I'm jealous of Michael Feinstein. While most of us poor nostalgia slobs have to be content with combing old thrift stores for records hoping to find a gem, people send him things for free. On top of that he can sing, play the piano, and he gets to hob nob with famous and not so famous people who want to show off their collections relating to popular music. Of course Feinstein himself is quite famous so that helps!
Feinstein has a series on PBS entitled "American Standards." It is a gem of a show. Not only does he uncover some interesting stories behind the songs that America loved, but he also talks to such people as Hugh Hefner (notice Hef in his robe showing off his jukebox to Michael). Hefner's jukebox plays the music of his youth, including one of his favorites, Margaret Whiting. Oddly enough Feinstein even got to visit big band songbird Margaret Whiting before she passed away, playing a rare recording for her that she probably didn't even recall (notice the pic of her).
In between playing the piano and singing songs, the show also shows Feinstein visiting various collectors who share their memories about everyone from Irving Berlin to Liberace. The glimpses into Feinstein's home life are pretty interesting, too. His talent has made him a rich man as is evidenced by the beautiful home and huge collection of music memorablia he has surrounding him. If I could go to his studio where he preserves all kinds of recordings, you probably would have to evict me by force, as it would be glued to the speakers listening. I'll keep watching the classified to see if he posts an archivist position. Feinstein is dedicated to preserving all kinds of recordings so folks send him things all the time. Very cool. He is out of town a lot doing concerts a lot, keeping the sounds of popular music alive. Not bad considering most people who present this stuff have their main audience in a nursing home these days....His charisma and charm must be the key. I am jealous though. If I had the voice and talent, I would be doing the same thing!
Nice to know that the nostalgic rambler (yours truly) isn't the only one who has a passion for this kind of stuff. If you're ever in the neighborhood Michael, drop in and we'll watch Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall together...or maybe I'll show you my Jo Stafford autograph! Michael,do you know the song "Boise, Idaho" as sung by Ethel Merman and Bing? No one else would understand...
Many of the collectors on the PBS series as well as Michael Feinstein himself offer a treasure trove of audio and video clips for your enjoyment at the show's website. Visit it here. If you're like me, you'll find it irresistible and hours later you'll still be there....
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