By Sandi Durell . . .
What to do when you’re a singer of note with a lovely soprano voice and one day you are chosen? That’s basically what happened to Valerie Lemon when she was ‘picked’ – in a dream – by Jane Froman – or the spirit and light of Jane Froman – to continue the legacy of the remarkable Ms. Froman (1907-1980).
With time and care, Valerie developed The Jane Froman Songbook – A Song in My Heart which has enthralled audiences throughout the country and again at Lynn University’s Wold Theater on February 12, 2022. The elegant era of 40s and 50s nightclubs comes alive with great sensitivity, not only in song but with vivid memories, stories and photo slides of the intrinsic nature of Jane Froman.
Valerie Lemon, looking tastefully classy in a midnight blue gown accessorized with long opera gloves, provides the grace and silky soft nostalgia of the iconic tunes written by favorite songwriters Gershwin, Rodgers, Hart, Styne, Porter, Loesser and many more that make up the essence of Jane Froman’s illustrious career. She presents a memorable plethora of the American Songbook including “That Old Feeling”, “Summertime”, “Blue Moon”, “Give My Regards to Broadway”, “Begin the Beguine”, “It’s A Most Unusual Day,” I Believe” and the title tune “With a Song in My Heart,” to name a few.
Valerie’s immediate connection to the material is palpable as is her admiration and love of the popular radio, nightclub, film, TV and recording artist Jane Froman. One needs to Google her to understand the inspiration derived relating to this woman, a performer with a unique understanding about human connection with an ability to rise above heartache and pain.
A guest on Valerie’s show was the unstoppable, ever glamorous vocalist, KT Sullivan, also the Artistic Director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, who came aboard to have a little fun with Valerie and notable musical director of the evening Kenneth Gartman. The three of them showed off some light-hearted dynamics and harmonies with Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer’s “Accentuate the Positive.”
A beautiful rendition of Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl and Al Stillman’s “I Believe” brought the evening to a close.
A compelling story in song lovingly presented by Valerie Lemon! (P.S. And Ms. Lemon is a terrific whistler!)
The Jane Froman Songbook is available on Apple Music, YouTube and other digital downloads.
PHOTOS TAKEN AT LYNN UNIVERSITY POST SHOW
