In a varied Professional Career, on the East and West Coast Rita Mizrahi Shamie has done it all. Theatre, and Cabaret, where she garnered the Best "Breakthrough in Cabaret" Award.
If Rita sounds familiar, it's because you have probably seen her on TV, or heard her in countless Voice-Overs and Commercials for "General Electric", "Maxwell House Coffee", "Head & Shoulders Shampoo", & "Subaru" amongst others.
Rita has provided ADR, and has Voiced Movies like "Look Who's Talking Too", and "Die Hard II".
Rita is a Published Writer of Short Stories & Poetry, as well as a lyricist currently writing original songs for children and Grownups.
Married to her Manager Husband Eddie for 43 years, Mother of Three, and Grandmother of Ten, Rita turned her many talents to Children's Music when her Grandchildren were being born.
The results of Rita's labor of love can be found in any of the "Twenty Seven CDs" currently available at Rita's web site at: www.grandmaritasongs.com , or at www.cdbaby.com/all/ritamizrahishamie.
Thrilled with her popularity in "The Good Old USA", Grandma Rita CDs are also listed in the Top 100 Songs in Children's Music in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and also Japan.
Rita won the "VH-1 Songwriter of the Year", "Save the Music" Contest for the month of January, for her song "I Wanna Love You" in the Electronic Dance Division. Below please find a quote from their letter to her. "Everyone from Song of the Year would like to congratulate you on your song success in the January 2005 round. The Song of the Year judging panel has selected you as a Finalist in your category. Song of the Year receives many entries from all over the world and the entries are very competitive. However, your song displayed exceptionable song writing skill. Based on the totals from the judges, you received one of the overall highest ratings in your respective category".
Following an auto accident Rita was injured and diagnosed with "Post Traumatic Fibromyalgia". Wanting to know more about this mysterious disease. Wheelchair bound Rita, took classes at the Arthritis Foundation, and received her Certification to Found and Facilitate what became known as the Beverly Hills Fibromyalgia Education and Support Group at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Rita is the recipient of a Proclamation Award from the Honorable Les Bronte Mayor of Beverly Hills for her stalwart efforts, and May 12th was declared, "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Beverly Hills.
Rita was Named "Hero of the Week" by Television's KCOP Channel 13. She was featured in a segment for her Contribution, and Dedication, to the Handicapped.
Rita utilized her knowledge of Music, Film, and Video Production to produce the "Rita M. Shamie Fibromyalgia Video Lending Library". These Videotapes, Produced, Directed, and Edited by Rita, at her own expense, covered all aspects of this Muscle Disease, and were made Available Free of Charge to FMS Patients, Their Family, and Friends.
Rita successfully mounted two major letter writing campaigns to our Legislative Representatives, as well as the National Institute of Health for Research funding for our Vietman Veterans who were suffering from the same symptoms as FMS. Happily these Vets were granted socical security rights for their symptoms.
After the daughter of Rita's best friend was hit by a Drunk Driver, Rita Founded, and was First President of "Arrive Alive", an "Anti Drinking & Driving" Educational Program still in Successful Operation in the Beverly Hills School System today (some twenty years later).
Rita was also Founder and the First President of the "Sephardic Magen David Temple at Los Angeles". As well as the Yeshiva Now Known as "Maimonides Academy".
Rita was also honored as Educational Chair Person by the Women's Conference of Jewish Federation Council, and received an Award from the Jewish Welfare Fund as well.
Childrens Music Network, Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, ASCAP (American Society of Composers & Publishers), SAG (Screen Actors Guild), International Society of Poets, American Entrepreneurs Association.
We invite you to look and listen to the talent that is Rita Mizrahi Shamie. Thank you for joining us.