www.vikkicarr.net

Click for the video!

VIKKI CARR .. JUNE 2008 ... PBS TV SPECIAL ... "FIESTA MEXICANA" ... VIKKI CARR HOSTING ... CD AND DVD TO BE USED AS A PLEDGE INCENTIVE FOR PBS TO COINCIDE WITH THE PBS SPECIAL. CHECK YOUR LOCAL PBS STATION FOR AIR DATE. UPDATED INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

ORDER YOUR COPY BELOW & SUPPORT PBS-TV!

 

Choose A Gift    To order, call 
Member Services for WTTW-TV
(773) 509-1111, ext. 6
(9:00 am-5:00 pm, M-F Central Standard Time)   

The DVD includes bonus footage of Vikki Carr being interviewed backstage!

"FIESTA MEXICANA"

Directed by Leo Eaton. Eaton Creative, Inc. 

VSP congratulates Vikki on reaching her Spectacular 50th Anniversary in Show Business!

 

              BOB FLORENCE

                           RIP

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

and friends. May all your memories of Bob

bring you comfort, and be assured that his

memory will live on through his music.

 

Mr. Florence worked with Vikki for more

than 40 years, including arranging her

Grammy-nominated recordings of 
"Everything I've Got" and "Brindo a La Vida, Al Bolero,

a Ti." 

 

Bob Florence

 

To Vito, Dan, and all of VSP

Laredo Morning Times - Vikki Carr to hit high note with special New Year's Eve concert 

Special thanks to Tricia Cortez

Vikki Carr Joins the San Antonio Opera on New Year's Eve | WOAI.COM: San Antonio News 

