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"Adagio for Strings in B-Flat Minor" by Samuel Barber.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: "America's semi-official music for mourning" was composed by this West Chester, PA native in 1936. It is an orchestral string arrangement of the 2nd movement of his String Quartet, Op. 11 and represents the composer's best-known work. A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music in Philly, he is recognized as one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. The piece has earned a permanent place in today's orchestral concert repertoire. In 1936, the U.S. was still hurting from The Great Depression and Europe was headed for war, which partially explains it being "full of pathos and cathartic passion" and the fact that it "rarely leaves a dry eye". First played and recorded in 1938 by The NBC Symphony Orcestra under the baton of Maestro Arturo Toscanini. It is one of the very few American compositions played in the USSR during the Cold War. Billy Joel is quoted as saying that this piece made hi...
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"Master Jack" by Four Jacks and a Jill.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This South African folk-rock quintet (hint, hint!) formed in 1964 and was the country's first group to sport "long hair". Their only U.S. charting hit was a 1968 David Marks (not to be confused with the original Beach Boys' rhythm guitarist) composition which peaked at #18 Billboard Hot 100, #3 Adult Contemporary and #10 Cash Box. "Officially" it is about a miner who leaves his foreman to strike out on his own and live life on his own terms. The popular belief, however, is that it was written in protest of B.J. (John) Vorster, South African Prime Minister at the height of the apartheid regime. We'll never know. Covered by Trini Lopez that same year. The band was alluded to in "This is Spinal Tap". Group? Only U.S. hit? Answer: "Master Jack" by Four Jacks and a Jill. I had not heard that song in decades until a few days ago when we were driving back from Des Moines and they played it on t...
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Cover Songs (Beatles and Byrds).

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Of The Beatles and The Byrds, which band had more cover songs on their first 5 albums (I'm counting the UK releases for the Beatles)? Answer: (Trick question - sorry, couldn't help myself!) It's a tie - 20 each.
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"Rock This Town" by Stray Cats.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This neo-rockabilly trio was formed in 1979 by Massapequa, NY childhood friends. They blended their love for punk and rockabilly into a unique image and sound, completely different from the mainstream music of the day. Their second biggest hit came in 1981 with an exhortation to go out and have an exciting, high-energy time with dancing, drinking and enjoying live music. #10 U.S. and UK. It was written by their singer/songwriter and guitarist. According to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it is "one of the songs that shaped rock and roll". Their unique sound evokes that of Memphis' Sun Records. Just a few days ago, they played it on Jimmy Fallon (not my favorite) in their first late-night appearance in 35 years. Trio? Song? For extra credit, name their biggest charting hit. Answer: "Rock This Town" by Stray Cats. Biggest charting hit: "Stray Cat Strut" #3 1983. One of those groups that I loved the first...
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"A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square".

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: It was 1939, right before the start of WWII. British composer Manning Sherwin and lyricist Eric Maschwitz were on holiday at Le Lavandou, a small French fishing village. Inspired by the title of a 1923 Michael Arlen short story, they penned a romantic ballad that has since become a classic. An intensely magical and deeply in-love evening in London's Mayfair district after enjoying dinner at The Ritz. The only sound they hear is that of a bird that usually lives in the countryside, certainly not in Central London. First performed by Judy Campbell in 1940 and, shortly thereafter, by Vera Lynn. Covered by, among many others, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé, Bobby Darin and Manhattan Transfer. Performed for the British audience by Petula Clark in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. Song? Answer: "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square". The title was admittedly "stolen" from ...
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"Early in the Morning" by Vanity Fare.

OK, girls and boys, more 60s TWO-hit wonders: Mike Leander and Eddie Saego co-wrote their British quintet's 1969 debut single. Emotional renewal, optimism and joy caused by the anticipation of a loved one returning home. Gypsy/hora chorus tempo with the clavioline emphasizing the Balkan-infused lead lines. #8 UK, #12 Billboard's Hot 100, Gold Disc. Covered by Sir Cliff Richard. Song? Band? For extra credit, name their other charting hit. Answer: "Early in the Morning" by Vanity Fare. Their other charting hit, "Hitchin' a Ride", surpassed their first one, peaking at #5 in 1970. I have such fond memories of that magical summer of '69. Between junior and senior years in high school, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of great songs that came out in such a short period of time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hN9YRo7y1s&list=RD9hN9YRo7y1s&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92_MSsgHEo&list=RDv92_MSsgHEo&start_...
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"Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by Georgia Satellites.

OK, boys and girls, more 80s 0ne-hit wonders: Lead guitarist and frontman Dan Baird was riding a city bus home from his surveying job in 1980 when a song "came to him". He is quoted as saying that "it basically wrote itself". A woman refuses to become more intimate with her boyfriend until he marries her. The Southern rock standard became a massive 1986 hit for his band, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100. Its popularity was propelled by a tongue-in-cheek MTV music video featuring a shotgun wedding. The band's cover of "Hippy Hippy Shake" received some airplay but never cracked the Top 40. Song? Band? Answer: "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by Georgia Satellites. The good ol' days when MTV and VH1 actually played music videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WonOudGMSdc&list=RDWonOudGMSdc&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk7F2t1M1y0&list=RDRk7F2t1M1y0&start_radio=1
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