Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: This Karges/Fahrenkog-Petersen 1982 Cold War era protest song peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 in '84 in its original language. It was later "loosely" translated into English by Kevin McAlea and re-recorded by the same artist but it was never as well-received as the original. Artist? Song? Answer: "99 Luftballons (99 Red Balloons)" by Nena. Ah, Nena, she of the hairy armpits on the German video! German bubblegum at its best. Those were the days when MTV and VH1 actually showed music videos. At 25+ million records, Nena remains the most successful German pop singer in chart history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpu5a0Bl8eY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiwgOWo7mDc

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb penned this '83 classic as an R&B tune for Marvin Gaye, who never recorded it. Inspired by a 1950 Hemingway "sea chase" story published posthumously in '70. An '83 duet became the Song Of The Year, went Platinum, won the '85 AMA for Favorite Country Single and, in '05, was named by CMT "The Best Country Duet Of All Time". Included in The Bee Gees' '98 "One Night Only" live video and album. The brothers Gibb have had at least one #1 hit in EVERY decade from the 60s to the 00s (!). Duo? Song? Answer: "Islands In The Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. I actually like the Bee Gees' version better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQW7I62TNOw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usezH_d3HV8

OK, girls and boys, one about the birthday boy (he would have been 97 today): This New Orleans native is considered to be the first million-seller of the Rock & Roll era. His best-selling song was a 1956 Rose/Lewis/Stock composition (#2 Top 40, #1 R&B for 11 weeks - 5 million copies '56-'57). In the 80s and until Katrina, he refused to leave New Orleans, saying that he couldn't get the food he liked anywhere else. Richie Cunningham's favorite tune on "Happy Days". Artist? Best-selling song? Answer: "Blueberry Hill" by Antoine "Fats" Domino. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQCPrwKzdo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ayBOyT406U

OK, girls and boys, back to the 20s (the 2020s, that is!): It was 2018 and Swedish megagroup ABBA went into the studio and, after quite a bit of coaxing, recorded two Benny/Bjorn compositions that would eventually become to backbone of their 2021 album "Voyage". By far the most popular of the two is abouut a woman hoping for a second chance at love after a painful breakup. They were released as a dual single, a rarity in the business. It became their first charting single since 1978. Their ninth studio album and their first in 40 years, "Voyage" became an overnight global sensation reaching #2 on Billboard's Hot 200. The video had 1.4 million views in the first 24 hours. Angelic lead vocals by Agnetha Faltskog. Song? Dual single? Answer: "Don't Shut Me Down". Dual single: "I Still Have Faith In You". As I've said before, there are only two kinds of people in the world - those who love ABBA and those who don't. I hap...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: The Grass Roots changed their name to The Grassroots in '68. What was their first release under their new name (peaked at #123)? Answer: "Melody for You". It just happens to be my favorite Grassroots song. In '69 they changed their name back to The Grass Roots. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiKKx8jmtNU

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This classic 1954 Erroll Garner/Johnny Burke jazz ballad became Johnny Mathis' signature tune after peaking at #12 in '59. BOTH Garner's instrumental version and Mathis' sublime vocal rendition have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Ray Stevens' '75 Country cover won a Grammy for Best Musical Arrangement. It figures prominently in a '71 Clint Eastwood movie. An overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry happy tears (you know Johnny, he's a sensitive guy!). Song? Answer: "Misty". As a guitar "picker", I love Ray Stevens' version the best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_tAU3GM9XI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkC9bCuahC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko56rc30qdk

OK, girls and boys, a little more 60s bubble gum: This Atlanta native is widely considered "The Father Of Bubble Gum". His first big break was filling in for Buddy Holly tour dates after Buddy's untimely death in '59. In the early 60s he and Chris Montez toured in England with The Beatles (the mop tops were the opening act!) and, as expected, the blokes "stole the show". Artist? His two #1 hits? Answer: Tommy Roe. #1 Hits: "Dizzy" and "Sheila". Other hits: "Sweet Pea", "Hooray for Hazel" and "Jam Up and Jelly Tight". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arpidGq8SlA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i-wfec5HGY

