Dear Reader –
Johnny Mercer was right - there’s such a lot of world to see. Today’s letter is dedicated to some of the great people who have helped me to see it.
All hyperlinks in bold.
The Big Thing
Much-loved musician and Theme Night favourite Georgie Gorman was diagnosed with throat cancer last year.
He spoke to Niall Delaney on Ocean FM last week about what the last few months has been like for him. It’s great to once again hear Georgie tell stories as only he can and the interview is certainly worth a listen.
Here he is on top form in ‘Victor Street’ in 2019. It may be raining Georgie, but there’s a rainbow above you.
Where else but Sligo?
“And how did you two young Sligo gentlemen come across these ladies”? Gently implying that we were doing well for ourselves. One was his daughter after all.
But I also sensed a hint of pride. Because he, the epitome of a gentleman, was from Sligo too, and once upon a time had also come to Dublin as a young man and met a young Dublin lady. And probably thought he was doing well for himself.
And my how he did. But not just for himself. In fact most of the good he did was for others. He brought his big mind and his bigger ideas to the big city, and made the people there think a bit more. And we were all better off for having met him.
Fergus Armstrong RIP.
What’s New?
THE DYNASTY: Chapter 2 of Jeff Benedict’s brilliant sports/business book contains one of the best love stories I have ever read. It’s from the early 1960s, and it’s true. Here’s a summary.
Boy spots girl in Boston cafe. Finds out her name and where she goes to college.
Boy tracks girl down in college library and asks her out. Tonight.
Girl has boyfriend. She is going out with him tonight.
Boy is persuasive and girl makes excuse to boyfriend.
Boy and girl have pizza and talk for hours.
Before returning to her dorm, girl asks boy to marry her.
Boy is speechless, but eventually says yes, and gives her his fraternity pin until he can get the money together for an engagement ring. They have a long and happy life together.
TEACHERS TEACHING TEACHERS: For any teachers out there, this short podcast contains a moving story of the effect we can have.
ADULT PIANO CLASSES/MUSIC CLUB: These will kick off in the first week of February. Full details in next week’s letter. In-person and online. If you would like to express your interest all you have to do is reply to this email.
Finally…
After hearing it on the car radio on their first date, it is no surprise that Robert Kraft and Myra Hiatt danced to Moon River on their wedding day in 1963. They weren’t to know that over 50 years later Jacob Collier (and many more) would produce this beautiful arrangement.
Till next time - Kieran.
