I’m delighted to be curating the NYFOS Song of the Day project on Facebook! As a singer/musician raised in a very musical household, I am finding it incredibly difficult to pick only five songs! My mother was a classical pianist. She played John Cage, Alban Berg, and Franz Schubert for her graduate recital in 1979. My father is a big-hearted character who owned a record store for 25 years in Kalamazoo, MI called The Bop Stop. He called my twin sister and I the owners, and worships the Beatles, John & Yoko, and Neil Young. Rock ‘n Roll, Daddy!

So, how to curate?? Well, for Day One I need to start at the very beginning (a very good place to start!) I have chosen for you, dear NYFOS supporters, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. You know it’s iconic, but I’ll share with you my personal attachment. I remember singing this in my basement. I had studied and practiced and finally invited my family down to hear me sing it. I’m probably 7, you’ll have to ask my dad. I remember singing my little heart out and making my mother cry. I think that may have been when I got hooked on this singing thing. I’m offering the version by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole which you’ll probably remember from the end of You’ve Got Mail. What a gorgeous voice this man has!! Also, feel free to listen to Judy if you prefer.

Somwhere Over the Rainbow
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole