The 1959 hit “The Angels Listened In” seems prophetic now in Louis Friedman’s life. The lyrics of that love song by The Crests tell of a man who’s found love and thanks the angels for listening to his prayers and tears.
Today Friedman, 60, of West Allis, talks in a similar way of the love he’s found with his third wife, Dolly, and how her encouragement allowed him to heal from a heart attack and stroke, and to rediscover an old love — rock ’n roll.
Forty years ago, Friedman performed “The Angels Listened In” in his first show with a group that would became the rock ’n roll band “Big Louie and the Renegades.” That night, in early 1962, Friedman discovered the amazing power of performing on stage.
“I liked it very much when I was up on stage because there’s a power there that you don’t realize. The feeling is so great. You feel like you can conquer the earth and can do no wrong,” he said.
Friedman, who had been singing in Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue’s Youth Choir and had been active in the Jewish Community Center, became Big Louie.
The band played often at local hotspot Muskego Beach and at several other venues, enjoying several years of local success. After spending a year with his band in Tucson, Ariz., Friedman moved back to Milwaukee, got married and quit music.
“I thought it was the wrong field to be in when you’re married. There are too many temptations,” he explained.
Several years later, Friedman, who had been living in Las Vegas with his second wife and two children, suffered a severe stroke.
“An aneurysm popped in my brain. My left side was completely paralyzed and the doctor told me I’d never walk, talk or do anything again.
“Then my wife and I split up. She packed my bags and I moved back to Milwaukee.
[Moving back] was the best thing in the world,” Friedman said of his 1984 return.
He moved in with his father, Dave Friedman, then 71, who encouraged his rehabilitation and who recently passed away. “My father helped me walk again,” Friedman said.
“I was walking around in a fog. I kept asking God, ‘Why?’ I wanted to die,” said Friedman.
Then, in 1990, Friedman suffered a “double heart attack” and during surgery received a pacemaker.
Back to love and music
One year later, at a July 4th picnic at the home of some cousins, Friedman met Dolly and “heard the fireworks go off.” The fireworks of love, that is.
And his life began to turn around.
“I was so contented. I got down on my knees and thanked God for saving me. Now I know what love is,” said Friedman emotionally.
Dolly, who was not Jewish, had developed an interest in Judaism and decided to convert. She spent three years learning with Rabbi Isaac Lerer of Temple Menorah before completing her conversion in Sept. 2000.
The process of conversion and the richness of a happy relationship led Dolly and Lou closer to Judaism. Dolly took the Hebrew name of Lou’s mother, Sylvia (Sima Rochel), and eight years after their judge-officiated wedding, the couple remarried in synagogue.
Their relationship also brought Lou back to the stage. In March 2001, he received an invitation to participate in a revival concert and immediately responded, “No way. I can’t do it.”
“Then my wife got on me,” he said. Dolly explained her reason for encouraging him: “I knew he was always in music and always spoke about music and it was always such a great part of his life. There was no reason not to go back to it.”
“I finally gave in and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ I went that night and expected everyone to laugh at me. I felt very self-conscious,” said Friedman referring to his paralyzed left arm. “[Dolly] came down there and sat right in the front and started to cry when I performed. I knew, from that night on, I was back; I would perform forever.”
Friedman now participates in revivals regularly and will perform on March 29 at Mykonos on Greenfield Ave. in West Allis and at several summer festivals. He’s also planning a “dance with all the old bands who played Muskego Beach.”
Not only have his performances inspired others affected by stroke and heart attack, but music has also healed Friedman himself.
“It’s really made his life a lot fuller. He looks forward to it. He’s more alive now,” said Dolly. “I’m sure it’s extended his life.
“He didn’t think when we got married that he’d ever hit 60, but I think he’s healthier now than he was then. I think he’s flourished….”
Big Louie is thankful these days and dreams not of stardom but of continuing to do what he loves to do. “Number one is being with Dolly and the other is performing music,” he said.
“I just want people to realize that when you’re down, you’re actually in God’s hands,” he said. “Life goes on. What’s bashert is bashert, what will be will be and you’ve got to be able to take it.”
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