OK, back to the 60's: This '64 The Ventures tune was one of their biggest hits. Based upon a ballet score composed by Richard Rodgers and choreographed by George Balanchine. It is the story of a hoofer that falls in love with a dance hall girl. Her jealous boyfriend shoots her and the hoofer shoots the boyfriend.
Yesterday's answer: Lobo's "Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend".
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
"Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend" by Lobo.
OK, more 70's: Roland Kent LaVoie joined The Rumours with the late great Gram Parsons in '61. He adopted a stage name in '71. He hit the singles charts 14 times over a 4 yr. period in the early 70's. This tune about being in love with someone you can never have (and her having no clue!) peaked at #8 Pop and #1 Adult Contemporary in '72. Stage name? Song?
Yesterday's answer: "How Deep Is Your Love?". More great memories from '77!
Yesterday's answer: "How Deep Is Your Love?". More great memories from '77!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
"How Deep Is Your Love?"
OK, here in Wyoming: This romantic classic was written by the Bee Gees for Yvonne Elliman. Robert Stigwood recommended that they record it instead for the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack. A then-record TopTen for 17 wks. in '77; #1 Dec. '77. Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Group. Recently performed by Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly with the remaining Bee Gees during the Idol finale.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"All I Know"
OK, more 70's: This beautiful Jimmy Webb composition was Art Garfunkel's first hit single (#9) from his first solo post-Simon and Garfunkel album. Released in Sept. '73, it went Certified Gold within a month. This was the first of many Jimmy Webb covers that Art released during the ensuing two decades. Song? Album?
Yesterday's answer: "We're All Alone" by Boz Scaggs from "Silk Degrees". Between the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and "Silk Degrees", great musical memories from my surgical residency at Bryn Mawr Hosp. in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Yesterday's answer: "We're All Alone" by Boz Scaggs from "Silk Degrees". Between the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and "Silk Degrees", great musical memories from my surgical residency at Bryn Mawr Hosp. in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
"We're All Alone" by Boz Scaggs.
OK, back to the 70's: This Canton, OH native became the vocalist for Steve Miller's first band, The Marksmen, in '59. He rejoined the Steve Miller Band in the late 60's on their 1st 2 albums. His smash album (#2 U.S.) came in '76, accompanied by session musicians later to become Toto. A song from the album was covered by Frankie Valli and by Rita Coolidge (Cert. Gold #1 Cashbox). Artist? Album? Song?
Yesterday's answer: "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.
Yesterday's answer: "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
"Centerfield" by John Fogerty.
OK, back to Cooperstown: This rock legend wrote this tune while watching an All-Star game from the bleachers at Candlestick Park. He produced, arranged, sang and played all the instruments himself! Double-platinum in '85. In July he will be the first musician to be honored at the Baseball Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. Artist? Song?
Yesterday's answer: The Grass Roots "Let's Live For Today". Great group from the 60's. "Melody For You" wasn't one of their big hits but remains my fave from them.
Yesterday's answer: The Grass Roots "Let's Live For Today". Great group from the 60's. "Melody For You" wasn't one of their big hits but remains my fave from them.
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Let's Live For Today" by The Grass Roots.
OK, more 60's: This was the first hit under their new name for an L.A. band originally named "The 13th Floor" - the name was changed by producers Barri and Sloan. Peaked at #8 in '67. It was the English translation by Pomus/Shuman of the Italian hit "Piangi Con Me". Creed Bratton, the original guitarist, played "Creed" in "The Office". Band? Song?
Yesterday's answer: "Society's Child" by Janis Ian.
Yesterday's answer: "Society's Child" by Janis Ian.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to my music trivia blog! Musical trivia has been a life-long passion and hobby of mine and for the last year or so I've been posting a daily question on FaceBook with the answer and a comment posted the following day if no one answers it correctly. My first posting today includes some of the most recent questions - I apologize as some of them ran into each other - growing pains! I plan on posting the previous day's answer along with the new question. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Poldo.
Poldo.
