My favorite Canadian ‘Songbird’ sings no more What a weird way to find out that one of your favorite singers is done. And I mean kaput. She’ll never record another album. She’ll never record another song. She’ll never perform in public again. And yet, she’s one of the most successful female entertainers of all time, and probably one of Canada’s most profitable exports. She has her own museum in Nova Scotia, is today one of the world’s best female golfers and was even the subject of baby Stewey’s obsession on an episode of “Family Guy.” She’s known as Canada’s Songbird. And now, Anne Murray is done. She really, officially and completely retired. I had no idea. I’ve loved her for years, and have not only seen her perform three times, but I met her in 2008 backstage at the Morristown Community Theater (The Mayo Center.) Little did I know back then, but that was the old, proverbial “farewell tour.” And she means it. I watched an interview on Canadian television (isn’t the Internet great?) last week, and she basically said she is retired and loves it. Doesn’t miss it at all. Not even a little bit. It’s so odd to me. She was literally, in the 70’s and 80’s, on top of the world. She was right up there with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and all of those legendary early country performers. I never really considered her country. I’d say more pop. And the hits are countless: “Snowbird,” “Just Another Woman In Love,” “Could I have This Dance,” “Danny’s Song.” “You Needed Me” was probably the biggest. There are many. She is one of those artists who can do a show and the audience knows and sings along with every single song. Dozens and dozens. Yes, she was on top of the world. One of those timeless performers who would always sell out every venue she performed at, like the Mayo Center. Singers don’t “retire.” Do they? Don’t they kind of just fade away, or perform forever? Don’t they? Anyway, here’s the best part of the story: how I found out. And it wasn’t the Internet. It was from Anne herself! Now had I Googled her in the past few years, the “retirement” news was out there. She said one of the last things she wanted to do was write her memoir, which came out about two years ago. I got this notion- no surprise here- that I wanted a signed copy. So, I looked on her web site, which links to “The Anne Murray Center” in Nova Scotia (how many singers can boast of that? Their own “center!” and found an e-mail address that basically said “e-mail Anne.” So, I did. “Dear Anne, I love you. I have all your albums. I loved your book. Do you have a bookplate you could sign for my book?” Kept it nice and simple. I figured a staffer would read it and say “Yes, we’ll send you a bookplate” or “no, we don’t have any left. Sorry.” Instead a few hours later, I get this: “Hi Mike. I’ll send you a bookplate. That’s a good idea. Love, Anne.” My reply back: “Wow, is this really you. I love you! I’ve seen you three times, and can’t wait to see you again. I want to bring the kids next time. Can’t wait for the next tour around here.” Again, kept it pretty short, sweet, and adoring. Now here came the shock: “Hi Mike, thanks, but you won’t see me again. I’m completely retired. Playing golf and just loving life.” Bam! That’s how I found out! What could I say? “Wow. You deserve it. Thanks for all of the great songs and shows.” I was well, kind of shocked. You just don’t “retire” when you’re a singer! It’s just not the way things are supposed to go! But then again, Abba just disappeared. No one ever heard from the two women, at least, ever again. They have been offered millions to reunite. They turn it down every time. So now, Anne golfs. And enjoys a leisure life. She said on the Canada TV interview that she gave up a lot of kid’s birthdays, and other milestones to have the incredible career that she did. When we saw her in Morristown, she told the audience that the funniest and strangest letter she received was from a fan who asked if she would ever consider going back to being a gym teacher. Apparently, that was her first “career.” She responded: “If this whole singing thing doesn’t work out, I’ll let you know.” Classic. And now, she willingly just hung it all up. Said “That’s it. I’m done.” I still cant’ wrap my arms around the whole thing. As an aside, this set off an alarm bell. I e-mailed one of my OTHER favorite female singers, Kim Carnes. Told her about Anne’s big move, and said I hope she doesn’t follow suit. Kim’s response: “Don’t worry, I have golf and they’ll have to pull me off the stage.” Now that’s the spirit! And then I told my office mates about the “conversation” with Anne. The youngest peer said, not surprisingly: “Who’s Anne Murray?” But you know, don’t you? I can kind of hear you humming “Could I Have this Dance… For the Rest of My Life. Would you be my partner, Every Night….”
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:32:07 +0000
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