After the waiting cold, a week of a sold out run, the frenzied chaos of the cosmos and a buzz of palpable expectations, raging tsunamis and the death of a strip of beach, a spiritual ecstasy, and the beautiful music of composer Randy Edelman…which has a life of its own….it was time for the highly anticipated New England Music Hall of Fame…Where the award winning composer was inducted. He was honored for musical contributions of “A Weekend In New England” ( as recorded by Barry Manilow and smashed the charts) and “Gettysburg”, the war drama depicting one of the biggest events of the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, moving listeners to tears and scored by Edelman….(just a taste of some of the maestro’s great musical efforts).
The sold out Regent Theater in the pop-trendy town of Arlington, Massachusetts was the scene for the musical synergy that unfolded during a barrage of madness, all in the name of great fun and explosive energy. Some of those honored aside from Randy were Don Randi from the famous Wrecking Crew, Susie Quattro, punk sensation Lizzie Borden and the Axes, Donna Summer, Sib Hashian (drummer of the band Boston), Charles Karp, Goldie & The Gingerbreads (first all female rock band signed to a major label), Robin Lane, Jim Sullivan, and a parade of others, not to mention the crowning of the Mrs. NEMHOF Marie Catherine Parente.
The mission of the NEMHOF is “ to unite, educate, influence, promote and preserve the integrity of New England’s music, and the people who represent it. We want to help not just the music but the musician. Music has no gender or race and just like it, we don’t discriminate.” Their vision is of similar fashion “we will achieve our mission along with creating music experiences, both live in virtual, through awarding talented musicians, and other positive contributors with the recognition they so greatly deserve.”
The backstage fire burned brightly illuminating the talent that stood within its boundaries. Once the spark was ignited and those flames began to dance, the stage became a vehicle for an explosive and triumphant evening directed and produced by musical director Liz Borden, and Amanda Epstein (coordinator), with the love and encouragement of co-founders Chris Annino (award winning film maker), and Angel Orsini (also in the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame).
The first to be honored was the phenomenal icon himself Composer Randy Edelman. He was inducted via celebrated documentary composer Brian Keane (a past inductee). In a heart warming introduction, he mentioned an array of soundtracks from the 100’s of film and TV scores that Randy had written including: Ghostbusters ll, My Cousin Vinny, Kindergarten Cop, Dragonheart, While You Were Sleeping, 27 Dresses, the hit TV series MacGyver and of course Last of the Mohicans. He also announced the pop songs Randy wrote covered by Barry Manilow, Patti LaBelle, Nelly, The Carpenters, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Dionne Warwick, Olivia, Newton-John, Willy Nelson and even Bing Crosby.
Randy’s wild acceptance speech spoke about the award being a fish butt (actually quite fitting for an New England award), thanked the Hall of Fame, and especially John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale, Tribeca Record label founder. After vehemently, insisting that there would be no performance from him…. He quite shockingly made his way to the crazy electric keyboard (mind you he’s probably the greatest pianist on the planet and is accustomed to performing everything on a grand piano) resting upon the stage and played with a sultry air of coolness, the theme from My Cousin Vinny and finally A Weekend In New England….. and the audience went berserk….
The evening was truly a night that won’t ever be forgotten. The glamour, the charm, and the honor stands by itself. The greatest gift that you can give someone is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance…… and an acknowledgment and affirmation of the hard work the artist endeavors and deserves. Humanity devours Randy’s music, his compassion, his sensitivity, his heartwarming words…..and no one deserves an award more than him…..Congratulations Randy Edelman.
Randy wishes to thank the New England Music Hall of Fame, especially Chris Annino, Brian Keane, Angel Orsini, Broadway Joe, Kadrolsha Ona Carole, and it’s members and staff and all of those who played an intricate role in making this happen. A very special acknowledgment to Steve Prescott, who designed the award fish butt….