The
documentary film, Showbiz Is My Life, starring Julie
Wilson, Baby Jane Dexter, and Natalie Gamsu will be presented on Thursday,
April 4th at 6:30 PM in the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center.
Be on the lookout for one of
Julie's movie, This Could Be The Night which runs occasionally on
TCM, Turner Classic Movies. She looked great back in the '50's when she made
that film, and she looks great today.
Holt McCallany, (Julie's son) appears frequently on
television series, e.g. a recent Law and Order, and
featured in Advocate's Devil in October, 1997.
He is working on his latest film, having most recently completed Mumford,
The Fight Game (starring Brad Pitt), and Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
with Nick Lee. The latest film, Navy Diver, stars Robert DeNiro.
Holt is also creating a TV series, hopefully on the air next season.
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Your
comments about favorite Julie
Wilson performances
"Just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoyed the Julie Wilson web site. The pictures are wonderful. I am curious to know if those are the only upcoming dates you have for Julie's performances. I recall seeing a mention in Cabaret Scenes of a benefit appearance in San Francisco coming up this summer. I would suggest that all of Julie's upcoming dates be posted so that those looking to see her live can plan ahead for travel etc. I live in the South and ususally vacation on the West Coast and this would be way handy. I have very much enjoyed Julie Wilson's recordings and was quite fortunate to find an excellent copy of Meet Julie Wilson (the cover still had its sheen) at a record store here in Atlanta. Amusingly enough, this album contains Julie's version of "Cry Me A River." The man who owns the rights to recordings on the Cameo label has refused to release them for reissue on CD. This has also frustrated fans of the band ? and the Mysterians of "96 Tears" fame. My other suggestion would be listing Julie's television appearances. There are sources for collectors looking for classic video. Kiss Me Kate does exist, but is not commercially available. (Like you don't know that.) Once again I found this web site delightful and inspiring. It makes me want to create one of my own focusing on Dolores Gray. Unless you know of one already in existence. My compliments. I look forward to visiting again." Doug M., California "We e-mailed in January about material of mine I thought would be perfect for Julie Wilson. I'm a composer-lyricist. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Wilson this past October at the Algonquin and gave her the materials at that time, including my info. (ways of contacting me). She was very kind. Of course I'm eager to hear from her, but I also recognize how busy she is - and should be! Just e-mailing you again to give this update and to let you know I'm still out here and interested in Julie Wilson. Many thanks," Matthew S. "I'm a huge fan of Cole Porter, and just heard Julie doing "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love", from the St. Regis album. It's the first time I've ever heard of Julie. Clearly she is a treasure. BUT, while I love the upbeat "Most Gentlemen..." on that album, the cuts from other albums that I can hear at Amazon and the like, are all slower, more operatic than "Most Gentlemen...". Is most of her work the slower stuff, or is most of it more upbeat? I'd love to buy a few of her albums, but would be disappointed if it weren't mostly upbeat. Can you help? Thanks very much." Michael S. "Just got a new computer, and the first website I visited was Julie's. She is my inspiration. I send love and best wishes for 2000." Katydid "I was just visiting Julie Wilson's site and it brought back a flood of memories...all great! It was around 1987 and I had just started singing professionally in Chicago and I went to see Ms. Wilson at The Gold Star Sardine Bar. I don't think I moved during her entire performance because I was just trying to take it all in. Seeing Ms. Wilson was a major turning point for me as a "performer." It was in that hour that I learned about how critical the interpretation of a song is...it's the difference between a good entertainer and a great one. It's a glorious thing for me to be able to thank Ms. Wilson publicly for that invaluable lesson. Every dramatic tune I learn...I recall her approach as my benchmark for what is great and that's what I strive for...yes, it's a lofty goal but a most important one to me and the quality of my shows! Thank you Ms. Wilson for showing me how it should be done! Loads of Lovely Love to You," Shane Kelly -- San Francisco, CA "How wonderful to find Julie Wilson on the Net. Thank you for this page. I saw Julie perform several times at the Oak Room---of the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. We made a point of seeing her every time she came to Toronto in the late 60s. She was magic. Her performance was so polished. It was the time when people still wore evening dress to the clubs, and of course Julie was stunningly dressed. She always made a point of coming to our table to chat between sets, often with her husband. She came to recognize us each time she performed there. I looked a bit like her at the time, and wished I could be like her when I grew up! Please tell me about any future Toronto club dates. I'd love to see her again." Marianne K-W. Toronto "How wonderful to find a
site dedicated to a new favorite performer of mine, Julie Wilson. I was
fleetingly acquainted with Ms. Wilson's art via some of her 1950's
recordings, At the St. Regis and My Old Flame. However, I had yet to have the
pleasure of hearing her present-day repertoire when I saw, a few weeks ago,
that she was performing at the Oak Room of the Algonquin in a program of Cy
Coleman songs. Why, I thought, not? I had always been curious about Ms.
