue Flag
The Battle Cry Of Freedom
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Tenting To-Night
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!
Marching Through Georgia
Captian Jinks Of The Horse Marines
The Faded Coat Of Blue
Over There
He Is There!
God Be With Our Boys To-Night
Give A Little Credit To The Navy
When Alexander Takes His Ragtime Band To France
K-K-K-Katy
Over Yonder Where The Lilies Grow
Would You Rather Be A Colonel With An Eagle On Your Arm Than A Private With A Chicken On Your Knee?
There's A Long, Long Trail
When The Boys Come Sailing Home
My Buddy
Keep The Home-Fires Burning

Customer Reviews:

A very good CD to buy.......2005-07-06

I have bought many CD regarding American patriotic songs but it is the one that I prefer. The songs are sung in a very classic way and so, there are easy to listen. Jon English as a tenor gives an excellent performance. On the piano, Rob Carriker gives also an excellent performance; he does not try to cover the voice of Jon English but just to support his voice. So, Jon English and Rob Carriker form a very fine duo and the quality of recording is excellent. The choice of songs is also excellent. I strongly recommend this CD.

What an Excellent Work of Art!.......2002-08-30

John English has a booming and resounding voice. Well suited for the rough and tough songs of our countries historic wars. It is an excellent buy, and I recommend it to any fans of great songs and American historics!

Excellent!.......2002-08-30

This cd is excellent! I reccomend it to everyone!! Jonathon English has got an amazing voice!

What A Blast - A Fun and Inspiring CD.......2002-07-30

I have to admit - I didn't know what I'd be getting when I bought this album. I love Americana and have known some of these songs all my life: K-K-K-Katy, Keep the Home-Fires Burning, and Tenting on the Old Camp Ground. Others that are listed I had never heard before: The Soldier's Tear, When Alexander Takes His Ragtime Band to France, and the very funny Captain Jinks! From first to last I found this CD a joy to hear. Jon English has a beautiful voice, and he sings with such clarity that you can understand every word! There are songs that will get your feet taping, and others that will bring a tear to your eye. The chorus is quite obviously not a professional choir, and that's all the better! They sing with an infectious energy and spirit that'll make you want to sing along. Add into that the horns, flute and percussion and this album becomes very pleasant experience. This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a long time, and I heartily recommend it.

What A Blast - A Fun and Inspiring CD.......2002-07-30

Pavarotti & Friends - For The Children Of Liberia

Average customer rating:

A Superb Collection of Music
This is a delightful combination of music talents to enjoy!
This will tenderize your heart.
Phenomenal !! A must have for any music library.
Outstanding Music, bringing Pavarotti to new heights.

Pavarotti & Friends - For The Children Of Liberia

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Pavarotti & Friends

ASIN: B00000DBVG
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Let It Rain
Stop
How Do I Live Without You
I Hate You Then I Love You
Higher Ground
'O Surdato 'Nnammurato
Se Bastasse Una Canzone
Betcha Never
Viva Forever
Va, Pensiero
Napule e'
Une Place Pour Moi
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
Tonight
Dreams
Adeste Fideles
Peace Wanted Just To Be Free

Amazon.com

Is music for a good cause a good cause for music? Not really, if you expect artistry. But this smorgasbord of popular international musical stars brings together extreme musical genres for an excellent purpose, and is enjoyable enough for almost anyone. Pavarotti's relaxed and buoyant leadership and still gorgeous tenor add beauty to the rock/pop selections. Trisha Yearwood, Celine Dion, and Stevie Wonder impressively hold their own against Opera Spice; but the other artists pale against the master's presence. The Spice Girls will never be confused with Anonymous 4; Zucchero's growling is scary; Florent Pagny exemplifies French rock; and Pino Daniele's breathy tenor is mellow and soothing. Best for those wanting to experience Pavarotti's vocal beauty in a more popular idiom. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

A Superb Collection of Music.......2002-11-14

As a musician, I first ran into this disk as a PBS broadcast. What caught my ear was that every song in the concert has "the groove." Other than a children's choral cut, not a single song in the entire collection has a flaw. You'd think the Spice Girls would be a silly addition to the concert, but they do a tremendous job. Each artist appears twice, usually with Pavaotti in one of their songs, sometimes twice. Vanessa Williams is Hot! and does an incredible dance number. The engineering is excellent, with solid side-to-side separation for a really "big" sound. All in all, this is one of the favorite CDs in my music library.

This is a delightful combination of music talents to enjoy!.......1999-04-01

We first saw Pavarotti and Friends on Public Television as a fundraising event. We found the CD and especially love to listen to this CD in our car which has a great sound system. Each vocalist is so special and you will be singing along with them after a couple of plays!

