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[Maureen's scheduled chat on April 21 had to be postponed when the chat room software broke down. Fortunately, she was able to join us again one week later from her office in Los Angeles. Maureen did her own typing and ably demonstrated the wit and charm that have made her an audience favorite for three decades.] [RobertArmin] Hello [MaureenMcGovern] Howdy Robert! [RobertArmin] Good evening. Welcome to the Fynsworth Alley Chat Room. [RobertArmin] Last week, we had some "technical difficulties" and had to postpone the chat. [RobertArmin] Fortunately, last week's guest is also THIS week's guest -- the wonderful singer and actress, Maureen McGovern! [RobertArmin] I have been a big admirer of Maureen's -- I still have her very first record album --remember those? [RobertArmin] Good evening, Maureen and welcome! [MaureenMcGovern] Good evening, Robert - and all our cyberguests..... [RobertArmin] You are one busy lady, trying to grab some free time with you is difficult. [RobertArmin] But we did it at last. [MaureenMcGovern] Let's see how fast Da Diva can type! [RobertArmin] We'll be patient! [MaureenMcGovern] Great! [RobertArmin] Your career started with a huge hit at a very young age -- The Morning After was the theme song to The Poseidon Adventure. Had did you get involved with that song? [MaureenMcGovern] Well, my first producer's barber heard me sing at a Cleveland Holiday Inn and the rest is history. [RobertArmin] LOL [MaureenMcGovern] True. [RobertArmin] Few singers during that period could boast the kind of pipes you were featuring. It was a glorious sound. [MaureenMcGovern] My 1st producer sent tapes of me around to all the record companies and they all turned me down except for 20th Century Records [MaureenMcGovern] 20th signed me sight-unseen and The Morning After was the 1st song they sent for me to record. [RobertArmin] You followed The Morning After with another disaster song (the movie -- not the song). [RobertArmin] And actually got to sing the song in the movie. [MaureenMcGovern] Yes, the theme song to The Towering Inferno - another Oscar winner. [MaureenMcGovern] Yes, that was me with the long blond hair and the other nose! [RobertArmin] Yes, I'm looking at that cover! I didn't want to ask the question. (LOL) [RobertArmin] Was that your idea or the record company's? [RobertArmin] The nose, that is. [MaureenMcGovern] No-nose Nanette was my idea. [RobertArmin] It was so interesting that you did another profile shot for your Warner Bros album. [RobertArmin] Either way, you are a very attractive woman (if I may say). [MaureenMcGovern] That was taken actually 4 weeks after the de-nosification. [RobertArmin] Good word. [RobertArmin] Your next big hit song is actually one of my all-time favorites -- the theme song from Superman. [RobertArmin] People didn't know how good that song was from the way Margot Kidder spoke it in the film. [RobertArmin] But your version is gorgeous. [RobertArmin] I loved it every time the song came up on the car radio! [MaureenMcGovern] I love this song. John Williams and Leslie Bricusse's work. [RobertArmin] During those early years, was it difficult for you to find your niche in the music world? [MaureenMcGovern] Yes, I was known as The Disaster Theme Queen. [RobertArmin] You kept recording hits, though, but in a style that certainly wasn't Top 40. [RobertArmin] Did they try to push you into a more "rock" sound at any time? [MaureenMcGovern] My musical tastes ran from Joni Mitchell to Ella and Mel Torme to Streisand to The Beatles. [RobertArmin] I know RCA did, with the Baby, I'm Yours album. [MaureenMcGovern] It wasn't until I met Mike Renzi that I found my true "musical selves" [RobertArmin] Yes, with the Another Woman In Love album. [MaureenMcGovern] In cabaret, we explored jazz, classical, theater, great American songbook as well as pop. [MaureenMcGovern] AWIL is what I consider to be my first album. [RobertArmin] Since I have most of your albums from their first release, forgive me for asking if these early albums are still available. [MaureenMcGovern] In the 70's the record companies forced me to record their idea of what would sell. [RobertArmin] timjcubby asks: was wondering when maureen is ever gonna do some cds of her albums and singles from 20th century fox days as well a few from her epic contract and when are u coming back to Dallas? [MaureenMcGovern] Actually