My Wedding Suit on “Mothers-In-Law”

Posted on September 17, 2012 by donna loren

One of my last television appearances was an episode for a 1960’s sitcom, Mothers-In-Law. Loved working with a live audience and the ‘golden girl’ veterans Eve Arden and Kaye Ballard, among others. The segment was called Herb’s Little Helpers and was broadcast on Feb. 11, 1968.

Click on pictures for full view:

Wedding Suit in 1968 on Mothers-In-Law

2-pc Dress & Jacket Ensemble

The Dress

Designer’s Label

This outfit was by by Louis Feraud. From the mid 1950s he was dressing the Parisian elite and designed the wardrobe of Brigitte Bardot for many of her movies. I believe this designer was influenced by Courreges who’s futuristic designs resembled this neckline and used a lot of metal. The buttons used for this ensemble are large chrome-like discs. As much as I loved to design and sew, I didn’t always have the time. Also, by this time in my career, the budget had increased to allow for some shopping sprees.

Posted in Out Of My Closet | 1 Comment

#9 Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey-Dr Pepper Celebrity Party (1963)

Posted on September 13, 2012 by donna loren

 Just me at the piano with The Challengers.

Take a look at this clip from the Dr Pepper Celebrity Party I co-hosted with Dick Clark in 1963. This is my 9th and last posting of highlights from this unique event in rock history. They are all numbered and posted on my Blog (under Music, Film, TV) if you missed any.

1902 Sheet Music

(Won’t You Come Home) Bill Bailey”, originally titled “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home?” is a popular song published in 1902. It is commonly referred to as simply “Bill Bailey”.Its words and music were written by Hughie Cannon (1877–1912), an American songwriter and pianist. It is still a standard with Dixieland and traditional jazz bands. The simple 32-bar chord sequence of its chorus also underpins many other tunes played mainly by jazz bands, such as “Over the Waves”, “Washington and Lee Swing”, “Bourbon Street Parade”, “My Little Girl”, and the final themes of “Tiger Rag” and “The Beer Barrel Polka”. – Wikipedia

 

Arthur Collins

 

 

Most probably the first ever recording of Bill Bailey was by Arthur Collins in 1902. You can hear a clip of the song here.

Posted in Music, Film, TV | 1 Comment

Louis Feraud, Brigitte Bardot and Me

Posted on September 13, 2012 by donna loren

SURPRISE BONUS: Rare Dr Pepper Radio Commercial (circa 1965)

Out Of My Closet: Neon Yellow Long-Sleeve Mod Dress

Here I’m wearing an outfit by Louis Feraud at a Dr Pepper event. From the mid 1950s he was dressing the Parisian elite and designed the wardrobe of Brigitte Bardot for many of her movies. As much as I loved to sew and design, I didn’t always have the time. Also, my budget increased to allow for some shopping sprees. This vintage dress is in mint condition.

Dr Pepper Outdoor Event (1966)

Still in Mint Condition, as you can see!

Original Labels

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#8 Johnny Crawford-Dr Pepper Celebrity Party (1963)

Posted on September 7, 2012 by donna loren

“Well, if it isn’t the son of Lucas McCain! Rifleman star Johnny Crawford, chats with Dick Clark and I.”

Take a good look at this clip from the Dr Pepper Celebrity Party I co-hosted with Dick Clark. This is my 8th posting of highlights of some of the greats that we still love and worship today that were present at this unique event in rock history. Watch and listen to some of your favorite living legends back in the day. Notice how reverent everyone is towards the master of ceremonies.

Posted in Music, Film, TV | 1 Comment

Dick Dale, The Malibooz & Me

Posted on September 5, 2012 by donna loren

Reunited and it feels so good

I’ve had several communications with Dick Dale over the past year. He’s told me of his grave illness and the devotion he has for his wife and son. I expressed interest in recreating our duet from Muscle Beach Party. He declined.

Then, an opportunity sprang up when a friend, Johnny Z, from a group called The Malibooz, sent an email for his upcoming show at the Malibu Inn. His group was opening for Dick Dale.

Johnny, his wife Joannie, Jered and I met for brunch to catch up. I awoke his curiosity when I reminded him that DD and I sang “Muscle Bustle” together in a movie. Instantly he suggested I sing it with The Malibooz and that’s exactly what I did. I was scheduled to close their set right before DD took the stage.

Fans dancing to DD

What a crowd! 500 people jammed into the very cool indoor space across PCH where you could hear thunderous waves crashing on the eve of a Blue Moon. I have never before taken a stage in flip flops. My new Converse blk ‘n wht polka dot thongs felt right at home. The audience was filled with surfers ranging from 21-75! This is their culture and I am so honored to be a part of it. I have never been in a more loving crowd of people. Sure, they were brimming with excitement to hear the Legend of Surf Guitar. Genuine affection for one another was on full display. Couples kissing fondly, filled with their passion for music and the Ocean.

Me and The Woody

Dick Dale is remarkable. He hit the stage with the energy I remember him having in 1964 and didn’t quit until an amazing version of Amazing Grace followed by Miserlou. We finally reunited and I’m still hoping for a 21st century “Muscle Bustle”.