Vikki Carr assembles 'retro show' | Entertainment | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Vikki's Special People, Tucson, AZ A musical, cultural fund-raising event is planned for Sept. 8 featuring Vikki Carr, Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Cobre.  Preceding the concert will be a special educational presentation on mariachi and dance by 2000 students. Several years ago an initiative was begun to renovate the Placita area outside historic Cathedral Hall in honor of Msgr. Arsenio Carrillo. The renovation is part of the restoration and preservation of the 1915 St. Augustine Cathedral’s Square in downtown Tucson. The new placita and hall will be named in honor of Msgr. Carrillo in recognition for his forty years of service to the cathedral community. Msgr. Carrillo is well known for his warmth, generosity and sense of humor. He calls himself a “frustrated mariachi” and has a long history with the music. He originally introduced mariachi music to then founder of Los Changuitos Feos, Father Rourke in 1964. His nephews, Randy and Steve Carrillo, were members of that esteemed group. They went on to form the internationally acclaimed group, Mariachi Cobre. Vikki has enjoyed performing at several events with Mariachi Cobre since 1989. She has even recorded with Steve Carrillo. My family is related to the Carrillo family and wishes them much joy and success in this wonderful endeavor. And as a member of the VSP family, we extend best wishes to Vikki for a most fulfilling performance. Vikki Carr a headliner for fundraiser at TCC | www.azstarnet.com ® Arizona Daily Star, AZ - Sep 4, 2007 By Carmen Duarte   Snap shots: Arts in the news | www.azstarnet.com ® – Gerald M. Gay   Mariachi Cobre happy to play benefit event | www.tucsoncitizen.com ® DAN BUCKLEY     http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA090407.01B.holycross.32c346a.html Tracy Idell Hamilton Express-News     WE WILL MISS YOUR WARM SMILE AND KIND HEART.   Vikki Carr on the Merv Griffin Show in Las Vegas   Merv Griffin dies at 82; had resort, other Valley ties Randy Cordova     Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA Grammy-winning singer Vikki Carr was another guest who was a favorite of Griffin's. "He was so gracious to me," she said. "I think because he was a singer ...   Vikki  interviewed by lovely Susan McCray April 17 and 24!    Vikki Carr Web Interview --Click to hear it online now! Click here: Getting to Know You with Susan McCray       Interview With Vikki Carr - February 16, 2007 Since around early Dec. 2006, Vikki Carr's 1967 smash hit, "It Must Be Him," has been a Top Song pick at allbutforgottenoldies.net.  On Feb. 16, 2007, Amy Gold of allbutforgottenoldies.net interviewed Vikki Carr by telephone. In this interview, Ms. Carr reflects on her career, both past and present, and touches on related topics such as her early musical and family influences, her love of performing and for her audiences, her artistic goals, some of her current projects, and her plans for the future. Dear Vito, I read the bulletin and was so very moved, and yes I shed a few tears. This period in my life has been very difficult and am getting back on track. Please tell everyone I so appreciate their love, prayers and moral support. I can't begin to tell you what that has meant to me. It is said that God puts special people in our lives for special reasons, to watch over, guide, encourage, and love. When I have been discouraged and questioned, why all of these obstacles? Another door is opened through all of you. God is saying "Vikki, listen and go forth, do not be afraid, for you are not alone, and there is much more to do." Thank you God for the angels you have put in my path. Please also watch over Joan Hoffman and all my angels that may be unhappy, sick, or just in need of a HUG FROM YOU. My love to you Vito & Dan, and all my dear friends. I hope that your Holiday was beautiful and may this New Year bring us Peace, Love, and Health. Vikki September 1, 2006 Vikki Carr triumphs at Skagit, McPartland delights at Jazz Alley, Thumper's plans month of cabaret by Milton W. Hamlin - SGN A&E Writer As the Emerald City gears up for Bumbershoot weekend madness and the traditional Labor Day entertainment outings, local entertainment fans are looking forward to exciting new events on area stages and screens. Bits&Bytes, of course, is excited by upcoming events and happy to take a look at recent offerings. Read on: VIKKI CARR TRIUMPHS AT SKAGIT CASINO Three-time Grammy Award winner Vikki Carr triumphed in two sold-out shows at The Skagit, the Skagit Valley Casino Resort just one hour north of Seattle. Restarting her U.S. career, Carr has been a million seller recording artist in Mexico-and Australia-since her career highs of the late 1960s and '70s in the states. "Everyone wondered where I went-just across the border." Born of Mexican heritage, Carr delighted the diverse crowd her tales of her early career. "My agent told me to tell reporters I was Spanish-it was more sophisticated than 'Mexican'." Then my father, proud of his Mexican heritage, sat me down-as only Hispanic fathers can-and had a talk with me. I've been 'Mexican" ever since," she laughed. Carr entered the Casino's Pacific Showroom in a whirl of figure-flattering black velvet and flowing chiffon-plus about 200 pounds of rhinestones trimming the floor-length dress. The Showroom is flat-floored-like many casino spots it does double duty at other times-but the stage is elevated and sight-lines are fine. Her mix of retro 60s and 70s hits and newer Mexican recordings delighted the crowd-many seniors with valued LPs clutched in their grip, hopefully to be signed by their vocal favorite, younger audience members drawn to the headliner's comeback career, Hispanic audiences eager to hear "their Vikki." Her most recent Mexican smash, "So What," delighted the crowd with its Spanish lyrics-dealing with a break-up, the singer notes, "I lived before you, I'll live after you. "You Never Shed A Tear" was another Mexican million seller. Saluting her first CD, "big band stuff," Carr tore into "Bye, Bye Blackbird" with an obvious delight. "We all have more fun with the great old songs," she smiled. She was right. "Anyone Who Ever Had A Heart" broke up the crowd. "There Is A Rose In Spanish Harlem" showcased Carr and her six band members, including her drummer who went wild with a Conga drum solo. Talking about show business, Carr sang "Adios, Amor," one of her best numbers. "A major Mexican composer wrote it for me. Then he liked it so much he recorded it and had the million selling hit version. That's show biz&" she laughed. Mentioning her long career-"48 years of being an overnight success"-she went into "It Must Be Him," which won three Grammy Awards. Years rolled away as the older members of the cheering crowd remembered when "we were all young," as Carr tactfully noted. Noting a series of "disastrous marriages," Carr is now married to "a man who was my friend for 30 years." The crowd was delighted. "One day we just fell in love." It was her husband, "an older man," who encouraged Carr to return to singing in the U.S. He was right-she is a major talent who has been missed. Now touring "on the casino circuit," Carr recently appeared at the fabled Hollywood Bowl for a sold out event. It was great to see the singing legend-"at last" for this scribe-and watch as she rebuilds her stateside career.   SGN Page 37   Edmund Tijerina: Singer Carr drawing crowds for shows, working on ... San Antonio Express (subscription), TX - Jul 15, 2006 In just a few days, it will be time to wish international superstar and San Antonian Vikki Carr a happy birthday. Representatives ... and this:   05/24/2006 Susan Yerkes: Vikki Carr shining bright for cancer center fundraiser Songstress Vikki Carr's star is shining bright in San Antonio. Tonight the youthful-looking singer, who has championed many good causes in S.A., is the featured star at the kickoff reception for yet another stellar nonprofit; S.A.'s Cancer Center Council.   Smooth, passionate vocals? It must be Vikki Carr George A. Paul, Staff writer When it comes to longevity in the music business, only a few female vocalists of Latino heritage can match Vikki Carr's track record. CONCERT PREVIEW: SINFONIA MEXICANA What: Presenting Concierto Para Las Madres, a Mother's Day concert featuring Vikki Carr When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano Where: California Theatre of Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino Tickets: Sold out Information: (909) 884-3228, www.sinfoniamexicana.com Over the past four decades, she has won Grammy Awards, amassed several gold and platinum discs worldwide, sung before Queen Elizabeth and five U.S. presidents and claimed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This weekend, Carr will appear at California Theatre -- her first Inland Empire visit since a concert at Cal State San Bernardino's Coussoulis Arena in 1996. According to Tony Bocanegra, executive director of Sinfonia Mexicana, Carr fans who attend the special Mother's Day-oriented show are in for a treat. "She will be accompanied by one of the best mariachi bands in the country"who often play in Las Vegas. He said the California Theatre date sold out a month in advance and that organizers considered adding another one. Instead, they plan to bring her back next year. The program is expected to include several mariachi numbers. Then, Bocanegra added, "she will wow us with a couple of