Buddy Bregman Guestbook

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An agent sometimes is fortunate enough to have clients that brighten the day and Buddy Bregman was a favorite during my two decades with William Morris. Great to find you in cyberspace!
Arthur Axelman <Namlexa@aol.com>
- Monday, January 05, 2004 at 03:04:36 (EST)

Director Buddy Bregman spoke to a full house at ScreenplayLab on Sunday. Special thanks to Raleigh Studios for hosting us! Buddy's directing a bio-pic called GARBO about Greta Garbo and another bio-pic called BLACK BUNNY about the first black Playboy Bunny. He's directed stars like Donald Sutherland, Jane Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Jonathan Winters. As a composer and arranger, Buddy's worked with many jazz legends. His albums with Ella Fitzgerald - (Cole Porter & Rodgers & Hart Song Books) - have just been re-released. If you weren't there you really missed it!
Robin Rowe - Moderator
- Monday, August 27, 2007

Dear Mr. Bregman, when I was in college in the late seventies I discovered a used record in a NYC shop, Footlight Records. It was "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers and Hart Song Book". Already a fan of Miss Fitzgerald's, the two record set knocked my socks off; that was due to your arrangements. Never before had I heard such a perfect combination of singing and orchestra. A few years ago I purchased the complete "Ella Song Book" CD set and among all of the treasures in the extensive set, your Rodgers and Hart set remains the best (followed by the Cole Porter set). Yes, I am a big fan of Nelson Riddle's too but there was really something special going on between you and Miss Fitzgerald. I also think your Jane Powell Verve recordings are excellent. I was in London a few years ago and my friend bought me the Japanese release of those recordings on CD. Sounds great!!! And a few weeks ago I purchased Ruggles of the Red Gap from a private CD company in England which is different from the Flare release you wrote about on Amazon.com, as it includes other Verve recordings by Jane Powell and you. So, thank you for providing such great music over the years.
Sincererly,
Bruce K. Hanson <Bkhanson1@aol.com>
- Monday, March 10, 2008 3:55 PM (EST)

A NOTE OF TRIBUTE: Dear Mr. Bregman, I was born in 1945 in New York City, and grew up from age 5 in California (on the Stanford campus, since my Dad was a professor of physics there). Thanks to both my parents -- music-lovers in the extreme! -- I grew up totally immersed in the music of the Golden Age of American Song (i.e., pre-rock-n-roll). When my parents and my two younger sisters and I spent a year in Geneva, Switzerland in 1958-59, we brought along a few records from the U.S., among which was the "Ella Sings Cole" album. During that fateful year of my life, I must have heard your album at least 100 times, and since that year I must have heard it another thousand times, if not more. And I never, ever tire of a single note of it. I truly cannot imagine who I would be if I did not have that immortal music at the core of my being. Although it is usually the names of Ella and Cole who are mentioned (since that's the album's title), I always remember that you were the arranger and conductor, and I always think to myself, "Thank God that Buddy Bregman was there -- his genius, every bit as much as the genius of Ella and of Cole, made this album the incredibly magical thing that it is." And it is absolutely true -- you had (and I'm sure still have) an indefinable genius for rhythm and harmony and orchestration, something I could never put in words but can only savor over and over (and over and over) again. That flawless album has given me some of the deepest, most intense pleasures of my life, and those fabulous pleasures have lasted now for nigh-on 50 years, and I haven't the least doubt that they will last all the way till my dying day. I also enormously love the Rodgers-&-Hart album with Ella, and many of its songs have profoundly affected me over the years, as well. I haven't listened to it as much recently, but I nonetheless think it is at the same level of greatness as the Ella/Cole album. Incredible, incredible music. Thank you. Genius springs unexpectedly from sources unknown, and never can explain itself. It is pure intuition, pure art, pure mystery, and that's what makes it so magical and so wonderful. You have a huge dose of it, and I admire you for that. Yes, it was partly just great luck, you didn't choose your genes before you were born, but you took the good hand you were dealt and you played it perfectly. Magnificent! I wish I could have been there at those recording sessions with Ella in 1956 and could have watched and listened. The memories would have lasted my whole life. But just eavesdropping on a tiny bit of those sessions on the CD's that came out many years after the LP's did gives me a sense for how it was to be there, and I am oh-so grateful for that small sense. We today are so lucky to live in an era of permanently recorded music, we can hear and savor the greatest of the greats forever. In conclusion, thank you so much for the wonderful things you have done for American popular music. You have given us the greatest of the great. Perhaps if you are ever in Bloomington, Indiana (where I am a professor, in fact, a "distinguished" professor! lah-dee-dah!, of cognitive science at Indiana University), we can have a coffee or something. I suppose it will never happen, but I'm delighted to make the offer and to imagine it. In any case, please accept my expression of unbounded gratitude to you for your creation of, and immortalization of, some of the greatest musical beauty of all time, and keep on doing great things. I wish you good health and much joy.
Sincerely yours,
Doug Hofstadter
- Monday, November 21, 2007 11:49 AM (EST)

