NEW YORK MORE NEWS NEXT

MARJORIE MAYE

Marjorie Maye is a very expensive enigma. A puzzling and complex delightful “Femme Fatale”. She looks stunning, she flirts with “La Forza del Destino”, she mocks the absurdity of intellectualism, she spreads beauty and passion around her, and her “scent” dissolves you in a mirage of sensuality and daring thoughts…and she loves dessert and  mint chocolate chip ice cream. Everything about this Diva is challenging and magical, including her humility. Really? Is she really humble? I am not sure, for the strength of her vocabulary sometimes betrays complexity and minimalism.  This woman is the perfect reflection of the glitzy 18^th century French Marquise who brought to dinner Lord Byron, George Bernard Shaw, Ernest Hemingway, de Givenchy and an “amoroso” running wild in the dusty forgotten streets of Capri… Her favorite cities are: New York, Palm Beach, Aspen, Stockholm, London and Paris. She tries to work out at least 3 times a week but, her travel schedule makes it tough sometimes. She is romantic and the sensual lyricism of her universe sails into perfect sunsets, tropical beaches, a fairytale wedding, complete with castle. “I¹ve loved a few times in my life.  But only been "in love" once.  Just married my best friend of 21 years, met him when I was 12.   We never realized how much we meant until after Sept 11, 2001.  The World Trade Center Disaster put it all in perspective. We realized what was important.  Within 6 months we were engaged and recently had a fairytale wedding, complete with castle.” Marjorie told us.  Did she write about it? “Yes, I co-wrote our wedding song, with Andy Marvel, a hot New York based writer/producer.  It¹s called "Bringing down the Moon."   An overseas group called "Sweetbox" went into the studio and recorded it, not sure if it¹s going to be used on their next record or not.” Marjorie said.

Marjorie  follows fashion and wears European and American expensive designers labels. She loves Charnel and Prada. Manolo Blahnik shoes are her favorite. Michael Kors and Vera Wang live in her wardrobe walking closets. Black is her favorite color. Marjorie told me: “Black is versatile, mysterious and sexy. I'm  from New York, where we're legally required to wear black at least 75% of the time.” But, the wall colors of her apartment are of an earthy tone, lots of neutrals. I expected something different, en vue of her visions of the world, style and mesmerizing persona. I expected Napoleonic Style Empire burgundy wall colors covered with contradictory Toulouse de Lautrec drawings. Marjorie came to the rescue. Asking her “What usually,  do you have on your desk?”, Marjorie replied: “A Macintosh G4 Titanium PowerBook, a Sony digital recorder, a Motorola cell phone, a Monte Blanc pen, and a white orchid plant.” Marjorie loves the finest things in life yet, she does not collect artifacts unless it is Manolo Blahnik! Why should she? She is a piece of art herself! A masterpiece in motion. A modern Bizet’s Carmen driving a Mercedes ML SUV and a BMW convertible inviting the wind to flirt with her hair and driving crazy those who were left behind. Marjorie is not a Democrat, nor a Republican. She is an Independent. She votes for the candidate, not for the party.  What people first notice about her? “First my eyes, then, my mouth.  I¹ve been told I have a big one!” explained Marjorie Maye.

CANDID INTERVIEW WITH MARJORIE MAYE

Q-  Are you fun or strictly a corporate executive?
A- Fun.                                                                                                                           Q- On a more personal level, what inspires you to write and compose?
A- Everything and anything. Titles are my thing, once I have that, I imagine a story line and go from there.  They come from everywhere. Conversations, book titles, arguments, good movie lines, you name it.
Q- Is there "the right moment" to write and compose?
A- For me, it's late night. I don't do mornings. I can't think properly till after 11am.  Besides, my theory is that during the day, while everyone is awake, all the good ideas are being used, however, if you create late at night, when everyone is sleeping, more ideas are free to access from the universal consciousness it's sort a supply and demand thing.

Q- How do you bring life to your music and lyrics?
A- Lyrically, I try to use images you can touch and feel in my writing.  Instead of saying, "she's depressed, but she hides it, "I'd say something like "her eyes are filled with tears but she pretends their stars". Musically, I shoot for the solid hook.  In the early days, I'd call a non-musical friend and sing the hook, then about an hour later, call them back and see if they remembered any of it.  If it stuck, I'd know it was a keeper.
Q- What instrument (s) do you use to compose your music?
A- I usually compose my melodies vocally, right into a digital recorder, but sometimes I use a baby grand.
Q- What do you fear most in life?
A- I prefer to go with "Faith not Fear".
Q- Do you talk about it in your music and lyrics?
A- Yes, actually, I have a song called "Faith not Fear".
Q- What do you say?
A- Chorus:
"Faith not fear, hope not doubt
if you love through the hate, you can turn it around
faith not fear, that¹s the key,
to the answer to the question
what is truth, just believe, it is faith not fear."

Q- How well do you do that?
A- I'd like to think I get the job done.  The most rewarding thing as a writer is when you know what you¹ve written has touched someone else¹s life and made a difference.   When the listener feels you wrote it just for them.
Q- Science evolves and progresses, does your music or poetry evolve with time or transcend it?
A- Both. I'd like to think my music is timeless.  But sometimes, especially with the pop and urban stuff, I'll use terms that are trendy, timely, and way more street. For instance, in a hip-hop song I wrote last year, instead of saying, "you've been going around town calling all your friends  to tell them that you kissed me",  I'd say something like,  "drop the drama on two-way and the cell, off the heezy with the kissy and the tell." Believe it or not, they mean the same thing.                                                       

Q- Was it a stroke of luck, meeting those superstars whom you work with?
A- Sure, a little bit of it was luck.  But trust me, it was a lot of work.
Q- What did you do to get noticed by those superstars?
A- I stuck around, refused to give up, networked, worked hard, and surrounded myself with brilliant collaborators whose work I admired. I spent almost 10 years writing before I got on my first multi-platinum record.                                                                                                Q- What does success mean to you?
A- Getting my calls returned.  No, seriously.  That's a huge step in this business. That and you know that what you write, for the most part, is going to get heard.  The artist may not cut it, but either their A&R or someone in their camp will most likely take a listen and let you know what they think, even if it's a pass.
Q- What did you do first, short after you got your first break in your career?                           A- I thanked God.

Q -If you were not a singer, composer, musician and lyricist, what would you be doing today?
A- I'd probably still be a computer programmer.  Yes, I am a total geek.
Q- While you are performing, writing or composing, do you look at the faces of people who surround you?
A- Sure.
Q- Which face attracts you most? Faces that catch you attention? What do you see in people?
A- The eyes attract me first.  They say everything, without a word.
Q- Who approaches you more frequently? Who express more admiration toward you, men or women?
A- Mostly young girls,  but also middle aged Men, and older Women. 

Q- Why is that?
A- Young girls because of the pop stuff I've written for lots of young artists.  I co-wrote “Strawberry Kisses," the single for Nikki Webster, this incredible 12 year old artist in Australia.  Same song was then translated into Portuguese and released with Brazils Pop Star winners, a girl's group on Sony called "Rouge" they went 10x platinum. The middle aged Men and older Women, tend to be more familiar with artists like "Celine Dion", and would be most likely listening to the adult contemporary music.
Q- Who is your best audience? Why?
A- Teens.  I have written a lot of young pop music, because it was so in demand for a while, but now the audience is growing, thankfully, and the lyrical content can get deeper.
Q- What are your best qualities as an artist?                                                                       A- My versatility and my tenacity.

Q- And as a woman?
A- My sensitivity.
Q- Tell me about the best few lines you wrote?
A- It's hard to choose my favorite, but I really like this one:

"she can hear the whispers at the garden wall
she can feel the rhythm as the thoughtless ocean rolls
Over castles in the sand that couldn¹t stand the test of time
All that¹s left is what she gets from living in her mind" -- Verse from  "She Dreams": 