songs we all know and love, like ‘It's Impossible' (popularized by Perry Como), ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You' (Frankie Valli) and ‘It Must Be Him.''' Born Florencia Biscenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona in El Paso, Texas, Carr, 64, was raised in the San Fernando Valley and began singing at age 4. She signed a contract with Liberty Records in 1961. Best known in America for her late '60s pop hits "It Must Be Him,""With Pen in Hand"and "The Lesson,"she first found fame abroad when the 1962 single "He's a Rebel"hit it big in Australia. Carr was the first female to be a regular guest host on the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson"and frequently made the rounds on popular TV variety shows of the day hosted by Ed Sullivan, Carol Burnett and Perry Como. Guest appearances on "The Mod Squad"and "Fantasy Island"followed. In 1972, she put out her first Spanish-language disc. Long overdue recognition in that genre came during the '90s, when she received a pair of Grammys (Best Latin Pop Album for "Cosas del Amor"and Best Mexican-American Performance, Vocal or Instrumental for "Recuerdo a Javier Solis''). Astute moviegoers might recall "It Must Be Him"from its prominent placement in the 1987 Cher/Nicolas Cage film "Moonstruck."More recently, Carr was seen on TV's "Baywatch,"in George Clooney's acclaimed "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"and the direct-to-video release "Puerto Vallarta Squeeze,"starring Harvey Keitel. She also garnered positive notices for her role in the 2002 L.A. musical "Follies,"starring Hal Linden and Patty Duke. A bilingual Latin jazz-tinged disc of standards is reportedly in the works. http://www.dailynews.com/    Above two photos courtesy Joe Munguia.  Vikki is with N. Lozaro De La Garza, Chief Standing Bear in the Princess Pocahontas Council 2006 (and nephew of Joe). (click to enlarge) Famous shoes at the at Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, Texas  Photo Courtesy Danny A. Gusme _________________________________________________________________________ www.azcentral.com/ent/calendar/articles/1204mariachi04.html by Randy Cordova The Arizona Republic My Dear Friends, This past year has been a real test of faith, hope and charity, which you have embraced so unselfishly. May the real spirit of CHRISTMAS fill your hearts with love, compassion and forgiveness. My love to all of you, your families and those close and dear to you. Vikki Peace on Earth Goodwill to All Mankind   Vikki joins the whole world in mourning the passing of the Holy Father Pope John Paul ll ...."He showed us what real faith is. He wanted to suffer as Jesus had suffered and he showed us all by example what the teachings of Jesus really are. There is our role model, may we follow his example and live our lives to the fullest and never give up in what we believe in and share our faith and workings with the world. I can't help but smile, thinking how happy he must be now." God Bless you all, Vikki, in Christ forever. ___________________________________________ Premios a la Musica debuts at the Empire Web Posted: 03/30/2005 12:00 AM CST Ramiro Burr Express-News Staff Writer Intocable, Michael Salgado and Jennifer Peña were among the winners Tuesday at the inaugural Premios a la Musica ceremony at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater. List of winners Orquesta Tejana — Latin Breed Conjunto Progresivo — David Lee Garza Religioso — Jimmy Edwards Orquesta Latina — Bobby Chavez y Corazon Norteño — Intocable Salsa Merengue — Salsa del Rio Trio — Trio San Antonio Jazz — Henry Brun Tejano — Michael Salgado Video — DJ Kane Vocalista Masculino — Ramiro Garza (La Cima) Mariachi — Campanas de America HipHop/Latino Urbano — Kumbia Kings Conjunto Tradicional — Hometown Boys Vocalista Femenina — Jennifer Peña Mariachi High School — Jay High School RB Latino — West Side Horns Revelacion — Tabu Tropical — Fito Olivares Orquesta Tejana — Latin Breed Banda Fiesta — World Music Wayanay Inka Album — Jennifer Peña, Kumbia Kings (Tie) Espectaculo — Campanas de America Merit Award — Vikki Carr and Ricardo Davila (KEDA) Recognition Award — Ana Barbara Intocable was named best norteño group, and Salgado captured the award for best Tejano group. Peña was named best female vocalist. The Premios, organized by local Univision Network affiliate KWEX-TV, recognize local and regional artists in 22 categories, including best orquesta Tejana, trio, mariachi, hip-hop Latino, conjunto, Tejano and norteño. The small theater provided an intimate setting where fans and artists could enjoy early performances by Emilio Navaira and Henry Brun. "The awards are important because we need to recognize local artists, and these ceremonies are just one opportunity for these artists to reach a wider audience," said Roger Leal, program director for KROM Radio. David Lee Garza y Los Musicales took the honors for conjunto progresivo, edging out a field that included Grupo Vida, Los Desperados and Los Tex-Maniacs. Garza, who's scheduled to play Friday night at Graham Central Station, is on a roll. At the 2005 Tejano Music Awards in Eagle Pass on March 19, his group won best song honors for "No Puedo Estar Sin Ti," best album (conjunto progressive) for "Solo Contigo" and best crossover song for "Who's That Gringo?" Last month, Garza, Joel Guzman and Grupo Vida's Sunny Sauceda won a Grammy for best Tejano album for their teamwork on Guzman's "Polkas, Gritos y Acordiones" CD. The Latin Breed was named the winner of the orquesta tejana category. "I want to thank all the public on behalf of the entire band. Thank you for supporting the music," saxophonist Gilbert Escobedo said. Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz was named best jazz group. "I want to say gracias especially to Paul Elizondo, who always believed that this type of music could survive here," Brun said. Three awards for lifetime achievement were presented to singers Vikki Carr and Ana Barbara and to KEDA Radio disc jockey Ricardo (Guero Polkas) Davila. Artists scheduled to perform Tuesday night included Peña, Navaira, Brun, Margarita, Stefan Montiel, Sesi, Shelly Lares and Roni y Explosion. Presenters included Little Joe, Ramiro Herrera, Sonrisas, Elida Reyna, Gary Hobbs, Tabu, "Jesse" James Leija, La Fuerza, Conjunto Primavera and Flaco Jimenez. The award ceremony was to be taped and later broadcast as a 30-minute show. A highlight of the ceremony included a Selena tribute. __________________________________________________________________ Dearest Vito and all my friends, HE IS RISEN. I sang this song on Good Friday at 3 masses and today I received it from a friend. I had also sung it last year on Good Friday. The same arrangement. I bought the cd music track at a Christian Church and was amazed at what beautiful music you can find to sing with, without an orchestra. I wish you all a Blessed Easter, and please sweet Jesus, Peace in the world.   My love to all of you, Vikki Via Dolorosa (click here to listen) _____________________________________________________ Susan Yerkes: Star power, shear power turned on to aid relief effort Web Posted: 01/09/2005 12:00 AM CST San Antonio Express-News When San Antonio songbird Vikki Carr heard about the tsunami devastation over the Christmas holidays, she had the same reaction many Americans did to the news. She wanted to help. But how to help most? Her answer — an urgent appeal for the Red Cross relief effort through her online fan site, www.vikkicarr.net. Carr made a call to Vito Cifaldi, president of the Vikki's Special People International Fan Club, and within hours, webmaster Dan Maglione had the banner article up, linking to the Red Cross donation site, and asking fans to let her know what they'd done. "The responses have been amazing," Carr said last week. Fans worldwide, even in hard-hit Asian nations, have responded to the appeal. The Brownsville Republican Club collected $1,220 from members to answer Vikki's Red Cross appeal, even though some had already donated personally. And one Malaysian fan, whose hilltop home barely escaped the devastation, wrote to thank Carr for a special gift. Just days after the tsunami struck, he wrote, he received her handwritten Christmas card, and "it brought a smile to my face in the aftermath of disaster." Some stars just revel in the gift of fame. The ones that shine brightest put their fame to good use — helping others.   Click here to read Susan Yerkes full column on the San Antonio Express website  _____________________________________________________________ Susan Yerkes: Campaign puts women's heart health on center stage Web Posted: 12/12/2004 12:00 AM CST San Antonio Express-News San Antonio women are seeing red —— and it's not just Christmas decoration. Go Red! is the American Heart Association's nationwide campaign to raise women's awareness of heart health. And San Antonio co-chairs Vikki Carr, Charline McCombs and Aaronetta Pierce have plenty of heart. Feb. 4 is national Wear Red Day, but San Antonio will hold its biggest event, the Her Heart Executive Breakfast, at the downtown Marriott Plaza San Antonio Hotel on Jan. 26, McCombs said. "We want to fill that ballroom to bursting at the seams," she said. Who knows? Vikki, Charline and Aaronetta just might reprise the "You Gotta Have Heart" chorus line they premiered for last week's lunch. ________________________________________________________________ He was quiet, respectful, shy, humble, and he helped my career very much.  