The Sound of Music and Accolades

The Society of Singers honored its fair lady, Julie Andrews, recently with its Ella Award amid a shower of accolades from co-stars in her 50-year career. The award, named for its first recipient, the late Ella Fitzgerald, is given to singers whose contributions to the music world are equaled by their humanitarian efforts.

The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom was filled with the sound of Andrews’ music for the April 25 black-tie event. Joining in the musical tributes were Dick Van Dyke, Charlotte Church, Richard Crenna, Michael Feinstein, Nnenna Freelon, James Garner, Robert Goulet, Merv Griffin, Robert Loggia, Monica Mancini, Audra McDonald, Michael Nouri, Andy Williams and Andrews’ longtime chum, Carol Burnett. Burnett said when the two met in 1960, “we talked about men and our careers. Maybe we’ll go on for another 41 years discussing the wonders of Metamucil.”

The emotional showstopper was Andrews herself, crooning “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” in a soft alto for the first time since her throat surgery three years ago. Then all the stars converged on the stage to join Christopher Plummer in serenading her with “Edelweiss.” As in the movie, the audience joined in.

The Ella award evening, chaired by Ginny Mancini and Jeanne Hazard and co-produced by Earl Brown, Ray Charles and Lee Hale, raised more than $400,000 to aid professional singers in need.