Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Brits Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley co-wrote this popular introspective ballad for their 1961/62 musical "Stop the World: I Want to Get Off" as its closing number. Newley starred in the production and first recorded it. By the time it made it from the London to the New York stages, Tony Bennett had already cut it for one of his albums. It won the 1963 Grammy for Song of the Year. Sammy Davis, Jr. took it to #17 on Billboard's Hot 100 and to #6 on Easy Listening in '62. Memorable covers by Andy Williams, Shirley Bassey, Lesley Gore, Perry Como, Robert Goulet and, of course, my main man Bobby Darin. Song? Answer: "What Kind of Fool Am I?". I was 10 when it came out and my Dad loved it - he used to sing it and play on guitar as well as on the ol' hi-fi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BGL-a_FrHk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcHyCdvBnIU

OK, boys and girls, back to the 1920s (a toughie!): This classic "Italian"-American joke song was written in '26 by Harry Warren (Salvatore Anthony Guaragna), "Hollywood's Unknown Composer", with lyrics by M. Weinberg/C. Marks/E. Krickett/E. Stamper. Minor hit in '58 for Lou Monte. Featured in Betty Boop's "Mask-A-Raid" in '31 and in John Wayne's "Fighting Seabees". Song? Alternate title? Answer: "Where Do you Work A-John?" aka "The Delaware-Lackawan Song". This was a staple at the "notorious" Phi Chi Medical Fraternity Wednesday night parties in Philly in the early 70s along with "Roller Derby Queen", "Born to Run", "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" and, of course, the one about the Fugawi Tribe. How the heck did we do that and make it to lecture the following morning? YOUTH! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLgqKm8NC2o

OK, boys and girls, back to the 2000s: In 2004, lead singer Ken Casey was invited by Woody Gurhrie's family to go through his archives. Even though most of Guthrie's songs were deeply political, rebellious and heartfelt, he ran into a scrap of paper containing a five-line poem that mentioned Casey's home town. A seaman had lost his prosthetic lower extremity climbing the topsail and embarks on a voyage along the coast to try to find it. He set the short poem to music and recorded it with his Massachusetts-based Celtic-punk band. Only 2:20 minutes long, it went double-platinum and was extensively featured in Martin Scorsese's 2006 "The Departed". It has become an anthem for local sport teams and has been played in Super Bowls and NBA Finals. Song? Group? Answer: "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys. I'm half-Irish by marriage but I think I enjoy Celtic music more than Judy does. Every time I played in the O.R., man, did

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This Baker Knight ballad was a #7 hit for Ricky Nelson in '58. Best known as the background song during the famous $5.00 milk shake scene between John Travolta and Uma Thurman at Jack Rabbit Slim's in "Pulp Fiction"('94). During his outstanding career Nelson had 53 tunes on Billboard's Hot 100, 36 Top 40 hits and 19 Top 10 hits. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in '87. Song? Answer: "Lonesome Town" by Ricky Nelson. I always wonder how much further Ricky Nelson's career would have gone had Elvis not been on the scene. Man, he was a good-looking son of a gun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fctiF_-RYMU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8X2SM0ioJ4

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Hollywood, CA-based surf-rock garage/studio instrumental band had 3 Top 40 hits during their brief career. The first one was "Surfer Stomp" in '62, peaking at #31. Their cover of the "Batman Theme" (which, by the way, they did NOT compose) came in at #17 in '66. Their biggest hit (#3 in '64), a Michael Z. Gordon composition, was based upon a popular TV mystery show which ran between '63 and '65. Part of the "Pulp Fiction" ('94) soundtrack. Masterfully covered by The Ventures. Group? Biggest hit? Answer: "Out of Limits" by The Marketts. It was originally titled "Outer Limits" but they got into a little copyright dispute with the TV show's producers, so they renamed the song. Fond memories of our dear friend Gilberto "Tito" Mercado playing it on the ol' Kent electric guitar at Yeo's house in Los Caobos! “There is nothing wrong with your television

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: A young struggling Jim Croce had to take odd jobs to pay the bills while trying to launch his singer/songwriter career. One night, at a country and western bar he was playing at, he met a plus-sized woman with a penchant for hair spray who told him about her previous occupation and this inspired him to write this 1973 classic. Her husband was a State Trooper and he was thus afraid to perform the tune locally, fearing for his well-being. Croce's repertoire included many elaborate stories about eccentric people that he had met throughout the years. Unfortunately, he left us shortly after at the age of 30 in a plane crash. Song? Answer: "Roller Derby Queen" by Jim Croce. When I arrived in Philly in 1973 for med school, Jim Croce was a local celebrity. He was born and raised in Upper Darby, PA, a Philadelphia suburb. I bought all of his albums and quickly learned many of his tunes on guitar. Every Wednesday night at Phi Chi Me

