Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This '64 The Ventures tune was one of their biggest hits. Based upon a ballet score composed by Richard Rodgers and choreographed by George Balanchine. It is the story of a hoofer that falls in love with a dance hall girl. Her jealous boyfriend shoots her and the hoofer shoots the boyfriend (boy, I HATE it when that happens!). Tune? Answer: "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" by The Ventures. I will forever be grateful to my dear childhood friend Frank Astor for introducing me to The Ventures in '65 with this record at his home. I was blown away! As a young man learning to play the guitar, Bob Bogle and Nokie Edwards quickly became my heroes. Dang, those Mosrites sound good!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNnl0j-xjVE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeBXjWUxBWk

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This B. Wilson/R. Christian ballad was the B-side to The Beach Boys' first #1 single, "I Get Around". It peaked at #24. Inspired by The Ronettes' hit "Be My Baby" ('63), Brian's favorite tune. It influenced Lennon's 1980 "(Just Like) Starting Over". A teenage drag racer accepts a challenge and his girlfriend pleads to take her love with him (sob!). Part of the "Deja Vu" and "Never Been Kissed" soundtracks. Arguably Brian's best vocal performance, it is The Beach Boys' finest recording, according to him. The Beach Boys masterfully re-recorded it with Lorrie Morgan in 1996. Song? Answer: "Don't Worry, Baby" by The Beach Boys. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Riqmsn4qGU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPJO_9a01ps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSPpbOGnFgk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfbAAiL5ec8

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This beautiful 1952 (great year!) Young/Heyman popular romantic standard made its debut as the instrumental theme of Howard Hughes' last film, the Korean War Era's "One Minute to Zero". Jeri Southern cut the first vocal recording that same year and Doris Day had the first charting version. Nat "King" Cole's 1956 rendition was a hit for him and, in 1996, his daughter Natalie recorded a virtual duet with her father which won two Grammys. Other memorable charting versions include Donny Osmond, Linda Ronstadt, Van Morrison, Michael Buble, The Carpenters and Rick Astley. The Lettermen's 1961 recording spent 14 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening charts. Celine Dion's duet with Clive Griffin was part of the "Sleepless in Seattle" ('93) soundtrack and won them a Grammy. Song? Answer: "When I Fall in Love". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1mI8qORir8 https:...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This Bucks County, PA 80s group's name is a nickname for the Hohner Melodica which gave the group its distinct sound. One of its members co-wrote Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" (#1 Billboard) and the group backed her up at the Grammys when she sang it. Answer: The Hooters. Judy went to high school with a couple of the band's members at Woodrow Wilson H.S. in Levittown, PA. She refers to them as "part of the jean jacket crowd". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB1Q-PfUvN0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5oX6ElPm4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TCgBv61gY4

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Texan singer/guitarist's only top ten hit (1965) was first recorded in 1959 by Sonny Curtis and The Crickets (post-Buddy Holly). Covered by The Clash in '79. #175 on Rolling Stone's Greatest Songs of All Time. Singer/group? Song? Answer: "I Fought the Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four. Bobby was found dead in L.A. shortly after. Murder? Suicide? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgtQj8O92eI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrxq5U8SBY

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: Chicago-based Eugene Record and Sonny Sanders penned this 1968 R&B classic as "Am I the Same Girl?" to be recorded by Record's wife, Barbara Acklin. The producers replaced Acklin's vocal track with a piano melody played by Floyd Morris over the backing track. Bassist Eddie Young and drummer Isaac "Red Hot" Holt had preious success as members of the Ramsey Lewis Trio with "The In Crowd". They left the trio and created a self-named ensemble credited with the instrumental track. To this day, it is controversial as to whether or not Young and Holt actually played on the recording, as opposed to session musicians playing as Brunswick Studio Band. It is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable instrumentals of all time. #3 on both R&B and Pop charts, Certified Gold. Covered by, among many others, Dusty Springfield and Swing Out Sister. Recently used in a Michelob Ultra TV commercial. S...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This singer and his group from Jamaica was the 1st Jamaican act to have a top-ten hit in the U.S. charts (1968-69) AND the first reggae song to hit #1 in the UK charts. Singer/group? Song? Answer: "Israelites" by Desmond Dekker and The Aces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxtfdH3-TQ4

