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[RobertArmin] Good evening. Tonight, I am pleased to welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room a singer whom I have admired for a VERY long time. [RobertArmin] Julie Budd recorded her first album when she was 13! [RobertArmin] And I have it. And her second album. [RobertArmin] Since that time, Julie has become one of the most "seasoned" singers around. [RobertArmin] That means -- she knows what she's doing. [RobertArmin] Welcome Julie! [JulieBudd] Thanks Robert! [JulieBudd] Happy to be here! [RobertArmin] As I mentioned above, I was a fan right from the start. I remember seeing you on Merv Griffin and many other TV shows. [JulieBudd] I was a kid then and I did over 40 Merv shows! [RobertArmin] At the time, unfortunately, you were called a "young Barbra Streisand," and for that reason, I think, were not given the full attention your talent deserved. [JulieBudd] Yeah, I agree. [RobertArmin] Personally, other than the Brooklyn background, I didn't think you were all that similar. Especially as a singer. [JulieBudd] But, it's flattering to be compared to what is at the top of the profession. [RobertArmin] Right from the start you were singing both popular standards and "pop" songs. [JulieBudd] I agree. I think we're very different [RobertArmin] Who were your strongest influences as a singer? [JulieBudd] It's more in the visual not in the vocal. [JulieBudd] You have great ears. [RobertArmin] Thank you. I think yours are cute too. [JulieBudd] I always loved legitimate singers [JulieBudd] with dramatic rangy voices [RobertArmin] Any singers in particular? [RobertArmin] Alex, from London asks: Could you define "legitimate singers", Julie? I once heard Julie Andrews describe herself as having a "legitimate voice". It is very unique, I suppose. [JulieBudd] I love opera Dame Joan Sutherland, Birgit Nielsen, Lena Horne, of course, Barbra, but the best is Ella. [RobertArmin] All great choices. [RobertArmin] I find that Ella is the strongest influence on most of the singers I admire. [RobertArmin] Not so surprising. [RobertArmin] Doris Day would also be right up there with Ella. [RobertArmin] You, too, have a great ability to make the words sound fresh. [JulieBudd] Alex - Yes, Julie Andrews is a legitimate singer and that's why I also mentioned some of the voices written on this chat. [RobertArmin] I stand corrected, Alex says he is "far from London!" [RobertArmin] Dante asks: Julie, loved the song you recorded for the film "Living Free". Was that a positive experience?? [JulieBudd] So where's he from? Brooklyn? [JulieBudd] I thought Living Free was the worst vocal I ever did!! [RobertArmin] The UK, yes. London, no. [RobertArmin] I missed "Living Free." [JulieBudd] My conductor, Herb Bernstein, and I remember that experience as the Julie vocal nightmare! [RobertArmin] What happened that made it so unpleasant? [JulieBudd] That's okay if you missed Living Free! But thanks for the support! [RobertArmin] Alex writes: Wales, in the United Kingdom. But not England. Was that you singing the title song on "Living Free", Julie? We went to see that with the school. I remember the song very vividly!! [JulieBudd] Well, I just could not get it together, they made a track that just did not relate to me at all and all the tech stuff that day was really off. So here I was, just a kid, and trying to fix what the adults did! Maybe I'm harder on myself. Maybe if I heard it again I wouldn't think it's so bad. [RobertArmin] Dante asks: Julie, Did you enjoy doing "They're Playing Our Song"? I love that musical Any more theatre in your future? [RobertArmin] I am curious to hear about some of your musical theatre experiences. They're Playing Our Song would seem to be an idea show for you. [RobertArmin] Was that fun? [JulieBudd] Yes, I loved doing that play and working with Marvin Hamlisch was great fun and we worked again later in a motion picture for Disney called "The Devil & Max Devlin" [RobertArmin] That was your won film acting experience, was it not? [RobertArmin] I almost bought the film on eBay the other