Poldo's Music Trivia II

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Charles Trenet and Albert Lasry penned "La Mer" in 1946. It became a pop standard with English lyrics by Jack Lawrence. Charted for Benny Goodman and Roger Williams in '48 and '55 respectively. "A romantic tale of an (oceangoing) lover and a land-locked lover waiting on a golden shore for his return." The "definitive" version came in '59 by DA MAN Bobby Darin, peaking at #6. Kevin Spacey's '04 Darin biopic shares the song's title. Song? Answer: "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin. THE koolest kat ever to walk the face of the earth, in my humble opinion. When you think Bobby Darin you DON'T think Kevin Spacey but he's such a doggone good actor that he pulls it off in "Beyond The Sea". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8OlDPqYBLw&list=RDm8OlDPqYBLw&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: Subtitled "They Just Can't Stop It", this classic Philly-soul 1975 Jefferson/Hawes/Simmons composition was a smash crossover hit for a vocal quintet from Detroit which formed in 1954. Recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios with lead vocals by Bobby Smith in conversation format with Evette Benton. Accompanied by house band MFSB with background vocals by Sweethearts of Sigma. Trademark bass vocal delivery of "12:45" by Pervis Jackson. Based on the 1964 book by Dr. Eric Berne "The Psychology of Human Relationships", as it pertains to interpersonal manipulation. The song speaks of the emotional distress caused by lovers who cannot be straightforward with each other. #1 Hot Soul Singles, #5 Billboard Hot 100, Certified Gold. Group? Song? Answer: "Games People Play" by The Spinners. It came out between my sophomore and junior years of med school in Philly, where it became extremely popula...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This Staunton, VA country/folk quartet started out in 1955 as Four Star Quartet and then The Kingsmen. In 1963, after rock band The Kingsmen had a massive hit with "Louie, Louie", they once again changed their name. By far, their biggest and most iconic hit was a 1965/66 quasi-autobiographic country/folk tune penned by their tenor, Lew DeWitt, who spent some time in a mental institution. A tongue-in-cheek post-breakup song about a man trying to convince his ex and himself that he's enjoying life, while spiraling into loneliness and despair. #2 Billboard Hot Country for four weeks, #4 Billboard Hot 100, #116 among Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. Part of the "Pulp Fiction" and "Die Hard" soundtracks and parodied by The Muppets. Quartet? Song? Answer: "Flowers On the Wall" by The Statler Brothers. The first time I heard this song was in 1967, while attending the World Ja...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: The only charting hit for this New York City native came in 1974 with a soft jazz/blues ballad which she also composed. Based on an affair she had in her younger years with a married man. It was rumored that it was about Jackson Browne, for whom she opened on stage for a few years, but this was denied by both parties. Many people thought that she was African-Amrican because of her curly hair and her soulful four-octave contralto but she was 100% Jewish. #5 Billboard Hot 100, #1 Adult Contemporary. Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist in 1975. She ended her solo career to take care of her congenitally brain-damaged daughter. She left us in 2011 at age 60. Artist? Song? Answer: "Poetry Man" by Phoebe Snow. She wrote the song in one hour! Sang backup for Paul Simon in "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTd1iktPJZ8&list=RDQTd1iktPJZ8&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: This Jacksonville, FL band started out in 1964 as My Backyard. By far, their biggest hit was a 1974 Southern-rock anthem which popularized and helped define the genre. Written in response to Neil Young's (NOT my favorite, let's just leave it at that!) "Southern Man" and "Alabama" (hint, hint!). With very strong political overtones defending the South, it became their signature tune. Composed by Ed King, Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant - King and Rossington penned the seminal guitar lines. #8 Billboard's Hot 100, Grammy Hall of Fame 2009, CMT's "#1 Southern Rock Song". The Band was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Unfortunately, the entire original lineup either died or was severely injured during a 1977 plane crash. It inspired a 2002 Reese Witherspoon rom-com. ...and, of course, who can forget Forrest Gump reminiscing about his beloved Jenny with this song in the backg...

OK, girls and boys, more 80s one-hit wonders: This 1985 Felix Haug/Kurt Maloo Euro-pop ballad was recorded by a Swiss duo, becoming a massive global hit for them. A woman decides to stop waiting for her gone, dominating lover to return and finds the strength to move on with her life. #16 Billboard Hot 100, # 8 UK. Memorable sax work by Christian Ostermeier. The first Swiss act to break into the U.S. Top 40. Duo? Song? Answer: "The Captain of Her Heart" by Double. Yacht-rock at its best! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBlx1JffMQ4&list=RDlBlx1JffMQ4&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein penned this poignant 1964 R&B/Soul ballad for Little Anthony and The Imperials, with whom they frequently collaborated. Their recording peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot 100 and at #8 on Cash Box. A tale of obsession and longing. Intense heartache and unrequited love for someone who does not return his affection. Frankie Valli and The Four Seaons' 1967 medley with "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was a massive hit for them and became a staple of their live shows. Covered by The Zombies in 1968. Song? Answer: "Goin' Out of My Head" by Little Anthony and The Imperials. The late great Teddy Randazzo also gave us "It's Gonna Take a Miracle", "Hurt so Bad", "Runaround" and his own "One More Chance", among many others. He left us in 2003 at the age of 68. Little Anthony is 85 and he still fronts his group as the only original member...

