TBFO Song Covers

[jo]

I did not realize that singer Johnny Mathis was still singing -- Now in his early 80's, he released an album ( Great American Songbook) which included a song which we have come to regard as Hugh's signature song. It was originally written by Peter Allen for Ann-Margret, but it became Hugh Jackman's eleven o'clock number and standing ovation song in THE BOY FROM OZ --

ONCE BEFORE I GO --


Here, Johnny gives it his soft romantic touch --

[jo]

That brought back memories






It was most poignantly sung by Hugh at the closing show of THE BOY FROM OZ on September 12, 2004!

[jo]

The song was written by Peter Allen for Ann Margret supposedly when her husband became ill --

[chessie]

Lovely. I never tire of listening to this beautiful song, but it never fails to leave me just a bit teary - eyed.

Carol

[jo]

Bette Middler ( who, I understand, was Peter's friend) sings TENTERFIELD SADDLER --

[ADMIN]

Jan 24, 2020 8:47:27 GMT -5 jo said:

Bette Middler (who, I understand, was Peter's friend) sings TENTERFIELD SADDLER --

Bette's performance is from a Tribute to Peter Allen, in Los Angeles(?), not long after his death. There were many performers singing lots of Peter's songs. One of Peter's first solo gigs was as the opening act for Bette Midler at the Bitter End (NYC) in the early 1970s. Yes, they were very good friends for many years.

In happier times, with Bernadette Peters (who also performed that night in LA), doing a tribute to Irving Berlin at the 1982 Oscars.

[If I remember correctly, one of the original (Peter Allen inspired) OZalots has a program book from the posthumous PA tribute. If you still visit here, please post some more of the performers from that amazing night. Thanks.]

[jo]

Thanks, Valerie

Jo

[Pallasa]

Hi,

Since you mentioned the Peter Allen Tribute, I wanted to show you all the invitation to the benefit held on Peter's birthday, February 10, 1993, at UCLA.  Bette Midler was not mentioned as a guest performer so maybe she was a surprise guest or decided to join after the invitations were printed.

Attachments:

[Pallasa]

Here is more of the invitation from the Tribute event.

Attachments:

[Pallasa]

And the last part of this long invitation.

Attachments:

[jo]

Look who is doing it --

Winthrop ( aka Benjamin Pajak) singing "Just To Get My Name in Lights"






Except he doesn't look like the wide-eyed boy from a small town in Oz ( called Tenterfield) --

but more like a wise-cracking boy with a New York aura

PS: Be sure to watch till the end of the clip.



I wonder if Hugh ever knew about this


Jo

[jo]

DJ He/Him •BLM• *18*
@dj_netwrk
·
1h
Heavy on boy next door
ᱬ Morgan ᱬ



@willehbeh
·
23m
My absolute favorite Kurt solo 🥰

LOVE Hugh Jackman, but Chris BODIED it! For me, that's his song now 🥰



JoAB
@joab46466753
That is the song of The Boy from Oz! That is Hugh Jackman & Peter Allen's song -- both native Australians! Hugh performed it on two largest stages in NYC - at the Imperial and Radio City Music Hall!
8:22 AM · Mar 1, 2024



JoAB
@joab46466753
·
Did you ever see the live performance of Hugh Jackman at either the Imperial or Radio City Music Hall! His joy of performing is unmatched... plus he is an exceptional actor in addition to the song&dance talent. His stage persona is very charismatic!

[jo]

Maybe I do not appreciate fully why some people would prefer the Glee cover of NOT THE BOY NEXT DOOR over the original song that personifies the real Peter Allen.

*I think those who prefer it like it because it is a song that the LGBTQ community identifies with as a third gender?

*But I think the song really personifies the uniqueness of Peter Allen as a person and as an entertainer. He took extraordinary efforts to show how he can rebrand entertainment ( not because he is gay) but because he finds extaordinary joy in what he does, but because his persona shines through, but because he was fearless!

Fortunately, Hugh Jackman captured Peter's essence in The Boy From Oz... where his apparent joy of performing became obious. Hugh Jackman is kindred spirits with Peter Allen when it comes to audience rapport!

Jo

[jo]

Feb 29, 2024 19:45:47 GMT -5 jo said:

DJ He/Him •BLM• *18*
@dj_netwrk
·
1h
Heavy on boy next door
ᱬ Morgan ᱬ



@willehbeh
·
23m
My absolute favorite Kurt solo 🥰

LOVE Hugh Jackman, but Chris BODIED it! For me, that's his song now 🥰



JoAB
@joab46466753
That is the song of The Boy from Oz! That is Hugh Jackman & Peter Allen's song -- both native Australians! Hugh performed it on two largest stages in NYC - at the Imperial and Radio City Music Hall!
8:22 AM · Mar 1, 2024



JoAB
@joab46466753
·
Did you ever see the live performance of Hugh Jackman at either the Imperial or Radio City Music Hall! His joy of performing is unmatched... plus he is an exceptional actor in addition to the song&dance talent. His stage persona is very charismatic!

Added these additional comments:

JoAB
@joab46466753
Song personifies PeterAllen's uniqueness as a person&as an entertainer.He took extraordinary efforts to show how he can rebrand entertainment( not because he is gay)but because he finds extaordinary joy in what he does,because his persona shines through&because he was fearless!



JoAB
@joab46466753

Fortunately, Hugh Jackman captured Peter's essence in TheBoyFrom Oz... where his apparent joy of performing became obvious. Hugh Jackman is kindred spirits with Peter Allen when it comes to audience rapport & strong charisma!