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.
О себе: 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
Я хочу найти: 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
Here is a special message from the mother of Lonny Heckman, about his song - "When I See Beth Smiling": Congratulations to Howard and Beth! The long awaited occasion has happened! The mystery about Lonny's song, "When I See Beth Smiling" is solved! I know Lonny is "smiling" in Heaven.Thank you so much to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Stern!Jimmy Kimmel's idea to have Natalie Maines sing the song was terrific. Lonny thought Natalie has an awesome voice. I think she is great! What an honor to have her perform his song.Thank you everyone! I hope you will all remember Lonny forever. Linda Suranofsky, Lonny's Mom
Hi Penny,Not sure if you have been keeping up on Howard Stern, but he did get married and he did have Lonny's song played. Actually Natalie Maines (of the Dixie Chicks) sang it as Beth walked down the isle!!!! How exciting, not only was it sung at their wedding, but it was someone whom Lonny would have approved of. It is truly a dream come true for Lonny. It is an honor, a privilege, and something Lonny truly wanted. I know he is smiling and I know he is proud. True to her word it was played at her wedding. And Beth needs to be commended for it. Which leads me to asking if you can post something on Lonny's myspace page acknowleding all of this on behalf of us?First of all, we need to correct the fact that although it was told to my mom that it would be Phoebe Snow singing the song, it was not. (although she did preform at the wedding) Second we need to acknowledge how overjoyed we are that Lonny's wish and dream came true. His song....His song was sung at Howard's wedding to Beth as Beth walked down the isle. Not somewhere in the background, but for all to hear! As the bride walked down the isle. It brings tears to my eyes to think of it and picture my brother smiling with pride and inside jumping for joy! Truly an honor and I wish he was here now to talk about it. But in my head I can hear it all.Sorry, I bombarded you with all of that. But if you want me to type up something more formally or you want to piece my words together. It is up to you. I know my mom also was going to write something to you as well. See what we all come up with.Thank you again for posting everything for us. Lorelle
Another Honor was bestowed upon Lonny. Howard announced that Phoebe Snow will perform "When I See Beth Smiling" at the wedding. I feel that if Shaw Blades can't be there to sing it; Phoebe Snow was a great choice.She is an awesome performer and artist; who has also had sorrow last year-- with the death of her daughter--Valerie. If you look her up on line; she appeared on the Stern show a lot in the 90's. I'm sure Lonny knew her music. Lonny listened to the show every day.--Ever since I can remember. When Howard was on TV years ago; and I was single; I would come home from work and going out with the girls after work; and Lonny would always be watching Howard. Many thanks to Howard and soon to be--Beth Stern! -Lonny Heckman's Mom
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!
