Tuesday, October 03, 2006

 

Diana Ross and Me at The Waldorf Astoria




Good Morning and welcome to Norma's Ark. ;) You are first to share in a new, illustrated book about my life as a bandleader, musician, & singer in New York's Waldorf Astoria. The pages are filled with behind the scenes info and little known details on some of the biggest stars of the 60's, 70's, etc. To the left is a photo taken with Diana Ross. Love that wig Diana.;D
Getting this job at The Waldorf was nothing short of a miracle since we had to audition against hundreds of fabulous orchestras. Diana's opening night was also mine. In order to make entry into the hotel and climb onto the stage, police were escorting us through three thick crowds circling around the full length of Lexington to Park, and 49th Street to 50th. It was surreal to see all the people there standing for hours on end just to get a glance of Diana Ross in her first solo performance since leaving The Supremes. Berry Gordy and all of Motown were in the audience. Believe me when I say, I was one nervous puppy.

She and I relaxed backstage talking about sewing beaded gowns and how to repair a jammed sewing machine. Did you know that when Diana worked with The Supremes, she carried a sewing machine with her in order to create many of the lovely garments they wore? I am so blessed to have seen the top performers of the day in that stunning hotel's Empire Room. It was a thrill of a lifetime to meet her, and here is our photo.

My book will contain many pictures of stars like, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Tony Bennet, Ed Sullivan, Johnny Mathis, baseball hero Roberto Clemente, Peggy Lee, Della Reese, Totie Fields, and even politician Adam Clayton Powell. He gave me huge tips for singing his polite requests.... The vignettes I so lovingly treasure and hold close to my heart are all true and mostly flattering to the gifted performers in the book.... There will also be a Latin music section that pertains to the late greats like Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Celia Cruz.
More of my life's valuable spiritual and business lessons were learned at The Waldorf, than any other place I ever worked.

# posted by Dr. RubyNorma Yanez, CH.t @ 7:55 AM
Comments:
Dear Dr. Yanez,
We saw you perform in The Empire Room when Diana Ross opened there.
Her performance was super. And yes, we did dance to your rollicking rhythms. It was a night to remember. Thank you for reminding me.
The Emerson Family
NYC
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 8:14 PM
 
I know you have had a rough life at times, but just look at all the things that you have accomplished in the entertainment field and also with all the animals you have helped. You should be very proud of yourself.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:34 PM
 
"Hello InaNorma,
Great story of you with Diana Ross!!"
Regards Jim Hoogendorp-Netherlands
www.dianarossfanclub.net
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 10:37 AM
 
I was there working in The Empire Room of The Waldorf Astoria when you and your fabulous orchestra performed. I loved your voice and the sexy Latin Beats. It reminded me of when I lived in Havana. Anon in Peru
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 1:15 PM
 
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