"Such fond memories of a true legend and a fine gentleman, " says Carl Corcoran about his musical hero Michel Legrand who passed away yesterday at the age of 86 at his home in Paris.
Carl was presenter of The Blue of the Night on RTÉ lyric Fm for many years. He enjoyed a successful pop career as Jamie Stone in the 1970s, releasing albums and singles like Gulliver, before he emigrated to the USA to work as a musician on the East Coast.
The genial Dubliner recalls hosting a Michel Legrand concert at the National Concert Hall.
"I had the honour of performing MC duties for one of Michel’s Concerts at NCH with RTE Concert Orchestra, " the musician told RTÉ Entertainment.
"His music touched the hearts and souls of many throughout his long career and now beyond.
"Of all the great interpretations, my favourite is the late Mark Murphy’s version of the classic Once Upon A Summertime (composed by Legrand with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.)
" I wore it out during my tenure on The Blue of The Night, " quips Carl, whose late night shows at lyric FM are recalled here. "Merci Michel."
