Janet Jackson Fan Club Holiday Messages

William Blinn Archive of American TV Interview Part 3

Fame executive producer for seasons 1 to 3, William Blinn was interviewed for the Archive of American TV in 2005. The full interview lasts nearly 4 hours and covers the whole of his career as a writer and producer. The segment on Fame last about 35 minutes and has been broken down into 5 parts. This is part 3.

Bill discusses how they needed to change the original Fame pilot to make it work better. He also gives an idea of what would be happening behind the scenes when planning an episode, which was done at the same time as they were recording the current episode; The problems they had with Gene Anthony Ray; his relationship with Erica Gimpel and Debbie Allen and how he was fired by MGM from the show.

Erica Gimpel Beyond Race Magazine Interview 2010

Interview with Erica Gimpel from "Beyond Race Magazine" discussing her music, Ireland, a European tour next year and working on a new album.

Read Interview 

William Blinn Archive of American TV Interview Part 2

 

Fame executive producer for seasons 1 to 3, William Blinn was interviewed for the Archive of American TV in 2005. The full interview lasts nearly 4 hours and covers the whole of his career as a writer and producer. The segment on Fame last about 35 minutes and has been broken down into 5 parts. This is part 2.

Bill discusses how they needed to change the original Fame pilot to make it work better. He also gives an idea of what would be happening behind the scenes when planning an episode, which was done at the same time as they were recording the current episode; The problems they had with Gene Anthony Ray; his relationship with Erica Gimpel and Debbie Allen and how he was fired by MGM from the show.

Janet Jackson PSA for The Trevor Project & Larry King Interview

Janet Jackson lends her voice to The Trevor Project with this special message addressed to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender youth:

"I want to speak to all the young people who mean so much to me. I know that sometimes life can seem insurmountable, especially during your teen years. And if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, you're probably thinking you're all alone, but you're not. There is a world of acceptance waiting for you. If you've been a target of bullying, tell a trusted adult. And if you're feeling depressed, lonely or suicidal, contact The Trevor Project. It Gets Better."

The Trevor Lifeline: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Toll free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

VISIT: http://www.thetrevorproject.org

Plus Interview from The Larry King Show on the Trevor Project and not hiding your True Self.

Create Your Own Fame Merchandise

Create your own Fame Mugs, T-shirts, Bags and Teddy Bears, badges even underwear at Cafe Press.com

Simply choose which item you want to make and upload a picture from your computer. It's great fun trying different things and of course you get some unique and great fame merchandise too, which make ideal gifts for Christmas.

Debbie Allen talks about The Hot Chocholate Nutcracker

Debbie Allen Talks about her new holiday show "The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker".

Fame Trivia Fame Pilot 30 years old!

This picture of Valerie Landsburg was taken on location in New York City during the filming of the Fame Pilot. This is what Valerie and Carol Mayo Jenkins had to say about it on Facebook:

Valerie: "People send me pictures from the show all the time. I love seeing them. This one was taken in December of 1980. 30 years ago. I was acting in the pilot and that same week I took over the role of Libby in "I Ought To Be In Pictures" on Broadway. Seems like a lifetime ago and at the same time as if it was yesterday." 

Carol: "Oh, my - I remember so clearly meeting you in that school where we filmed in N.Y. You were so incredibly bright and sophisticated and still so young. I loved you immediately and have ever since. Thirty years?!?!? Can't be possible!" It's great to finally have a date for when filming of the pilot took place. 

This means the 30th Anniversary of Fame can officially begin and we can celebrate for 3 years!: 1980 for the filming of the pilot, 1981 for the start of filming of the first season and 1982 for the anniversary of the first broadcasts. Happy Anniversary Everyone!

William Blinn Archive of American TV Interview Part 1

 

Fame executive producer for seasons 1 to 3, William Blinn was interviewed for the Archive of American TV in 2005. The full interview lasts nearly 4 hours and covers the whole of his career as a writer and producer. The segment on Fame last about 35 minutes and has been broken down into 5 parts. This is part 1.

