Poldo's Music Trivia II

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