At first blush, this episode may look a bit slapdash, but it actually reflects very much where I am at this moment. It’s got a bit more of a narrative than most of my episodes do, and somehow in this story a number of different strands come together. The starting point was a Pride bonus episode I published in June 2024 exploring a rare and fascinating 1964 LP of a live recital by “female impersonator” (Mr.) Jean Fredericks that also somehow folded into the mix hidden family narratives, Gilbert Godfrey, Charles Fox, Jim Croce, and the song “I Got a Name.” I have taken that episode and both streamlined and expanded it, including memorial tributes to four significant artists who have died in the past several weeks: Connie Francis, Tom Lehrer, Cleo Laine, and (just yesterday) Robert Wilson. I talk much more about myself on this episode than I ever have before, including meditations on my conservative upbringing, my senior prom, and The Muppet Show! I’ve also included two additional performances of “I Got a Name” by Lena Horne and Cher which drive home the importance of carrying your name and your dream with pride. If I’ve ever published an artistic credo, this is it.

If, as I have done, you wish to explore and/or support J.D. Doyle and his Queer Music Heritage website, where I first discovered Jean Fredericks, you can find it at www.queermusicheritage.com.

Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel’s lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and journalist yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody’s core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody’s Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.