OK, girls and boys, The King returns: This '26 Handman/Turk classic was 1st recorded by Lou & Edith Handman in '27. It first charted by Blue Barron and Al Jolson in '50. Elvis 1st heard J. P. Morgan's '59 version while in Europe in the Army and recorded it in '60. The spoken part is based on Act II, Scene VII of "Äs You Like It" - "...all the world's a stage...". 6 wks. at #1 in '60. #81 on Billboard's Greatest Songs Of All Time. Song? Answer: "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis Presley. It was so sad to see him during his last concerts - he would pretty regularly forget the spoken lines to "Are You Lonesome Tonight?". The singing voice, however, was perfect until the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XVdtX7uSnk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2BsS2BVXN8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuKnuzYYdA0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrdOoMobEdA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10dibDK-HBE

OK, boys and girls, more bio: Born in 1907 in San Sebastian, Spain, this virtuoso became the preeminent harpist of the 20th century along with Carlos Salzedo from France. His father, also a musician, bought him a used harp at age 7. He helped popularize the harp and secured its respect as a solo instrument with his tireless touring and recording, selling more than 4 million records. While touring in Puerto Rico in '50 he met Graziela whom he married in '52. He was once quoted as saying, "...but you see, the harp is not so difficult"(!). He died in '93 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Harpist? Answer: Nicanor Zabaleta. One of my Dad's faves - I grew up listening to his recordings on the ol' hi-fi. He raised the harp to a higher level much like Segovia did with the classical guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjv3troNnRk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7zZ1DdBdvs

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1979 pop/disco groove/funk love song was The Bee Gees' last #1 single. Their ninth and final chart-topper on Billboard's Hot 100, more than any artist(s) in the 70s. It would take ten years for them to chart again with "One". Only The Bee Gees and The Beatles have had six consecutive #1 singles in one year. Trademark stratospheric Gibb harmonies. Sampled by wannabe Olympian Snoop Dogg in "Ups and Downs". Song? Answer: "Love You Inside (and) Out" by The Bee Gees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SouY1MKclZ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IDbFSoKZGo

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Legendary songwriter and producer Bob Crewe first heard this Ramin/Valona bossa nova-flavored composition as a demo for a Diet Pepsi commercial. He recorded it in '67 as an instrumental single with his group, The Bob Crewe Generation, peaking at #15 on the Pop charts and at #2 on Easy Listening. It was Crewe's first release as an artist. Al Hirt and Andy Williams also charted with it that same year. Tune? Answer: "Music to Watch Girls By". That would have been a PERFECT song for an Austin Powers movie soundtrack (yeah, Baby, yeah!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auS-ndWXLso https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOK6YJmT5_w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc1WgIkNI8Q

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: Poet Rod McKuen wrote and performed this sweet ballad in '69. It became the theme song for a movie that won Dame Maggie Smith the Best Actress Oscar. In addition, Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song. William Swofford's cover peaked at #2 on the Pop charts, topped Adult Contemporary and won him his second Gold Disc. Quoting Swofford: "We had no idea it would be a single. It was a 3/4 ballad in the psychedelic era...it was a beautiful arrangement." Song? Swofford's stage name? For extra credit - first Gold Disc? Answer: "Jean" by Oliver (a name shared by our 17-year-old cat). 1st Gold Disc - "Good Morning, Starshine". Theme song for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hozEk-eCYwc

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Inspired by the Book of Ruth, this 1971 pop-folk Carole King/Toni Stern collaboration was included in King's iconic "Tapestry" album. Barbra Streisand charted with both her live and studio versions. Deemed "politically incorrect", Carole King stopped performing it in her live shows. In 2000 she reworked the lyrics to a mother-daughter relationship theme and re-recorded it in her home studio with her daughter Louise Goffin for what was to become the theme to the hit TV comedy/drama "Gilmore Girls". Song? Answer: "Where You Lead (I Will Follow)" by Carole King. The title comes from the Book of Ruth, "where you go, I will go". I never watched "Gilmore Girls" when it was on TV between 2000 and 2007. I had completely forgotten about the Carole King tune but Judy has recently been binge-watching the series on Netflix and I got reacquainted with the song. I have been watching off an

