Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, more 50s: This pop classic was first recorded by Della Reese and The Honey Dreamers in '57 (#9 Billboard). The melody comes from "Autumn Concerto", an Italian instrumental by Camillo Bargoni. English lyrics by A. Stillman and P. Siegel. Kay Starr's version under a slightly different name also peaked at #9. The Four Seasons' '69 cover reached #45 and happens to be my all-time fave song of theirs. Song? Answer: "And That Reminds Me". Kay Starr's version was titled "My Heart Reminds Me". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdbepiZDvX8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12qNOG_1y9Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tUNkmz_iTM

OK, boys and girls, more 60s: Nashville tunesmith Wayne Carson Thompson penned this '67 smash hit after his father gave him the opening line. A yet-unnamed "bunch of greenhorns who had never cut a record" recorded it in 30 takes(!). They were first dubbed The Devilles before settling on their subsequent name. Lead singer Alex Chilton was not quite 17 during the sessions. It topped the charts for 4 weeks, was the top hit of '67, sold over 4 million copies, earned a Gold Disc and is ranked #363 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. The last #1 hit under 2 minutes in length. Joe Cocker's '70 version hit the Top Ten. Group? Song? Answer: "The Letter" by The Box Tops. Thompson's father gave him the opening line "Give me a ticket for an AEROPLANE" and he ran with it. Other Box Tops hits include "Neon Rainbow", "Soul Deep" and "Cry Like A Baby". Nobody, and I mean NOBODY did Joe Cocker better th...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: The first and biggest hit for this New Orleans trumpeter and bandleader was a '63 instrumental adaptation of a cut from Allen (Tousan) Toussaint's '58 album "The Wild Sounds Of New Orleans". It is named after a race horse. A million-seller, it peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100, topped the Easy Listening charts and won a Grammy in '64 - an amazing accomplishment for an instrumental at the height of Beatlemania! Trumpeter? Hit? Answer: "Java" by Al Hirt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqwIpH6phJs

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This poignant and emotional '86 Cheryl Wheeler composition was, according to her, "inspired by a conversation with (her) sister who was trying to decide if she should stay in a relationship. The man comes by less and less, but the woman doesn't want to call it off. At first, things were great, but now (they) are getting worse. She wants to call it off, but she can't. " Featured in her self-titled debut album. The late great Dan Seals topped both the U.S. and Canadian Country charts with his cover (minus the last verse) in '88, his 8th straight #1 hit. Answer: "Addicted". I discovered Cheryl Wheeler (and Mary Chapin Carpenter) by accident. Channel surfing, I landed on TNN's "Nashville Now" with Ralph Emery back in '86. She had just released her self-titled debut album. She blew me away! You haven't lived until you've seen her on stage! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMb5CgjK-E4 https://w...

OK, girls and boys, more 80s two-hit wonders: This 84'-85'synth-pop classic was the first and, by far, the biggest hit for a Norwegian trio. A plea for love, even though the title literally translates into "touch me" from the Norwegian. The dominant synth track was inspired by The Doors' Ray Manzarek. The unforgettable video propelled the single to the top of the charts in the U.S. and numerous other countries. Created by Steve Barron and taking six months to produce, it uses rotoscoping, seamlessly combining live-action with pencil-sketch animation sequences. English model, actress and singer Therese "Bunty" Bailey plays the beautiful girl on the video as well in the group's only other hit/video. She was lead singer Morten Harket's girlfriend in real life at the time. Quoting Steve Barron, "I got a call from Terry Slater... I couldn't believe my ears (at the band's audition) when I heard Morten Harket sing, I thought, how ca...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Big brother Barry penned this 1977 pop classic happy love song for his youngest brother in twenty minutes. He also produced and sang harmony as well as background vocals in the recording. It topped the Billboard charts for four weeks and remained in the Hot 100 for 31 weeks. Certified Gold and Grammy-nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance. Cashbox's #2 song of '77. He released his three major hits before his 21st birthday. Unfortunately, he died penniless due to a possibly drug-related cardiac condition 5 days after his 30th birthday. Artist? Song? For extra credit, name his two other biggest hits. Answer: "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb. This was his first and, by far, his biggest hit. He was the first male solo artist to have three consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, all in lees than one year. Two other biggest hits: "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" and "Shadow ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Mexican composer and percussionist Alberto Dominguez Borras originally penned this beloved foxtrot for the marimba in 1939. Leonard Whitcup transformed it into the jazz standard that it is today. First recorded in '39 by Lupita Palomera accompanied by Dominguez's orchestra. Artie Shaw's version remained at #1 on Billboard for 13 weeks and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in '82. The Spanish title loosely translates to "frenzy". Song? For extra credit, name Dominguez's other major hit. Answer: "Frenesí" Other major hit - "Perfidia". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cxGUb-XhQQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GGyHOG7Jp0

