Episodes

  • GPE Presents Merman & Berlin P1
    Oct 19 2025
    Episode Notes

    SAS1-2 Welcome to GPE Presents it's Special Ark Series This 5 part series is dedicated to the Biggest Star on Broadway Ethel Merman and all her greatest accomplishments.

    This week on GPE Presents Geoffrey Mark Plays Merman, we salute Ethel's recordings of one of the greatest composers who ever lived -- Mr. Irving Berlin!~ As always, I will be there sharing insider stories on how the music was made and the backgrounds to the songs." Ethel Merman: Ethel Merman (born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann; January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American singer and actress. Known for her distinctive, powerful voice, and her leading roles in musical theater,[1] she has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage."[2] She performed on Broadway in Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, and Hello, Dolly! She is also known for her film roles in Anything Goes (1936), Call Me Madam (1953), There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). Among many accolades, she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Call Me Madam, a Grammy Award for Gypsy, and a Drama Desk Award for Hello, Dolly! Merman introduced many Broadway standards, including "I Got Rhythm" from Girl Crazy, "Everything's Coming Up Roses", "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries", "Some People" and "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, and the Cole Porter songs "It's De-Lovely" (from Red, Hot and Blue), "Friendship" (from Du Barry Was a Lady), and "I Get a Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", and "Anything Goes" (from Anything Goes). The Irving Berlin song "There's No Business Like Show Business", written for Annie Get Your Gun, became Merman's signature song. Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3
    bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark
    / @geoffreymark1037
    GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead
    / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • S1E13 - GPE Presents Ella & Frank DeVol
    Oct 18 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E12- "This week on GPE, we feature one of Ella's premiere arrangers, Frank De Vol. Not only was he a superior arranger, but he was the composer to the theme songs for "My Three Sons", "Family Affair" and "The Brady Bunch"!! As usual, I will be sharing insider information on the music and how the recordings were made. Don't Miss!!"

    PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3
    bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark
    / @geoffreymark1037
    GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead
    / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S1E12 - GPE Presents Ella & Jobim
    Oct 17 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E13 -"This week on GPE -- attention all Brazileros! We focus on Ella's recordings -- live and in the studio -- that are associated with Bossa Nova and the incredible Jobim family! As always, I will share insider stories of how the music was made -- and why!!" PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3 bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark / @geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • S1E11 - GPE Presents Ella's Last Year with Decca Records
    Oct 16 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E12 -"This week on GPE, we are focusing on the last year of Ella's recordings with dear old Decca Records -- the good and the not-so-good. I will, of course, tell insider stories of how the music was made, why this was her last year with Decca and how all of this affected her career." PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3 bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark / @geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • S1E10 - GPE Presents Ella sings Harold Arlen
    Oct 14 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E11- "This week on GPE, we are saluting the great composer Harold Arlen and Ella's recordings of his music, both live and in-studio. As always, I will be offering insider stories about the music, how it was made and what makes it special." PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3 bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark / @geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S1E9 - GPE Presents Ella at Carnegie Hall
    Oct 13 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E9 -- GPE Presents Ella at Carnegie Hall This week on GPE: Ultra-Rare live recordings of Ella performing at the most famous concert venue in the U.S. -- Carnegie Hall!! I will, of course, be sharing tons of insider info about the songs and the concerts! PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3 bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark / @geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S1E8 - GPE Presents Ella & Louis
    Oct 10 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E9 -- "This week on GPE Presents Geoffrey Mark Plays Ella: Legendary Duets Between The First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald and The King of Jazz Louis Armstrong. We'll be playing classic cuts from the 1940s and 1950s, both in the studio and recorded live in concert -- while I tell you all the insider information on how the music was made!" PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett / benjamin.bartlett3 bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark / mrgeoffreymark / @geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions Stilltoking.com & The Dorkening Podcast Networt / @thetokingdead / @thedorken

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • S1E7 - GPE Presents Ella Sings Merman
    Oct 7 2025
    Episode Notes

    S1E7- GPE Presents - Geoffrey Mark plays Ella This week we are diving into Ella Sings Merman PRE-RECORDED: Each week I will take you through some of Ella's greatest accomplishments. From award winning arrangements & compositions to Live performances and much much more. Ella Fitzgerald : Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American singer, songwriter and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing Geoffrey Mark: Critics have called Geoffrey Mark a walking encyclopedia of show business history. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised all over the country, Mr. Mark has spent his entire life in one part of show business or another. He has been appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock, been a singer and stand-up comedian in New York nightclubs and cabarets as well as on cruise ships, the proud recipient of an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award nomination, hosted two radio series in Los Angeles, writes comedy for several stand-up comedians, writes and produces documentaries and reality shows for cable television, as well as hosted two radio series of his own as well as several special programs on radio and television. Mr. Mark is also in demand as a performer in nightclubs, on cruise ships and for corporate events. Produced by B.K.Bartlett https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.bartlett3/ bartlett52108@gmail.com Geoffrey Mark https://www.facebook.com/MrGeoffreyMark https://www.youtube.com/@geoffreymark1037 GPE is officially copywrited by Spettigue Productions in association with the following networks: Still Toking Productions & The Dorkening Podcast Networt https://www.youtube.com/@THETOKINGDEAD https://www.youtube.com/@thedorken

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    1 hr and 5 mins