Dear Mr Bregman. I hope this Garbo film project will happen. The Garbo fans are very excited. We all can´t wait for more info about the project.
Greetings,
John <GarboForever@web.de>
- Monday, June 04, 2007 6:15 AM (EST)

Your work with Ella Fitzgerald on the Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart songbook albums is outstanding. They have been and will continue to be on my most played CD list. Thanks for the memories.
Mark Guidroz <markgdrz@aol.com>
- Sunday, June 03, 2007 5:36 AM (EST)

Hey Buddy! Great show on Sunday! Very much enjoyed the music, performances and history lesson about Mr. Capone. Can really see all the hard work that went into it paid off. Congratulations.
Carl <carlowens@sbcglobal.net>
- Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 00:16:40 (EST)

Written, Produced, Directed and Musical Arrangements by Buddy Bregman: "Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings" is a time slice of beauty gift-wrapped in 90 minutes. Mr. Bregman escorted the audience through a remembrance of a different time, a simpler time, a time when a beautiful song could shake away the blues. I left the Firebird Supper Club that night with a skip in my step and a whistle on my lips.
- Quote form Review: BINGS SINGS WHILST BREGMAN SWINGS
- Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 18:15:04 (PST)

I found your website fascinating. What a talented family! I married a London Bregman in 1970 when the name was virtually unheard of here. My father then came back from a trip to Canada and said 'Guess what - there were huge billboards advertising a show by one Buddy Bregman'. That was the first time we had heard the name outside our family. It's still unusual here.
Helen Bregman <helenbregman@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, November 25, 2007 11:46 AM (EST)

Hi Buddy, listening to Anita singing "Time After Time", such a lovely rendition, and your arrangement is terrific; really unusual, smart treatment with strings. The whole song fits together so nicely. Have a wonderful holiday season, you and your family.
Cheers,
Bob Terrill <inez@frii.com>, Ft. Collins, Colorado
- Thursday, December 21, 2006 11:07 AM (EST)

Hi Buddy, I’m still singing and playing keys at 66. Good health is a good thing. I knew Gogi Grant (I had one of my biggest 2 hit singles recordings with Gogi: "The Wayward Wind" and "Suddenly There’s a Valley") in LA when I went to school with Ricky Nelson. (I signed Ricky to Verve and recorded his fist hit record ever: "A Teenager’s Romance") and lived 2 miles from the Miracle Mile. I took my niece and Gogi's daughter to dance classes on La Brea when Gene Kelly (Gene and I became very close through playing tennis together every weekend at Dean Martin’s House) had a broken leg and still taught. My dad managed the Ambassador Hotel for G. David Shine back in the 50's.

I did my homework in the Coconut Grove every night watching the stars: Belafonte, Eddie Fisher, (I was his Musical Director on NBC for 2 years – 40-1-Hour Shows), Gordon and Shelia MacRae (dear friends of my mother and father and then me) and the House Band was Freddy Martin. (Where I first met Merv Griffin who was his piano player and vocalist). What a way to grow up.

