Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This 1954 Bart Howard pop standard was introduced live by Felicia Sanders and first recorded by Kaye Ballard. The original title was "In Other Words" but later changed. Sinatra/Basie/Jones recorded the most-recognized version in '64. The Apollo 10 crew played it en route, Buzz Aldrin played it on the moon and then danced to it on Dancing With The Stars. Song? Answer: "Fly Me to the Moon". Gotta hand it to ol' Buzz - still dancin' at 95! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEcqHA7dbwM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney penned this romantic 1964 rocker for their protege Cilla Black. It reached the Top 10 in the UK but did no better than #79 in the U.S. The Detroit-based band Springwell had its highest-charting U.S. version at #60. It was never recorded by The Beatles. During the recording session with Cilla Black at Abbey Road Studios there was quite a bit of tension between John, Paul and Sir George Martin as to how it should sound. Three Dog Night included their version in their eponymous 1968 debut album. Puerto Rican rockers Los Challengers did a dynamite 1969 version, with the late great Moreno "Reno" Habif on lead vocals, which became one of their signature tunes. Song? Answer: "It's For You". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC1SgQ71FNo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVClYCHo5I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr7NOTYbPeU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8wWzc5Wn2M

OK, boys and girls, more 60s TWO-hit wonders: This mixed-ancestry L.A. native's career was heavily influenced by Ritchie Valens. The early Beatles opened for him and Tommy Roe in London. His '62 hit peaked at #4 on Billboard. In '66, Herb Alpert produced his cover of a Petula Clark release, reaching #2 on Easy Listening and #22 on Hot 100. Because of his high tenor, many thought it was sung by a woman! Artist? Two hits? For extra credit, other notable recording. Answer: Chris Montez. Two hits: "Let's Dance" and "Call Me". Other notable recording: "The More I See You". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNLXxDMxe18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf4bXRMu3R4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXJIQNDC-N4

OK, girls (hint, hint!) and boys, back to the 60s: Legendary songwriter and producer Bob Crewe first heard this Ramin/Valona 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. Song? 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=uc1WgIkNI8Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOK6YJmT5_w

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Joaquin Rodrigo wrote this concerto for guitar and orchestra in 1954 at the request of, and dedicated to, his friend and fellow Spaniard Andres Segovia. It is based upon six dances for solo guitar by 17th century Spanish composer Gaspar Sanz. The last movement is inspired by the folk dances of the Canary Islands and is extensively played as a stand-alone virtuoso piece. First played by Segovia in '58 in San Francisco backed by the S. F. Symphony Orchestra. Concerto? Answer: "Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre" ("Fantasia for a Gentleman") by Joaquin Rodrigo. Not as popular as his "Concierto de Aranjuez", but I happen to prefer the "Fantasia". The "Canarios" has always been a challenge for guitarists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyhF9KEiDsc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k377f0TnSc4

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This British Invasion folk duo was often confused with Peter & Gordon. Their biggest hit came in '64, peaking at #7 on Billboard. The melody resembles Buddy Holly's "Words Of Love" which, was covered by The Beatles that same year. They appeared as themselves in "Batman" and "The Dick VanDyke Show". The song was featured in "Rushmore". Group? Song? Answer: "A Summer Song" by Chad and Jeremy. I first heard them do it on "Shindig" - love that song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvD0_aeAf2E

OK, girls and boys, more 60s folk: Dylan penned this folk classic in '65 but never recorded it. The title is based upon a line from Tennessee Williams' "Camino Real". Joan Baez recorded it in '68 and it became one of her signature songs. She was with Dylan when he first heard her version on the radio and he remarked, "Hey, that's a great song!", having forgotten that he had written it (gotta love ol' Bob!). Song? Answer: "Love Is Just a Four-Letter Word". Bob also forgot that this song is also "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" just about note-by-note! Those chemicals will do it every time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1fpDWXwfso

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This mournful Baroque-pop Tom Evans composition about lost love was released under the Apple label in '69 as the title track of his band's only album. It reached #1 in Holland. The group later changed its name and, under the auspices of Lennon/McCartney, had a very successful career. Song? Band? Subsequent name? Answer: "Maybe Tomorrow" by The Iveys, who then went on to become Badfinger. I always loved that song. Hand-picked as their "debut" song by Sir Paul himself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCsWn8B0Mr4

