The first song I remember hearing
Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra because of my parents. I grew up in Brooklyn and I remember dancing to that in the house.
The first song I fell in love with
At Christmas time, we would all gather round and watch The Wizard of Oz. When the witch came on, I would jump into my father or mother’s lap. I remember watching Judy Garland sing Over the Rainbow and thinking she was so beautiful. Then being scared to death by the witch was such an array of emotions.
The first single I bought
Happy Together by the Turtles. I couldn’t have been more than 10 or 11 and I went to the record store in Mid Island, in Long Island, and bought it with my babysitting money. Who was I babysitting for? Two little brats down the street!
The song I do at karaoke
Never. It’s not for me. But if, let’s put it this way, if I dared, it would be I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher. I can’t sing. I’m too shy. So I would have to do it with someone.
The song that makes me cry
I love it when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band sing The River live and they hand it off to all of the band members. So Bruce sings it, Stevie Van Zandt sings it and Patti Scialfa sings it. The words are so powerful, they just go through me. It’s an emotion that touches my heart. I love Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. I’ve seen them, I don’t know how many times through my life.
The song I inexplicably know all the lyrics to
I had an older brother who introduced me to Chubby Checker, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and the Beatles. I was just at that age where their songs were meaningful and simple. I love Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon. There is such a simplicity about it. It’s still as important today than when he wrote and believed it.
The best song to play at a party
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars is just so much fun. Talk about getting the party started! It’s got a great beat. It makes me want to move. It makes me happy.
The last song I streamed
David Chase just sent me a song … Darling Lorraine by the Knockouts, which is a lovely old song from the 50s. Do I like Woke Up This Morning by Alabama 3, the theme tune to The Sopranos? Of course I do! I love that they went from obscurity to world-renowned.
The best song to have sex to
Barry White.
The song I tell people I hate, but secretly like
I’m not like that. I’m black and white.
The song I’d like played in my funeral
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler for my children, because they give breath to my life, my success, my joy, and made me want to be better.
Lorraine Bracco’s new film Monster Summer is out now on digital platforms.
