Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s:  This one is dedicated to my dear sister Gina.  This R&B standard was written and first recorded by Chris Kenner in '62.  Some subsequent releases list Fats Domino as co-writer but legend goes that he agreed to record it in exchange for 1/2 of the royalties.  It alludes to 16 of the most popular dances (hint, hint!) of the time.  The song's title does not appear in the lyrics of any of the many recordings.  Cannibal and The Headhunters took it to #30 in '65.  Frankie "Cannibal" Garcia is credited with adding the trademark "hook" when he forgot the lyrics during the recording session.  Five recordings have made the Billboard Pop charts.  By far the best-known recording is "Wicked" Wilson Pickett's from 1966.  Recorded at Muscle Shoals, it was Pickett's 3rd R&B #1.  My favorite version is The Young Rascals' from their '67 "Collections" album. Answer:  Land of A Thousand Dances

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Gretchen Christopher and Gary  Troxel  were high-school seniors in Olympia, WA when they composed this '59 romantic ballad while waiting for a ride home from school. They recorded it a  capella  at Christopher's home with Barbara Ellis, another classmate, calling themselves "Two Girls and A Boy". The original song title was changed by a Dolphin Records executive afraid that it might have been "too suggestive". The group was also renamed based upon their telephone exchange (remember those?). It was later instrumentally overdubbed with the only percussion being the sound of car keys in  Troxel's  hands. THE first group to have two #1 hits during the same year. Group? Song? For extra credit name their other '59 #1 hit. Answer: "Come Softly To Me" by The  Fleetwoods . Originally titled "Come Softly", it was considered risque and suggestive (!) so it was renamed "Come Softly To Me" even th

OK, girls and boys, more  British   Invasion : Glynn Ellis changed his name to Wayne  Fontana  "in honor of"  Fontana  Records, his label. His Manchester-based beat band's first #1 US hit was a Clint Ballard, Jr. composition - the shortest #1 hit ever at 1:58. They appeared in Lulu's 1967 "To Sir With Love". After  Fontana's  abrupt departure they evolved into Hot Legs and from there 10cc. Band? First US hit? First hit without  Fontana  (Bayer Sager/Wine)? Yesterday's answer: Wayne  Fontana  and The  Mindbenders . "Game Of Love". "Groovy Kind Of Love". "Game Of Love" was Wayne  Fontana  and The  Mindbenders ' first US #1 hit. Killer cover by Cheryl Wheeler on her self-titled first album.  Fontana  left the group in the middle of a concert in '65. "Groovy Kind Of Love" was their 1st  Fontana -less hit. 10 cc's  1st hit was indeed "I'm Not In Love" - #1 in the UK and #2 in the US earning

OK, boys and girls, back to the classics: This 19th century Spanish virtuoso is widely considered to be one of the greatest violinists ever - "impeccable technique and tone of unsurpassed sweetness and purity". As a composer he published at least 54 works. He originally composed his magnum opus in 1878 for violin and piano but subsequently orchestrated it, which is as we know it today. Inspired by the csardas of the Roma people (Romani or Gypsies). A staple on virtuosi repertoires, the composer himself recorded it in 1904. Its one movement is divided into 4 sections. Memorable interpretations by Elman, Francescatti, Heifetz, Stern and Perlman. Artist? Work? Answer: " Zigeunerweisen " ( Aires   Gitanos  or Gypsy Airs) by Pablo  de   Sarasate .   My father had the privilege of seeing Heifetz perform " Zigeunerweisen " at the U. of  Puerto  Rico Theater as a student - he was hooked after that! I have seen Stern and  Perlman  perform it - memorable! Wonderful

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This '56 Blackwell/Johnson/Penniman early rock classic was originally titled "The Thing". Enotris Johnson wrote the core of the lyrics for Penniman to record so she could pay her ailing aunt Mary's medical bills. Killer 12-bar blues chord progression, smokin' piano by the singer and memorable sax solo by Lee Allen. Pat Boone had a hit with his cover of the artist's "Tutti Frutti" so they purposefully made it so upbeat and fast that Boone couldn't cover it. #1 R&B and #6 Pop - #56 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. The Beatles covered it in '64 as part of an EP. Artist? Song?