Wilson's highly touted skills, and counted Cy Coleman amongst my favorite
composers, so reservations were hastily made, and I entered the Oak Room with
a great sense of anticipation. Anticipation soon gave way to goggle-eyed
admiration as Ms. Wilson wove a vocal spell that I had never experienced
before. Drawing out the syllables on sexy, syncopated numbers like "I've
Got Your Number" in a hair-raisingly alluring fashion; or displaying the
most naked emotion of "Would You Believe"; or demonstrating keen,
razor-sharp comic timing on "Do Be a Darling," Ms. Wilson brought
me to a jolting, jarring realization: I had grown accustomed to seeing merely
professional singers go through the motions, sometimes quite pleasingly.
Tonight, I was witnessing a legend. "She's a terrific lady!" - Julius LaRosa "What a pleasant surprise to find Julie's WEB page. It is most interesting to bump into this lovely lady again after so many years. I went out with the national tour of COMPANY in the early 1970's and met Julie when she joined the "bus and truck." My husband(Ralph Childs) was the bass player with the travelling pit band and I had been the "gopher" for Elaine Stritch (before Julie replaced her) and also an understudy and pit chorus back-up. We had a lot of fun out on the road. Many escapades and friendships to remember. I reconnected a few years ago with Bernie McInerny (and eventually Leilani, as well), when I was able to cast him in an audio tape series I was producing, directing and recording in NYC. What fun! Please give my regards to Julie. Forward this note, if you can. Ralph and I have been divorced for about seven years now, but I forwarded this page to him with a note. I'll watch CityCabaret.com for Julie the next time I am in NYC. With fond memories of Julie and congratulations to you on a lovely site," Patricia C. Nashville, TN "Finally made a visit back to Julie's site...had a LONG talk with her the other night....what an incredibly strong woman. I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how fantastic her performance was at the Plaza Tavern in Chicago...Jimmy flew out from San Francisco and surprised her at the show, along with our guests jazz singer Spider Saloff and her husband Bob Drake (or, as Julie refers to him, "That handsome man"). Great room for her and her accompanist Mark Hummell - the room was so quiet you could have heard a cat walk on cotton. She looked beautiful, sang terrifically, and the four of us had a ball with her and Mark (amazing on the piano). We brought her a bracelet from Marshall Fields the next day, and reconnected...surprised Mark later at his Hotel. Can't WAIT for a visit from them on the West coast. All best," Chris M, and Jimmy J., San Francisco, CA. "I just paid my regular visit to City Cabaret. Wow! It's a thrill for me to see all the loving tributes to my wonderful friend, Julie Wilson. No one deserves those kudos more." Shelly Cullin, singer "Hi, Julie, it's Sabrina K, you know, (my family and I) live in France, and Holt is a friend of theirs!! (I came) with my family to visit Holt in L.A. and N.Y. in 1996! Holt phoned here in Paris to say he can't come to Paris because his father is ill...My parents say "hi" to you! You said... you 'll come to Paris but you haven't come yet...I have to go, I hope you 'll have my e-mail! I'll (tell) Holt I've sent you an e-mail, we 'll phone soon or he'll phone us!!" Love, Sabrina(and Sonia, Linda, Sami, my parents!) Paris, France "Dear Legend, I'll never forget the Cy Coleman show you and Billy Roy did at Cafe Carlyle about ten years ago. You were born to sing those smart, sexy Carolyn Leigh lyrics! It's significant, I think, that the recent, excellent production of Little Me didn't dare include "Don't Ask The Lady"--it couldn't be better than your interpretation. I love you very much." Eric Comstock "Dear Julie, One of my favorite performances of yours, and of all time for that matter, was at the Russian Tea Room, on your 70th birthday. It was a show of all Sondheim, and it was perfect. Your grateful, loving fan," Barbara (Brussell) "My friend Annie and I made a special