I revisited The Morning After and Halfway Home and a few other previously recorded songs plus some new ones, as well, on my new CD "Works Of Heart" which is being released in May. [RobertArmin] Sounds wonderful. [RobertArmin] I think Fynsworth should license all (or at least many) of your earlier albums. [MaureenMcGovern] I will be in Austin, Texas with the Symphony May 30-31 --- close! [MaureenMcGovern] Your words to God's ears, as they say, Robert! [RobertArmin] Well, they did reissue the wonderful Alan and Marilyn Bergman album, The Music Never Ends. [RobertArmin] With three BONUS tracks, yet. [RobertArmin] What other songs are on your new album? [MaureenMcGovern] The Bergman CD is one of my alllllllllll-time favs. We added 3 new bonus cuts. 'Twas a joy! [MaureenMcGovern] I Have The Feeling I've Been Here Before -- by Marilyn and Alan Bergman and Roger Kellaway [MaureenMcGovern] I Was Born In Love With You by The Bergmans and Michel Legrand [MaureenMcGovern] What Matters Most by The Bergmans and Dave Grusin [RobertArmin] timjcubby adds: a friend of mine met u in kcmo at a concert u did giving me my first cd ever and u autographed for him to me it was ur xmas cd and i will always cherish it as i saw u do the happy bdy gershwin concert when they taped it for pbs, i can even see myself on the tape of it i have :) [RobertArmin] I want to chat a bit about your theatre work, as well. [RobertArmin] I did get to see you in The Threepenny Opera, but a lot of your theatre work has been outside of NYC. [MaureenMcGovern] I LOVED doing the Gershwin concert/special with Andrew Litton and The Dallas Symphony! [RobertArmin] You [MaureenMcGovern] Sorry, I'm a step behind! [RobertArmin] You've built up some great credits -- South Pacific, Sound of Music, I Do I Do. [RobertArmin] People move so quickly around her :-) [RobertArmin] DoriaHudson writes: You've portrayed the roles of both 'Adelaide' and 'Sarah' in "Guys and Dolls"... which role did you enjoy more? [MaureenMcGovern] My last several theater performances have been truly great experiences. "Letters From 'Nam," "The Lion In Winter" and lastly, "Dear World" [RobertArmin] Yes, I wanted to ask you about Dear World, especially. [RobertArmin] How did the new script go over at Godspeed? [RobertArmin] Slight technical glitch -- Maureen will be right with us. [MaureenMcGovern] My "Dear World" was a new script/new orchestrations, brilliant direction by Philip Himburg at The Sundance Institute Theatre. I spent all of last summer at Sundance and had the time of my life. [RobertArmin] I meant to say Sundance -- not Goodspeed. You were working with a new script -- by Michael Stewart's sister, if I'm not mistaken? [MaureenMcGovern] The Countess Aurelia was a major acting leap off the cliff for me. I LOVED it! [RobertArmin] I wish I could have seen it. Are there any talks about bringing it East? [MaureenMcGovern] Several theaters around the country are considering it at present. I hope it makes its way eastward. The musical is so timely and one of Jerry's most glorious scores. [RobertArmin] I'm so glad that it's being revived. I have always loved the score. [RobertArmin] I wanted to re-ask a question that came earlier -- which role in Guys and Dolls gave you the most fun -- Sarah or Adelaide? You're one of the few to have played both roles. [MaureenMcGovern] Absolutely Adelaide! [RobertArmin] You simply MUST record her song one of these days. That would definitely be a change of pace for you. [MaureenMcGovern] I have thought of recording a theater duets CD ---- Fynsworth, are you listening....? [RobertArmin] I will certainly suggest it! [RobertArmin] You need to participate on some of their compilations and work with other Broadway greats! [RobertArmin] When did you first get interested in acting -- was it at the same time you started singing or did that come later? [MaureenMcGovern] Much later -- I was far too terrified and shy in the beginning of my career. I made my Broadway debut three weeks after my first one-week summer stock experience in "The Sound Of Music." [RobertArmin] Was that in Pirates? [MaureenMcGovern] I hadn't even done a high school play. [MaureenMcGovern] Yes, ‘tis Mabel! [MaureenMcGovern] It was rather daunting, but I didn't know enough to be as terrified as I should have been. [RobertArmin] Were you shy in school? When did you start singing? [MaureenMcGovern] Painfully shy. I would sing and go as quickly