Besides appearing on the Tonight Show,  I also appeared in concert with him in Dallas and Nebraska.  He also gave me the opportunity to host the Tonight Show several times.  In New York, my guests were Danny Kaye, and Zoe Caldwell, who was doing the show  "Colette" off Broadway.  In Los Angeles, one of my guests was Nolan Ryan, and that was a big thrill for me.  I also did a TV Special in Cypress Gardens with Johnny.  He will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Vikki Carr Click here to search Vikki's guest appearances on the Tonight Show website    Vikki Carr and Elmer Bernstein worked together in 1966 on the soundtrack for "The Silencers" starring Dean Martin. On behalf of Vikki Carr and her fan club, our prayers are with The Bernstein Family and all his loved ones.  Elmer will be missed.   Click the below image to read Senator Hutchison's letter to Vikki.      Mary O'Brien, Vito Cifaldi and Kathryn Robinson at the Fan Club Table  at Vikki's Concert on March 7, 2004              Dennis Christensen, Vikki and Vito Cifaldi   Entertainment Today 5/23/03  by Marci Weiner Forget about American Idol! The singers on that show could not hold a candle to the slew of singers who performed at A Celebration of Reprise, an intimate evening at LACMA West. Among those belting it out were Vikki Carr, who sang her hit song from the ’60s, “It Must Be Him;” and Maureen McGovern, who warbled “Skylark,” acappella style. We’d like to see Kelly or Justin attempt that feat! There was Sam Harris performing “Where Do I Go?” from the hit show Hair (in which he starred) but he didn’t sing it naked, as it was on Broadway. And the piece d’ resistance was the singer’s singer k.d. Lang, who sang a medley of “smoking songs” including “Don’t Smoke in Bed” and “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray.” As host cabaret queen Carol Cook stated, “You could never assemble such an array of singers on one stage for any price!” They were all there to honor Peter Matz, the legendary esteemed musical director who had been with Reprise since their inception. In  his honor, they  have established an education program which supports the teaching of musical theater in schools. It gives students the opportunity to discover hidden talents  and sparks a passion for music and theater within them. In closing, Marilyn Lovell Matz (Peter’s widow) performed a haunting arrangement of “A Cockeyed Optimist” from South Pacific, which set the mood for us all. In these days it doesn’t hurt to be a cockeyed optimist, does it? We were pleased to attend the second annual Eggstraodinary Tea Party in the luxurious Raffles L’Ermitage Living Room in Beverly Hills. Women from the entertainment industry and consulate general’s wives were invited to benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation. In addition to schmozzing and sipping exotic teas, we were all presented with a decorated chocolate egg. The recipient who found a miniature Faberge egg inside her chocolate treat won a real Faberge egg valued at $1,100. Unfortunately we were not the winner, but did have a great time socializing with such pals as songwriter Carol Connors, Barbi Benton (who still has her Playboy bod), Anita Talbert (who carried a Faberge egg handbag) and  actress Sean Young and Joanna Cassidy from Six Feet Under. Also enjoyed chatting with former Mouseketeer Cheryl Reventlow Post who just returned with the gals from Connie Steven’s charity event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Seems like girls just want to have fun on the Hollywood Beat.    Latin Notes: Vikki Carr to receive Guizar award   San Antonio Express-News   Web Posted : 05/30/2003 12:00 AM   Summer is here and the music scene heats up again this weekend with multiple tributes to and performances by Latin music veterans. Pop singer Vikki Carr will be honored Saturday at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater as part of the Hispanic Heritage Society's third annual Tito Guizar award. The ceremony will also include another presentation, the Symbol of Appreciation Award, which will be presented to Mexican composer Consuelo Velasquez, who wrote the classic "Bésame Mucho." Mexican singer/actors Irma Dorantes and Alejandro Tomassi are scheduled to perform. The ceremonies start at 8 p.m. Tickets for mezzanine and balcony seats cost $30 and $40. At 7 p.m., officials have scheduled a meet-and-greet reception; tickets cost $70 and include orchestra-level cabaret seating. All tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster. As part of the ceremonies, the society is also presenting the "Así es Mi Tierra" musical revue at 7 p.m. Sunday at Arneson River Theater. Scheduled performers include Voces de San Antonio, Patti Malcolm, Marcus David Saenz, Nataly Peña, Mauricio Guizar and Mariachi Azteca. Tickets cost $10-$12.50, $5 for children younger than 5. Call (210) 733-5681. Carr, who was born in El Paso and lives in San Antonio, is a three-time Grammy winner. Her most recent Grammy was in 1995 for "Recuerdo a Javier Solis," a tribute to the late ranchera star. She's also known for her late-1960s adult contemporary smashes "It Must Be Him" and "With Pen in Hand," which can frequently be heard on KLUP-AM 930. More music The tough, male-bashing singer Paquita la del Barrio takes center stage at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Gran Jaripeo at the Lienzo Charro ranch, Roosevelt and Padre drives. Also appearing are Los Plebes and Los Originales de San Luis. Advance tickets cost $25. The event also includes a Mexican-style rodeo from noon to 7 p.m. Call (210) 822-0866. Born Francisca Viveros Barrandas in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, Mexico, Paquita has become a kitschy antimacho heroine. She's best known by her catchphrase "Me estás oyendo, inutil?" ("Are you hearing me, useless?") Signed to independent label Balboa, she releases no-frills albums accompanied by a basic photo. Her theatrical personality really comes through live. Her best-known hits, backed by mariachi, include "Tres Veces Te Engañé," "Me Saludas a la Tuya" and "Piérdeme el Respeto." A grandmother who has been performing for 33 years, Paquita delivers her shtick with a wink, but that hasn't stopped some norteño acts such as Los Razos and El Boston de Colima from defending their machismo by recording answer songs to her broadsides. Ironically, much of her material is composed by Manuel Eduardo Toscano, who's also written for Vicente Fernandez and Ramon Ayala. She received a 2001 Latin Grammy nomination in the ranchero category for "Piérdeme," losing to Pedro Fernandez's "Yo No Fui." Fiesta Ballroom in Seguin features a vallenato lineup at 8 p.m. Saturday. Legendary singer/accordionist Aniceto Molina headlines; his former backing band Los Corraleros de Majagual and Alfredo Gutierrez open. Molina, 64, was a seminal figure in popularizing vallenato in Mexico in the 1970s. He grew up on a prosperous ranch in Colombia. His father had played the accordion as a young man, but never considered becoming a professional. As a kid, Molina was enchanted by the accordion sound he often heard at house parties. The musicians would typically take a 30-minute break at midnight, and if the accordion had been left unattended in a room, he would duck in and play with it. At 12, he and older brother Anastasio bought their own accordion with money they'd made doing odd jobs. He formed his own band at 18 and began touring Colombia. He moved to Mexico in 1973 and stayed for nearly two decades, scoring the hits "El Campanero" and "La Paisana." He has lived in San Antonio since the early 1990s and continues recording and touring. Randy's Ballroom features Los Indomables de Cedral, San Luis Potosi; Flash and Karizzia Saturday night. Advance tickets cost $15. After eight albums on EMI Latin, Bobby Pulido recently announced he's jumping to Universal Music for a three-album deal. Known for his Tejano/grupero fusions, Pulido crossed over into Mexico in a big way with the 1996 hit "Desvelado," when Tejano sales were at its peak. His most recent album, "Bobby," was only the second of his career to miss the Billboard charts, but the vallenato single "Vanidosa" was a solid hit in Texas and northeast Mexico. His as-yet untitled Universal debut is scheduled for a late June release and was recorded in Monterrey, Mexico, with producer Alberto de Leon.   