Swept Up in the Whirlwind Known as Michel Legrand

Theme from The Summer of 42!!

I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Errico in the sadly short-lived but wonderful "Amour" on Broadway. Michel Legrand and Nana Mouskouri had memorable duet jazz/balad vocal recordings in the mid-'60's (songs such as "Quand on S'aimeé, "Connais-tu?" ), and I can only hope that there are recordings of him with Ms.Errico as well that may see the light of day, one day.

What a beautiful tribute. Thank you, Ms Errico, for writing it and the New York Times for publishing it.

As an adolescent in the mid-1960’s Legrand’s music was my guilty pleasure. While I enjoyed rock concerts at the Fillmore East with my peers, I can still listen to his compositions...not so much the Dead.

The 1971 Steve McQueen film Le Mans would be nothing without Mr. Legrand’s stunning score. And I think the film is visually stunning, so that’s saying something.

Mr. Legrand’s music has held a special place in my heart and my life since I first became aware of him in the 1970s. As a fledgling musician I was struck by what I first thought to be the melodic simplicity of his music in such compositions as Brian’s Song and I Will Wait For You. In fact they proved to be minimal lines of notes on top of complex chord progressions and lush arrangements. But it was his theme from Summer of ‘42 that truly captivated me and remains one of my all-time favorite tunes. I saw the movie at nineteen and, as life would have it, had my own Summer of ‘42 experience with an older woman later that summer. That piece of music has always represented to me a wistful sense of nostalgia, a yearning and longing for something once held close melded with the mature acknowledgement that life is captured in fleeting moments. As a matter of fact, much of Michel Legrand’s music means that for me. I was deeply saddened to read of his passing. Although I never met him (a lifelong wish) I feel I hear his heart and soul every time I listen to one of his beautiful pieces. RIP, Maestro.

I was privileged to play tennis several times with Michel Legrand during a time when he was performing at the old Circle Star Theater in Redwood City, California. Michel was an accomplished tennis player, being at one time a promising junior player in France. At the time I was serving as the head pro at an indoor tennis club near the theater. His tennis game was somewhat like Melissa describes him, with a touch of capriciousness and unexpected forays built in. Such a gracious and friendly man, he was a talented performer and singer in his own right - his shows were of course fabulous. He even dedicated two songs to my wife and I as we sat in the audience. A thrill I shall never forget . . . paix à son âme, Michel.

So beautiful, just like your beautiful voice and your magnificent soul. What a tribute, Ms. Errico. To him and to you.

One of the first jazz CDs I ever purchased was "Miles Davis - Compact Jazz," a compilation released by Phillips. The first four songs of "Compact Jazz" are taken from "Legrand Jazz," an album led by Mr. Legrand and featuring many jazz legends, including Mr. Davis. For years I only knew them as Miles Davis songs, when in fact the credit should have gone to Mr. Legrand. If you can find a copy of "Legrand Jazz" I highly recommend it! RIP, sir.

My first thoughts as I read this brilliantly written story of Melissa Errico’s time with Michel Legrand is how her heart is breaking , but how blessed Melissa is to have known, collaborated with and made a beautiful CD with Michel called “ Legrand Affair . From the choices of songs, to her heaven sent voice , right the cover exuding so much passion and love , Michel and Melissa were a pair sent from heaven to bring this CD , Legrand Affair to the world. May you rest in eternal peace Michel and may your heart soon be filled with love and laughs .... no sadness Melissa! Bravo