Hi! I'm MARK SOLOMON. I've been a TV Writer/Producer for over
25 years, which means I'm pushing 30!
I've written and/or produced scripts for such hit shows as "ALICE," "GRACE
UNDER FIRE," "DIAGNOSIS: MURDER," and "NEWHART."
I was nominated for an EMMY Award for writing
the now famous Last Episode of "NEWHART."
I live in Ojai, CA with my wife, Cary, three birds and a smelly (but affectionate)
dog.
About 4 years ago, I found out I had Parkinson’s Disease. I'm still at a very early
stage, though I do have tremors in my right arm and leg. Like Michael J. Fox, I tried to hide it. I sucked at it! People could
tell something was wrong with me.
I'm also a songwriter and I was having difficulty playing the guitar and piano.
Cary told me not to get discouraged. Keep practicing! Maybe write a new song! About what? She said I should write about Parkinson's.
WHAT?! I'm a comedy writer and that's way too depressing! She said it doesn't have to be a sad song. Make it funny!
Hmmm…
she might be on to something!
I picked up my guitar and within a half hour I had the song! I played it for a musician
friend of mine, Sean Fullerton, over the phone. He said he would love to add piano, drums and bass to it. Fine by me!
The reaction to the song has been amazing! Some people laugh, some cry, some tap their feet (That could be a side effect
from the Mirapex!)
Anyone who has PD or knows someone who has it will identify. Thanks to his daughter MayMay, Muhammad
Ali heard the song last Thanksgiving and his response was "Nice!" That was one of the highlights of my life!
"THE PD SONG" is now available for download on Amazonmp3, iTunes,
CDBaby, LaLa and Rhapsody. All proceeds from each download will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
It's
a very uplifting song about a terrible condition. Very few diseases have their own theme song! I think I've cornered the market!
