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Episode 728: Thursday May 18, 2006

Composer John Blackburn

John Blackburn, of Newport, wrote one of America's most popular standards, "Moonlight in Vermont." He traveled with a puppet theater that brought him to Vermont, inspiring the lyrics and the music was composed by Karl Suessdorf. It was introduced by Margaret Whiting in 1944 and also recorded by Willie Nelson in 1978, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in 1956, and Frank Sinatra in 1957. The lyrics are very unusual for an American pop song of the 1940s, because they do not rhyme and are impersonal, focusing mostly on the sensory appeal of the Vermont countryside while alluding briefly to romance. The lyrics are also metrically subtle: Each verse (not counting the bridge) is a haiku. The song is considered an unofficial state song of Vermont and is frequently played as the first dance song at Vermont wedding receptions. John is now in his 90s, but still playing and singing.

Ricarda Claus

Silversmith Ricarda Clause engraves bits and spurs in the old vaquero tradition. Art Beat visits her in Lakeview.

Ray Grimm & Family

The Grimm family has a lot of talent. Father Ray is a long time glass and ceramic artist; his wife, Jere is an acclaimed ceramicist, and daughter Christa paints in vibrant hues.

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