Wendy Dale Young is an esteemed figure in the entertainment industry, renowned for her remarkable career spanning several decades. Hailing from a family deeply ingrained in show business, Wendy’s upbringing in Los Angeles, California, exposed her to the world of performance. Her mother, a gifted singer and dancer, and her father, a British comedian who pioneered his own variety show, “Mister. Ed” played on radio and television in New York, instilled in Wendy a profound love for the arts.
Wendy, it’s a pleasure to discuss your career. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in the arts?
I was born into the entertainment business. My dad was actor Alan Yung, best known for being Wilbur in the Mister Ed television series and the movie “Time Machine.” I started ballet at age 6. I was in the Junior Ballet Company in Los Angeles and danced with the Bolshoi Ballet when I was ten. I was offered scholarships with several ballet companies including my favorite the Ballet Russe. From there I went to NYC and performed on Broadway, film, t.v., and in London’s Westend and cabaret. I joined my present producer Michael. B. Sutton as his co-songwriter back in 1989. This has been my passion ever since.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career? ( Please share your career experiences, and lessons from collaborations and guidance from others working in the industry
My parents were my early influences. They gave me a sense of fun in performing. Dad taught me commitment, integrity, and loyalty. Hard work pays off. Rehearse, practice like crazy. Be true to yourself, be honest, and always with grace. I went to NYC to attain a scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet. I dreamed of being on Broadway. When I made it on Broadway at 22 years old I was the assistant to the director and choreographer and found myself having to stage the entire show in London. I quickly learned how to take charge and be a strong leader. The director and I were faced with a very difficult Producer in London who wanted to change our show. The director was beside himself and I stepped in, negotiating with our producer David Merrick in NY and this producer in London, and literally protecting my director. I had to keep the peace. It was crazy and something I will never forget. I learned what is like behind the glitter and joy of performing to the business side of things. It paved the way for me when I was in a producing position later in years. Dad really installed grace in my being. He constantly talked about grace.
Which three traits define you?
Honesty, tenacity, and passion.
Please tell us about your latest project
My latest project is recording a cover to one of my favorite songs “The Look of Love.” My co-songwriter Michael. B. Sutton CEO of the label The Sound of L. A. and I talked for years about me recording something. Last March we decided to do just that. It was released last March and my video was released a month later. From that came a request to do an EP.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
My second song, “Unconditional Love” Michael and I wrote together. I am an avid animal lover, having several kitties, dogs, chickens, and rescuing them all so I had to give a tribute to my beautiful furry, feathered friends. Next we are doing one of our favorite songs that we wrote “Dancing in the Rain.” That song originally was written for Daniel Pearl who was executed in Afghanistan and a young man, Darren Russell who was a school teacher in China who was murdered. We met Maxine and Mike Russell, the parents of Darren and Maxine had been Daniel’s music teacher. They asked us to write a song as a tribute to Daniel and Darren so with tears in our eyes and joy in our hearts we wrote this beautiful song. We felt so honored. I am recording a Christmas song I wrote “Christmas Past” and one other song I wrote called “The Hardest Thing.” I am so grateful to have both Michael B. and Anissa Sutton with the Sound of L.A. as my producers and collaborators. It feels wonderful and magical working together!
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Visit my website: wendydaleyoung.com, instagram: wendydaleyoung
Images provided, courtesy of the artist
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