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This melancholic 1962 Carole King/Gerry Goffin pop collaboration was intended for Bobby Vee. King recorded a demo on acetate without a master tape and, unknown to her, it was released by her producer, becoming her first hit as a singer (#22 on Billboard's Hot 100). She was already a well-established songwriter. The acetate pressing explains the poor quality of the recording. She did not tour to promote it as she already had two children but she lip-synched it on "American Bandstand" to less-than-stellar reviews. Bobby Vee released it in a compilation album the following year. It is one of the opening numbers on "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical". Song? Answer: "It Might as Well Rain Until September" by Carole King. I had completely forgotten about this classic until I heard it in the musical. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbKE0gJETA0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D7QMAJOGeA

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This impassioned 1967 funky-groove soul composition was co-written by Bob Gaudio and Peggy Farina. The Four Seasons took it to #16 on Billboard that same year. Gaudio had either written or co-written (with Bob Crewe) all of The Four Seasons' hits up until "Girl Come Running" in '65. His "return" without Crewe raised a few eyebrows. Peggy Farina aka Peggy Santaglia was part of The Angels and sang lead on their 1963 "My Boyfriend's Back". This was the last Bob Gaudio composition to chart until "Who Loves You" in '75. Song? Answer: "Beggin'" by The Four Seasons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5AfvOk57bE

OK, boys and girls, a little geeeeetar this morning: This SMOKIN' '76 Eddie VanHalen solo started out as a warm-up exercise to "You Really Got Me", his band's 1st single. Played on a Frankenstrat through a '59 Marshall Super Lead tube amp with added studio reverb. First known use of 2-handed tapping. Based on Cactus' "Let Me Swim", with added classical references. Guitar World's #2 all-time best guitar solo after "Stairway To Heaven". Tune? Answer: "Eruption" by Eddie VanHalen. Dang, human beings are not supposed to play that fast! The sound was aided by a phaser, Echoplex and a Univox echo unit. Includes elements from the Etude No. 2 by Kreutzer and A Fancy, an early Baroque lute piece by Dowland. How do you choose? My all-time favorite rock guitar solo is Clapton's "Deserted Cities Of The Heart" on Cream's '68 "Wheels Of Fire". Memorable scene in "Back to The Future" (1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This '74 crossover composition was Jimmy Buffett's first Top 40 hit, peaking at #30 Billboard Hot 100, #3 Easy Listening and #58 Country. He dedicated it to his wife - missing her and his family while on tour and looking forward to being reunited. Part of his "Big 8" songs that he performed in every concert. Unfortunately, he left us last September. Song? Answer: "Come Monday" by Jimmy Buffett. By far, my favorite Buffett tune. Fond memories of listening to it on the boat while taking a leisurely evening cruise around Twin Lakes. I've always enjoyed playing on guitar the Amaj7/Dmaj7 transition on the bridge - a stroke of songwriting genius! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGw_hrlaOY

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Bobby Charles wrote this 1960 R&B classic for his hero Fats Domino in 15 minutes. Domino invited Charles to his home in The Big Easy but he had to politely decline as he didn't have a car and would have had to walk a great distance (hint, hint!). Dave Bartholomew arranged it and added orchestral strings, a rarity in those days. #6 Pop, #2 R&B. Robert "Bobby Charles" Guidry, a native Cajun, left us in 2010 at the age of 71. Song? Answer: "I'm Walking to New Orleans" by Antoine 'Fats' Domino. Many assumed that Bobby Charles was African-American - he was an ethnic Cajun. Domino told Charles on the phone, "you better start walking" and Charles ran with that line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1z45jVlM34

OK, boys and girls, more 70s two-hit wonders: This L.A. born and based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist wrote his biggest hit in one hour in '78, the same year he recorded it. A pop/soft-rock classic, it peaked at #25 on Bilboard's Hot 100 and at #11 on CashBox. Cynthia Fee's cover version became the theme for "The Golden Girls", a quintessential 80s sitcom. Notably, he arranged and played most of the instriments for Linda Ronstadt's and Art Garfunkel's early recordings. Song? Artist? For extra credit, name his other U.S. hit. Answer: "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold. Other hit "Lonely Boy" (1976). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voNEgCKzves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmWCGNVnNN4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2TxnlWunw

