Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, more "Big O": When Roy Orbison co-wrote this "operatic" ballad with Joe  Melson  in 1960 he intended for it to be recorded by either Elvis or The  Everly  Brothers. The  Everlys  convinced him to record it himself and it became his 1st major hit, #2 Pop, #14 R&B, #1 UK. "A clenched, driven urgency". Grammy Hall Of Fame Award in 2004 and #232 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Sonny James' cover topped the Country charts in '69; masterfully interpreted by Chris Isaak. Orbison wrote a "sequel" to the song while with the Traveling  Wilburys . Answer: "Only the Lonely" by Roy Orbison.  There are very few singers that can cover Elvis and/or Orbison without sounding like buffoons.  In my humble opinion they are Chris Isaak, Dwight Yoakam and Raul Malo.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOPah8Kby90&feature= fvw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLGDAGJxt-Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFyeB

OK, boys and girls, back to the 30s: Written in '39 by Glenn Miller and Mitchell Parish, this ballad about two lovers spending a romantic night together was an instant phenomenon and became Miller's signature tune. It peaked at #3 and remained in the charts for 15 weeks. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in '91. The high-leading clarinet over the sax section playing in essence two different melodies developed into "The Glenn Miller Sound". It "evolved" from Miller's '35 "Now I Lay Me Down to Weep" through "Gone With The Dawn" and "The Wind in the Trees" to its final title in '39. Classic cover by Sinatra in '65. Archie and Edith danced to it during a '72 episode. Answer: "Moonlight Serenade" by The Glenn Miller Orchestra.  My Dad loved Glenn Miller (WWII Vet, after all!). Fond childhood memories of listening to him on the ol' hi-fi.  Those saxes are SO smooth! http://www.youtube.com/watc

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s (put on your double-knit polyester - yeah, Baby, yeah!!!):  This romantic pop classic was written by the Bee Gees for Yvonne  Elliman . Robert  Stigwood  recommended that they record it instead for the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack.   Top Ten  for 17  wks . in '77; #1 Dec. '77. Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Group.  Masterfully performed by Siobhan  Magnus  and Aaron Kelly with the then remaining Bee Gees during the 2010 American Idol finale. Answer:  "How Deep Is Your Love?" by The Bee Gees.  Fond memories from '77 - "Saturday Night Fever", "Rocky" and "Star Wars" - can it get any better?! BEE GEES 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 How Deep Is Your Love 1977 (youtube.com) American Idol: Aaron Kelly & Siobhan Magnus with Bee Gees (FINALE) (youtube.com)

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: After splitting with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon taught songwriting at NYU. Among his students were Maggie and  Terre  Roche as well as Melissa Manchester. It took him 2 1/2 years to release his first solo album "Paul Simon" in 1972. The 2 nd  cut is a poignant minor-chord coming-of-age ballad about a fisherman's son (hint, hint!). Between the verses we hear two flutes (tenkana and quena),  charango  and percussion interludes by Los Incas, an Andean group also featured in "El Condor  Pasa ". It peaked at #52 on the Pop charts in '72. Answer: "Duncan" by Paul Simon. A testament to the genius that is Paul Simon. Can you  imagine  taking a songwriting class from him?! After "American Tune" this has to be my fave Simon solo tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgMTDeYgDuU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNg3jjmVQDQ This is a comment on the word "poignant" by my dear friend Dr. Dan Rogers, may he res

OK, girls and boys, more 70s: As an "obscure amateur", this singer/songwriter had difficulties getting through backstage security before performing at Woodstock. As soon as she took the stage, a torrential rain fell upon the audience - despite that, she was warmly  received. Shortly after that she wrote her first major hit (#6 Billboard; #3 Cashbox) based upon the emotions she felt facing such a multitude in a once-in-a-lifetime event. Backed by the Edwin Hawkins Singers ("Oh Happy Day"), it captures and is a homage to the spirituality and magic of the moment. Artist? Song? Answer: "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)" by Melanie  Safka .  Still grieving her death a few days ago.  When the rain finally abated the audience lit "a sea of candles", inspiring her to pen this classic. I never get tired of listening to the way she belts it out. http://www.youtube....com/watch?v=aZUdzr9e2GQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=530Hqoamf3Q For bonus points - what s