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A-22-year-old Paul Simon was stranded overnight at the Widnes train depot in north England in '65 when he wrote one of his signature songs about missing his then-girlfriend Kathy Chitty and longing to get back to the U.S. It appeared on Simon and Garfunkel's "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" album in '66, peaking at #5 and staying on the charts for 12 weeks. Memorable duet with George Harrison on Saturday Night Live in '75

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s on Christmas morning: Ray Davies wrote this song based on a bad experience he had with "upper-class" guests at a luxury resort in '65, mocking their condescension and self-satisfaction. It reached #13 in the U.S. charts and, along with "Lola" and "You Really Got Me", was one of three Kinks songs included in the R. & R. Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This 1983 film about a fictitious N.J. rock & roll band bombed at the box office when first released. Next year it was "rediscovered" by HBO and its theme song quicky reached #1 in the U.S. charts. Movie? Song?

OK, boys and girls, more 50s one-hit wonders: This Chicago-born jazz violinist's only hit came in 1951 with a Paul Nero composition. Played on a 1732 Guarnieri del Gesu from Cremona, it made the Top 15 on the Pop charts and sold over one million copies. Artist? Hit?

  OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This South African Grammy winner and civil rights activist nicknamed "Mama Africa" left us in 2008. In the 60s she was the 1st artist to popularize African music in the US and worldwide. Banned from her homeland due to her anti-Apartheid campaigning. Her signature song was written in the Xhosa language by Dorothy Masuka and translates "touch touch". She first recorded in in '57 and it became immensely popular in Africa. Released in '67 in the US, peaking at #12 on Billboard and at #7 R&B. She died of a heart attack in 2008 in Italy shortly after performing her biggest hit. Artist? Song? All reactions

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s:  In addition to writing "La Vie En Rose", Spanish-born French composer Louiguy penned this Latin pop standard in 1950.  Jacques Larue added French lyrics and Mack Davis the English ones.  By far the best-known mambo/cha-cha-cha version was recorded and released in Mexico in '53.  Memorable trumpet work by Billy Regis.  It spent 10 weeks on the #1 spot on Billboard in '54 and it was the Song of the Year in '55.  Song? Orchestra? Answer:  "Cherry Pink (And Apple Blossom White)" by Perez Prado and his Orchestra.  Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White - Pérez Prado (Video Version) (youtube.com)

OK, boys and girls, a little more 30s romance:   Irving Berlin penned this 1934-35 Tin Pan Alley standard for Fred Astaire's newest movie "Top Hat", in which he co-starred with Ginger Rogers.  He sang it while dancing with her accompanied by the Leo Reisman Orchestra.  It describes the heavenly (hint, hint!) feeling of dancing closely with the one you love.  It spent 11 weeks on top of the charts and was the #1 song of 1935.  Grammy Hall of Fame 2000.  Performed by, among many others, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra.  Has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.  Danny Kaye and Miss Piggy performed it in '78.  Covered by Taco in '82.  The recently deceased Tony Bennett sang it with Lady Gaga at the 2015 Grammy Awards Ceremony.    Bing Videos Answer:  "Cheek To Cheek".

OK, boys and girls, I'll be nice today: This folk-rock anthem was written in March of 1964 on the heels of JFK's assassination. Its acoustic release flopped! While the composer was in England touring solo and unknown to him, an electric version was overdubbed in June of 1965 with Al Gorgoni on guitar, Bob Bushnell on bass and Bobby Gregg on drums. It was released in Sept., '65 and reached #1 on 1/1/66. Song? Composer? Group? Answer: The Sound of Silence. Paul Simon. Simon and Garfunkel. Simon & Garfunkel - Sound Of Silence (Acoustic Version) Remastered Audio HD (youtube.com) Simon & Garfunkel - The Sounds of Silence (Audio) (youtube.com)

OK, girls and boys, more  Fabdom : This is THE ONLY Beatles song ever covered by the Rolling Stones. Legend goes that Mick and Keith ran into Paul and John on a street in London on their way to a Stones recording session. Jagger asked them if they had any new material that they could record. Lennon/ Macca  had previously written some lines to be sung by Ringo. They finished it sitting on the studio floor as The Stones watched in amazement. They released it only as a single 3 weeks before The Beatles did (B-side to "Not Fade Away"). It peaked at #12 in the UK. One of the very few Stones tunes featuring Brian Jones on backup vocals. The Beatles version was released on their 2 nd  studio album in Nov. '63 with Ringo on double-tracked lead vocals. The "oldest" Beatles song they performed during their last concert 8/29/66 at Candlestick Park in S.F. Answer:  "I Wanna Be Your Man". Ringo happens to be my favorite Beatle even though I am not a drummer.  He wa

