Free to Be… You and Me

Overview

Free to Be…You and Me, a project of the Ms. Foundation for Women, is a record album, and illustrated book first released in November 1972, featuring songs and stories from many current celebrities of the day (credited as "Marlo Thomas and Friends") such as Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Cicely Tyson, Carol Channing, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross, among others. An ABC Afterschool Special using poetry, songs, and sketches, followed two years later in March 1974. The basic concept is to encourage a post-60's gender neutrality, while saluting values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity. A major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything.

Cast

Marlo Thomas

Self - Host

Alan Alda

Self

Harry Belafonte

Self

Mel Brooks

Baby Boy (voice)

Rita Coolidge

Self

Billy De Wolfe

The Principal (voice)

Roberta Flack

Self / Young Girl

Rosey Grier

Self

Michael Jackson

Self / Young Boy

Kris Kristofferson

Self

N/A

Bobby Morse

Dudley Pippin (voice)

Tom Smothers

Self