VALDOSTA — Kermit the Frog has helped Valdosta native Wesley Whatley capture a song-writing nomination for a 2009 Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award.
Whatley, creative manager for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, composed “I Believe,” with lyrics by Macy’s creative director William Schermerhorn, which was nominated for Outstanding Original Song — Main Title and Promo category.
The song debuted last year in the 82nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and then was performed as part of Macy’s Puppet Theatre production of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The heartwarming song about the magic of the holiday season and the importance of “believing” was sung by Kermit the Frog in the world-famous parade, which was seen by more than 40 million viewers nationwide.
“Words can’t express my excitement,” said Whatley, son of Jimmy and Ann Whatley of Valdosta. “I have much to be thankful for today — this nomination is certainly an unexpected gift, but also I’m thankful for the gift of music my mother gave me as a child. We took piano lessons together, and she taught me how to play from the age of 4. It is because of her that I have been able to express myself over the years, and I share this with her.”
Wesley’s nomination for Original song was one of three for the 82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The other nominations included Outstanding Special Class Special, Special Class Direction and Special Class Writing.
The Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards will be handed out Aug. 30.
Whatley, who was drum major in Valdosta High’s Marchin Cats, selects every marching band, performance group and specialty group which performs in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York. He is in charge of more than 5,000 parade participants on Thanksgiving morning — from marching bands to specialty performing groups, stiltwalkers to cheerleaders.
Preparing for the extravaganza encompasses the entire year.
“I never could’ve guessed that marching down Patterson Street in front of the Valdosta High School band would one day lead to New York City and the country’s most beloved parade,” Whatley said earlier. “How many people can say their favorite high school activity turned into a big-city career? I’m so very blessed.
“Writing music, directing shows, judging marching bands — these are all things I love to do, and my job at Macy’s has it all. ... Of course, this job is more than just producing an entertainment spectacle — it’s about the kids’ faces along the parade route — it’s about celebrating and giving thanks for our great country, and it’s about nurturing a tradition that touches the hearts of people everywhere — to take part in that is something awfully special.”
Whatley also handles the direction and production of many of the performance numbers — some with up to 700 performers — that take place in front of Macy’s Herald Square during the parade in conjunction with the NBC national broadcast director.
Each Fourth of July, he works closely with Macy’s creative director to program and produce a 30-minute symphonic soundtrack with the New York Pops orchestra that accompanies Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, the nation’s largest fireworks display. He works with Broadway and film arrangers and composers to create the musical score that is featured on the NBC national broadcast and on the radio in the New York City area.
Anytime a recording artist performs for a Macy’s event, Whatley produces the vocal session in the recording studio. He has not only worked with opera stars Renee Fleming and Deborah Voigt and Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Victoria Clark, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Anika Noni Rose, John Tartaglia and Jonathan Freeman, but last spring, he also recorded American Idol alum Katharine McPhee for her performance in the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks telecast.
In 2004, Whatley co-wrote a musical entitled “Bein’ a Bee” to celebrate Macy’s Flower Show opening. The show was performed during the annual street fair celebration and seen on an episode of Macy’s reality documentary, “Unwrapping Macy’s.”
“I might call New York City my home these days, but Valdosta will always be my hometown,” he said earlier.
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