The day after I graduated from Saint Louis University in 1961, the first 2 years at Loyola in Inglewood Calif. Went to school with Bob Hope’s daughter Linda (knew her since then as well - directed Bob in The Danny Thomas special on CBS) back then. Hey the Cards won the World Series. I have played every week since then for 48 years.

Did you know Rusty Warren? (No) My Manager, who I loved back then, was her manager; Stan Zucker. (No) I'm Irish, English and Welsh, but he was my Jewish Father. A wonderful man to me. I had one album on Jubilee Records, thanks to Rusty.

I'm just so impressed with Buddy's website and what this man did with his life! Blows my mind. I met Matt Monro (I arranged and conducted half an album with Matt in London with Sir George Martin as Producer for Liberty Records. The same George Martin who produced all The Beatles' famous recordings!) in Vegas years ago and still do two of his great hits, so I'm writing because I feel there is something in common here, most of all, music. It has brought so much joy to my life even though I never made the big time. I was good enough, but like everything, timing (+ perseverance) is the key. Right place at the right time and being at your best when it happens.
God bless,
Brandon Paul New <PNew21@aol.com>
- Saturday, October 28, 2006 2:07 AM (EST)
Thank you very much Brandon, your thoughts are very much appreciated!
Buddy Bregman

Congratulations to you and your webmaster for this new classy site. Keep on informing us on ongoing projects!
Erik <curtis.e.erland@comhem.se>
- Friday, September 29, 2006 9:58 AM (EST)

Pleasure to have met you in San Diego. Thanks for a taste of the Voss.
Patricia <trishgiordano@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:31 PM (EDT)

Dear Mr. Bregman, I was so moved by the arrangements you wrote for Anita O'Day; the orchestration for "Time After Time" was lovely; strings too often diminish a song, but yours were different- sometimes incandescent sometimes ethereal, and never taking away from the song or the vocalist. Thanks for so many gorgeous songs.
Cheers,
Bob Terrill - Ft. Collins, Colorado <inez@frii.com>
- Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 22:19:53 (EDT)

I sent Buddy a nice, good lookin' picture of him and Ritchie Valens. I hope you TV fans enjoy looking at mine and Buddy's photo. Please Note: Let me know if you need anymore pictures Buddy.
Sincerely,
Timothy Johnson www.ritchievalens20@yahoo.com>
- Monday, September 19, 2005 at 23:40:39 (EDT)

Dear Buddy, I'm reading your autobiography with utter fascination, savoring every anecdote. The day is half gone, and I haven't budged from your website! Can't stop reading. It should be a course at UCLA in the music department: Bregman 101. I've got to take a break and listen to some music.
Best Regards,
Linda
- Sunday, May 22, 2005

Really an excellent site. Respect !! Musical greetz from Vienna.
Georg
- Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 07:18:14 (EST)

Dear Buddy, Thank you very much for writing, arranging, performing, and living "The Buddy Bregman Show" that was presented for the residents of Rossmoor on June 9, 2004 before a full house at the Del Valle Clubhose. The whole experience of working with you was very exciting for me personally. It was a thrill to get the opportunity to work with someone who has accomplished (and continues to accomplish) so much in the entertainment world. The show was highly entertaining for the residents in attendance. The stories were great fun, and the music timeless. I was very impressed with how you were able to shape the show with the local cast and Lara in such a brief amount of available rehearsal time.
Sincerely,
Brian Pennebaker
Rossmoor Recreation Special Events Coordinator

Dear Mr. Bregman, I was just checking out your site. It's pretty cool. Thanks for your card. You really are an excellent customer.
Alex <vbsurf85@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 02:32:30 (EDT)

Hi Buddy! Love your work. Hope you continue to be a big hit in my world! Drop by and see my site sometime! Thanks!
Lynn Keen <keenstitches@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, December 08, 2004 at 15:27:55 (EST)

I read in one of the TV reference books that you hosted a live TV music show for NBC that featured many top music stars, including the last TV appearance of Richie Valens. There are a couple of pictures of the show on your website. Do tapes of those shows still exist?? If they do, I hope you can get them out on DVD. It would be a fascinating look at some of the earliest stars of rock 'n roll! Happy to hear you're well, and I hope your TV pilots will get picked-up for January, 2005!
Joseph Gallant
- Friday, August 27, 2004 at 23:13:30 (EDT)