Q- And the very first lines of the very first song you wrote?
A- First song I ever wrote was back in 1989, it was called " Time for Déjà vu"
First lines were:
"I've lived it all before, I¹ve cried these tears and more
It seems like déjà vu whenever I see you"
Q- And what happened next? Did you keep what you wrote, store it, forget about it or sell it?
A- I demoed it.  Never placed it with an artist though.
Q- Does it happen to you (sometimes) that some superstars with whom you work don't like your music or lyrics?
A- If they are working with me they usually like most of what I do.  But, sure, sometimes I’ll need to change a few lines, because the artist is relating to most of it, but doesn’t feel a particular line is true to who they are, or sometimes the artist is very young, and a line needs to be changed because it’s too suggestive.
Q- Then, how you deal with it? What do you do next?
A- I usually make the edits.  I want the artist to really feel the song in their heart.  If they don’t believe it, how can their audience.
Q- Have you ever had any unpleasant experience on stage, with producers, singers, peers?
A- Not really.  I must just be lucky, I haven’t had any kinds of problems.  I work, with the coolest group of writers producers and singers.  
Q- Did you write your "masterpiece" or not yet?
A- I don’t think I’ve created it quite yet. I’ve written some really solid songs, some of which I’m especially proud of. Unfortunately, the ones that get cut and become hits are not always the ones you love most. 

                                                                                                                                                    Q- Any advice to all those aspiring artists who need a break?
A- Surround yourself with the most amazing undiscovered talent you can find. Today's demo singer who nobody knows, or the great arranger working in his basement may one day be the next big sensation, so just work with talented people and be loyal to them. Most successful artists come with camps of people who got them there.

Q- What they should do when they are rejected?
A- Stick around. Don¹t give up and don¹t take it too personally, hone your craft and keep going.  Don't get jaded.  People can tell when you are.  Stay positive and keep creating, and when you've created the best thing you think you can create, start something else and make it even better.
Q- What are the 3 most important qualities in a writer and a composer?
A- Wit, versatility and humility.
Q- Do you have those qualities?
A- I¹d like to think so.
Q- And the 3 most important strengths?
A- Creativity, Cleverness, and the inability to settle
Q- Your favorite foreign singers and songwriters?
A- Dan Hill is one of my favorite writers and Celine is one of my favorite singers, both are from Canada, does that count as foreign?
As for overseas artists, I'd say Andrea Bocelli.
Q- And American favorite torch singers?
A- It would have to be Whitney Houston.  
Q- Do you get mad sometimes?
A- Sure.
Q- What makes you mad?
A- Stupidity and incompetence.

Q- And do you make people mad at You?                                                                            A- Sure. Who doesn't?

Q- Did your good looks help you in your career?
A- A pleasant appearance seldom hurts.  So yes, it may have helped in meeting industry professionals. But I always remember what my father told me, "Good looks may get you in the door, but they won't keep you in the room. Once you have their attention, you better have the substance to back it up."
Q- Do you produce other's work?
A- I mostly produce what I write.
Q- What do you require as a prerequisite from those aspiring artists who knock on your doors?
A- Some sort of vocal sample and a photo.  It doesn't have to be a fully produced demo, it could be as simple as a piano vocal, you can usually tell when someone has that something special right away.
Q- Do you go by the book in giving a chance to others, or just you follow your intuitions?
A- Intuition.
Q- Did any of those artists you previously helped or worked with, become successful or famous?
A- Songs I've written have been the singles which launched new artist careers at different labels from BMG to Sony, such as Nikki Webster and Rouge, and several demo singers I've worked with have found success at different labels, so yes, I guess indirectly I may have effected their careers.

Q- Your greatest challenge as a recording artist, composer and songwriter?
A- Writing for movie soundtracks.  It¹s great. You screen the movie or read the script or just get a music cue describing what they "think" they are looking for, and write something for it.  It's hard because you need to be on tempo, nail the musical vibe, and most importantly, be scene appropriate without being so dead on that it becomes corny.                   

Q- What do you like and dislike about American men? European men?
A- For the most part, I think men in general are pretty cool.  Predictable at times, but you gotta love them. What do I dislike about them. not much, other than the fact that they all forget to put the toilet seat down.                                                                                      Q- What time do you go to bed, usually? And you wake up at?
A- Late and late. I sleep around 2ish ­ and up around 10ish.
Q- Last question. What are the questions you don't like to answer?
A- I take the fifth.  Talk to me in 7 years after the statute of limitations have expired (just kidding!).
 