day. [JulieBudd] You should!!! It's lots of fun! [JulieBudd] And I had good hair! [RobertArmin] I meant to say ONE film experience. [RobertArmin] I'm looking at the album covers of your two first lps! Child of Plenty and Wild and Wonderful [JulieBudd] I know that! We're good spellars over here! [RobertArmin] You were SOOOOO young. How did you first get started singing? [JulieBudd] Oye!!!!! [JulieBudd] Before I tell you that, we have to say thank you to Mike Bernstein for being my assistant tonight! A wonderful rock singer who is also acting as my techy! [RobertArmin] Thank you, Mike! [RobertArmin] Alex writes: That movie (The Devil And Max Devlin) was a very emotional movie for me! I saw it twenty-one times at a movie theatre in one week! (Although I was the movie projectionist there!!) [RobertArmin] I think Alex has a crush on you, too. [JulieBudd] This is how I got started : I was a real pushy 12 year old! I did a talent show! I won and I met a man by the name of Herb Bernstein who by the way is Mike's father. Anyway, Herb at the time, Herb was recording Laura Nyro and took me to all those sessions! Soon after that, Herb recorded me and brought the demos to Merv Griffin who then put me on his show every single week for months and months. The rest is history...I was a hit in my mother's beauty parlor and I guess with others too [RobertArmin] Well, that's the way I remember it, too. [RobertArmin] So it must be true. [JulieBudd] Alex doesn't have a crush on me! He has a crush on Stella Summers! Right, Alex? =-D [JulieBudd] The Budd girl never lies! [JulieBudd] Too many people know the truth! [RobertArmin] Herb Bernstein has been with you your ENTIRE career. Talk about loyalty. [RobertArmin] And he has written many songs for your albums, as well. [RobertArmin] Would that we all could have such strong support. [JulieBudd] He rocks! He also is the finest conductor in the industry and he doesn't yell when I put things in weird keys! Gotta keep him! [RobertArmin] Your two most recent albums are so beautiful. I love the song selections and your vocal styling is near perfect. [JulieBudd] Herb is a fine song writer and arranger as well as a wonderful friend! [RobertArmin] Did you have trouble convincing record companies to let you record your type of music. [RobertArmin] That is "popular standards" and "show music." [RobertArmin] Alex adds: Well, if we'd been able to see more of the REAL Julie and not "Stella" from the movie then that MAY have been true! How much like "Stella Summers" are you then, Julie? [JulieBudd] I owe a lot of that to Herb! He understands how to orchestrate for a voice such as mine! What I mean by that is I have a long voice! And therefor, he really gets it in terms of cradling the arrangement around the voice. [RobertArmin] Your first album, Child of Plenty, tended toward the pop market. But by your second album, you were singing songs more ideally suited to you. Johnny One Note, Who Will Buy, When I Fall In Love... [JulieBudd] Record companies don't always get it when it comes to what people really want! They put out some idea of what they think people want. That's why companies like Fynsworth are so important because they fulfill a place for real singers with real songs and there is a big audience out there and they mustn't be ignored! [JulieBudd] As far as Stella goes, she's my second sister! [RobertArmin] Alex writes: How did you get that part in the movie? Was it well received? I really believed (as did everyone I know who saw you in that film) that you were on the brink of being a major worldwide star. You RULED that movie! I like your phrase "cradling the arrangement around the voice". [JulieBudd] You're right...the second album was one of my favorites. That and Pure Imagination are my favorites. [RobertArmin] Maybe we can work a deal with Universal to reissue the first two albums on one CD! [RobertArmin] Obviously, your sound is much more developed now, but there's something wonderfully exciting about hearing you as a kid. [RobertArmin] There's so much passion for the music. [RobertArmin] I truly mean it when I say that anyone