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This '67 Wes Farrell/Jerry  Goldstein  pop-rock composition was first recorded by The Rare Breed but failed to chart. An NYC-based pop-folk ensemble took it to #6 in '67, their only hit.  Group?  Song? Answer: "Come On Down To My Boat" by Every Mother's Son. I was visiting San Francisco in '67 when I first heard it. Great memories!  http://www.youtube.com/wat​ch?v=50b-Q-Z1bF0

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

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This Queens native wrote her biggest hit in 15 minutes after coming off a "cleansing" fast and stopping at a McDonald's for a burger. A "novelty" pop tune, it topped the charts in '71-'72, selling over 3 million copies worldwide. Also known as "The  Rollerskate  (hint, hint!) Song". Banned by some radio stations because of alleged sexual innuendo and Freudian references. Featured in "Boogie Nights" in '97. Artist? Song? (Definition of "innuendo": an Italian suppository, yo!). Answer: "Brand New Key" by Melanie  Safka . Sadly, she left us yesterday.  Who can forget Heather Graham as Roller Girl in "Boogie Nights" - "I NEVER take my roller skates off!". Interesting how divergent Freud's, Adler's and Jung's interpretations of "lock and key" in dreams are!  I cannot think of Melanie without thinking of my dear friend Dr. Terry Hopper - h

OK, boys and girls, more one-hit wonders: Four expatriate Cornell alumni formed this band in Paris in 1970. Their one hit was penned by Sherman Kelly in '68 and first recorded by Boffalongo in '69. Their version prominently featured a Wurlitzer electric piano and peaked at #13 in '73. Toploader's cover reached #7 in the UK. Band? Hit? Answer: " Dancin ' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest. Great memories of listening to that song on the jukebox at the Central Restaurant, corner of 11 th  & Spruce in Philly, while having a $.69 breakfast as a freshman in med school with my dear brothers of Phi Chi. Another famous misheard lyric "We get it almost every night" instead of "We get it on most every night". Think "' scuse  me while I kiss this guy"," Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze...", "just a come-on from the horse on 7 th  Avenue", "Might as well face it, you're a d**k with a glove",

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Maspeth, NY doo-wop group evolved from The Dialtones ('59) into a quintet featuring the Safuto brothers, the Zero brothers and Ken Arcipowski. Their one hit was a feel-good Neil Levenson composition dedicated to his childhood friend Denice (hint, hint!) Lefrak. It sold 3 million copies in '62/'63 and peaked at #10 on Billboard. Group? Song? Answer: "Denise" by Randy and The Rainbows.   We gave our oldest daughter Lauren her middle name Denise after this song. My dear friend  Ricky DeAndino and I used to play it and sing it at the Phi Chi Medical Frat Wed. night parties when we were at Jefferson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgqMW4CHClk

OK, boys and girls, THE MAN is back: This '69 Leonard Cohen cut from "Songs From A Room" is a cover of a '43 composition from London by Emmanuel  D'Astier   de  la  Vigerie  and Anna  Marly  as they survived the German bombings. Cohen and Hy  Zaret  translated and scored it. Speaks of the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation in the North and the "puppet" Vichy government. Covered by Joan Baez and Buffy  Sainte -Marie. Answer: "The Partisan" by Leonard Cohen. As many times as I've listened to this Cohen masterpiece I never tire - a certain " je   ne   sais   quoi " about it - maybe it's the contrast between his rich bass and the angelic voices of Julie Christensen and Perla  Batalla . Sadness but optimism. Without a doubt one of the great composers of our time - this is him at his best!  When he performs it on stage John Bilezikhjian's accompaniment on the oud adds yet another layer of magic.   Through the years I

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Dick Reynolds was a very talented composer but, unfortunately, due to a lifelong battle with alcoholism, he was never able to "pull it together". He co-wrote this '56 classic with Jack Rhodes about his fiancée who broke up with him - his first and only love. He never recovered from the breakup. B. C. Money, Jr. also claimed to have written the song but most sources attribute it to Reynolds/Rhodes. First recorded by rockabilly great Wanda Jackson, widely regarded as the 1st female rock & roll artist. Her rendition contained a verse not included in later covers. Linda Ronstadt's '73 version was a Top 20 Country hit. Answer: "Silver Threads and Golden Needles". Jack Rhodes co-wrote Porter Wagoner's "A Satisfied Mind" with Joe "Red" Hayes, later covered by The  Byrds  on their "Turn, Turn, Turn!" album. Linda's version of "Silver Threads" is my fave but, as you know, Lin