Dear Buddy, Thanks again for coming up to Rossmoor to do "The Buddy Bregman Show". I enjoyed singing the wonderful classic songs, and hearing all of the interesting stories about your musical life! Thanks for including me in the show. I loved singing those great songs! The added Rossmoor info looks great on your website. Take care. Best Regards.
Musically,
Antonia Venezia <musicgirlwoman@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 01:16:29 (EDT)

I remember every night at 9PM, the Fred Grady show on 550 WXTR. I can still hear the "1...2...3...4..." at the beginning of "My Buddy"! Buddy, thanx for the memory, and one of the greatest tunes ever! If only I could hear it again.
John "Skip" Bruscato
- Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 14:49:51 (EDT)

Hi Buddy - It has been too long since we've spoken! I just browsed your site and read the reviews of your fabulous show at the Firebird. I will never forget your hospitality and your fantastic stories that cold weekend in New York. If you have time, I would love your feedback on the tracks on my webpage. I have a ways to go before I tackle those charts on the lap top. I have been working on the tips you gave me that weekend. Any advice? I hope all is well with you and your family.
Best wishes,
Tanya O'Day <tanya@tanyaoday.com>
- Friday, January 23, 2004 at 18:11:03 (EST)

Dear Mr. Bregman - I just found your story about Charlotte Greenwood and David Burns in "Out of This World" (his penis behind the wet bar - I wonder if the straight-laced Charlotte ever knew!), and would like to talk with you re: any other recollections you have of the inimitable Miss Greenwood. I am researching her life for a planned biography (based on her unpublished memoirs).
All best regards,
Grant Menzies <scotsman@europa.com>
- Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 16:06:29 (EST)

Hi Buddy! I wanted to let you know that my brother booked his first job. It is a commercial for Comcast High Speed Internet. I am so excited for him. I haven't seen you since the party at Superior. I hope you had a good holiday season. Hope to see you soon.
Your #1 fan,
Lauren Furs <captcan99@aol.com>
- Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 19:40:40 (EST)

Buddy, I just got excited about the Perry, Bert and Gil connection I neglected to connect that last email with the one before it. I went through all the connections. My mother, my brother, my mother, my brother... I called Perry tonight after I left my last email. Re: Bill Richmond... Once at lunch someone told a joke where the punchline was in Yiddish, then apologized to Bill saying he forgot that Bill wasn't Jewish. Bill said, "Hey, I'm as Jewish as you are. Didn't I marry a shiksa?"
Allan Katz <Malooga4@aol.com>
- Friday, January 09, 2004 at 00:30:41 (EST)

Two degrees of separation; While what I thought was wasting my time surfing the net for Hotsy Katz, the trumpeteer who lived in the same apartment building in Chicago when I was a kid, I stumbled onto your website. (Although my last name is Katz, as far as I know Hotsy and I didn't share the same parents.) Anyway, how's this for coincidence? My parents, as well as myself and brother both went to Goudy and Senn. My mother dated your father Julie Stein and Benny Goodman -- I hope not simultaneously. Clayton Moore, the Lone Ranger, also went to Senn, but my mother didn't date him; I don't know about my father. My brother, a jazz musician as well as an attorney also played for Ella when she appeared at the Southerland Lounge. My brother also played with Lester Young at Frank's Drum Shop. And to top all that, your birthday is July 9th, exactly 32 days after my brother's, and my brother's inseam is exactly a 32.
Allan Katz <Malooga4@aol.com>
- Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 14:43:09 (EST)

Hello Mr. Bregman -- I am doing some research on Gogi Grant's recordings. You conducted the orchestra (and probably did the arrangements) on all her Era recordings. Do you have information on the dates these recordings were made? Which songs at which sessions? As far as I can tell, there are 16 songs (probably 4 sessions) which Gogi recorded for Era. The arrangements are beautiful and her performances are outstanding. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Larry Zwisohn<larryz26@earthlink.net>
- Wednesday, September 01, 2004 at 15:29:49 (EDT)

