These children of showbiz legends are ensuring that their fathers’ memories and legacies live on.
We speak with James Tormé and Melissa Tormé-March about their Velvet Fog of a dad, Mel Tormé, as we approach the 80th anniversary of his incomparable contribution to the holiday music canon, 'The Christmas Song'.
Then Joel Brokaw joins us. His new book 'Driving Marilyn: The Life and Times of Legendary Hollywood Agent Norman Brokaw' chronicles the history of William Morris star-maker, Norman Brokaw, known to Joel as Dad.
Melissa and James share their enthusiasm for Oy! To the World Christmas with a Twist, a new musical playing this month at North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre, which features their father's music alongside a hit list of Christmas classics composed by Jewish-American songwriters.
James and Melissa take us back to the sweltering July day in 1945 when their Dad and Bob Wells attempted to beat the heat with wintery lyrics and remained sweaty but created magic by conjuring “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”
They rushed the song over to Nat King Cole who was in at a few bars and proudly led a parade of 80,064 recorded covers, including James’ own version! The Torme kids share their Torme Christmas memories which include their dad and contraband Christmas movies!
Then Joel shares his family's history as a Ukrainian vaudeville acrobatic act that segued into the agency business when his Uncle, Johnny Hyde became VP of William Morris, discovered Marilyn Monroe and took on his young nephew, Norman to drive and accompany Marilyn to events.
Starting in the mailroom, Norman worked his way up to CEO. We hear about his working relationships with Marilyn Monroe, Kim Novak, Colonel Tom Parker, Dick Van Dyke, Gerald Ford, Mark Spitz, Barry Gordy and so many other greats.
Joel talks about his complicated history with a father whose clients received his primary caregiving. Joel grew up with TV stars spending weekends by his pool, monopolizing his Dad’s attention.
But what were the qualities that made Norman so affective as a talent mentor? We learn the magic ingredients and hear how Norman took the new fangled TV department and made history with Loretta Young, Barbara Stanwyck, Dick Van Dyke and Andy Griffith.
Joel also talks about Norman's relationship with Bill Cosby and how his father’s dementia buffered him from the horrors of Cosby’s crimes. And, finally, what was the fate of Norman's sacred, secret keeping Rolodex?
Plus, this week Weezy recommends Nutcrackers on Hulu and Fritz is all about Thelma, now in theaters and on streaming platforms.
Path Points of Interest:
Oy! To The World
elportaltheatre.com/oytotheworld.html
James Tormé
www.jamestorme.com/
James Tormé on TH-cam
th-cam.com/users/jamestorme
James Tormé on X
x.com/jamestorme
The Christmas Song by James Tormé
th-cam.com/video/plKnJjirCeo/w-d-xo.html
James Tormé at Kookaburra on 12/21
www.thekookaburralounge.com/events/torme21
Joel Brokaw
joelbrokaw.com/
Driving Marilyn by Joel Brokaw
www.amazon.com/Driving-Marilyn-Legendary-Hollywood-Norman/dp/149308593X/
Norman Brokaw on Wiki
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Brokaw
Nutcrackers on Hulu
www.hulu.com/movie/nutcrackers-335fb713-8ccb-4daa-8c20-d26c982309a0
Thelma - Streaming in Most Places
www.thelmamovie.com