OK, boys and girls, more 60s. This one goes to my favorite skateboarder Ed Johnson: When Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote this surf classic in '63 they intended for Dennis to sing lead. Mike, however, laid down the lead track instead while having a cold. Maureen Love, Mike's sister, played the harp. One of the few examples of a six-man Beach Boys lineup with Carl and 15 year-old David Marks playing guitars, Brian on piano and Al Jardine on bass. Jan and Dean reworked the lyrics next year for what was to become a skateboarding anthem, peaking at #25. Beach Boys' song? Jan and Dean's song? Answer: "Catch a Wave" by The Beach Boys and "Sidewalk Surfin'" by Jan and Dean. We had the privilege of seeing Jan and Dean in Philly in '79 opening for McGuinn, Hillman and Clark. Memorable concert! They entered the stage on skateboards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_CBWxmTlRI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_CBWxmTlRI

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This romantic Goffin/King 1962 ballad remains the only song to make the U.S. Top 40 3 times by 3 different artists: Steve Lawrence (#1 in '62), The Happenings (#12 in '66) and 13 year-old Donny Osmond (#1 in '71 - Certified Platinum). It was also the first of only 9 songs to reach #1 by 2 different artists (the other ones being "I'll Be There", "Lady Marmalade", "Lean on Me", "The Loco-Motion","Please, Mr. Postman", "Venus", "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "You Keep me Hangin' On"). First recorded by Bobby Vee in '62. Song? Answer: "Go Away Little Girl". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=538KMPvQwP4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0OrTZd5KM0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVssT4OutwM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLUuWl8oMFE

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: The only Top 10 hit for this actress/singer came in '62 with a Duddy/Pockriss composition that topped the charts and won her a Gold Disc. She introduced it on her TV program "The Donna Reed Show". Her debut single, it had previously been recorded by Georgia Lee and by Sandy Stewart. A girl has a huge crush on a boy who doesn't know she exists and turns down other boys' offers hoping he'll ask her out. Darlene Love and The Blossoms on background vocals, Glen Campbell on guitar and Hal Blaine on drums! Covered by The Carpenters in '73 and part of the "Mermaids" soundtrack. Artist? Song? Answer: "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt7UYKepRLU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpkf7yTFCU4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beM1jbbmhzk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyv_LaxrKyA

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Allen Jones/Willie David Young composition was first recorded in '63 by the Avantis but failed to chart. A Memphis-based septet of high school friends took its cover to #4 in '65. Memorable drum roll at the beginning and after the "fade". A very short recording, it repeats itself to fill a 2:08 min. time slot. A #9 hit for The Bay City Rollers in '71. Group? Song? Answer: "Keep On Dancing" by The Gentrys. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeEs6e0FdwU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2KpwAj-2xo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlyq4qBalOM

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This 1962 Sol Lake instrumental composition was initially titled "Twinkle Star". The Spanish subtitle is a mistranslation. The master trumpetist overdubbed the lead tracks in his garage with the remaining instrumental parts provided by The Wrecking Crew as well as choir and solo soprano. This was the first release for the newly-created A&M Records and the debut single and album for the ensemble. #6 Billboard Hot 100. Song? Group? Answer: "The Lonely Bull (El Solo Toro)" by Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass. In Spanish 'El Solo Toro' would be 'The Only Bull'. The correct translation would have been 'El Toro Solitario'. Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss had just created A&M Records using their last name initials. If you haven't seen "The Wrecking Crew" 2008/2014 documentary, it is not to be missed - talking 'bout raw talent! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16B5Xm8_IKw

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This 15-year-old Ottawan met the 18-year-old muse for his first hit at Lebanese community and church events (she was not his baby sitter, as per early rumors) and became his first teen crush, even though she was completely unaware that the song was written about her. Master jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli contributed the trademark "calypso riff" on the recording. #1 Billboard for 2 weeks in late '57 selling over 9 million copies, #1 R&B and #1 UK. One of the best-selling singles ever by a Canadian artist. Artist? Song? Answer: "Diana" by Paul Anka. Diana Ayoub, the inspiration for this classic, passed away in Ottawa in 2022 at the age of 83. We had the privilege of seeing 7-string (!) jazz guitar virtuoso Bucky Pizzarelli and his son John in Ames many years ago - unforgettable concert! We also saw Paul Anka at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA some years ago. He looked great and the voice is still there! How Pau

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: This beautiful Allan Roberts/Doris Fisher pop ballad topped the charts for The Mills Brothers in '44. Clarence "Frogman" Henry's '61 cover hit the Top 20. Memorable rendition by Ryan Goslin on ukulele sung to Michelle Williams in "Blue Valentine" (2010). Song? Answer: "You Always Hurt The One You Love". Cute romantic scene in "Blue Valentine" - Michelle Williams does a tap dance to the song - worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANbkNhU4VSY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS9U75YC-jA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIGZVnwe4jk

