Who had Free to Be You and Me when they were growing up...

[thom1102]

I should have known that I was gay at four when the first song I ever learned to sing was "William Wants a Doll" sung by Marlo Thomas and Alan Alda from that album. Well, my friend Paula, has a little girl, 6, who at 18 mos had a brain tumor removed. She has suffered from emotional problems ever since, and is lagging behind other children in her age group. But she is remarkably talented when it comes to music. (And I mean REMARKABLY talented) She has nearly perfect pitch and can hear and emulate complex harmonies far in advance of her age.

For Christmas, she asked for music that is appropriate to listen to when falling asleep, and I got her this album (among others) because the lessons that I learned from the songs and stories on that album I carry with me today, and I hope that from the album, she can also learn some lessons that she can use to help her deal with the rough road ahead.

So who else grew up to Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, Rosie Greer, Mel Brooks, Carol Channing, George Carlin and all the rest of the cast of talented performers who contributed to that truly wonderful album?

[proud patriot]

1. I did I did

I loved it . Being a tomboy myself
I really loved the story about the little
boy who liked to play with dolls .

[thom1102]

4. LADIES first, LADIES first...

I loved that one too!

[Zomby Woof]

2. it's alright to cry!

:D

[eileen_d]

5. Jinx!

You beat me to it. :spank:

[eileen_d]

3. Oh yes - the Rosie Grier number was my favorite

"It's all right to cryyyy..."

[rbnyc]

6. I didn't, but it sounds awesome!

Mom, are you out there? Why didn't we have this?

Maybe we did and I don't remember, but it sounds like something I'd remember.

;-)

[Zomby Woof]

9. it was a TV special too!

Back in 5th grade, in 1977, we were hauled to the gym to watch it on film (we were overseas and had no network TV available). Even that long ago, it stuck with me.

Marlo Thomas is a goddess.

[w13rd0]

7. ME! A friend of mine got it for me just this past year...

...remembering me talking about it, and how that and other early 'liberal' influences played a part in my development. I'd already told my kids about how it made me feel better about being a little 'different' from some of the other kids, so having them sit down with me and watch it was great...

[thom1102]

11. I bought it on CD last year for myself...

I still love that CD

[Stuckinthebush]

8. I did...

and I bought it for my girls last year. They love it.

[Melsky]

10. I had it too

Haven't thought about that in years, but as soon as I saw the thread title it's like I'm 8 years old and wearing plaid bell bottoms again!

[Ellen Forradalom]

12. I had the book

a baby-feminist classic!