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by Liz Smith Let's "Walk The Line" With Johnny Cash — The No. 1 Country Song, Ever! (So Says Rolling Stone) ... Donna Karan, Still Fresh, Inventive and Looking Good ... A Note From Hal Holbrook, and How Tom Cruise was Bruised By The Internet.
Lyrics from the great Johnny Cash-composed song, “I Walk The Line.” That song has been chosen by Rolling Stone magazine as No. 1 in the Top 25 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. And it is hypnotic in every way. Others included in the Top Ten — Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” ... Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” ... Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” ... Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me,” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Loretta Lynn’s “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinking (With Lovin’ On Your Mind.)” is No. 19. But I feel with its strong feminist stance, it should be higher up. (Along with Loretta’s groundbreaking “The Pill.”) |
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Barbara and her tycoon husband Robert found themselves signing books, ordering E versions and making nice. She is one of the most successful money makers in the world of international fiction. When you get a new tale from Barbara you are joining hundreds of thousands of readers in the BTB fan club. She has been translated into more languages than you and I even speak. Barbara is my co-chair for the Literacy Partners gala fundraiser, happening June 17th at Cipriani 42nd Street. No one ever had a better, more glamorous and generous pal. No wonder knowing New Yorkers lined up to buy her new novel and in the bargain they are also raising money to help 2 million adults learn how to read and write and make themselves over into useful citizens. |
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| DONNA Karan— hooray! In The New York Times recently, the famed American designer got a big write up as if she were a fashion beginner. At age 65, she looks about 30 and acts as if she is just starting out to become what she already became, an unending fashion force. The Times lists her in a success trio with Ralph and Calvin. |
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| AIMEE Self says we failed to mention — when writing about actress Nancy Olson — that she was once wed to songwriter Alan Jay Lerner! So there. Hope I'm not going to have to list all his “Fair Ladies!” |
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| NANCY Thomsen applauds our point about women screaming on the daily TV shows. She adds: "So I watch most of these programs with the sound off. Lately, I have basically stopped watching almost everything; the exception being the wonderful CBS Morning News with Charlie Rose, Gayle King, and Norah O'Donnell. Their program is civilized, gentle, and informative, and always interesting. No screaming there." I agree wholeheartedly. |
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| MAGGIE VESSEY, the popular 800 meter runner, is also making strides in fashion. She is designing outfits fit for racing. She says her clothes are “out there.” (They are Tarzan and Peter Pan-like!) But they are still functional when it comes to the finish line. |
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| MUSIC NOTE: Australia’s David Campbell — who has become a big deal over here in the U.S. — has a new CD, “David Campbell Sings John Bucchino.” (Bucchino is an award winning composer/lyricist, singer, much loved by Harvey Fierstein, Art Garfunkel, Liza Minnelli, Kristin Chenoweth, etc.) Campbell was the youngest performer ever to headline the fabled NYC spot Rainbow & Stars, formerly part of the late, lamented Rainbow Room complex. (But the Rainbow Room itself is set to re-open this fall.) David’s disc lands on June 24th. |
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| A LOVELY note from actor Hal Holbrook, about his late adored wife, Dixie Carter: “By some movement of fate today I was editing one of the final chapters of a memoir I have written about the courageous fight Dixie put up against cancer ... and how dear it was that she spent more time worrying about and encouraging other patients than she did herself. When I read what you said, that Dixie was ‘quite spiritual and uplifting. She didn’t hit you over the head with it, but her faith was strong’ — it was a home run, Liz. That was Dixie.” It’s always nice to have a “scoop.” (Whatever such a thing is these days!) But something like Mr. Holbrook’s note is so much more appreciated and genuine. And something I like to share. |
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| IF YOU want to read a truly incisive article about the career of Tom Cruise, and how the intrusions of the Internet and YouTube affected his image, findThe Village Voice May 28-June 3rd issue. Amy Nicholson hits paydirt, tracking how Tom (and his longtime press rep Pat Kingsley) kept Cruise below the radar, personally, even as his career soared. But when Kinglsey, finally too hard-pressed, stopped working for Tom, it coincided with the rise of the Internet, and little things — such as Tom’s millisecond jump on Oprah’s couch, which came to live in infamy. |
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| It’s all fascinating. And author Nicholson points out that no matter what the Internet gossips tell us, Tom Cruise is still a major draw who has never had an out and out flop. He is, of course, a fine and much underrated actor, too. (His latest sci-fi actioner, “Edge of Tomorrow” is receiving nice buzz, as is his co-star, the divine Emily Blunt.) |
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Contact Liz Smith here. | Click here for NYSD contents. |