Bill Harley Grownups Are Strange CD

This storytelling tape centers around growing up and trying to figure out how the adult world works. Aside from the upbeat title song, Harley goes into a long reminiscence about a terrifying third grade teacher in "Happy Birthday Mrs. Nottingham." He also touches on the "dangers" of camping out and telling ghost stories in "Grandma vs. the Headless Man." ~ MusD

“Bill Harley has the uncanny ability to reaffirm life for listeners, be they five or fifty. Humor, empathy, intelligence and reality all radiate from his work and from him.” - Penguin BooksA Grammy award winning artist, Bill uses song and story paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR’s All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist.With these considerable talents, Bill considers his real work to be using these skills to encourage his audience to see the world anew and to experience “live art”, to honor the emotional lives of children and adults and finally, to pass along a love of language and music.“Bill Harley takes his life and turns it into art. Sounds simple until you actually try to do it. That Harley’s art seems so effortless only underscore his mastery.” -Nuvo NewsweeklyPraise for Grownups Are Strange:"Bill Harley's voice---whether singing or telling stories--- is as elastic and entertaining as bubble gum, transforming itself from intimate to outrageous with seamless ease." Booklist"Just wanted to let you know that my children, Marty and Jack love your recordings. We listen to a number of children performers but I always hear, "Can you put on Bill Harley". Thanks for being a good influence on my children!" Lisa

Photographer: Susan Wilson.

Personnel: Bill Harley (vocals).

Recording information: Celebration Sounds Studio, Pawtucket, RI (08/1990).