Here's the complete original version of "When I See Beth Smiling" just in case anyone is interested. I offer this, however, with a sense of trepidation, because, as I told Howard Stern, my vocals need a lot of improvement. So, judge me not for my voice, but for the quality of the song itself.
About me: Here's what the wonderful Tommy Shaw of Styx, and Jack Blades of Night Ranger did with my song, "When I See Beth Smiling": http://www.trilulilu.ro/mariuscioane/2909c06417be3f
Who I'd like to meet: The band Blue Collar did a version, too. You can find it on this page:
http://www.myspace.com/bluecollar.
The Bleeding Deacons also offer their version here:
http://www.trilulilu.ro/mariuscioane/57c79f30f651d4
i hate to bother you but as a fan of the HS show i wanted to mention something. first of all, i am sorry for your loss. i know howard is a fan of american idol and a fan of the song lonny composed. american idol has a contest for songwriting. i think you should enter lonny's song. imagine a one of howard's precious american idol singing lonny's song. i think level of song lonny wrote, the stern nation could realy put some steam behind the entry. aslo how about shaw-blades sitting oin the stage acoustically while this year's winner sings lonny song. i think it possible to add the page to lonny's legacy.
I would like to thank everyone who had such kind words to say of my brother. This truly was a dream come true for him. He wanted nothing more than to have his song played and be able to talk to Howard. He truly was able to fullfill a lifelong dream. As was said before he has so many more songs than this one and one day we hope to have more of his songs played for all to hear. We miss him immensely, but all that has happened has eased the pain in some way. Thank you again for all who took the time to express their thoughts and thank you especially to Penny for putting them on his page. Take care Lonny and now is your time to rest. I miss you! Love, Lorelle
I would like to thank everyone for all the comforting words. It really helped me and my family to make it through the sad time. I was amazed how many people Lonny's song affected. People all over the world! I appreciate everyone taking the time out of their busy lives to think of Lonny. We will always cherish the wonderful things that were said about my son. His music lives on! We can listen to his songs on the CD's that he has; and there are many. Special thanks to Penny. Sincerely, Linda and family
I've been a Howard Stern Listener for many many years, and I've never ever shed a tear in sadness from listening to the show. That ended when Howard informed us of Lonny's passing. I shed another one when the piece of the Shaw/Blades Show aired. Wow. Listening to his interview, I felt like I knew the guy forever and immediately knew "what a nice guy". Lonny didn't ask for any fame, fortune, or sympathy. Playing the song on the show was good enough for him. Commendable. It's been three weeks and I still have this guy in my thoughts. It must have been a real honor to have known him personally. I wish I did. Lonny Rocks!
Sometimes our bodies just give out on us. Fortunately for all of us Lonny's spirit will live in that beautiful song. All of the millions of us in the Stern family have lost a brother. Rest well. Brian
I there. I know you don't know me but I see that you were one of Lonny's friends on his page. I only knew of him because I heard his song on The Stern Show, but I was very sorry to hear about his passing away. I'm so happy that he got to live a little but of his dream and I'm so sorry that just as things were going well for him it had to end.
Oh God!! I just found out about Lonny's passing..... I'm stunned. Only 38.... I'm the same age. What can one say to ease the pain? "In the arms of the angels, may you find some comfort here..." Sarah MacLachlan My sincere condolences to his friends and family; I never had the pleasure of meeting Lonny, but he was kind enough to post a very nice comment on my page at MySpace. Anyway, please know that Lonny, his friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers; many blessings to you all in this time of sorrow. Respectfully, Tracy Beth Frye
Hello Penny, You don't know me but I read your posts on Lonnys myspace page and just wanted to tell you that Lonny touched a lot of Stern fans around the world with his very touching song that celebrated Howards love for Beth, Lonny was a very gifted talent that will be missed by the many fans he had made through the Howard Stern show. May his family find peace in knowing that Lonny is no longer suffering and left this world on a high note knowing that millions of people heard the talented song writer that he was through the Howard Stern show. He may be gone from this life but he lives forever through his music. Rest In Peace Lonny Heckman. Sincerly Woots Berks County Pa.
I sit here crying as I read the comments on Lonny's page! I didn't know him, but I remembered reading his comment on the Shaw Blades page. When I heard of his passing I went and found the comment and re-posted it on the SB page to make sure the guys saw it, in case they didn't when he posted it. Gosh, he was so young! I do believe things happen for a reason! I am not a real religous person, but I believe God gave him something special near the end of his life by having Shaw Blades record and perform his song! Music has a power that can't be explained! It breaks my heart to know that he didn't get to see them in concert!! I am just glad that he heard them perform his song on the Howard Stern show and was able to convey to them how much he appreciated it!!! My sympathy to his family and friends!!!
penny, what you are doing is a great thing. Allowing everyone to post a message through you is very nice of you. If you wouldnt mind posting another one..
Lonny, I was very sad to hear that you had passed away. You sounded like a really nice guy who had a good heart. I am thrilled that your song became so popular and I hope that your last days were happy ones. R.I.P Lonny. Though I never knew you, I will remember you! Brandon, Paducah, Ky
Every time I've heard Lonny mentioned on the news or the Stern show I can't help but tear up. Even though most of us did not know him well, it was pretty obvious that Lonny was a kind and talented soul. Rest In Peace Lonny.