trip to Chicago and saw Julie. It was wonderful. I was able to chat with her for a few minutes before the show and we stayed after the show and went to dinner with her. We had a wonderful time talking about old times and what she is doing now. I loved seeing with her and am so happy we re-connected. Now we will be able to keep in touch again. It was wonderful, Elizabeth, and all thanks to you and your website." Judy T. "For Julie Wilson--I saw her here in Chicago recently, and wanted to let her know how wonderful the show was--do you have a mailing address for her?" J. Martin, Chicago "I'm such a big fan that my name is also Julie Wilson. How 'bout that??Your biggest fan, Julie Wilson"
"Hi, I like your site -
it's linked off the Loving-Lee (Peggy Lee site) - I wondered if you know was
the Kiss Me Kate on TV that Julie was in in the 50s or 60s and was it on U.S.
TV or Brit. Any video ever available? I have some of Julie's recordings, but
am lacking the Kurt Weill Songbook on CD (have Porter, Arlen, Sondheim, My
Old Flame) - any idea where I might find a copy? Lisa D. Popa doesn't have
any left - I got the Porter & Arlen from her). Thanks. "Hi Elizabeth! So - first - some Julie Wilson news - picked up 2 new albums for the discography...and they're GOOD!..the soundtrack to "Bet Your Life" (Blue Pear 1013) with Sally Ann Howes - a show she did in England, as well as "Jackie Barnett's Playgirls" (with Kay Stevens, Connie Russell, and Cora Williams) Warner 1530...both are great, and you'll love them. Sure hope we meet someday! Chris and Jimmy. jdjarret@msn.com "Last year I saw Ms. Wilson in the film, Rough Riders, where she played young Hamilton Fish's mother. Her cameo was haunting: I kept watching, hoping (not least of all for her sake) that her son would survive the "Splendid Little War." A very enthusiasic 'net search' on the actor who played Hamilton Fish brought me to this website: what a thrill to discover Ms. Wilson is Holt McCallany's mother! I anticipate seeing more of their work in the future." Sincerely, Mary Tickel, Ellyzahm@aol.com
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"Julie Wilson has been an enormous influence on me. Her intimacy, humor, and means of bringing a special unity to her audience is extraordinary. If anyone can get to the heart of the matter, the deepest truths of a song, it is certainly Julie. Her accelerating quality, sense of drive, superb diction in presenting a song can move me into the stratosphere. Whether it is Cole Porter, Sondheim, and especially (surprise!) Harold Arlen, she does absolute marvels and wonders with the material. Her humor (Sally---given to her, especially by Joe E. Lewis) is a delight. Her vivid gestures are absolutely enhancing to the song at hand. I marvel at the energy and the sense of engagement. Her work with William Roy is most complementary and complimentary; a superb musician, pianist, and arranger. And throughout, her sense of fine taste is infallible. Yet, she is never boring, tiresome, overdone, or whatever negative adjectives one could apply. I had the privilege of hearing her over 20 years ago in Chicago...and almost annually (whenever she is performing), I see her. She has autographed so many of her albums and CDs. I keep a Julie Wilson scrapbook of her uniformly glowing reviews. And she is always available for a gracious hello, after the show. One can get a sold musical education listening to her songbooks: Porter, Weill, Sondheim, and Arlen. Not only for the content, but the sense of professionalism and the compelling nature of her delivery. And yet she does not sit on her laurels. She is forever trying new things; taking vocal lessons; nothing blase or jaded about her. Every new session there is some new song which strikes my fancy. "Orthodox Fool" by Richard Rodgers; or "Harriet, the schizoid from New Rochelle" (not joking about this). So whatever she does is o.k. by me. Thank you very much for creating this website, quite a testimony to her. Richard S. Klein, Chicago, Illinois
"I've known Julie's work for years, and she gets better all the time." Barbara Cook, singer.