OK, girls and boys, more 50s one-hit wonders: When Richard Lewis returned to Philly after serving in the military he formed The Gospel Tornadoes, later renamed The Thunderbirds. They took their "final" name from a song by The Rays. He penned their only hit in '57 but the entire quartet got writing credits. A light-hearted doo-wop tune about unemployment and strained domestic relationships. Credited for first developing the "sha na na" and "dip dip dip dip" hooks. It reached #1 in 58 and remained in the charts for 13 weeks, selling over 3 million copies. Featured in "American Graffiti". Sha Na Na opened and closed their Woodstock set with it (right before Hendrix took the stage!). Group? Song? Answer: "Get A Job" by The Silhouettes. "When I was in the service in the early 1950s and didn't come home and go to work, my mother said 'Get A Job' and basically that's where the song came from" - Richard Lewis. Can...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This '65 P.F. Sloan composition was initially offered to and rejected by The Byrds. Sloan played guitar on the original recording. The "rough" vocal track was "leaked" and released without polishing - still hit #1 in Sept. '65. It is considered by many to be "the mother of all protest songs". Speaks of imminent apocalypse in the age of cold war, Nam, nukes and Civil Rights. Singer? Song? Answer: "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_38SWIIKITE

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This Paul Simon composition was recorded in '66 and released in "Bookends" in '68. It deals with the passage of (wasted?) time - looking for something or someone ideal as time runs out and the seasons pass by. Peaked at #13 on Billboard. A very respectable hard rock cover by The Bangles in '87 for the "Less Than Zero" soundtrack, outselling the original (#2 on Billboard). Most of the bridge was removed in their version. Chicago-based folkie Susan Werner did a beautiful rendition in her 2009 "Classics". Les Fradkin did a masterful Rickenbacker-12 cover on his '06 "Jangleholic" album. Song? Answer: "A Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon and Garfunkel. No qualifiers - Susanna Hoffs rocks! This song was one of those "tests of manhood" (argh, argh!) growing up - you HAD to be able to play the lead guitar riff and sing the lyrics if you wanted to call yourself a geeeetar play...

OK, boys and girls, more 50s one-hit wonders: The only hit for this Newark, NJ doo-wop sextet came in '57 with a catchy tune penned by three of its members and inspired by a Pepsodent commercial. It peaked at #5 Pop and at #3 R&B. Referenced in Don McLean's "American Pie" and Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll". Part of the "American Graffiti" soundtrack and performed by Sha Na Na at Woodstock. Group? Song? Answer: "(Who Wrote) The Book Of Love?" by The Monotones. The "boom" sound was accidentally recorded when a basketball hit the studio wall - they decided to keep it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS1LFGGGazc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sRbUVfNgqs

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This 1965 Paul Simon composition is based upon an Edwin Arlington Robinson 1897 poem. It appears on Simon and Garfunkel's second studio album. The tale of a magnate narrated by one of his employees - money can't buy happiness. Glen Campbell plays lead guitar. Has been covered by Van Morrison, Sir Paul and Wings and by Them. Song? Answer: "Richard Cory" by Simon and Garfunkel. What was it about that song that freshly-minted Fordham Jesuit scholastic teachers found so fascinating? "Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgMZNJ8VD80

OK, girls (hint, hint!) and boys, back to the 60s: This sunshine-pop ballad was Brian Wilson's first composition (1961) - rumored to be dedicated to his then-girlfriend Judy Bowles - later denied. First released as a single ("Little Deuce Coupe" B-side) then as the title song for a '63 album. Peaked at #3 in '63. First sole producer credits for Brian. David Marks was 14 (!) when he recorded rhythm guitar and backup vocals. Song? Group? Answer: "Surfer Girl" by The Beach Boys. One of their best. Same meter as "When You Wish Upon A Star". Brian Wilson used to be teased mercilessly in high school about his angelic falsetto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGjky5U64LM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This 1969 Wayne/Osborne/Vigrass composition was originally penned as a jingle for a Lego commercial. It was re-recorded in '76 as part of "Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War Of The Worlds". Peaked at #5 in the UK. The singer reflects the thoughts and voice of the journalist/narrator. Richard Burton recorded the spoken text. Song? Singer? Answer: "Forever Autumn" by Justin Hayward. Curiously, even though strictly speaking it is not a Moody Blues song, it appears in all of their "best of" compilations. Hayward's voice is "like buttah". The flute is sublime - the flautist is not listed anywhere in the credits (!) but to me it sounds very much like the late great Ray Thomas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9DISbQKTTM