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This '62 Sedaka/Greenfield composition was inspired by The Showmen's "It Will Stand". Described as "2 minutes and 16 seconds of pure pop magic", it topped the charts in the US and many other countries, including "Tu No Lo Sai" in Italy, sung by Neil himself. Considered Sedaka's signature song. He re-recorded it in '75 as a ballad and it peaked at #8 in '76, only the 2nd time an artist made the Top 10 with 2 different versions of a song (The Ventures' "Walk Don't Run"/"Walk Don't Run '64" was the other one). Covers by The Happenings, The Partridge Family and Lenny Welch also charted. Song? Answer: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" by Neil Sedaka. I'm partial to the original version. I grew up listening to Neil Sedaka in perfect Spanish on WKBM in San Juan. He recorded every one of his songs also in Spanish. I didn't hear him in English until I moved to Philly...

This one is another suggestion from Judy after listening to it on satellite radio. OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Les Reed and Geoff Stephens penned this 1966 pop classic, being first released in the U.K. by Stephens' group The New Vaudeville Band (as in "Winchester Cathedral"). A man is so consumed with the one he loves that he can hear nothing except for her. Gary and The Hornets' cover was a minor regional U.S. hit that same year. Herman's Hermit's 1967 version became a worldwide sensation peaking at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 and was Certified Gold with B-side "No Milk Today". This was the group's last Top 10 hit. The Carpenters' 1976 cover peaked at #12 on Billboard and topped the Easy Listening charts. Song? Answer: "There's a Kind of Hush". We have seen Herman's Hermits as a group and Peter Noone as a solo artist several times. He is a consumate showman with complete control of the stage. You can ...

This one was written at the suggestion of and in collaboration with my dear sister Gina Delucca. OK, boy and girls, the Fabdom just never ends: Even though Sir Paul is always thought about as The Beatles' bassist, it is worth remembering that Stu Sutcliffe was the band's original bass player until he left in '61 to pursue a career in painting. Before that, Macca filled in on guitar. He actually taught John how to properly tune a guitar! Paul was a perfectionists so, though not very often, when George's guitar work didn't meet his standards, he did it himself. Name thirteen (!) Beatles tunes in which Paul plays lead guitar. Go!!! Answer: And Your Bird Can Sing (with George), Another Girl, Back in the USSR, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite, The End (with John and George), Good Morning, Good Morning, Helter Skelter (with George), I've Just Seen a Face, The Night Before, Paperback Writer (with George), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Reprise ...

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back: The mayor of this beautiful town overlooking the Bay of Naples in southern Italy asked composer Ernesto De Curtis to write a song for Prime Minister Giuseppe Zenardelli, who was vacationing there, pleading him to keep his promise to help his village in its time of need. With lyrics by his brother, poet and painter Giambattista, De Curtis penned an 1894 classic Neapolitan air that has become a symbol of their culture. It has been connected to the passionate and picturesque depiction of the Amalfi coast. Extensively covered, notably by Caruso, Corelli, Lanza, Domingo, Pavarotti, Sinatra, Presley ("Surrender"), Martin and even Meat Loaf. Song? Answer: "Torna a Surriento" ("Return to Sorrento"). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol4OoaQ_Evs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fEld8UNi60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsVk9sGiDcc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Bj9fQkvGo

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back: For the last few days I've had this song stuck in my head, as well as a children's tune with the same melody that we sang in Kindergarten under the title "Las Madreselvas" for Mother's Day. Not a bad earworm, however! That's what happens when your last name is Delucca. This traditional Neapolitan barcarolle pays homage to the breathtaking waterfront of the Gulf of Naples. Translated into Italian by Teodoro Cottrau in 1849. It was the first song translated from Neapolitan to Italian. A boatman invites you to accompany him in his nimble vessel to admire the sunset (dang, those Italians are romantic!). The seminal version was Enrico Caruso's. As always, I'm a bit partial to Mario Lanza's interpretation. Covered by, among many others, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley and even Tom & Jerry (!). Song? Answer: "Santa Lucia". Dedicated to the Borgo Santa Lucia on the Neapolitan waterfront. No...

