[Fredslist] Fw: Publicity for singer/writer Gretchen Christopher (of the Fleetwoods)

Mon Aug 7 16:14:05 EDT 2006

The below email comes from one of my life long buddies.  Please read it and
consider what you might be able to do to help him help her.  This is a
repeat of an email I sent last week.  Thanks.

__________________________________
Fred C. Klein
Klein, Zelman, Rothermel & Dichter, L.L.P
485 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 935-6020
fklein at legal.org
http://www.kzrd.com
http://www.gothamnetworking.com
----- Forwarded by Fred Klein/KZRD on 08/07/2006 04:11 PM -----

             BigRed1965 at aol.co                                             
             m                                                             
                                                                        To 
             07/31/2006 01:42          FKlein at kzrd.com                     
             PM                                                         cc 

                                                                   Subject 
                                       Publicity for singer/writer         
                                       Gretchen Christopher (of the        
                                       Fleetwoods)                         

Dear Fred,

I am writing in the hope that you might help in securing publicity for the
new work of Gretchen Christopher, the highly-acclaimed singer/writer and
founding member of the Fleetwoods vocal group.  The Fleetwoods are most
famous for “Come Softly To Me” and “Mr. Blue,” both #1 hits in 1959.  They
had many hits and albums thereafter.  Gretchen’s new CD, Gretchen’s Sweet
Sixteen! (Suite 16) is slated for release this month.  As a long-time
Fleetwoods admirer, I recently came upon Gretchen’s website, and ordered
her CD.  After a cordial “fan-mail” exchange, I became committed, purely on
an informal basis, to promoting the CD.  Gretchen is interested in getting
magazine and television exposure.  I think she is worthy of notable outlets
like People magazine and Oprah; her story and significant contributions to
American pop music merit such attention.

In the 50's and 60's, the Fleetwoods were perfect at providing a mellower
side of rock, fusing new rhythms and chords with the romantic impulse of
old-style pop-music. Their first recording, “Come Softly To Me,” had a
powerful impact, largely because of the female lead vocals of Gretchen.  It
reached #1 on Billboard and is one of the most oft-played records in radio
history.  That same year there was another #1 hit, with “Mr. Blue.”  Other
Fleetwoods songs include two 1961 favorites:  “Tragedy,” a top 10 hit; and
“(He’s) The Great Impostor,” later on the soundtrack of the movie American
Graffiti.

The Fleetwoods were the first artists to have two #1 hits in a year on the
Billboard Hot 100 charts (inaugurated in 1958), and the first mixed-gender
trio in the history of recorded pop music to have a #1 song on major
national charts. They were among the royalty of vocal groups in the golden
age of rock and roll, and certainly the premier mixed-gender group.   To
me, the best Fleetwoods recordings are those with Gretchen in the lead.
All the original Fleetwoods were fine artists; but Gretchen stands out for
her creative talents, sweet voice and bewitching beauty.

Gretchen is still lovely, vibrant, and talented.  On her website, either at
www.GretchenChristopher.com or www.Fleetwoods.com, one can hear captivating
sound clips from the new Gretchen's Sweet Sixteen! (Suite 16). The CD
includes a fetching new a cappella version of “Come Softly” (forerunner of
"Come Softly To Me,” which appears later on the album). There is also
“Blues Go Away,” a sensual remake of Gretchen's own composition from a 1961
Fleetwoods album.  Another highlight is “Autumn Gold,” with a poignant
message and haunting melody.  And there is “Sweet Sixteen,” with six key
changes:  Gretchen, whose actual birthday comes every four years on
February 29, relates how her first love, whom she met at age 16, came back
into her life by the time of her “second,” quadrennially-based, "sweet
sixteen" celebration.  Gretchen's voice is as sweet, yet as sultry, as
ever.

I would be happy to hear from anyone with suggestions, or Gretchen
Christopher could be contacted directly as follows:
fleetwoodgcm at earthlink.net ; or:
Gretchen Christopher, c/o Gold Cup Music
PO Box 11311, Olympia, WA 98508-1311.           Phone/Fax: 360-866-7866

Thanks for your consideration.  Sincerely, Steve Appell
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