It’s always big news in our state when a local resident receives national attention. So imagine how excited people in our area were when they found out a local grandma was nominated for a Grammy award.
Cathy Friedrich seems like an unlikely nominee, but when you hear her incredible story you can’t help but become a fan. Back in the 1960’s Friedrich was a singer with the girl group “The Tammys.” She was just 16-years-old when her music career took off. Friedrich toured the country with the group and often visited New York City to record new material.
“The Tammys” were eventually hired by hit singer/songwriter Lou Christie, to sing back up. According to Friedrich, that gig got them a national record label. Later “The Tammys” went on to record their own hits, including “Egyptian Shumba.” Now, nearly 40 years after the song was released, it is up for a Grammy.
“It’s crazy, I just love it though, I like it, it’s fun.” Friedrich told local news reporters.
A few years after “The Tammys” signed the recording deal Friedrich stepped away from life as a musician to get married and start a family. Today she has 10 grandkids, and no regrets.
“I’m tremendously glad I had my family, because there’s nothing more rewarding, but the music comes second,” Friedrich said.
Still, Friedrich admits receiving a Grammy would be quite an honor. After all, she says when Egyptian Shumba was re-released in 2005 as part of a box set featuring girl group legends she never gave it a second thought. Now the box set is nominated for two Grammys and Friedrich is thrilled.
The granny will find out if she walks away with a Grammy on February 11th. She has the entire state of Wisconsin pulling for her.
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