Ramiro Burr's Latin Notes column appears Fridays in Weekender and Sundays in Culturas. Send e-mail to rburr@express-news.net.   05/30/2003 Congratulations Vikki! On May 5, 2003, the California Latino Legislative Caucus honored musician Carlos Santana, actors Rita Moreno and Andy Garcia, comedian George Lopez, film director Gregory Nava, cartoon character Dora the Explorer, Olympic speed skater Derek Parra, singer Vikki Carr, professional football coach Tom Flores, author Valerie Menard, community activist Nativo Lopez and World War II Medal of Honor winner Alejandro R. Ruiz. Yerkes: It's a tale of two cities — tamales and fiber, plus Dickens     Web Posted : 12/01/2002 12:00 AM   When Vikki Carr and S.A.'s Dr. Pedro De Leon were planning to wed, De Leon brought Vikki home to meet his family. While here, Vikki admired the special aprons De Leon's sisters wore for family tamaladas. They told her she could have one, too. But she'd have to earn it. Last year, as guest host for the holiday classic "Las Nuevas Tamaleras," Carr told the story, and proudly displayed her own beautiful apron, earned the old-fashioned way: molding masa. Carr loved the play. This year, she agreed to return to Jump-Start Theater as host of Friday's opening show and party for this bilingual romp through the time-honored tamal tradition. "Each guest host opens the show with a 'tamalada story,'" says Marilu AbiRached-Reyna. "It's always different." Maria Martin, producer of National Public Radio's "Latino USA," will host today's 3 p.m. show. WOAI-TV's Jeff Coyle and Vicente Arenas will host Dec. 5 and 7. And S.A.'s own big tamal, Mayor Ed, will open the show with his tamal tale Dec. 8. The show runs through Dec. 15. Going for the first time? Here's a tip: regulars call the first row of seats "the masa splash zone." Duck tamales, anyone? Hot tamales Tamales are history, says veteran Texas Monthly food writer Pat Sharpe in November's issue. She means real history. The first known tamal-makers may have been Mayan, Sharpe writes: "To the Maya the tamale was the cultural equivalent of our cheeseburger." Mexico's Aztecs took the tamal to new heights, not to mention new colors and even shapes (little canoes and animals). Chili-laced turkey, a popular Aztec tamal-stuffer, would work for modern post-Thanksgiving tamaladas. But the Aztecs' other staple stuffing, dog meat, has thankfully fallen from favor. These days, tamales come in some mighty fancy wrappers, like Sharpe's "masaless tamales of arborio rice pudding or apples in brioche pastry that would startle even ancient Aztecs." But here in S.A., tamal tastes run to tradition — as Sharpe says, "the familiar, homely cylinder of masa remains the gold standard." Enjoy. Add fiber! "Add fiber to your diet!" is S.A. fiber artist Rachel Edwards' motto. Great time to do it. Friday, multifaceted art patrons Gloria Galt and Patsy Steves helped Ricardo Romo unveil a gorgeous tapestry of San Antonio scenes by New Mexico artist Sarah Freeze Hulse, a stunning gift that will grace the school's main library. Just don't look for the Alamodome — Freeze made the tapestry in '79 for First Federal Savings and Loan of S.A., which is now Guaranty Bank. Great gift! Good fiber! The Fiber Artists of San Antonio put on frequent shows such as a recent exhibit at the Central Library. Edwards, who had two pieces in the show, is still marveling at Edna Willingham, the group's eldest member. "Edna worked on it all night before the deadline, finishing at 6 a.m. — and she said, 'Everything that could go wrong, did,'" Edwards recalls. But a little fiber fixed it. A little Dickens Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" is as cherished a holiday tradition as a tamalada in some parts. This week in S.A., Dickens lives. He's Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of the beloved British author. For almost 10 years now, he's been performing his namesake's works. For the last two years, folks at the Bexar County Medical Society Foundation have brought Dickens to town for their Christmas gala. This year, they're sharing him. On Dec. 5 and 6 at the Omni Hotel, Dickens will appear at a tea, a dessert party, a luncheon and, finally, the group's big gala. Friday's luncheon, on "Mr. Dickens the Entrepreneur," is a new presentation for the business crowd, Dickens says. "Charles Dickens was amazing. He changed the way of writing and publishing novels completely," his descendant says. We're still wondering if Tiny Tim would have liked tamales. Susan Yerkes' column appears in S.A. Life on Wednesdays and Sundays. Call Susan: (210) 250-3542, or e-mail syerkes@express-news.net. Cheers!   12/01/2002 VSP would like to thank Cookie Wimer for submitting the following article and for her continued loyalty to Vikki and the Fan Club! Click to enlarge article __________________________________________ Award to honor can-do Carr By Ramiro Burr San Antonio Express-News 9/09/2002 In her decades-long scholarship program, Latin pop singer Vikki Carr has awarded more than $500,000 to minority students. For Carr, whose biggest hits in the late '60s include "It Must Be Him" and "With Pen in Hand," the payback comes in "knowing you've helped somebody else." And her message to others is that anyone can help his community. "There are things everyone can do. It isn't just the money, but what you can give as a human being — mentoring, being a role model. And we don't have enough of this." Carr's community work will be recognized by the San Antonio Girl Scouts, which will award her the 2002 Trefoil Award Tuesday at Adam's Mark River Walk Hotel. "When somebody is doing that much for the community and being such an incredible role model for young women and children in general, it is really good to thank them and let them know how much we feel about them," says San Antonio Girl Scouts Vice President Tom Frost III of Carr's recognition. For the last 14 years, the Girl Scouts have presented the award to an outstanding woman who has achieved success in her field and is a positive role model for women. Previous winners include philanthropist Jocelyn Straus, artist Amy Freeman Lee and community activist Charline McCombs. Since 1971, the Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation has given money to more than 400 minority college students. The original purpose of the foundation was to provide financial assistance to Mexican American high school students in California, but it was later expanded to students in Texas. In 1968, Carr was approached by Catholic brothers from Holy Cross High School, asking her help on a fund-raiser for the financially strapped school on the city's West Side. She agreed, performing at a concert the next year. The money it raised saved the school from financial ruin. Since then, Carr has gone on to perform 10 concerts that have raised about $500,000 for the school. Carry says the work has been gratifying. "These are kids you've got to help. The only sad thing is that there isn't enough money to help more kids. With the price of education the way it is, it's ridiculous." She's especially heartened by recipients who've used their education to give back to their communities. "One former recipient has a clinic in East L.A.," she says. "They were kids when I first met them, and now they've got their own families, the gray hair on the temples. It's beautiful to see former recipients give back." She hatched the program in frustration over stereotypes of Mexican Americans as uneducated and prone to a life of drugs and crime. "I got sick and tired of hearing all the negativity about the Mexican American kids," she says. "I didn't know what I could do. But God heard my prayers, and he sent me a commercial for the National Dairy Association, the proceeds of which were to go to a favorite charity of mine. "I decided I was going to use that money to help one student get the chance that I didn't. I was able to help nine. If I could tell you what it was like to sit on my bed, read these applications about migrant families in Fresno, 14 kids trying to get an education, I said, 'There's got to be some way I can continue to do this.' It hasn't been easy at times, but I've continued it." The three-time Grammy winner, who has lived in San Antonio since 1992 and is married to Dr. Pedro De Leon, says setting a good example is just as important as providing funds. "It isn't just the money," Carr says. "You need someone who is successful to say, 'I did it; you can do it.'" Frost, president of Frost Bank, agrees, saying Carr's 35-year career sends a positive message to young people. "She is so successful, not only in her ability to sing, act and perform, but her community support has been incredible," he says. "She has done everything you can imagine that a girl might aspire to be." Tuesday's event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. and a dinner at 7 p.m. in the grand ballroom of the Adam's Mark River Walk Hotel, 111 E. Pecan St. Tickets cost $150 per person. Call (210) 349-2404. rburr@express-news.net ___________________________________ Stone's throw . . . August 9, 2002 BY MICHAEL SNEED CHICAGO SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST Dateline: The Heartline . . . Here's a heartwarming addendum to our story Tuesday on the Rolling Stones' slipping quietly into the scenic town of Marquette, Mich., to sing the praises of their beloved road manager Royden "Chuch" Magee, who died on tour in Toronto. *A class act: Sneed is told the Stones decided to pay Magee's beloved wife, Claire, her late husband's entire salary for the tour! *A class act II: The group also decided to deliver his body in dignity and place it in an $8,000 maple casket even though Chuch wanted to be cremated and the casket would only be used less than 24 hours. "They picked out a maple casket because drumsticks and guitar necks are made out of maple, and Chuch was the musical technician for the group who handled and tuned the guitars and drums," said a top Stones source. *The final act: "The Stones are a family of about 30 people who have been together about 20 to 30 years," said a Stones source. "Chuch's death hit the family hard, and it wasn't just Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Daryl Jones and Charlie Watts who showed up," the source said. "All 30 went to that little church in the Upper Peninsula to pay their respects." *A last note: Word is Chuch did not feel well in Paris, and when he was in Toronto, he lay down on one of the cases, went to sleep and never awoke. A fitting way for a musician to sign off. Hahahaaaaaa . . . Famous paleontologist Sue Hendrickson, who discovered the Field Museum's