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders: This Shelley Pinz composition was recorded by an Ohio band in 1967, reaching #1 on Billboard in early '68 and earning them a Gold Record. A street musician is begging for $. It features electric sitar as well as heavy "psychedelic" tape echo at the end of each chorus and, at the end of the tune, fading into a drumroll. Covered by Lawrence Welk (!), it also charted on Easy Listening. Band? Song? Answer: "Green Tambourine" by The Lemon Pipers. "Psychedelic bubblegum" at its best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Vz-z4PEkk&list=RDS5Vz-z4PEkk&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZnCZRgz27s&list=RDZZnCZRgz27s&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to The British Invasion: Longtime Petula Clark collaborator Tony Hatch penned this classic 1965/66 romantic pop tune while on an airplane from London to L.A. It speaks of the overwhelming joy and durability of an amorous connection. The British songbird did not like it at first, calling it "ordinary". Warner Brothers Records' A&R director Joe smith finally convinced her to record it and release it. She was accompanied by The Wrecking Crew. It became a massive international hit for her, topping the U.S. charts and earning Certified Gold. Florence Henderson serenaded Tiny Tim and Miss Vicky with it during their 1969 nuptials on The Tonight Show. Song? Answer: "My Love" by Petula Clark. "The First Lady of The British Invasion". I could listen to her beautiful voice all day. She is 93 years-old. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFXZIXMB5r4&list=RDpFXZIXMB5r4&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ypcn-...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: Originally titled "Moonbeam", this classic 1953 Johnny Richards/Carolyn Leigh pop ballad was first recorded by Frank Sinatra. It became an instant million-seller. At the time, Sinatra was filming a movie with Doris Day. Following the success of the song, the movie was renamed with its new title, playing at the beginning and at the end. An anthem to enduring optimism - keeping a vernal and curious mindset brings all good things to life, regardless of age. Song? Answer: "Young at Heart" by Frank sinatra. Great tune by The Chairman of The Board! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZRn4auk4PQ&list=RDaZRn4auk4PQ&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more Mop-Tops: Sir Paul wrote this pop-rock Beatles classic while living with Jane Asher at her family's home in London. It alludes to their sometimes turbulent relationship. He recalls the last evening spent with his lover prior to her departure. Recorded in two takes and was part of the "Help!" soundtrack. With John on the Hohner Pianet, it is the first Beatles tune to feature electric piano. Ringo fills in on maracas, another first. It prominently features Paul and George on dual lead guitar solos - George on his Gretsch Tennessean and Paul on his brand-new Epiphone Casino. The "minor drops" and the quick unison bends evoke the "And Your Bird Can Sing" guitar work. Song? Answer: "The Night Before" by The Beatles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAdJ1wQzaY8&list=RDPAdJ1wQzaY8&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more 60s one-hit wonders (a toughie!): This San Antonio-based dual-lead guitar Southern rock band took its name from a fictitious childhood game in "Brave New World". Their only hit came in April, 1969, peaking at #14 on Billboard. The title stems from a misheard line during an episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies". Group? Song? Answer: "Hot Smoke and Sassafras" by Bubble Puppy. "This song was inspired by an episode of the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies where Granny said, 'Hot smoke and sassafras, Jethro, can't you do anything right?' The group liked the phrase and wrote the song around it as an ode to meditating while smoking marijuana." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xgl8gSbbv8&list=RD3Xgl8gSbbv8&start_radio=1

OK, boys (hint, hint!) and girls, back to the 40s: This iconic 1941 big band/jazz Mack Gordon/Harry Warren composition received THE FIRST ever Gold Record in 1942 after selling 1.2 million copies and topping the charts for nine weeks. First recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Tex Beneke on lead vocals. Inspired by a historic Tennessee railroad terminal open from 1909 to 1970. It opens with a conversation between a passenger and a shoeshine boy at Penn Station in NYC asking for directions to his steam locomotive, as he is headed for Tennessee to see his sweetheart. Part of the "Sun Valley Serenade" soundtrack. Grammy Hall of Fame 1996. Song? Answer: "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2aj0zhXlLA&list=RDV2aj0zhXlLA&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 70s: Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb penned this flowing 1978 disco ballad for the "Music for UNICEF" initiative. They donated their $7M in writers' royalties to the organization. It suggests that finding pure, blissful, and heavenly (hint, hint!) moments in a relationship is rare and cannot last forever. #1 U.S. and Canada for 6 weeks, #2 Cash Box. Nine layers of three-part harmonies (27 voices!) comprise the recording including, of course, Barry's stratospheric falsetto. Chicago's three-man brass section can also be heard. Song? Answer: "Too Much Heaven" by The Bee Gees. It is rumored that the trio wrote "Too Much Heaven", "Tragedy" and Andy's "Shadow Dancing" in one day! Upon first hearing it, Brian Wilson commented that the Gibb brothers were "exceptionally good at harmonies". Not a big fan of Jimmy Fallon but you have to give credit when credit is due - his recurri...