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: The only hit for this Santa Ana, CA surf band came in '63 with a Carman/Spickard composition originally titled "Liberty's Whip". They changed the song's name after watching "The Endless Summer", the ultimate surfing movie. A surf-rock classic, it peaked at #4. Its distinct sound is achieved by "upside down" mixing - the rhythm guitar and bass are up front whereas the lead guitar, electric keyboard and drums are in the background. Band? Song? Answer: "Pipeline" by The Chantays. Another one of those "tests of manhood" in high school - you HAD to be able to play "Pipeline" note-by-note to be worth anything as a guitar player. Materfully covered by The Ventures on those beautiful ol' Mosrites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFucCXherLg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEoN64xoihM

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: It was early 1966 and Mark Sebastian, John's 15-year-old brother, had just written a poem about urban life in the metropolis where they were born and raised. He showed it to John and, in collaboration with The Loving Spoonful's bassist Steve Boone, they penned what would become the group's only #1 hit for three weeks and the group's fifth Top 10 single. A hard-rock classic that was a departure from the band's usual soft folk-rock fare. Appropriately, it was released on July 4th. It speaks of the contrast between the hot (hint, hint!) crowded and busy days and night time, when the youth would come out to play. It was the first time that street sounds appeared on a hit record. The producers hired whom Sebastian called "a hilarious old Jewish sound man" and he added car horns, pneumatic drills as well as other traffic and urban noises to create the desired ambiance. Trademark seamless changes between major an minor...

OK, girls and boys, let's go way back: Even though in the United States the standard graduation march is "Pomp and Circumstance Military March No. 1 in D" by Sir Edward Elgar, it is not so in most parts of the Western World. Name the two "other" graduation marches. Answer: In most other Western countries Giuseppe Verdi's Triumphal March from the second act of "Aida" is the standard commencement processional. Radames leads the Egyptian army on its return following their victory over the Ethiopians. Less frequently, but especially in Europe, "Gaudeamus Igitur" ("On the Shortness of Life") aka "So Let Us Rejoice" is also used. Elgar's Trio section, "Land of Hope and Glory", debuted in the U.S. as the processional at Yale's 1905 commencement when the composer was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music. It has since become the standard in U.S. high-school and university graduations. https://www.you...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: Since joining The Beatles in 1962, Ringo only recorded ONE drum solo. Name the song. Answer: "The End" - 1969. Just like Charlie Watts, Ringo abhorred drum solos. They both considered keeping their bands' beat as their job. It took quite a bit of convincing from the other three lads to get him to do it. His drum set was surrounded by 12 (!) microphones in the studio. Controversy existst but most experts consider "The End" to be the last song recorded collectively by all four Beatles. It is also the last song on the medley that comprises most of Side 2 of "Abbey Road". All four Beatles play solos in the tune. A fitting eulogy and a farewell to their legions of adoring fans. During the recent SNL 50th Anniversary Special, Sir Paul closed the show with the Abbey Road medley and, as always, his superb drummer Abe Laboriel, Jr. did a masterful rendition of the drum solo. Macca still sounds pretty doggone good f...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was pouring outside John Sebastian's Greenwich Village apartment when he looked at his wife and was inspired to write this 1966 soft Baroque-rock classic. Written in the Greek Mixolydian style, it features genial guitar interplay between him and Zal Yanovsky. Twelve-string acoustic, pedal steel, John's Irish harp and Zal's electric run through a big ol' Fender Super Reverb amp distorted to achieve the trademark French horn sound. The song ends in a dominant 7th chord, which gives it a feeling of lack of closure... It was released 6 months after their hard-rocking chart-topper "Summer in the City", signaling a return to the softer sound that the band was known for. It peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot 100, their 6th consecutive Top 10 single. Song? Band? Answer: "(You and Me and) Rain on the Roof" by The Lovin' Spoonful. I've always loved The Spoonful from the first time I heard them. Just...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Memphis-based sickle-cell disease researcher and gospel composer Roosevelt Jamison penned this soulful love (hint, hint!) ballad in '64. First recorded by O.V. Wright. Otis Redding's version peaked at #74 in '65. It was also covered by The Rolling Stones that same year as part of the "Out of Our Heads" album. In exchange, Redding covered The Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". Song? Answer: "That's How Strong My Love Is". How do you top "Out Of Our Heads"?! Every single song is dynamite - no fillers there! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7T9HKmERv0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnTzsqvItXo

OK, girls and boys, a little Country this morning: This Ivy Leaguer was relatively unknown in Country music circles when she was invited to open the 1990 CMA Awards show. At first she was hesitant to perform her tongue-in-cheek composition about starting out as a professional musician for fear of offending the audience. She received a resounding standing ovation. The song has never been recorded. Artist? Song? Answer: "Opening Act" by Mary Chapin Carpenter. She was well-known among folkies but this was her Country breakthrough. One of the many outstanding artists I discovered on Ralph Emery's "Nashville Now" on TNN. The performance is on YouTube but, for some reason, she never recorded the song. I love her "This Shirt"! Check out "Family Hands" and "Downtown Train" from her folkie days on the "Hometown Girl" album. My dear childhood friend Dr. Alberto "Papa Dios" Rodriguez met her when they were both st...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Chicago-born and Detroit-based band launched Ted Nugent's career. Their one hit (#16), their second single, was written by rhythm guitarist Steve Farmer. Ironic, as it is overtly psychedelic/acid rock and Nugent has always been an ardent anti-drug campaigner. The band's name comes from an Irving Shulman novel. Band? Song? Answer: "Journey To The Center Of The Mind" by The Amboy Dukes. Check out the video if you ever wondered where Austin Powers got his outfit - GROOVY, YEAH, BABY, YEAH!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrUH9pGk90w

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: Cotroversy abounds as to the inspiration for this 1966 John Lennon composition from the "Revolver" album. Sinatra, Jagger, Sir Paul - we'll never know. According to Cynthia, his first wife, he wrote it after she gave him a bird (hint, hint!) cage music box as a present. He was always dismissive of and indifferent to the song, even though his bandmates very much liked it. He described it as a "throwaway". Describes a person who values material goods and their own achievements more than human companionship. The exquisite guitar work was inspired by The Byrds' trademark jingle-jangle. It is no secret that George and Jim "Roger" McGuinn had a society of mutual admiration. John sings lead vocals with Paul and George on tight harmonies. The trademark of the tune, however, is the dual-lead harmonized guitar work from George and Paul that inspired many Southern rock, hard rock and metal bands. George uses his swe...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was 1961 and French singer/songwriter Gilbert Becaud had just penned and first recorded "Et Maintenant" ("And Now"), which would become a widely popular romantic bolero. French lyrics by Pierre Delanoe; English retitle and lyrics by Carl Sigman. An amorous relationship is on the crossroads, wondering how to proceed. Covered by, among many others, Shirley Bassey, Ben E. King, Frank Sinatra, Sonny & Cher, Elvis, Judy Garland and Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass. Song? Answer: "What Now, My Love?". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD3QLOnmRvY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csBLsfe7jNs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaURJJlmWYI

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit wonders: This Tetteroo/Eijck composition was recorded in '69 by a Dutch quintet. After selling 100,000 copies in Holland, it peaked at #5 on Billboard in 1970, where it remained for 10 weeks. It was rumored (incorrectly) that Sir Paul sang harmony. The French line translates: "After all the beautiful days, I tell you thank you, thank you". Song? Group? Answer: "Ma Belle Amie" by Tee-Set. Just like "Venus" by Shocking Blue, it was sung phonetically. In The Netherlands, however, most people speak excellent English. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bioah3q7JOk