Hello, I'm 33 years old and I'm italian (but I live in Spain). I wrote this note just to say that I just adore Bregman's works. I think he's a wonderfull arranger. His music always makes me fly. With his music I discovered the REAL meaning of the word SWING. My favourite records are all his couples with the fantastic miss Anita O'day and my favourite song the marvelous WHO CARES (Think: Gherswin, Bregman and Anita, all togheter, perfect!). From Spain: Thanks for all your music!!!
Giampaolo <laluba@ole.com>
- Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 10:46:31 (EST)

Hi Buddy, It was great to spend an evening with you, Bobby, Ellisa and the boys when I was recently in LA. I am thrilled that Sara Weller will be in your new work...maybe I can even get there to see it. Happy, happy Holidays and all my best to you in 2004!! If you come to NY, do let me know.
Warmly,
Karen Nelson <kknenterp@aol.com>
- Friday, December 26, 2003 at 07:16:41 (EST)

Buddy, It was a pleasure to read for you today as the character Larry for your table reading of "Evil Shadows". Hope to work with you in the future.
Brenton Earley <becebeee@excite.com>
- Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 02:16:39 (EST)

I just recently discovered Buddy from watching a movie on TCM called "The Cat Burglar". I thought the music really great (the movie left a lot to be desired), but it was the soundtrack that really caught my attention. I love Buddy's era of not only music, but also books, film, social and moral aspects, etc. I immediately purchased the "Swinging Kicks" CD from B&N, and won an auction on Ebay for the "Funny Face" instrumental album, both of which I am enjoying as I compose this. I would love to know if there are other jazz composers/arrangers of the same time period with a comparable style as Buddy Bregman.
Diane Mitchem, Age 50, from Ada, Ohio <adaworksinc@wcoil.com>
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 22:43:46 (EDT)

Dear Buddy, We first met at Hofstra last November, and again at Spokane for the two big celebrations, and you kindly singed my Bregman/Bing Swings cd's as well as another of your earlier jazz cd's, and the latter you thanked me for the 15c contribution to your treasure chest! We also had a nice chat in the lobby of the Davenport hotel. I have recently purchased 4 more of the Bing Swings cd's and was wondering if I could mail them to you for your signature. I will enclose money for your return postage. I want to give these cd's to very good friends of mine and I know they would get a kick out of the signed cd's! I just need a mailing address. Many thanks.
P.S. I thought the recent International Bing Magazine was great, nice articles about the Reunion at Gonzaga. I had mailed Malcolm over in the UK some of the wonderful cartoons of Bing and Bob that appeared in various newspapers after Bob's passing. Also I attended the Bix Beiderbick Festival in Davenport, Iowa in July, and sent Malcolm a copy of the program which had a nice tribute to Bing. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Edward Sturrup <tourtrends@adelphia.net>
- Wednesday, October 01, 2003 at 16:52:38 (EDT)

Hey Buddy! Great site! Look forward to speaking with you again. Until then....
Vincent Flood <vfloodie1@aol.com>
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 19:16:24 (EDT)

WOW Buddy! You've done it all, and still have at least a billion more things coming up. I am so grateful to have met you. Your generosity and kindness is overwhelming and your experience is mind blowing. I look forward to our friendship growing through time!! Thanks so much. Awesome website!!
April Wade <gnnabastr@aol.com>
- Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 23:05:52 (EDT)

Buddy, Thank you for speaking to our class the other night. It was very inspirational. I appreciated your input in response to my questions. Great website by the way!
Brian Forsythe <briandamage2000@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 19:02:59 (EDT)

Hi Buddy, I think your site is very nicely done and compliments you as a person. Please contact me at your convenience as I would like to link your site from my site honoring one of your contemporaries and friend, comedian Jerry Lewis. Thank you.
Morgan <behindthehiddenmask@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 10:32:12 (PDT)