As a fellow Howard Stern fan, I too appreciate the contribution that Lonnie made to the show. I started tearing up at the news and I find myself singing the song periodically during the last few days. Thanks much for taking the time to post other people's comments on his page so that they can pay thier respects to him. Have a good evening Penny!
At some point in my day everyday the song "When I see Beth smiling" pops into my head and makes me smile. As a Howard fan I appreciate Lonnie's contribution to the show and was saddened to hear of his untimely death. Stern Fans are like one big family and yesterday we lost one our most talented.
Could not find article from Richard at that link you provided. But did manage to see the article on Lonny written by the paper, which included Lonny's e-mail to them. So sad. What a tragic ending. I can see this song being played at Howard's wedding, and even down the road followed by a movie, "Lonny's Story". Wouldn't that be nice? Can't believe he actually had tickets for Shaw Blades the next day! Please send/post my condolences to his family & friends for me. And my condolences to you as well, Penny. Thank you.-
You have one chance to make a first impression - and you made a great one on me and many other Howard Stern fans. My sincere condolences to your friends and family. May they find peace in the fact that you made such a lasting impression in your final days. You are truly loved and will forever be missed.
Hi Penny, First let me say how nice it is of you to post our messages on Lonny's page. Thank You. I was so sad to hear the news this morning on Howard. It was great a few weeks ago when Lonny was on the air talking about the song. After the interview I said to myself, "he sounds like a great guy", and I thought his original version of the song sounded great. The other versions too. This morning I got tears in my eyes as Howard explained about his illness and how strong he was to be living in pain and not complaining about it at all. I was genuinely moved by his song and spirit and was deeply saddened to hear he had passed. Please give my condolence to his family and friends as an admirer from afar. Thanks.
Ray in NY
Penny any information for flowers, or cards or memorial contribution would be appreciated. Thanks again.
I have just read Lonny's story in the Easton-Express newspaper and found his story to be very touching.
I am sure his family is very proud of Lonny and how wonderful that his dream came true. To think that he was finally able to speak with Howard Stern about his song after being a longtime fan of Stern's! Sadly, Lonny had to leave this world before his time. My deepest sympathy to Lonny's family!
I did not know Lonnie but I was very touched by his interview of a few weeks ago. I was so happy for him when he got the call from Howard.
When I heard about it this morning it made me cry. I hope that he is at peace. I am happy that he actually got to hear Shaw Blades and others perform his song.
I just heard the news of Lonny's passing and I would just like to pass my condolences on to his family and friends. I also am a Howard Stern fan and the great sense of humor he displayed when Howard interviewed him about his song should be an influence to all.
hey now....so this morning i am at my 3 days a week dialysis and my girlfriend sends me a txt telling me that that guy who wrote that great song for howard died...but did not know how......the sad part is that i did'nt even have to ask...thats because i know first hand how he died....thats because his life was just like mine....i have been a diebtic with high blood presure and need a kidney/panc transplant also....i have been looking online for the last few weeks to find out info on lonny....i guess i am too late....i feel like i lost a close friend who i never met....he will always be in my head.....best of luck my friend you will be missed.....
I am very sorry to hear about Lonny. His song touched many, and I am glad to hear that Howard will use his song in his wedding. GOD speed Lonny! You will be missed.
Rest well, Lonny. Your untimely passing saddened many Stern fans. Your original, heartfelt contribution to the show and Howard personally was so selfless and without want. Just a pure gift.
The quote from Shaw Blades was perfect - something to the effect of "we did not know each other, but connected through the love of music".
Hey Penny, Thanks for posting Lonnie condolences. I'm just a quiet nobody who listens to the Howard Stern show and I wanted to tell Lonnie's family that I'm so happy that he found such success with his song. I hope that brightened his last days. I am one of many around the country that actually shed tears this morning for a person they never met, but who's lives had crossed in a small way. Rest in peace, Lonnie. Thank you for making me smile many times with that song! Blessings, Minde
I will be posting any condolence messages that I have received about Lonny - here is one from Ryon and Kelli: I heard his song and interview on the Howard Stern Show. This morning I learned of Lonny's passing. Best wishes and most heart felt condolences.
If there is anyone out there with more pull on Myspace, there has been a lot of requests to open the site for more people to post their condolence messages to Lonny's friends and family. I think it's a good idea. -Penny
I can't leave a comment for Lonny on his Myspace site. Being one of his friends could you please forward this to his comment page? Thanks. Is there any way to open up his site to receive the many eulogies that I'm sure people that have been touched by his song could leave?
My message to Lonny:
I just heard the news on the Howard Stern show. Even though I didn't know him the song he wrote for Howard and Beth really struck a chord in me. I have a feeling that not only will Howard use it during his wedding, but many people getting married will modify it to reflect their feelings on their wedding day. It is a wonderful song and though Lonny has passed he will live on for years to come in the hearts of all who will sing this song to each other during their wedding. My deepest sympathies to his family who must be going through a very tough time now. May he live on ,Linas
I am sitting here at the computer in shock; what a shame. I am sending my condolences to Lonny's friends and family - I don't know the circumstances of his passing but I hope he finds peace. -Penny Yoder
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Lonny Heckman today. Though we never met, the power of music drew us together to create something bigger than us all. Our sympathies go out to his friends and family. As the Righteous Brothers once sang, "If there's a Rock'n'Roll Heaven, you know they've got a hell of a band." Now they have a new songwriter. Shine on brother...
Thanks for the add Lonny; that is a beautiful song and I wish you much success. You couldn't have picked better musical genius than Shaw -Blades to perform it!
