American folk song) ‘Shenandoah’ — whenever I hear it, it’s a
very powerful piece for me.”
Gordon-Walinsky also joked that growing up with her father’s
singular arrangements of well-known songs left her with the
misimpression that her father’s versions were, if not the only
versions, then at least the most correct ones.

“Growing up, I thought my dad’s rendition of (George
Gershwin’s) ‘I Got Rhythm’ was the original,” she said, laughing
at her youthful naiveté. “To this day, I think of his ‘Shenandoah’
as opposed to Pete Seeger’s or anyone else’s.”
Walinsky’s wife has also fi gured prominently, not just person-
ally, in his musical development. “She’s been deeply integral to
his musical journey,” Gordon-Walinsky said.

Th ough arrangements of others’ compositions are his bread
and butter, Walinsky did compose about 25-30 originals in the
’70s and ’80s. None became hits, but one holds special meaning
for him. Th e song’s called “Love and Fear.” It’s the one he played
for his future wife when he fi rst met her.

“Th at’s quite a memorable meeting of souls,” Gordon-
Walinsky said.

TWO BEDROOMS.

TWO BATHS.

TOO PERFECT.

Construction on Rydal Waters is
underway, with cottages slated to
open in 2020 and 2021. An expansion
of the renowned Rydal Park Life Plan
Community, Rydal Waters will offer
elegant, maintenance-free cottages in
the heart of Abington.

Call 215-814-0355 or
visit ExploreRydalWaters.org for our
schedule of upcoming information sessions.

Lou Walinsky is gearing up to do more concerts and share more of his
music. Courtesy of Lou Walinsky
Walinsky and his wife, Nina, will celebrate their 50th wedding
anniversary next year, and they live within three blocks of both
daughters. As for whether Walinsky, 74 who has fi ve grandchildren, is
getting ready to slow, Gordon-Walinsky doubts it.

“He’s just gearing up. He just wants to do more concerts and
get it out there, share his life’s work.”
In 2019-2020, Lou Walinsky was awarded a grant from
the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to perform three local
concerts. Th e fi rst two, at Perelman Jewish Day School and Inglis
House in Wynnefi eld, respectively, have passed, but the third will
be at KleinLife on Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. ●
msilver@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0737
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Sales Office: 1515 The Fairway, Rydal, PA 19046
ExploreRydalWaters.org THE GOOD LIFE
DECEMBER 19, 2019
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