Brides Against Breast Cancer™ (BABC) announced today that noted singer and songwriter Margo Rey has been named volunteer ambassador for the national  non-profit organization. Her hit, "Let the Rain," a top 20 Billboard charting song, will become the theme song for a new BABC nationwide campaign.  

"From my perspective as a breast cancer warrior now undergoing chemotherapy, I believe that education and personal support are just as critical as prompt medical treatment," said Margo Rey. "It is my pleasure to join Brides Against Breast Cancer to raise awareness and help ensure that no one ever has to face cancer alone."

In her role as ambassador, Margo Rey will visit select cities where Brides Against Breast Cancer (http://www.bridesabc.org) holds its “Original Nationwide Tour of Gowns” bridal shows, which raise money for education, information and outreach services to cancer patients and their families.  She is also looking forward to becoming a bride herself, planning a fall wedding to her partner for the last five years, famous comedian and actor Ron “Tater Salad” White.              

"Margo Rey's cancer journey will offer inspiration to so many people," said Carl Ritter, chief executive officer for the Sarasota-based nonprofit. "She will spread hope and courage to thousands of families affected by cancer in her role as Ambassador."

Rey’s alternative pop songs have captured a worldwide audience with their unforgettable melodies, groove oriented arrangements and enduring, socially conscious lyrics. Her biggest hit, “Let the Rain” – co-written with the legendary John Oates – remained on the charts for 21 weeks.  Rey’s newest single, “Tempted,” is presently in the Top 40 charts and currently being played on dozens of radio stations across the United States.  

In keeping with Rey's volunteer leadership, BABC is kicking off a new campaign this summer called simply, "I Do!"  As Amy Paulishak, vice president, said, "Those two words from all our future brides describe the response we hope to hear when we ask people to support our program, from donating funds, to performing self-breast exams and helping family members and friends facing this disease."

This year, Brides Against Breast Cancer will host more than 120 bridal shows nationwide, and will contribute 2 million dollars to support free programs and services to help people impacted by cancer.  In addition, the nonprofit will distribute thousands of breast self-examination cards.

Brides Against Breast Cancer sells all brands of new designer and gently worn wedding gowns, with an average offering of nearly 1,000 dresses at each show. Gowns are available in sizes from 0 to 24, and layaway is available.  Gown prices start at $99 and range upwards to new name brand and couture gowns valued at $3,900 or more.

“Our organization makes it possible for future brides around the country to purchase wedding gowns at dramatic savings, as well as donate their own gowns,” said Paulishak.  "If you have already said, 'I do,' and want to donate your gown, a charitable tax deduction is available."

For more information on Brides Against Breast Cancer, visit  www.bridesabc.org
or call 1-877-721-HOPE

Happy Birthday to acclaimed LA actress & Animal Advocate, Nancy La Scala. From Margo Rey & Ron White

Yup, I tanned my head for the first time ever!! In the South of France! Not too shabby…Lots O’ Sunscreen.

  My Mighty Mouse Dogs! I love french bulldogs.  http://instagram.com/margo_rey

Cheers from Nice, France Cote d’Azur My #French #habit #margorey @Ron_White

One #sweet reason 2BN Europe! #BelgianWaffle #Habit #margorey @ron_white

Anne Frank Memorial, Amsterdam #WWII #margorey @Ron_White

In what turns out to be a super choice of song, Margo releases her own twist on the classic 80′s Squeeze number, ‘Tempted’. Covers can be risky; with such a popular number (which I grew up with, and so I took the trouble to re-acquaint myself with it a couple of times before listening to Margo’s newest single), I was looking for a really excellent take on the original, which was so 80′s, so smooth, and so laid back.  I needed something with a punch, something ‘Margo’…and I got it. She has the voice and the ‘organica’ approach down to a tee, producing an upbeat and beautifully executed version, totally for our times, and funky as hell. Have a listen with me.

It’s a beautiful sunny day, lovely for music listening, and perfect for music reviewing; when it’s Margo, you can be pretty sure it’s going to be a pleasure. Straight in with that voice, it takes me right back to my first listen to ‘Habit’, a diverse album, with each song telling a story instrumentally and lyrically. The keyboard, the accented husky vocal, the runs, and the funky drumming; all a wonderful build up to what is to come. Let the groove commence.

"I said to my reflection
let’s get out of this place,
Past the church and the steeple
The laundry on the hill
The billboards and the buildings
Memories of it still"

It’s reminiscent of the more upbeat tracks on ‘Habit’; a bit ‘Get Back’, and a bit ’10 Reasons’, and clear that she owns the song from the very first verse.  Lyrically, it’s taking me right back to the 80′s and the original, but vocally and instrumentally, this version is an original, a swinging toe-tapper and shoulder shaker, with no doubt. The verse is nicely understated, something of a 3 a.m. listen at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, London.  It makes that build into the chorus so welcome when it comes.

"Tempted by the fruit of another
Tempted but the truth is discovered
What’s been going on,
Now that you have gone,
There’s no other"

It has me genuinely, and broadly, smiling at this point, sitting in a Northern Virginia library and nodding my head, tapping my fingers on the MacBook (I think that’s what the empty space next to the trackpad is for). You can hear the hard work that’s gone into production to keep me listening and satisfied, the little harmonies and attention to detail in the mix of every track. It’s my compliment to Margo, honestly, that I started hearing the very faintest reflections of the seminal ‘Tom’s Diner’ by Suzanne Vega. I love it when a song has hints like that, and can spin you off into memories of other classic works.  It’s bringing on musical immersion  .

Another verse, another chorus, just as punchy, and it’s noteworthy to me that, as on ‘Habit’, the musicians and the band as an entity are so superbly tight, you don’t notice individual instruments unless you really listen out for them; it works as a piece of music, supporting the main feature, Margo’s vocal.

At just the right time, the song comes down to the bare bones again, highlighting the brilliant lyric of Al Turney:

“I bought a novel, some perfume
A fortune all for you
But it’s not my conscience
Hating to be untrue
I asked of my reflection
What is there to do?”

That lovely keyboard is back again, bringing the song to a swinging and jammin’ climax, soaring harmony vocals complementing; and another signature ‘Margo’ touch, with the briefest of warning notes, the song closes. It’s a super snappy ending to a track that had me wanting to dance along to it all the way.

From my perspective, this deserves all the credit it is currently getting. Margo is not a one-hit sensation; she is a proven phenomenon, musically well-educated, hard working, a principled artist, no stranger to adversity, and a believer in the quality of real music. This is a lovely memory of my childhood, it pays homage to the original, and at the same time it is a fresh new work of art and an excellent follow up to the epic (13 songs worth) ‘Habit’ in 2012. I look forward to seeing where sales go from here.  I expect to be looking up to follow its path.

I suppose the general public agrees. Debuting at number 28 on the Billboard AC, Margo has once again put her unique stamp on a track which I’m sure is set to run and run. Margo, your Fish Pond family are proud of you, and with you all the way to the top.

David Mark Smith
Founder and CEO, The Fish Pond
www.globalmusiciansfishpond.com

You can buy the single on iTunes here.

You can read more about Margo on her Fish Pond profile here.

My new fascination whilst in Amsterdam Delft tiles 1600 #RijksMuseum #margorey Dutch #habit

UKnowUrIn #Amsterdam when you see this! @Ron_White ‘s favorite #habit #margorey