famous T. rex "Sue," is chuckling over the title of the new book by her pal, paleontologist Peter Larson. The title: Rex Appeal. Tipsville . . . Is the village of Dixmoor in deep dollar doodoo? It was Sneed's scoop more than a year ago that mayoral candidate Donald C. Luster had a police record and had been evicted from his Park Forest home for non-payment of rent. (Luster had a rap sheet that included robbery, battery, reckless driving, unlawful use of a weapon, disorderly conduct and theft. And when he left town after being evicted, the Park Forest Police Department had to rescue the dogs he left in the backyard.) Nevertheless, Luster won by a single vote, fired the police chief, sealed a police evidence room and ordered an audit of all city finances. And according to Sneed's sources, the village's finances may be in a mess, trustees are having a hard time deciphering financial reports, and until late last year, the village trustees had reportedly not been given one financial report! "The trustees didn't know who was getting paid despite repeated requests for the reports," a source said. "We know he hired his wife and purchased cars and gave himself a substantial raise." Now it's budget time in Dixmoor. "And we've been getting incomplete jumbled up financial reports balled up in a knot," said a Dixmoor source. Sneed has learned Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Anita Alvarez was contacted about Dixmoor's alleged financial mess and Luster's behavior. Luster, who told me shortly after his one-vote victory in April 2001 that he was an assistant pastor at a Baptist church, also said: "God turned my life around, and now I am his servant. And I am concerned about the plight of Dixmoor and corruption." He's not the only one. Sneedlings . . . Funnyman Jackie Mason spotted ribbing as he chawed on ribs at Masck in Deerfield. . . . Cassandra Peterson, aka Elvira the vamp, was in town having an aqua massage at Haven on Armitage. . . . Singer Vicki "It Must be Him" Carr chortlin' & chewin" at Alex Dana's Rosebud Steakhouse . . . Today's birthdays: Sam Elliott, 58; Melanie Griffith, 45; Whitney Houston, 39; Bill Daley, 54; Bob Sirott, 53; Gillian Anderson, 34, and David Steinberg, 60. Saturday's birthdays: Rosanna Arquette, 43; Eddie Fisher, 74; Antonio Banderas, 42, Ronnie Spector, 59; Jimmie Dean, 74, and Angie Harmon, 30. _________________________________________________________________________ Review: Carr shares 44 years of memories at Pops By Diane Windeler Special to the Express-News Web Posted : 04/21/2002 12:00 AM "Memories, Memorias" was the title of Vikki Carr's it aptly captured the flavor of her performance Friday night at the Majestic Theater with the San Antonio Pops. Most of her program was a sampling of songs she has recorded over 44 years. Based on the clarity and richness of her voice and the sparkle of her delivery, her career is still going strong. Reminding the near-capacity audience that her "real name" is Florencia Biscenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona deLeon, the El Paso-born songbird (who makes her home in San Antonio) included many bilingual selections in her program. The arrangements were well crafted and rhythmically colorful, a giving a welcome change from the usual sticky-sweet Pops charts. There was a cool samba version of "Perhaps/Quizás" and creamy-rich settings of "You Belong to My Heart/Solamente Una Vez" and "What a Difference a Day Made/Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado." Between numbers, Carr engaged in homespun patter, sharing anecdotes about her grandson — to whom she dedicated the song "Them There Eyes" — or giving some inside skinny on Liza Minnelli's blowout fourth wedding last month. Carr was one of 52 artists who performed. "I was the second one and was glad to sing while everybody was still sober," she joked. She offered a Judy Garland tribute at the wedding, reprised here, using "Judy's arrangements and Judy's keys," she said. The medley included "You Made Me Love You," "The Trolley Song" and — seated in a pool of light at the lip of the stage — an especially heart-tugging "Over the Rainbow."   04/21/2002 Portions © 2001 KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News. © 2001 MyWay. All rights reserved. Vikki Carr, ballet, crafts fair plan quieter, genteel showcases By Deborah Martin San Antonio Express-News Web Posted : 04/14/2002 12:00 AM The most popular art at Fiesta time probably is the design work that goes into the medals, gowns and the parade floats.   But there are a few official Fiesta events where the fine arts flourish, including "Dance Kaleidoscope," Fiesta Arts Fair at the Southwest School of Art & Craft and the San Antonio Symphony's Fiesta Pops. "Dance Kaleidoscope," the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet's spring performance, has been part of Fiesta since 1999. Susan Connally, the company's artistic director, decided to seek official Fiesta status partly as a defensive, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" move. "We always did a spring performance, and we were trying to find the right time to do it. May is crazy with all the dance studio performances and graduations, and in April, you ran into Fiesta as an obstacle: People weren't going to come to your thing because they were going to Fiesta," she said. The company gets a lot out of mileage from being an official event, including the extra burst of publicity that comes from being on the Fiesta calendar and the convenience of selling tickets at the Fiesta Store.   For this year's outing, Connally and company will present the one-act ballet "Rappaccini's Daughter," based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story about the ill-fated relationship between a smitten young man and a poisonous young woman; "A Bit of Joplin," an energetic short ballet; a modern piece by guest artists Georgina Morgan and Co.; "Bell Sonata," an uplifting new piece by S.A. Met instructor Shannon Winckel; and "Come Rain or Come Shine," another modern piece. Fiesta elements are woven throughout the second half of the program, including the costumes for the Joplin piece, which have confettilike touches on the bodices, and the joyous moves and music of the final piece, which "has a nice Fiesta feel," Connally said. The event takes place at 7 p.m. April 28 at McAllister Auditorium at San Antonio College. Tickets cost $8-$15 general admission at the Fiesta Store, 2611 Broadway, or by calling (210) 408-6970. "Dance Kaleidoscope" is one of the last events in Fiesta. The Southwest School of Art & Craft's Fiesta Arts Fair is one of the first. The fair has all the elements of most Fiesta events — food, live music and more food — in a quieter setting than most of the others. It also has lots of fine art, courtesy of the more than 130 artists from 22 states who were juried into this year's fair. They will show and sell ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture, paintings, textiles and virtually every other art form you can think of from booths all across the Ursuline campus. Children with an artistic bent (or just a lot of steam they need to blow off) can hit the kids' art area near the gazebo. "It's a very relaxing, pleasant way to celebrate Fiesta and at the same time to support the school's art education," said Mike Pecen, the school's public relations coordinator. "The tuition you pay for a class only covers about half the cost of what it takes to bring that class to you. As a result, it's fund-raisers like these that make it possible for us to provide art education at all." It's also a good way to expand the school's audience. "It's a great way to introduce ourselves to people who never take a class or visit the galleries. It's also a way to introduce artists from across the region and all across the nation to the school," he said. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. April 21 on the campus, 300 Augusta St. Admission costs $6 at the gate. The fair shares Fiesta's opening weekend with the symphony, whose contribution to the festivities this year is a Pops concert featuring Vikki Carr. "I'm really happy about it," Carr said. "It has been a couple of years since I've sung at the Majestic, and it's always a joy." Carr has often popped up at Fiesta events in an official capacity. Right after she moved to San Antonio, she was grand marshal of the Battle of Flowers Parade, and she did a Fiesta Pops concert a few years ago with Mariachi Cobre. "Everybody loved that show. People are always asking, 'When are you going to bring them back again'; now I want to do what I want to do," she said, laughing. During the Fiesta Pops concerts, she will sing her hits, including the Spanish songs she sang on her PBS special a few years ago. "Hopefully it will bring back some memories to my great diehard fans who have those LPs someplace," she said. "It's great to hear them whooping and hollering." When she isn't performing for Fiesta, Carr tries to hit a few events with her family. "What is wonderful is seeing everybody having such a good time," she said. Carr and the symphony will perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St. Tickets range from $16-$58 at the symphony box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. dlmartin@express-news.net 04/14/2002 Portions © 2001 KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News. © 2001 MyWay. All rights reserved. Pops show to feature hits from her past   By Deborah Martin San Antonio Express-News