Bill discusses how they needed to change the original Fame pilot to make it work better. He also gives an idea of what would be happening behind the scenes when planning an episode, which was done at the same time as they were recording the current episode; The problems they had with Gene Anthony Ray; his relationship with Erica Gimpel and Debbie Allen and how he was fired by MGM from the show.

Fame Merchandise Fame Jigsaws

Create your own Fame jigsaws at YourDesign.co.uk. Simply choose the style of jigsaw and upload a picture from your computer. 

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 9 Season Finale

Here's part 9 of my on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again". This is the season finale for this first season.

Part nine is called "Tangled Up In A Mystery"

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Fame Merchandise Fame Sunglasses case

A fame glasses/sunglasses case is available from Amazon.co.uk. currently on special offer reduced from £11.99 to £3.00.

Lee Curreri Message to French Fan

Message Lee sent to French Fan Sonia.

Fame Merchandise Fame Posters

Cafe Press have a selection of Fame posters available to buy.

Fame Merchandise Fame T Shirts

80s Tees.com have a range of unique Fame T-shirts for sale.

 

Fame Merchandise Fame Cap Fame Water Bottles

Cafe Press have a range of Fame Water bottles available:

Fame Merchandise Fame Teddy Bears

Create you own Fame design Teddy Bears at YourDesign.co.uk. Simply choose the bear you like and upload an image from your computer.

Fame Merchandise Fame Bags

Cafe Press have large range of Fame bags available to buy in different styles.

Fame Top Ten Things I Love No 6!

At number 6 on my count down of the top 10 things I love about Fame is the Stories:

Although I never personally wanted to be a performer and didn’t identify with that aspect, I realise that for a lot of people this is what hooked them into the show. In the hope that one day they too may become a singer, dancer, actor, musician, etc.. or simply just be famous.

However ,I loved watching the stories of the Kids trying to succeed in the chosen careers. Enjoying the highs and lows and sometimes just the sheer fun of watching them put on a show.

Many of the stories I think still hold up today. I was never too keen on watching the stories about their failed love lives but the stories about show business were great and hold up so well to repeat viewing.

There are many programmes that I enjoyed as a kid and the advent of DVD has meant I could relive many of these programmes but very few of them live up to the memories I have of them as a child but “Fame” always has managed to keep me interested.

Maybe it’s because for the most part “Fame” has always been there as part of my life. Even more so today than in the past as I now finally have every episode and working on this site means Fame is very rarely away from my thoughts!

Also the stories about the kids striving for Fame were unique in that no other show was doing them.

Jet Blues Noah Needleman & Lee Curreri

Noah Needleman performs Jet Blues with Lee Curreri on piano.

Fame Merchandise Fame Cap

Fame Caps are available from 80s tees.com. They come in 4 colours: Silver, Purple, Cyan or fuschia and are currently on sale at $6.99. They ship worldwide.

For more information and to order click the link below to go to the website:

http://www.80stees.com/products/Movie-Logo-FAME-Hat.asp

Debbie Allen Radio Interview Karen Vaughn

Debbie Allen Radio Interview from 2006 with Karyn Vaughn.

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 8

Here's part 8 of my on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again"

Part Eight is called "Look For Me"

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Lee Curreri & Irene Cara We Are The World!

Interesting video where various celebrities including Lee Curreri and Irene Cara are miming to the original "We Are The World"! Not sure why they are all doing it but it's fun spotting the stars, especially our Fame cast. You have to wait for Lee as he's near the end!

Fan Fame alternate Season One Credits

Alternate fan made credits for season 1 I found on you tube including, Mrs Berg and Crandal.

Nia Peeples Interview on Surfing & Huntingdon Beach

Nia Peeples interview on Surfing, the surf community and Huntington Beach.

