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"Água de Beber".

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: It was 1959 and Brasilia, the new federal capital of Brazil, was being built in the Brazilian Highlands away from the overpopulated coast. Then President Juscelino Kubitschek invited composers Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes to spend some time in the building site and write an anthem to be performed at the new city's inauguration. One night, the two of them were walking and heard the sound of water. They asked the watchman where the sound was coming from. He replied, "Don't you know? This is where you have drinking water, buddy boy" (translated from Portuguese). That was their inspiration for a classic 1963 bossa nova/jazz standard first recorded by Jobim himself. Covered by, among many others, Astrud Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66, Charlie Byrd and Ella Fitzgerald. Song? Answer: "Água de Beber". The watchman replied, "Você não sabe não? É aqui que tem água de beber, ...
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"Chega de Saudade".

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This 1957 Brazilian composition is widely considered to be the first bossa nova. Originally recorded that same year by Elizeth Cardoso to a tepid reception. Guitarist extraordinaire João Gilberto's 1958 rendition was a massive international hit for him and singlehandedly created the genre. The title translates directly as "enough longing" but is best known in English as "No More Blues". Grammy Hall of Fame 2000. Song? For extra credit, name the two composers. Answer: "Chega de Saudade". Composed by Antônio Carlos "Tom" Jobim with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0a0QuLEC8A&list=RDY0a0QuLEC8A&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jrIlzQa4FA&list=RD_jrIlzQa4FA&start_radio=1
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Carli Muñoz.

Okey, pa' los puertorriqueños: Este músico, compositor y propietario de restaurante empezó tocando jazz en piano "de oido". Creó a Los Colegiales y luego The Living End, quienes se convirtieron en Space cuando tocaron en NYC. Fue pianista y organista con los Beach Boys del '70 al '81. Ha tocado también con The Captain & Tenille, Jan & Dean y The Association. Todavía toca casi todas las noches en su bistro en el Viejo San Juan. Artista? Respuesta: Carli Muñoz. Uno de nuestros heroes musicales en los 60s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUlULehYVmE
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Pepto-Bismol commercial theme.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Even though this 1984 TV commercial jingle for a bismuth (hint, hint!) subsalicylate over-the-counter GI med is credited to Publicis North America advertising agency, the lyrics were actually penned by Susan Spiegel Solovay and Bill Vernick, with music by Leslie Pearl. Five digestive symptoms are prominently featured. It became extremely popular during their 2002 advertising campaing and it is still featured today. Excellent tenor, baritone and bass harmories with the basses carrying the last word punchline. The original version was sung by Jason Paige, who also sang the Pokémon theme. Medication? Answer: Pepto-Bismol commercial theme. "When you get nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrheaaaaaaa!". To this day, that commercial still brings a smile to my face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBHatGGfqNo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu0lqVhnt9U
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Overture to "Tannhäuser" by Richard Wagner ("Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg").

OK, boys and girls, back to the 40s (the 1840s, that is): The famous overture to this 1845 Wagnerian grand opera in three acts was written last, as it includes its most prominent musical themes. Based on combined German history and folklore. The title of the opera and its protagonist's name translate from the Middle High German as "house of the fir trees" or "forest-dweller". A tale of a mythological Minnesänger and poet, as well as of the Wartburg Song Contest. It highlights the struggle between sacred and profane love and, ultimately, redemption. The overture is often performed as a separate concert piece, first played as such by the Leipzig Orchestra in 1846 under the baton of Felix Mendelssohn. Wagner was so impassioned by the composition that, towards the end, he became physically ill. Opera? Answer: Overture to "Tannhäuser" by Richard Wagner ("Tannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg"). Fond memories of my dear childhood f...
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National Anthems without lyrics. (Posted 7/20/2026)

OK, boys and girls, back to The World Cup (congratulations to Spain!): In addition to Spain, there are three other countries whose official national anthems have no lyrics. Name them. Answer: Spain (Marcha Real), San Marino (Terra di Liberta), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Intermeco) and Kosovo (Europa). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjrrVrmdK0M&list=RDmjrrVrmdK0M&start_radio=1
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"Mockingbird" by Inez and Charlie Foxx.

This one was suggested by someone very dear to me who wishes to remain anonymous. OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: The only chart hit for this Greensboro, NC brother-and-sister duo came in 1963 with a self-penned R&B/soul classic based upon a traditional American folk lullaby. They were frequently mistaken as husband and wife. Top 10 R&B and Pop, sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold Disc by RIAA. Covered by, among many others, Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield. In 1974, Carly Simon and then-husband James Taylor had a massive worldwide hit with their version, peaking at #5 and featuring Dr. John on piano, as well as the late Michael Brecker, on tenor sax. Duo? Song? Answer: "Mockingbird" by Inez and Charlie Foxx. I can still see my dear childhood friend Sebastian Bonnin doing the "mashed potatoes" to it when we were in grade school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g47_NI1CWNQ&list=RDg47_NI1CWNQ&start_radio=...
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