Composer honors memory of mother with CDs

By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CHAMPION -- Frank Fordeley wants to save other women from the disease that killed his mother.
Rose Mary Fordeley died 14 years ago of breast cancer. Fordeley is releasing a CD single he's written, "After 911" with a portion of proceeds from the sale going to the American Cancer Society to be earmarked for breast cancer programs and support.
The song talks about events that have occurred since the terrorist attack and people coming together to heal.
CDs for sale
CDs will be available for $5 starting Wednesday at Fordeley's Music and Instrument Repair, Mahoning Avenue. Proceeds from Fordeley's Auto Rock and Roll Car Show Concert and Cancer Benefit July 7 also will go to breast cancer programs and support through the American Cancer Society.
Fordeley also has hired musicians to play with him at the show when he performs "After 911" and songs from his CD, "I Believe in Angels."
He wrote one of the songs, "She's Gone Today," in memory of his mother, who died in 1988. The song, which is on his CD, is to be featured in a movie, "Bridging the Gap," which is expected to be released next year.
Fordeley wrote all of the songs on the CD, which is performed by the Frankie Fordeley Family Band. The band includes Fordeley, his father on harmonica, and his daughters Maranda, 10, and Catrina, 12, on piano and flute, respectively.
The CD also features John Sferra, the drummer from Glass Harp, and will be available Wednesday at CD Warehouse, the Record Connection, Border's and Book Nook. Negotiations are under way for the CD to also be available at Circuit City. Fordeley credits Sferra for the support, encouragement and guidance he provided throughout the project. A portion of that CD's proceeds also will go to breast cancer support and programs.
"Every song is straight from the heart," Fordeley said. "I wrote every song on that album in about five minutes. I have no doubt that God and my mom were working through my heart."
Helped him heal
Writing the songs and producing the album also provided a catharsis for Fordeley, who says he's finally moved beyond the pain he felt for 14 years.
The words to "She's Gone Today" came to Fordeley, the band director at Warren's Notre Dame schools, while he was practicing his Elvis Presley impersonation. He performs as the King in anti-drug programs for students.
That's part of the reason he believes his mother is the album's inspiration.
When Fordeley was a boy, he and his mother used to watch Elvis movies together.
"When we saw the thing about Elvis giving his mother the car I told my mom, 'I'm going to get you a house.' She patted me on the head and said, 'That's my Frankie,'" Fordeley said, his voice breaking.
He believes his mother would be thrilled with his latest venture.
"I know she's with me in spirit every day," Fordeley said.
dick@vindy.com