Sing it, Senator!
Posted: Monday, July 02, 2007 12:24 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:
Republicans
From NBC’s Carly Zakin
“Caroline in the City,” “NewsRadio,” “Home Improvement,” Finding Nemo,” US Senate? These are the resumes of the performers involved in Showtime’s “California Dreaming.” Joining Lea Thompson, Dave Foley, Patricia Richardson, and Vicki Lewis in the film’s credits is Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson (D).
The senator and two-term governor, known for his commitment to agriculture and trade, appears on the soundtrack of the film for his recording of “Western Town.” The quirky dramatic comedy, originally titled “Out of Omaha,” follows an Omaha family on an unconventional RV trip to the west coast.
Nelson recorded the song as an homage to his home state, calling it “ 'an honor for [him] to be able to do [his] part to recognize Nebraska’s rural heritage with a song that really speaks to the heart of what it’s like to be from a western town in Nebraska. Nebraska truly is the place where the love never ends and hopefully America will consider that as they watch this movie. ‘Western Town’ plays over the ending credits. It’s worth the wait; but if you don’t think so, just tune in late.’ ”
His recording is decent, although slightly flat and off pitch.
This is not the first time the senator, known for being a practical jokester and called “Nelly” by President Bush, has been in the entertainment limelight. He has also appeared on TV’s “Candid Camer,” ESPN’s NASCAR Today, and “Omaha The Movie.”
The film debuted on Showtime yesterday. One user comment on the film’s IMDB page called it “the worst Omaha made movie ever!”
One bad review shouldn’t discourage the senator. If Al Gore can win an Oscar, perhaps a Grammy is in Nelson’s future.
