The Voice - The Official Linda Eder Newsletter

Joan Bruno and Linda Eder

As I sat at the Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center listening to Linda Eder in concert perform “I Am What I Am” and once again sing “Don't Rain On My Parade,” I lost focus and began to reminisce—thinking about all of my fond memories of Linda over the past nineteen years from listening to her lounge act, seeing her on Broadway, and performing in concert. I find it hard to believe (and actually admit!) that I was literally “dragged” to see her perform for the first time by my mother!

It was June of 1984. School had just ended and my parents just “knew” that I would love this lounge act they had seen at Ivana's Lounge in what is now called the Trump Plaza Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City . So, on my first day of summer “freedom” (I'm a high school teacher), they carted me off to see it. I now laugh at the outcome, especially when I consider that I was not at all a happy camper about going. As soon as Linda opened her mouth, I was hooked! It's not often that one gets to hear a singer with a great four plus octave range voice! My eyes and ears were suddenly wide open, and begged my folks to stay for another show.

Linda Eder, Star Search

In those days casino lounges were abundant and not scarce as they are today. My family had a vacation cottage about thirteen miles south of Atlantic City . For four summers from June of '84 until August of '88, Linda would travel by van from Minnesota, rent living quarters in the Atlantic City area and perform six to eight week gigs in the casino lounges. Those were the days when she was wearing “high necked” clothing and sewing sequins on her clothes while riding in the van. I found myself frequenting the lounges at Trump Plaza and at Harrah's in Brigantine two or three nights a week when Linda was in town. What's even better is that each time I would bring a friend and stay for three or four shows a night (lounge acts do three to five forty-minute shows a night). It was FREE entertainment for the mere cost of a beverage! The lounges provided a small, intimate setting, and Linda had the chance to sit and talk with her “fans” during those twenty-minute breaks. I enjoyed the summers at Harrah's because occasionally Linda would join us for cheesecake and coffee in the café. The format permitted her to take requests from audience members. The irony in hearing her sing “Don't Rain On My Parade” is that it was one of the ones I always requested along with other favorites—“Ice Castles,” “Endless Love,” “You Don't Bring Me Flowers,” “Don't Cry For Me Argentina,” “Rockabye Your Baby” and “Swanee” (she loved Judy Garland).

Linda Eder, Star Search

Linda Eder and Ed McMahon, Star Search

The last time I saw Linda at the end of those four summers was a night I'll never forget—NOT because it was the eve of my birthday; NOT because she had just told me of her good fortune in winning 100 grand on Star Search; but because as I sat talking with her at the Atrium in Harrah's, my car was being stolen!!! During that conversation she told me about her future appearance in the Broadway musical, JEKYLL & HYDE, and every week I called my sister in NY and asked her to check the NY Times and look for the show. I had also learned about Linda's work with Frank Wildhorn from an actress friend during the hiatus from the end of those four summers until the mid 90's when JEKYLL became a reality, went on the road and then opened on Broadway! While my lifestyle didn't permit me to fly around the country to all of her performances as some loyal fans are able to do, I was happy to be able to get to see her on tour in Delaware and then on Broadway about thirteen times, and now to attend several of her concerts in the Philadelphia and New York area. No matter how long the performance or how tired she is, this incredible lady always manages to find time for those autographs and photos for her many fans.

Linda Eder

Things are different now…or are they? I enjoy hearing Linda sing no matter what type of music it is. We all know that Frank is a creative genius and that together they make terrific music! While I must admit that I have missed hearing Linda sing all those show tune “favorites” of mine, I thank Frank for helping her achieve the celebrity that she so very much deserves. And thank you both for BROADWAY MY WAY where I can once again enjoy hearing Linda sing those tunes. I have often wondered what I would request if ever given another opportunity to do so as in those lounge act days. But Linda has answered that for me in BROADWAY MY WAY because she not only sings “Don't Rain On My Parade” but also “I Am What I Am.” That's another favorite because I know someone who starred in that show. So, maybe a sequel to BROADWAY MY WAY????

It's really been a great journey for me—following a very talented and personable lady (who just loved being on a farm with her dogs and horses in Anoka, Minnesota ) achieve celebrity. Linda, may you always continue to have “a song in your heart” and, oh yes, those dimples!!! This fan will always be grateful to you for the many hours of enjoyment I have received. And yes, Mom, thanks to you too for dragging me to Atlantic City on that June day in '84!

-Joan Bruno