"We were in New York over the Easter week and checked out Julie's show at Bill's Gay 90s. She was mesmerizing. Incredible energy and so giving. Julie held us in thrall. Each song told a story. I've never heard a more moving rendition of "My Old Flame". And her treatment of "This Funny World" brought tears to my eyes. My, she was saucy! Her witty performance of some fast-paced sexy numbers had us howling. When she bats those lids--whoa baby!!! This is one sophisticated lady who know how to have fun. We actually came back again later in the week and Julie was even more energized and "on" than before. What amazes me was that the room wasn't filled to the rafters. Coming from a cabaret backwater, I see Julie is a pearl beyond price--but I guess the home town crowd takes her for granted. Too bad. But--I managed to filtch a feather from her red red boa--a treasured souvenir till we get back to New York again." Larry Monczka
" I love keeping up with Julie on your website... I will still always care about her and think about her and if she ever comes to Michigan or Chicago let me know. Thanks," Judy W. T, Originally from Chicago, IL but now a true Michigander.
"Julie Wilson is first and formost a sensitive, kind, caring person. We were awestruck by her down-to-earth attitude as she performed with the 50 men of the Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus on four dates in December 1997. As a member of that chorus and on behalf of guys, I want to say, 'Thanks, Julie. We love you, you bad, bad, bad bad, bad, bad woman with good, good, good, good jewelery!'" Garry Stack, OutForLife.
"Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Julie in person, but she has been a favorite for nearly 40 years - since first hearing, They All Laughed, and other numbers on her Julie Wilson - At the St. Regis album. Hopefully she will continue performing and bringing pleasure to others for many years." Tom Steele
"Dear Julie, Over the years, we've managed to stay closely connected as the best of friends, but now to be in your professional coterie once more is pure joy! Thank you for lending support with the liner notes for my new CD. As ever, your pal," Shelly (Cullin), http://www.citycabaret.com/shellycullin.html
"I would like to suggest that this web page should add a guestbook, or some link dedicated to Julie Wilson for some comments. And will there be any pictures of hers for fans and surfers to browse??" Low Chee Min.
"Great to see a home page for Ms. Wilson, an icon for all performers and cabaret afficinados. I met her in 1982 when she played a club called, 4500 McKinney, in Dallas. I was mesmerized! My partner and I have seen her in NY, San Francisco and Los Angeles and always learn something new about the art of cabaret and performance from her. Best wishes for many years of continued success for our favorite diva!!" Stephen Browning and Mark Gaulding, Palm Desert, California
"Hello! I saw Julie Wilson perform here in Buffalo, NY on November 10th and was lucky enough to go on stage with her to help her wrap herself in her boa! I just discovered her web site and was wondering if her recordings are readily available for purchase. I have all of the DRG recordings, but the local record shops can't seem to help me with the others listed on the web site. Any help or direction that you can provide would be appreciated." Jerome P. Puma: jbarba@ci.buffalo.ny.us
"I haven't forgotten my promise to send some pix of Julie at our place the last time she was here - she stayed with us for a week, and we couldn't have asked for a better house guest. Hadda Brooks is another performer who stays with us - she performs at the Algonquin from time to time, and perhaps you'd like to see her show - it's very different from Julie's but entertaining none the less...we feel like the luckiest thirty-somethings around, just knowing these two fascinating women. Anyway, the pix are really great, and I will send them to you. Naturally, Julie looks radiant in all of them.