Ok, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Eric Stewart's wife of eight years complained to him that he didn't tell her that he loved her often enough. This inspired him to co-write this ethereal 1975 innovative progressive-pop classic with bandmate Graham Gould. Cutting-edge background sound with multitracked vocals. Conceived initially as a bossa nova, it evolved in the studio into a "vocal wall of sound" with 48 overdubs using tape loops (!). The sparse instrumentation was added after the vocal tracks had been laid down. One of three U.K. singles for the group, this was their international breakthrough hit, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100. Part of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" soundtrack. Song? Group? Answer: "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc. Eric Stewart was the lead guitarist for Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders ("The Game of Love"). When Fontana left in '65, they became The Mindbenders with Stewart on lead vocals. ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: This 1931 Andre/Schwandt/Kahn composition is a romantic lullaby of parting lovers. It was first recorded by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra with Nelson on vocals. By far, the highest-charting version came in '68 by The Mamas and the Papas with Mama Cass Elliot on lead vocals and whistle. It was the group's last major hit, peaking at #12 Billboard Hot 100, #10 on Cash Box and #2 on East Listening. Memorable version by Ella Fitxgerald with Louis Armstrong on trumpet. Wonderfully covered by the MonaLisa Twins. Song? Answer: "Dream a Little Dream of Me". This one goes to my favorite Mamas and Papas fan, Lauren Denise Delucca. If you've never listened to the MonaLisa Twins, you owe it to yourself to do so. Born in Vienna and based in Liverpool, identical twins Mona and Lisa Wagner are gifted vocalists and musicians, faithfully covering 60s music - masterful harmonies, retro instruments! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8I...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: It was 1935 in the middle of The Great Depression. Cole Porter was in the South Pacific aboard the R.M.S. Franconia when he composed what would become one of the most popular tunes of the Swing Era. "When the singer hears the music to the dance, it brings back memories". It was introduced by June Knight as part of "Jubilee", a Broadway musical comedy. Recorded by Xavier Cougat to a tepid reception. In 1938 Artie Shaw was a struggling clarinetist and band leader, as were most musicians in the dire economy of the day. An RCA Victor subsidiary gave him a chance to record an instrumental swing version as a B-side with his orchestra featuring Shaw on clarinet. It sold millions of copies, more than any other instrumental to that date. Memorable cover versions by Sinatra and Fitzgerald. By far, my favorite version is Mario Lanza's impassioned rendition. Part of the "Yellow Submarine" and "The Marvelous Mrs....

OK, blokes and bonnies, back to the 60s: Keith Hopwood was the lead guitarist for Herman's Hermits. How did he get that unique ukulele-like sound out of his Gretsch Country Gentleman in the "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" recording? Answer: He tucked a folded towel in front of the saddle in order to dampen the sound of the strings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOfs8U_3NQk

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: A call for inspiration, safety, peace, guidance and human kindness, this 1998 tour de force was recorded separately in Italian by Andrea Bocelli and in English by Celine Dion for the "Quest For Camelot" soundtrack. Composed by Foster, Bayer Seger, Renis and Testa, it received such acclaim that Bocelli and Dion released it as a duet the following year. During the rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys Andrea Bocelli was unable to attend the sessions. David Foster just happened to recall an unknown 17-year-old high school student from L.A. named Josh Groban. It took a little convincing but he got Groban to step in for Bocelli at the last moment (a little star-struck about singing with Celine Dion!) and the rest, as they say, is history. Very popular song for memorial services. Groban sang it with Charlotte Church at the Closing Ceremony of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Song? Answer: "The Prayer". Years ago, I had the...

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back: Georges Boulanger first penned this beautiful ballad as "Avant de Mourir" ("Before Dying") in 1926, the year my Mom was born. Jimmy Kennedy added English lyrics in '39, the same year that Glenn Miller took it to #2 and The Ink Spots to #3. By far the most popular version is by The Platters which topped the charts in '65. Song? Answer: "My Prayer". There's something about that E-F#-Am chord sequence that's magical - so simple yet so beautiful! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDlcqhlzDqQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o92xRdIfXws https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7KJCns5v3g

