Mamacita says:  I really miss those old variety shows, and I miss them even more at Christmas time.   At Christmas, all of the variety shows had their Christmas Specials, and some of those Christmas Specials were classy far beyond what any modern television show could ever dream of being.  Standards were higher back then, and it was safe to assume that the audience could actually bring some prior knowledge to the table.  People were expected to have schema, so they had it.

Julie Andrews has long been one of my favorite performers, and I’ve ADORED the King’s Singers for many, many years. The combination is irresistible. Add John Denver and you’ve got some really great stuff.

Julie Andrews and the King’s Singers.

. . . and with the King’s Singers and John Denver.

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Julie was performing in public even as a child. Here is her test, to see if 12-year-old Julie had what it took to be a recording artist. I think she did. Can’t you just see her on “Britain Has Talent?”

Here is little Julie singing “God Save the King.” If you’re patient, you’ll then see her sort of growing up before your eyes, being interviewed about “My Fair Lady,” etc.