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: Roland Trone and Claude (C.J.) Johnson made up this Brooklyn-based R&B doo-wop duo whose only hit came in 1962 with a romantic Johnson composition. It is considered a doo-wop classic and was recently inducted into the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame. Peaked at #7 that same year. Part of the "Flipped" soundtrack (2010). Song? Duo? Answer: "What's Your Name?" by Don and Juan. Love the harmonies. On my Bucket List: Attend the annual Brooklyn Doo-Wop Reunion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkqVU8PQOgE

OK, boys and girls, let's go WAY back: A Nuremberg organist and religious music composer penned this mid-Baroque classic c.1680. Originally scored for three violins and basso continuo. Its musical structure features two instruments or lines copying each other and he paired it with a gigue, a lively English baroque dance. Some believe that it was composed for one of J.S.Bach's sons wedding, which he attended. The elder Bach was one of his pupils. The piece was virtually forgotten until 1968, when it was rediscovered by a French orchestra conductor. Its apparent simplicity makes it appealing to the ear - repeated bass line with interwoven melodies growing in complexity. The religious connection has made it extremely popular in weddings during the bride's entrance and, on occasion, in funerals. It has inspired numerous popular songs. Its mass appeal grew exponentially when it became the theme for the 1980 hit movie "Ordinary People". Also used by Carl Saga...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: The only hit for this American folk singer came in 1965 with an Elmer Bernstein composition arranged by David Gates (yes, as in Bread). It is the theme for a Steve McQueen/Lee Remick movie released that same year. He was the lead singer for The Limeliters from '59 'til '63, before embarking upon a solo career. He was also a very accomplished sailor, having "almost" sailed around the world. #12 Pop and #2 Easy Listening. Artist? Song? Answer: "Baby, the Rain Must Fall" by Glenn Yarbrough. Always loved his rich voice. He left us in 2016 at the age of 86. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoidePq4szw

OK, girls and boys, more 50s one-hit wonders: This 1957 crossover Bo Diddley/Jody Williams composition peaked at #11 on Billboard. The guitar riff was copied on "Rinky Dink" in '62, triggering a lawsuit. Covered by Phil and Don, Sonny & Cher, Kenny and Dolly, Sir Paul and Linda and Peaches & Herb. Featured on "Dirty Dancing" and "Casino". Duo? Song? Answer: "Love Is Strange" by Mickey and Sylvia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS_0ER1TAkY

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: It was 1968 and Canadian singer/songwriter Mars Bonfire aka Dennis Edmonton had just arrived in California from his home country. He found himself driving his beat-up 1962 Ford Falcon along the Pacific Coast Highway. The natural beauty inspired him to write a song that would become a generational anthem to the rebellion of the Vietnam era, an epoch-defining tune. A symbol of the free-spirited, risk-taking rebellion of the counterculture in pursuit of personal freedom. For some reason, he recalled his high school chemistry class, where he learned about the heavy metals (hint, hint!) on the Periodic Table of The Elements. First known use of the term "heavy metal" in popular music - makes you think of a big ol' Harley hog instead of a Ford Falcon! He had no idea how important those two words would become in music history. When he got home, he worked it out on his Fender Telecaster but he had to do it unamped. "I couldn't...