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: This 1995 Sartori/Quarantotto anthem debuted by Andrea Bocelli at the San Remo Music Festival as "Con Te Partiro". He then recorded a partly-in-English second version with British songbird Sarah Brightman the following year. It quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Has been recorded in many languages and is a very popular funeral song. It speaks of farewells and new beginnings. Bocelli and his son Matteo sang it at the 2024 Oscars during the "In Memoriam" segment - not a dry eye in the house, mine included. Song? Answer: "Time to Say Goodbye". To this day, every time I hear it I get choked up (you know me, I'm a sensitive guy!). I so enjoy listening to Bocelli's voice as well as to Mario Lanza's before him. To me, theirs are "natural" tenor voices as opposed to other more "schooled" ones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJngsVXW2u8 https://www.youtube.c...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s (a toughie this morning!): Born in Portsmouth, UK, this singer/songwriter, actor, harmonicist and hand percussionist was the original lead vocalist for Manfred Mann from '62 until '66. In 1967 he starred, along with iconic 60s British supermodel Jean Shrimpton, in a bitter and uncompromising sci-fi comedy-drama with a killer soundtrack. His character, Steven Shorter, was Britain's biggest pop star, drawing adulation from and exerting total control over his adoring fans. Unknown to everyone, however, he was being manipulated by the authorities in order to influence the masses. When Shrimpton's character is commissioned to paint his portrait, she persuades him to question his loyalties. Movie? Star? Answer: "Privilege", starring Paul Jones. Earlier this week I was watching a TV news program and, as they were going to commercials, they played "I've Been a Bad, Bad Boy" from the movie's soundtrack. I...

Another suggestion from Judy Delucca (man, she's putting me to work!). OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: One-half of this Swedish duo, Per Gessle wrote this power ballad in '87 but it sat "gathering dust" until it was unearthed two years later when they were contacted to provide a song for the 1990 Gere/Roberts film "Pretty Woman". The movie propelled it to #1 in the U.S. and quite a few other countries. A lonely cold winter day after a breakup. The group's 3rd #1 U.S. single (they subsequently had one more U.S. #1). The #2 selling single of 1990 after "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips. Duo? Hit? For extra credit, other 3 #1 hits? Answer: "It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette. Other 3 U.S. #1 hits: "The Look" ('89), "Listen To your Heart" ('89) and "Joyride" ('91). Anyone who plays a Rickenbacker is OK in my book! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2C5TjS2sh4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlVI7Z...

This one is a suggestion from Judy Delucca after she heard it on Sirius XM. OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: These two blue-eyed soul keyboardists from Alabama reunited in L.A. in the 70s as a songwriting team. Their credits include, among others, "I Keep Forgettin' " for Michael McDonald. Their only hit came in '77, topping the Cashbox charts and peaking at #9 on Billboard. Recorded at the noted Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama. They opened for Fleetwood Mac during their Rumours Tour to promote their record. Kenny Loggins sings background vocals. Duo? Song? Answer: "Smoke From A Distant Fire" by the Sanford-Townsend Band. Always liked the vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlczHHBqRFI

OK, girls and boys, more 80s TWO-hit wonders: This Palmar/Skill/Marinos '79/'80 power pop/new wave classic was one of only two hits for a Detroit-based band. A catchy and timeless tune, it peaked at #49 on Billboard's Hot 100. The unmistakable guitar riff was based on Neil Diamond's "Cherry, Cherry". One of the most popular rock anthems of all time, it has been used extensively in TV commercials. The memorable signature guitar lick which runs through most of the song is an E to Esus4/A/D/A mixolydian chord progression. The video was filmed at University of Michigan's Dearborn Rec. Center. Song? Group? For extra credit, name their other hit. Answer: "What I Like About You" by The Romantics. Other hit - "Talking in Your Sleep" (#3 Billboard 1983). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqnw5IfbZOU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmGMzyajA2U

OK, girls and boys, more 80s: This powerful '88 folk-pop ballad won the "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy that year for its composer and singer. Peaking at #6 on Billboard. At #165, it is the highest-ranked composition performed and written by a female among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. A song of hope, it is about "... a relationship that doesn't work out because it's starting from the wrong place". Song? Artist? Answer: "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman. One of those few songs that I loved the first time I heard it. Luke Combs' 2023 cover made Chapman the first Black woman and first Black songwriter to win a well-deserved Country Music Award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIOAlaACuv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvCcN4URNmQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEqb6xbeuCo

