Soundcheck
Getting a Kick Out of Ethel
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Before Ethel Merman became a Broadway legend, she was just another stenographer from Astoria, Queens. Then, she met a couple of guys named George and Ira Gershwin. Today on Soundcheck: the story of Ethel Merman. And later: the Now Ensemble makes its case for chamber music in the 21st century. Plus: Blender magazine names artists to watch in 2008.
The Life of Ethel Merman
Born 100 years ago next week, Broadway belter Ethel Merman is now the subject of two new biographies. Music writer Brian Kellow paints a colorful, temperamental portrait of the singer and actress in his book Ethel Merman: A Life. He joins us to tell her story, from her early triumph in "Girl Crazy" to a show-stopping cameo in the movie "Airplane!".
The Now Ensemble
The Now Ensemble is a smart young chamber group that straddles a line between contemporary classical music and indie rock. The ensemble has just released their debut album, which features some of today’s rising young composers.
Artists To Watch in 2008
It's time to dump all those "best-of-the-year" lists in the recycle bin. Blender magazine editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to preview artists to watch in 2008.
Blender's "2008 Rock 'n' Roll User's Guide"
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