Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, boys and girls, back to the 20s (a toughie!): This classic "Italian"-American joke song was written in 1926 by Harry Warren (Salvatore Anthony Guaragna), "Hollywood's Unknown Composer", with lyrics by M. Weinberg/C. Marks/E. Krickett/E. Stamper. Minor hit in '58 for Lou Monte. Featured in Betty Boop's "Mask-A-Raid" in '31 and in John Wayne's "Fighting Seabees". Song? Alternate title? Answer: "Where Do you Work A-John?" aka "The Delaware-Lackawan Song". This song was a staple at the "notorious" Phi Chi Medical Fraternity Wednesday night parties in Philly in the early 70s along with "Roller Derby Queen", "Born to Run", "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" and, of course, the one about the Fugawi Tribe. How did we do that and make it to lecture the following morning?! YOUTH! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLgqKm8NC2o&list=RDyLgqKm8NC2o&start_radio=1 https://w...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This 1954 Adler/Ross show tune from "Pajama Game" was sung by Sid (John Raitt) into a Dictaphone after being repeatedly rejected by Babe (Janis Page). He then plays it back and sings a duet with himself. #1 hit for Rosemary Clooney and #16 for Sammy Davis, Jr. in '54. Song? Answer: "Hey There" from "Pajama Game". I had the distinct pleasure of playing Charlie (factory handyman and Sid's friend) on Comedia Musica's 2002 production. We had such a wonderful time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbB1lrSEQDA&list=RDHbB1lrSEQDA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T45e9EzFFHQ&list=RDT45e9EzFFHQ&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0scGRJmyCTk&list=RD0scGRJmyCTk&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more 90s one-hit wonders: Prince wrote this 1990 ballad for one on his protegee bands. It was instead recorded by a controversial Irish singer/songwriter - her only chart hit. Prince did not participate in the production of the record or its video, causing quite a rift between the two of them. It won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance and earned 2 other nominations - she boycotted the ceremony. Topped the charts in 17 countries and is ranked #162 among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Artist? Song? Answer: "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor. The unique video features mostly a close-up of her face as she sings - towards the end, two tears run down her cheeks. She left us in 2023 at the age of 56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-EF60neguk&list=RD0-EF60neguk&start_radio=1

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. Tune? Answer: "Another Day" by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney. One of his best, indeed! Linda did a very respectable job on backgound vocals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhoiwDLVTnE&list=RDhhoiwDLVTnE&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Buck Ram (now, that's one manly name!) managed, produced and wrote most of The Platters' hits. He penned this romantic 1956 R&B ballad as a follow-up to their massive 1955 hit "The Great Pretender". A celebration of how the mere presence of the one you love can bring joy, fulfillment and a new way of seeing the world. It peaked at #4 on both Pop and R&B. Soaring vocals by Tony Williams. Covered by the late great Gene Pitney. Song? Answer: "(You've Got) The Magic Touch" by The Platters. Check out the 1998 movie "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?" about the life of Frankie Lymon - lots of The Platters history in it too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHiW7AUUO-I&list=RDhHiW7AUUO-I&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nabl3JDSrwA&list=RDNabl3JDSrwA&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It is still unclear as to whether this classic Cuban ballad was written by Joseito Fernandez (1929) or by Herminio "El Diablo" Garcia Wilson. Arguably, the best-known Cuban song worldwide and the country's most noted patriotic tune. Original lyrics based on patriot Jose Marti's "Versos Sencillos" (Simple Verses). Pete Seeger's early 60s adaptation at the height of the missile crisis became an anthem for the peace movement. A #9 hit for The Sandpipers in '66. Song? Answer: "Guantanamera". Pete Seeger left us in 2014 at the tender age of 94. We had the privilege of seeing his well-loved 5-string banjo at the Grammy Museum in L.A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JLCAIJLJ8&list=RDX5JLCAIJLJ8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm1anurhbeg&list=RDJm1anurhbeg&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: Even though the music is upbeat, this 1964 Macca composition was based upon his rocky relationship with Jane Asher as their breakup was imminent. Part of "Beatles For Sale" (UK)/"Beatles VI" (U.S.). One of the very rare Beatles tunes to start with a drum intro. Classic 12-string Rickenbacker jingle-jangle pervasive motif repeated after each verse in the same instrumental voicing. It inspired a young Jim "Roger" McGuinn 6 months later as he recorded "Mr. Tambourine Man" with The Byrds. Song? Answer: "What You're Doing" by The Beatles. Young Jim McGuinn and David Crosby were so impressed after watching "A Hard Day's Night" that they immediately went out and bought a 12-string Rickenbacker and a Gretsch Country Gentleman respectively and the rest, as they say, is jingle-jangle folk-rock history! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sba2LbhkVY&list=RD7Sba2LbhkVY&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Singer/Medora/White 1957 composition was first recorded by Philly-based doo-wop group The Juvenairs as "Do the Bop". Dick Clark suggested a title change, and the band also changed its name, before appearing on his show. #1 Pop and R&B. Highlights the popular dances of the day. Covered by Sha Na Na in Woodstock and by Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids in "American Graffiti". Group? Song? For extra credit, name their other hit. Answer: "At The Hop" by Danny and The Juniors. Pretty well forgotten until "resurrected" by Sha Na Na at Woodstock - they went on just before Hendrix! Other hit: "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPV5FrydqDE&list=RDlPV5FrydqDE&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXLsMszmQpA&list=RDHXLsMszmQpA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qogQ5-ltjP4&list=RDqogQ5-ltjP4&start_radio=1 https://www.yo...

OK, girls and boys, more Fabdom: Two versions exist as to the inspiration for this 1964 Macca composition. One is a malapropism from Ringo and the other a quote from a chauffeur that drove him to John's house. We'll never know. Released in the UK on "Beatles For Sale" and in the U.S. on "Beatles VI". Never released as a single in the UK, in the U.S. it topped the charts in '65 with "I Don't Want To Spoil the Party" as its B-side. FIRST song that The Beatles took to the studio unfinished to "polish" during the session and the FIRST Beatles song to begin with a "fade-in". Song? Answer: "Eight Days a Week" by The Beatles. Ringo was prone to Yogi Berraisms on a smaller scale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kle2xHhRHg4&list=RDkle2xHhRHg4&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit-wonders: Nicknamed "The Swamp Fox", this Louisiana native's only hit came in 1969 with a swamp-rock tune about the life of poor white girl from the bayou who would cook spinach-like greens to feed herself and what remained of her family. Recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, it peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot 100 and at #10 in Canada. Inspired by Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe". It became a staple of Elvis' live shows in the 70s. Singer/songwriter? Song? For extra credit, name a 1970 Brook Benton hit composed by him. Answer: "Polk Salad Annie" by Tony Joe White. He wrote "Rainy Night in Georgia", which became a massive hit for Brook Benton. "Poke sallet" is a rural Louisiana name for cooked pokeweed, a spinach-like green. Tony Joe White left us in 2018 at the age of 75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyXHxh3Sye0&list=RDJyXHxh3Sye0&start_rad...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Englishman David Whitfield first recorded this Mantovani/Lewis composition in 1954. He became the first British male singer to earn a Gold Disc in the U.S. When Jay Traynor left his original group, he was replaced by The Empires' lead singer and Thom McAn shoe salesman David Blatt. They took the song, which translates to "My Beloved", to #4 in 1965. Song? Blatt's stage name? Answer: "Cara Mia" by Jay and The Americans. "Jay Black" had been known to hold "the note" in "Cara Mia" for one minute (!). We had the privilege of seeing them live in Philly in the 70s opening for The Four Seasons - what a voice! Unfortunately, he left us in 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFy5_kmEi4&list=RD1sFy5_kmEi4&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGBrpcQW8wA&list=RDeGBrpcQW8wA&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Doc Pomus was struck with polio at an early age and ambulated with crutches. His wife was a Broadway dancer and actress. In this 1960 Latin-melody collaboration with Mort Shuman he shows his vulnerability and fear, especially when they would go out to parties. It topped both the Pop and R&B charts and is ranked #182 among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. First recorded by The Drifters with Ben E. King on lead vocals and the late great Bucky Pizzarelli on Spanish guitar. Produced by Leiber and Stoller and co-produced by a young and yet unknown Phil Spector. Masterfully covered by Jay and The Americans. Song? Answer: "Save the Last Dance for Me" by The Drifters. We had the privilege of seeing Bucky and John Pizzarelli in Ames shortly after moving to Iowa in the early 80s - now, THAT'S GUITAR! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-XQ26KePUQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6bQ_0RLuuk&list=RDO6bQ_0RLuuk&start_ra...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 30s: Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler penned this sentimental 1933 jazz standard using turbulent atmospheric conditions as a metaphor for unrequited love. A woman waits for her man to return. First performed by Ethel Waters at Harlem's Cotton Club. She also recorded it that same year, accompanied by The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. A 1943 movie by the same title was made specifically to entertain WWII troops. It starred Lena Horne, who sang it in the film, along with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Cab Calloway. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and archived in The Library of Congress. Covered by, among many others, Billie Holiday and Etta James. Song? Answer: "Stormy Weather". One of my mother's favorites; I have fond childhood memories of her singing it around the house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zywZUhaUqMo&list=RDzywZUhaUqMo&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXJ8-E-jvuw&list=RDDXJ8-E-j...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s bubblegum (with my apologies!): This 1971 Harold "Lally" Stott composition was a #1 hit in the UK by the Scottish folk-pop band Los Caracas, recording as Middle Of The Road. Mac and Katie Kissoon from Trinidad took it to #20 on Billboard's Hot 100 that same year. Despite its upbeat and bouncy melody, it is a dark story about a child abandoned by his parents, leaving his fate unknown. Song? Answer: "Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSNSTerj2Kc&list=RDHSNSTerj2Kc&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvVjrdAmBpE&list=RDTvVjrdAmBpE&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This popular brass-driven jazz-rock ensemble was formed in in NYC in 1967. Original leader Al Kooper came up with their name after playing a late-night gig with an injured hand and is loosely based upon a 1940 speech by Sir Winston Churchill. They had three #2 hits in '69 but NEVER topped the charts. Group? Three '69 #2 hits? Answer: Blood, Sweat and Tears. "And When I Die", "Spinning Wheel" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy". Garibaldi coined the phrase "blood, toil, tears and sweat" in 1849. Teddy Roosevelt also used it in 1897. Most famously spoken by Sir Winston Churchill while addressing The House of Commons of Parliament in 1940: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_ELQyfJ-yk&list=RDa_ELQyfJ-yk&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFEewD4EVwU&list=RDSFEewD4EVwU&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/w...

OK, girls and boys, more teens one-hit wonders (the 2010s, that is): This 70s-inspired disco-funk Joe Jonas (as in The Jonas Brothers) collaboration was the debut single and only hit for a dance-rock band that he became a part of as lead singer. A massive worldwide hit peaking at #9 on Billboard's Hot 100. The video features Gigi Hadid, his then girlfriend. Sexually-charged lyrics referencing making love by the sea shore with multiple dessert-related allusions. Masterfully covered by Daniel Ferguson on America's Got Talent some years ago with superb voice impressions. Song? Group? Answer: "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWaRiD5ym74&list=RDvWaRiD5ym74&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrspOqqUml8

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s (a toughie this morning!): Born Kenneth Rosenberg in Brooklyn, this singer/songwriter/producer cut his teeth hanging aroung the Brill Building/Tin Pan Alley. He was hired by Leiber and Stoller to be one of the founding members of Jay and The Americans. He was also a member of the early Saturday Night Live band. Music supervisor for "Eddie and The Cruisers", "Animal House" and six Woody Allen films. Managed and produced early Steely Dan. His signature song is a 1975 Richard Reicheg composition which failed to chart but has since become a doo-wop classic. The nostalgic, quasi-biographic story about a doo-wop group always searching for a good place to sing that would encance their sound - metaphorically, a location of happiness and understanding. They also recorded a very respectable version of "Gloria" and are still touring. Singer and his group? Song? Answer: "Looking for an Echo" by Kenny Vance and ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: This 1993 Previn/Cutler/Thornalley composition launched the career of an Australian singer/actress/model in '97. It only reached #42 on Billboard's Hot 100 as it was first released as a radio-only promo. Rick Dees called it "the #1 radio single of the 90s". MTV's Best New Artist in '98 and 3 Grammy nominations in '99. The emotional turmoil of realizing that a relationship has changed and that the person you once loved is no longer the same. Song? Artist? Answer: "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia. Love that tune! The same thing happened to No Doubt's "Dont Speak" - released as a radio-only single in order to promote the album and completely failed to chart! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1XWJN3nJo&list=RDVV1XWJN3nJo&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy co-wrote this 1960 soul classic in 20 minutes. A mother's advice to her son on how to find the perfect woman. Originally written for Barrett Strong, it was instead recorded by The Miracles. First recording for Motown and for the group to top the R&B charts and to sell one million copies. Grammy Hall Of Fame 2006; #495 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Toni Tennille altered the lyrics from a woman's perspective and The Captain and Tennille's cover peaked at #4 Pop in '76. Song? Answer: "Shop Around" by The Miracles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM&list=RDAQGXa3FiXKM&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKqvdamEW4&list=RDQpKqvdamEW4&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This 1955 12-bar R&B classic was written and first recorded by Bobby Charles based upon a popular catchphrase of those days. An ethnic Cajun, it was widely assumed he was black. The best-known version came from Bill Haley and His Comets that same year. They sped it up from a shuffle to pure rock and roll. Featured in their '56 movie "Rock Around The Clock", THE first major rock and roll film. It was their 3rd and last million-selling single. Song? For extra credit, name their two other hits. Answer: "See You Later, Alligator" by Bill Haley and His Comets. Their other two million-selling singles were "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hb66FH9AzI&list=RD1Hb66FH9AzI&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2dNezWcV8I&list=RDI2dNezWcV8I&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit-wonders: This Calgary country-rock trio formed in 1965 as The Rebounds, but subsequently changed their name. Their only hit came in 1971 with a bouncy banjo-driven tune about a country boy who travels to Toronto to see the girl he loves. Written by their vocalist and guitarist Rich Dodson, he thought that the banjo should be the main accompaniment. Not being a banjoist, he rented one and tuned it as a guitar (boy, does that sound familiar?!). The banjo is mentioned in the lyrics, which also include a French phrase that translates to "good, it's good, good, good". #1 Canada, # 8 U.S. Won multiple Juno Awards (Canadian Grammys). Part of the "Better Call Saul" soundtrack. Song? Group? Answer: "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders. "And she feeds me love and tenderness and macaroons" - no wonder he's crazy about her! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IRjl3SWC2U&list=RD0IRjl3SWC2U&start...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This Wayne/Edwards 1959 composition was written and arranged in one day at the Brill Building. A romantic pop classic about a summer love and the hope of meeting again the following year. A '59 minor hit for The Tempos. The Happenings took it to #3 in '66 and it won them a Gold Record. Considered by many to be a "counterpart" to Chad & Jeremy's "A Summer Song". Also covered by The Quotations (doo-wop), The Chiffons, Shelley Fabares and Debby Boone. Song? Answer: "See You in September" by The Happenings. I love that tune! Made even more popular when included in the "American Graffiti" soundtrack in '73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyYP8G2wc_s&list=RDtyYP8G2wc_s&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: Bob Montgomery, Buddy Holly's high-school singing partner, wrote this 1966 Pop/C&W/R&B standard for Brenda Lee in 20 minutes. When she refused to record it, both Eddy Arnold (#3) and Wilma Burgess (#12) had C&W hits with it that same year. By far, the best-known version is Dorothy Moore's, her biggest hit. She recorded it in one take in 1973, peaking at #3 Pop and #2 R&B in '76. It became an international hit and has been covered over 200 times. A deep sense of regret and the difficulty of forgetting someone, despite the passage of time and attempts to move on. Song? Answer: "Misty Blue" by Dorothy Moore. Part of the "Phenomenon" soundtrack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMONGMDEerI

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Mike Nesmith composed, produced and sang lead vocals on this delightful 1966 country-rock classic, which appeared on the self-titled The Monkees debut album. Finding love and happiness after overcoming heartache and loneliness. He is accompaned by The Wrecking Crew. "Play, magic fingers" refers to guitarist extraordinaire James Burton, who plays the memorable solo. Don Peake, Luther Perkins, Glen Campbell, Al Casey, James Helms and Peter Tork also add guitars, while Papa Nez sat on the producer's chair. Song? Answer: "Papa Gene's Blues" by The Monkees. I always loved that song, especially while drooling over Nez's big ol' custom-made blonde Gretsch 6076 12-string. Coincidentally, I just heard today that Micky Dolenz just visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. I don't want to get my hopes up too high but, could this mean Class of 2026?! I'm not holding my breath but it would be tru...

OK, boys and girls, a little more 90s Country: This Alan Jackson/Don Sampson composition peaked at #3 on the Country charts in 1992. The artist encounters the ghost of Alabama native Hank Williams while driving past a graveyard on his way to a New Year show (he died on New Year's Day). He thanks Jackson for honoring him before disappearing into the darkness. Includes lyrics from Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". Song? Answer: "Midnight In Montgomery" by Alan Jackson. Haunting song and even more haunting video. It is rumored that this really did happen to Jackson. BTW, a Nudie Suit is one designed by Nudie Cohn (December 15, 1902 – May 9, 1984), a Russian-born and Nashville-based Jewish-American tailor, known for designing rhinestone-covered suits and other elaborate outfits, to be worn by celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Porter Wagoner, Webb Pierce, Roy Rogers, Gram Parsons and, of course, Hank Williams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCv...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 40s: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote this romantic jazz standard for their 1940 musical "Pal Joey". "Sophisticated, rueful and a bit naughty", it describes the strange feeling that comes from falling in love again. It is now part of The Great American Songbook. First performed by Vivienne Segal on the Broadway stage. Has been covered by, among many others, Doris Day, Mel Torme, and Ella Fitzgerald. Excellent duets by Rod Stewart/Cher and by Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga. Featured on TV's "Dynasty", "Bewitched" (hint, hint!) and "The Crown". Song? Answer: "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Love those transitions from maj7 to diminished chords! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf9ttRquv0I&list=RDhf9ttRquv0I&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtnrPXxhynI&list=RDdtnrPXxhynI&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDttjM50PGk&list=RDzDttjM50PGk...

OK, boys and girls, more 70s one-hit wonders: It was 1969 and singer/songwriter Sherman Kelly had just been brutally assaulted by a street gang in St. Croix, VI while vacationing there. During his recovery, he penned an island-flavored pop classic. As he puts it, the song talks about "an alternate reality, the dream of a peaceful and joyous celebration of life. It was just me imagining a better world than the one I had just experienced in St. Croix". He recorded it with his band Boffalongo but it failed to chart. He then gave it to his brother Wells, who was the drummer with an Ithaca, NY-based French-American band. It had taken its name from a 1969 song by The Band. They used a heavy-bristle toilet brush to create the percussion during the intro (!). It became a worldwide hit in 1972, peaking at #13 on Billboard's Hot 100, as well as a perennial summer song ever since. Song? Group? Answer: "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest. Fond memories ...

OK, boy and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: Born Robin Peter Smith in Swanley, UK, this singer/songwriter scored a major hit in 1966 with a Steve Duboff/Artie Kornfeld pop classic based upon an ancient tale of German folklore. Most believe that it is about a man trying to help his lover who is struggling with self-deception but others think that the protagonist represents a drug dealer. We'll never know... It peaked at #4. Memorable flute work by Artie Kaplan. Unfortunately, the artist had a very high opinion of himself, making frequent disparaging remarks against other performers and even saying that he was "a better songwriter than The Beatles". Needless to say, he was black-balled by the entertainment industry and his career never recovered. His version of Ian and Sylvia's "You Were on My Mind" peaked at #36 in '67. He suffered a stroke in '95 and left us in 2010 at the age of 71. Atrist? Song? Answer: "The Pied Piper" by C...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: This 1991 Nanci Griffith country-pop ballad is very likely autobiographic. Loneliness and introspection, solitude and reflection while on the road touring, never staying in the same lodging from night (hint, hint!) to night. Superb keyboards by her long-time accompanist James Hooker. Haunting music video. Song? Answer: "Late Night Grande Hotel" by Nanci Griffith. One of my favorites from her superb discography. We had the privilege of seeing her at Hoyt-Sherman in Des Moines years ago. Memorable concert! During the middle of the set she brought on stage the remaining members of The Crickets. She left us way too soon in 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvNgXryq6rM&list=RDZvNgXryq6rM&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: It was 1986 and Carly Simon's musical career, as well as her popularity, were in decline. She had already had a major hit with a movie theme in 1977's "Nobody Does it Better" from the James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me", written by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager. She was asked to compose and perform the theme for the upcoming Streep/Nicholson film "Heartburn". The soft rock ballad that ensued is a personal take on believing in love after losing it. The song became a massive worldwide hit and triggered a career resurgence for her. Possibly based upon, and inspired by, the breakup of her relationship with James Taylor. It is still one of her biggest hits, peaking at #18 on Billboard's Hot 100 and at #5 on Adult Contemporary. Just this year, she released a duet version with Alanis Morissette. Song? Answer: "Coming Around Again" by Carly Simon. How do you pick a favorite Carly Sim...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: American composer and pianist Randy Goodrum penned this 1978 easy-listening classic inspired by his wife (what a romantic guy!). He calls it a song of "unconditional undeserved love". A feeling of having someone to support and love you through life's ups and downs. It was recorded that same year by a Canadian songbird whose popularity at the time was in decline. It became a massive worldwide hit for her and revitalized her career. Topped the Billboard Hot 100, won her a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance, won Song of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and spent 36 weeks on the Easy Listening charts. Covered by, among many others, The New Seekers, Perry Como and Cilla Black. Song? Artist? Answer: "You Needed Me" by Anne Murray. Fond memories of starting my ENT residency in Philly that year. Anne Murray was the first Canadian female solo singer to top the U.S. charts with "Snowbird" in 1...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1965 Allen Reynolds composition peaked at #4, done by a group formerly known as The Val-Aires. Starts out with a very "Byrdish" 12-string acoustic run. An urban worker hates his job but looks forward to going home to his sweetie at the end of the day. Hal Ketchum's '91 cover peaked at #16 on the Country charts. Featured on "Good Morning Vietnam" and "Big Fish". Song? Answer: "Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues. Great tune - BOTH versions are dynamite! Unfortunately, Hal Ketchum left us in 2020 at age 67. Wonderful Country crooner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngqqfHPTrHo&list=RDngqqfHPTrHo&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Dv_xwtcuw&list=RDk-Dv_xwtcuw&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 30s: This 1930 Jimmy McHugh/Dorothy Fields bouncy, cheerful and optimistic jazz standard became a welcome relief to depression-weary listeners. It debuted on the short-lived Broadway musical "Lew Leslie's International Revue". Harry Richman and Ted Lewis and His Orchestra charted with it in '30. The best-known version came in '45 by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists. My favorite happens to be Willie Nelson's on his '78 "Stardust" album. Song? Answer: "On The Sunny Side Of The Street". Willie's "Stardust" album is one of those that I would need to have if I were stranded on a deserted island - a masterpiece! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il25S7FtKd8&list=RDIl25S7FtKd8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vghpamGIgsw&list=RDvghpamGIgsw&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Barrett Strong co-wrote this 1966 Motown psychedelic-soul classic with Norman Whitfield, based upon a painful episode in his own love life. A man finds out his woman is cheating on him. First recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Marvin Gaye's '68 version was his first #1 hit, became his signature song and, at 7 weeks, was Motown's longest-running #1 tune. Backup vocals by The Andantes accompanied by The Funk Brothers and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Ranked #80 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. Part of "The Big Chill"('83) and "Remember The Titans" ('01) soundtracks. Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1970 version was 11 minutes long - one of their very few covers. Who can forget the Claymation California Raisins in '86 - their signature tune?! Song? Answer: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". https://www.youtube.com/wa...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s bubblegum: This 1967 Ritchie Cordell pop rock composition was referred to by a prominent rock critic as "The Bubblegum Apotheosis". The original version peaked at #4 and stayed on the charts for 17 weeks. It was banned in Detroit for being considered "too dirty" (!). Tiffany's '87 cover topped the charts in both the US and the UK. Spoofed by "Weird Al" Yankovic in '88. Song? Group? Answer: "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James and The Shondells. The ONLY Tommy James and The Shondells' song I ever remotely liked. "Weird Al's" cover was titled "I Think I'm a Clone Now"! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM&list=RDIkMFLUXTEwM&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Q3mHyzn78&list=RDw6Q3mHyzn78&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vFGKHzY_38&list=RD7vFGKHzY_38&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s: This poignant 1996 Diane Warren R&B ballad spent 11 wks. at #1 and remains the artists' biggest single. Speaks of "a blistering heartbreak" (hint, hint!), mirroring the singer's real-life marital and health problems at the time. It won her the 1997 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. #10 on Billboard's Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs and #3 R&B/Hip-Hop. Covered by, among others, Johny Mathis and Il Divo. Artist? Song? "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton. Great song! Superb soulful voice! Fred Astaire I am not by any means, but Toni Braxton was on "Dancing With the Stars" a few years ago and, suffice it to say, she should stick to singing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Rch6WvPJE&list=RDp2Rch6WvPJE&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 1920s: This Charles/Pollack/Willemertz/Yvain French ballad was first recorded in 1916 by chanteuse Jeanne "Mistinguett" Bourgeois. It captures the vulnerability and complexity of the human heart, even when faced with difficult and painful realities. The English version was popularized by Fanny Brice in '21 (Grammy Hall-Of-Fame '99). Billie Holiday released a jazz/blues version. Edith Piaf covered it in French in 1940. Rediscovered by Barbra Streisand in '65 during her Broadway run in "Funny Girl", the movie role of which earned her the Best Actress Oscar in '68. Sung by Diana Ross in 1970 during her final live appearance as a Supreme. Masterful versions by Sarita Montiel in Spanish and by Lea Michele on "Glee". Song? Answer: "Mon Homme (My Man)". God, I love "La Mome" Edith Piaf - you can just hear the tobacco and the alcohol in that voice! We visited her grave at the Pere Lachaise Cem...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: It was 1957 and relative newcomer Johnny Mathis had already had two consecutive hits with "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "It's Not for Me to Say". His production team was looking for a follow-up single when they were approached by Robert Allen and Al Stillman with a song they had just written. A romantic ballad which conveys depth of affection and hope that love is reciprocated. Mathis recorded it with the Ray Conniff Orchestra and it became his first #1 hit. Released on August 12, 1957 (two days after my twin sisters were born), it topped both Billboard's Hot 100 and Cash Box charts. #12 Billboard R&B. It remained in the charts for 28 weeks. B-side: "The Twelfth of Never". Grammy Hall of Fame 1998. Part of the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" soundtrack ('77). Song? Answer: "Chances Are" by Johnny Mathis. Check out the album cover - those were the days when smokng was ...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This nostalgic 1982 ballad was written by Sir Elton John as a tribute to his good friend John Lennon, who was assassinated by a deranged "fan" on 8/8/80 in front of The Dakota. The title refers to a famous NYC sports arena, where the shared the stage in '74 during what was to be Lennon's last live appearance. Sir Elton refuses to play the song live anywhere except in that venue. It peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot 100. Song? Answer: "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)" by Sir Elton John. The two shared the stage at NYC's Madison Square Garden in 1974, not knowing that it would be Lennon's last public performance, therefore the title. Lauren and I stood upon the exact spot where John was shot in front of The Dakota some years ago, then crossed the street to visit the "Imagine" garden in Central Park. Such a senseless tragedy! I was rotating through the VA Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware as Chief Reside...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 80s: This 1983 blues-rock classic tells us about a confident gent who takes great pride in his appearance and always makes a good first impression. Co-written by all three menbers of a seminal Houston-based trio. Its powerful catchy melody and memorable music video made it a staple of early MTV, figuring prominently in 80s pop culture. #56 Billboard Hot 100. The trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Outstanding performance by David Cook fronting the trio at the 2008 Idol finale, which he won. It became the theme for the "Duck Dynasty" TV show. Song? Trio? Answer: "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top. Unfortunately, we lost bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill in 2021. I always found it ironic that drummer Frank Beard was the only unbearded member of the group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wRHBLwpASw&list=RD7wRHBLwpASw&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJaGZpAIxXY&list=RDVJaGZpAIxX...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This Vermillion, SD native started playing the guitar at age 10 taught by her father, an early folkie. After vocal cord issues as well as addiction, she was hired to sing backup for Suzanne Vega's "Luka". Her clarion and ethereal voice as well as her masterful fingerstyle guitar playing led to a record contract and her breakout album "Steady On". Its lead track is a beautful and bracing melancholic folk ballad inspired by her rocky relationship with her producer and co-writer John Leventhal. It features Bruce Hornsby on piano and Suzanne Vega on backup vocals. She tuned her low E string down to D, so when the verses and the chorus hit the major fifth, a D chord, the bass would ring out, giving it its trademark sound. "Steady On" won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Song? Artist? Answer: "Shotgun Down the Avalanche" by Shawn Colvin. The "avalanche" is a metaphor for the fra...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This Nashville native left us in 2010 at age 72. He penned his biggest hit on 11/22/63 - the day JFK was assassinated and his brother was killed outside a Nashville nightclub. Optimism in the face of grief. One of the most covered tunes in pop history. #2 Pop, #3 R&B in '66. First recorded by Mi(e)ko Hirota in Japan. Covered by Cher as a tribute to her former partner and husband. Artist? Song? Answer: Bobby Hebb's "Sunny". BMI's #25 among its "Top 100 Songs of the Century". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubvYQxTXO3U&list=RDubvYQxTXO3U&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HsRXOTRaCY&list=RD7HsRXOTRaCY&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTatk7uCbDg&list=RDPTatk7uCbDg&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: After his motorcycle accident in 1966, Bob Dylan spent a year of quiet introspection recovering both physically and spiritually. He altered his lifestyle and turned to The Bible. This 1967 classic from "John Wesley Harding" was inspired by Isaiah 21:5-9. He has performed it live more than any other one of his songs. It was popularized by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in '68 - their only Top 40 hit in the U.S. at #20. Interestingly, ever since then, Dylan has performed it a la Hendrix on stage. Dave Mason played 12-string acoustic on the recording and filled in on bass after Noel Redding left the sessions in anger. Hendrix himself played the bass line towards the end of the song. His version is ranked #48 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Featured in the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack. Song? Answer: "All Along the Watchtower". Hendrix's guitar solo consistently figures among the best ever in most ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II composed this beautiful 1959 waltz-time classic for "The Sound of Music". Inspired by a rare and protected white alpine flower ("noble white"), which has become an Austrian national symbol. During the original Broadway run, Theodore Bikel played Captain von Trapp. A folksinger and guitarist in his own right, he sang it to his children in his study. In the film adaptation, Christopher Plummer also sings it to his children with Leisl, but he also sings it at the Salzburg Festival as an act of defiance and as a farewell to his beloved Austria. It was the last Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration and the last lyrics Hammerstein wrote before succumbing to stomach cancer 9 months after the Broadway opening. Song? Answer: "Edelweiss" from "The Sound of Music". Not a dry eye in the house! I still get choked up every time I hear it (you know me, I'm a sensitive g...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: It was late 1961 and this British jazz clarinetist was sitting in a taxi cab when a tune "came" to him. He jotted it down on a paper scrap and named it after his daughter Jenny. He gave it to Leon Young, who arranged it for wind band. They recorded it, with the composer playing the lead clarinet accompanied by The Leon Young String Chorale. Renamed, it became the theme song for a UK TV drama series by the same name. The biggest British hit of 1962, remaining in the charts for 55 weeks. #1 in the U.S., Certified Gold. Biggest-selling instrumental hit in British history. First British hit to top the U.S. charts (1962). Song? Composer/clarinetist? Answer: "Stranger on the Shore" by Mr. Acker (Bernard) Bilk and The Leon Young String Chorale. He left us in 2014 at age 85. My father loved it and played it quite often on the ol' Bogen hi-fi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTl-iAF6KsE&list=RDhTl-iAF6KsE...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Sir Albert Hammond, OBE and Hal David co-wrote this nostalgic 1975 pop ballad. An emotional road journey (hint, hint!) of longing, connection and desire to be reunited with the loved one. Covered by Art Garfunkel and the sensitive Johnny Mathis that same year. Also covered by Dionne Warwick and Julio Iglesias (the sexiest man alive, if you ask him). Hammond's only #1 Easy Listening hit. Song? Answer: "99 Miles from L.A.". I am partial to Art Garfunkel's version. Killer acoustic guitar by Stephen Bishop. Love those maj7 chords! A hint of bossa nova. Great metaphors throughout the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJca07HLqw0&list=RDgJca07HLqw0&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SKmS0xPldA&list=RD4SKmS0xPldA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOSxWLWBID0&list=RDbOSxWLWBID0&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCeY2uPKcsM&list=RDfCeY2uPKcsM&start_radio=1 ...

OK, girls and boys, back to the Roaring 20s: This classic 1928 Cole Porter "list song" debuted in his musical "Paris", sung by Irene Bordoni. It also appeared in the 1960 film adaptation of "Can Can". A recitation of increasingly preposterous double-entendres and suggestive lines. Described as "the pioneer pop song to declare openly that sex is fun" - pretty risque for those days! Joan Jett released a punk-rock version in '95. Figures prominently in Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris", which I HIGHLY recommend. Song? Answer: Cole Porter's "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)". Pretty racy lyrics - such clever songwriting! If you like Woody Allen, DON'T MISS "Midnight In Paris" - one of my all-time favorite movies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW1okYFI-24&list=RDYW1okYFI-24&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXYKGL6MgKM&list=RDlXYKGL6MgKM&start_radio=1 https://www.yo...