Vikki sang at Liza Minnelli and David Gest's wedding on March 16, 2002!

Click here to read more about the wedding! 

Congratulations and best wishes to Liza and David!

Vikki Hosted the Gabriel Awards in October of 2001.

Dear Vito and Fan Club Members,

Thank you so much for your beautiful thoughts and gifts.

I wish all of you a wonderful and beautiful St Valentine's Day and Feliz dia de la amistad, which
means Happy friendship Day.  Truly you have all been
wonderful supportive friends over the years, and I humbly thank you all.

God bless you all, especially you Vito and Dan for all your hard work and encouraging words.

I love you all
Vikki   2-13-02                  

Dear Friends,

I don't know about you, but I am still in a kind of daze over everything that has happened since September 11, 2001. What has made me snap out of it is doing my shows and hearing the comments from all of you.

Yes, God put me on this earth to sing, lift spirits and bring a message of love. Hearing you say "thanks for making us laugh, cry, and bring back so many memories," has shown me that the wonderful gift God has given me was and is to be shared. Thank you so much for your gift of love to me and your never tiring support.

Here is a special message to all of you -- Love one another and may the New Year bring us Peace.

God bless you all and your families.

Congratulations Vikki!

On November 30, 2001, The Mexican-American Correctional Association, Los Angeles Chapter hosted its annual Holiday Celebration  and awarded Vikki Carr the Community Humanitarian Award in recognition of her many years of service as a community pioneer, leader, humanitarian, and charitable service provider. And, for being a long loved artist in the field of music.

____________________________________________________

Stephanie Perrigo giving her speech at the Mexican-American Correctional Association Award Ceremony in Los Angeles.

(The following is the text of Stephanie's speech.)

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. 

On behalf of Vito Cifaldi, Dan Maglione, Vikki’s Special People, VIKKICARR.NET, Joyce Steele, and myself, I want to thank you all for attending this special celebration in honor of someone with a voice that has reached out and has stolen the hearts of countless.  ....I am proud to say that VIKKICARR.NET has grown immensely since it’s beginning existence in 1998.  Of course this being no surprise when you are aware of the wonderfully devoted, loyal, and talented individuals who are behind this creative masterpiece.  Vito Cifaldi and Dan Maglione are determined  to keep this website contemporary and fresh with new ideas and projects in which will continue to make the world aware of this sensational woman, singer, entertainer, and humanitarian - Vikki Carr.  ...Naturally...they have succeeded, are succeeding, and will continue to succeed. 

As the welcoming wagon for the site, as Vito would call me, I write a lot of letters, and read a lot, and with each one that I read, through those touching memories of certain shows, concerts, songs, and those thrilling backstage visits, the more I learn and realize how much of a positive and inspirational impact Vikki has been to so many around the world.  I am so thankful that Vito has allowed me to be a part of this amazing family.  And I thank all of you for allowing me to speak on behalf of VIKKICARR.NET and Vikki’s Special People.  Again, from all of us...we thank you Vikki for being just who you are. 

Vikki and Joseph Quintanar at the Awards Ceremony.

_____________________________________

A Celebration of the Music of Judy Garland.(Carnegie Hall, New York, NY) / (theater reviews) Author/s: Charles Isherwood Issue: June 22, 1998

(CARNEGIE HALL; 2,804 SEATS; $75 TOP)

NEW YORK Presented by Carnegie Hall. Orchestra conducted by Larry Blank. Hosted by Lorna Luft and Robert Stack. Reviewed June 16, 17, 1998.

With: Shana Alexander, Lionel Bart, Vikki Carr, Betty Comden, Lea DeLaria, Nancy Dussault, Robert Goulet, Gogi Grant, Adolph Green, Skitch Henderson, Jerry Herman, Dee Holy, Jack Jones, Alan King, Mort Lindsey, Jerry Maren, Robert Morse, Pamela Myers, Bebe Neuwirth, Elaine Stitch, Weslia Whitfield.

