Voices for Gilda

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 27, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• ASIN: B00009ZKXA
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,694 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When Gilda Radner died of cancer in 1989, she left behind a rich comedic legacy and millions of fans. Roughly two dozen of those friends contribute one track each to this two-CD tribute. Musically, the discs cover a broad range, featuring studio and concert recordings from big pop stars (Elton John, Paul Simon, Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlan), Broadway heavy hitters (Nathan Lane, Mandy Patinkin), and Saturday Night Live alums (Dana Carvey, Steve Martin, and Billy Crystal). Also included are two comic clips from Radner herself—a Lisa Loopner piano recital of "The Way We Were" and a graduation commencement speech by Roseanne Roseannadanna. But for all the star power contained here, the most touching track by far is the final one. It’s an a cappella version of "Ohio" from the Leonard Bernstein musical Wonderful Town sung by Radner’s husband, Gene Wilder. In his wobbly voice you can hear a world of love and hurt, neither of which has diminished with time. (Proceeds from this CD go to Gilda’s Club, a free non-profit support community for those touched by cancer.) --David Bombeck

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was a friend of Gilda's, August 4, 2003

By	"goodlooking999" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

As someone who knew and loved (and wrote for) Gilda, I sometimes view tributes that are done in her honor with a consideration of what she would've thought of the gesture. She would've LOVED this CD. For many reasons. First of all, the artists who are represented and gave of themselves as well as their talents would've touched her heart in an indescribable fashion. Gilda was an artist who knew what it was like to create - so these songs that were donated both in her honor and for the wonderful cause that bears her name (Gilda's Club) are indeed the greatest gifts fellow artists could have given her. Secondly, Gilda knew just about everyone represented on this CD personally. She loved Paul Simon's music. No one made her laugh harder than Steve Martin. Paul Shaffer, Billy Crystal, and Victor Garber were among her oldest friends. And she had a crush on Gene Wilder. Last, but hardly least, Gilda loved being the center of attention. And if she is in a place where she somehow knows what all these wonderful people did in her name and honor, I know she's be smiling. This CD is great.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gilda's totally objective brother's review., July 5, 2003

By	Michael Radner - See all my reviews

I knew this double CD was coming, but until I had a chance to play it I did not appreciate what a wonderful collection of great songs and music interspersed with terrific humor and laughs it would be. That so many great artists cared about my sister and wanted to remember her by donating their work to help support Gilda's Club, the free social and emotional cancer support community for men, women and children with all types of cancer, their families and friends. Gilda inspired this with her wish that no one have to face cancer alone. This is a very enjoyable double CD with a wide variety music and humor. It would be both great to have and to give as a gift. That you are supporting a good cause at the same time is a bonus. Of course I'm Gilda's brother and that's just my opinion.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Tribute to Survival, Humor and Caring!, July 8, 2003

By	Mary (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Gilda Radner was an inspiration to so many, not only in her humor, but in how she faced her cancer. And the Gilda's Club legacy is a fitting tribute to such a talent and enduring spirit. Not only is this simply a fantastic compilation of music and humor -- who can resist bopping to Steve Martin's "King Tut" or singing along with Elton John? But it's also a tribute to Eileen Johnson, who survived thyroid cancer as a teenager, and who sings like an angel on two tracks on this double-CD set. But most people don't know that the entire project was her mother's idea...and her mom spent two years contacting artists and taking what started out as a small local project, and turning it into a national smash hit!

And Amazon is donating all the proceeds, except for a small handling fee, to Gilda's Clubs, so this CD set is making even more of a profound impact!

Buy it if you love artists like Mandy Patinkin, Harry Connick Jr., Randy Travis, Quincy Jones. Buy it if you love to laugh to the humor of Gilda, Dana Carvey, or Billy Crystal. Buy it if someone you love has cancer. Buy it if you want to honor thyroid patients!

What a wonderful legacy for Gilda, and a wonderful tribute for Eileen Johnson! And what a wonderful gift for those of us who can enjoy this compilation...