Lastly, another record for the discography - "Meet Julie Wilson" was released by Cameo Records (# 1021) sometime in the 1950's - I'd guess around 1956 - she sounds a great deal like Billie Holiday on the album - it's really good. I'm lucky to have a copy of it...I'll send a photo-copy of the front and back if you'd like to see it...However, I don't have the "Brothers and Sisters" album #1(the one with the silver cover), so if you're able to locate copy, do let me know if will. I'd really appreciate it.
We're pretty lucky to have gotten to know you as well, albeit through e-mail. We enjoy your responses - you must be pretty busy, but you seem to have time to correspond with us. Very nice. We look forward to visiting the site again and again." Our best, Chris, Jimmy, and Billy Jarrett, San Francisco.
"I thought I'd pass out, when I found a Julie Wilson site. And then to learn of recordings I didn't even know about---my eyes are spinning in my head. I'm sure I haven't a chance of actually locating the records. Is there anyone who can provide me with copies of "Live at Brothers and Sisters," and "Love"? In my collection, I have a few I don't think are on your list, there's, "Meet Julie Wilson," on Cameo from the '50s, the cast recording of "Jimmy" from '67, with two solos by Julie, and the soundtrack to, "This Could Be The Night". There are a few single-only tracks that I cannot locate, probobly will never find them." Sammy2001@webtv.net.
"Dear Julie, Just found your home page and while I was here thought I'd drop you a quick note. Did you get the tape, I mailed a while back so hopefully you did. It was a treat to work with you this past summer here in Fairbanks, I hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we enjoyed having you here. Big Hug," Lyn Baxter (The Aussie with the short hair)".
"Hi, I am a personal friend of Julie's who has lost touch with her. My name now is Turner but when I knew Julie it was Judy Wischhover. We worked together in the 60's at the Dorchester Music Hall in Chicago and then kept in touch through the years. But, somehow in the past few years I was divorced and moved and lost contact with her. Thanks, Judy Wischhover Turner, Chicago, Ill.
"Aloha. I had the honor of working with Julie at the last Cabaret Symposium at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Waterford Conn. She taught us all a great deal, but one of the outstanding moments was when she taught us how to stand on our heads (she does this every day as part of her routine). Another was standing around (on our feet) in a convenience store at midnight with Julie, Erv Raible and Ron Cohn (her manager) eating Hagen Daz right out of the cartons and yakking up a storm. This woman lives every moment to the fullest. What an inspiration!" Shari Lynn, regular performer at The Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach.
"For the past week I have been privileged to be a part of the cabaret classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, something I get involved with every year - but this year is even better than usual because of Julie Wilson. Already I have learned so much from her, and having Mark and Ernie accompany is pure heaven. I look forward eagerly to performing...in two of the scheduled cabaret shows, and know I will do my very best, because of Julie's support, instruction and caring...
"Sometimes, some of the artists that come to the Festival to teach and perform do tend to do nothing but perform, and the class doesn't always get the full benefit of their experience and guidance. Their talent and knowledge are awesome to behold, but their students need to see a different side of them. Julie, Mark and Ernie provide that side so vital to the needs of the cabaret students, from the very beginning voices to the seasoned and long-term cabaret singers. Their patience is unending and their dedication to us absolute. I urge anyone anywhere who has an opportunity to attend a cabaret workshop headed by Julie and Mark, to drop everything and just do it! And if you ever have the chance to hear Julie, Mark or Ernie perform, do not miss it! Individually they are amazing, but together they are pure dynamite!" writes Char Chaffin, Fairbanks, AK.
"Just discovered this site! Julie is a dear friend of ours...so nice to see that someone has taken the time to put this together." Chris Morano, Jimmy and Billy Jarrett, San Francisco.
