Last year when I called Norma on her 98th birthday the ring tone was odd, followed by a message in Italian that seemed to say, 'the person you have called...'. I left a a birthday greeting when I heard the beep. I picked up a few items she had sent me in the mail; a Christmas card with a colorful drawing of Norma steering a gondola in a Christmas hat, and, her latest CD; A Swinin' Love Fest recorded with The Billy Bros. Swing Orchestra also of Italy. I smiled thinking about this unique lady and the incredible life she lives. Later when I talked to her she tells me she lives in Italy a few month out of the year and that she wanted to have a 100th birthday party there called, 'Goin' Out Swingin'. I screamed with laughter and told her, 'hell yeah, I'll be there'!
Today, December 2, 2019 is Norma Millers 99th birthday and I along with countless people world wide honor and celebrate her. On Instagram Toni Basil posted photos of Norma's birthday celebration at the Pasadena Ballroom last night. Chester Whitmore was there along with a huge jazz orchestra. And that's how my friend rolls. From city to city, world wide, with the most incredible artist around. Happy Birthday Norma!!! I'm grateful for your gifts you share with the world. I'm grateful for your wisdom, your laughter, your friendship, and for trusting me as an event producer. There's so much more I want to share so I'll add more to this blog but for now, it's a celebration for the Queen of Swing!!!
2 Comments
Julia Loving
12/2/2018 07:33:05 pm
Sis I love the blog thus far! We are so wonderfully blessed to have our living history in Ms. Norma. Almost One hundred years of Black history she loves to share. Her memory is exceptional. I first met her at Beantown Dance Camp in 2014 when I first started to lindy. I had become a Big Girl That Lindyhopped too! And she was like get it girl always encouraging, always guiding and correcting. Just happy that so many of us can celebrate her today.
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Traci
12/5/2018 06:48:21 am
Thank you Julia! Yes we are so very blessed to have Ms. Norma with us and so open to share her history and experiences!
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