"The Girl From Ipanema"

OK, more 60's: This classic bossa nova was written in '62 by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. They would sit at the Veloso cafe/bar in Rio and watch this beautiful bikini-clad 15 year-old "garota" stop by and buy cigarettes for her mother on her way to the beach. First recorded in '62 by Pery Ribeiro. Astrud Gilberto's version won the Record Of The Year Grammy in '65.


Yesterday's answer: "Ruby Tuesday". #303 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All time. What can you say 'bout ol' Keith - they broke the mold! Actually, the restaurant chain DID take its name from the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUKz2fvb6jY From Jeff Bluml: I had heard a story once that Mick used to keep pad and pencil handy at all times as Keith would come up with some of the most incredible riffs or ideas, and unless written down immediately, were gone to the wind within minutes. Since Keith wouldn't... Mick did.

"Ruby Tuesday"

OK, more Stones: This '66/'67 Keith Richards composition about a free-spirited girl was based upon a simple melody written by Brian Jones for the recorder. To this day he cannot recall whether he wrote it about his then girlfriend Linda Keith or a nameless groupie - gotta love the guy! #1 U.S. and #3 UK coupled with A-side "Let's Spend The Night Together". Top 10 hit for Melanie in '70. #303 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Song Of All Time.

Yesterday's answer: "Twist And Shout". THAT'S when the Beatles were The Beatles!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVlr4g5-r18

"Twist And Shout"

OK, more 60's: This Medley/Russell composition was first recorded in '61 by The Top Notes - produced by Phil Spector. The Isley Brothers' '62 version was a Top 20 hit in both Pop and R&B. The Beatles' rendition in '64 with Lennon on lead vocals reached #1 on Cashbox. Highly evocative of Ritchie Valens' '58 "La Bamba". Featured in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and Rodney Dangerfield's "Back To School".

Yesterday's answer: "Luka" by Suzanne Vega. Incredible song - even after all this years it still tears me apart every time I hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCXnJIAQd1o

"Luka" by Suzanne Vega.

OK, back to the 80's: This '87 pop classic was its singer/songwriter's highest-charting hit, peaking at #3 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was simultaneously recorded in Spanish. One of the first songs to deal with child abuse and domestic violence. The "happy" music belies its devastating theme. Coincidentally, the title means "bruise" in Malay. Song? Singer/songwriter?

Yesterday's answer: The Rolling Stones. The Marquee Club was a jazz and skiffle joint. The Stones started out as a rhythm and blues band, heavily influenced by the likes of Chuck Berry and Little Richard.

The Rolling Stones

OK, more 60's: On a day like today, July 12, 1962 (48 years ago!) this newly-minted rhythm and blues band played their first live show at The Marquee Club, a jazz and skiffle venue in London. The lineup included, among others, Ian Stewart on piano and Tony Chapman on drums. The rest is rock 'n' roll history!

Yesterday's answer: Elvis' "Mystery Train". Dan Rogers' posting: That one is a MYSTERY that TRAINs my mind to remember that the king was a country star, not just a rock'n'roll star. A good video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpZn-2LhzCg where the King is singin' and pluckin' away! Just like eating fried chicken and watching trains go past. What a life. Thank you, thank you very much! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_eE0NPArEY

"Mystery Train"

OK, more 50's: This 1953 Junior Parker/Sam Phillips tune rockabilly classic was recorded by The King at Sun Studios in 1955 as the B-side to "I Forgot To Remember To Forget". It peaked at #11 on the Country charts. Ranked #77 among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Scotty Moore's guitar riff evokes Merle Travis' 1946 "Sixteen Tons".

Yesterday's answer: "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys. I saw them do it live in Vegas in Nov. '88 the night it became #1 - they were pretty happy - the fact that they had the UNLV cheerleaders on stage with them made it even better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_5_AD9wXuY

"Kokomo"

OK, more 80's: This '88 Phillips/McKenzie/Love/Melcher composition about a fictional place was originally titled "The Beer Song". The Beach Boys' last #1 hit. Part of Tom Cruise's "Cocktail" soundtrack. Only B.B. #1 hit not written or produced by Brian Wilson. Brian was not in the recording either. 1st B.B. #1 since "Good Vibrations" in '66, making it then the longest time span (22 yrs.) between #1's for any act.

Yesterday's answer: Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" The British Invasion at its best! Extra credit: Lucecita Benitez "Un Lugar Para Los Dos".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYbzW-6tvIM