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 7

Here's part 7 of my on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again"

Part seven is called "Only Trying To Help"

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Fame Thriller at Halloween

Fame Thriller at Halloween

Carlo's Mother dies

Sad news has reached us that Carlo's beloved Mother, Leah has died. Our thoughts are with Carlo and his family at this difficult time.

Here are some messages that Fame cast members have left for Carlo:

Lee Curreri:
"Carlo - I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet her back in the day - she was really a great woman. I know you're going through it right now, big time, but I hope you can find comfort and peace in the fact that she lovingly and skillfully raised a pretty awesome guy. RIP Mrs. Imperato."

Carol Mayo Jenkins:
"Dearest Carlo - Your sweet, wonderful mother - I remember her so well. She made me promise I would look after you all those years ago. So now I guess I will. So much love to you and your family....Carol"

Erica Gimpel:
"Carlo,
I send you much love... your mother was so full of love for you that I know her love now lives inside of you.
Peace and Love to you and your precious family!
Thinking of you,
Erica"

Jesse Borrego Dancing to Fame Theme on Italian TV

Jesse Borrego and some dancers dance to the Fame Theme on Italian TV. The theme is an interesting Hybred of the music used at the start of the performance in the final episode and the season 5 & 6 credits as performed by Loretta Chandler.

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 6

Here's part 6 of my on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again"

Part six is called "Face To Face "

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Fame Trivia - The Most Worn shirt on Fame

First seen being worn by Garcy during the Fame song in "Metamorphosis". The Shirt turned up again worn by Jesse in the Season 6 episode "All I Want For Christmas".

Since then I've noticed Doris Wearing it in the Season 3 epiosde "Consequences". I think she wears it in season 2 but I haven't had time to check the episodes yet.

Then by a member of the band in Season 4's The Ballad of Ray Claxton when Jesse performs.

Someone in the wardrobe department must have really liked it so I'll be looking out for it in other episodes! If you spot it then let me know.

Fame Top Ten Things I Love No 7!

At number 7 on my count down of the top 10 things I love about Fame is the music.
The music and the songs were such a fabulous part of the show and made the show unique. Other prime time shows used music but none the way Fame did. We knew each week that each episode would bring us some new songs songs to listen to and enjoy.

The up-tempo numbers left us feeling good and the lovely ballads helped us identify with what the characters were feeling and often expressed our own feelings.

Only 2 episodes don't feature any actual songs, although they do have instrumental music, and personally I beleive those episodes fall a little flat.

So many of these songs stand the test of time and I love them as much today as I did when I was a teenager watching the show in the 1980s.

Being able to own some of those songs on album was great and gave an extra dimension for enjoying the show. Sadly the albums stopped and some fantastic songs were never released. Which is why I originally started this blog to enjoy and share those songs.

Debbie Allen The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Debbie Allen's new musical holiday show:

"The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is sure to become an annual Holiday Classic. I have taken tradition and given it a new context, fresh lively characters, new music and spectacular dancing to bring a vibrant unforgettable theater experience for all families to enjoy.

Following the idea of the original, its Christmas Eve and the Johnson Family, friends and neighbors are having a grand party. The Christmas gifts are shared and young Kara receives a Nutcracker filled with hot chocolate- her favorite. She falls asleep and the journey begins when the Nutcracker comes alive! She follows him to many lands of wonder: Candy Cane Lane, Egypt, the Rainforrest, Jazzland, Russia and the Land of the Kimona Dolls, China. The entire story is narrated by three wisecracking mice: Harvey, Schmink and Buckey."

Plus, I am going to be in the show! Don't miss this wonderful production created just for you!!

Sincerely,
Debbie Allen

Also featuring Carlo Imperato!

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 5

Here's part 5 of my on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again"

Part five is called "To Change What Is Past" 

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Fame Top Ten Things I Love No 8!