who loves great theatre music should listen to your albums. [JulieBudd] I would love to do more film! I had a 3 picture deal with Disney and then the company changed hands. My deal got thrown out but we all move on and that's when I did "They’re Playing Our Song" and other concerts around the country. I believe in make defeats into victories. [RobertArmin] You are one heck of a singer. [JulieBudd] Thank you so much, Robert! I would love to get involved in a project like that! [RobertArmin] Do you see yourself playing more "character" roles in the future. Lainie Kazan has a similar nightclub career -- very sexy singer, but in recent years she's become a wonderful comic actress. [JulieBudd] As far as being one heck of a singer, I really feel that I'm very lucky to be doing what I love to do and I always hope that the audience gets that too! [JulieBudd] Yes, I do and what's great is as women get older, there's juicier, and more interesting places to go as far as acting is concerned! It can be great fun but I'm not ready yet to play anyone's mother! [RobertArmin] Azalea asks: Did anyone in your family sing or influence your singing? [RobertArmin] The reason I ask about acting roles is that you have such a wonderful speaking voice! [JulieBudd] Yes! My mother is a wonderful singer, but never sang professionally, only when she gave me my baths! [RobertArmin] Reading this chat doesn't give people a hint of how completely charming you are to talk to. [JulieBudd] Herb says not when I'm yelling!! [RobertArmin] ! [RobertArmin] Stop yelling at Herb. [RobertArmin] LOL [JulieBudd] Thank you so much! =) but this is a lot of fun! I never did this before! I hope you'll let me do it again! [RobertArmin] Alex writes: Disney was in a bit of mess in the early 1980s. I adore musical theatre, and I could see from your delivery of those versions of the two songs from the movie that you would positively shine on stage. You look really emotional singing "Roses And Rainbows." And that long note you hold at the end of "Any Fool Can See" is so dramatic. I'd love to see you on stage. [RobertArmin] The single of your song just sold on eBay for over $9. You have many fans out there. [JulieBudd] I should really let everyone know I'm going to re-record "Roses and Rainbows" as soon as possible! So many people have asked for it! If you look at my message board at juliebudd.com you'll see what I mean! [JulieBudd] Is that a lot? [RobertArmin] For a 45, sure. [JulieBudd] Get more product out there!!!! [RobertArmin] I missed the closing... I had wanted to buy it for my Julie Budd collection. [RobertArmin] Your two latest albums are a start. [JulieBudd] I got connections! Maybe we can work something out! [RobertArmin] Let's talk some more about your theatre experience. [RobertArmin] What other shows did you do? [JulieBudd] OK [JulieBudd] I worked at Circle Repertory company and Playwrights Horizons here in NYC, and I've traveled the country with my one woman show and did Catskills on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre here on Broadway but I would love to do more! [RobertArmin] Wasn't Louise DuArt in that? [RobertArmin] Didn't you do a TV show with her? [RobertArmin] Robbie asks: When will you be performing in LA or Las Vegas?? We miss you here on the West Coast? [JulieBudd] Yes, she was and she came in after me. I also did her TV show and then joined the cast of Catskills on the road! [JulieBudd] Hi Robbie! I'll be in Tucson, AZ in February, the first week at the Berger Center for the Performing Arts, and I'm waiting to hear about an LA engagement. Stay posted on my website! [RobertArmin] Robbie adds: Studio One (old name) no longer has performers, where does one perform in Los Angles anymore? [RobertArmin] God, I loved Studio One. I saw Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, etc. perform there in the 70s. [RobertArmin] Welcome, back, Alex! [JulieBudd] The Cinegrill is now called Feinstein's and they're booking shows. Also, I'm looking at the Symphony as I play many of them around the country. However, there are not that many places in LA, but I miss my