as humanly possible into my next song. [RobertArmin] Where did you grow up? [MaureenMcGovern] I started singing in my grade school church choir -- St. Dominic's. [MaureenMcGovern] Youngstown, Ohio [RobertArmin] And where did you next sing? [MaureenMcGovern] In high school, I sang with a friend. We both played guitars and sang folk music. [RobertArmin] Do you have recordings of any of those early songs -- we'll need them for the box set retrospective! [MaureenMcGovern] Oh no you won't! [MaureenMcGovern] After high school, I got a job as an executive secretary and worked with my ex-husband's jazz trio on weekends. [RobertArmin] And eventually at the Holiday Inn? [RobertArmin] Hah! [MaureenMcGovern] That was me.....The Midwest Lounge Queen......oh, how I hated that phase of my life! [RobertArmin] You seem to have overcome much of your shyness -- what do you think has helped to give you your confidence? [MaureenMcGovern] 30 years of experience, I guess. I've always learned "on my feet." When I moved to LA six years ago, I started studying with a great acting coach, Janet Alhante. I always credit her with helping me find the "lyric" in the line. [RobertArmin] Looking at your future, are there certain plays or musicals that you long to do? [MaureenMcGovern] Theater had grounded me in ways that affect many areas of my career and life. [MaureenMcGovern] I would love to do "Dear World" again --- and [MaureenMcGovern] "The Lion In Winter." [MaureenMcGovern] "Gypsy." [RobertArmin] Very adventurous, indeed. [MaureenMcGovern] "Sunset Blvd." [RobertArmin] Would you like to do Nine again, with your new confidence? [MaureenMcGovern] Well, I'm too old for Luisa, -- she is a wonderful part. Can't wait to see the current "Nine." [RobertArmin] Kristine and I will be seeing the show in a few weeks -- looking forward to it. [RobertArmin] I was listening to an interview with Karen Akers talking about how Tommy Tune pushed her to display more anger as Luisa. [RobertArmin] Did he do the same with you? [MaureenMcGovern] I only had one meeting with Tommy. He had such a brilliant vision for the show. He just gave me a general sense of his vision and left it up to me to find my "Luisa." [RobertArmin] I saw the original cast, so unfortunately, I never got to see your Luisa. [RobertArmin] And you're NOT THAT OLD! [MaureenMcGovern] It was a joy to watch on my nights off from "Pirates." You could see the show many times and always be surprised by something wonderful Tommy and cast had brought to life. [RobertArmin] In an advance question, JR wrote: I know that you're one of the most giving artists around. Vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Former Chair of the Easter Seals, an advocate for homeless pets, what is the Works of Heart project I read about on your web page? [MaureenMcGovern] I have worked with MDA for 23 years -- for the past 12 years they have been an invaluable help to my family, as my youngest niece has Dermatomyocytis. I have done the Easter Seals Telethon, but have never been a Chairperson for them. [RobertArmin] I got an email from Corey Whaley, who played Richard alongside your Eleanor in The Lion In Winter. He wants to know if you have any more non-musical theatre roles planned in the future and, if so, what? [MaureenMcGovern] I founded The McGovern "Works Of Heart" Project for Music and Healing to address emotional and inspirational needs of patients and care givers. [RobertArmin] Sounds wonderful. [MaureenMcGovern] My Richard! -- Hi, Corey! I would love to do more non-musicals. It was such a treat to NOT have to sing a note! [RobertArmin] Bdaherlg writes: Tell us what songs or artists have meant the most to you at various times in your life please. [MaureenMcGovern] Mel Torme was my mentor and a dear friend. He was the greatest singer to ever grace the planet in my book. [RobertArmin] I loved Mel Torme's sound. [RobertArmin] I met him once in a record store -- nice man. [MaureenMcGovern] I have always loved Joni Mitchell's music. The recent American Master's profile on her was one of the best I have ever seen. [RobertArmin] And he wrote THE BEST Christmas song. [MaureenMcGovern] Mel was a great musician, songwriter, author, collector.......and had a mind like an encyclopedia. [RobertArmin] Any other artists who have inspired you? [MaureenMcGovern] When I was in grade school, I used to come home, lock myself in my bedroom, turn the stereo to its loudest