Jamaica Farewell by Harry Belafonte.

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. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Surf City" by Jan and Dean.

OK, (two) girls and (one) boys (hint, hint!), back to the 60s: Brian Wilson penned this surf classic in '60 as "Goody Connie Won't You Come Back Home". He "gave" it to Jan Berry and Dean Torrence who altered it and gave it its well-known name. Their '63 recording topped the pop charts for 2 weeks and peaked at #3 on the R&B charts (!). First surf song ever to hit #1 on Billboard. Through Dean's efforts, Huntington Beach, CA has been nicknamed after this song and at least 65 of its businesses incorporate the title in their names. Covered by The Ramones and by The Go-Go's. Answer: "Surf City" by Jan and Dean. As Belinda Carlisle would have it, "Two boys for every girl!"! We had the privilege of seeing Jan & Dean live in '79 opening for McGuinn, Clark & Hillman at the Valley Forge Music Fair - what a thrill it was! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERrwjR4ZlfI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP5pjan45ZA https://w
Read more

Carrickfergus.

OK, boys and girls, let's go way back: This Irish folk ballad was written in the  macaronic  form by 18 th  century Ulster poet  Cathal   Bui  Mac  Giolla   Ghunna . Originally titled "Do  Bhi  Bean  Uasal " ("There Was A Noblewoman {Lady}"), the original version was lighthearted, whereas the English translation is nostalgic and melancholic. The title refers to an ancient city NE of Belfast. A favorite of the Irish in Custer's 7 th  Cavalry. Played during John F. Kennedy, Jr's funeral in '99. Classic versions by Van Morrison, Paddy Reilly and Joan Baez. Recently re-popularized by Celtic Woman and Charlotte Church. Answer: "Carrickfergus". What a beautiful tune! I especially like Joan Baez's version. Years ago we were at a pub in Killarney and they had a wonderful troubadour entertaining.  I requested "Carrickfergus" and he sang it so perfectly.  The musical prowess of the Irish never ceases to amaze and delight me.  Some time
Read more

Greenfields by The Brothers Four

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s:  The members of this acoustic folk quartet met as college students at the University of Washington - Seattle in '57.  They were members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.  Their biggest hit came in '60 with a Miller/Dehr/Gilkyson composition that was first recorded by The Easy Riders in '57.  Their second single, it is a poignant, somber and moody ballad.  #2 on Billboard, it remained in the charts for 20 weeks.  It received two Grammy nominations.  Covered by The Vogues in '69.  They performed at JFK's Inauguration and have sung for four Presidents at The White House.  They have been dubbed "America's Musical Ambassadors to the World" and continue to perform to this day.  Group?  Biggest hit?  Green Fields - Brothers Four (CD Quality) - YouTube "Greenfields" by The Brothers Four.  The name of the quartet refers to their fraternity brotherhood. It was not one of my faves when it first came out but it happe
Read more