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Which former Mouseketeer (from the original Mickey Mouse Club) played in The Carpenters' touring band in the 1970s? Answer - Cubby O'Brien. Beginning in 1973, O'Brien joined The Carpenters as a touring drummer due to public demand for Karen to sing at the front instead of from behind the drum kit. His tenure with the band lasted until the 80s. I had the privilege of seeing The Carpenters with Cubby on drums and Tony Peluso on guitar at the Philadelphia Academy of Music in '73 during my freshman year in med school. Halfway through the concert someone "streaked" across the stage (gotta love the 70s!). It was a memorable evening! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTzho31UCtg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3DdKjrsS4

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s AND the 20s: In 2023 this 4'9" Atlanta native became the oldest living artist ever to Top the Billboard Hot 100 at age 78. The song was first recorded by her in 1958, 65 years prior. Also, the longest wait between a song's release and it reaching #1. In addition, it was the longest span between an artist's #1 hits. Artist? Song? Answer: "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZy9t-qDc

OK, girls and boys, back to The Stones: This '66/'67 Keith Richards composition about a free-spirited girl was based upon a simple melody written by Brian Jones for the recorder. To this day he cannot recall whether he wrote it about his then girlfriend Linda Keith or a nameless groupie - gotta love ol' Keef! #1 U.S. and #3 UK coupled with A-side "Let's Spend The Night Together". Top 10 hit for Melanie in '70. #303 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Answer: "Ruby Tuesday". What can you say 'bout ol' Keef - they broke the mold! Actually, the restaurant chain DID take its name from the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADtnUC_ctNk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9alAuYr2g_8

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Jackie DeShannon wrote and first recorded this pop standard in '63 peaking at #99 on Billboard's Hot 100. Speaks of sentiments felt when the one he/she loves is near. Hesitant, however, to let that person know those feelings. Recorded using the "wall of sound" borrowed from Phil Spector. It has been covered by many artists. The Searchers' '64 version went to #3 UK and #35 US. The Ventures did a masterful instrumental rendition on their '64 "Knock Me Out" album - those Mosrites never sounded better! Agnetha Faltskog (one of the two A's in ABBA) had her own version in '04 - Agnetha can sing me anything she wants! Pam Tillis, whom I just saw a few nights ago, did a "countrified" take in '94 with Mary Chapin Carpenter on backup vocals, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot Country. Song? Answer: "When You Walk in the Room". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVCBSIn_1j0 http...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This poignant '87 pop classic was its singer/songwriter's highest-charting hit, peaking at #3 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was simultaneously recorded in Spanish. One of the first songs to deal with child abuse and domestic violence. The "happy" music belies its devastating theme. Shawn Colvin sings background vocals on the recording. It received three Grammy nominations in '88. Coincidentally, the title means "bruise" or "wound" in Malay. Song? Singer/songwriter? Answer: "Luka" by Suzanne Vega. Incredible tune - even after all this years it still tears me apart every time I hear it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZt7J0iaUD0

OK, girls and boys, let's go WAY back: This 1931 classic was penned by Tin Pan Alley composer Herman Hupfeld. He wrote both music and lyrics - unusual at the time - most songs then were collaborations. Written for the musical "Everybody's Welcome". Sung by Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter on piano in "Casablanca" ('42). Re-released by Rudy Vallee in '42 (#1). AFI's #2 Top Movie Song (2nd to "Over The Rainbow"). Song? Answer: "As Time Goes By". The line "Play it again, Sam" is a misquotation from "Casablanca". In the movie, Ingrid Bergman's character Ilsa Lund says, "Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake" and then "Play it, Sam! Play 'As Time Goes By'". Humphrey Bogart's character, Rick Blaine, never says "Play it, Sam" or "Play it again, Sam", but he does ask Sam for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2olZ49M54 https://www.youtube.com/...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This '66 Lennon composition was released as the B-side to "Paperback Writer" and has been called "The Beatles' finest B-side". Inspired by the foul weather they encountered in Melbourne. Recorded during the "Revolver" sessions, it marks The Beatles' first use of "backward vocals" recording and the group's first music video. Ringo considers it his "best drumming ever" and Paul's intricate bass line on the '64 Rickenbacker 4001S is, in my opinion, his magnum opus on bass. It peaked at #23 and is ranked #463 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Answer: "Rain" by The Beatles. One of my Beatles faves. Paul's bass work is beyond words. Killer video - still can't believe there are only 2 left! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK5G8fPmWeA

