Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This '54 Pat Ballard composition was recorded by The Chordettes and hit #1 that same year. The harmonic progression follows the "circle of fifths" for 6 chords in a row! Covered in '78 by Emmylou, Dolly and Linda for "Trio". In '81 Emmylou re-released it as a single with her doing all 3 parts because of contract disputes with the other two. Also covered by Chet Atkins and by The Supremes. Answer: "Mr. Sandman". Check out Chet (and that sweet little Gretsch!)! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX45pYvxDiA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sVLexPO0-c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-c66SJPuUI

OK, girls and boys, going WAY back: This '26 Rose/David composition was first recorded by Irv Kaufman in '26 and revived by Frankie Laine in '52. Patience and Prudence's '56 version peaked at #4. They lip-synced it on Ed Sullivan only to have the record get stuck on "belong" - oh, those Milli Vanilli moments! Steve Martin learned to play the uke specifically to record it with Bernadette Peters for "The Jerk". Answer: "Tonight You Belong To Me". A classic - probably my favorite scene from "The Jerk". A few years ago we had the privilege of seeing Bernadette Peters on Broadway doing "Gypsy" - talking about MONSTER TALENT in a small package! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOjVjc5vJ6I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyinJyWUhas

OK, boys and girls, a little more 60s folk: This Oregon-born singer/songwriter cut his teeth in Greenwich Village at the height of the folk era. Bob Dylan referred to him as "the greatest living songwriter". Unfortunately, despite popular acclaim and having appeared at Woodstock, his life was plagued by drug addiction and stage fright, making his concert appearances erratic at best. We lost him in 1980 due to a heroin overdose. One of his best-known tunes is this 1965 sad but beautiful ballad about lost love. Covered by The Carpenters in '70 and it became a chart hit for Rod Stewart in '71 (not my favorite version!). His "If I Were a Carpenter" was sung by many other artists, including Bobby Darin, who also covered "Simple Song of Freedom" in '69 and "Red Balloon" in '66. Singer/songwriter? Folk ballad? Answer: "Reason to Believe" by Tim Hardin. One of those artists that I never get tired of listening to. ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Steve Kipner and John Lewis Parker penned this poignant 1984 soft-rock ballad released by Chicago from their "Chicago 17" album. Bill Champlin and Peter Cetera share lead vocals. This was Chicago's last hit with Cetera before his departure in '85. A man bemoans his partner's departure for another after taking her for granted. It received four Grammy nominations and won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals. Peaked at #3 both on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. Covered in Spanish by Puerto Rican vocalist Glenn Monroig in '86. Song? Answer: "Hard Habit to Break" by Chicago. I had forgotten about this sad but beautiful tune until I heard it a few nights ago on PBS's "Chicago & Friends: Live at 55". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aCAZNcTVeo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=douQ_PbPUG4