While the recent lounge-and-martini craze among the young and fashionable has brought the song styling of Tony Bennett and Dean Martin back into the spotlight, and made a virtual god of Frank Sinatra even before his death sealed his seat among the deities, the vocal art of Judy Garland has remained somewhat marginalized in American popular culture. There's a touch of homophobia in this -- an affection for Garland has long been considered male homosexuality's mark of Cain -- but the more salien reason for her legacy's neglect is less pernicious. Frank & Co. have been Ionized as the epitome of cool, the aesthetic avatars of the "whatever" generation's signature jadedness, and while Judy Garland was many things, cool was not among them. On the contrary, as the two-evening tribute of Carnegie Hall this week reminded to, she was about as cool as a volcano.

Hosted by Garland's daughter Lorna Luft and actor Robert Stack, who knew Judy back when she was Frances Gumm, one of the Gumm Sisters in on the last rails of vaudeville, the evenings paid homage to Garland's legendary 1961 Carnegie Hall stand, the culmination of a tour that marked the greatest of her many against-all-odds comebacks. (Less than two years previous hospitalized with hepatitis, she'd been told she could never work again.)

The evenings were a grab bag of reminiscences, performances of Garland standards (many were part of Garland's Carnegie Hall set) and video clips of Garland herself, and while the first night hand its longueurs and a more shapeless feeling, both contained a shake of illumination anecdotes and arresting vocalizing. Indeed, all who sang deserve a badge of courage for taking on Garland standards before an audiences largely composed of fans who had Garland's versions permanently enshrined in their aural memory banks.

While the influence of a talent as unique as Garland's is sometimes difficult to trace, it could be heard Tuesday night in Weslia Whitefield's exquisite phrasing on Rodgers & Hart's "You're Nearer," and in Vikki Carr's finely variegated belting and crooning on Garland signature songs "The Boy Next Door" and "After You've Gone," as well as the more obscure but nicely chosen Irving Berlin tune "How About Me." Carr, who appeared on both evenings, appropriately and simply described the hallmark of Garland's art: "She sang with her heart"

Garland's emotional investment in her songs was remarked upon by several contributors, none more eloquently than Elaine Stritch, whose performance included a series of extravagantly funny recollections of "lifting a few" with a jubilant Judy. In an age when the specter of recovery seems to have taken out of the martini, Stritch's affectionate remarks reminded that there was a joyful side to Garland's notorious imbibing that is often obscured by dark descriptions of the toil it took on her. Stritch then sang, in her glorious, heartfelt croak, a medley of Noel Coward's "If Love Were All" and the Gershwins' "But Not for Me."

(Thanks to Menda Stewart for the above article)

_______________________________________________

Carr blends Latin and American with ease

Cultures, decades brought together in Bass Hall show

09/12/2000

By Mario Tarradell / The Dallas Morning News

FORT WORTH – When she wasn't telling stories, sharing anecdotes about her varied career, Vikki Carr sang before 1,300 fans Monday night at the Bass Performance Hall. And when she sang, Ms. Carr gracefully glided from English to Spanish, pop to bolero, ballad to mariachi.

The show, like her music, spanned decades and styles. Backed by a six-musician band, she offered pivotal songs from all the artistic phases, all the way to last year's Memories, Memorias television special and accompanying compact disc. During that program, which she taped for PBS-TV, Ms. Carr interpreted Latin standards from the '40s and '50s that made their way across the border into the United States translated with English lyrics.

So she delivered bilingual renditions of "Solamente Una Vez," "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas" and "Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado." As she switched from one idiom to the other, she never missed a beat. Her phrasing remained clear, her tone supple. She knows when to belt out a note and when to whisper the next. Ms. Carr has control, the kind of vocal control that years of singing and performing afford.

She's an entertainer from the old school. That meant she donned sequined dresses – the first one was almost blinding under the spotlight – and casually conversed with the audience between every song. Each tune prompted a story. At one point during the second half, she even stopped to answer questions from the crowd. Some were asked in English, others in Spanish. She responded in kind each time. When was the last time you saw a singer do that?

The personal touch, she would probably say. Still, she was there to sing, so she made sure her talking never overstayed its welcome. For the most part, Ms. Carr stuck to classy material. With her rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," she leaped into Vegas-style cheese. And "With Pen in Hand," one of her late-'60s pop hits, was affecting if a bit shlocky.

But, whoa, some of the Latin stuff was downright penetrating. An a capella mariachi number, "Paloma Negra," was a tour de force. Her take on Juan Gabriel's "Ya Lo Se Que Te Vas" was engulfing. She seemed totally overcome by the song's heavy emotions. And "Que Alegre Va Maria," a song about a pregnant woman speaking to her unborn child, was powerful.

As was "It Must Be Him," the bittersweet '60s pop tune that launched her career. Listening to her sing that put her influence in focus. Born Florencia Bisenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona, she became Vikki Carr and conquered the Anglo pop world only to later rediscover her Mexican heritage and establish herself as a Latin artist.

A reverse crossover. But unlike today's Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera, Ms. Carr did it without the fanfare. Back then, it was just her way of mining her own past.

________________________________________________________

Recording history -- Vicki Carr accents origins of pop standards

By Dave Ferman
Star-Telegram

The 1940s and '50s were a time of great musical invention in the United States -- the days when the blues traveled to Chicago and got juiced with electricity, when swing music swung the hardest.

Not as well remembered is how much American pop music came up from Mexico and South America. Again and again, American bandleaders and songwriters, or songwriters born south of the border who resettled in the States, provided the melodies and/or lyrics of what are now considered pop standards -- songs such as `What a Difference a Day Made' and `You Belong to My Heart.'

But Vikki Carr remembers. How, after all, could she forget? The El Paso native, best known for her '60s pop hits `It Must Be Him, The Lesson' and `With Pen in Hand,' performs at Bass Hall on Monday. She says she easily recalls listening to her father sing Mexican ballads one minute and then play 78s by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters.

"That's what I was raised with," Carr says. "The big bands would take those songs from Mexico or Cuba and put a swing to them, like Artie Shaw. Some of the major songwriters from the U.S. had gone to war and heard those beautiful melodies and brought them back."

Thanks to a request from PBS, Carr fashioned her most recent CD, `Memories, Memorias,' from the musical confluence that occurred back then. The CD and companion video feature Carr (with cameos from Pepe Aguilar, Jack Jones and Arturo Sandoval) doing a given song in English -- and its antecedent. For example, she does both `You Belong to My Heart' and the song that inspired it, `Solamente Una Vez.'

"This was originally done to attract Hispanics to PBS, and I'm all for that," says Carr. "Most people in the U.S. don't realize many of these songs were originally in Spanish. I was very happy -- this was a dream of mine since I did my first all-Spanish album in 1972. My Anglo audie