A kind story by “Story Monsters Ink”: a wonderful company that serves as a literary funnel for teachers and schools. They also have great programs to celebrate the writing achievements of kids.
Interview on “Publishers Weekly”
Publisher’s weekly kindly did an interview about “The Shepherd’s Story.”
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/podcasts/index.html?channel=5&podcast=1096
SMU Graduation 2020
SMU had an extraordinary graduation event in their football stadium. Here’s a video their President Gerald Turner just sent me — images of the graduating class against their university anthem I wrote, “SMU Forever.”
re-imagining palisades park
Five years ago Jimmy Dunne, along with four Palisadians, dreamed of re-imagining a dilapidated upper Palisades Park — and creating a vibrant, stunning home for all Palisadians.
A town home that reflected the values so dear to all in one of America’s small-town treasures, Pacific Palisades.
With the extraordinary will of Bill McGregor, Bob Harter, Jay McCann and Rob Jernigan, this team led the dream to fruition.
Donations from so many organizations and individuals will forever be in the soil of one of Palisades new treasures.
With final touches taking place, the doors to Veterans Gardens will open when the town is comfortable coming together in its new park.
Here’s a sneak preview of a short video — stay tuned for the Grand Opening!
“america (lives in me)”
AMERICA
Bike riding and taking long walks around town, I’ve never seen such a beautiful outpouring of people saying “hello.” We’re all drawn together and counting on each other in these unique days impacting our families, our towns and our country.
I wrote this with one of my favorite songwriters, Amanda McBroom.
In the most challenging of times, we discover who we are…
“i’m gonna wash my hands”
Many moons ago, the first episode I wrote on “Happy Days” was where Potsie (Anson Williams) was struggling for an upcoming biology test on the circulatory system, and Fonzie suggested to write a song about the circulatory system to remember it easier.
Ron Howard, Henry Winker and the cast all sang “Pumps Your Blood,” with everyone playing beakers and other ‘instruments’ from the classroom. We had a blast — and it was a big hit in the ratings.
A few days before that, I played the song I wrote for Anson in his dressing room. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Over his dead body I’m singing that thing on national television.”
None of us would have guessed the song would take on its own life; as the American Heart Association Theme, as an award-winning commercial for St. Joseph’s Aspirin, in the “Waiting for Superman” documentary, and with grammar school to college students making countless videos to remember the circulatory system.
Anson called a few days ago.
He said little kids are anxious about this virus — and need to feel empowered. To be comforted to see a path. He suggested that I write new words to this song.
I wrote “I’m Gonna Wash My Hands,” Anson sang the vocal at his house – and we put together a video…
I hope you share it with some fabulous kids & parents you know!
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pacific palisades ‘citizen of the year’
Pacific Palisades Community Council announced Jimmy Dunne and Bob Harter were chosen as Pacific Palisades’ “Citizen of the Year.”
An awards gala was held in the Palisades to a packed house; with Jimmy Dunne receiving honors from Councilman Mike Bonin, and leadership across the state.
‘the shepherd’s story’ illustrated book
Jimmy Dunne inked a book deal with award-winning Loyola Press to release “The Shepherd’s Story,” a children’s holiday book scheduled for a 2020 holiday release.
In The Shepherd’s Story (to the familiar rhythm of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas), we meet a young, lovable shepherd who is down on his luck — on the very night before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. We follow the shepherd’s journey that night where he discovers baby Jesus in the arms of his loving parents. In imagining the difference one child can make in the world, the young shepherd sees the promise and the wonder of life.
The book will be available in books stores all across America.
The book is based on work Jimmy Dunne wrote — which went viral and has been read/performed in schools and churches around the country.