OK, girls and boys, back to the California 60s on a chilly morning:  Gary Usher and the Wilson brothers were driving from Hawthorne to L.A. in '62 looking for a part for his Chevy when the idea came to him to write a song about a bad-a** engine. The "muse" was a Chevy W-series V8 nicknamed "Turbo-Fire" with a single Carter 4-barrel carburetor delivering 360 hp. and featured on the Bel-Air Sport Coupe. They recorded it shortly thereafter during their 3rd session as a group - this was 14-year-old David Marks' first recording with The Beach Boys. Lead vocals by Mike Love.  The engine noise was from Usher's Chevy 348 (hint, hint - the song title's predecessor!) taped on Brian's  Wollensak  reel-to-reel in front of the Wilson home, prompting the neighbors to call the police. It peaked at #76 on Billboard. Answer: "409" by The Beach Boys. I still long for those innocent old days when guys sang about girls,  surfing  and fast cars - does that

OK, girls and boys, more  Killerdom comin' your way : Dave " Curlee " Williams and James Faye "Roy" Hall (aka Sonny David) were drunk in a boat on Lake Okeechobee when they wrote this '55 rockabilly classic. First recorded by Big Maybelle produced by a young Quincy Jones. Jerry Lee "The Killer" Lewis recorded a  SMOKIN ' version at Sun Records in '57 - his 2 nd  single and his 1st hit, topping the R&B and Country charts and peaking at #3 Pop. He debuted it on The Steve Allen Show and, almost immediately, many radio stations banned it because of its "suggestive" lyrics. Ranked #61 on Rolling Stones' 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Answer: "Whole Lotta  Shakin '  Goin ' On". They don't call him "The Killer" for nothing!  Dennis  Quaid  nailed it in the movie!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRdDnrB5kM    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp11vxr_pD4

OK, boys and girls, a little more Baroque:  Nicknamed "Il Prete Rosso" (The Red Priest), this Venetian composer and virtuoso violinist deeply influenced J. S. Bach, among many others. While greatly respected and well-received during his lifetime, his popularity steadily declined until a robust  revival during the mid-to-late 20th century. His only concerto for solo mandolin was featured in "The Cowboys" in 1972 and in "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979. It has been transcribed for guitar and lute. Composer? Solo mandolin concerto? Answer:  "Kramer vs. Kramer" definitely put Antonio Vivaldi's "Concerto for Mandolin, Strings and Basso Continuo" RV 425 back on the map. He also composed the more lugubrious "Concerto for TWO Mandolins, Strings and Organ" RV532. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-utT-BD0obk

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This moving  Cavaliere / Brigati  romantic ballad was written and recorded by their group in '67 - their 4 th  US hit, peaking at #4. Their highest-charting single with Eddie  Brigati  on lead vocals. Doubts of one-sided love. The beautiful accordion accompaniment gives it a French cabaret feel. French chanteuse  Nicoletta's  version sold 2 million copies worldwide. David  Cassidy  topped the charts with it in the UK and took it to #25 in the US in '72. Song? Group? Answer: "How Can I Be Sure" by The Young Rascals. My 2 nd  fave Rascals tune after "Baby, Let's Wait". I used to be able to hit Eddie's stratospheric notes towards the end of the song in my younger years. NOT NO MORE!!! Early  presbylaryngis  perhaps?! Boy, I HATE it when that happens! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuKeSUUK-A4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1rpKz_52GE

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s:  British jazz musician Stanley Myers composed this neoclassical piece for the piano in the early 70s. Guitar virtuoso John Williams (the other John Williams) asked him to transpose it for guitar and he first recorded it in '73. Shortly thereafter Cleo  Laine  added lyrics and recorded it as "He Was Beautiful" accompanied by Williams, charting in the UK. It is best known as the love theme for the 1978 Oscar-winning movie "The Deer Hunter". English tenor and 1st Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts included it in his debut album. Answer: " Cavatina " (Love theme from "The Deer Hunter"). One of my Top 10 favorite movies. Such a sweet melody in contrast to the harsh reality of the Vietnam conflict. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_8d0DJpbBI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHRmK76q1eE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2f2-E52z64 h ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClzzJ3jd7Q

