Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller went on an excavating mission and came up with some gems:  Mabel Mercer and Bobby Short; Fats Domino with Jerry Lee Lewis musically partying; the final episode of “The Carol Burnett Show”; as well as a behind the scenes closeup of the late great Angela Lansbury.

An Evening with Mabel Mercer and Bobby Short

From 1972, produced for PBS-TV and taped in South Carolina. It is a delightful treat for cabaret aficionados…an amazing master class in the art of cabaret with two of its greatest examples. It’s been said that Sinatra was a huge fan of Mabel Mercer and studied her phrasing.  This rare video is a smooth and sophisticated treasure, even though some will find their singing somewhat “affected”. But for others, watching these two legendary singers is mesmerizing, especially for those of us who love the Great American Songbook. Bobby Short and Mabel Mercer together is a true rarity and a lovely trip down cabaret memory lane!

Fats and Friends

I’m posting this fabulous find in memory of music great, Jerry Lee Lewis who recently died.  “”, is a concert that was presented at the historical night club Storyville in New Orleans, in 1986, with Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Ron Wood (Rolling Stones guitarist); along with Paul Schaffer as Musical Director, who also gives commentary, Jerry lee Lewis sings three of his biggest hits. It’s all very upbeat and makes you wanna sing and dance and forget all that’s wrong with the world!

The Carol Burnett Show

The final episode ran as a CBS-TV Special, in 1978, and indeed, it was. Many of us lovingly remember this weekly variety show, which aired from 1967-1978, with great performances as well as sketches with her group of regulars: Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner,Tim Conway, Dick Van Dyke.  The show was taped before a live audience, and Carol took questions from the audience at the beginning of each episode. The show was unlike anything else on television. She ended the show herself, after 11 years saying, “It was always better to leave before you’re asked.” Carol Burnett was truly the queen of comedy and a national treasure!

Angela Lansbury Career Retrospective

From 2003, a truly special, intimate portrait of this theater icon, produced by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which also served as a fundraiser. She is in conversation with F.J. O’Neil, about her life and times, both professionally and personally, all in her own words.  We see what a magnificent woman she was….so gracious, so authentic and so humble. Truly one of the greats! And the moderator gives her center-stage and really lets her speak. A must-see for Angela fans!