At the Beginning...A Life in Music...

I have had many life experiences -- haven't we all? My first real profession was as a singer-songwriter for RCA records in Italy. I was under contract to that recording company for seven years, made many lasting friends and have many fond memories of these times. During that time, I met Tony Renis, whose original claim to fame was for writing the international song hit, "Quando, Quando, Quando." Early in our friendship, we collaborated on a film score and through the years we have written various songs together -- Tony writing the music with my lyrics.

Winning the Donatello, the Italian Oscar

In 2004, Tony called me from Rome and asked me to write the lyrics to a song of his. This song, "Merry Christmas in Love" appeared as the title song in a Danny DeVito movie called "Christmas in Love. " I have not seen the movie as it was only released in Europe, however, the song itself was an instant success. In fact, it topped the charts -- and beyond the Christmas season.

"Merry Christmas in Love" was then nominated for the prestigious Donatello award, the Italian Oscar, for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture -- and won the award for 2005!!

The song is sung by a true musical phenomena -- Renee Olstead, who was only 15 years old at the time she recorded the song. She was discovered by David Foster, who is the same producer who discovered Celine Dion. Renee was also a Oprah Winfrey "discovery" and presented on her TV show. Renee Olstead is considered by many to be a young Ella Fitzgerald, an interpreter of enormous sensitivity and far beyond her years.

The Golden Globe Nomination for Best Song of 2005

"Merry Christmas in Love" was nominated for the even more prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for 2006. The winners were chosen on January 16, 2006 and unfortunately "Christmas in Love" did not win -- but what a great ride. Other nominations in the same category are Bernie Taupin (writing partner of Elton John), Mel Brooks, Alanis Morrisette and Dolly Parton. The Bernie Taupin song for "Brokeback Mountain" won the 2006 Golden Globe Award.