Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A visit to Santa Barbara in the summer of 1965 changed my life. Tante Margrete and Uncle Bill introduced me to the fantastic world of professional musicians. The man who had previously been simply my 'California Uncle Bill' suddenly became a world famous singer and teacher. But he remained attainable, approachable,loving, humble, accepting. I'll never forget the moment during that visit, when he sang a snatch of something and I went to the piano, reproducing the basics of it. He came right over, amazed, and asked if I had perfect pitch. I had no idea what perfect pitch meant, but now I do, and I see how keenly tuned in he was to anyone's talent, how supportive he was of others. Now I understand how generous he was, how unthreatened he felt. He told many fascinating stories of his colleagues, but never belittled them or inflated his own importance. He was a man without ego - an incredible anomaly amongst any who have reached the top of their profession. Uncle Bill adored Margrete and his four children. He supported them all in their endeavors, allowed them to be who they were. He loved life, he loved people, he chose optimism over all the alternatives. He infused his students with his expansive worldview, catapulting them far beyond the borders of vocal techniques and traditional repertoire. He enriched the lives of all he met, be they store clerks or opera stars. Uncle Bill, your one life blessed thousands of others. Thank you.Deborah
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