OK, boys and girls, more 50s Kingdom: This 1953 Junior Parker/Sam Phillips rockabilly classic was recorded by The King at Sun Studios in '55 as the B-side to "I Forgot To Remember To Forget". The song's title is never mentioned in the lyrics. It peaked at #11 on the Country charts. Ranked #77 among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Scotty Moore's guitar riff evokes Merle Travis' 1946 "Sixteen Tons". First song that established Elvis as a bona fide Country star. Song? Answer: "Mystery Train". If you're ever in Memphis, make sure to visit Sun Studios. It is tiny so make reservations in advance. A must for any music history buff! Thank you, thank you very much... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA5HErVE9oI

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Born Lesley Sue Goldstein, this Brooklynite's second most successful recording was a Madaral/White "indelibly defiant" '63-'64 power ballad. She adopted her maternal surname early in her career. It spent three weeks as #2 on Billboard and it was her last Top 10 single, all before age 18, becoming her "signature song". The voice of a resentful teenage girl hurt by a capricious boyfriend who objectified her. "From tearful self-pity to fierce self-assertion". It quickly became one of the first "feminist anthems" and has remanied so until today. A testament to women's empowerment, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016. Artist? Song? For extra credit, name her other two top hits? Answer: "You Don't Own Me" by Lesley Gore. Other two top hits: "It's My Party" and "Judy's Turn to Cry". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDUjeR01wnU htt...

OK, girls and boys, more 50s: This '53 Artie Glenn composition was inspired by the Loving Avenue Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, TX, where he prayed after having undergone successful back surgery . First recorded by his son Darrell's group, The Rhythm Riders. It was also a hit in '53 for June Valli and for Sonny Till & The Orioles. Elvis' '60 cover featured Floyd Cramer on piano with The Jordanaires on backup vocals - he cut it in 5 minutes and was RIAA Certified Platinum. Song? Answer: "Crying In the Chapel". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe_tL7aVGE8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYOUcV7nlN8

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: This 1940 Hamilton/Lewis jazz standard made its Broadway premiere on "Two For The Show". First recorded by Benny Goodman. Les Paul/Mary Ford's version spent 25 wks. on Billboard and 9 wks. at #1. It became Ella Fitzgerald's "signature" tune in '47. The first song The Beatles ever played at The Cavern. Jeff Beck performed a note-by-note rendition during the 2010 Grammys as a tribute to Les Paul. Answer: "How High the Moon". We had the distinct privilege of seeing Les Paul live (at the tender age of 87) with his trio at the Iridium Jazz Club in Manhattan some years ago. He played there every Monday night since 1994 until his death at age 94! INCREDIBLE! He played "Brazil", "Caravan", you name it - as fast as when he was in his prime even with those arthritic knuckles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkGf1GHAxhE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cHYXaMCCIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...

