On my way to LAX, I stopped at a beautiful café to squeeze the last bit of California girl out of my time there before getting on my flight back home. So, I get my coffee and gluten-free, $6 blueberry muffin and turn to find a table, and who is sitting there but film producer, author, curiosity expert and all-around brilliant creator Brian Grazer. Y’all he produced SPLASH! One of my all-time faves, among so many other great movies and TV shows.
Now, of all the people I could have spotted in Hollywood, Brian Grazer is in my top three. He is truly one of my heroes.
I didn’t say anything to him, but instead, smiled — and winked. What the hell? I winked! What? It was just an automatic response. He looked deep in thought, and I don’t think he even connected it, thank heavens.
I ended up sitting outside to take in the last bit of gorgeous California, and I took a peek inside to see him sitting and talking with a few folks, and realized I was witnessing a Brian Grazer meeting!
I finished my excellent cup o’ Joe, gathered my notebook and backpack, and headed for the airport, elated.
Elated to be so blessed to make a living at what I still love to do — sing and entertain. Elated and grateful that I still have heroes and mentors and people who help me every day realize my vision. People who, whether I know them personally or just have a winking acquaintance with them, are doing great work that inspires me.
Lately, I have been working on a new show called “Dedicated to the Ones I Love: Great women singers of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s,” (kind of an updated, 2.0 version of my “Her Way” show), where I honor some of my musical heroes, from Connie Francis to Dusty Springfield to Cher. These women paved the way for me and countless others who love to sing and perform. I can’t thank them enough!
I hope you have heroes, and know that you are thought of as a hero, too… most likely by someone who smiles and winks at you.