OK, boys and girls, a little "senior" one this morning:  Name the only two acts that have had at least one new #1 hit on a Billboard chart in each of the seven decades from the 60s through the 20s. Answer: The Rolling Stones and Cher.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s:  Neil  Sedaka  co-wrote this pop classic with Howard Greenfield about his then high school girlfriend. They attended Abraham Lincoln High in Brooklyn along with Neil Diamond. It peaked at #9 in '59. One of the first "product songs" - he analyzed contemporary hits and used elements from them specifically to create a commercial success. Noted for his spoken recitation of the 1st verse the 2 nd  time around. The then-girlfriend recorded a jocular response in '60.  Song? "Inspiration girlfriend"? For extra credit, girlfriend's jocular response song? Answer: "Oh! Carol" by Neil Sedaka. Girlfriend Carol Klein later "became" Carole King. Can you believe that Neil Sedaka is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (neither is Paul Anka - don't get me started!)?! Here's a link to a petition to get him in.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHm7PnCCd4E .     Carole King - Oh, Neil (answer to 'Oh! Car

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s:  This singer/songwriter replaced original Fleetwood Mac member Jeremy Spencer on rhythm guitar from 1971 until '74.  His signature tune was a soft rock classic first featured on the band's '71 album "Future Games".  It was inspired by and dedicated to his first wife.  Produced by Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham.  He was replaced in '74 by Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.  Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  All the members past and present were inducted but, unfortunately, due to legal entanglements, he was not.  He died by suicide in 2012 at the age of 66.  His best-known song (see above) was self-released in '77.  It featured Mick Fleetwood on drums, John McVie on bass, Christine McVie on keyboard and background vocals and Lindsey Buckingham on vocals and multilayered guitar.  #8 on Billboard Hot 100, #10 Adult Contemporary and #4 Cashbox.  Artist?  Song? Answer:  "Sentimen

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60's: John Phillips wrote this melancholic song in '65, shortly after The Mamas and The Papas relocated from NYC to the L.A. suburb which inspired the tune. First released as a single in '67, it became the lead cut on their last album together in '68. Considered by many their "last great single", it peaked at #20. Rolling Stone Magazine called it "the last recording of the self-proclaimed 'Golden Era'...it's probably the best realized song the group has recorded". Genial transition from Baroque minor chords in the beginning to emphatic majors through the body of the song. The chorus refers to the steady stream of groupies frequenting Denny's house when John moved in with him after one of his many breakups with Michelle. Answer: "Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon) by The Mamas and The Papas. "Wicked bass line". And those harmonies!!! This one, along with "Look Throug

OK, girls and boys, back to the 20s (the 1920s, that is) : This 1926 pop classic was written by Irving Berlin for the Rodgers & Hart musical "Betsy". Belle Baker drew 24 (!) encores for the song on opening night. First recorded by Ben  Selvin  and His Orchestra with Charles  Kaley  on vocals as "The Knickerbockers" in '27, topping the Pop charts. One of the 9 songs by Al Jolson featured in the 1st "talkie", "The Jazz Singer". Count Basie and Benny Goodman charted with it in '46. My favorite version happens to be Willie Nelson's from "Stardust" in '78 which topped the Country charts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSCplj40uuY Answer: "Blue Skies". The "bluebird of happiness" theme has been used extensively in song, poetry and film in the US, Europe and among Native Americans.

