So happy for my dad Dennis Lambert @lambertsongs and Brian Potter on getting nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame (again). It’s especially wonderful this year because he’s nominated alongside his dear friends and collaborators Franne Golde @frannegoldeofficial and Steve Barri @steve.barri . Congrats to all the nominees. Thanks for the tunes! #songwritershalloffame #sweetsoundscomingdown
Very proud and excited for my dad @lambertsongs and Brian Potter on their 2024 Nomination for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Go Dad! (Also excited for Blondie, Tracy Chapman, R.E.M. and all the other nominees.)
#songwritershalloffame
#sweetsoundscomingdown
I grew up with Sidney Poitier's daughters, Sydney (“Little Sydney”) and Anika. I met Big Sidney in 7th grade. He was semi-retired, a stay-at-home family man.
He became a second father to Sydney and Anika’s friends. So generous, wise, always encouraging us to chase our dreams, asking what music we liked, what books we were reading. Being around him made you feel special. We knew he was an Icon, but to us, he was Big Sidney, Coolest Dad Ever.
Senior Year, High School: I apply to college acting programs and have to do two monologues for my auditions. I need someone to give me feedback so I work up the courage to ask Sidney if he’d do it.
Of course he says Yes.
There we are, in his home office, I’m doing my (probably awful) monologues and Sidney is pushing me, challenging me, directing me. I can’t remember how long our session lasted, I know I never wanted it to end…
Four years later, I graduate from NYU and get cast in my first play, “Vomit & Roses.” It’s at Todo Con Nada, a tiny black-box theater on Ludlow. In '95, Ludlow is still sketchy and the theater's so small that the entrance is on the stage. Sidney and his (equally incredible) wife Joanna are in NYC at the time so I invite them to the play.
Of course he says Yes.
Backstage, I tell the cast that Sidney Poitier would be there. No one believes me. As the play is about to begin, there’s no sign of Sidney. Lights go down, ten minutes in, there’s a knock at the door. (Remember: the entrance to the theater is on the stage.) The actor Rik Walter opens it -- there’s Sidney and Joanna standing in the rain. Rik escorts them across the stage to their seats (I can’t even imagine what the audience is thinking seeing this) and we do the rest of the play…
Afterwards. Sidney talks to everyone in the cast. Instead of being starstruck by him, he seems star-struck by them, asking about their characters, their processes, their career goals. He stayed until they had to lock up for the night.
That was Sidney. He knew how special he was, knew the effect he had on people, but still, he made you feel special. When he shined his light on you, there was no better feeling. It was an honor knowing him.
#SidneyPoitier
80s Super Agent #WarrenKlein is back. Ron Howard found a voicemail from the making of “Splash.” Some crazy shit went down but it all worked out. Its for q good cause so donate to the #MPTF if you can. Link in bio.
Great interview w my dad @lambertsongs on Gilbert Gottfried’s podcast. They go deep on performing in the Catskills, Jewish songwriters, The Four Tops, We Built This City and a song called “Caught With My Heart Down.” Really good stuff. @gilbertpodfried