Posted in Appearances, My Thoughts | 2 Comments

#7 Donna Loren, Connie Stevens-Dr Pepper Celebrity Party (1963)

Posted on September 4, 2012 by donna loren

Take a good look at the Dr Pepper Celebrity Party I co-hosted with Dick Clark. This is my 7th posting of highlights of some of the greats that we still love and worship today that were present at this unique event in rock history. Watch and listen to some of your favorite living legends back in the day. Notice how reverent everyone is towards the master of ceremonies.

Singer/composer Lucille “Lou” Dinning wrote this ditty for me. Her sister Jean had already written Teen Angel and topped the charts with her brother Mark singing the tearful hit. Lou was married to country great Don Robertson.  This clip includes Dick Clark interviews with Nick Adams, Connie Stevens and Jim Stacy, who were married at the time.

16-year old Donna Loren’s performance of her Challenge recording of “I Can’t make My Heart Say Goodbye” on the ABC Special “Dr Pepper Celebrity Party” which aired 11-23-63. In 1963, right after signing with Dr Pepper as their national spokesperson, “The Dr Pepper Girl” co-hosted this ABC-TV Special with Dick Clark. This was the official launch of her new position with the soft-drink company. Her 5-year stint with the company posted Dr Pepper’s largest sales gains in their history to that time. This show was a very unusual live televised Hollywood Party, filmed in 1963 at the home of Bob Marcucci, then manager of Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Johnny Rivers and Lou Christie, among others. Located in the heart of the Sunset Strip on Sunset Plaza Drive, the home was a shocking pink Spanish Villa (previously owned by Laurence Olivier, Anne Baxter and John Hodiak) overflowing on this night with celebs like Donna’s mentor Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon, Jan Berry with Jill Gibson,  Dean Torrance, Connie Francis, Dick and DeeDee, Johnny Mathis,  Bobby Vinton, Dick Dale, Deborah Walley, Wayne Newton, Bill Medley, Bobby Hatfield, Connie Stevens, Shelly Fabares, George Hamilton, Jack Jones, John Ashley, Bobby Vinton, Paul Peterson, Nick Adams and Trini Lopez.

Posted in Music, Film, TV | 3 Comments

Pizza

Posted on August 31, 2012 by donna loren

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

OMG! Haven’t had pizza for months. Ever since I changed to a gluten-free diet, pizza has clearly not been a part of my life style. Well, my latest journey to a CO-OP market delivered the best alternative. I found a gluten free pizza dough crust (medium size 6-8 slices).

Today I preheated my oven to 425 degrees and prepared the toppings: heirloom tomato, hempseed pesto made by Basiltops, 1/2 sliced portobello mushroom, kalamata olives, fresh basil and parmigiano reggiano.

For many months I have also been dairy-free but this has to be an exception.

Oh joy; only 8-9 minutes later and Heaven!

The pizza crust was really satisfying. It’s called Venice Pizza handmade in California. It does not require refrigeration so shipping is a breeze and well worth it. Maybe you can find a local source. You will feel comfortably full and not bloated by gluten. I especially love how thin it is and how the edges give it a perfect crusty crunch. Save two leaves of basil to garnish. Basil will turn black when baked.

Wow! Now I’m dreaming of new toppings. What are your favorites? Invent your own healthy topping and submit the recipe (below) for me to try.

Bon Apetit

Posted in Tickles & Papenade | 1 Comment

#6 Trini Lopez sings “Kansas City”-Dr Pepper Celebrity Party (1963)

Posted on August 29, 2012 by donna loren

Who got his start in Dallas playing in a night club owned by Jack Ruby? Trini Lopez… he’s goin’ to Kansas City!


Take a good look at this clip from the Dr Pepper Celebrity Party I co-hosted with Dick Clark. This is my 6th posting of highlights of some of the greats that we still love and worship today that were present at this unique event in rock history. Watch and listen to some of your favorite living legends back in the day. Notice how reverent everyone is towards the master of ceremonies.

This clip features a short interview with Trini conducted by Dick Clark and is followed by Trini’s performance of “Kansas City”.  

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#5 George Hamilton & Jack Jones-Dr Pepper Celebrity Party (1963)

Posted on August 28, 2012 by donna loren

George Hamilton & Jack Jones are “Where The Boys Are”, here in the Hollywood Hills.


Take a good look at this clip from the Dr Pepper Celebrity Party I co-hosted with Dick Clark. In the next few weeks I will be posting highlights of some of the greats that we still love and worship today that were present at this unique event in rock history. Watch and listen to some of your favorite living legends back in the day. Notice how reverent everyone is towards the master of ceremonies.

This clip features Dick Clark interviewing George Hamilton and Jack Jones.

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A Scene From The Milton Berle Show (1966)

Posted on August 23, 2012 by donna loren

I appeared on four Milton Berle Shows in 1966. In this skit, George Hamilton and I played a certain married movie star couple. Can you guess who?

#1 We were doing a scene about arriving at a movie premier

#2 Always a gentleman, George is getting the door for me

#3 Walking the red carpet, I was stopped for an interview

#4 George doesn’t seem to have liked the movie, does he?

#5 What’s his other hand doing to make me smile?

 

 

 

 

Posted in Music, Film, TV | 3 Comments