OK, boys and girls a little more 80s jingle-jangle: Tom Petty penned this 1981 folk-jangle rock classic based on a quote from Janis Joplin about touring. Roger McGuinn, Petty's guitar hero (and mine too!), believes that he might have given Tom the title line - we'll never know. Peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot 100 and stayed on the charts for six weeks. According to Petty, "it's about waiting (hint, hint!) for your dreams and not knowing if they will come true. I've always felt it was an optimistic song." A double dose of jingle-jangle with lead guitarist Mike Campbell on his Rickenbacker 620-12 and Petty on rhythm with his sweet Ric 660/12 as well as his trusty 1966 Fender Electric XII. Nicely covered by Linda Ronstadt and by Natalie Imbruglia. Has been featured on "The Simpsons", "The Office" and in many sports arenas when a play is under review by the refs. Song? Answer: "The Waiting" by Tom Petty and The Heartbre...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Those of us that grew up in the 60s (i.e., born in the 50s) remember those days as the era of the legendary The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, The Byrds... There were, however, many groups that, in their heyday, frequently topped the charts but then mysteriously disappeared from the spotlight. From hit singles and albums, these bands are now forgotten relics. Perennially on the radio and TV, they are now echoes of a lost era. Name ten of those bands. GO!!! My answer: 10.) The Turtles. "Happy together", "Elenore", "She'd Rather Be with Me" ... 9.) The Tremeloes. "Silence is Golden", "Here Comes My Baby"... 8.) The Grass Roots. "Let's Live For Today", "Midnight Confessions", "Melody For You"... 7.) Paul Revere and The Raiders. "Kicks", "Just Like Me"... 6.) The Zombies. "Time of the Season", "She...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 40s: Duke Ellington penned and instrumentally recorded this jazz standard in 1940 as "Never No Lament". Bob Russell "retrofitted" the lyrics in '42/'43 and renamed it. It charted in '43 for The Ink Spots (#2) and for Glen Gray and The Casa Loma Orchestra (#7). "A jilted lover prefers to stay home rather than be haunted by memories of happier days spent at dances and nightspots". The opening line is one of those famous often-misheard lyrics. Masterfully covered by Willie Nelson on his '78 "Stardust" album. Song? Answer: "Don't Get Around Much Anymore". The opening line "Missed the Saturday dance..." has often been misheard as "Mr. Saturday dance" and "Mr. Saturday night". Of course, who can forget "'scuse me while I kiss this guy" and "the horse on 7th Avenue"?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEIhNZd9xEE https://www.youtube.com/...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 20s (the 1920s, that is!): Ray Henderson wrote the music and Joe Young/Sam Lewis the lyrics to this 1925 fox trot standard. A soldier returns home after an extended military stint and is looking for his sweetheart. Controversy still exists as to whether it was first recorded that same year by Sam Lanin and His Orchestra (Lanin's Red Heads) or by The California Ramblers aka The Golden Gate Orchestra. One of those many tunes that defined The Roaring Twenties. It also became extremely popular during WWII. Covered by, among many others, Guy Lombardo, Mitch Miller, Dean Martin, Mickey Gilley and Lucille Ball playing the ukulele on her show. Performed by Nick Lucas as part of the 1974 "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack. Song? Answer: "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Girl (Gal)?)". In the title, the words "gal" and "girl" have been used interchangeably. It has also been published with and without...

OK, boys and girls, more 50s one-hit wonders: The only hit (#6) for this L.A.-based trio came in '55 with a Leiber & Stoller teen tragedy song about a biker and his girlfriend Mary Lou who pled with him not to go riding on a fateful night. It was the first motorcycle tune ever to chart and is credited as being the first "biker song". Chanteuse Edith Piaf covered it in French ('56) as "L'Homme A La Moto". Group? Song? Answer: "Black Denim Trousers (And Motorcycle Boots)" by The Cheers. Another one of those many tunes I grew up listening to when my Dad played it on the big ol' Bogen hi-fi. Nothing like a good ol' teenage tragedy song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtiEtPQUmAM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppVme3utQys

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This "elusive" (hint, hint!) Baltimore native folk singer/songwriter's only hit peaked at #5 both in the U.S. and the UK on March 12, 1966. A metaphor to chasing love and happiness. His songs have been covered by over 200 artists but he remains a one-hit wonder. He retired from music in '69 and now lives in Florida. He has published 5 novels and writes regularly for supermarket tabloids. Artist? Hit? Answer: "Elusive Butterfly" by Bob Lind. I was 14 when I first heard it in '66 on the Armed Forces radio station on my way to school in P.R. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sukxmZcDGlU