Studio One days. Great place! [RobertArmin] Robbie writes: Received a call that my friends are having trouble signing on, password-rejection-theatre chat...so hold on maybe they will finally log on soon?? [RobertArmin] Sure, and we can give away a Julie Budd CD in a little while! [JulieBudd] I hope everyone will get in! I love talking to my fans! [RobertArmin] So, Julie, what was it like growing up in Brooklyn? Did you get to Broadway shows as a kid? Before YOU became a star. [JulieBudd] I loved growing up in Brooklyn! Great days and yes, I always went to the theater. My first show was Fiddler. I went with my sister, Jill. We got a hot dog and took the train home! GREAT day! [RobertArmin] So, as your career took off, did you get to audition for any of these shows? [RobertArmin] Or were you too busy doing concerts? [RobertArmin] You would have been great in Fiddler. [RobertArmin] Bette Midler was in it on Broadway for a while [RobertArmin] Welcome, Jeffrey! [RobertArmin] Speaking of Broadway, here is a story I haven't told you... [RobertArmin] When I was in college at Montclair, New Jersey, I read that one of my favorite young singers, a Miss Julie Budd, was going to be starring in a Broadway musical! [JulieBudd] Sometimes I did, and sometimes I didn't. I came very close to getting a show called the Prince of Grand Street, written by Robert Merrill and directed by Gene Saks. I also came very close to getting Evita. So sometimes you win some, and sometimes, you lose some! [RobertArmin] The show was called Wild and Wonderful... which coincidentally was the name of your second album. [JulieBudd] They should have called that Tame and Terrible! [RobertArmin] But by the time the show went into previews, you were no longer involved! And the show closed on opening night! What happened? [RobertArmin] It WAS dreadful. I still remember it as one Broadway's great turkeys. Although I did enjoy Walter Willison in it. [RobertArmin] Something about student radicals and the CIA or something like that. [RobertArmin] Welcome Dr. John. [JulieBudd] Herbie came to a dress rehearsal and saw the run-through. He was very worried for me because he thought the show had no direction and was all wrong for me. He pulled some strings and got me out of my contract. There was a lot of talent in that show : Walter Willison, and many others who are gifted. It can happen to anyone even with talent. [JulieBudd] I have no idea what that show was about! [JulieBudd] That's why I had to leave! [RobertArmin] Well, I don't recall having seen Laura McDuffie in much since! [RobertArmin] She replaced you in the show. [JulieBudd] I hear she's a great dancer! [RobertArmin] Glad to hear it! [RobertArmin] The one thing I remember about Wild and Wonderful was after the show... [JulieBudd] Robert, you do your homework! [JulieBudd] What happened? [RobertArmin] I went into the subway station at Times Square and found a very rare copy of the cast album of Liza Minnelli in Best Foot Forward in a record store. [RobertArmin] That's about all I remember from that day! LOL [RobertArmin] I was, however, very disappointed that I didn't get to see you in the show! [JulieBudd] What happened with the investors? [JulieBudd] Herbie wasn't! [RobertArmin] So, now that the room is jumping, let's give away one of your Fynsworth Alley CDs! [JulieBudd] OK! Which one? [RobertArmin] Well, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse wrote the wonderful "Pure Imagination," so that album is a favorite. [RobertArmin] Let's make that the prize for this first question. [JulieBudd] Mine too! [JulieBudd] OK [RobertArmin] Let's make it an easy one... [JulieBudd] OK let's see! [RobertArmin] On Julie's album, she sings "If I Were A Bell." What Broadway show is that from? [JulieBudd] I'll give you a hint! I wasn't born! [RobertArmin] Robbie's got the answer: Guys and Dolls [RobertArmin] Do you have the album, Robbie? [JulieBudd] Mazel tov! [RobertArmin] Yes, hmmm. How about her second album? [RobertArmin] If You Could See Me Now. [JulieBudd] See? You need to record new stuff on me! =-D [RobertArmin] Yup. Robbie has