and [MaureenMcGovern] sing ALL the parts to "West Side Story" and also sing every note along with Streisand -- I used to say she taught me to sing! [RobertArmin] And you have an even wider range! [RobertArmin] timjcubby wants to know if you have ever met Barbra? [MaureenMcGovern] Thanks to Marge Rivingston, my vocal coach of 22 years! [RobertArmin] The two of you should do a duet on your proposed duets album -- you and Babs, that is. [MaureenMcGovern] I recently saw her at a memorial service for our beloved, Peter Matz, but didn't get a chance to talk with her. [RobertArmin] Peter Matz was soooooo good. I love pulling out old albums with his arrangements -- they never seem to age. [RobertArmin] We'll all miss his talent. [MaureenMcGovern] He was one of the kindest, funniest, most brilliant musicians and caring souls one could ever meet. [RobertArmin] Very well said. [RobertArmin] Earlier, you mentioned listening to the radio when you came home from school. Is that what inspired your album, Baby I'm Yours? It was such a change for you, but definitely a lot of fun. [RobertArmin] Maureen McGovern, the teen heartthrob. [MaureenMcGovern] Baby I'm Yours is great to clean the house to ;-) [RobertArmin] LOL [RobertArmin] But not WITH, I hope. [MaureenMcGovern] They were all the songs I loved when I was growing up -- I used to sing with the original artists while I was washing the dishes! [RobertArmin] You chose great songs! "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," "It's All in the Game," "You Belong To Me," etc. [RobertArmin] Do you ever do those kind of songs in your cabaret show? [MaureenMcGovern] Dusty Springfield was soooooo great! [MaureenMcGovern] I have done some of them -- the two Beatles songs and Anyone Who Had A Heart. [RobertArmin] I really can't think of any singer whose recordings have covered so many different styles of music -- and yet still remains faithful to who you are. [RobertArmin] You are truly a musical delight! [RobertArmin] And a durn nice lady, to boot. [MaureenMcGovern] I made a vow to myself, that if I survived the 70's (personally and professionally) that I would only sing the music that I absolutely loved. [MaureenMcGovern] And I have been true to that vow. [RobertArmin] So, of your past albums, are there any you would like to "bury?" [RobertArmin] Or can you still find something you love in all of them? [RobertArmin] I think they're all quite wonderful, although not every song is as good as the best, of course. [MaureenMcGovern] I'm grateful to the "hits." But most of the albums from the 70's were other people's choices of songs, keys, arrangements, etc. [MaureenMcGovern] Even the early songs that I wrote bore no resemblance to my music once they were re-arranged for my 70's albums. [RobertArmin] Well, I'm glad you're calling the shots now, because your taste is excellent. [MaureenMcGovern] Thanks! [RobertArmin] Are you rerecording any of your early songs (other than The Morning After) to get them "right?" [MaureenMcGovern] One album that was re-released on CD (Australian pressing) was a favorite of mine from the 70's. "Academy Award Performance." [RobertArmin] That was a great album. [RobertArmin] I think I have it here somewhere on LP. I'll have to order it from Amazon in Australia. [RobertArmin] I've been importing a lot of good music and videos lately. [MaureenMcGovern] When I first recorded my Bergman CD, we did a new version of "Windmills." It was nice to revisit that great song. [RobertArmin] Well, time is almost up, so let's mention your upcoming album one more time -- Works of the Heart. And, of course, the reissue of the Bergman album, which is a must for any collection. [RobertArmin] I think I'm going to go put your very first LP on my turntable. The one with the nose. :-) [MaureenMcGovern] Thanks, Robert! [MaureenMcGovern] and Thanks to Fynsworth Alley, too! [RobertArmin] And thank you for joining us! I hope you make it to New York City soon, so we can speak face to face. [MaureenMcGovern] Yes, indeed! [RobertArmin] I'm going to be in Los Angeles this weekend, so maybe we can meet up for a brief hello! I'll call you. [MaureenMcGovern] Great! [RobertArmin] No chat next week -- I'm on vacation. See you all in two weeks when my guest will be -- ??? [RobertArmin] Good night, Maureen. And thanks again. [MaureenMcGovern] Sweet dreams to all in cyberland!
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