OK, girls and boys, more YOUNG Rascals: This Sawyer/Burton romantic ballad was first featured in their '66 self-titled debut album. Spectacular vocals by Eddie Brigati, opening drum roll by Dino Danelli and heavenly Felix Cavaliere Hammond B3 organ swells. The Royal Guardsmen released it as the B-side to "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" - their later re-release reached the Top 40. Also covered by The Spiders, Alice Cooper's H. S. band! Song? Answer: "Baby, Let's Wait" by The Young Rascals. Classic comment by my dear departed friend Dr. Dan Rogers, may he rest in peace: "The song is ... (Danelli drum roll) "Baby Let's Wait." Lots and lots of teen angst!! And hormones being suppressed. I liked the recording by the Young Rascals, but the one by the Royal Guardsmen was on my disk of all-time crummy recordings (such as "The Bristol Stomp). I liked the Young Rascals. I wonder if the Royal Guardsmen were named after the inexpensive men&#

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Louisiana native Dale Hawkins wrote this '57 blues-infused rockabilly classic and recorded it in less than one hour with 15 year-old James Burton on lead guitar. The title is based upon a 1930s dance. Peaked at #7 R&B and #27 Pop. Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1968 8:37 min. cover was their first single and launched their career, peaking at #11. Their only Top 40 hit not written by John Fogerty. Song? Answer: "Susie-Q" aka "Suzie-Q". CCR defined "roots rock" even before the term was even coined - no fancy electronics - just pure raw talent! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0L44Zea9Ms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18kqUNG9mO4

OK, girls and boys, more 90s: This poignant '96 Diane Warren composition spent 11 wks. at #1 and remains the artists' biggest single. It won her the '97 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. #10 on Billboard's Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs and #3 R&B/Hip-Hop. Covered by, among others, Johny Mathis and Il Divo. Artist? Song? Answer: "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton. Love that song! Fred Astaire I am not, but Toni was on "Dancing With The Stars" a few years ago and, as good a singer as she is, she couldn't dance to save her life. Stick to singing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Rch6WvPJE

OK, girls and boys, more 70s: Bruce Springsteen penned this rock classic in '76 and gave it to Patti Smith because he thought "it would suit her voice". She added lyrics and in '78 it became The Patti Smith Group's ONLY hit (#13). She bought her father a Chrysler Cordoba (remember Ricardo Montalban's Corinthian leather?) with the royalties. 10,000 Maniacs' '93 MTV Unplugged version peaked at #11 and was their 1st Top 40 hit. Answer: "Because The Night". In my book NOBODY does it like Natalie and The Maniacs. Springsteen never recorded it. Ricardo Montalban would have been proud! We try not to talk about 70s fashion! First time I saw her fronting for the Maniacs was on Saturday Night Live - liked her instantly! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw2KN3Oz56s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_BcivBprM0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Jackson Browne and Danny "Kooch" Kortchmar penned this romantic 1982 pop-folkrockish classic for the "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" soundtrack. It was a sweet love song in contrast to the fairly dark music that Jackson Browne was delivering at the time. Features Browne on lead vocals and Kortchmar on guitar. Peaking at #7 on Billboard's Hot 100, it was Browne's last Top 10 hit and his highest-charting tune. Song? Answer: "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk2NHZukTYg

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Larry Williams rhythm and blues classic was first recorded by him in '58 as the B-side to his "Dizzy Miss Lizzie". John Lennon was an avid fan of Williams and this tune was a staple of the early Beatles' stage repertoire. They released it in '64 as the B-side to "Dizzy Miss Lizzie" in the UK and as the B-side to "Matchbox" in the U.S., peaking at #25 on Billboard's Hot 100. The Young Rascals covered it in their self-titled debut album in '66 (my favorite version). Song? Answer: "Slow Down". I never get tired of listening to The Young Rascals' self-titled debut album. A classic! One of my fondest musical memories was having the privilege of meeting and visiting with Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals. What a nice gentleman! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHuJAC_XbhQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD7doYliv3Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5oUW95NdfA