OK, girls and boys, more 50s: While recovering from a bike accident, 15 year-old Bruce  Bellard  was given an ukulele as a present. The first 4 chords he learned are the opening for this sunny '57/'58 Southern California classic.  Band- mate  Glen Larson came up with the chorus while body-surfing with  Bellard  inspired by an island (hint, hint!) in the distance. Peaked at #2 Pop and at #6 R&B, sold over 1 million copies and his group performed it on The Ed Sullivan Show. The song influenced Brian Wilson and Jimmy  Buffett . Song? Group? Answer: "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)" by The Four Preps. Saw it in the distance while visiting Gina a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdMEx609X_8

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back:  Although this beautiful 1917 pop standard is attributed to Harry Carroll and Joseph McCarthy, the melody is based upon Frederic Chopin's 1834 " Fantasie  Impromptu" in C-sharp minor Op.  posth . 66. It debuted in 1918 on Broadway in "Oh, Look!". The biggest-charting version was by Charles W. Harrison in '18 followed by Perry Como's in '46.     Performed by Judy Garland in the '41 movie "Ziegfeld Girl". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mci1xkJWIu4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umeLf-kw_iY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idyEFJYlipU  

OK, boys and girl, more 60s: Beat poet Pete Brown wrote the lyrics and Jack Bruce the music. About "depression and hopelessness...images of waiting in an English railway station' (hint, hint!) under the influence' ". Unusual 5/4 time signature - wicked  drummin ' by Ginger Baker. Features Felix  Pappalardi  on viola. Perhaps Clapton's most notable use of the  Vox  Clyde McCoy Picture  Wah . #6 US, #24 UK in '68. #367 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All time. Song? Band? Yesterday's answer: "White Room" by Cream. "...black-roof country, no gold pavements, tired starlings. Silver horses run down moonbeams in your dark eyes. Dawn-light smiles on you leaving, my contentment....". Clapton WAS GOD! Guitar line suspiciously similar to "Tales Of Brave Ulysses" -  hmm , Eric, what were you thinking - or not! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRqjpuLFXek

OK, boys and girls, more 50s: Del Serino Colacrai was born in Brooklyn and was a childhood friend of Teddy Randazzo. They co-wrote several songs for Randazzo's ensemble The Three Chuckles. He then formed his own doo-wop quartet mostly featuring his compositions. Their "(My)Rosemarie" was recorded by both groups. In '56 they were picked up by and toured with Alan Freed, appearing in his movie "Rock, Rock, Rock" singing "Ever Since I Can Remember". Group? Answer:  Cirino and The Bowties.   Teddy  Randazzo  was a much better singer.   I'm so glad he also recorded their songs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ClG_9CaWI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdTtQSOsqw4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4NCeq-Ah4

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s:  This 1934 Warren/Dubin romantic ballad (you know me, I'm a romantic guy😂😄!) was composed for the movie "Dames" in which Dick Powell sang it to Ruby Keeler.  In 1959 The Flamingos started to record it but just couldn't get the right sound.  The well-known doo-wop arrangement "came" to tenor Terry "Buzzer" Johnson in a dream.  He called the rest of the group to the studio and they recorded it at 4:00 A.M.!   #11 Billboard, #3 R&B.  Art Garfunkel's angelic 1975 version topped the Adult Contemporary charts.  #158 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.  Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. Answer:  "I Only Have Eyes for You".  WAY, and I mean WAY up there on the All-Time Make-Out Song Hit Parade! The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You (youtube.com) Art Garfunkel - I Only Have Eyes For You (youtube.com) 'I Only Have Eyes For You' - Dick Powell - DAMES (1934) w/