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: In 1911 banker and amateur musician Charles Gates Dawes composed "Melody In A Major" in one piano sitting. It was later dubbed "The Dawes Melody". He subsequently became the 30th Vice President under Calvin Coolidge and went on to share the Nobel Peace Prize for his Dawes Plan of post-WWI reparations. Carl Sigman added lyrics in '51 and Tommy Edwards took it to #1 in '58. #38 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100. ONLY #1 pop single by a Vice President or by a Nobel Prize Winner. Song? Answer: "It's All In The Game". Dawes was a self-taught pianist and his great great grandfather rode with Paul Revere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_DWxUb0vjs

OK, girls and boys, The King lives: This romantic tune was adapted from "Aura Lea", a Civil War ballad by Poulton/Fosdick. It debuted on the Ed Sullivan Show 9/9/56 shortly before the single was released. Next day RCA received over 1 million advanced orders, making it the first Gold Record awarded before its release! Ken Darby's Trio played instead of Elvis' band. #1 on Billboard for 6 wks. Written by Ken Darby; credited to Presley/Matson. Song? Answer: "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley. Thank you, thank you very much! Richard Chamberlain's (yes, as in the "sensitive" Dr. Kildare) 1962 cover peaked at #21 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQWeT46ugEk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPYMUrs-jXI

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Mexican piano prodigy and composer Consuelo Velazquez was not quite 16 and had never been kissed (hint, hint - considered sinful in those days!) when she penned this enduring 1932 romantic bolero standard and global phenomenon. Inspired by Granados' "Goyescas" suite. English version by Sunny Skylar in '44. First Recorded by Mexican vocalist Emilio Tuero but popularized in '53 by Chilean Lucho Gatica. Only Mexican song ever to top the U.S. charts (12 weeks!). Sung by The Beatles as part of their unsuccessful Decca Records audition. It is recognized as being the most recorded and covered Spanish language song of all time. Song? Answer: "Besame Mucho" (kiss me a lot or kiss me passionately). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEzOD4jvhJU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg48JepkiRo

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Even though to most listeners The Byrds' 1968 album "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" marks the birth of the country-rock genre, it was actually Ricky Nelson's '66 "Bright Lights and Country Music" crossover compilation that created the category. He went back to his country roots after creating The Stone Canyon Band, recruiting the likes of Clarence White, James Burton and Glen Campbell to lay down the studio tracks. His popularity had been waning, especially during The British Invasion. On October 15th, 1971 he was invited to take part in the Rock and Roll Spectacular at Madison Square Garden (hint, hint!). Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Bobby Rydell were among many other performers. To his fans' surprise, he hit the stage wearing long hair, bell bottoms and a purple velvet shirt. He started out with his old hits but then he switched over to Country music, causing him to be booed off the stage (!). That experience i...

Ok, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Jerry Capehart and Glen Campbell co-wrote this romantic 1961 pop ballad but, for some mysterious reason, Campbell was not given writer's credit. It laments unrequited love. He recorded it that same year and it became his first solo hit. The Lettermen took it to #5 in '62. The Bee Gees recorded it in '64, while they were still in Australia, but it failed to chart. By far, the most successful version was by The Vogues in '68, reaching #7 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #3 on Adult Contemporary. The group had unique harmonies but needed the right song. They found it and, together with "(You Are My) Special Angel" and "Five O'clock World", became their signature tunes. Song? Answer: "Turn Around, Look at Me". It is NOT about a stalker, as some have implied. Unfortunately, we lost Glen Campbell in 2017 after a noble battle with a protracted illness. Superb singer and tunesmith but to me, as a...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Thom Bell and William "Poogie" Hart penned this classic romantic Philly-soul R&B ballad in 1967 and recorded it at the now defunct Philly Groove Records. It featured Hart on lead vocals. By far the best-loved tune ever released by Hart's vocal trio. #4 Billboard, #2 R&B, it received a Gold Disc. Featured on Quentin Tarantino's 1997 "Jackie Brown". Song? Group? Answer: "La-La (Means I Love You)" by The Delfonics. I was a sophomore in high school when it came out. Frequently played at teen dances. It had a brief resurgence in '71 and Philly radio stations still played it when I moved there in '73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHJPb08KI1E