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This Cannonsburg, PA native (also home to Perry Como) became known as "The Polish Prince" as a teen idol early on in his career. He found his first chart-topping hit, an Al Byron and Paul Evans composition, in a rejected songs pile at Epic Records. A romantic but bittersweet 1962 pop ballad expressing nostalgia for a high school romance, heartbreak, and accepting a lost love. It was also Epic Records' first #1 hit, even though the artist had to do his own promotion. Topped the charts in many countries and also charted in Country and R&B. Covered by Jim Reeves. Artist? Song? Answer: "Roses Are Red (My Love)" by Bobby Vinton. Of Polish and Lithuanian extraction, the original family name was Vintula. He is 90, has been married to his wife Dolly for 64 years and still performs! Other hits include "Blue Velvet", "Blue on Blue" and "Mr. Lonely". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4yaA1K5...

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: This 1966 Brian Wilson/Tony Asher composition's intro features harpsichord and french horn - groundbreaking for 60s pop. Inspired in part by Sibelius' Symphony #5 and Wagner's "Die Gotterdammerung". Angelic vocals by little brother Carl. Peaked at #39. Inspired The Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere". Sir Paul called it "the greatest song ever written". #25 on Rolling Stones' 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Song? Answer: "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys. It is rumored that Brian Wilson and Tony Asher co-wrote it in 15 minutes (!). Some say that the reason it didn't get more airplay was because it contained the word God in the title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NADx3-qRxek&list=RDNADx3-qRxek&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: The theme for this epic 1956 film was written by Victor Young. Harold Adamson added lyrics later on. Only the orchestral version appears in the movie, which is based on an 1873 Jules Verne novel. Victor Young received a posthumous Oscar for Best Movie Score. The film stars David Niven, Cantinflas and Shirley MacLaine. The instrumental version peaked at #13 on Billboard in '57 but Bing Crosby's and Nat King Cole's vocal renditions became extremely popular. Part of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" soundtrack. Song? Movie? Answer: "Around the World" from "Around the World in 80 Days". I grew up listening to it on the ol' Bogen hi-fi. I find it interesting that David Niven was never knighted. ...and who can forget when a streaker ran across the stage while he was presenting at the 1974 Oscar Ceremony?! Unflappable and amused, Niven quipped: "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: The only chart hit for this Montana native came in 1978 with a soft-rock Neil Young composition. Talks about the need for deep love (hint, hint!) to overcome the challenges in a relationship. It was her breakthrough hit and a massive worldwide sensation. #1 Adult Contemporary, #8 Billboard Hot 100. Helped define the sound of the late 70s. She was first discovered by Commander Cody and sang background vocals for His Lost Planet Airmen. She was also the only female to ever sing backup for Van Halen. Artist? Song? Answer: "Lotta Love" by Nicolette Larson. We had the privilege of seeing her live at Fort Madison's Riverfest in the late 80s. What a voice! ...and that hair! Sadly, she left us way too early in 1997 at age 45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpFfjWdhROU&list=RDvpFfjWdhROU&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more 50s one-hit wonders: This novelty 1958 smash hit was written and recorded by "David Seville", a pseudonym. A man in love with a woman who ignores him takes "drastic" measures and is given some advice. Recorded in the artist's bathroom taped at double-speed. Mistakenly thought to be Alvin and The Chipmunks' first recording. It topped the Billboard, Cashbox and R&B charts and sold over one million copies. Covered in Spanish by Manuel "El Loco" Valdes. Song? Artist? For extra credit - advice? Answer: "Witch Doctor" by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. Advice: "Oo ee oo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang". ...and, of course, who can forget "El Medico Brujo"? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwGwl-ktuNA&list=RDxwGwl-ktuNA&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFrczwGOhiQ&list=RDmFrczwGOhiQ&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, more 50s one-hit wonders: It was 1958 and lead vocalist Vito Picone, as well as harmony singer Arthur Venosa, were teenagers living in Staten Island. They co-wrote the lyrics to an enduring doo-wop ballad which was their group's only hit. The melody was inspired by a classic nursery rhyme. A young, innocent lover compares his sweetheart to a celestial object. It became a defining track of the era. Topped both Billboard Hot 100 and R&B, was Certified Gold and remained in the charts for 19 weeks. Covered by Dion in '61 and by Randy & The Rainbows in '63. Song? Group? Answe: "Little Star" by The Elegants. Vito Picone is 84 and he is the only original member still alive. He continues to perform as Vito Picone and The Elegants. He appeared in "Goodfellas", "The Irishman" and "The Sopranos". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8F4vdF-bJc&list=RDl8F4vdF-bJc&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s/70s TWO-hit wonders: This Simonton, TX singer/songwriter's biggest hit came in 1973 with a soul-rock anthem penned by Mentor Williams in 1970. It had previously been recorded by Mike Berry and by John Henry Kurtz in 1972. It talks about the power of music to give us comfort, ease, escape and emotional release. It became a massive worldwide hit in 1973, topping the charts at #5 and Certified Gold. Covered by Michael Bolton, Uncle Kracker, The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart. He had previously had a hit in 1964 that peaked at #13 and was covered by The Mamas and the Papas. Artist? Two hits? Answer: Dobie Gray. Biggest hit: "Drift Away". Other hit: "The 'In' Crowd". Later became a very successful Nashville songwriter. He died in 2011 and left his entire estate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIuyDWzctgY&list=RDNIuyDWzctgY&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/w...

OK, girls and boys, more 70s one-hit wonders: Barry and Robin Gibb co-wrote this soft 1977 disco ballad about loyalty and lost love. An Australian songbird recorded it specifically to be included in the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, but it never was. Barry multitracked all the background vocals including, of course, his trademark stratospheric falsetto. It became her only hit, a worldwide sensation, peaking at #3 on Billboard, #2 in Australia and #11 in the UK. Covered by Destiny's Child in 2001. Artist? Song? Answer: "Emotion" by Samantha Sang. Born Cheryl Lau Sang in 1951, her voice had the perfect Bee Gee-esque breathiness. Robin was supposed to be in the studio but, unfortunately, this was at the peak of his feud with Barry so he chose not to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPwpVJ-eIgg&list=RDzPwpVJ-eIgg&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWKdMmH0B-E&list=RDxWKdMmH0B-E&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: It was 1966 and Michelle Phillips, then married to John, had brief affairs with both Denny Doherty and with Gene Clark of The Byrds, causing her temporary expulsion from the group. This inspired John and Denny to co-write this folk-rock classic after they patched things up. During the recording, Denny comes in too soon during the third and final chorus and, despite his best efforts, engineer Bones Howe was unable to correct the "happy mistake". Producer Lou Adler, however, liked it and decided to keep it in, becoming the song's trademark. Song? Answer: "I Saw Her Again" by The Mamas and The Papas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vaIBZCLUQU&list=RD4vaIBZCLUQU&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more Mop Tops: This romantic 1966 Macca ballad from "Revolver" was "meant to have a Beach Boys sound". He says it is "one of (his) favourite" works. Sir George Martin believed that it was one of Paul's best songs and Lennon said it is "the best tune of the album" and "one of my favourite songs of The Beatles". Named by Mojo Magazine "the fourth best song of all time" in 2000. Inspired by then-girlfriend Jane Asher. A tender song about desiring to always be together with your lover. Song? Answer: "Here, There and Everywhere" by The Beatles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FusIKjztap8&list=RDFusIKjztap8&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys, back to the 60s: This Hawthorne, CA native was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. She joined the Blossoms under Phil Spector in 1962 while still in high school. Her biggest SOLO hit came in '63 with a Powers/Greenwich/Spector composition which peaked at #39. A magical "love (hint, hint!) at first sight" moment. Spector paid her $3,000 for the rights to the song. She played Danny Glover's wife on all 4 "Lethal Weapon" movies. Artist? Biggest solo hit? Answer: "(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry" by Darlene Love. Still going strong at 84! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyiMMbUtavs&list=RDvyiMMbUtavs&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, more Mop Tops: This 1966 baroque-pop McCartney composition about the end of a relationship is arguably one of the Beatles' most beautiful tunes. Lennon called it "one of my favourites", even though neither he nor George played on it. Macca played clavichord, piano and bass; Ringo drums and tambourine. Alan Civil played the french horn obbligato, hitting a note beyond the range of the instrument! Song? Answer: "For No One" by The Beatles. He wrote it after an argument with then-girlfriend Jane Asher. In my book, one of the most beautiful Beatles tunes. Fun to do on guitar, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuphFPEqJqw&list=RDHuphFPEqJqw&start_radio=1