Shirley’s Notes and Background Information for cdbaby.com and shirleygifford.com LULLABIES FOR LITTLE ANGELS Shirley Gifford with Vinnie Zummo Album Description This is a soothing lullaby CD of traditional American and International songs, with the exception of one new, sweet lullaby, "Now I Lay Me", written by Shirley and Vinnie. The lovely traditional songs include "Billy Boy"; "Plaisir D'Amour"(with special, added lyrics,"My dear, dear child..."); "My Bonnie"; "LaPaloma"; "The Bells of St. Mary's"; "Danny Boy"; "All through the Night"; "Beautiful Dreamer"; "Frere Jacques"; "Annie Laurie"; and "Sakura"("Cherry Blossoms"). Benefits to Children Not only are these songs relaxing and pleasant listening for children and parents alike, but they can benefit the child from an educational and cultural standpoint. Songs from eight cultures(American, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, French, Latin American/Spanish, and Japanese) are represented, and four languages(English, French, Spanish, and Japanese). There are various other benefits of this type of CD. Of course, hearing traditional music from one's own country teaches a deeper love for one's culture. And, beautiful music from many parts of the world makes us realize how much alike we are, no matter from what country we come. Lovely music touches everyone's heart, and sharing our native music has the effect of bringing all people closer together in this Global World. For children who are studying English around the world, learning a few songs "by heart" in English would be especially beneficial in learning to become comfortable with the rhythm and the linking of words in English speech. Last but not least, let's not forget the importance of sharing a mutually satisfying time with one's child. A child intuits when the parent is really relaxed, and not simply "bearing with" shared music. This CD offers all the benefits listed above. Shirley's beautiful, calming voice combined with Vinnie's sensitive arrangements offer a unique listening experience to be enjoyed equally by parents and children. but a listening treat for children and parents as well. Lullabies for Little Angels/Note from Shirley Vinnie Zummo and I chose these songs for their universality and intrinsic beauty. Songs such as "Annie Laurie" and "Danny Boy" are songs that have touched the hearts of listeners ever since they were written over a hundred years ago, and we feel, obviously, that such songs should be supported and kept within “hearing” distance! What better way to perpetuate a beautiful song, than to share it with children who will appreciate and love its melody and harmony? Such songs can be kept in the heart, not only as a beautiful memory of childhood, but as a living work of Art which remains in the mind, to be called upon, at will, at any time in the future. All of the songs in this album are from the Public Domain, with the exception of our original song, “ Now I Lay Me.” Many people are unaware of the existence of the Public Domain Law. If you would like more information about this, you can check with www.pdinfo.com. Shirley's Biography/Background Information Shirley has been a singer since she was 5 years old, when she sang her first solo at the Rock Presbyterian Church in Fair Hill, Maryland. Growing up, Shirley, a mezzo, and her sister, Rosalie, who has a beautiful soprano voice, loved to sing duets together, everything from pop to country, to classical. After majoring in Music with a B.A. degree from Florida State University, Shirley moved to New York City, where she gathered a musical following during her years singing at The Gaslight Club on East 56th Street, near Park Avenue. She also performed with The Myer Davis Orchestras, and was a soloist for the New Jersey Pops Orchestra. Additionally, she performed at cabaret clubs in Manhattan, including La Chansonnette, Mickey's, and the Magic Pan. During an extended "gig" at La Cave Henri IV, A. M. Rosenthal of the New York Times was in the audience one night, and was surprised when Shirley could sing his request, "Plaisir D'Amour." His group enjoyed it very much, Mr. Rosenthal sent the NY Times reviewer, Richard Shepard, to the restaurant to review Shirley's performing. She received a rave review. When performing at Nell Gwynn’s on East 42nd Street, Don Nelson, of the NY Daily News also gave her a "rave” review, entitling the review, "Soothing Sounds at Grand Central." Singing in eight languages, she sang did many one-woman shows for various corporations, such as Mobil and Merck, as well as for events such as LPGA Awards Dinners, and for the Catholic Charities Banquet in the presence of the great Jan Pierce on the dais, who gave her the “Okay” sign after her performance of “The Impossible Dream.” Shirley was chosen by Anthony Quinn and Joel Grey for the part of the widow in the Broadway show, “Zorba,” the road tour. Sadly, it didn’t materialize because the original actress decided not to leave the show. But Shirley has always believed things happen for a reason, and very soon after that, she had the opportunity to perform in Tokyo, Japan. In Japan, she sang on various TV shows in Tokyo, and also took advantage of the opportunity to learn a new profession: teaching English as a Second Language. For some years, she “commuted” back and forth between Japan and New York with two professions, singing and teaching. Shirley has been back in New York for 10 years now, and from 1999 to December, 2005, was the executive producer of her own local cable TV show in Manhattan, performing her favorite songs, which she loves to share with everyone. In 2004, she contacted her old friend and associate, AND musical genius, Vinnie Zummo. Together, they began to plan this CD, “Lullabies for Little Angels.” Shirley continues to teach ESL, and loves both teaching...and always singing, of course! As a matter of fact, her very long-range goal is to sing with the angels up in heaven! She’s intent on passing the audition!!