I was one of the English contingent at Gonzaga in May, and found your talk about recording Crosby fascinating - thanks very much. You mentioned in response to someone's question that there were alternative takes of some tracks, but you didn't remember why they were necessary. In my collection of Crosby records, I have an album called 'Singularly Bing' on what I assume is a private label, 'Crosbyana'. On it, are alternative takes of 'Blue Room', 'Mountain Greenery', and 'Cheek to Cheek'. Crosby's reading of 'Blue Room' is quite different from that on the released album. According to the sleeve notes, these were only released in Australia as part of the 'Bregman Swings' album. Sorry to waste your time if you knew this already, but, if you didn't, I thought you might be interested. Thanks again for a great contribution to a great weekend celebrating a great man.
Frank Startup <frankstartup@hotmail.com>
- Friday, June 06, 2003 at 04:54:55 (PST)

Buddy, I love your website, and appreciate so much your gracious reply to my email. I want to post my story for the other fans: I have long been an admirer. When I was 23 (in 1973), I was hired to clean out an apartment in Boston. On the floor with no cover, scratched and dirty, was one disk of the two record set, "Ella Fitsgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook". I never heard of either one of you. (I was a rock and roller). I put the record on the record player, and even with the scratches, it became my favorite album of all time. Now 30 years later, I still love these records. Now I play guitar with a swing band here in Houston, Texas. My absolute favorite Cole song is "Begin the Begine", and I am attempting to mimic your horn lines on the guitar, in a very smooth legato style, like Johnny Smith would do. I will let you know how it works out. You continue to be an inspiration to me as I attempt to grow in my musicianship. I attended Berklee back in the early 70's, but I did not stick with it, and became an engineer to make a better living. I worked for years as a well service engineer on offshore oil rigs, but I always had a travel guitar to keep warmed up. Now I have some spare time, at last, and I am getting back to what I really want to do!
Best Regards,
Bruce Stauffer <bruce.stauffer@hugheschris.com>
- Monday, June 02, 2003 at 12:15:18 (PST)

Hey Buddy! There was a message posted back in December, 2002 about a big-band version of "My Buddy" played by a DJ in RI. My dad and I have been trying to find a recording of that version of the piece for ages now, and I was wondering what album we might find it on. Any information would be appreciated! Thanks!
Mags Ellis <Meggles606@aol.com>
- Monday, April 28, 2003 at 12:20:15 (PST)

Hi. I found out about you because you directed my favorite variety show, "The Rene Simard Show".
A fan.
-- Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 12:30:38 (PST)

Dear Buddy, I loved the site, especially the story section. One of my favorite songs is "When The Tide Is High." Gogi Grant and Buddy Bregman, now that's heaven! Any chance of a reunion of the two?
Tony Davies <jwafan@msn.com>
- Saturday, April 05, 2003 at 19:53:39 (PST)

Hi Buddy, My favourite album is your recording with Bing Crosby. Well done on a sensational album and your other work with Ella Fitzgerald.
Cheers,
Lachlan <mclean@r2k.info>
- Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 23:12:32 (PST)

Hi Buddy: I met you at Joe Franklin's on Tuesday evening. We spoke about you doing a book. I seem to have misplaced your business card with your email and phone. Can you drop me an email or call at your convenience?
Peace,
Asevimoru (Sevi Regis) <seviregis@hotmail.com>
- Friday, February 14, 2003 at 16:20:10 (PST)

What was the name of the piano piece you played at our graduation from Goudy? I was Jean Anne Rosenberg at that time; then Jean Anne Rodgers while we were at Senn. I remember your folks and your brother Robby very well. We used to have lunch together at the restaurant in the 5200 Sheridan Road building. I still have a copy of the "Goudy Echo", our graduation book with the pictures of our class. If you like, I'll e-mail it to you. Hope to hear from you.
Jean Shapiro <sodusjean@aol.com>
- Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 00:18:12 (PST)

Hi Buddy, Thanks for all your work and contributions to US and UK culture. My husband and I love Ella and can only imagine the joy you had working with her. You rock!!
Take care,
Michael Noyola-Izquierdo <mikeizq@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, February 02, 2003 at 17:53:09 (PST)

Hi Buddy, Good luck on your opening at The Firebird!
Best Wishes,
Jay Leonhart <JayLmusic@aol.com>
- Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 11:29:42 (PST)

