Rankin/Bass-historian: 3/24/19

https://www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com/obituary?id=1840754

We lost my dear friend Maury Laws at the age of 95, THE Rankin/Bass Musical composer and conductor. I spent a lot of time with Maury over the years and even took him into the recording studio to record a career retrospective interview for The Daydreamer soundtrack cd. I dedicated a chapter to him and his music in all of my books as well. I still think back to the first time I called Maury and he had no idea why I was so interested in him and his music. He was very modest and couldn't believe that I wanted the Mad Monster Party soundtrack (Which he sent to me first, after being shelved for decades). Maury and I shared a bond as musicians and he was one of my biggest champions! He ordered many copies of my books for his friends and family. His son John lived in Chicago, so I would meet up with Maury and his family at the Palmer House and The Drake. We would visit Navy Pier and Riva (My Dad worked security there) and talk about everything. Maury was one of the big reasons I became the Rankin/Bass Historian/Biographer. His music wasn't written down for children, it was sophisticated! I got Maury to participate in the documentaries for Mad Monster Party and The Year Without A Santa Claus (The only official Rankin/Bass documentaries for blu ray/DVD). We will be dedicating our new Frosty book to Maury. I was proud to call Maury a friend and am so happy I was able to share a special bond with him. In the world of Entertainment, there is no music that surpasses his! #maurylaws #restinpeace #music #composer #conductor #writer #entertainment #obituary

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

I want to Thank everyone that came out to The Hollywood Show Saturday!

This was my view from my booth! I really had a good time and glad to see so many Rankin/Bass fans come out! I was sitting next to Cussack and he left abruptly around 2 pm....not sure what happened just yet. Lots of people were talking about it. Anyway, I had a really good time!