Irwin & Betty Helford
Special Thanks to Irwin Helford Irwin Helford recently retired as Chairman of the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative. He helped found the Initiative in 2007 and has generously supported the organization. His leadership and philanthropy make events like the Vocal Academy and Competition possible. We thank him for his vision and for ensuring that the music of the Great American Songbook will always raise our spirits and sing in our hearts. In a recent interview, Irwin explained his dedication to the Great American Songbook and the Feinstein Initiative: Over the past decade, you have chosen to lend your leadership to American music projects, from recordings to television to the Initiative. What prompted your devotion to preserving American music and its history? Has music played a significant role in your life? “Growing up, music was always a part of our family life. My wife Betty and I love the Great American Songbook and appreciate the great songwriters and performers, like Michael Feinstein. It was Michael that convinced me how important it is to preserve this music and bring it to young people today. We want so much for our children and grandchildren to have the enjoyment and feelings of this music, its history and importance to America.”
Sharing the songbook with today’s youth is first and foremost the mission of the Initiative. If you could choose just one tune from the Songbook to introduce to the next generation, which song would you choose? Why? “It is pretty impossible to choose just one song. But my personal favorite would be ‘Our Love is Here to Stay,’ written by George and Ira Gershwin. It expresses the warmth of love between a man and woman, but also, as some of us believe, the love of a brother (Ira) for his recently deceased brother (George). Listening closely to the warmth of the lyrics by Ira, it can be interpreted either way. And this love song has now been treasured by Americans, and others, for over 70 years. In today’s world of lesser music, youngsters who take the time to listen to this and understand its simple meaning won’t ever forget it.” Note: Mr. Helford has been active in the office products industry for more than 50 years. He rose from sales trainee to President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. He is Chairman Emeritus, Viking Office Products, Inc. and Vice Chairman (retired), Office Depot, Inc. Mr. Helford is affiliated with a number of nonprofit organizations including the Michael J. Fox Foundation and City of Hope.