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s for a little bio: This 84 year-old master drummer was born in North Philly and raised in foster care. He cut his teeth in the early 70s as one of the progenitors of the Philly Soul sound. He is credited with single-handedly creating the disco style of drumming, earning him the epithet "Disco Daddy". His drumming pattern in Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' "The Love I Lost" came to define the genre. He was the founder and leader of The Trammps, scoring an international mega-hit with "Disco Inferno". He created the four-on-the-floor bass drum beat using a double pedal, used the butt-end of the drumsticks on the snare and introduced the extensive use of the hi-hat throughout the entire song. DJs loved his drumming because the hi-hat as heard through the headphones made it very easy for them to mix. He earned an Album of the Year Grammy in '79 for the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and in 2016...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1973 Kenny Gamble/Leon Huff Philly Soul classic was released by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes with Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals on the Philadelphia International label. It was recorded at the legendary Sigma Sound studio, the birthplace of the Philly Soul sound, just a few blocks away from the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, where I lived as a med student at Jefferson. Earl "Disco Daddy" Young, known as the father of the disco beat, was on drums. #7 Billboard, # 48 Adult Contemporary, Certified Gold. It is widely considered to be one of the progenitors of the disco sound and it marks a transition between classic R&B and the emerging disco genre. Song? Answer: "The Love I Lost" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes". Such fond memories of '73, my freshman year in med school. We studied hard but somehow found time to enjoy the great music (and food!) town that is Philly. https://www.youtube.com/watc...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s/70s: Broadway conductor and composer Gershon Kingsley penned and first recorded this 1969 instrumental tune for his album "Music To Moog By". By '72 it had become a staple on his group's (The First Moog Quartet) repertoire. After the group disbanded Kingsley teamed up with Stan Free and created a new electronic music band. Their new version became exceedingly popular, reaching #9 on Billboard and #4 on Easy Listening. It was highly influential in the genesis of the emerging disco genre. One of the first popular songs to use the Moog Synthesizer. It remains one of the most-covered tunes of all time (>815 versions). Memorable renditions by Herb Alpert and, of course, by The Swedish Chef in The Muppets. It was also the theme to the 1982 arcade game Pengo. Group? Song? Answer: "Popcorn" by Hot Butter. The title represents a portmanteau of pop- (pop music) and -corn (kitschiness). https://www.youtube.com/watc...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: A Cameroonian singer/songwriter and saxophonist composed and recorded this dance classic while in France in '72. It was not well received there but DJ David Mancuso accidentally ran into a copy of the single at a Brooklyn record shop. He started playing it at The Loft, his dance club, widely regarded as the birthplace of disco. The song is considered a seminal milestone in the development of the dance genre. Its popularity grew exponentially peaking at #21 in '73 and remaining in the Top 100 for 9 weeks. A subsequent generation was exposed to the tune when Michael Jackson sampled it in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" on "Thriller" ('82) and yet another generation grooved to it in 2007 when Rihanna used it in "Please Don't Stop the Music". Artist? Song? Answer: "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango "The Lion of Africa". Emannuel Nelle Eyoum from Doula, Cameroon, is considered...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A Glendale, AZ singer/songwriter and NASCAR driver (!) wrote and sang this crossover standard in '62. A man feels deep remorse after cheating on his wife. It was his 7th Country #1 hit and peaked at #16 on the Pop charts. Alfred D. Herger's Spanish translation was the first hit for a then-young Puerto Rican singer. Singer? Song? For extra credit, name the Puerto Rican singer and Spanish title? Answer: Marty Robbins, "Devil Woman". Chucho Avellanet, "Magia Blanca". Love Marty's voice - like buttah! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh_XhovQB9M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_puZhrqIgx4

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This epic 1983 Jim Steinman power ballad was originally intended for Meat Loaf but his production company refused to pay Steinman's asking price. It was instead recorded by a Welsh singer, this being her biggest hit, peaking at #1. The video was inspired by "Futureworld" ('76). #56 among Greatest Songs Of The 80's. Covered by Tori Amos, Carly Smithson on Idol and by Rachel on Glee. Song? Artist? Answer: Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart". Another one of those EPIC Jim Steinman productions. I never thought anybody could touch Bonnie Tyler's rendition but Carly Smithson's on Idol came pretty doggone close! BEST VOICE EVER ON IDOL, PERIOD!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOxhH8N3Bo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmcUpxsAFrM

OK, girls and boys, more 60s folk: This singer/songwriter started penning this folk classic while in London recording at Apple "with a holy host of others" (musical deities!) and finished it in Ibiza with a Swedish girl. Sir Paul played bass and George sang backup in the original recording from 1968 (peaked at #67). Homesick - missing his family and his dog. Unofficial school song of the Tar Heels. Covered by Melanie, Crystal Mansion and was a #29 Country hit for George Hamilton IV. Artist? Song? Answer: "Carolina In My Mind" by James Taylor. A staple at his concerts though not one of his biggest commercial successes when released. Karin was a Swedish girl he met at the Spanish island of Ibiza. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gic6B-B6rpg (Check out the bell bottoms!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz0hB9rrmQA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBvExQVRCvs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT9jNLBqCxM

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This soulful 1962 ballad, written and performed by Arthur Alexander, was a minor hit for him. The Beatles' cover appeared in their 1963 debut album and it fared much better. Recorded in 3 takes - a personal favorite of John's; he had a bad cold when he recorded it, accounting for the nasal quality. My man Roger McGuinn covered it in '93 for the Alexander Tribute. Answer: "Anna". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rHcvYa93sU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRQ7ecvU56k

