MIAGD: Make it a great day
It’s September 1st.
1985. I was seated at the piano in a luxurious apartment of Manhattan’s River House looking to the East River with the southern half of Roosevelt Island below.
I was accompanying a gentlemen, well into his seventies, who was taking every liberty with the lyrics and melody to style the song just as he desired.
Normally, this exuberant voice bellowed songs as if he were Harold Hill leading the parade and playing every one of the 76 trombones, himself; however, this ballad was incredibly different.
There was a sadness in his voice.
A resignation, perhaps.
The song was Maxwell Anderson and Kurt Weill’s haunting “September Song” and the vocalist was my beloved directing mentor, Joshua L. Logan.
Joshua Logan
Mr. Logan had directed KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY starring Walter Houston who sang this haunting ballad that became a popular hit, recorded by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and other notable crooners since 1938.
Since 1986, I’ve sat at my piano every first day of September to play “September Song.”
At first, it was always a tender tribute of gratefulness for Mr. Logan. But as I became a dad and moved into my forties, with the passing of my grandparents and other loved ones, the lyrics have become more personal.
SEPTEMBER SONG by Maxwell Anderson
From May to December,
But the days grow short.
When you reach September.
Turns the leaves to flame,
One hasn’ t got time
For the waiting game.
To a precious few,
September, November!
I’ll spend with you.
These precious days
I’ll spend with you.
To a precious few,
September, November!
I’ll spend with you.
These precious days
I’ll spend with you.
I’ll spend with you.
I’ll spend with you.”
“September Song” Willie Nelson
Joshua Logan & Nedda Harrigan Logan