At number 8 on my count down of the things I love about Fame is Hard work and dedication:

It always seemed like the cast of Fame worked harder than any other TV show. Not only was there the acting but the singing, dancing, records, tours etc too. For me all of that made the show so much more appealing. It was never a case of actors just going through the motions on Fame they always seemed to be working really hard.

The characters too were depicted as really hard working and dedicated to their chosen career paths. It was important I think to show the characters struggling to achieve their dreams to demonstrate to the public that Fame didn’t just come easily because people wanted it to. You had to work hard to earn it and even then hard work didn't always work out how people had planned.

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 4

Here's part 4 of my Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time & Again"

Part four is called "Lost in Yesterday "

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Debbie Allen Interview on Alliance Theatre & Twist

Debbie Allen Interview on the alliance Theatre and her new show Twist.

Preview of the main musical performances from "Twist".

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Behind the Scenes

Well, I've had some great feedback on my fan fiction story "Doris Schwartz Time and Again" and lots of questions have been raised. "How did she get there?", "What's happening?", "Is it a Dream?" etc..

I'm not going to give away the story so you'll just have to keep reading, ha ha!. There will be clues along the way. All I will say is it's not a dream!

Originally, I thought this story would just be continuous and I would post a new episode whenever I’d written it. However part way through writing I felt the story demanded to be broken down into seasons and each season have a theme which would conclude in the season finale with a cliff hanger. So that is how the story will now unfold. There are 9 parts in season 1 which are all now written and I will post over the coming weeks.

When I started writing all I had was the idea of sending Doris back in time and reliving events from the past from a new perspective. I actually had no idea myself what had caused this to happen and how I was going to explain it or where the story was actually going. I just wanted the story to sort of involve time travel and play with the rules of time and involve revisiting the Fame episode. I wanted to deal with the existing continuity and maybe bridge some gaps in that continuity but at the same time play with the stories as Doris’ actions change the past.

I threw in certain mysteries to the story like Mrs Berg recognising Doris and knowing there was a problem, without personally knowing how or why that was part of the story. It just seemed like a good idea at the time and I knew I didn’t have to explain it straight away and hoped a good idea might come to me.

As I neared writing the end of season 1 and considered future storylines the ideas seemed to fall in place and suddenly I knew exactly why Doris was in the past and how certain parts of the story would fit into that. I also knew at what point in the story some of the answers would be revealed.

At the time of writing this I still aren’t sure of the ending or when that will come but I’m confident that when the time is right that the ideas will fall into place too.

All the episode titles and the main title actually come from various fame songs:

"Time and Again" itself comes from "Turn to Me" from the line "Time and Again this World just keeps on turning".

"All My Past Behind" comes from "Starmaker" and refers to not only Doris being back in the past but also how she has left her current life behind, which for her is also the past.

"To See Your Face Again" is obviously the song Reggie sang when Nicole dies so it seemed appropriate for the story of how Doris' Mother died.

Doris will be moving between various episodes, even ones that we didn't see her character appear on screen.

I'd like to make this story interactive and for the future seasons I may set up polls for you to decide where Doris goes next.

However in the meantime if you have any suggestions of which episodes you'd like Doris to move to then let me know. I can't promise to use every suggestion but I'll do my best.

The next episode "Lost In Yesterday" goes live on September 23rd!

Mark

Janet Jackson For Colored Girls Trailer

Here's the trailer for Janet Jackson's new movie "For Colored Girls". This Tyler Perry film also stars Whoopie Goldberg and Debbie Allen's sister Phylicia Rashad. Out in the U.S. on 5th November.

Be My Music Information and Ethan Hurt Interview

I was recently contacted by Ethan Hurt who co-wrote "Be My Music" with Lee Curreri. Ethan is a musician, singer, song writer and film producer and he very kindly agreed to talk to us about a little about "Be My Music" which resulted in some very interesting information!

