Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Gene Kelly
Private VenueIt is one of the single most iconic moments in the history of the movies: Gene Kelly dancing with absolute joy in a rainstorm in Singing In The Rain. That unforgettable moment showcases so many things - a brilliant dancer and … Continue reading
Bob Newhart
Deerfield Public Library 920 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL, United StatesBob Newhart turned 93 on September 5, 2022. He is a living legend and widely regarded as one of the nicest men in Hollywood history. Two of his sitcoms became iconic and his appearances on the Tonight Show were legendary. … Continue reading
The Crime of the Century – The Supermodel, The Architect, And the Insane Millionaire
Private VenueClick here to read more about this amazing story! At the dawn of the 20th century, America was riveted by the first celebrity murder case in America. Every element of this story is fascinating! The murderer was already famous and … Continue reading
The Life Of Robin Williams
Private VenueThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions, and … Continue reading
Irving Berlin
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesIrving Berlin has often been called the quintessential American songwriter of all time. This is high praise for anyone – especially for an uneducated young immigrant from Russia who came to America not speaking a word of English. As with … Continue reading
Rodgers And Hammerstein
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesSo, just how good were Rodgers and Hammerstein? In a 16-year career, they wrote 11 musicals. Six of those musicals are among the very best ever produced! The greatest hits of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II include: √ Oklahoma … Continue reading
History Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning
Private VenueHistory Vs. the Movies: Mississippi Burning Mississippi Burning: The Civil Rights Era is one of the most exciting, important, and electrifying eras in American history. It had everything from a cinematic standpoint: dynamic lead characters, powerful and determined villains, mystery, mood, … Continue reading
The Life Of Robin Williams
New City Library 220 N. Main Street, New City, NY, United StatesThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions, and … Continue reading
George Gershwin
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesIn a very short career, George Gershwin changed American music forever. He was one of the most beloved composers of music for Broadway. his songs and shows continue to be revived on the New York stage and in theaters worldwide. … Continue reading
1923 – America One Hundred Years Ago
ZoomThe Roaring Twenties were going full blast, and jazz filled the air. We were past a World War and a pandemic. Stocks and hemlines were going up. Warner Brothers, King Tut's tomb, and Old Yankee Stadium were opened. 1923 seemed … Continue reading