OK, boys and girls, more pop songs based on the classics: Tin Pan Alley composers Ted Mossman and Buddy Kaye wrote this 1945 ballad based upon the third movement (allegro scherzando) of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C-minor, Op. 18. Popularized that same year by Frank Sinatra. Beautiful rendition by the Platters. Answer: "Full Moon and Empty Arms". In my book, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2 is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKsdCtsRczY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znlSaWdlxk0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Julie Gold wrote this '85 ballad in 2 hours while working at HBO in NYC "...about the difference between the way things seem and the way things are". It gained exposure when recorded by Nanci Griffith in '87 and by The Byrds in '90. #2 hit for Bette Midler in '90; Grammy for Song Of The Year in '91 during the 1st Persian Gulf War. Played at the opening ceremony for the '96 Olympics in Atlanta. Song? Answer: "From a Distance". Great tune! I love The Byrds' version with Chris Hillman on lead vocals. My Julie Gold story: Back in the early 90s she was touring with Christine Lavin, Sally Fingerett and Megon McDonough as "The Four Bitchin' Babes". We went to see them at the World Theater (now the Fitzgerald) in St. Paul. We got to go backstage after the concert and met all four of them as well as John Gorka. Next thing I know, Lauren and Gina disappear only to find them sitting on the floor ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This 1980 Florrie Palmer composition was the first and biggest hit for a Scottish singer and actress. A woman waits for her man to come home from work. #3 UK and Certified Gold. When released in the U.S and Canada in '81 the title had to be modified to avoid confusion with a recent Dolly Parton hit. It topped the charts in both countries in both Pop and Adult Contemporary. She was a six-time Grammy nominee and won Best New Artist in '82. The tune was featured twice on "Seinfeld". Song? Singer? Answer: "Morning Train" ("9 to 5") by Sheena Easton. One of the many great tunes that Judy and I listened to on the car radio while driving from Philly to Fort Dodge summer of '81. "Hearts", "Queen of Hearts", "Bette Davis Eyes", "Jessie's Girl", "Private Eyes", "Physical", "The One That You Love"........... (how many others do you re...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1970 (great year!) Scarborough/Peters/Poree composition was the 2nd Top 10 hit for The Friends Of Distinction and their only Adult Contemporary hit single (#6 on both charts). It also peaked at #13 R&B. Paul Davis' 1982 cover went to #40 Pop and #11 Adult Contemporary. Song? For extra credit, name The Friends Of Distinction's first hit. Answer: "Love Or Let Me Be Lonely" by The Friends of Distinction. Dear musical memories of that summer betwwen high school and college! First hit: "Grazing In The Grass". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqjWWH0mQBQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjYrski71II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s (this one is for my sister Gina and in memory of my dear childhood friend Dr. Arturo Marchand): This '66 Sam & Dave classic on the Stax label topped the Hot Black Singles chart and peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot 100. David "Dave" Porter and Isaac Hayes were at the Stax studios, where an intricate electronic arrangement had been fashioned between the main console and the men's room (!) to create echo and reverb. The composing just wasn't going as planned. Dave was taking a little longer in the men's room than Isaac thought was necessary so he yelled at him, "Hurry up!". Dave's answer inspired the song! Backup tracks by Booker T. and The MG's and the Mar-Key Horns. The Blues Brothers were patterned after Sam & Dave and this song plays on an 8-Track in the Bluesmobile during the movie's 1st chase scene. Answer: "Hold On, I'm Comin' " by Sam & Dave. My recently departe...

OK, boys and girls, wishing you all a Happy 4th: This '73 Paul Simon anthem about the American experience - hopes and aspirations - peaked at #35. Based upon J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion", in turn inspired by an earlier Hans Hassler piece. Covered by, among others, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, Indigo Girls and masterfully by the late Eva Cassidy. My favorite Simon solo song! Answer: Paul Simon's "American Tune". That song has very special meaning for me as I came to the mainland in '73 - to this day I can't play it without getting all choked up (you know me, I'm a sensitive guy!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE3kKUEY5WU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G8RzLpWy4M

OK, boys and girls, a little more 50's romance: Harry Warren composed the melody, with lyrics by Jack Brooks, for this 1952 (great year!) timeless romantic classic. Warren was born Salvatore Antonio Guaragna in NYC. His mother's maiden name was Rachel DeLuca (who knows, maybe we're related?!). He transitioned from Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and is considered the first major American composer to write specifically for the movies. The song was written for "The Caddy", a comedy starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Crafted to fit Martin's crooning style. It was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song. Peaked at #2 on Billboard in '53. It became Dino's signature song and is considered an Italian-American standard. Featured in "Moonstruck" (1987) as well as in "Grumpier Old Men" (1995). Has been covered by Domenico Modugno and both Martin and Sinatra have recorded Italian versions. A testament to the romantic and passionate It...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This '64 Smokey Robinson composition was the biggest hit and signature song for a 19-year-old Detroit native who became Motown's first female star. It was also her last release on the Motown label. Background vocals by The Andantes. Topped the Pop and R&B charts and broke The Beatles' famous Top 5 monopoly in '64. A girl's total commitment to her man. Inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in '99. Song? Artist? Answer: "My Guy" by Mary Wells. Smokey Robinson, "America's poet laureate of love"! He could certainly write from any perspective. "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965), "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "The Tears of a Clown" (1967), the list goes on and on...! Smokey also co-wrote The Temptations' "My Girl" with Ronald White, "My Guy"'s female counterpart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WT7nBGX5eU