OK, girls and boys, more 60s: This Lee Hazlewood composition topped both the US and UK Pop charts in '66. Hazlewood told the artist to sing it "as if (she) were a 16 year-old girl giving the brush-off to a 40 year-old man". The Wrecking Crew provided the instrumental backup. The famous trademark "falling" bass line comes from Carol Kaye on electric bass and Chuck Berghofer on double bass playing off each other. The song introduced the Fembots in the first Austin Powers movie (yeah, Baby, yeah!). Jessica Simpson's version peaked at #14 in '05. Song? Artist? Answer: "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra. "THE boots" still exist and have been made into lamps! Originally, Hazlewood meant the song to be done either by himself or another male - can you imagine?! The incomparable Carol Kay is arguably one of the, if not THE, best electric bass players in the business. I enclose the very entertaining clip of her giving KI...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Jerry Fuller penned this 1961 pop classic with Sam Cooke in mind. Cooke's team, however, was not the least bit interested as, unlike most singers of the time, he wrote his own songs. It was instead recorded by a New Jersey native as a rare Double A-side along with "Hello, Mary Lou" (#9) with backup vocals by The Jordanaires (as in The King). It topped the Billboard Hot 100 that same year. A world roamer with an eye for beautiful women. The "A Girl in Every Port" theme by Sir Cliff Richard as well as on "The Wanderer" by Dion. Neil Sedaka "borrowed" quite a bit from it for his "Calendar Girl". Song? Answer: "Travelin' Man" by Ricky Nelson. Man, he was a good lookin' son of a gun - no wonder he got all the cute girls! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUv2xzvxLT8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCW0HviPEEY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-t_dYkQbHk https://www.youtube....

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This 1966 Lennon tune from "Yesterday And Today" was his FIRST composition, in no uncertain terms, about drugs. Theories abound as to the inspiration for the title, from a British dentist to an art dealer to an NYC physician to Bob Dylan. Eventually John was quoted as saying: "...was another of mine. Mainly about drugs and pills. It was about myself: I was the one that carried all the pills on tour and always have done. Well, in the early days. Later on the roadies did it and we just kept them in our pockets loose, in case of trouble." Song? Answer: "Doctor Robert". George's double-tracked guitar work is incomparable. Some thought it was about "Speed Doctor" Robert Freymann, others believed it was about an unnamed dentist who introduced them to LSD. Gallery owner Robert Fraser was another theory and last ...but not least, Bob Dylan (Robert Zimmerman) who first exposed the blokes to marijuana. Now we know it...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Mason City, Iowa native Meredith Willson penned this classic romantic ballad in 1950 under a different title. First recorded that same year by Eileen Wilson and in '51 by Fran Warren. It became a second-act showstopper in Willson's "The Music Man" both on the Broadway stage in '57 and on the movie screen in '62. Marian the librarian finally warms up to Harold and realizes that she had been unable to enjoy life's simple pleasures until she met her true love. Angelic vocals by Shirley Jones. The Beatles' 1963 version features Paul on lead vocals and George on a sweet 1950 Jose Ramirez de Estudio nylon-string classical guitar. It remains the only song from a Broadway musical ever released by the group. According to Willson's widow, his estate has received more royalties from The Beatles' version than from stage and screen combined. Song? Answer: "Till There Was You". Originally titled ...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Washington Heights, NYC native was only 13 (!) when he co-wrote and sang lead vocals on his group's first and biggest hit. A 1956 doo-wop/rock classic, it was originally titled after its first line, only to be retitled before release to fit the lead singer's incomparable boy soprano voice. Controversy surrounds other songwriters but most authorities list San Juan, P.R. native Herman Santiago, Jimmy Merchant +/- Morris Levy. #1 R&B, #6 Billboard. #314 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The Beach Boys' 1964 cover was the B-side to "Fun, Fun, Fun". Diana Ross charted with it in '81. Memorable jazzy version by Kenny Rankin. The tunesmith's 1998 biopic took its title from the song. Featured on the 1973 "American Graffiti" soundtrack. Singer/songwriter? Group? Original title? Answer: "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" by Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers. Origi...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1975 Janis Ian composition about her alienation while growing up was her most successful recording and her first hit since "Society's Child" in '66. Based on an article she read in the NYT about a disillusioned debutante. The light samba rhythm came to her first but it took 3 months to pen down the lyrics. She first played it on the "Tonight Show". #1 Adult Contemporary and #3 Pop Singles. Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in '76. She also played it on the first episode of SNL in '75. Received the Grammy Hall Of Fame Award in '08, Ian's second after "Society's Child". Song? Answer: "At Seventeen" by Janis Ian. I saw her in '76 at the Academy Of Music in Philly (Leon Redbone opened for her). One for the ages! She's a tiny li'l thang! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMUz2TNMvL0