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: Bon Jovi and Sambora penned this '86 rock classic in Richie's mother's basement in less than a day and recorded it in one take (!). Peaked at #7. It likens the life of a rock star to that of an Old West outlaw. Quoting Jon, "(the)lifestyle of every rock band was similar to that of outlaws in that each was a young band of thieves, riding into town, stealing the money, the girls, and the booze before the sun came up." Inspired by Bob Seger's "Turn Of The Page" and Sambora's guitar work by Jimmy Page's. Bon Jovi and Sambora's acoustic rendition during the '89 MTV Video Music awards gave the company the idea for its "Unplugged" series. Song? Answer: "Wanted, Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi. Love Sambora's guitar work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRvCvsRp5ho https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAiW4jQ-Vno

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: This 1963 Dino Valenti (aka Chet Powers) composition was first recorded by the Kingston Trio in '64. Valenti sold the rights to their manager to pay for his defense in a marijuana conviction (!). The We Five also recorded it in '65 (#31). By far, the best-known version was recorded by a folk-rock band in '67, reaching #5 after a re-release in '69. This was their only top 40 hit. Group? Song? Answer: "Get Together' by The Youngbloods. Ultimete hippie tune. One of my all-time favorite guitar solos. Their "Sunlight" and "Darkness, Darkness" aren't too shabby either. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xGxQXmu7Os https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BztpSYvTyRM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ge1VLj2Vf0

OK, girls and boys, more British Invasion: Graham Gouldman (subsequently of 10cc) wrote this 1966 Herman's Hermits song about lost love. Masterfully alternates between mournful minor-chord verses and an upbeat chorus in majors. Peaked at #7 in the UK - released in the US as the B-side to "There's a Kind of Hush" (#4) reaching #35 in '67. First Herman's Hermits' recording with full orchestra. Quoting Peter Noone, "...Herman's Hermits' best recording". Song? Answer: "No Milk Today" by Herman's Hermits. John Paul Jones (eventually of Led Zeppelin) played both upright and Fender electric basses in the original recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdCHlJoAP8I

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: In this 1966 pop-R&B Motown classic Holland/Dozier/Holland write about a mother telling her teenage daughter that, if she is patient, she will find that special someone someday. It was recorded by Motown's signature girl trio, becoming their seventh #1 hit. In 1982, at the height of MTV and VH1, Phil Collins' cover became his breakthrough single as a solo artist topping the UK charts, peaking at #10 in the U.S. and earning him a Grammy nomination. Also covered in '81 by The Stray Cats as the B-side to "Rock This Town". Song? Motown girl trio? Answer" "You Can't Hurry Love" by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Last year we had the privilege of seeing rockabilly guitar virtuoso Brian Setzer's trio at Hoyt Sherman in Des Moines. He remains one of my all-time favorite rock guitarists. He can do magic with those ol' Gretsches! Unfortunately, he was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Harry Noble penned this classic romantic pop ballad in 1952 (great year!). The original version by one-hit wonder Karen Chandler hit the charts on October 17th that same year, (15 days before I was born!) peaking at #7 and remaining in the Top 100 for 18 weeks. Perhaps the best-loved version is Mel Carter's 1965 rendition which topped the Easy Listening charts and peaked at #8 Pop. Song? Answer: "Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me" by Mel Carter. Great romantic ballad. They just don't make 'em like that anymore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbLuI8img8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y406eHv-DT0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Gerry Goffin and Carole King first offered this 1960 composition to Johnny Mathis and then to Tony Orlando before deciding that in was most definitely a "girl song". An all-girls quartet from Passaic, NJ recorded it and it became the first #1 hit by a Black female group, selling over 1 million copies. Some radio stations refused to play it because of its "too sexually charged" lyrics. #125 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. The Four Seasons took it to #24 in '68 and Dave Mason to #39 in '78. Song? Group? Answer: "Will You (Still) Love Me Tomorrow?" by the Shirelles. I'm rather partial to Frankie Valli's version. I came up with my own little guitar arrangement of Carole King's rendition from "Tapestry" ('71). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2e8B2CmicQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp4-4YJUNfY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxWrUtbzlLM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Foaled in 1741 and owned by the 2nd Earl of Godolphin, this skewbald (hint, hint!) horse won many races in England before being sent to Ireland. His most famous race took place in Kildare, where he was the underdog but beat the favorites. His triumph was immortalized in a 1784 folk ballad which is housed at Oxford's Bodleian Library. It first appeared in the U.S. in 1829. Countless versions, including Leadbelly, The Weavers, The Greenbriar Boys, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and The Hollies have been recorded over the years. Perhaps the best-loved rendition is Peter, Paul and Mary's from 1963 (#35 Billboard). As it is public-domain, John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" was taken just about note-by-note from PPM. Song? Answer: "Stewball" by Peter, Paul and Mary. A skewbald horse has a coat with white patches on a non-black base. I learned to play the song on 4-string banjo in '67 at the Boy Scouts World Ja...

