Lullabies for Little Angels by Shirley Gifford w/ Vinnie Zummo

Songs from eight cultures(American, Welsh,

Irish, Scottish, French, Latin American/Spanish, and

Japanese) are represented, and four languages(English,

French, Spanish, and Japanese).

There are various other benefits of this type of CD.

Of course, hearing traditional music from one's own country

teaches a deeper love for one's culture. And, beautiful

music from many parts of the world makes us realize how

much alike we are, no matter from what country we come.

Lovely music touches everyone's heart, and sharing our

native music has the effect of bringing all people closer

together in this Global World.

For children who are studying English around the world,

learning a few songs "by heart" in English would be

especially beneficial in learning to become comfortable

with the rhythm and the linking of words in English speech.

Last but not least, let's not forget the importance of

sharing a mutually satisfying time with one's child. A

child intuits when the parent is really relaxed, and not

simply "bearing with" shared music.

This CD offers all the benefits listed above. Shirley's

beautiful, calming voice combined with Vinnie's sensitive

arrangements offer a unique listening experience to be

enjoyed equally by parents and children.

but a listening treat for children and parents as well.

Lullabies for Little Angels/Note from Shirley

Vinnie Zummo and I chose these songs for their

universality and intrinsic beauty. Songs such as "Annie

Laurie" and "Danny Boy" are songs that have touched the

hearts of listeners ever since they were written over a

hundred years ago, and we feel, obviously, that such

songs should be supported and kept within “hearing”

distance! What better way to perpetuate a beautiful song,

than to share it with children who will appreciate and

love its melody and harmony? Such songs can be kept in

the heart, not only as a beautiful memory of childhood,

but as a living work of Art which remains in the mind, to

be called upon, at will, at any time in the future.

All of the songs in this album are from the Public

Domain, with the exception of our original song, “ Now I

Lay Me.” Many people are unaware of the existence of the

Public Domain Law. If you would like more information about

this, you can check with www.pdinfo.com.

Shirley's Biography/Background Information

Shirley has been a singer since she was 5 years old,

when she sang her first solo at the Rock Presbyterian

Church in Fair Hill, Maryland. Growing up, Shirley, a

mezzo, and her sister, Rosalie, who has a beautiful

soprano voice, loved to sing duets together, everything

from pop to country, to classical.

After majoring in Music with a B.A. degree from

Florida State University, Shirley moved to New York City,

where she gathered a musical following during her years

singing at The Gaslight Club on East 56th Street, near

Park Avenue. She also performed with The Myer Davis

Orchestras, and was a soloist for the New Jersey Pops

Orchestra. Additionally, she performed at cabaret clubs in

Manhattan, including La Chansonnette, Mickey's, and the

Magic Pan.

During an extended "gig" at La Cave Henri IV,

A. M. Rosenthal of the New York Times was in the audience

one night, and was surprised when Shirley could sing his

request, "Plaisir D'Amour." His group enjoyed it very

much, Mr. Rosenthal sent the NY Times reviewer,

Richard Shepard, to the restaurant to review Shirley's

performing. She received a rave review.

When performing at Nell Gwynn’s on East 42nd Street,

Don Nelson, of the NY Daily News also gave her a "rave”

review, entitling the review, "Soothing Sounds at

Grand Central."

Singing in eight languages, she sang did many

one-woman shows for various corporations, such as Mobil

and Merck, as well as for events such as LPGA Awards

Dinners, and for the Catholic Charities Banquet in the

presence of the great Jan Pierce on the dais, who gave her

the “Okay” sign after her performance of “The Impossible

Dream.”

Shirley was chosen by Anthony Quinn and Joel Grey for

the part of the widow in the Broadway show, “Zorba,” the

road tour. Sadly, it didn’t materialize because the

original actress decided not to leave the show. But

Shirley has always believed things happen for a reason,

and very soon after that, she had the opportunity to

perform in Tokyo, Japan.

In Japan, she sang on various TV shows in Tokyo, and

also took advantage of the opportunity to learn a new

profession: teaching English as a Second Language. For

some years, she “commuted” back and forth between Japan

and New York with two professions, singing and teaching.

Shirley has been back in New York for 10 years now,

and from 1999 to December, 2005, was the executive

producer of her own local cable TV show in Manhattan,

performing her favorite songs, which she loves to share

with everyone.

In 2004, she contacted her old friend and associate,

AND musical genius, Vinnie Zummo. Together, they began to

plan this CD, “Lullabies for Little Angels.”

Shirley continues to teach ESL, and loves both

teaching...and always singing, of course! As a matter of

fact, her very long-range goal is to sing with the angels

up in heaven! She’s intent on passing the audition!!

Average Customer Review: 4