Dear Buddy: About five years ago, (I am now 48 years old), you had the GREAT kindness to write me back by email. My original note arose from my in-depth exploration of Sinatra and his music at that time. I was on a Sinatra "kick." If anything, Sinatra and his work introduced me to the rich treasure of American popular song of the middle portion 20th century. But let me tell you please, since that time, I have enthusiastically discovered your incredible work with Ella Fitgerald. I am no musician, but I think the tenor and tone in the orchestrations that you put to vinyl at that time are TIMELESS. ("Crap" say I on the critics who would use the word "derivative.") I respect Nelson Riddle for his sterling contributions to and work with Sinatra, but I am increasingly amazed at how unceasingly more TIMELESS your work continues to sound. My cd's are not at hand, so I cannot be more detailed, but those (pre-songbook I believe) "early pieces" that you did with her are thrilling and fresh TODAY. This very week I have purchased the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, and am enjoying these two cd's beyond description. (Cole Porter Songbook is next.) Your sound thrills me in its perfection and "spot on" beauty. (I could die now happy.) I simply needed here to write and to say with respect to the early music: "Yes, I wish there could have been MORE, but what you gave exceeded all possible expectations." You are never given enough credit for what you achieved – that's your "karma" and it pisses me off that this has had to be the case, but your contributions have been and EVER will be eternal. Your original email cited that the music had been mostly set aside for current work and interest in the visual and film area. I celebrate and acknowledge those interests and wish you continued success always. Thank you, friend, for the opportunity to say so. Above all else, thank you for the music.
Bill Turgeon / Laurel, MD
- Monday, January 20, 2003 at 19:38:13 (PST)

Buddy: There was a jazz DJ in Rhode Island that used a rousing big-band version of "My Buddy" for his intro every night. I've heard it was one of your recordings. Can you identify the album for us? Thank you!
David May, WHFC-FM, Bel Air, MD. <cdmay@iximd.com>
- Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 16:33:44 (PST)

Buddy, great website, my compliments. Magda Zapata is terrific; it would be fantastic if you were able to help her get an internship! You've really had an interesting life thus far and it still looks like the hits are going to keep on coming. Maybe our paths will cross again. Till that day, best of health and thank you for the marinara sauce.
Joseph La Macchia <jlamac2@pride.hofstra.edu>
- Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 21:15:42 (PST)

When I was on a Coast Guard ship in Long Beach, I bought "Anita". I still have the album and my favorite track is "You're The Top". Your arrangements and sounds were cool and many of my shipmates wanted to hear the LP again. If I remember correctly, someplace I read when you were 25, you had a 25 piece band. Just this morning, I ordered a collector's item of yours from the Internet. "This Band Swings". Did I do 'good'?
Gary Hauft <helix@comcast.net>
- Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 07:43:48 (PST)

Hi, Buddy. Pleasure meeting you last night at Vermont. And, thank you for your lovely compliments on my performance. Looking forward to hearing from you re: your project. Love your website! We have a lot in common, we'll have lots to talk about!
Marianne Ferrari <maferrari@aol.com>
- Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 12:21:42 (PDT)

Just wanted to let you know we still remember and love the music.
Helen Sheppard <terry.secord@sympatico.ca>
- Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 13:32:19 (PDT)

Dear Buddy: I enjoyed reading your story. I appreciate the kind words you had for your association with my favorite British singer, Matt Monro. I am desperate for any info on how I could obtain him on film, video, or dvd. If you have any info, I'd be eternally greatful to you.
Sincerely,
Patrick Cullen - Thursday, August 08, 2002 at 20:47:04 (PDT)

Hi Buddy, What a pleasure it is to meet you! Wow...you are just chock full of WONDERFUL stories and I love that you have shared some of these on your website. You have done great work with great artists. I just read that you worked with composer Franz Waxman , whom I recently discovered and whose movie scores I've been playing in my car for the past few weeks. OMG...double kudos to you! Is that Art Pepper on alto solo at the beginning of your site? I look forward to seeing you soon, and in the meantime please check out my jazz a cappella vocal group at www.jazzappella.faithweb.com Be happy...be well.
Susan Morse <jazzappella@aol.com>
- Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 11:45:51 (PDT)