This one was a suggestion from Judy Delucca. It came out when she was a gyn O.R. nurse and I was a first-year ENT resident, both at Jefferson in Philly. OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: Prolific pop/country songwriter Randy Goodrum penned this classic 1978 soft rock ballad about a heartbroken man in a failing relationship. It was the only major hit for pop/country singer/songwriter Michael Johnson. #1 Easy Listening, #12 Hot 100. It is still frequently played on adult contemporary satellite radio. One of the first music videos shown on MTV (1981). Johnson cut his teeth in The New Society with Randy Sparks. Subsequently he joined The Chad Mitchell Trio, where he became good friends with John Denver. They created the short-lived Denver, Boise and Johnson trio. He left us in 2017 at age 72. Song? Answer: "Bluer Than Blue" by Michael Johnson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3ZThfylM6I

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: Nick Lowe co-wrote his only solo U.S. hit in '79 with former bandmate Ian Gomm. Based upon a line that Hamlet delivered to his mother (Act 3, scene 4), it peaked at #12 both in the U.S. and the U.K. One of the first music videos shown on MTV. Song? Answer: "Cruel To Be Kind" by Nick Lowe. Remember when they used to play music videos on MTV, VH1 and CMT? Not no mo'! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0l3QWUXVho

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: The late great Teddy Randazzo co-wrote this soulful 1965 ballad with Bobby Weinstein, Bobby Hart (as in Boyce & Hart) and Little Anthony as a follow-up to "Going Out Of My Head". A man feels intense pain when he sees his old flame. #10 Pop, #5 R&B. The Lettermen took it to #12 in '69 and Linda Ronstadt to #8 in '80. Song? Answer: "Hurt So Bad" by Little Anthony and The Imperials. Teddy Randazzo gave us "Goin' Out Of My Head", "It's Gonna Take A Miracle", "Runaround" and his own "One More Chance" among many others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSF2oLgyV5M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ss30d_nWE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lXj4QBew-I

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Kern and Fields wrote this romantic ballad for the film "Swing Time" in which Fred Astaire sings it to Ginger Rogers. It won the '36 Oscar for Best Original Song. The Lettermen's first hit, reaching #13 in '61. Memorable covers by Sinatra, Fitzgerald and Bennett. Featured on the "Father Of The Bride" soundtrack. Song? Answer: "The Way You Look Tonight". Call me a dinosaur but songs like these deserve an Oscar as opposed to '06 "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" (what happened?!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIW_Ah0wg-w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSsTguCePLk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJz4t3-LCA

OK, girls and boys, more 70s: Arguably about a stalker, this '75 Bee Gees smash hit introduced Barry Gibb's trademark falsetto, becoming the forerunner of their "new sound" during the Disco era and a turning point in the group's history. Their producer asked him, "Can you scream in tune?" and the rest, as they say, is the sound of the 70's! It peaked at #7. Song? Answer: "Nights On Broadway" by The Bee Gees. Check out the '97 video "One Night Only" recorded live at the MGM Grand in Vegas - The Bee Gees at their best! It saddens me that, out of the four brothers, only Barry is still with us. Dang, I'm getting the itch to go back to Broadway - maybe next spring... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNz-iR_f2QI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmpupP1G5Xg

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This Mann/Weil classic was written in collaboration with Leiber & Stoller and the title refers to their address - "The Brill Building Sound". First recorded by The Cookies but first released by The Crystals. The Drifters took it to #9 in '63. Lead vocals by Rudy Lewis and lead guitar by a young Phil Spector. George Benson's '78 cover went to #7 and won him a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. Song? Answer: "On Broadway" . Great tune - a chord change in every verse. "...but they're dead wrong, I know they are, 'cause I can play this here guitar..." I LOVE that line! One of Rudy's last recordings before his untimely death. Covered by Sinatra, Tom Jones, Bobby Darin, James Taylor, Sly and even AC/DC. Part of the "American Beauty" and "All that Jazz" soundtracks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPYRtjxYEH8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4OA0OW8cgA

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Folkie Al Jardine learned this traditional West Indies tune about a sponger boat that sank in the Bahamas in the early 1900's via The Weavers, The Kingston Trio and Johnny Cash. Took a little persuading but he convinced Brian Wilson to arrange and produce it, becoming the fastest-selling Beach Boys recording ever and the biggest commercial hit from "Pet Sounds". It peaked at #3 and ranks #271 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It plays in the background as Lieutenant Dan delivers his famous "welcome to Vietnam" lecture to Forrest and Bubba. Answer: "Sloop John B" by The Beach Boys. The a capella chorus towards the end ranks as one of my all-time favorite musical passages ever! Brian's genius! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSAoEf1Ib58