OK, girls and boys, one for the recent birthday boy (86!): As a teenager, this Brooklynite was selected by Arthur Rubinstein to play the piano at NY classical radio station WQRX. At 13 he teamed up with lyricist Howie Greenfield, with more than 1,000 tunes to their credit. He cut his teeth with The Linc-Tones and The Tokens. His popularity waned in '63, only to re-emerge in the 70s backed by Elton John. We're STILL trying to get him into the R&R Hall Of Fame (don't get me started!)! He was a high school classmate and ex-boyfriend of Carol Klein aka Carole King - his "Oh! Carol" is dedicated to her. Artist? Answer: Neil Sedaka. Born March 13th, 1939. He has always been one of my favorites. We had the privilege of seeing him in Vegas years ago - memorable concert! Every one of his early songs was recorded in both English and Spanish (excellent Spanish, BTW!). I grew up listening to him in Spanish on WKVM in San Juan. Not until I moved to Philly in ...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A prisoner, a hobo, a drunkard and a country that has been bombed. The late great Phil Ochs wrote about them in this seminal 1963 protest song. Possibly, none of his other tunes express his humanity as well as this one. Unfortunately, his career was marred by writer's block and depression. He left us in 1976 by suicide fueled by his end-stage alcoholism. Joan Baez's 1964 version won her a Grammy for Best Folk Recording and peaked at #50, making it Ochs' biggest commercial hit. Covered by The New Christy Minstrels and by Peter, Paul and Mary. Monica Barbaro masterfully interpreted it last year in "A Complete Unknown". Song? Answer: "There But for Fortune" by Phil Ochs. The title is based upon John Bradford's "There but for the grace of God go I", signifying humility and acceptance of one's fate. It is also used by Paul Simon in the last line of Simon and Garfunkel's "Kathy's ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This melancholic 1971 Macaulay/Cook/Greenaway pop breakup tune was the third U.S. Top 40 hit for a Birmingham, UK harmony brum-beat band. A deep sense of loss compared to inclement weather. #15 Billboard Hot 100, #8 Cash Box. Covered by, among others, Andy Williams, Petula Clark, Sonny & Cher and guitarist extraordinaire Les Fradkin. Song? Group? For extra credit, name the group's biggest hit. Answer: "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" by The Fortunes. Biggest hit: "You've Got Your Troubles". They started out as The Cliftones in '65. The group also did the famous "It's The Real Thing" and "Things Go Better With Coke" TV ads for Coca Cola in '70 and '71, respectively. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO1LbkuPfqo

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This '63 Russell/Morrison collaboration was Buck Owens and The Buckaroos' first #1 Country hit. A heartbroken man, ironically, can play a sorrowful role in an upcoming film because of what's happening in his real life. Also covered by Loretta Lynn and by Dwight Yoakam who is, in my humble opinion, the best male Country singer ever. The Beatles' '65 version featured Ringo on lead vocals and peaked at #47. Released as the B-side to "Yesterday" and on the "Yesterday And Today" album. They played it during their 3rd Ed Sullivan Show appearance and at their famous Shea Stadium concert. Buck Owens and Ringo released a single and video in '89 (#27 Country). Song? Answer: "Act Naturally". Even being a non-drummer myself, Ringo was always my favorite Beatle. Ultra-cool bloke! He just released a new Country album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOpgL4mqEis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo29BMmUMo...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 40s: This Kentucky-born "old-time" Country/Gospel singer, songwriter, humorist and banjo player was dubbed with his nickname when he was only 22 because of his bushy eyebrows. Grand Ole Opry member, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and long-time part of the "Hee Haw" cast. One of his best-loved tunes (1942) is a Lunsford/Wiseman composition that shares its name with a very popular (highly caffeinated!) soft drink. For some reason, however, I don't think he was referring to a "soft" drink in the song! Artist? Song? Answer: "(Good Ole) Mountain Dew" by Grandpa Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubT2RrZmX6M

