The number of tributes to Jerry Herman, who died last week at the age of 88, is already sizable and continues to grow. And understandably so: the late composer-lyricist created more than a dozen memorable Broadway and film scores, including the enduring favorites Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles. Herman had also been the recipient of some of the performing arts world’s most sought-after prizes, including multiple Tony Awards, Grammy Awards and, in 2010, a Kennedy Center Honor.

While the homages to Herman’s life and artistic contributions are certainly in order, none are a substitute for the kind of appreciation which one derives from experiencing his work directly. With that in mind, the New York Public Radio Archive has the privilege of providing an opportunity for just such an experience with a recording from its collection.

On October 12, 1989, Jerry Herman was a guest on WQXR’s The Listening Room with Robert Sherman.  Broadcast live before a studio audience, host Robert Sherman welcomed Mr. Herman, along with the singers Lee Roy Reams and Florence Lacey, for an hour of performances, interviews, and reminiscences of his career.  

One of the highlights of this archival recording is Lacey’s affecting rendition of If He Walked Into My Life, accompanied by Herman himself at the piano; that performance is available in the media player at the top of this page.  Taken from Act II of Herman’s hit score Mame, the song is a portrait of the play’s protagonist, caught in the grip of profound doubt and the haunting realization that she has failed as the guardian of her deceased brother’s son. 

Did he need a stronger hand?
Did he need a lighter touch?
Was I soft or was I tough?
Did I give enough?
Did I give too much?
At the moment that he needed me,
did I ever turn away?
Would I be there when he called,
if he walked into my life today?

The complete October 12, 1989 episode of The Listening Room with Robert Sherman, which is part of the permanent collection of the New York Public Radio Archive, is available here.  Jerry Herman appears in the second half of the program, at approximately 56:00.