THE GREAT STANDARD AMERICAN SONGBOOK:
A TRIBUTE TO BROADWAY AND HOLLYWOOD

Ian Nairnsey and Irwin Gordon

DESCRIPTION: This eight-week lecture series will be hour-long narratives by Ian Nairnsey. Irwin Gordon will sing with orchestral and other appropriate taped accompaniment throughout Mr. Nairnsey’s narrative. Nairnsey will describe the history, authors and background of the songs to enable patrons to learn about the era and the reasons behind their composition.

EIGHT LECTURES:

1. Some of the best songs of the 1930’s
   
2. The Hollywood years of composer Jule Styne
   
3. Some of the best songs from the war years - the 1940’s
   
4. The songs made famous by Mel Torme, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin
   
5. Some of the best songs of the 1950’s
   
6. Some of the great songs from Hollywood movies
   
7. Some of the best songs of the 1960’s
   
8. Some of the best songs written for the Broadway Stage

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Ian Nairnsey was educated in London, where he attended Westminster Public School, qualified as an attorney, and practiced in London for 35 years. He is a permanent resident of Florida and now is an American citizen. He has given many lectures on the subject over the years at the Lifelong Learning Society (LLS) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and at other venues.

Irwin Gordon is a “natural singer.” This talent was exhibited at an early age when he was invited to a CBS studio school, the Ann Falk Studios. That influence helped him develop musical performance skills. During his formative years, music played an important role, but later on, his life and a growing family caused him to shelve the music side for business. After a successful career, and with encouragement from family and friends, he returned to being a jazz singer. He has recorded three CD albums and is currently working on a fourth, all with the most-respected jazz musicians. He sings in many venues in Florida and New York.