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Liverpudlian comedy/poetry/music trio's only #1 UK hit came in late 1968 with their adaptation of "The Ballad of Lydia Pinkham", a traditional 19th-century rugby and pub song. Pinkham was an early entrepreneuse, manufacturing a "women's tonic". One of their members, Mike McGear (born Peter Michael McCartney) was Sir Paul's younger brother. It sold over a million copies and was Certified Gold. Graham Nash, Tim Rice and Reg Dwight (aka Sir Elton John) lent background vocals and Cream's Jack Bruce added bass. The Irish Rovers' cover was a minor U.S. hit. Group? Hit?  Answer: "Lily the Pink" by The Scaffold. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x8D4T--0v4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XEDkVHrUWk

OK, girls and boys, more 70s folk:  This  Palo  Alto-born singer/songwriter penned a tribute to Janis Joplin shortly after her untimely death in 1970. Her older sister Joan Baez recorded it as part of her 1972 album "Come From The Shadows". She left us in 2001 at the age of 56. Artist? Song? Answer: "In the Quiet Morning" by Mimi Farina. Folk music at its best! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWX81dvYkes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HA5AobLE74

OK, girls and boys, more British Invasion: This "brum beat" group from Birmingham started out as The Cliftones in '65. Their 5th and most successful single was a Greenaway/Cook composition (#2 UK, #7 US). Outstanding vocals by bassist Rod Allen. The group also did the famous "It's The Real Thing" and "Things Go Better With Coke" for Coca Cola. Group? Hit? "You've Got Your Troubles" by The Fortunes. What "makes" the song is the unique 3-part counterpoint harmony on the last verse with the trumpet accompaniment. http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=tfPT-JvceKI

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This Beatles-influenced Irish singer/songwriter/pianist's given name was Raymond Edward; his stage name was adapted to resemble that of a popular 19th century operettist duo. His only U.S. #1 hit was a 1972 poignant and introspective quasi-autobiographic account of contemplating suicide after being left at the altar as well as the death of his parents. It topped the charts for 6 weeks, received 3 Grammy nominations and Casey Kasem ranked it as the 5th most popular song of the 70s. The memorable nylon-string guitar solo comes from English session musician Big Jim Sullivan. Artist? Song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_P-v1BVQn8 This beautiful pop ballad first hit the U.S. market in Philly and was still hot when I arrived there during the summer of '73. To this day, every time I listen to it, I get choked up (you know me, I'm a sensitive guy !).

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders:  John Claude Gummoe penned this beloved and timeless pop classic on a rainy (hint, hint!) night in his car.  Inspired by "a girl that got away" who lived across the street from him.  Released in November of '62.  In March of '63 it became his group's only Billboard hit at #3.  #1 Easy Listening and #5 U.K.  Subtle melody, poetic lyrics - mourning loss, longing and regret.  Prominent use of the celesta, a rarity in popular music.  Covered by, among many others, Dan Fogelberg, Johnny Rivers, Neil Sedaka and The Carpenters.  BMI lists it as the 9th most-performed song of the 20th century.  Song?  Group? Answer:  "Rhythm of The Rain" by The Cascades. The CASCADES-Rhythm Of the Rain (youtube.com)

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: George Harrison's first Gretsch Country Gentleman was destroyed when it fell from his car. When did his second one make its last "public" appearance and who owns it now? Answer: Olivia Harrison, George's widow, gave it to Ringo upon George's death and he still has it. Last seen in "Help" doing "You're Going to Lose That Girl". The GREAT Gretsch sound! I string mine with Pyramid Gold lights - nothing else will do!  http://www.youtube.com/​watch?v=VjEUwZ21wts Ever since I first saw The Beatles on TV '63-'64 I so wanted to have a Gretsch just like George's. MANY years later I was finally able to fulfill that dream with a '63 6122 Country Gentleman Chet Atkins "Harrison Model". It was well-worth the wait!

OK , girls and boys, back to the 30s: Mexican composer Maria (Mendez)  Grever  wrote this pop standard bolero in Spanish in '34.  Stanley Adams added English lyrics. First recorded by Stanley Roy & His Orchestra. Dinah Washington's '59 version won her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance and was her 1st hit, peaking at #8. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in '98. Part of the "Casino" soundtrack ('95). Spanish and English titles? Answer: "What A  Difference  A Day Makes" or " Cuando   Vuelva  A Tu  Lado ".  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmBxVfQTuvI