Poldo's Music Trivia II

A sacred piece about the night Jesus was born, "O Holy Night" has been ranked as the world's most popular Christmas carol. Originally titled "Cantique de Noel" in 1847 with lyrics by Placide Cappeau and melody by Adolphe Adam. English translation by John Sullivan Dwight. Covered by, among many others, Johnny Mathis, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsWUWzai8P8&list=RDRsWUWzai8P8&start_radio=1

Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, this poignant ballad of unrequited love during the Christmas holidays was first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948. Elvis recorded the definitive version in 1957 and it has since become a Christmas classic. Thank you, thank you very much! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6WnnZRSKYs&list=RDB6WnnZRSKYs&start_radio=1

This iconic singer/songwriter from Peoria, IL penned and recorded a poignant autobiographical ballad in 1980 about a chance encounter with an old flame at a convenience store while visiting his hometown for the Holidays. It peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot 100. The melody is loosely based on Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" and the final notes, which invoke the title, are played on solo sax. Over the years, it has received extensive air play during the December festivities. After Fogelberg's death the dedicatee, Jill Anderson Grenlich, revealed herself in an article in a Peoria newspaper. They had dated in high school. He took two poetic licenses - her eyes were green instead of blue and her husband was a teacher, not an architect (they had since divorced). Dan Fogelberg left us on December 16, 2007. That same night we had an open mic at the Eagles' Club here in town. We had all just heard the news of his passing and everyone was quite affected. I played both ...

Although credited to the British pop duo Wham!, George Michael composed, produced, sang all the vocals and played all the instruments on this 1984 modern seasonal synth-pop classic about a Christmas time breakup. The upbeat tempo belies the sadness of unrequited love. Even though he had no formal musical training, George Michael played bass, synthesizer, drum machine and sleigh bells on the recording. It peaked at #2 in the U.S. and the UK, 9X Platinum. Wham! donated all the royalties to the relief efforts for the Ethiopian famine of the day. Sadly, George Michael left us on Christmas Day, 2016 at age 53. What a voice he had! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI&list=RDE8gmARGvPlI&start_radio=1

Mariah Carey co-wrote and co-produced this 1994 uptempo Christmas love song, which has become a seasonal standard. It peaked at #6. Best-selling Christmas song of all time in the U.S. Some years ago, we had the privilege of seeing Mariah Carey on stage in Las Vegas as guests of our dear friends Shelly and Cynthia Freedman. What a voice and what command of the stage! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY&list=RDyXQViqx6GMY&start_radio=1

Chris Eaton wrote this beautiful 1992 Christmas song, but Amy Grant rewrote the lyrics from a woman's perspective. It captures the feeling of a young woman called upon to carry and nurture The Son of God. Amy's voice is angelic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWo3qlqyW1c&list=RDFWo3qlqyW1c&start_radio=1

This Brian Wilson/Mike Love "modern" Christmas classic was released in December 1963 - a bit of cheer for a nation mourning President Kennedy's recent assassination. #3 on Billboard's Christmas chart and #69 on Cashbox. Very similar in structure and rhythm to "Little Deuce Coupe", released earlier that year - also uses car analogies, "candy apple red", "...with a 4-speed stick". Covered by John Denver and The Muppets in '79 and by Hanson in '97. Featured on a Coke commercial with polar bears and penguins. The B-side was "The Lord's Prayer", a Beach Boys "rarity". Sometimes referred to as "Run Run Reindeer". Even though I'm a Diet Dew guy (not proud to admit it), I loved the Coke commercial! Sadly, Brian left us in June of this year at age 82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2WU2yykXM&list=RD4T2WU2yykXM&start_radio=1

Who can forget this 1969 Coca Cola Christmas commercial by The Moody Blues?! Justin Hayward's voice, as always, is like buttah! The group had recorded another Coke commercial in '65 with Denny Laine on lead vocals. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtAVayZ3Rk

Noel "Paul" Stookey composed this 1960 Peter, Paul and Mary classic based upon an ancient English carol. It was an English Christian tradition for poor children to go door-to-door caroling and praying for the dead in exchange for food, particularly small scone-like cakes. Hauntingly beautiful, it highlights the trio's interweaving harmonies as well as Peter and Paul's masterful hi-low guitar accompaniment. An anthem to the universal spirit of giving and community - the search for the warmth of human kindness and interaction during the darkness of the cold winter. Mary left us in 2009 and Peter last January. I had never heard "A' Soalin' " until I went to med school in Philly. One of Judy's nursing school classmates was a very accomplished singer/guitarist and she used to play it during our Wednesday parties at Phi Chi. She taught me the intricate guitar parts and it quickly became my favorite Christmas tune. "Soul cakes" were sm...

As my dear Surgery Staff can tell you, during my 42 years of practice, I never operated without music in my O.R. I had a Christmas playlist that we would start listening to after Thanksgiving. Many of the songs were "non-traditional" Christmas tunes. Over the next few days, I will be posting one of them daily. This first one I first heard as part of the "Grey's Anatomy" soundtrack. Delightful little tune! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=all+that+i+want+for+christmas+the+rescues

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: Sonny Curtis of The Crickets wrote this beautiful 1957 ballad while in the Army. A plea for a lost love to return. He played it for Phil & Don Everly - they loved it after hearing only the first verse. By the time Sonny sent them the second verse, they had already recorded it, singing the 1st verse twice. Song? (You get an extra "BINGO" for the words to the 2nd verse) Answer: "Walk Right Back" by The Everly Brothers. Possibly my favorite Everly Brothers song. There's a beautiful version of that song by Nancy Griffith in her "Other Voices, Too" album using both verses. 2nd verse: "These eyes of mine that gave you loving glances once before... changed to shades of cloudy gray. I want so very much to see you... just like before. I've got to know you're coming back to stay. Please believe me when I say it's great to hear from you, but there's a lot of things a letter just can't s...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: In 1967, this doo-wop icon (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1989) released a "psychedelic" version of a classic Jimi Hendrix tune. Artist? Song? Answer: "Purple Haze" by Dion. "...scuse me while I kiss this guy (?!)..." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCi3t7Ufa2s&list=RDaCi3t7Ufa2s&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Willie Dixon composition was first recorded and released by Bo Diddley in 1962 and was one of Diddley's last hits (#21 R&B, #48 Pop). "Willie Dixon's lyrics use a series of metaphors of all sorts of things you can't (discern) by their appearances before landing on the title phrase". Covered by the early Rolling Stones in '62, by The Yardbirds with Eric Clapton in '63 and by The Fabulous Thunderbirds in '92. Stevie Wonder co-wrote and released a completely different song by the same title in '69. Song? Answer: "You Can't Judge a Book by the (Its) Cover" by Bo Diddley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJ9glPmv7c&list=RDOkJ9glPmv7c&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 40s: This jazz giant left us in 2010 at the tender age of 85. An accomplished saxophonist and flautist, he was born partially deaf and with a lisp. His best-known piece was a 1949 sax solo which he improvised during a visit to Sweden. Strongly influenced by Charlie "Bird" Parker, vocalese lyrics were later added by Eddie Jefferson. Further popularized by King Pleasure in '54. The original tune was a 1935 McHugh/Fields composition introduced by Frances Langford in the movie "Every Night At Eight". "Alfalfa" sang it in a 1936 "Our Gang" short and it became his signature song. Artist? Solo? Original song? Answer: James Moody's "Moody's Mood For Love" was his landmark sax solo on "I'm In the Mood for Love". Masterfully covered by Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente, Queen Latifah, Amy Winehouse and Quincy Jones, among many others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9Xv7XO8AY&list=RDvi9X...

OK, boys and girls, MORE British Invasion: According to his group's lead-guitarist, this "Wembley Whammer" was the "backbone" of the band. "When _____ is on, the band is on; when _____ is off, the band is off". Drummer? Group? Answer: The Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts. Both Mick and Keith have been quoted as saying that, without Charlie, there's no Stones. Actually, when Bill Wyman left, the other three deferred to Charlie exclusively to decide on his replacement. Even being a guitar player and not a drummer, Charlie has always been my favorite Stone - ultracool perfect British gent! Charlie left us in 2021 at age 80.

OK, boys and girls, a little foreign romance: This French-Armenian singer/songwriter was named "Entertainer of the Century" by CNN and by Time Online in 1998. Also named "The 20th Century's Outstanding Performer", edging out Elvis and Dylan. Has appeared in over 60 movies, written over 1,000 songs and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Artist? Answer: Charles Aznavour. I grew up listening to him in Spanish on the ol' Bogen hi-fi in my native Puerto Rico. One of my Dad's favorites. I saw him on stage at the University of Puerto Rico Theater in the early 70s - one of the best concerts I've ever attended - absolute command of the stage! He left us in 2018 at the tender age of 94. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xla498o7ZAw&list=RDXla498o7ZAw&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GtzB8cfkh0&list=RD7GtzB8cfkh0&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajjdY070VU4&list=RDajjdY070VU4&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, the 50s live on: This 1959 Kingston Trio "protest" hit was written in 1948 by Jacqueline Steiner and Bess Lomax Hawes. In it, "George O'Brien" was a pseudonyn for a socialist mayoral candidate. Song? Answer: "MTA" by The Kingston Trio. I hear Charlie is STILL on the MTA riding around Boston! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0&list=RDS7Jw_v3F_Q0&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This classic 1973 Kenny O'Dell love ballad was Charlie Rich's first #1 Country hit as well as a solid crossover, peaking at #15 on the Pop charts. Country Song and Single Of The Year as well as a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. #9 on CMT's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. Suggestive but sophisticated; a love song about a couple's intimate moments. Song? Answer: "Behind Closed Doors" by Charlie Rich. It was banned early on by some radio stations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHaLjPP4bok&list=RDWHaLjPP4bok&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: On February, 2000 this seminal 70s supergroup was offered and declined ONE BILLON DOLLARS (yes, Dr. Evil, with "B"!) for a reunion tour, stating that they wanted to be remembered by their fans as they were then. Must be nice! Group? Answer: ABBA. In their heyday, only the now-defunct SAAB made more money in Sweden than they did!

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was 1963 and Sir Paul McCartney had just heard a recently-released traditional pop tune by a South Philly born teen idol. He played it to John and it unknowingly inspired "She Loves You", one of their biggest hits. They wrote it in Paul's bedroom in one hour. Tony Hatch wrote the pop classic in 1958 but it was not released until '63, recorded by Robert Louis Ridardelli. A boy's plea to a girl to ditch a boyfriend who doesn't love her and to return to him for real love and a better future. It peaked at #4 on Billboard and spent 16 weeks on the charts. This was the teen idol's fifth and final Gold Record, his first Top 5 hit since 1960 and his last Top 10 hit. The fictitious high school in "Grease" is named after the singer. Song? Teen idol's stage name? Answer: "Forget Him" by Bobby Rydell. I remember growing up listening to a Spanish version on the radio but, despite my best effor...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This Akron, Ohio-based and Brian Eno-produced New Wave band gained national exposure in 1979 when they covered The Rolling Stones' first hit on Saturday Night Live just one week after Mick and the boys had appeared on the show (now, that takes GUTS!). Band? Answer: Devo. I liked them right away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvqnC5GRcvw

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This psychedelic 1966 raga-rock Jagger/Richards classic reached #1 in the US and the UK. A man mourns his dead girlfriend - a song of grief and loss. Bill Wyman overdubbed the masterful bass line on the pedals of a Hammond B3 organ. It features Brian Jones on sitar. Song? Answer: "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones. Possibly my favorite Stones tune. A 1960s rock band from San Juan, PR, The Telstars, did a very respectable version. Remember that the Rascals didn't have a bassist - Felix doubled as organist AND bassist on the pedals of his big-a** Hammond B3 with Leslie speaker!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4irXQhgMqg&list=RDO4irXQhgMqg&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1963 pop classic was The Ronettes' 2nd single after the hugely successful "Be My Baby". A Barry/Greenwich composition, it was produced by Phil Spector featuring his trademark "wall of sound". It was released shortly after JFK's assassination when the nation was not in the mood for upbeat songs, so it only peaked at #24. Veronica (Ronnie), her sister Estelle and cousin Nedra were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in '07. Cher and Darlene Love & The Blossoms added background vocals with Leon Russell on piano. Dave Edmunds' ('73) and The Ramones' ('80) covers were commercially more successful than the original version. Andy Kim's rendition hit #9 in '69. Song? Answer: "Baby, I Love You" by the Ronettes. Check out the beehives on the video! Ronnie was the original "bad girl" of rock & roll, having had liaisons with Keith Richards, John Lennon and, of ...

OK, girls and boys, more Mop-Tops: This beautiful 1964 Lennon composition is unusual in that it has an unrepeated introductory section in D flat, changing to D for the rest of the song. Sung in two-part harmony with Paul. George taught us all the D9 chord with this tune. This was John's first ballad (possibly) written for/about Cynthia. The fear and insecurity of being hurt again after a failed past relationship. It remains my all-time favorite Beatles tune. Song? Answer: "If I Fell" by The Beatles. Their magnum opus! Jason Castro did a wonderful version on Idol years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot_AqGfTjjg&list=RDOt_AqGfTjjg&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3M4jjWLyMk&list=RDC3M4jjWLyMk&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit wonders: Based upon concerns about overpopulation and dire earthquake predictions in California, this 1969 "novelty" Calypso tune was the only hit for a Cali-based rock quartet. A collaboration between Jerry Riopelle, Thomas Reynolds (later of Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds) and Davenport, IA native Stuart Margolis (as in "The Rockford Files"). Song? Group? Answer: "Day After Day (It's Slippin' Away)" by Shango. Obscure hit but it brings back so many dear memories of that magical summer of '69! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjCtTOKYkVs&list=RDVjCtTOKYkVs&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 80s: This British teen idol left us in March of 1988 at age 30 - way prematurely! He was the first male solo artist to have 3 consecutive #1 singles on Billboard Hot 100. Artist? Three consecutive hits? Answer: Andy Gibb. He released his three major hits before his 21st birthday. Unfortunately, he died penniless due to a possibly drug-related cardiac condition 5 days after his 30th birthday. "I Just Want to Be Your Everything", "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" and "Shadow Dancing". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA6L8-lxaA8&list=RDtA6L8-lxaA8&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOGt_bXUHQA&list=RDMOGt_bXUHQA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZxA3FVUwvk&list=RDPZxA3FVUwvk&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s: This multi-talented artist co-starred with Shirley Jones in his first movie (1957). The theme song, a romantic ballad by the same title which he also sang, was a Sammy Fein/Paul Francis Weber collaboration. It topped the charts in '57 and was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song. A devout Christian, he refused to kiss Jones on-screen, as she was married in real life. Second biggest-charting artist of the late 50s, 2nd only to Elvis. #9 on Billboard's Top 40 Artists 1955-95. Artist? Song? Answer: "April Love" by Pat Boone. Now, don't be dissin' ol' Pat! After all, he starred in one of my favorite movies from childhood, "Journey To the Center of the Earth", as Alec McKuen. Gotta love his full-leather regalia in '97 as prompted by Dick Clark. Black leather boots instead of his trademark patent-leather white loafers. He's still going strong at age 91! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooll-Yby_0o&lis...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This 1960 Otis/Stein/Benton soul ballad was first recorded and popularized as a duet by Brook Benton and Dinah Washington. It made the Top 5 on the Pop charts and topped the R&B charts, becoming one of the most popular R&B ballads of the 60s. Covered by Michael Buble and by Anne Murray. It is NOT to be confused with a similarly-titled 1959 Marv Johnson release. Song? For extra credit, name the Marv Johnson tune. But wait, there's more! For FURTHER extra credit, whom was it attributed to and who REALLY wrote it? Answer: "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" by Brook Benton and Dinah Washington. "You Got What It Takes" by Marv Johnson was attributed to B. Gordy/R. Davis/G. Gordy but was REALLY written and first recorded by Bobby Parker in '57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37cH9khXYdM&list=RD37cH9khXYdM&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oOtECHc5uA&list=RD6oOtECHc5uA&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, a little 70s romance: Dubbed "The Sultan Of Smooth Soul", this 5-time Grammy winner served 4 months in jail at age 17 for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires. His spoken intro to "Love Serenade (Part 1)" might be, in my opinion, the STEAMIEST ever recorded. Artist? Answer: Barry White. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIeDfhw_pLM&list=RDxIeDfhw_pLM&start_radio=1