Palma Pascale (1950-2009)

Palma Pascale was a composer-lyricist, singer, pianist and arranger who has written songs in the Popular, Contemporary Christian, and Broadway Show field throughout her long career.

Palma began singing in public as a small child when the guitar she played was bigger than she was. She sang in many languages, and her natural ear for music was in place since birth, as her "perfect pitch" was surprising her mother and her music teachers as early as six years old. Her idea of after school fun was to sit under the dining room window with a record player, and play her father's records of Perry Como, Frank Sinatra and Eddie Fisher singing their standard hits, as she analyzed the chord structures and melodies. All her early school notebooks were filled on the inside front and back covers with the lyrics to the pop songs of the day, and as rock and roll grew, so did her knowlege of the changing music scene. The "Hit Parade" magazine, which contained all the printed lyrics of the early rock and roll and popular music of the day, was her favorite reading material, and although she was an excellent student, Palma couldn't wait for the day she would be done with regular school, and have all her free time to play, sing and write. And that's just what happened!

Palma studied violin and piano, and various percussion instruments, played in school orchestras, and continued to sing as a teenager. She was hired as a studio singer beginning at age 13 ,making demo records for the songwriters of the day . Her trips into Manhattan recording studios changed her life. It's where she learned the art of being a studio musician and the love of pop music.

Palma received a full scholarship to Hofstra where she majored in music, continued to study piano, and became one of the first female student conductors, conducting orchestras for theatrical productions of Broadway musicals done on campus. She graduated with high honors, and pursued some further study at the Manhattan School Of Music (film scoring) and the Eastman School Of Music (arranging), but began writing popular songs immediately after graduation.

Her first major success came with the recording of her song, "LOVE ME FOR WHAT I AM" by the Carpenters on their album HORIZON in 1975. The relationship with that supergroup lasted for many years. She also wrote the lyrics and music (and eventually also adapted the book) for the musical "WHAT THE HELL, NELL" which had a pre-Broadway production at the Michael Bennett Studios in New York City. In later years it was done again at the John Houseman Theatre (as part of the "6 O'Clock Musicals" showcase), at Musical Theatre Works and Tada Studios where Palma produced as well as musically directed her own work. This musical was recently a finalist in the Richard Rodgers Contest for new musicals (2000).

Palma is also the composer-lyricist for another musical, "BACHELOR BUTTONS" which has been performed at Hofstra USA Theatre, and was a finalist in the BMI workshop for new musicals.

Palma's catalogue of popular music, featuring many "power ballads," continues to grow. Some of these songs are included on two albums, produced and arranged by the composer, entitled "IN AND OUT OF LOVE," and "I'LL LEAVE YOU THE MUSIC." Many of these songs have won awards in the AMERICAN SONG FESTIVAL CONTEST, and Palma is a yearly winner of ASCAP's "Special Awards" for songwriters.

Palma has appeared onstage with the JOFFREY BALLET and the MORGAN SCOTT BALLET singing as the dancers dance to a trilogy of her pop songs, entitled "OVER THE OCEAN." The latest performance was in Bryant Park in New York City. Her other live performances have included venues such as Reno Sweeney's, Tramps, the Ballroom, Northfork Westbury Music Fair, the Garden City Hotel, and television programs including the Christian Network, Telecare. She is a well known live entertainer, singing and playing in public throughout her career.

Her voice has been featured on many advertising jingles, and she has written them as well as sung on others. She is an accomplished studio musician, playing piano, performing all the instruments of the orchestra thru computer technology, and singing lead and backup for herself and others.

Palma has arranged for such artists as the famed tenor, GARY JEROME, for whom she has also written songs, including "I WANT TO STAY/RIMANGO QUI." She has arranged for and produced Christian artists, including AL BARBARINO, who has also recorded her songs on his latest album, "THE CRY OF THE POOR."

Palma's last album was the inspirational, Christian album, "THE BROKEN CUP", featuring 14 of her original songs, including "DID YOU TALK TO HIM TODAY" and "GET UP ONE MORE TIME." Her Christian song "STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS" is the title track of the religious album recorded by the Church Of The Intercessor, Malverne, New York. She has produced the album," KNOWING YOU JESUS" featuring the popular Christian artist, John Joe Roarty. Palma has performed the work of music ministry for several years now, appearing at many churches, as well as Christian coffee houses such as "Samantha's Little Bit O Heaven," &" The Olive Branch. "

Palma was coproducer, arranger and cowriter of the special project for Seniors and their caregivers, entitled "HUG SOMEONE YOU LOVE" due out shortly. She was also the pianist-arranger of "RAGTIME," an album distributed by the Beautiful Music Company.

Palma is featured on one of the largest fansites, worldwide, for the Carpenters. Visit www.carponline.bravepages.com to read about her association with the Carpenters and other interesting details of her songwriting career.

She was proud of her long and productive association with Tiki Recording Studios in Glen Cove, New York. Fred Guarino , owner/engineer, and Palma collaborated on many successful projects for Palma and many other artists as well.