Firstly though his name because some of you may be thinking it doesn't say Ethan Hurt on your copy of the album or CD as he is also credited under Ethan Hurwitz, Ethan Horowitz and Ethan Horwitz. I'll let Ethan explain:

"The name issue is interesting for sure my friend and my name was legally changed from Hurwitz to Hurt in 1990, by a judge in NYC. I'd used the "Stage Name" Ethan Hurt since 1980. The mess up is with regard to publishers and record labels along the way who confused my legal name with my stage name, and with what my contracts said, and what I should be called and credited as, as well as, many, many typo issues along the way (lost in translation 101, via many releases in many countries at the same time....)... Hence, if you are still able to breathe after hearing this tale, because I cannot, I "legally" the name changed to "Hurt" so that this would cease to be an issue for me from 1990 onward into the future.... But here we are today still discussing it... LOL!"
Here's the Exclusive interview with Ethan:

Kids From Fame Media: What was your Inspiration for writing “Be My Music”?


Ethan Hurt: "A girlfriend of mine named Susan Kraker, who now is a fine film maker and producer in Los Angeles. I was 16 and she was 15 at the time.

However, Lee and I wrote the final version of "Be My Music" together... My version, the original "Be My Music" (which in no way was the great final collaboration between me and Lee) had some of the current lyrics and the entire chorus as you now hear it in the final version, but needed Lee's genius for other great lyrics, musical betterment and to tie the entire song together... etc... It was therefore 100% a collaborative effort between us resulting in what we now hear as "Be My Music"...."


KFFM: Have you ever recorded “Be My Music” yourself or performed it in any of your own shows?

EH: "Performed at shows YES, Never recorded for an Ethan Hurt Album... Yet... maybe that's a great idea. Maybe ask Lee to join me in duet format somehow..."
(That would be great to see so I've said to Ethan that I will send a link to this page to Lee on Facebook and see if there is any response!)

KFFM: How did your song become involved in the Fame TV series? Did you have to submit the song for them to use or did they approach you to use the song?

EH: "Charles Koppelman, the executive producer, is from the same town I grew up in on Long Island NY, so I was able to get an interview with him pretty easily, at 16 I played for him some of my music in his offices in NYC and the rest is history. He heard "Be My Music" amongst many songs I played live for him that day, and when he heard BMM he said "Wow, now that's a hit"... Pretty cool huh?"

KFFM: Lee Curreri has said in an Interview that you wrote “Be My Music” and he wrote a song called “Rainy Weather Friend” and the two songs were merged together to form what we now know as “Be My Music”. Could you tell us your memories of what happened?

EH: "Cool! Wow! I never knew that. But it still is totally in harmony with my version of the story 100%...

PS: Please send me that interview, I love it!"
As requested I sent the interview to Ethan and also added it to a video I made for the Album Version of "Be My Music" Press Play below to hear what Lee had to say or read below:


Lee Curreri: "You know I think "Be My Music" might be a good bet because that was something that I wrote. And actually I wrote a song that was self contained and it was one of the guys that was working on music on the show, decided to marry that song to another song. Cause my song was "Rainy Weather Friend" and, er and and this other guy's song was "Be My Music" and and it came together in that Ethan's part of the song was the hook and then my part of the song was the verses and the bridge, and so it sort of had an interesting a little er, sort of a... what I thought at the time was a shot gun wedding but now I listen to it, it seems to work pretty well."

KFFM: Were you involved in the merging of the songs and did you and Lee work together on this or did someone else merge the songs?

EH: "Lee and I worked together apart... he did the final merge. I was 17 by this time, just prior to inclusion in the show and the album, it was my first professional foray into the music business, and Lee was the "PRO" mentor on this one.... That being said, his writing and "merging" skills were/are brilliant. So No I am not "The merger"...."

KFFM: Were you happy with the finished results?

EH: "Yes, happy... Blown away actually."

