"Peace, love, and songs with melodies." That's the way Julie signed one of her first e-mail contacts with us. Christine Lavin had decided that Ornaments was a wonderful show (thank you, Christine) and she started recruiting for us! Well, with her working for you, you can't lose. Julie was one of ChristineÕs first recruits! They work together from time to time in The Bitchin' Babes.

Julie's songs do, in fact, have melodies. Originally from Philadelphia, Julie moved to New York in 1978 to concentrate on being a songwriter. She immediately caught the attention of the local scene, but it was when Christine Lavin sent a demo of "From A Distance" to Nanci Griffith, and then her recording was heard by Bette Medler, that Julie's career as a songwriter was solidly established. That Grammy didn't hurt, either. Many people have found comfort in that song toward the end of this year, and it brings the house down when Nanci Griffith performs it with the Landmine Free World tour. In Cleveland, it received a three minute standing ovation.

Another choice bit of Julie's writing set to CD is Nanci Griffith's version of "Heaven," from her Late Night Grande Hotel record. Many others have covered Julie's songs, including Judy Collins, Kathy Mattea, Andrea Marcovicci, Patti Lupone, Cliff Richard, Donna Summer, James Galway, and Irish pianist Phil Coulter. She plays them herself, as well!

Here on Ornaments and Icing, Julie again brings a wish for peace and love to her lyric, and we were proud to have her send us "Merry Christmas (Peace, Peace, Peace)." Perhaps if we all keep singing Julie's songs, the message will get across.