Myrna Goldfinger, Paul’s mom. c. 1940’s. Somewhere at the shore. Photographer unknown. Family album. (Thanks Cousin Brucie)
Mom loved to pose for photos. One of her sisters was the family photographer. Mom was a singer. She was offered a chance to travel with a big band, but her father said, “No.” She was only 16. Over the years she sang in every show around—always a big hit.
Mom especially loved Broadway tunes, and her favorite show was Oklahoma. We took her to see a modern revival of Oklahoma, and she was thrilled. We bought her a shirt that said, “I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No.”
When I was a kid, I heard all these show albums over and over. This particular song intrigued me, but I never knew what it was about. I wish Mom had clued me in, because there is something to be learned here for a young man.
Gloria Grahame recorded this 1955 cast album version of “I Cain’t Say No.” from Oklahoma.