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Written and first recorded as an R&B tune in early 1954, this was the only hit for The Chords, a Bronx-based vocal quintet. Later on that same year, it was covered by a Canadian doo-wop quartet who took it to #1 for nine weeks. It represents the first time a doo-wop tune appeared on the pop charts. A magical moment when worries disappear, leaving one immersed in joy and elation. A euphoric atmosphere that makes it possible to pursue our dreams (hint, hint!). #215 on Rolling Stone Magazine's Greatest Songs of All time. Featured on Patrick Swayze's 1989 "Road House" and on "Cars" in 2006. Quartet? Song? Answer: "Sh-Boom" ("Life Could Be a Dream") by The Crew-Cuts. As did The Four Lads, The Crew-Cuts also met as members of St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CikEbEtnBcE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESLa421KQaM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: This sentimental 1974 ballad was the first songwriting collaboration between Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher. It was first recorded by Williams as a love song. Australian songbird Helen Reddy reworked it that same year as a mother speaking to her child. In the recording, Reddy's 10-year-old daughter Traci does the spoken parts. A single mother assuring her child that they'll get through anything life throws at them as long as they stay together. In tough times, they can always count on each other. The song has had a profound impact on many single mothers. #9 Billboard Hot 100, fourth out of six consecutive #1 hits for Reddy on Easy Listening. Covered by, among many others, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Robert Goulet and the "sensitive" Johnny Mathis. Song? Answer: "You and Me Against the World" by Helen Reddy. I was a med school sophomore in '74. Man, Pathology was tough but somehow. we always found time to ...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Canadian vocal quartet met during choir practice at St. Michael's School in Toronto (so did The Crew Cuts). First named The Otnorots (Toronto spelled backwards!), then The Jordonaires (NOT Elvis' backup group!) and finally The Four Dukes before settling on their eventual name. Their biggest hit was a nostalgic pop ballad about days gone by. A Robert Allen/Al Stillman composition, it was first offered to Perry Como but his management turned it down. It peaked at #2 in '55. Covered by The Statler Brothers and by The Vogues in '69. Group? Song? Answer: "Moments To Remember" by The Four Lads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mgCx88t3g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qlJqG4AoGc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnEPLTqmJY4

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: This '89 multi-Platinum release was subtitled "Chorando Se Foi"; the title loosely translates as "whiplash". Recorded by a French pop ensemble fronted by Brazilian vocalist Loalwa Braz. It became a world-wide dance sensation - a blend of northern Brazilian carimbo and Dominican merengue. "A woman makes her lover cry and now she regrets what she did as she sees him leave with tears in his eyes" - (Sam Kinison, where are you?!). It hit #1 on 11 charts worldwide. Based upon an '81 release by Los Kjarkas from Bolivia titled "Llorando Se Fue". Group? Song? For extra credit, do the dance dressed appropriately (or inappropriately, as the case may be)! Answer: "Lambada" by Kaoma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyLdoQGBchQ

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Bronx-based quintet started out in '64 as The Trenchcoats. They were unlikely pioneers of the emerging psychedelic rock trend. Their Feb.'67 hit peaked at #5 in the U.S. and was featured on the "Easy Rider" soundtrack the following year. The Vox Continental (some say Farfisa) organ riff is one most easily recognizable ones from the 60s. Group? Song? Answer: "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet" by Blues Magoos. At first The Bloos Magoos, then Blues Magoos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noTV6s8JzTM

