The legal system today may not offer all that much to sing about. And yet, Marblehead’s Anne Segal is able to find reason to sing. In fact, she has been doing so for some time.
“I started singing when I was a kid in grammar school in Salem,” says the lifelong North Shore resident. “In my younger days, I was on WESX with Otis Blanchard and the Magic of Youth.”
From high school choir to the New England Conservatory to the chorus at Temple Beth El (now Congregation Shirat Hayam) in Swampscott to VA hospitals and churches to the North Shore Music Theater and North Shore Spirit baseball games, Segal has sung in all sorts of places. Her singing has even taken her from the North Shore to the northern shore of the Mediterranean.
“I had a solo when Paul Madore’s chorale performed in Italy,” Segal recalls. “We did a worldwide broadcast with Pope John Paul II.”
Closer to home, Segal has had many important performances as well.
“I got to sing with my mother at her 90th birthday at the Jewish Rehabilitation Center in Swampscott,” Segal says, citing the site of one of her longest-running gigs.
And yet, despite her many performances, Segal has been able to hold down another gig for quite some time.
“I work for attorney Loring Paul Fluke,” Segal says. “I have been with him for 39 years.”
That means she’s been involved in law almost as long as she has been involved in music.
“I started in law when I was a senior in high school,” Segal recalls. “The guidance counselor told me he had a job for me. It sounded exciting, so I tried it.”
Segal began her legal career with Al Bacharowski, but left his office when her children were born. Even during this time, however, she stayed involved in the legal world.
“I started helping out some of my friends, filling in when their secretaries were ill,” Segal explains. “Then I got the job with Loring, and I am still there.”
Though Fluke is known for his solid civil litigation and estate work, Segal appreciates him most for the work he has allowed her to do, both in and out of the office.
“He has always allowed me to take care of my kids, and he supports my singing career,” Segal says. “In fact, he hired me to sing when his parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary!”
Such solid backing from her boss has made it easier for Segal to pursue her musical dreams. And she works hard to give him all the support she can as well.
“I try not to book things during the work week,” she says. “I perform mostly in the evenings and on weekends. But Loring is very flexible and very understanding.”
You might say that they make quite a duet. And sometimes, they do!
“When we are in the office, we have our own repertoire,” Segal says. “Something will come up that will remind us of a song, and we will sing.”
Apparently, the halls of justice have good acoustics.
When not singing with her employer, Segal can often be found performing with the other man in her life, her husband Charles.
“Charles has also been in entertainment,” Segal explains, “and we have done some shows together.”
Having recently celebrated their own 30th anniversary, the Segals have a built-in audience comprised of seven children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
“They are our life,” Segal says. “And it is a pretty full life!”
With the support of family, colleagues, and friends, Segal has been able to share both her legal and musical skills with people all over the world. And yet she takes neither for granted.
“I have been fortunate enough to have my work during the day and to sing at other times,” Segal says. “It has taught me to live every day to the fullest, because life is not a dress rehearsal.”