PEOPLE AND EVENTS: WHAT'S HAPPENING

TV AND RADIO WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Last Thursday night, in New York,  at the Museum of Television & Radio, a reception was held to  release the names of the 2005 honorees who will be on the roster “She Made It: Women Creating Television and Radio,” celebrating the accomplishments and recognizing the achievements of women in television and radio industries. The 2005 Honorees are:

Among the celebrities who attended the event were Christiane Amanpour and Sheila Nevins, seen left, and Dr. Ruth, Christie Hefner and Barbara Walters, seen below.

________________________________________________________________

Tyra's Final Spin on the Runway

Photo: Tyra Banks walks the runway at the end of the Victoria's Secret Fashion show.

Model retires wearing a red lace bra and underwear. The runway is now behind Tyra Banks. Her final cruise down the catwalk was the Victoria's Secret show, broadcasted at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday. She "retired" wearing a red lace bra and underwear with a belt made of military-style medallions, kicking up her high heels with Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell at her side. With two TV shows - her daily talk show and "America's Next Top Model" - Banks hadn't been doing much modeling anyway, and she wanted to go out on top. She still looks good, mind you. She turned 32 on Sunday. You could even say she looks great. She spoke to The Associated Press just before the Victoria's Secret show, wearing a red satin robe, sneakers and her signature long lashes.

Are you really retiring from the runway, not just taking a break?

I'm not just retiring from the runway, I'm retiring from all modeling. God, I love saying that! When I was 18, my mom said I have to have a plan. I decided I'd leave on top. I want to be like the athletes who seem stuck in time. When you see them at 50, you say they probably can still run like a champ.

Did you get to choose what you'd wear in this Victoria's Secret show - a black satin corset, an embellished push-up bra with a beaded organza cape adorned with feathers and that red lace number with a crystal-covered baton?

They gave me sketches and I chose my three favorites. I've never had that clout before. Retiring is good.
_________________________________________________________________________

FOR LAUGHS AND FOR SERIOUS

 By Paulette Attie

 

A special table was reserved at the Friars Club for comic Henny Youngman. It was located front and center, so we could pay respects to Henny upon entering and exiting the dining room. When Henny invited you to be his guest, it meant you paid for your own meal and for the privilege of being the butt of his jokes. Everyone jumped at the opportunity.

Henny Youngman, comic famous for his one liners. 

Photo: Rod Gilbert.

One afternoon, I was chosen. Henny asked me if I’d like a diamond pin. “Of course,” I answered, whereupon Henny presented me with a dime attached to a safety pin. This is one of the many experiences that make me laugh and keep me returning to the Friars Club. But the Friars Club event that I enjoy the most is our annual Chanukah and Christmas Party for children. “Our,” some may ask? “Isn’t the Friars Club for men only?” It was until 1988, at which time I became the first woman performer elected into the Club. It’s one of those firsts for which I am most proud. The New York Friars Club now boasts a membership which includes about 10% women.  Back to that party for children. For thirty years, the Friars Club has given a party for the less privileged children in the community.

This involves inviting them to a movie, this year it will be “Chicken Little,” at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Manhattan, and giving each child a large shopping bag full of gifts. The goodies include wearing apparel, toys, educational books, etc. Giving out these presents is as big a treat for those who hand them out as it is for the children who receive them. Their eyes bulge with pleasure and curiosity as to what is contained therein. Some are little tots, and their accompanying parents have to carry the bags for them. Other children are big enough to carry their own. A few ask for a second bag to bring home to their brother or sister who couldn’t make it to the party. 

Photo: Fabulous Friar Liza Minelli, performing at the 1995 Friars Foundation Applause Dinner for Frank Military, music publisher legend and Friars Club Scribe for 4 years.