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: John Lennon had a habit of tuning his D-string (4th) slightly flat during Beatles recording sessions. Why? Answer: John purposely tuned the D (4th) string low on his guitars while recording, making it "slightly out of tune", in order to make it recognizable on mono recording from the other Beatles. BTW, if you ever saw the Cirque du Soleil's production of "LOVE" in Las Vegas, you would notice that the producers got a hold of the original recording tapes from Abbey Road Studios, separated all the voices and the instruments and re-mixed them. For so many years we listened to their music first in mono and then in stereo and had a preconceived idea of what it was supposed to sound like. In the Vegas production you could hear each voice and instrument distinctly like you never experienced it before. Reminded you of how good those four blokes were (having Sir George Martin in the studio didn't hurt!).

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This romantic Kingston Trio classic folk ballad was 1st released in '58 as part of an album only to be re-released as a single in '62. Despite peaking at #81, it remains one of the group's most popular numbers. They happened upon it through Tom Seaver's parents (yes, THAT Tom Seaver!) who heard it during their honeymoon in Phoenix in '32. They had the pianist jot down the lyrics to make it "their song". Years later, Trio member David (Dave) Guard heard it while at the Seaver home and the rest is history. Even though it is copyrighted to Guard, it appears to have been written in '32 by saxophonist/bandleader/composer Charlie Barnett. Wonderful cover by Manhattan Transfer in '76. Answer: "Scotch And Soda". Considered by many to be "the ultimate saloon song". For some reason, I thought Kenny Rankin had covered it - I checked his entire discography and came out empty-handed - hmm. https://www.yo...

OK, more 70s one-hit wonders: This L.A. native was a composer for Warner Brothers when they created Pacific Records, a label for their songwriters who also performed. He was the 1st artist signed and his only hit was their 1st release. Launched in early '77 as a single, it topped the charts 4 months later, was the #4 song of '77, sold over 2 million copies and was Certified Gold. Described as a "nocturnal novelette". Dolly Parton sang background vocals. He also wrote "Angie Baby" for Helen Reddy and "Rock And Roll Heaven" for The Righteous Brothers. Artist? Song? Answer: "Undercover Angel" by Alan O'Day. Actually, there's a pretty "steamy" story behind the song: "The song begins with a man commiserating his loneliness, when a woman suddenly appears in his bed, and encourages him to make love to her. The rest of the song describes his feelings about her, then he discovers she must leave him, and he is saddened. She...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was 1964 and Merv Griffin had just created a "brainy" game show for daytime TV. It has since won more Emmys that any other game show on daytime TV. He also composed its theme music to be played while waiting for the contestants to answer the final (hint, hint!) question. When Alex Trebek took over as host, sax and synthsizer were added. Congas were added in '92 and, in '97, the tempo was increased and piano + orchestra were added. Game show? Theme? Answer: "Think!", the theme from "Jeopardy!". I always enjoyed "Jeopardy!" but it was on during working hours so I couldn't watch it. One of the many good things about being retired is that I get to watch it every day. Alex Trebek was a force of nature ("Sean Connery" on SNL's "Celebrity Jeopardy!" might disagree!) but Ken Jennings is doing a wonderful job. I wish they would have kept Mayim Bialik aka Amy Farrah Fo...