I Love You Lennie/I Love Jackie too
Because a big part of my life was devoted to studying music, my curiosity about famous musicians drove me to reading and exploring about them. We had a few classical albums in our house; one of them was Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. I remember stretching myself out on the living room floor, listening to this glorious composition. Sadly, I can’t remember what orchestra recorded it. However, around this time–I was 10 years old and not dumbing down yet–I watched a concert on television. It was the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein, who also played the rigorous piano part.
I was “blissed out.” Never could I have dreamed that this handsome man could 1) conduct the orchestra and 2) play the piano part without sheet music. Leonard Bernstein was emotional about music (of course) and threw himself into whatever he conducted and, in this case, played. Sheer magic and I’ve always worshiped his talent. Now, with you tube, I can watch him playing and conducting anything. It’s still a thrill.
Also, in that same year, John Kennedy was elected president–and here comes this fascinating blue-eyed man with a cool accent who had gone to Harvard and said that Robert Frost was his favorite poet. Frost was made Poet Laureate. But his wife–she was born to be a queen. Her posture was perfect and she never slumped over; so refined and graceful; her new, modern clothing; but, lastly, when she went on a trip to Europe everybody loved her, even more than her famous husband. Why? She spoke fluent French and Spanish!! Brains and beauty.
A far reach for that ten year old who was me.
lgmwriting 