My Friend Lenny

$19.95

A memoir of my life in music

…with personal stories about Leonard Bernstein, Mike Wallace, Paul Simon, and others.

Ouida Blatt Mintz

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Description

Ouida Blatt Mintz tells of her life in music as it paralleled that of her teenaged friend, Leonard Bernstein. She studied with the same piano teacher and played with orchestra before he did. She made choices, which sent her in a different direction from Bernstein but kept her friendship with him through the years, meeting him for the final time at his last concert just two months before he died ten years ago. 

She also tells stories about her remarkable family and their friends, such as Mike Wallace of CBS, with whom she played violin duets. Later, she wrote pop music in the 50's and hired a short Queens College student to sing over 15 of her demos, sometimes singing duets with him. It was Paul Simon! 

Ouida discusses the triumphs and tragedies in her life in this wonderful memoir. Ray Sandiford, Ouida's 83-year-old partner, edited and typeset the book. There are 150 photographs. 

Praise

About the book, Mike Wallace says, "I really enjoyed the nostalgia."

Alexander Bernstein, Lenny's son says, "I was touched and amused by your memories of my father. Much of what you describe was news to me! I was delighted by the way you capture the energy not only of the may, but of the times as well."

Morton Estrin, a contemporary and esteemed pianist said, "It is destined to become one of the most important contributions to future historians in their searches for detailed information about our musical life."

"Ouida's generosity of spirit is evident in her lovely sharing of intimacies. Ouida speaks to each reader with an obvious sense of joy in living and an openness that invites genuine empathy!" Burnette Groveman

"I finished reading the book this morning with the feeling that I wish there were many more pages to read. It was such a fun read. What a rich and fulfilling life she lived. She certainly was a special lady" – S.B. MA

Additional information

Weight 1.3 lbs
Dimensions 6 × .8 × 9 in

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