From my very first coaching with Maestro Blier, I brought in a new American Songbook song every week. I think it’s something we both look forward to; we work on my repertoire for the first fifty minutes of the coaching and in the remaining few moments of our time together I whip out my binder of torch songs. Sometimes my choices are slightly ridiculous (I’ll never forget Steve’s face when I finished singing “The Wizard and I” from Wicked) but more often than not it’s a moment we can both enjoy together. I’ve always dreamed of being a Broadway Beltress, and with Steve the dream comes true every week.

Thank you for joining me this week, Song Lovers! It’s been a treat sharing some of my favorite songs and performances with you. I hummed and hawed about how to finish this blog with a bang, because it should be like an Eleven O’clock Number–I wanted it to be something that stays with you as you go about your day. After seriously contemplating three different songs, I remembered something Steve always tells me in coachings: just do what you know and you are always enough. I know I love belting. I know I love Eleven O’clock Numbers. I know I love Judy Garland. So here it is… Judy Garland singing “As Long As He Needs Me” from Lionel Bart’s Oliver! In my opinion, Judy Garland is one of the most exquisite song interpreters ever. Maybe some of you will hear Steve and I do a rendition of this next year at HENRY’s!