  OK, garcons et filles, back to the 40s: "La  Mome " wrote the lyrics to this somewhat autobiographic classic at the height of World War II, during which she secretly assisted the French resistance. The melody is by Louis " Louiguy "  Gugliemi , who also wrote "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White". Mack Davis penned the English version. Won a Grammy Hall Of Fame Award in '98. It debuted in 1946 and appeared in most of the chanteuse's subsequent albums. Sung by Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina" ('54). Among the many covers, two outstanding ones are Chet Atkins' on solo acoustic guitar and Susan Werner's a  capella  version. Artist? Song?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKgcKYTStMc Answer: "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf.  When we travel, I always like to visit the resting places of my heroes (kudos to Judy for tagging along!).   It is the closest I'll ever be to them.   We spent a few hours getting lost among the graves

Okey, muchachas y muchachos, pa' los 60s: Este cuarteto sevillano (Eduardo, Pibe, Josele y Rafa) tuvo un exito menor en el '68 con su version de "(Farewell) Angelina" de Dylan. Su gran exito fue en el '69, "la cancion de (ese) verano". Agrupacion? Cancion? Respuesta: "Maria Isabel" por Los Payos. (3) Los Payos - Maria Isabel (1969) Original Video - YouTube

OK, boys and girls, more 60s: This Brill Building pop-singer from Fargo, ND filled in for Buddy Holly after "the day the music died". He was joined by "The Strangers" on this 1967 Billboard #3 hit. Artist? Song? Answer: "Come Back When You Grow Up, Girl" by Bobby Vee.  WAY HIGH on the all-time make-out song hit parade! Bobby Vee & The Strangers - Come Back When You Grow Up (youtube.com)

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This lovely calypso was written by Lord Burgess and first released on the '56 album "Calypso". It speaks of the beauty of the islands and of love left behind. Peaked at #14 on Billboard. The album was the 1st LP to sell one million copies.  #4 on Billboard's Top 100 Albums, spent 31 weeks at #1, 58 weeks on Top 10 and 99 weeks on the charts! Covered by Jimmy  Buffett , Sam Cooke, Carly Simon and Sting. Artist? Song? Yesterday's answer: "Jamaica Farewell" by Harry  Belafonte . Sadly, he left us on April 25th of this year at the ripe old age of 96.  Many believe that the song is called "Kingston Town". Irving  Burgie  ("Lord Burgess") was a  Brooklynite  - his mother was from Barbados and his father from Virginia.  Very fond memories of playing "Jamaica Farewell" on guitar with my dear friend Dr. Richard M. de Andino during Phi Chi's Wednesday night parties in med school.  http://www.yo

OK, boys and girls, a little more 8Os romance:  This '82  Weil /Mann amorous ballad was first recorded by Dionne Warwick but failed to chart. It was then offered to Earth, Wind and Fire who chose not to record it. Sergio  Mendes ' '83 version with Joe  Pizzulo  and  Leza  Miller on vocals peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100, topped the Adult Contemporary charts and reached #28 on R&B. Beautifully covered by Patti Austin and  Peabo   Bryson . Is this a record number of key changes in a song? I lost count! Answer: "Never Gonna Let You Go". Beautiful tune - WAY up there in the all-time  make-out  songs hit parade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyLGYDBkLzw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVzPTLjTcbc

OK, girls and boys, back to gloom and doom: This famous 13 th   century trochaic Latin hymn was originally attributed to Thomas   de   Celano   but, amid controversy, it is now believed to have been written by an unknown Franciscan monk. A reflection upon the Final Judgement, it was inspired by Zephaniah 1:15-16 and by   Unetanneh   Tokef   in the Jewish liturgy. It constitutes the core of Requiem Masses by Mozart, Verdi, Berlioz and Stravinsky, among others. The last two stanzas, " Lacrimosa " and "Pie   Jesu " are perhaps the best known. Used by  Stanley  Kubrick   in "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Shining". Dies irae - Dies illa Solvet saeclum in favilla Teste David cum Sybilla... I was somewhat familiar with Mozart's Requiem in D-minor K. 626 when I went to Jefferson in Philly from Puerto Rico to study Medicine in '73.  I only knew one person at the school when I arrived.  Fortunately for me I lived at the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity so

OK, boys and girls, a little more Christmas cheer: According to  ASCAP , this Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane composition is the 3rd most-played Christmas song. Introduced by Judy Garland in the '44 musical film "Meet Me in St. Louis", where she sang it to her sad 5 year-old sister. It became extremely popular among G.I.s serving overseas during WWII, often bringing them to tears. In '57 Frank Sinatra asked Martin to "jolly up" the lyrics, as he found them too depressing - his version is the most popular one today. It was further re-written to remove any religious references (!). Answer: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". My all-time Christmas fave is "O Holy Night" but this one is also way up there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpPdl0StUVs