This will tenderize your heart........1999-03-07

Brilliant talent for needy children, that touches the soul, and sets it on fire. Your tears will soak your socks. James

Phenomenal !! A must have for any music library........1998-12-29

A most wonderful gathering of some of the world's greatest vocalists. Such a unique blend of international Modern & Classical. If one were to put to test the ability of a vocalist to adapt to a variety of melodies, this is it. Grab your lover and take a trip in their arms with this CD!!

Outstanding Music, bringing Pavarotti to new heights........1998-12-06

Easily the best in the Pavarotti & Friends series. Always an artist on the cutting edge, with this album, Pavarotti's work will have great appeal to his fans and to scores of new enthusiasts. His duets with the Spice Girls, Vanessa Williams, Zucchero, and Stevie Wonder make it obvious that his voice has adaptability and a passion that takes it into many musical genres with ease. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Sting once commented that great music occurs in the "synaptic gaps" where many different styles come together - this is an album that epitomizes the concept. Neopolitan music is a folk music in Italy, with overtones of American folk/country/jazz/rock, and Pavarotti is the Neopolitan master. This is a perfect fit of artists and selected titles. Earlier combinations of artists in this series were often much too somber, much less fun. Give this one to your teens or your great grandmother ... they'll find they have more musical tastes in common than they'd have ever imagined.

Average customer rating:

Free to Be...a Family

Manufacturer: A&M Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000DELY1C

Product Description

Track Titles: 1.Free To Be... A Family -- Melody Maker 2.Boy Meets Girl...Again -- Mel Brooks And Marlo Thomas 3.Something For Everyone -- Marlo Thomas, Kermit the Frog and the Muppets 4.Some Things Don't Make Any Sense At All -- Steve Martin 5.It's Not My Fault -- Soul Asylum 6.And That's The Truth - Part 1 -- Lily Tomlin 7.I'm Never Afraid (To Say What's On My Mind) -- Bonnie Raitt 8.Doris Knows Everything -- Whoopi Goldberg 9.Jimmy Says -- Pat Benatar 10.The Day Dad Made Toast -- Robin Williams 11.Thank Someone -- Amy Grant & John Hiatt 12.Yourself Belongs To You -- The Fat Boys 13.And Superboy Makes 3 -- Christopher Reeve, Elaine May, Mike Nichols and Phil Donahue 14.Friendly Neighborhood -- Marlo Thomas 15.Crowded Tub -- Gilda Radner 16.On My Pond -- Kermit The Frog & Muppets 17.And That's The Truth - Part 2 -- Lily Tomlin 18.The Stupid Song -- Ladysmith Black Mambazo 19.Another Cinderella -- Marlo Thomas, Bea Arthur, Jane Curtin and Gilda Radner 20.The Turn Of The Tide -- Carly Simon

Average customer rating:

Jazz standards to New orleans Funk - "FANTASTIC!"
GOOD JAZZ.
Phenomenal

Free to Be
Donald Harrison
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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Listen

ASIN: B00000I0RD
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Free To Be
Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
Cissy Strut
Blue Rose
Again, Never
Duck's Steps
Indian Blues
Mr. Cool Breeze
Smooth Sailing
Slowvisor
Nouveau Swing (Reprise)
Feelin Jazzy, Baby

Amazon.com

On this engaging, 12-tune set, Donald Harrison amply demonstrates his stylistic range. Featuring a rich, buoyant alto sound (a fluent combination of Cannonball Adderley and Maceo Parker), he makes a striking '90s statement--everything from bebop to hip-hop is referenced (at times within the same piece), but the influences are creatively integrated, suggesting a continuity of jazz lineage, rather than a showy pastiche. Drawing from his stints with Art Blakey and Digable Planets, Harrison joins a flexible, loose-limbed swing with a solid groove to make the complex tunes flow effortlessly from his ensemble. From the fiery, Coltranesque salvos on "Indian Blues" to the smooth, George Benson-flavored "Mr. Cool Breeze," Harrison shows a command of both style and substance. This is strong contemporary jazz unafraid to reveal its heritage. --Wally Shoup

Customer Reviews:

Jazz standards to New orleans Funk - "FANTASTIC!".......1999-08-29

If like the Alto sax,Donald "Duck" Harrisons' the man for you.It's hard,no impossible to believe this guy has'nt hit the "BIG TIME" yet, although one knows it's only a matter of time.Free to be is in my humble opinion his finest offering yet,a wonderful blend of Trad Jazz and New Orleans Funk that has you tapping your feet one minute and drifting off into adream the next.Influences such as James Brown,Charlie Parker,Grover Washington .Jr and David Sanborn are apparent,but who have'nt those guys influenced? All in all a great album which has left me eagerly anticipating his next offering.

GOOD JAZZ........1999-07-15

I think Donald Harrison is an excellant sax player Mr.Cool Breeze is the best song on the recording. Slowvisor is a really good chaser. This music is worth checking out if your Feelin' Jazzy, Baby

Phenomenal.......1999-04-13

Donald Harrison has done it again! Ryhthmic and catchy with great riffs and expanded solos, Free to Be is a must..