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Robert Carr, Johnny Mitchell and Hy Weiss co-wrote this romantic 1958 R&B/doo-wop classic. First recorded by Carr and Mitchell as Robert and Johnny. #12 R&B, #32 Billboard Hot 100. Covered by The Fleetwoods shortly thereafter. Perhaps the best-known version was by a Mexican-American singer/songwriter/guitarist recorded shortly before his untimely death in a plane crash at age 17 in '59. Featured in the 1987 "La Bamba" movie sung by Los Lobos. Song? Singer? Answer: "We Belong Together" by Ritchie Valens. Every time I hear that tune I can't help recalling sitting on a sofa with my guitar amid a very talented group of singers at a cast party after one of the Comedia musicals. Gifted singer Jenny Whittlesey starts singing "We Belong Together" out of the blue. I quickly figured out the chords and, next thing you know, we came up with some pretty doggone decent harmonies. https://www.youtube.com/

OK, boys and girls, more 50s one-hit wonders: This singer/composer was the 1st Latino rocker to be inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame (2007). He penned his big hit in '59 after listening to Ritchie Valens' "Come On, Let's Go". The Swinging Blue Jeans took it to the Top 5 UK and #21 US in '64. Featured on The Beatles' "Live At The BBC". Covered by The Georgia Satellites in '88. Part of the "Cocktail" and "Austin Powers" (yeah, Baby, yeah!) soundtracks. Artist? Song? Answer: "Hippy Hippy Shake" by Chan Romero. THAT'S when The Beatles were The Beatles!!! Gotta love Austin Powers - yeah, Baby, yeah! "In his time he was the coolest secret agent alive. Unfortunately, this is not his time". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlkKB1JlbFg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ke8mzgex4U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0z_oWn2aDk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5w8FkZUBaE

OK, girls and boys, short and sweet: Billy Joel's muse for his 1983 #3 classic "Uptown Girl" was model_________________. Answer: Elle McPherson was Billy Joel's muse for "Uptown Girl". Freshly divorced from his first wife, Joel briefly dated McPherson. He was 33 and she was 19. In addition to "Uptown Girl" she also inspired "And So It Goes". In my book, one of the best music videos ever. Outstanding Frankie Valliesque harmonies and falsetto as well as seamlessly changing keys twice before returning to the original one. Even though the song was not written about her, second wife Christie Brinkley looked mighty fine on the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCuMWrfXG4E

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Leiber and Stoller were still teenagers when they penned this 12-bar blues classic first recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in '52 (#1 R&B). Freddie Bell and The Bellboys reworked the lyrics in '55. The best-known version is Elvis Presley's from '56. The King and his band heard Bell in Vegas, rearranged it and the rest is rock & roll history. He debuted it on The Milton Berle show before a TV audience of 40 million without his guitar to hide his gyrations - the outcry earned him the epithet "Elvis The Pelvis". It was his concert- closing number for many years. Ranked #19 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in '88. The B-Side to "Don't Be Cruel", it remains THE only A and B side individual #1 single in the U.S. It topped the charts for 11 weeks. Part of the "American Graffiti", "Grease" and "Fo

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: This '65 Lennon composition came from the stress he experienced caused by The Beatles' meteoric rise to fame. It became the title for that year's movie and its soundtrack album. #1 in the U.S. and the UK - #29 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The first Beatles song to be licensed for a U.S. TV commercial - '85 for Lincoln-Mercury. Song? Answer: "Help!" by The Beatles. Great memories of my friends and me standing in line for HOURS in front of the Cinerama Theater (corner of Fernandez Juncos and Bolivar) in '65 in order to be the first kids in San Juan to watch "Help!". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE

OK, boys and girls, more 50s-60s seasonal one-hit wonders: This catchy, bouncy Tom Jameson/Sherm Feller composition peaked at #26 on Billboard in '58. Re-released in '62, peaking at #38. Serena Jameson, Tom's sister, sings the lead vocals backed by a harpsichord. Covered by The Fortunes, Jan & Dean and Sha Na Na and used in Buick and Applebee's commercials. Song? Group? Answer: "Summertime, Summertime" by The Jamies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK_z73tVbgU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCGb5nFaelQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0HuyMLbLDg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNxf6GNnaI8

OK, girls and boys, more 70s: This '73 B. W. Stevenson/Daniel Moore composition peaked at #9 pop, #1 adult contemporary and spent 12 wks. in the Top 40. Killer guitar by Larry Carlton (as always!)! Brooks and Dunn's '96 cover peaked at #1 in the Country charts, was named Song of the Year and won them the Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Vocal Group or Duo. Song? Answer: "My Maria". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdBvTvxHy7E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSiBj4vCiY