EVERYTHING. Including the records. [JulieBudd] This is a man who has everything!!! [JulieBudd] What do you do? [RobertArmin] Well, we'll be happy to send you a copy to give as a gift! [RobertArmin] Robbie also asks: When are you going to record a new CD?? I have to add to my collection [JulieBudd] Ask Fynsworth! [RobertArmin] Jeffrey asks: did you ever do a t.v. comedy show if you did what was the name and what year? [JulieBudd] All kidding aside, I am going to re-record the Roses and Rainbows again so stay posted! [RobertArmin] Azalea asks: Any great stories about meeting "stars" or celebrities in your early days on the Merv Griffin show? [JulieBudd] Yes! Carol Burnett, Jim Nabors, and all those fun variety shows, but never a sitcom [JulieBudd] I met all of them! And worked with most of them as well! [RobertArmin] Robbie asks: What do you know about the whereabouts of: Jane Olivor, Karen Wyman, Roslyn Kind & Alice Playten????? [RobertArmin] Alice is still active in the theatre. She was in Seussical on Broadway. [RobertArmin] Roslyn Kind was also compared to Barbra Streisand.. Of course, she was Streisand's half-sister! [JulieBudd] I have no idea! But, those days when all the singers were singing at the grand finale, and those kinds of places, that was great fun! [RobertArmin] Alex asks: When you re-record Roses And Rainbows, how will the arrangement be? Will it be dramatic like in the movie? I really feel the lyrics work better when you jump alive on the line "...you'd better know there'll still be rain.". I don't think the "pop" version works so well, although I still adore your vocal! [JulieBudd] The remake will be pretty close to the movie version. I don't like to fix what's not broken! [RobertArmin] Jeffrey writes: Jim Nabors called you his lucky charm when you did his first variety show [JulieBudd] I love Jim Nabors. One of the finest men in the business! [RobertArmin] How do feel about the many young singers in the business who tend to copy each other? Are there any particular favorites. [RobertArmin] Alex writes: All these American people you are referring to we never get to hear of in the UK. I feel so left out. :-( [JulieBudd] When you say copy each other, what do you mean? [RobertArmin] They all seem to sound alike -- Britney Spears, Christine Aguilera, etc. [RobertArmin] Robbie asks: When was the last time you were in touch with Jim Nabors or Carol Burnett, who are your celebrity friends?? [JulieBudd] I know that's a shame! I happen to like these girls, they make great records, but I wish that these other girls would have the courage to find their own voice. [JulieBudd] Every now and then, Robbie, I do bump into some of my old celebrity friends. Jim and Carol happen to live in Hawaii...that's a long way to go for a lunch! [RobertArmin] "Fame" was so awful The talented young performers were all singing other people's "versions" of songs -- Whitney Houston's version, Ray Charles's version, etc. [RobertArmin] I mean the recent TV show, Fame. [JulieBudd] You know what, Robert, I wish that I would hear more of these singers sing some of the standards. I think the audience would too. [RobertArmin] Well, I have a great idea for a new talent show, if any producers are interested! [RobertArmin] You'd see some real talent. [RobertArmin] And you could be one of the judges! [JulieBudd] Tell me! Tell me! [RobertArmin] And a guest star, of course, as a singer! [JulieBudd] Me??? That would be fun!!!! [RobertArmin] We really have to spread the word about your CDs. [JulieBudd] I wish we could return to a time when good music did not offend the sensibilities of people who produce these shows! [RobertArmin] Robbie asks: Question for Mr. Armin-----You do a lot of theatre...would you ever cast Julie in a musical show next year? [JulieBudd] Yes, we do! And I will be willing to work very hard to help you do that! [RobertArmin] Yes, I would love to work with Julie. But not necessarily "next year." [RobertArmin] Someday soon, I hope. [RobertArmin] Azalea asks: Enjoyed the talented young performers in movie "CAMP" about summer art camp, based on Stage Door Manor. Did you