Remember His Name ...

February 14, 2011
So, Barbra and Barry Manilow both lost their bids for another Grammy yesterday. Which brings us to 2002 and the Democratic Gala in Hollywood.

I was there that September evening when Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow headlined a fundraising benefit for the Democratic National Committee at the Kodak Theatre. As you might expect, the excitement in the theatre was palpable. Everyone was waiting for the main event - Barbra and Barry were going to perform for us, live.

Barbra and Barry gave wonderful performances, which you can read all about, here. It's what occurred onstage, before the show really began that turned out, in retrospect, to be quite the prophecy.

After producer David Foster welcomed us, he brought out his latest protégé. Foster told us that this young, unknown kid from Canada was so good, he just had to let him perform one number before the really big talent took the stage. Indeed, Foster's newest discovery wasn't even listed in the program. We were, however, told to remember his name.

The young singer performed a Sinatra standard, as I recall. Can't tell you which one. After all, I was listening politely, but not really paying that much attention. But I do recall that he was rather good.

As with any opening act, the audience was respectful if not a bit impatient as they anticipated the real talent they all came to see. And just who was this upstart anyway?

Make it quick, please. We came to see Barbra and Barry.

After ten minutes, the kid from Canada was gone.

I actually did remember his name from that night because it was so unusual.

So yesterday, a very talented guy beat out both Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow for a Grammy. Yeah.  It was that kid from Canada who used to be their opening act.

I remembered him.

His name is Michael Bublé.