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This Philly-based vocal ensemble started out in '56 as The  Latineers . After acquiring a new lead singer in '60 they changed their name. Their first and biggest hit came in '63 with a Williams/Jackson/ Strighis  collaboration that topped the charts. It starts out with birds singing and the sound of the ocean surf. Elected as one of the "Songs Of The Century" in 2001. Part of the "Fast Times At  Ridgemont  High" soundtrack ('82). Art Garfunkel's cover peaked at #11 Adult Contemporary in '88. It was also the 1st hit for R&B group All-4-One, peaking at #5 in '93. Group? Song? Answer:  "So Much in Love" by The Tymes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df45f9qe-bc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwsMhc6u-1k http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsu4yRmxNWc

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Clarence "Frogman" Henry's biggest hit (#4) came in 1961 with a Paul  Gayten /Robert "Bobby Charles"  Guidry  swamp-pop ballad. Featured in Fiat  Cinquecento  TV ads in the 70's (remember those little things?) and part of the "Forrest  Gump " soundtrack ('94). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIAmcJHu1Z0

OK, boys and girls, a little 60s folk coming at ya: Eric Andersen sang the first part of this Civil Rights Era folk classic to Phil Ochs while at the 14 St. Subway Station in NYC on their way to The Village. "...written to a civil rights worker-friend. Having never gone down to Mississippi myself, I wrote the song about coming back." Ochs liked it and encouraged him to finish it. He wrote the last verse on a matchbook cover while in Judy Collins' bathroom (!). Phil brought Eric onstage at the '66 Philadelphia Folk Festival, where he performed it for the 1st time - he recorded it shortly thereafter. Covered by Judy Collins, The Kingston Trio and John Denver. Answer: "Thirsty Boots" by Eric Andersen.   I first saw Eric Andersen at a coffee house shortly after arriving in Philly in '73 - wonderful singer/songwriter - I also love his "Close the Door Lightly When You Go". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g70zT3lXPZc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l

OK, boys and girls, a little Christmas cheer (easy!): This B. Wilson/M. Love "modern" Christmas classic was released in December 1963 - a bit of cheer for a nation mourning President Kennedy's recent  assassination . #3 on Billboard's Christmas chart and #69 on  Cashbox . Very similar in structure and rhythm to "Little Deuce Coupe", released earlier that year - also uses car analogies, "candy apple red", "...with a 4-speed stick". Covered by John Denver and The  Muppets  in '79 and by Hanson in '97. Featured on a Coke commercial with polar bears and penguins. Group? Song? Answer: "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys. The B-side was "The Lord's Prayer", a Beach Boys "rarity". Sometimes referred to as "Run Run Reindeer". Even though I'm a Diet Dew guy (not proud to admit it), I loved the Coke commercial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSynDh_K0E...E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkR

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s:  This Italian performer is considered to be his country's first singer/songwriter (cantautore).  In 1958 he co-wrote this worldwide hit with Franco Magliacci inspired by a Chagall painting.  It was one of his two global best-sellers.   He also had successful stage and movie acting careers and in 1987 became a member of the Italian Parliament.  Considered to be the most popular Italian performer in history.  He left us in '94.   His massive '58 hit was the first Italian song to top the U.S. charts.  It is considered to be the biggest hit of '58.  Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year.  It won the '58 Sanremo Music Festival and came in third at the Eurovision Song Contest that same year.  THE most popular Italian song since "O Sole Mio".  Covered by, among many others, Pavarotti, Dean Martin and Al Martino.  Performer?  Hit?  For extra credit, name his other hit (summer of '59). Answer:  Performer:

OK, girls and boys, back to The Classics:  This '57 Bernstein/Sondheim composition was a showstopper during the post-rumble bedroom scene in "West Side Story".  A poignant duet by Tony and Maria, part of it also features in the final death scene.  (I'm getting all verklempt!)   Performed by Rita Moreno as Valentina in the 2021 film remake.  It is said that Bernstein "quoted" a magnificent classical piano nocturne whose composer (hint, hint!) was too deaf to perform it in 1809 during its premiere.  It is part of his final piano concerto.   "West Side Story" song?  Piano composition? Answer:  "Somewhere (There's A Place For Us)".  Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major Op. 73 (Emperor Concerto), 2nd Movement (adagio un poco mosso).