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Rosanne Cash penned this "semi-autobiographical" composition as a poem after an argument with then husband Rodney Crowell at a French restaurant in L.A. It took her 6 months to put it to music. Ironically, Crowell himself subsequently produced the record which became Cash's first #1 Country single in '81. A man of few words runs off to a seedy joint to drown his marital woes. Considered her breakthrough song, it crossed over peaking at #22 Pop and at #6 Adult Contemporary. Covered by Trisha Yearwood in '01 with Cash on background vocals. Answer: "Seven Year Ache" by Rosanne Cash. In my humble opinion, the BEST thing that Johnny Cash ever did was giving us Rosanne! Actually, my favorite one of her songs is "If You Change Your Mind" from "King's Record Shop" - one of those albums that I'd like to have with me if I were stranded on a deserted island. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrUs_FWqj...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This classic pop tune was written in '52 (GREAT YEAR!) by Bronislau Kaper and Helen Deutsch. First recorded in '52 by Dinah Shore. Featured in a '53 Leslie Caron film and recorded by her and Mel Ferrer that same year (#30 U.S.). Covered by Richard Chamberlain (yes, as in Dr. Kildare, Father Ralph and Anjin-san!) in '63 (B-side "All I Have To Do Is Dream"), peaking at #64 US and #20 UK. Song? Film? For EXTRA, EXTRA credit, who remembers the lyrics that we sang to the song's melody during our Kindergarten graduation at Academia San Jose? Answer: "Hi-Lili, Hi Lo". Featured in the 1953 Leslie Caron film "Lili". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLIUzUnoomY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9_whtCO5e0 De kinder hoy nos graduamos Mis amiguito(a)s tambien Las canciones que cantamos Jamas olvidare. Jugamos con plasticina Recortamos el papel Ya conocemos las letras Los numeros hasta el cien Ya conocemos la...

OK, girls and boys, back to the track: Well, the Triple Crown has come and gone and we'll have to wait another year to see if another pony will take all three. The iconic bugle/trumpet call at the racetrack has three different and distinct meanings. In horse racing it is a signal that all mounts should be at the paddock exit in order to proceed to the track and begin the post parade. It is usually sounded 5-10 minutes before post time. It is also used in dog racing. In U.S. Military Installations it is sounded pre-reveille at 0550 in order to assemble all buglers to blow reveille at 0600. It is also sometimes sounded 5 minutes before "Retreat", "Mess Call", "Tattoo, First Strains" and "Assembly". In U.S. Navy ships it is played at 0755, five minutes before "Morning Colors" and "Evening Colors", five minutes before sunset. Trumpet calls before equestrian events date back to Ancient Rome. Today's call was com...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Keyboardist Robert Lamm penned this 1972 politically-charged pop/rock classic for his band Chicago. Originally released as a 7-minute cut in the "Chicago V" album and later on edited as a single reaching #17 in Cashbox and #24 on Billboard. Two young men with diferring philosophies having a conversation on the state of affairs in the U.S. and the world - prominently the Vietnam War and the faltering economy, among others. Master guitarist Terry Kath voices a politically-informed and concerned person while bassist Peter Cetera plays a naive and uninterested college student. Fascinating simultaneous interplay between Kath's intricate wah-wah guitar and Cetera's complex bass line. The second half of the song offers cautious optimism for the future, calling for action to make things better. The chorus ends abruptly, allowing listeners to make up their own minds. Answer: "Dialogue (Part I & II) by Chicago. How in the...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A few days ago I read a post by my friend and Puerto Rican surfing legend Mundi Fernandez. He graciously mentioned many other surfers in our circle, most are still with us but, unfortunately, some have left us for that wonderful beach in heaven. Frankie Astor, Andy Romeu, Panchito Castro and our recently-departed dear childhood friend Arturo Marchand immediately come to mind. Even though I was by no means a surfer, I was always fascinated by the sport, admired its participants and, most important for me, relished in its music. This classic 1966 documentary film was created by Bruce Benson. It follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a six year quest around the globe trying to find "the perfect wave". The unforgettable surf-rock soundtrack and, especially, the theme song were composed by Gaston Georis and John Blakeley and performed by their group The Sandals. Arguably the most beloved theme in the surf movie genre. Movie?...

