I originally posted this seven years ago, in 2011, the first year of The Randy Report.
Handsome hubby Michael and I have been together for more than 24 years now.
More wine...
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With today being Valentine's Day, obviously, my mind wanders to MY Valentine, Michael. That's him, up above.
It's hard to believe that we've been together 17 Valentine's Days. Before we met, it looked like V Day was always going to be something to sing sad songs about.
Music is such a part of my life that I relate it to everything. Even the day Michael and I met, I explain that it was exactly as Oscar Hammerstein II wrote: "Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger; you may see a stranger across a crowded room; and somehow you know, you know even then, that somewhere you'll see him again and again."
I know, it sounds oh so cheesy, but it was that black and white. It's just the best way to explain how I knew. There are days I can't believe he's in love with me. Still.
Not that we have this flawless romance.
On days we disagree, I simply remind him I'm his favorite :)
Interestingly, when we got married, we didn't really have a song for the day because we were just so amazed that we were given the right to get married.
Probably the only big event in my life that doesn't relate to a song. Just Michael.
It goes without saying that all day long today I'll be playing various iterations of "My Funny Valentine." It's such a great tune, and so many awesome artists have brought it to life.
Barbra Streisand's version is still my favorite. A bit of drama in the beginning, and then that thrilling climax.
Lucia Micarelli is a fantastic violinist who does a gorgeous, romantic version of the song.
And then there's Ella Fitzgerald's version - sublime.
I recommend you get all of them, sit back and enjoy.
I think I relate Valentine's Day and romance to music because music has rhythm, hills & valleys and texture; a lot like time-tested love does.
A lot like Michael and I do.
Michael is my valentine; he's the music that makes me dance. I hope you all dance the way we do. (that's a euphemism, kids...)
I encourage everyone to pour a glass of wine, light some candles, turn out the lights, listen to some great music and enjoy. Whether alone or with your honey, it's a good day to remember to love someone. Someone else, or even if that someone is yourself. That might even be the best place to start.
Ben Levi Ross & Taylor Trensch of 'Dear Evan Hansen'
For Valentine’s Day, the creators of the Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen, offer this special rendition of the song “Only Us” from the hit show.
The blockbuster musical chronicles the journey of a socially-awkward high school student (Evan Hansen) who has trouble making friends.
In a twist of fate, the facts of a teen suicide get accidentally mixed up and he suddenly finds himself something of a hero, popular and spending time with his longtime crush. Except, it’s all based on an innocent falsehood that snowballs out of Evan’s control.
Evan eventually faces having to give up his newfound social status or live a lie.
At the 71st Tony Awards, Dear Evan Hansen took home six statues including Best Musical, and made a bona-fide star of its Tony Award-winning leading man, Ben Platt.
Ben Levi Ross of 'Dear Evan Hansen'
While not a gay story, it’s certainly a theme LGBTs have gravitated to in terms of the character’s yearning for acceptance.
In the stage musical, “Only Us” is sung between Evan and his crush, Zoe.
In this Valentine’s Day version, we have two 'Evan Hansens' singing to each other. Taylor Trensch, who played the title role on Broadway, and the national tour ‘Evan,’ Ben Levi Ross.
For just a bit more Valentine's Day charm, the duo are a real life couple :)
For this video, the musical's Tony and Grammy Award-winning orchestrator, Alex Lacamoire, debuts a new arrangement of the song, and features pianist Austin Cook, guitarist Matt Sangiovanni, bassist Matt Rubano, and violinist Mona Tian.
Sung by the two young men, the song shimmers in fresh and hopeful shades of gay.
I never thought there'd be someone like you who would want me
So I give you ten thousand reasons to not let me go
But if you really see me
If you like me for me and nothing else
Well, that's all that I've wanted for longer that you could possibly know
So it can be us
It can be us
And only us
And what came before won't count anymore or matter
We can try that
In fact, with two actors who played the same role, it could almost be interpreted as an ode of self-love.
And on Valentine’s Day, all love is celebrated - whether boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband or even the person in the mirror.
Most of the time, I'm sharing some of the darker LGBTQ news of the day here.
It's nice to share something totally smile-worthy.
Dear Evan Hansen is still running strong in New York City, London and across the U.S. with its national touring company. Click here for more information about the show.
Randy Report favorite Tom Goss shares this uber-romantical music video just in time for Valentine's Day - "More Than Temporary" from his album, What Doesn't Break.
In telling the story of blossoming young love, Tom spotlights senior LGBT couples as guiding inspiration.
From Tom: "If you let it, love will blossom. Look to these LGBT seniors for inspiration. Their example will light the way."
“I’m grateful to those that have come before me. They have paved the way for the rights and privileges that I take for granted,” he told The Huffington Post. “Hopefully this video can highlight the beauty and inspiration of LGBTQ seniors, and in turn, give an example to those that are hesitant to dive into love.”
The video was directed by Christopher Turner, who makes a cameo appearance with his other half, author Armistead Maupin, well-known for his Tales of the City series of novels.
Click here for past posts where I've featured Tom's music on The Randy Report.
I'm still on a Valentine's Day kick, so I have to share this.
My husband was Jim Brickman's publicist for many years, and one of the lasting projects that came out of that collaboration was this video-taped special for PBS with special guest Olivia Newton-John.
Olivia sang three songs with Jim in the concert, including this one, his big hit "Valentine" originally recorded by Martina McBride. Michael was actually responsible for booking Olivia for the appearance :)
President Barack Obama tweeted out the above image with the following Valentine's Day message: "No matter who you are or whom you love, celebrate #Valentines Day with pride. #LoveIsLove"
Just in time for Valentine's Day (on Sunday), Matt Baume shares the stories of how several of his viewers met and fell in love.
"How'd you meet the people you love? I asked my followers how they met their partners, and they sent me some really sweet stories. I've gathered some of my favorites and I'm so excited to share them with you."
For Valentine's Day, I wanted to share a special Valentine's Day edition of The Candi & Randy Show from 2012.
In addition to celebrating romantic Valentine's Day music, we were thrilled to be joined by very special guests: smooth jazz superstar - Dave Koz; the fabulous Donny Osmond; Star of ABC's True Beauty & Chippendales - Billy Jeffrey; and the "First Lady of British Musical Theatre"- Elaine Paige.
They share with us personal their favorite Valentine's Day memories.
AND - we feature lots of our favorite romantic songs perfect for Valentine's Day. Sit back and enjoy. We really loved this one.
In this thankfully short recorded message, anti-gay Randy Thomasson tells us that although "unconstitutional judges," "corrupt politicians," and even "foolish voters" may say differently, Valentine's Day is only for straight people.