KFFM: The Kids From Fame album from which “Be My Music” comes was a huge selling record, certainly in the U.K. when it was originally released back in 1982. Did you get Royalties from the album or were you just paid a flat fee for the use of your song?


EH: "Still am getting royalties from "Be My Music"... Bought my first cool apartment in NYC with the first proceeds from "Be My Music", that... and a BMW... The song was slated to be released as a single and never was... That being said, had it been released as a single, I would have been able to buy the entire building, LOL..."

Footnote, "and I am not sure Lee would be happy to hear this, as I am not happy to re-tell this tale. No names here... But the Publisher at that time back in 1983, was approached by Barry Manilow who wanted to follow up his huge HIT "I Write the Songs" with "Be My Music", a pretty cool idea and great, logical fit. He (Barry) wanted to do all NEW Barry Manilow music on the remainder of the album. ALL his own brilliant songs, all his own publishing etc.... The deal fell apart because, the nameless publisher in question, wanted more than half the record to contain songs that HE (the nameless publisher) owned and controlled... The outcome? Barry Manilow walked away from "Be My Music" and that deal. Greed is a powerful thing Huh?"

Footnote #2: "Journey was almost pursued, but not... "Faithfully" released after "Be My Music", well. go take a listen side by side with "Be My Music"... Enjoy that one... LOL."

(Listen to Journey's Faithfully to compare just how similar the music is to "Be My Music".)

Footnote # 3 : "was the #2 album of 1982 in the UK, sold in excess of 2 million copies in the UK alone... have you ever seen he sales figures for the UK?"
KFFM: “Be My Music” is different to your most of your other songs. What are your thoughts on this song today?

EH: "Different than most, but very similar in lyric and music to my ballads.... The Ethan Hurt artist recordings and arrangements are not FAME- ish in any way, that's true... More rock in nature, my natural style."

KFFM: Are you proud of your connection to Fame or has it become like an albatross around your neck?


EH: "I am so proud... Fame in my life launched me in Europe and made me lots of money and opened unlimited doors for me.... The connection to Fame made so many things possible... Have you seen my film "What's Cooking?"... I produced that."

Many thanks to Ethan Hurt for being so kind and taking time to talk to us.

For more information and to listen to Ethan's music click to go to his website:

www.ethanhurt.com

Doris Schwartz Time And Again Part 3

Here's part 3 of my new on going Fan Fiction Series "Doris Schwartz Time and Again". You might need tissues for this part!

Part three is called "To See Your Face Again " click the link below: 

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Fame Trivia Kids From Fame Books Deception!!

In 1983, 2 Kids From Novels were published by Sphere Books and written by Lisa Todd, or were they?

Lisa Todd doesn't actually exist it is actually a pen name of sci fi writer Stephen Gallagher. Here's what he had to say about the books:

"What can I say? I was broke and these novelisations provided me with enough cash to finance the research for Oktober.

A courier delivered a box of twenty-six complete scripts from MGM Los Angeles. I split the pile into two and went through each script in turn, noting possible running storylines and scenes worth drawing upon.

The next day, I started to write. I turned out two 50,000 word novels in twenty-one days and picked up £4,000 for the gig. I think I ran out and bought a fan magazine so I'd have some pictures of the cast for reference, but that's all the research I did.
To this day, I still haven't seen a single episode of the series or even the Alan Parker movie that inspired it."

"I used the name Lisa Todd to put as much professional distance between myself and these titles as possible."

"I'm not ashamed of them - for what they are, they're decent and honest pieces of work - but if they don't carry any of my DNA then they shouldn't be carrying my name, either."

"One thing I didn't bargain for - Lisa Todd started to get fan mail. Most of it from young girls taking dance lessons and dreaming of a career on the stage.

I couldn't dash their illusions so I had to respond in character. But I didn't deceive them completely - I told them it's a tough life and there are no guarantees of happiness. So I'm kind of hoping that God will let me off."