Ok, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This '64 Macca composition was written and recorded the same day (!) as the B-side to "I Feel Fine". Their last single of '64, it peaked at #4 on Billboard. First overt drug reference in a Beatles tune. Still unclear as to whether Paul or George played the guitar solo. Chikezie's cover on Season 8 of Idol is, in my opinion, THE best performance EVER on the show! Answer: "She's A Woman" by The Beatles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQomFaLyQ5I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xao4HSnBU0k

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This '84 Billy Joel "quasi a cappella" doo-wop classic from "An Innocent Man" was his 4th single from that album. It topped the Adult Contemporary charts and peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot 100. The only instruments are electric bass and hi-hat plus hand claps and finger snaps. The lead, as well as 14 backup vocal tracks, were all laid down by Joel himself (!). Outstanding video! Answer: "The Longest Time". One of his best! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_XgQhMPeEQ

OK, girls and boys, more 50s/60s one-hit wonders: This Italian-American doo-wop group formed in Ozone Park, Queens, NYC in '57, when all the members were 15. They took their name either from an Italian isle or a 50's Lincoln model. - we'll never know! They recorded their only hit in '58 but it did not hit the charts until early '61, peaking at #3. Group? Song? Answer: "There's A Moon Out Tonight" by The Capris. The Lincoln Capri V8 was built between '52 and '59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4xNF9uh8SA

OK, boys and girls, a toughie this morning: Jim Pepper adapted this song from an ancient Native American peyote chant he learned from his grandfather. First recorded by his group Everything Is Everything. Only Billboard hit (#69 in '69) to feature a Native American chant. Brewer & Shipley's cover was sung phonetically and got respectable FM airplay. Answer: "Witchi Tai To". For some reason, it was played fairly often in Puerto Rico radio stations in the late 60's. I can't think of this song without thinking about my very dear childhood friend Gilberto "Tito" Mercado who loved it and sang it quite often. Great memories from '69, our junior year in high school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg9LT4qR_Dw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkVjd1fJMME

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s : This Leonard Cohen classic was inspired by a young dancer - the wife of sculptor Armand Vaillancourt from Montreal. Published initially as a poem in "Parasites of Heaven". First recorded by Judy Collins in '66, then by Cohen in '67. Covered by, among many others, Nina Simone, Neil Diamond and Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad of ABBA. Answer: "Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen. The beautiful Suzanne Verdal was the muse. One of THE MAN's most-covered songs - Fairport Convention, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, James Taylor and Peter Gabriel, among many others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svitEEpI07E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3WOAqtRRvQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toEk9DaLrgs

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This enduring rock/pop classic came about in '81 when Queen and David Bowie were recording simultaneously in nearby studios and neither one was satisfied with how things were going. They met halfway and started throwing ideas together for a new song. To this day no one seems to remember exactly who came up with the memorable bass line that dominates the tune but everyhing seems to point to John Deacon. The scatting that permeates the entire song reminds us that it was highly improvised. #1 UK (Queen's 2nd UK #1 and Bowie's 3rd) and Top 10 in many other countries. Bowie never sang it live with Queen. Queen performed it live in every concert from '81 through '86 with Freddie and Roger Taylor sharing lead vocals. Bowie performed it with Annie Lennox during the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. The song was heavily "sampled" by Vanilla Ice in "Ice Ice Baby" (1990). A lawsuit granted Bowie and Queen f...