Another part of the party that delights the children and grown ups alike are the celebrity sports figures who attend, talk to and take pictures with the children. Michael Spinks, Rod Gilbert, Rusty Staub, and Cal Ramsey attend regularly, as well as newscasters Marvin Scott and John Roland, and TV and radio icon Sally Jesse Raphael. Each of them has made a jolly Santa Claus. One year, we ran out of gift bags and boxing champion Michael Spinks gave ten dollars of his own to each child who would otherwise have gone home empty handed. Then there’s the balloons given out and face painting that puts more smiles on everyone’s face. This annual event is an activity of the Friars Club Sunshine Committee, chaired by Friars Joe Gelber and Thomas J. DeBow Jr., and Phil Baird. Jean Pierre Trebot, Executive Director of the Friars Club, is actively involved each year, to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Photo: The 1976 Testimonial Dinner for Frank Sinatra, from L to R:  (Milton Berle, Mr. TV and Friars Club Abbott for fourteen years, William B. Williams, renowned radio broadcaster and Friars Club Dean 1982-1985, Frank Sinatra, The Chairman of the Board and Friars Club Abbott 1975-1996, Buddy Howe, former head of ICM Talent Agency and Friars Club Dean 1970-1981, David Tebet, former head of NBC and producer of Friars Club Testimonial Dinners.

Photo: Friars G.M. Jean Pierre Trebot and New York TV news legend Marvin Scott.

There’s also the Friars Foundation, chaired by Leo Greenland, with Cy Leslie serving as President, whose purpose is the betterment of our society through grant giving, particularly in the area of the performing arts. Four books about the Friars Club, authored by Barry Dougherty, have been published in the past few years. Yes, the Friars Club has provided laughs and songs for themselves and others for over 100 years. That, along with the charitable arm of giving back to the community makes this a very special Club for its members and for nonmembers who enjoy and benefit from their songs, jokes, and good deeds. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Photo: Denise Rich and Rita Cosby

__________________________________________

Fall, 2005 EL/Civics Awards Ceremony & Concert "Program"

Since 1996, this magnificent program has, each year, been providing hundreds of (often frail and disabled) elderly refugees with English language and Citizenship instruction (not at central classroom settings they must travel to, but rather) at the senior centers they attend, in the senior citizen housing developments where the reside and at other accessible community-based sites. Hundreds of immigrant seniors of all ethnic backgrounds in several Brooklyn communities have become citizens through the organization's efforts and, more importantly, they have been given the ability to function in our American society and communicate with their medical care providers, landlords, store personnel, police, neighbors, etc. -- which is often vital to their health and welfare. Their  Frail Elderly ESL/Civics Instruction Program is funded by New York State Department of State, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (through the City Council Immigration Initiative) and NYC Department for the Aging (through a City Council allocation to provide ESL/Citizenship instruction at senior centers). The "Program" of today's Awards Ceremony and Concert honoring the graduating students of the current cycle of their  "English Language/Civics (EL/Civics)" program,  is funded by the New York State Education Department and operated in collaboration with Kingsborough Community College. The heart, mind and soul of these enormous charitable and educational programs is Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, Inc., in  Brooklyn, New York. 

DO IT YOURSELF JUDAISM: EXTREME JEWISH MAKEOVER

Panel Discussion To Explore the Ever Changing Faces of Judaism in Everyday Life. The American Jewish Historical Society presents a panel discussion, Do It Yourself Judaism, Extreme Jewish Makeover on Tuesday, December 15, 2005 at 7:00 PM at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16^th Street, New York City. Ever since Sinai, Jews have been creating Jewish life on their own terms.  Whether it be the codification of the Talmud or the creation of Reform Jewry, Jewish communities have always imagined versions of Judaism that suited their contemporary needs, wants and worldviews.  Since the publication of The Jewish Catalog in 1973, American Judaism has experienced a dramatic expansion in expressions of religious life.  What drives people to reinvent and reinvigorate Jewish tradition?  What forms do these experiments take?  Do these efforts threaten or strengthen tradition? 

Photo: Moviemaker, Faye Lederman.

This exciting discussion will approach these questions by bringing together some of the most influential and engaged practitioners of “Do It Yourself” Judaism in America. Panelists include:  Nathaniel Deutch, Professor of Religion at Swarthmore College and co-editor of The Bad Jews’ Bible , Faye Lederman, filmmaker and member of the Park Slope Minyan , Rabbi Rona Shapiro, Founding Editor of www.ritualwell.org , Richard Siegel, Co-editor of the first Jewish Catalogue , Shira Stutman, Former Executive Director of Lights in Action and rabbinical student  For further information, contact Eric Katzman at 212-294-8352 or via e-mail ekatzman@cjh.org.  Admission: $10.00/$5.00 for students, seniors and American Jewish Historical Society members.