<P> Free to Be ... You and Me was a children 's entertainment project , conceived , created and executive - produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas . Produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women , it was a record album and illustrated book first released in November 1972 featuring songs and stories sung or told by celebrities of the day ( credited as `` Marlo Thomas and Friends '' ) including Alan Alda , Rosey Grier , Cicely Tyson , Carol Channing , Michael Jackson , Shirley Jones , Jack Cassidy , and Diana Ross . An ABC special , also created by Marlo Thomas , using poetry , songs , and sketches followed two years later in March 1974 . The basic concept was to encourage post-1960s gender neutrality , saluting values such as individuality , tolerance , and comfort with one 's identity . A major thematic message is that anyone -- whether a boy or a girl -- can achieve anything . </P>
<P> Free to Be ... You and Me was a children 's entertainment project , conceived , created and executive - produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas . Produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women , it was a record album and illustrated book first released in November 1972 featuring songs and stories sung or told by celebrities of the day ( credited as `` Marlo Thomas and Friends '' ) including Alan Alda , Rosey Grier , Cicely Tyson , Carol Channing , Michael Jackson , Shirley Jones , Jack Cassidy , and Diana Ross . An ABC special , also created by Marlo Thomas , using poetry , songs , and sketches followed two years later in March 1974 . The basic concept was to encourage post-1960s gender neutrality , saluting values such as individuality , tolerance , and comfort with one 's identity . A major thematic message is that anyone -- whether a boy or a girl -- can achieve anything . </P>
who wrote free to be you and me
who wrote free to be you and me
Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas