Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Bonny ("Sir Mack") Rice penned and first recorded this 1965 funk/soul classic (#15 R&B) inspired by Della Reese and renamed as suggested by Aretha Franklin. Wilson Pickett's '66 version peaked at #6 R&B. A girl lives the wild life in her sports car. #434 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. The Young Rascals also covered it that same year. Part of "The Commitments" and "Miss Congeniality" soundtracks. Song? Answer: "Mustang Sally". I'm partial to The Young Rascals' version. Sally's Mustang was a '65 when Pickett sang it but was "updated" to a '66 by The Young Rascals. The working title was "Mustang Mama" and was changed at Aretha Franklin's recommendation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuX6i-4rVKU&list=RDFuX6i-4rVKU&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16u6w0cjjrU&list=RD16u6w0cjjrU&start_radio=1 https:/...

OK, boys and girls, more Fabdom: This 1966 Macca composition from "Revolver" was inspired by The Lovin' Spoonful's "Daydream" and "Do You Believe In Magic?". It "radiates optimism and good vibes". Only Sir Paul and Sir Ringo play instruments - John and George add background vocals and handclaps. Used as wake-up music during many space shuttle missions and in various TV commercials. Song? Answer: "Good Day Sunshine" by The Beatles. Macca played it live to the crew of the International Space Station in 2005 - the 1st ever live concert link-up to space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ncBUcInTM&list=RDR9ncBUcInTM&start_radio=1

OK, this one's for the birthday girl (82 today - EASY!): This singer/songwriter, well-known for her morbid stage fright, wrote and performed her biggest career hit in late 1972, a month after marrying James Taylor. It is about a self-absorbed lover. #1 for 3 weeks in '73. #72 on Billboard's Greatest Songs of All Time. Artist? Song? Answer: "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon. After many years and much speculation, she finally confirmed it was about Warren Beatty. "Carly Simon has had such a hard time with stage fright that she has at times poked herself in the hand with safety pins. On one memorable occasion that she recounted to John Lahr of The New Yorker, she asked her entire band's horn section to spank her just before the curtain rose." Other notable victims of severe stage fright: Streisand, Olivier, Bocelli, Renee Fleming, Rod Stewart and, my favorite, Carl Wilson from the Beach Boys - many times his brothers had to push him on stage! h...

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit-wonders: This Spanish singer/composer/actor from Granada was one of the pioneers of Spanish rock & roll. His only charting hit, an adaptation of the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, came in 1970, at the height of the "Symphonic Rock" era. It peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot 100 and was Certified Gold by the RIAA. His career was sidetracked when jailed for hashish possession after a concert. Artist? Hit? Answer: Miguel Rios' "A Song Of Joy" ("Himno a la Alegria"). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5udsZiIKpE0&list=RD5udsZiIKpE0&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, coming at ya from farm (hint, hint!) country: Children's music singer/songwriter Barry Louis Polisar composed and first recorded recorded this catchy, lilting 1977 tune. Featured in the opening credits of the 2007 film "Juno". It was "rediscovered" and recorded under a new title by Caroline Says, becoming the background music for a 2025 Lay's Potato Chips Super Bowl commercial that captured the hearts of the nation and placed the spotlight on agriculture. Speaks of the deep-rooted traditions and noble hard work of the American farming family. Inspired by real-life 5th generation Wisconsin potato farmer Jeremie Pavelski and his kin, especially his 7-year-old daughter. Killer acoustic guitar work on the commercial evocative of the late-great John Prine's trademark fingerstyle picking. Original song? Lay's commercial version? Answer: "All I Want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar. "The Little Farmer" by Car...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1966 Paul Simon composition from "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme" was THE 1st Simon & Garfunkel single release NOT to become a hit (#25). Simon attributed this to its "heaviness". Speaks of failed communication between two lovers - frozen and lifeless, growing apart. The slow disintegration of a relationship - as far apart as the poets each of them fancy. Song? Answer: "The Dangling Conversation" by Simon and Garfunkel. A masterpiece! Those young Fordham Jesuit scholastic English teachers used to LOVE to make us analyze it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntOYUODSV0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: The biggest hit (#2) for this Cuban-American female vocal trio came in 1954 with a romantic jazz ballad penned by Gene DePaul and Sammy Cahn. Influenced by The Andrews Sisters, protegees of Carmen Miranda and accompanied by Skip Martin's Orchestra. The singer asks a lover for lessons in "affection". Killer version by Al Jarreau (#70) in '81. Trio? Song? Answer: "Teach Me Tonight" by The DeCastro Sisters. Pretty risque lyrics for those days! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnMhUb5Ce1w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQC59WYfYM

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: It was 1978 and lead guitarist David Briggs had just taught rhythm guitarist Graeham Goble a C9 chord shape he had just learned. Goble went home that night, picked up his acoustic and, within half-an-hour, he had written a soft-rock classic that would become his Melbourne, Australia-based band's biggest hit. Lead vocals by Glenn Shorrock. Missing the old times when love was deep and lasting. #3 Billboard and Cash Box. According to Mary Pang, John Lennon's then-girlfriend, they would play it non-stop. Sinatra called it "the best song of the 70s". Song? Group? Answer: "Reminiscing" by Little River Band. Goble was a fan of old black-and-white movies as well as Swing Era music and that inspired the song. Fond memories of listening to the tune finishing up my surgical internship at Bryn Mawr and starting my ENT residency in Philly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBETVhHpcPk

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Johnny Mandel wrote the music and Paul Francis Webster the lyrics to this romantic 1965 ballad for the Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton film "The Sandpiper". Lingering feelings and memories of past love. Originally recorded by Tony Bennett, it was a hit for him. Grammy for Song of the Year and Oscar for Best Original Song. Covered by, amomg many others, Elvis, Sinatra, Astrud Gilberto and Barbra Streisand. Song? Answer: "The Shadow of Your Smile", also known as "The Love Theme from 'The Sandpiper' ". Growing up in Puerto Rico, our jocular version was "los chavos de tu mai". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP2ZaQ7Wq24

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Maurice Williams was only 16-years-old when he wrote this 1957 doo-wop classic. It was first recorded by his Lancaster, SC-based group, The Gladiolas. It failed to chart. A month later, it was recorded by a Canadian vocal quartet. #2 on Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks, #3 song of 1957. A young man's heartfelt supplication to his past girlfriend to return to him. He regrets his past mistakes and promises her a happy future. Despite rumors to the contrary, Tom Hanks' father was never a part of the group. Covered by Elvis, The Four Seasons, The Monkees, Joan Baez (!), The Classics IV and Sha Na Na at Woodstock. Song? Group? For extra credit, name their other big hit. Answer: "Little Darlin' " by The Diamonds. Other hit: "The Stroll". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaHPgTdF1g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHsSkI81Sgk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGMm0Dgsbs

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Dion DiMucci was just 19 when he and The Belmonts recorded this 1959 #5 doo-wop hit (#28 in the UK). Penned by prolific Brill Building songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The woes of a sensitive adolescent boy. Covered by Simon and Garfunkel during their last concert in Queens ('70). Song? Answer: "A Teenager In Love" by Dion and The Belmonts. Doo-wop at its best. Performed by Simon and Garfunkel during their last concert together at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens in 1970. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pwgswchPDo

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis penned this poignant 1962 ballad as "Don't Ask the Sky" for the film "The Island of the Brave". First sung in Greece by Tzeni "Jenny" Karezi. An introspective journey about the pain of lost love. First recorded in English by Brenda Lee. #3 Billboard Hot 100, #7 UK, #1 Easy Listening for five weeks. Song? Answer: "All Alone Am I" by Brenda Lee. Hadjidakis achieved fame after composing the theme for the Oscar-winning 1960 Melina Mercouri movie "Never on Sunday". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_dfxm_SGFo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAJhU8w6zoY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDHWOymjJhE

OK, girls and boys, a little 60s dancin': Ernest Evans grew up in South Philly and was a high school classmate of Fabian. His 1960 cover of a Hank Ballard and The Midnighters '59 hit (#16 R&B) is still the only single to top Billboard's Hot 100 twice! It launched a dance craze. In '08 it topped Billboard's list of the most popular singles to have appeared in the Hot 100 since its debut in '58. Only artist to have 5 albums in Top 12 at once. Stage name? Song? Answer: "The Twist" by Chubby Checker. He's STILL twistin'! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qoY93CkwlA

OK, girls and boys, more Kingdom: This 1961 Elvis Presley #1 smash hit (U.S. and UK) was a Dom Pomus/Mort Shuman re-arrangement of a classic 1902 Neapolitan song by Ernesto and Giambattista De Curtis. One of the best-selling singles of all time. Elvis' hit? Original song? Answer: "Surrender" by The King. Not quite the Cheap Trick version. The original song was "Torna A Surriento" ("Return to Sorrento"). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Bj9fQkvGo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fEld8UNi60

OK, girls and boys, more Macca: This 1970 Paul and Linda McCartney collaboration was the first single of Paul's solo career and remains one of this finest post-Beatles works. It peaked at #5 in the U.S. and at #2 in the UK. A woman's seemingly average life belies her disappointments, sadness, isolation, unfulfilled hopes and ultimate breakdown. Part of the "50 First Dates" ('04) and "The Lovely Bones" ('09) soundtracks. Song? Answer: "Another Day" by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney. One of his best indeed! Linda did do a very respectable job on backgound vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFzEA7ZAfZQ

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Frankie Valli recorded this romantic Bob Gaudio/Bob Crewe pop ballad in 1966 for his first solo album. It didn't chart, but The Walker Brothers' "wall of sound" version from later that same year topped the UK charts and peaked at #13 in the U.S. Also covered by Cher, Neil Diamond, The Ides Of March, Jay and The Americans and The Lettermen. Song? Answer: "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)" by The Walker Brothers. Bob Gaudio's catalog is beyond spectacular. BTW, if you get the chance to see "Jersey Boys", don't miss it! John Walker left us in 2011 and Scott in 2019. Gary Walker is 83 and still musically active in England. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q11ium_-Lv8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbwS2SqNbEM

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: These two Italian-American brothers from Brooklyn composed and played "Deep Sleep" (hint, hint!) in 1958 as part of Mike Dee and The Mello Tones. One of them got a local music store to modify his Gibson acoustic to play like a steel guitar. They left the group and renamed the song, reaching #1 in '59. It plays in the 1980 film "La Bamba" as a tribute to Ritchie Valens as his death is announced to the world. Brian Setzer's cover won him a Grammy in '98. Duo? Song? Answer: "Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny (Farina). Also masterfully covered (as always!) by The Ventures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eosj3MUD2WE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jkhs_1FBcE

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Lulu's 1967 pop ballad "To Sir with Love" was the theme to the movie of the same name. It topped the charts for six weeks and became the best-selling single of that year. Which subsequent Led Zeppelin member played a significant part on the recording? Answer: John Paul Jones contributed the arrangements for strings, bass, guitar and brass. He also played bass. If you've noticed, the last three posts have been on Led Zeppelin members. I just watched the 2025 Netflix documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin". A must-watch if you're a Zeppelin Fan. Highly recommend it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV1qmmMwc9M

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: 1966 psychedelic-pop classic "Sunshine Superman" was Donovan's only chart-topper on Billboard's Hot 100. He composed it as a valentine to Linda Lawrence, his love interest and future wife. Which two subsequent Led Zeppelin members played on the recording? Answer: Jimmy Page on electric guitar(s), including guitar solo, as well as John Paul Jones, co-arranging and on bass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTuPbJLqFKI

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: The theme song for the 1964 James Bond film "Goldfinger" was Shirley Bassey's only Top 10 hit. It was produced by Sir George Martin at Abbey Road Studios, accompanied by the John Barry Orchestra. Which two future members of Led Zeppelin played in the recording? Answer: Jimmy Page (guitar) and John Paul Jones (bass). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D1nK7q2i8I

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This classic 1961 Carole King/Gerry Goffin pop composition was a #1 hit for Bobby Vee. It was part of the now infamous '62 Beatles Decca auditions (rejected in favor of The Tremeloes - they're STILL kicking themselves in the behind!). Bobby Vinton (aka The Polish Prince +/- Mr. Lonely) took it to #33 in '68. Also covered by Dion and Gary Lewis and The Playboys. Answer: Bobby Vee's "Take Good Care Of My Baby". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awNqLO6auQA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpYYuVONZZk

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: This 1963 recording was The Beatles' 3rd single release and their first UK #1 hit, topping the charts for 7 weeks and charting for 21. The original release didn't fare well in the U.S. until Del Shannon covered it that same year, becoming the 1st Lennon McCartney composition to chart (#77) in this country. It then charted with "Thank You Girl" as its B-side. One of the very few songs that Paul and John actually co-wrote and it has no lead singer - a duet throughout. First song where Macca introduced is trademark "whoooo" falsetto which he copied from Little Richard. First song published by Northern Songs Unlimited. LAST song released under "McCartney/Lennon". Sir Paul: "The first time I thought we'd really made it, was when I was lying in bed one morning, and I heard a milkman whistling" this song. Tune? Answer: "From Me to You" by The Beatles. Always playing, along with "Thank You, ...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A 19-year-old British folk guitarist dedicated this 1961 acoustic fingerstyle blues/folk classic to his then girlfriend. Well known for its challenging descending bass line. This piece heavily influenced the 60s British folk revival. He's also credited for popularizing the DADGAD alternate tuning. Paul Simon's version on the '66 "Sounds Of Silence" album is Simon and Garfunkel's ONLY instrumental studio recording. Artist? Song? Answer: "Anji" by Davey Graham. Another one of those tests of manhood in the 60s - you HAD to be able to play "Anji" if you were worth anything as a guitarist. I was awed when I saw Paul Simon and his brother play it live on the Kraft Music Hall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnJ_SGX4u0w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JxMHL9h-W0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q0szRvtT4M

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This call-and-response 1959 R&B hit was written and performed by three siblings - it also had its own dance. Their first Gold Record - it peaked at #47. Joey Dee And The Starlighters (later to evolve into The Young Rascals) took it to #6 in '62. Covered by Lulu in '64. Featured in "Animal House" in '78. Group? Song? Answer: "Shout" by The Isley Brothers. Now, waaaaaaaaaaaait a minute! Marvin Isley, younger brother of the original three, helped the group segue into 1970s funk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEjLFpU2pJ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmMxSFtlIa8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC4ytWa28qA

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Sam Cooke wrote this 1962 dance classic after watching live footage from The Peppermint Lounge in NYC on "The Today Show". It topped the R&B charts and peaked at #9 on Pop. Covered by the Marvelettes that same year. Part of the "Animal House" ('78) and "The Green Hornet" ('11) soundtracks. Song? Answer: "Twistin' The Night Away" by Sam Cooke. "...the name of the dance is The Peppermint Twist" - where it all started. Sam Cooke was an artist WAY ahead of his time! One can only wonder what he would have done had he not died so young. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTArYTvpLZA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE18IowNH1Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WIvZu4dPQQ

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This classic was written and recorded by Bobby Darin (koolest kat ever to walk the face of the earth!) in 1959 with Neil Sedaka on piano. Possibly his most soulful rock ballad. Peaked at #2 in the U.S. and at #1 in the UK. Covered by, among others, Dion and The Belmonts, Glen Cambell/Tanya Tucker in '80, Ricky Nelson in '86 and The Manhattan Transfer. Song? Answer: "Dream Lover" by the late great Bobby Darin - Mr. Cool himself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVHAQX5sSaU

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This interracial Allentown, PA pop/soul septet's only Top 10 hit came in 1967 with a Maurice Irby, Jr. composition that peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot 100 and earned them a Gold Disc. Covered in '68 by The Fourmost. Group? Hit? Only other hit? For extra credit - Spanish title of their "other hit"? Answer: "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" by Jay and The Techniques. Their only other hit was "Keep The Ball Rolling". Spanish version: "No Te Enamores". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrk9XUJKuHc

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit wonders: This multifaceted Houston native penned, among others, "Different Drum" for Linda Ronstadt. Along with Gram Parsons, he is considered one of the pioneers of country-rock. His only solo hit came in 1970 (#21 Billboard, #17 Cashbox). It was dedicated to his wife at the time. He co-produced cult classic "Repo Man" and won the 1st Video Of The Year Grammy in '81. Artist? Hit? Answer: "Joanne" by Michael (Mike) Nesmith - obviously, post-Monkees one-hit wonder. As a teenager in the 60s, I always admired Nez's big ol' custom-made Gretsch blonde 6076 12-string. Fast-forward many years later, I had the privilege if seeing him play it in Minneapolis along with Micky and Peter. Unfortunately, he left us in 2021. ...and The Monkees are STILL NOT in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - don't get me started!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gQWfUtrUrA

OK, back to the 1920s: Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon penned this feel-good jazz standard in 1926 (the year my Mom was born). That same year it was recorded three times - Gene Austin (#1), Nick Lucas (#4) and Eddie Cantor, spending 18 weeks on the charts. There's speculation about the theme - some say it's about a prostitute leaving "the life" and returning home to her mother while others believe it is about the pleasures of returning home to a loving and understanding sweetheart. Re-popularized in '55 by the Jack Webb movie "Pete Kelly's Blues", set in the 20s, with vocals by Peggy Lee. Next year, Miles Davis made it a jazz classic on his "Round About Midnight" album. John Coltrane's '81 version won the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance. Joe Cocker's cover appears in "Sleepless In Seattle", Diana Krall's in "Public Enemies" and Lou Rawls sang in on "The Muppet Show". Song? Answer: ...

OK. girls and boys, back to the 60s: David Gates penned this poignant 1969/70 romantic soft-rock ballad for his pop-rock band's debut album. A lover leaves but he has to let her go to pursue her dreams because he loves her so much he wants her to be happy (what a romantic guy!). He is hoping that, given time, she'll come back to him. #10 Billboard Hot 100, #7 Cashbox. Memorable crescendo guitar work by Larry Knechtel. Song? Band? Answer: "It Don't Matter to Me" by Bread. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl7U2jy1wMQ

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: This 1980 Gerald Casale synth-pop classic was, by far, the biggest hit for his Akron, OH-based New Wave band. It peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot 100. The band itself funded the $15,000 video. It focuses on the ability to cope and deal with one's own problems. Because of its S&M overtones, it was banned from some TV markets - considered "offensive to women". "...an imitation of Thomas Pynchon's parodies in his book "Gravity's Rainbow". Band? Song? Answer: "Whip It" by Devo. The first time I saw them was on Saturday Night Live doing "Whip It" and "Satisfaction". Gotta love those guys! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_QLzthSkfM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvqnC5GRcvw

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This 1969 Clapton/Harrison composition peaked at #60 and was included in Cream's "Goodbye" album. Untitled at first, George wrote "bridge" (hint, hint!) on the manuscript but his penmanship was so poor that when Eric read it he "came up" with the song's title. One of the very few Cream songs to feature 5 musicians (Harrison on rhythm guitar and Felix Pappalardi on keyboards) and to have Clapton on lead vocals. Most of the lyrics were from drunken conversations between George "L'Angelo Misterioso" and Ringo. Clapton used a Leslie cabinet organ speaker to achieve the unique lead guitar sound. Song? Answer: "Badge' by Cream. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeGyQIgvSV0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: Described by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber as "the greatest song ever written for a musical", this stunning 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein romantic ballad was their biggest popular hit. Italian Met bass-baritone Ezio Pinza sang it during the original Broadway production and for the original cast recording. Emile, A French expatriate, he recalls the moment he first saw Ensign Nellie Forbush two weeks prior. A song of love at first sight and the desire to be with her. He won the 1950 Best Actor Tony Award for that role. It was also a major hit for Perry Como that same year. Giorgio Tozzi sang it for the 1958 film version, dubbed by Rossano Brazzi. Extensively covered by, among many others, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand, The Temptations, Jay and The Americans, Bernadette Peters, Art Garfunkel and Andy Williams. Song? Musical? Answer: "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific". Another one of my pater...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This cut from The Stones' 1972 "Exile On Main St." album was their first chart hit with Keith Richards on lead vocals, peaking at #22. According to Richards, for the first time ever he got to the studio EARLY before the rest of the band. The guitar riff came to him and he "layered" the song around it with him on acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass, a session musician on sax and their producer doing the rest. The basic tracks were laid down before the rest of the group arrived. Mick Taylor added lead guitar, Charlie drums and Jagger percussion and background vocals. Considered his "signature" tune in concerts. Song? Answer: "Happy" by The Rolling Stones. Ya gotta luv ol' Keef! He was SO proud of himself for arriving at the studio EARLY for the first time ever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1175axY2Vvw