Previous Posts
OK, more 60's: A 13 year-old girl from E. Orange, NJ started writing this song about interracial romance while waiting to see the school principal - one of only 6 non-African-Americans in her school. Finished it the following year - titled "Baby, I've Been Thinking". The producer changed the song's name. Sponsored by Leonard Bernstein, she recorded it on Verve. #1 in '67. Grammy Hall Of Fame '01. Artist? Song? Answer: "Society's Child" by Janis Ian.
OK, more one-hit wonders: This '74 Weiss/DeShannon composition spent 9 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in '81. Also #1 in 31 countries. Song and Record Of The Year Grammys in '81. Recorded in one take! Famously covered by Eddie Murphy on SNL as Buckwheat in "Buh-Weet Sings". Song? Artist? Answer: "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes.
OK, more one-hit wonders: This Loudermilk/Langley doo-wop classic was released in '67 and peaked at #6 Pop. The group consisted of 9 men and it took them 9 years to crack the Top Ten. Langley was 15 at the time - inspired by a teenage breakup. Sold it for $1,500! Top 10 Country covers by Eddy Arnold and Neal McCoy. Song? Group? Answer: "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" by the Casinos.
OK, more 60's: This 1962 soul ballad written and performed by Arthur Alexander was a minor hit for him. The Beatles' cover appeared in their 1963 debut album and it fared much better. Recorded in 3 takes - a personal favorite of John's; he had a bad cold when he recorded it accounting for the nasal quality. My man Roger McGuinn covered it in '93 for the Alexander Tribute. Answer: "Anna"
OK, one for "Bijou Drains", the Birthday Boy (65 today!): This rock classic's title is derived from his spiritual guru and from an experimental musician whom he admired. The title is never mentioned in the lyrics and it was never released as a single. First time the synthesizer was used as a rhythm instrument. Answer: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who. Bijou Drains=Pete Townsend.
OK, more 60's: This Graham Gouldman (later of 10cc) composition was penned when he was 16 while commuting home from work. His father, Hyme, a playwright, wrote the opening lines. Recorded in 1 hr. 15 min. - the group's 1st U.S. top 10 hit (#5); also #5 in the UK. Covered by Herman's Hermits and the Classics IV. Song? Group? Answer: "Bus Stop" by the Hollies.
OK, back to the 50's: This 1959 Della Reese interpretation became her "signature" song. It was her biggest hit - #1 R&B and #2 Pop. Based upon "Musetta's Waltz" from Puccini's "La Boheme". Featured on DeNiro's "A Bronx Tale" soundtrack. Answer: "Don't you Know?"
OK, more 60's: This tune was written by John Stewart around the time he was leaving the Kingston Trio. It was The Monkees' last #1 single - for 4 weeks in '67. Anne Murray's 1979 cover peaked at #3 on the Country charts and at #12 on Billboard Hot 100. "7A!" "...just 'cause I'm short. I know." Answer: "Daydream Believer".
OK, more one-hit wonders: This singer/songwriter from Spokane, Wash. auditioned with Atlantic Records over the phone (!). His only hit spoke of "restless young people living dreary lives in dead-end small towns". It had all the elements of a Country hit but never made it - instead, it crossed over to peak at #9 in the Pop charts in '72. Covered by Elvis, Willie, Dwight, Waylon and Chet. Song? Artist? Answer: "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues" by Danny O'Keefe.
OK, more one-hit wonders: This Andre Popp composition was first recorded by Vicky Leandros. A French orchestra leader's version hit #1 in the U.S. for 5 weeks in '68. He was also musical director for Maurice Chevalier and Charles Aznavour. Only French performer to top Billboard's Hot 100. Had a minor hit with "El Bimbo". Song? Orchestra? Answer: "Love Is Blue" by Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra.
