Shirley’s Notes and Background Information for
cdbaby.com and shirleygifford.com
LULLABIES FOR LITTLE ANGELS
Shirley Gifford with Vinnie Zummo
Album Description
This is a soothing lullaby CD of traditional American and
International songs, with the exception of one new, sweet
lullaby, "Now I Lay Me", written by Shirley and Vinnie. The
lovely traditional songs include "Billy Boy"; "Plaisir
D'Amour"(with special, added lyrics,"My dear, dear
child..."); "My Bonnie"; "LaPaloma"; "The Bells of
St. Mary's"; "Danny Boy"; "All through the Night";
"Beautiful Dreamer"; "Frere Jacques"; "Annie Laurie";
and "Sakura"("Cherry Blossoms").
Benefits to Children
Not only are these songs relaxing and pleasant
listening for children and parents alike, but they can
benefit the child from an educational and cultural
standpoint. Songs from eight cultures(American, Welsh,
Irish, Scottish, French, Latin American/Spanish, and
Japanese) are represented, and four languages(English,
French, Spanish, and Japanese).
There are various other benefits of this type of CD.
Of course, hearing traditional music from one's own country
teaches a deeper love for one's culture. And, beautiful
music from many parts of the world makes us realize how
much alike we are, no matter from what country we come.
Lovely music touches everyone's heart, and sharing our
native music has the effect of bringing all people closer
together in this Global World.
For children who are studying English around the world,
learning a few songs "by heart" in English would be
especially beneficial in learning to become comfortable
with the rhythm and the linking of words in English speech.
Last but not least, let's not forget the importance of
sharing a mutually satisfying time with one's child. A
child intuits when the parent is really relaxed, and not
simply "bearing with" shared music.
This CD offers all the benefits listed above. Shirley's
beautiful, calming voice combined with Vinnie's sensitive
arrangements offer a unique listening experience to be
enjoyed equally by parents and children.
but a listening treat for children and parents as well.
Lullabies for Little Angels/Note from Shirley
Vinnie Zummo and I chose these songs for their
universality and intrinsic beauty. Songs such as "Annie
Laurie" and "Danny Boy" are songs that have touched the
hearts of listeners ever since they were written over a
hundred years ago, and we feel, obviously, that such
songs should be supported and kept within “hearing”
distance! What better way to perpetuate a beautiful song,
than to share it with children who will appreciate and
love its melody and harmony? Such songs can be kept in
the heart, not only as a beautiful memory of childhood,
but as a living work of Art which remains in the mind, to
be called upon, at will, at any time in the future.
All of the songs in this album are from the Public
Domain, with the exception of our original song, “ Now I
Lay Me.” Many people are unaware of the existence of the
Public Domain Law. If you would like more information about
this, you can check with www.pdinfo.com.
Shirley's Biography/Background Information
Shirley has been a singer since she was 5 years old,
when she sang her first solo at the Rock Presbyterian
Church in Fair Hill, Maryland. Growing up, Shirley, a
mezzo, and her sister, Rosalie, who has a beautiful
soprano voice, loved to sing duets together, everything
from pop to country, to classical.
After majoring in Music with a B.A. degree from
Florida State University, Shirley moved to New York City,
where she gathered a musical following during her years
singing at The Gaslight Club on East 56th Street, near
Park Avenue. She also performed with The Myer Davis
Orchestras, and was a soloist for the New Jersey Pops
Orchestra. Additionally, she performed at cabaret clubs in
Manhattan, including La Chansonnette, Mickey's, and the
Magic Pan.
During an extended "gig" at La Cave Henri IV,
A. M. Rosenthal of the New York Times was in the audience
one night, and was surprised when Shirley could sing his
request, "Plaisir D'Amour." His group enjoyed it very
much, Mr. Rosenthal sent the NY Times reviewer,
Richard Shepard, to the restaurant to review Shirley's
performing. She received a rave review.
When performing at Nell Gwynn’s on East 42nd Street,
Don Nelson, of the NY Daily News also gave her a "rave”
review, entitling the review, "Soothing Sounds at
Grand Central."
Singing in eight languages, she sang did many
one-woman shows for various corporations, such as Mobil
and Merck, as well as for events such as LPGA Awards
Dinners, and for the Catholic Charities Banquet in the
presence of the great Jan Pierce on the dais, who gave her
the “Okay” sign after her performance of “The Impossible
Dream.”
Shirley was chosen by Anthony Quinn and Joel Grey for
the part of the widow in the Broadway show, “Zorba,” the
road tour. Sadly, it didn’t materialize because the
original actress decided not to leave the show. But
Shirley has always believed things happen for a reason,
and very soon after that, she had the opportunity to
perform in Tokyo, Japan.
In Japan, she sang on various TV shows in Tokyo, and
also took advantage of the opportunity to learn a new
profession: teaching English as a Second Language. For
some years, she “commuted” back and forth between Japan
and New York with two professions, singing and teaching.
Shirley has been back in New York for 10 years now,
and from 1999 to December, 2005, was the executive
producer of her own local cable TV show in Manhattan,
performing her favorite songs, which she loves to share
with everyone.
In 2004, she contacted her old friend and associate,
AND musical genius, Vinnie Zummo. Together, they began to
plan this CD, “Lullabies for Little Angels.”
Shirley continues to teach ESL, and loves both
teaching...and always singing, of course! As a matter of
fact, her very long-range goal is to sing with the angels
up in heaven! She’s intent on passing the audition!!
Read more...