OK, boys and girls, more 80s one-hit wonders (!): The ONLY commercial hit for this immensely popular band came in '87 with a Garcia/Hunter composition. About aging, "chemicals", overcoming life's tough situations - we'll never know?! Their ONLY Billboard Top Ten Hit and their ONLY MTV music video. It introduced the "mainstream" audience and a whole new generation to their music. Band? Song? Answer: "Touch of Grey" by The Grateful Dead. Classic "skeleton" video. The Dead were, of course, a "live" touring band always on the fringes of pop culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzvk0fWtCs0

OK, girls and boys, a little more Country: Johnny Cash wrote and first recorded this 1961 Country standard when his daughter Rosanne was only six years old. A little Texas boy could play a mean steel-string acoustic guitar and folks would come from near and far just to see him play. #11 Country, #84 Pop. In 1987 Rosanne's then-husband Rodney Crowell encouraged her to record it not knowing that her father had written it, assuming it was public domain. Randy Scruggs played the memorable guitar track. It became the third out of four consecutive #1 hits from her seminal "King's Record Shop" album. It was her effort to mend the somewhat strained relationsship with her father. According to Johnny, her recording was "one of (his) greatest fulfillments". Song? Answer: "Tennessee Flat Top Box". In my humble opinion, the BEST thing that Johnny Cash ever did was giving us Rosanne! Actually, my favorite one of her songs is "If You Change Your...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: When Berry Gordy, Jr. wrote this R&B dance (hint, hint!) classic in '62 he intended for The Temptations to record it. He couldn't find them (!) so he gave it to another early Motown group. It peaked at #3 on Billboard Hot 100 and at #1 R&B Singles. Covered by, among many others, The Tremeloes, The Dave Clark Five and The Hollies. It made the charts again in '88 (#11) after being featured in "Dirty Dancing". Group? Song? Answer: "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. Gordy said, "getting the concept for the song was easy. I remembered the days when I could never get the girls I liked because I couldn't dance". The trademark "false fade" fooled many DJs into thinking the song was over. They had to be told to wait for the "watch me now!". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijK0WTB_-RY

OK, boys and girls, more 60s TWO-hit wonders (?!): A Georgetown, Guyana native of mixed-ancestry composed and recorded his first hit in '69. He was Sam Cooke's nephew. A businessman learns of his wife's infidelity and dictates to his steno before asking her out. It peaked at #2, stayed in the charts for 15 weeks and was RIAA Certified Gold. He had another Top 40 (#27) hit the following year. Doug Stone's '99 cover hit #45 on the Country charts. Artist? Song? Second hit? Answer: "Take a Letter, Maria" by Ronald Bertram Aloysius (R.B.) Greaves III. Second hit: "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me". Tony Orlando and Dawn did a cover and, actually, many thought it was the original. Remember stenos? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Y0x1jLkLg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izvMbQpGDi0

OK,boys and girls, more 70s one-hit wonders: This 1970 (great year!) British honky-tonk novelty-pop tune is said to represent the interaction between a piano and a metronome. It was written for the children's TV show "Oliver and The Overlord" and used extensively on "The Benny Hill Show". Sung as a duet by Tony Burrows and Roger Greenaway. Written by Mike Hazlewood and Sir Albert Hammond, OBE (yes, as in "It Never Rains in Southern California", "99 Miles from L.A.", "When I Need You", "To All the Girls I've Loved Before", "One Moment in Time", "I'm a Train"...). It peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot 100 and at #6 UK that same year. It was banned in Italy, considered to be "vulgar". Song? Duo? Answer: "Gimme Dat Ding" by The Pipkins. BTW, I can't do the boogaloo either. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeIb7Ms4xHc

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans penned this romantic pop ballad for the 1946 movie of the same name. Olivia de Havilland won the Best Actress Oscar for her leading role. In those days it was fairly common for versions of the same song by different artists to chart at the same time. This one has the distinction of being the ONLY composition to occupy five slots out of the Top 10 simultaneously by different interpreters - Eddie Howard, Freddy Martin & His Orchestra, Tony Martin, The Modernaires and The Ink Spots. The Platters took it to #21 in 1960. Al Martino as Johnny Fontane sang it in "Godfather Part III ('90). Song? Answer: "To Each His Own". As a child, I remember hearing a version in Spanish and I recall bits and pieces of the lyrics. I tried Google AI to no avail - HELP! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G5wqiLiPHg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BflJSsmeOsw