People love to talk about MLK and all the civil rights activists but in my mind the people who really changed things in their own way were the musicians. There was Sinatra stating he would not play if Sammy had to walk in the back door, there was Elvis taking black music and showing it to the world. Bobby Short was another man who never made speeches, nor protested anything on the streets; rather his protest was to play music to people who would never let him serve dinner in their homes. His charm, polite manners, amazing showman and musicianship converted high society and won them over. His love of Cabaret music, impeccable style and soft somewhat feminine voice left many to question his sexuality. But Bobby pulled some serious women in his day and was always seen with very desirous candy on his arm, including Gloria Vanerbilt. He was the first black man to be listed on the Social Register and an absolute icon who played for presidents and heads of states.
But he was most famous for his wonderful shows at The Cafe Carlyle, until his later years twice a night, almost everyday of the week. I first saw him there, barely old enough to drink while I sat at the bar alone, it opened up my mind to a world of music that people reserve only for those over seventy. Throughout the years it became a family event to see him around Christmas and are some of the greatest holiday memories I possess.
And he was humble, he would talk to you if you could hang with his wit. One night I called The Carlyle to see if I could get his set list, they didn't have it but gave me his agent's number. I was looking for the name of a song and the only thing I remembered was the opening lines. I called the agent and they gave me another number to call, called that and another run around. After about six numbers I called the last one, a 212 area code and a man answered the phone. I explained I was looking for Bobby Short's set list that he was currently working. The reply was "Well this is Mr. Short, who is this?" I stated my name, he replied "Yes, but who are you?" That admittedly snooty remark turned into an hour long conversation in which he explained every song on his setlist and why he played them, but the title of my song just wasn't clicking so I sang it to him over the line. To my surprise he started singing alone and told me the whole history of why he loved it. Amazingly, it was home number and I probably called twice a year until his death just to hear his answering service, the message of which was just as elegant as the man.
"Our Love is Here to Stay" is a song you probably have heard before instrumentally in movies or maybe a Nora Jones cover but this version is the way George and Ida Gershwin had intended it to be played. There is nothing but piano, brushes on the drums if you listen closely and Beverly Peer on the Bass Fiddle. It is simple, beautiful and reminds you of everything that love is supposed to be: deep, undying and epic. I am not saying it is, and for most it never will be and that is why this song is so important. Spend the .99 on it and if you like it the entire album, put aside your cynical ways, macho mentality and homophobia about Cabaret music and give it a chance. Everyone needs one day to grab your lover and slow dance around the living room whispering this song in her ear, if you do it right she'll relax in your arms and remember once again why she puts up with you in the first place. And in today's world where sexual roles in society are so confused and switched you'll feel like a man again taking charge and being a strong romantic, she'll feel like a woman and placate you in every way you've imagined.
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