ever attend arts camp? [JulieBudd] How come? Do you need to get over this chat? [RobertArmin] No! Because I don't necessarily have a show for next year! [JulieBudd] No, I didn't. I was working as a professional from the time I was 12 years old! Talk about boot camp! [RobertArmin] If there was a show -- I would call you! [RobertArmin] Dr. John points out that: Even Rod Stewart felt compelled to sing the standards. [JulieBudd] Well, maybe we'll get lucky and get to work together! Wouldn't that be great fun? [RobertArmin] Yes, as did Sinead O'Connor, Linda Ronstadt, and many more! [RobertArmin] There is an audience for popular standards if the record companies would get behind them! [JulieBudd] Tell Dr. John he's absolutely right and that's why Rod Stewart still sells records after 30 years. [RobertArmin] Well, we've only got a few minutes left! [JulieBudd] I wish more record companies would see what Robert is saying. I really do believe there is a bigger audience out there than they see. [RobertArmin] So let me ask you about some theatre roles. What shows would you like to do? [JulieBudd] This went by too fast! [RobertArmin] A lot of people say that! [RobertArmin] Alex posts: It's 3am here in Britain, I am gonna have to log off as I am back in work in 6 hours. Please say goodnight and I really hope that your new material surfaces this year. See you on your web-site! Alex xxx [RobertArmin] Thanks Alex. [JulieBudd] I would love to do My Fair Lady, Evita, Fiddler, Les Miz, and I know there are others I'm not thinking of. [RobertArmin] What, not Funny Girl? [JulieBudd] Bye Alex! [JulieBudd] Why not? [RobertArmin] That's what I'm asking? [RobertArmin] You didn't list it. [JulieBudd] I would do it! [RobertArmin] I pay to see that! [RobertArmin] I'd... [JulieBudd] That was one I wasn't thinking of but I WOULD do it! [JulieBudd] Me too [RobertArmin] You'd pay to see yourself in Funny Girl? [RobertArmin] You deserve a discount. [RobertArmin] LOL [JulieBudd] Maybe on eBay! [RobertArmin] Julie, you really are a kick. I've enjoyed speaking to you on the phone... [JulieBudd] But all kidding aside, it is a great show [RobertArmin] And here on the chat. [RobertArmin] Now I want to meet you in person! [RobertArmin] Make up for missing out on you in Wild and Wonderful in 1971! [RobertArmin] Robbie reminds us: There is a movie version of "FIDDLER" being planned. for TV ...are you up for any role??? [JulieBudd] It would be an honor and thank you so much for having me as your guest! [RobertArmin] Let's see you in more films and TV! [RobertArmin] Get Herb on that! [JulieBudd] Let's hope that all theater decisions will be better than Wild and Wonderful and we will work together in the future! [RobertArmin] Let's give away one more CD before we sign off! [JulieBudd] He's working as we speak! [RobertArmin] Here's another easy question. [JulieBudd] Sounds great! [RobertArmin] What movie is "Pure Imagination" from? [JulieBudd] Does anyone know this? [RobertArmin] Two responses. Jeffrey was first with willy woke. (He's since corrected it.) [RobertArmin] Of course, it was Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." [RobertArmin] Robby also got it. [JulieBudd] Robert, you're so smart! [RobertArmin] Jeffrey, send you name and address to Fynsworth@showmusic.com. We'll send you Julie's album. [RobertArmin] Robbie send your address too for your earlier prize. You can give it to a friend and spread the word. [RobertArmin] Julie, thank you SOOOOO much for being with us tonight. [JulieBudd] Jeffery, I hope you enjoy the CD! [RobertArmin] I have enjoyed your singing for so long. [JulieBudd] Thank you to everyone. This was sooooo much fun! I hope we'll all meet again and do this soon! And thank you, Robert! [RobertArmin] Good night, everyone. Next week, my guest will be Danny Burstein, a talent theatre actor who, incidentally, is married to the fabulous Rebecca Luker. [RobertArmin] So much talent in one family! [RobertArmin] Good night, Julie. Let's talk. :) [JulieBudd] Goodnight, Robert. I hope we'll talk soon! Thanx! =D |
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