OK, back to The Beatles: This George Harrison/Jeff Lynne composition speaks of the days of Beatlemania. This was George's 18th solo single. #23 U.S. and #25 U.K. in '87. The single cover contains Klaus Voormann's 1966 line drawing of George from Revolver, as well as an "updated" version. He wore his original Sgt. Pepper uniform for the video 20 years later - admittedly "a little tight around the middle"! Answer: When We Was Fab".
OK, more one-hit wonders: This '74 Weiss/DeShannon composition spent 9 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in '81. Also #1 in 31 countries. Song and Record Of The Year Grammys in '81. Recorded in one take! Famously covered by Eddie Murphy on SNL as Buckwheat in "Buh-Weet Sings". Song? Artist? Answer: "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes.
OK, more one-hit wonders: This Loudermilk/Langley doo-wop classic was released in '67 and peaked at #6 Pop. The group consisted of 9 men and it took them 9 years to crack the Top Ten. Langley was 15 at the time - inspired by a teenage breakup. Sold it for $1,500! Top 10 Country covers by Eddy Arnold and Neal McCoy. Song? Group? Answer: "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" by the Casinos.
OK, more 60's: This 1962 soul ballad written and performed by Arthur Alexander was a minor hit for him. The Beatles' cover appeared in their 1963 debut album and it fared much better. Recorded in 3 takes - a personal favorite of John's; he had a bad cold when he recorded it accounting for the nasal quality. My man Roger McGuinn covered it in '93 for the Alexander Tribute. Answer: "Anna"
OK, one for "Bijou Drains", the Birthday Boy (65 today!): This rock classic's title is derived from his spiritual guru and from an experimental musician whom he admired. The title is never mentioned in the lyrics and it was never released as a single. First time the synthesizer was used as a rhythm instrument. Answer: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who. Bijou Drains=Pete Townsend.
OK, more 60's: This Graham Gouldman (later of 10cc) composition was penned when he was 16 while commuting home from work. His father, Hyme, a playwright, wrote the opening lines. Recorded in 1 hr. 15 min. - the group's 1st U.S. top 10 hit (#5); also #5 in the UK. Covered by Herman's Hermits and the Classics IV. Song? Group? Answer: "Bus Stop" by the Hollies.
OK, back to the 50's: This 1959 Della Reese interpretation became her "signature" song. It was her biggest hit - #1 R&B and #2 Pop. Based upon "Musetta's Waltz" from Puccini's "La Boheme". Featured on DeNiro's "A Bronx Tale" soundtrack. Answer: "Don't you Know?"
OK, more 60's: This tune was written by John Stewart around the time he was leaving the Kingston Trio. It was The Monkees' last #1 single - for 4 weeks in '67. Anne Murray's 1979 cover peaked at #3 on the Country charts and at #12 on Billboard Hot 100. "7A!" "...just 'cause I'm short. I know." Answer: "Daydream Believer".
OK, more one-hit wonders: This singer/songwriter from Spokane, Wash. auditioned with Atlantic Records over the phone (!). His only hit spoke of "restless young people living dreary lives in dead-end small towns". It had all the elements of a Country hit but never made it - instead, it crossed over to peak at #9 in the Pop charts in '72. Covered by Elvis, Willie, Dwight, Waylon and Chet. Song? Artist? Answer: "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues" by Danny O'Keefe.
OK, more one-hit wonders: This Andre Popp composition was first recorded by Vicky Leandros. A French orchestra leader's version hit #1 in the U.S. for 5 weeks in '68. He was also musical director for Maurice Chevalier and Charles Aznavour. Only French performer to top Billboard's Hot 100. Had a minor hit with "El Bimbo". Song? Orchestra? Answer: "Love Is Blue" by Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra.
OK, back to The Beatles: This George Harrison/Jeff Lynne composition speaks of the days of Beatlemania. This was George's 18th solo single. #23 U.S. and #25 U.K. in '87. The single cover contains Klaus Voormann's 1966 line drawing of George from Revolver, as well as an "updated" version. He wore his original Sgt. Pepper uniform for the video 20 years later - admittedly "a little tight around the middle"! Answer: When We Was Fab".
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