Magical Music - An Interview with Don Grady
Page 3 of 3
TS: What’s it like to work with such an incredible group of talented voices?
DG: There’s nothing like writing these great songs and hearing such wonderful voices sing them. A lot of them are in so many different places that we have to record their voices remotely. I’ve never met Judy Kuhn who does Pocahontas or Jodi Benson or Lea Salonga. Lea’s in Manilla and Jodi’s in Atlanta now, so we do a lot of the vocals by phone patch.
TS: Do you have a favourite song on the album?
DG: I like the first song, Christmas is Coming. In fact I
wanted to get that song onto one of the Disneyland Christmas Parade floats, but
we got there too late. Maybe we’ll get there next year.
TS: Did being the father of a young girl help inspire you
in any way?
DG: No question about it. My wife and daughter are Disney
freaks. Even though my daughter is past the “princess age,�? she knows everything
about them. And my wife used to be a Kid of the Kingdom at Disneyland. In fact,
on the Tea Party CD, I thanked them for their invaluable Princess insights.
TS: Any ideas of what’s in the future?
DG: I’ve recently done some music for the Lady and the
Tramp DVD, which will be coming out soon. And there’s that project I was telling
you about that I’m not at liberty to discuss right now.
TS: What are your reflections on your career with Disney?
DG: My best childhood memories are those years as a
Mouseketeer. I’m not one of those child stars who feels like they got burned or
anything like that. It was all wonderful and got me into the industry, and the
resulting exposure helped me get my start in the music industry. It’s a pleasure
to be working for Disney again.
TS: It’s been great talking with you, Don. We all look
forward to seeing (and hearing!) more from you soon!
DG: Thank you! I hope everyone picks up a copy of The
Princess Christmas Album. I think it’s something families will enjoy year after
year!
Discuss It
Related Links
-- Tyler Schwartz
Tyler is co-owner of the website The Magical Music of the Mouse at www.MagicMusic.net.
The opinions expressed by our Tyler Schwartz, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted December 22, 2005