Gordon Jenkins News

Famed singer, actress and Broadway star Eydie Gormé has died at age 84. Spokesperson Howard Bragman said 'Legendary singer and performer Eydie Gorme passed away peacefully today at Sunrise Hospital following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her husband, son and other loved ones at the time of her death.' In his own statement, Steve Lawrence said: 'Eydie has been my partner on stage and in life for more than 55 years. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and even more the first time I heard her sing. While my personal loss is unimaginable, the world has lost one of the greatest pop vocalists of all time.'

Louis Armstrong House Museum is celebrating Jazz Appreciation month in style this April. 85 years ago, Louis Armstrong recorded one of his all-time masterpieces, 'West End Blues,' one of the most important records in jazz history. For Jazz Appreciation Month, the Museum's historic house tours will feature an ultra rare recording of Louis Armstrong performing 'West End Blues' live at Freedomland in 1961. This performance was recently donated to the Museum's Archives by the son of Freedomland sound engineer Peter Denis. Previously unissued and not in any discographies, it will be featured only during Jazz Appreciation Month! This recording compliments the Museum's current exhibit, Louis Armstrong at Freedomland that closes April 30, 2012.

Louis Armstrong House Museum is celebrating Jazz Appreciation month in style this April. 85 years ago, Louis Armstrong recorded one of his all-time masterpieces, 'West End Blues,' one of the most important records in jazz history. For Jazz Appreciation Month, the Museum's historic house tours will feature an ultra rare recording of Louis Armstrong performing 'West End Blues' live at Freedomland in 1961. This performance was recently donated to the Museum's Archives by the son of Freedomland sound engineer Peter Denis. Previously unissued and not in any discographies, it will be featured only during Jazz Appreciation Month! This recording compliments the Museum's current exhibit, Louis Armstrong at Freedomland that closes April 30, 2012.

The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois, north of Chicago, has an enormous subscription base, deep pockets, a talented and experienced in-house design team and a film property to adapt that touches on a number of important, stage-worthy themes (military patriotism, family, nostalgia, a timely re-visit to accusations of communism in America, parenthood, mid-century entertainment history and censorship, both military and network). And the show's lawyers have acquired the rights to a Hit Parade of jukebox-musical-worthy tunes. But is that enough to make a new stage musical out of the 1991 film 'For The Boys'?

On her new album, ‘Round Midnight, Grammy-nominated vocalist and pianist Karrin Allyson weaves an elegant, understated dreamscape featuring 11 songs by some of the most storied writers in jazz, Broadway and pop music, from Duke Ellington to Stephen Sondheim to Paul Simon and more.

Reprise Records has released a new Frank Sinatra-filled album with his songs featured in Twayla Tharp's musical Come Fly Away. The CD includes 16-tracks of the original Sinatra recordings with thr original musicians. These original arrangements were done by by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Don Costa, Gordon Jenkins, Johnny Mandel, Neal Hefti, Torrie Zito, Sam Nestico, Emuir Deodato, Ernie Freeman and Quincy Jones.

After sold out shows last year, veteran actor/singer Frank Torren returns to Don't Tell Mama for two special encore shows on Sunday, May 24 at 3:00 and Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 with his special must see show 'First Times.' Again, Back Stage Bistro winner Rick Unterberg is arranger/musical director for both shows.

After sold out shows last year, veteran actor/singer Frank Torren returns to Don't Tell Mama for two special encore shows on Sunday, May 24 at 3:00 and Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 with his special must see show 'First Times.' Again, Back Stage Bistro winner Rick Unterberg is arranger/musical director for both shows.

Angel Desai, Stephen Bogardus, Patricia Birch and others salute NYC and 'West Side Story' in a concert at a Manhattan museum.

On Wednesday, January 30 at 10PM, 'I Hate New York: A Love Story,' a one-hour cabaret revue of songs of love, hate and ambivalence toward New York City will be presented at The Metropolitan Room, featuring Ben Cherry with Sheldon Forrest.

Sheldon Epps' Blues in the Night began its exclusive San Francisco engagement at Post Street Theatre (450 Post Street) on August 7; ready for its Opening Night on August 15.

Sheldon Epps' Blues in the Night will return for an all-star San Francisco production.

CONTEST: Enter to win! For the very first time, in almost half a century, Judy Garland's classic recording 'The Letter' finally is brought to CD by DRG.

DRG Records announces the CD debut of Judy Garland's legendary 1959 album, THE LETTER, in its entire stereo splendor.