I only know you through the Rodgers and Hart Songbook with Ella, but what terrific work! It's a more 'romantic' sound than Nelson's, and I never realized you had done so much! And you're still looking good today. You must have started so young! Really great.
Rob Grace <RobGrace76@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 01:45:55 (PDT)

Dear Buddy, I heard a local DJ on a Jazz Radio station in Chicago, play a cut of "I Love Paris in the Springtime" from your Swinging Standards album a few weeks ago. Your arrangement of this standard blew my mind, and I had to have a copy of this album. I checked out the local mecca of jazz recordings in Chicago, The Jazz Record Mart, but they told me that this album was out of print. Do you know of any way that I can get a copy of this album? Better yet, how can I get the sheet music of this chart? I am interested in getting the chart for a high school jazz ensemble.
Thanks,
Greg Balicki <gregory.a.balicki@accenture.com>
- Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at 09:19:23 (PDT)

Dear Buddy, You never cease to amaze me! What an outstanding website. Your contribution to the entertainment world is quite a phenomenal feat. The stories that you shared are priceless. I was chuckling with sheer delight. What your site leaves out, is that you are a dear, sweet man... I'm priviledged to that exclusive information. Looking forward to our next visit. XO.
Shereece Haynes <haynes74@earthlink.net>
- Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 22:25:10 (PST)

Dear Buddy: Congratulations on a great web site dedicated to your multi-faceted career. I have only been vaguely aware of your work as an arranger until I bought your "Swinging Kicks" and "It Don't Mean a Thing" CDs (I even have Ella's full songbook series). What a career you have had through the years, and what stories you have provided. My best wishes to you when the new film comes out (about Lester Young and Lady Day), and here's hoping for a sequel to the "Swing" album in the near future, and to whatever albums of yours have not been issued on CD yet. Tell your lovely daughter Tracey that I'm a big fan of hers, dating back to when I watched "Days" as a teenager. (I work full-time so I don't get to watch the soaps anymore). Much love...
Brenda J. Lane <bjl072000@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 14:41:15 (PST)

Howdy from San Francisco, Buddy! I've so enjoyed our conversations and e-mails, and if ANYone I know deserves a website, 'tis you, my friend. You always project so much energy and enthusiasm, and that attribute is thankfully contagious. I couldn't echo the three previous messages any louder if I tried: You deserve every word said and rightfully so - you've greatly and memorably helped to enhance the world of entertainment. If I get Anita to my house in March, I'll make her sit her 82-year ol' frame in my chair and add something here as well. God bless you, and thanks from the bottom of my heart. My best to your family and thanks to Mary Spooner for the work she did to get this up and running! (Incidentally, another six-degrees moment in my life, thanks to these messages: My old boss, Louisa Hart, lived with Alan's old girlfriend in NYC while Alan was doing "Grease" - glad to see his voice!)
Chris Morano <cmorano@pacbell.net>
- Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at 07:54:10 (GMT)

Hi Budddy, Congratulations on the very cool web site. It looks great and it's easy to surf around the pages. There are so many remarkable stories you have with all the great projects you have been a part of. Now your fans will keep you up all night long, every day of the week without a break and you will feel obligated to answer every single question they ask because you are such a great, caring guy that you'll never want them to feel you don't appreciate all the time and effort they put into writing to you in the first place. Enjoy!
Your Pal,
Alan Paul <alapal@aol.com>
- Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 23:28:50 (GMT)

Dear Buddy, I had a nice lunch while your credits downloaded! WOW! What an impressive and enviable career! This beautiful website is a well-deserved tribute to an extremely talented man who has given SO much to the entertainment world. Best of luck with the new projects and many more!
Antoinette G. Lane
- Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 19:00:27 (GMT)

Love your site Buddy! You're the best! Mary, great work! Thanks for linking my Bobby Darin stuff!
Best,
Linda <linda@bobbydarin.net>
- Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 14:24:28 (GMT)

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