OK, boys and girls, more 70s: This Ham/Evans composition was first recorded by Badfinger in '70. Described by Sir Paul as "the killer song of all-time". Harry Nilsson's version hit #1 in '72 and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. Mariah Carey's cover, her best-selling single outside the US, was released 1/15/94, the day Nilsson died and the 22nd anniversary of his recording reaching #1! Answer: "Without You". DEFINITELY among the Top-10 all-time makeout songs! Carly Smithson did a memorable version on Idol AND, of course, there's always the famous "Ken Lee" video clip on YouTube from Bulgarian Idol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dnUv3DUP4E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hat1Hc9SNwE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49dquH8tn6E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vnQhzbMp98 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT18LZItBLA

OK, girls and boys, more 60s folk: Canadian folkie Ian Tyson penned this classic in '61 inspired by "the seasonal movement of workers around the country from one harvest to the next and its effects upon love affairs". A sad musing on a failing romance, hoping for a reunion but coming to terms with the fact that it's over. Published and first recorded by The Brothers Four in '63, then by Ian and Sylvia later on that same year. Named by CBC Radio One "The Greatest Canadian Song Of All Time". A folk and country standard, it has been covered over 50 times, charting by Bobby Bare in '64 and by Neil Young in '79. Answer: "Four Strong Winds". Ian and Sylvia are way up there among my all-time folkie faves. They opened the doors for many other Canadian singers/songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot to the American and world audiences. I've had so many Canadians ask me how the heck did a kid from P.R. learn so much about Can...

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back: The two Jenkins brothers ran the George Hotel, a 16th century wayfarers' inn in North Yorkshire, England. The upright longcase timepiece in the lobby ran flawlessly for many years until the day one of the brothers died, when it started malfunctioning. Upon the second brother's passing it stopped keeping time and would never run again. A Connecticut-born abolitionist visited the hotel and was inspired to compose his best-loved song about the timepiece. It is written through the eyes of a grandson. Published in 1876, it was first sung by Sam Lucas and sold over 1 million copies of sheet music. Very popular among brass bands and bluegrass circles. Composer? Song? Answer: "My Grandfather's Clock" Henry Clay Work. Most authorities believe that the "grandfather clock" got its name from this song. "Until that time, clocks such as the one in the old George Hotel were referred to by a variety of names, but not be...

OK, girls and boys a little more 60s romance (you know me, I'm a romantic guy!): Riziero "Riz" Ortolani and Nino Oliviero comopsed what has become an easy-listening and pop standard in 1962 as the theme and part of the soundtrack for the Italian documentary "Mondo Cane" (tough movie to watch!). Marcelo Ciorciolini added Italian lyrics and titled it "Ti Guardero Nel Cuore". British producer Norman Newell translated it into English and retitled it. First recorded as a single in '62 by Italian singer/actress Katyna Ranieri, Ortonani's wife. "An aching affirmation of everlasting love couched in the most caressing of melodies". One of the most-recorded love songs of all time, it won the '64 Grammy for Best Instrumental Theme and was Oscar-nominated that same year for Best Original Song. Ranieri sang it in English during the Oscar ceremony. First recorded in English by Steve Lawrence. Notable cover versions by Bobby Darin, Fran...

OK, boys and girls, a little more Baroque: A 13 year-old Pablo Casals (Pau Casals i Defillo) was rummaging through a thrift shop in Barcelona in 1889 when he "discovered" a copy of the Grutzmacher edition of the 6 J. S. Bach Cello Suites. Written in Cothen (where he was choirmaster) between 1717 and 1723, they were virtually forgotten until Casals recorded all 6 at age 48 between 1924 and 1925. His re-recordings between '36 and '39 are perhaps his best-known and most cherished works. The Prelude of one of the Suites with its familiar arpeggiated chords has become very popular in TV and film, having been featured in an American Express TV ad and in "The Killing Box", "Lost And Found", "Master And Commander", "Hilary And Jackie", "You Can Count On Me" and on HBO's "You Don't Know Jack". Suite? Answer: "Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello" by J.S. Bach. Years ago my father and I had the hono...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Harry Noble penned this classic romantic pop ballad in '52. The original version by one-hit wonder Karen Chandler hit the charts on October 17th that same year (15 days before I was born!) peaking at #7 and remaining in the Top 100 for 18 weeks. Perhaps the best-loved version was Mel Carter's '65 rendition which topped the Easy Listening charts and peaked at #8 Pop. Answer: "Love Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" by Mel Carter. Soulful romantic ballad - WAY up there in the all-time makeout song hit parade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y406eHv-DT0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbLuI8img8