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: It was 1970/71 and this Minnesota-born singer-songwriter had just left his Boston-based band Sugar Creek to pursue a solo career. Set to record his first single, the engineer accidentally erased the tape so, in a hurry, he recorded one of his own compositions as a "Plan B", a song he had written shortly before leaving the band. A 1971 folk-rock classic catchy and defiant Vietnam War protest tune. According to him, "it was just at the time of the Vietnam War and [Richard] Nixon. It was looking bad out there. That song meant a lot to a lot of people during that time, especially me". #4 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Gold. Covered by, among others, Juice Newton and The Isley Brothers. Part of the "Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy" soundtrack. In th 90s, he collaborated extensively with Cheryl Wheeler, one of my all-time favorite artists. Singer-songwriter? Song? Answer: "Sunshine (Go Away Toda...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: South Philly native Larry Chance attended school with Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon and Danny Rapp (Danny and the Juniors). His family relocated to the Bronx in the mid-50s, where he formed The Hi(gh)-Hatters, a vocal ensemble which was "discovered" in '59 while singing in front of a subway station (yo!). They changed their name and recorded their only hit (#24) in '62/'63 - a Powers/Ross/Vincent composition which was to become a doo-wop classic. Group? Hit? Answer: "Remember Then" by The Earls. On my "bucket list": Attending the annual "Brooklyn Reunion" doo-wop show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgqzb-u6Q0c

Ok, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Rodgers and Hart penned this romantic 1937 jazz ballad as part of their "Babes in Arms" score. Deja vu and nostalgia - the mysterious familiarity of love. First performed on stage by Ray Heatherton and Mitzi Green. It also appeared on the 1939 film version. First recorded by Ruby Newman and his Rainbow Room Orchestra featuring Ray Heatherton followed shortly after by Hal Kemp. Undoubtedly, the best-loved version came in 1959 by a Bronx-based doo-wop quartet. Impeccable harmonies with a slow and deep crescendo throughout the song. #3 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Gold. Extensively covered by, among many others, Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand, The Beach Boys and Carly Simon. Song? Doo-wop quartet? Answer: "Where or When" by Dion and The Belmonds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0O_f3kzHrg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuAzaEPWltQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycHmnv5XXI0

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: Which song were they playing on the radio the night Spanish Eddie cashed it in? Answer: "Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan. Laura Branigan left us way too early. My goodness, what a voice that woman had! Spanish Eddie refers to Eduardo Vincenti, an NYC youth worker and activist who attempted to negotiate a truce among rival street gangs in the 70s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejd0ua1Kb0k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUvcWXTIjcU

OK, girls and boys, back to The King: This 1968 Mark James (Francis Zambon) composition about a dysfunctional and mistrusting relationship jump-started Elvis' career after his "Comeback Special". It hit #1 in '69 - the last of his 18 #1 singles. Masterfully covered by Dwight Yoakam for the "Honeymoon In Vegas" soundtrack. Very nicely performed by Siobhan Magnus on Idol during Elvis Night some years ago. Song? Answer: "Suspicious Minds". My all-time favorite Elvis tune. Thank you, thank you very much! Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, can cover Elvis without sounding like a buffoon. THE ONLY exceptions are Dwight and Chris Isaak - somehow they can do it and make it sound great!!! Newcomer John Foster, recent Idol runner-up, might just be joining that club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxOBOhRECoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPMaTf0KU0M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLNxcrBx7uQ