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 Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast)
Description
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| There are thousands upon thousands of children's albums out there, but the one that quietly left its mark with more '70s children than perhaps any other album was this disc. Free to Be...You and Me was a pet project of proud feminist Marlo Thomas (a.k.a. "That Girl"), and it was born--according to the liner notes--by the desire to provide her niece with music "to celebrate who she was and who she could be." Harry Belafonte sings "Parents Are People," ex-football great Rosie Grier offers an incredible, touching melody titled "It's All Right to Cry," and Diana Ross waxes future-positive on "When We Grow Up." A great hour of brain food for young--and not-so-young--children. --Denise Sheppard Editorial Descriptions are usually submitted by the manufacturers, publishers and authors. Contact us if you are one of them, and wish to change the above description. |
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Author: Guest
I was born in 1983, but this album was a staple of my childhood. Born into a family of strong, Irish women who were, at that point, pretty much doing it on thier own, this album was relished at family gatherings. My mother and aunts wanted all of us (and by all of us I mean some of born in the 70's and some in 80's) to understand that just because we were girls didn't mean we had to be teachers or ballerina dancers, and just because we were boys we didn't had to be firemen or police officers. This album preaches absolutely wonderful values to both the young and the young at heart. At 24, I still know every lyric and love to sing all the songs at the top of my lungs. God bless Marlo Thomas and friends for creating such a classic. I can't wait to pass this music on to my children the same way it was passed on to me!
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Author: Guest
Free To Be...You And Me emerged as one of the first and most successful mainstream efforts to teach children that they could grow up to be what they wanted to be regardless of their gender. This CD replicates the 1972 original cast album chock full of celebrities encouraging children through words and music to be truthful to themselves and others about their likes, dislikes and their hopes for the future. Girls were no longer to be restricted to working as housewives and boys could enjoy dolls as one way to prepare themselves for the real life challenges of being a good father.
The CD starts out with the folk-style song entitled "Free To Be...You And Me" sung by The New Seekers. They harmonize beautifully and the musical arrangement makes great use of the guitar and piano. This song makes it clear that children can and should grow up to be the person they truly want to be. This optimistic message with its infectiously catchy melody provides the album with a very strong start.
The CD continues with a very amusing dialogue between two newborn infants in a hospital nursery. Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas perform the voices of the babies; and they manage to conclude that Mel is a baby girl and Marlo must be a baby boy. Imagine their surprise when they find out that using traditional stereotypes for the physical attributes for grown men and women don't go with the way they see themselves!
Other great tracks include Diana Ross singing "When We Grow Up;" this number sends the message that looks don't matter as long as you like yourself and the way you look. The great Harry Belafonte and Marlo Thomas sing "Parents Are People" to teach children that mommies and daddies can work any job they wish. Moreover, there's the awesome song "It's All Right To Cry" sung by football star Rosey Grier. I remember how surprised we all were when Rosey Grier, a tough guy football star expected by old conventions to hide his feelings, actually sang this song; and he performed it well on TV, too.
"William's Doll" tells children that kids of both genders can make good use of dolls as toys. At first blush it might be surprising or disappointing that a boy would want a doll; but his grandmother has the good wisdom to give him a doll so that he can practice being a good father. "William's Doll" is a very sweet song performed very well by Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas. Similarly, "Atalanta" discusses in story form the fact that not every girl wants to marry--at least not right away. Atalanta wants to see the world before she even considers marriage; and this story is told so well you truly have lots of understanding for Atalanta.
The CD concludes with a brief reprise of "Free To Be...You And Me." This final track reinforces the message that every child can grow up to be his or her own person.
The liner notes give all the song credits and it's truly a pleasure to hear all these very talented artists and actors performing on this album. The sound quality could be a little better but the high quality control of the content makes me give this CD five stars anyway.
I highly recommend this for every parent who wishes to communicate to their children in a fun, meaningful and inspiring way that they can truly become the person they wish to be. Children can become adults who make meaningful contributions to society even in the most unconventional of roles. Girls can grow up to be brain surgeons and members of the presidential cabinet; and boys can aspire to be nurses who share the household chores with their wives or girlfriends. It was a powerful and relevant message in 1972 and these lessons remain very important today in these times.
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Author: Guest
I listened to this when I was a kid and loved it. I bought it for my children and although they are still pretty young, I am hoping the messages contained therein seep into their little heads. This should be required listening for everyone! It is just as relevant today as it was in 1972! A little groovey- a little folksy but just great.
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Author: Guest
The Free to Be You and Me TV special was one of my childhood favorites, as was this album. (I actually still have the vinyl album my mom bought for me 30 years ago!) I introduced my 4 year-old daughter to the video, and she immediately fell in love with the soundtrack. So I purchased this CD for her and it has become the only thing she wants to listen to during any car ride. The only thing that is disappointing to me is that not all of the songs are exactly the same as what is on the video... not that they aren't good, they're just not the same. While my daughter doesn't seem to mind, I have to admit I prefer the versions on the video. There are a lot of extras on the CD that aren't on the video as well, which is a bonus. Overall, this is a great CD to own if your child loves the video/DVD.
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Author: Guest
I loved the "vinyl" version of this back in the 70's when I was a kid. I bought the CD to share with my kids when they were 5 and 10. The 5 year old particularly liked "William wants a doll" which I think has a great message behind it. Actually there are wonderful messages behind everything on the album, conveyed in a playful, fun (not "preachy") way. The album has lots of variety on it and the tunes are very catchy! This was a "must" for us to listen to in the car on road trips. I am now going to buy this for my friends' sons' sixth birthday and I'm sure he'll love it!
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