MY FAVORITE SONGS
Here is the comment I made when I inaugurated this list on
1
September 2004; since then, the list has evolved to encompass both vocal and
instrumental musical compositions: |
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein ("Main Title") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Frank Skinner, captures both the chills and the laughs of the classic film that drops the immortal comedic duo into the horrors of the Universal monster franchise. Skinner's wonderful score for this 1948 film was given a Halloween tribute by conductor William Stromberg and the Golden State Pops Orchestra [YouTube link]. [25 January 2013]
ABC is credited to "The Corporation"---that Motown group of musical creators who included Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards. This song was the second of four consecutive Jackson Five songs to hit #1, and alphabetically, it is at the beginning of Billboard's all-time #1 hits. Eleven years ago today, Michael Jackson died tragically. Last year, I wrote an essay addressing his legacy and controversial life; this year, I mark this anniversary with memories of a happier time. Check out the original J5 single and the Jackson Five appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on 10 May 1970. But in keeping with the theme of our Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition), check out this big band arrangement by Jim McMillen from the album, "Swingin' to Michael Jackson: A Tribute" [25 June 2020]
About Damn Time is credited to a host of writers, including Melissa Viviane Jefferson---aka as Lizzo, who released this song last month as the lead single to her 2022 album, "Special". Check out the official video and the multi-talented artist's April 16th performance on "Saturday Night Live" [YouTube links], where she was both the host and musical guest. I just really like this song's Old School groove and that flute! [Postscript: This Grammy Record of the Year also has a Grammy-winning Purple Disco Machine Mix (YouTube link).] [6 May 2022]
Action Jackson and The Magical Disappearing Sock [YouTube link], composed and arranged by Tyler J. Mire, features my long-time friend and coeditor Roger Bissell on trombone. One thing you DON'T want before Christmas is a Magical Disappearing Sock (or Christmas Stocking, if you will). Where will Santa put all those treats, if you're nice? Or coal, if you're naughty? Check out this swinging track! [23 December 2022]
The Addams Family ("Main Theme"), composed by Vic Mizzy, opened this ABC show that starred John Astin and Carolyn Jones. Though the series only lasted for two seasons (1964-1966), its iconic theme---with its harpsicord, finger snaps, and Ted Cassidy voiceover (as "Lurch")---remains a TV classic [YouTube link]. [1 August 2023]
Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful) (audio clip at that link) features the Latin words and music of John Francis Wade, with an English translation by Frederick Oakeley. Listen to udio clips of recordings of this uplifting melody by Celine Dion, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Luciano Pavarotti, Mario Lanza, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. [2 January 2006]
Adore You features the words and music of Amy Allen, Tyler Johnson, Thomas Hull, and Harry Styles, who recorded this single for his 2019 album, "Fine Line". This song's got a nice chill, soulful dance groove to it. Check out the official video, a live performance on "The Late, Late Show with James Corden", as well as remixes by J. Bruus and DJ Matt Blakk. [8 March 2020]
The Adventures of Robin Hood ("Duel, Victory, and Epilogue"), composed by the great Erich Korngold, is from one of the finest motion picture soundtracks of all time, winner of the 1938 Oscar for Best Original Score. From the rousing Errol Flynn swashbuckling adventure, listen to an audio clip here. [24 February 2007]
[YouTube link] is the rousing opening composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold for the truly wonderful 1938 film, starring the great swashbuckling Errol Flynn and his steadfast co-star Olivia de Havilland, with whom he appeared in eight films. She is still going strong at 102 years of age. I highlighted a classic cue from this Oscar-winning Korngold soundtrack back in 2007, but the Main Title still shines as memorable movie music. [11 February 2019]The Adventures of Robin Hood ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, features grand themes from the Oscar-winning score to this rousing 1938 swashbuckling adventure, directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley. It stars Errol Flynn in the title role, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, and Olivia de Havilland. Korngold, along with Max Steiner and Alfred Newman, was considered one of the founders of film music, and no soundtrack suite tribute would be complete without a nod to at least one of his 16 Hollywood film scores. [26 February 2022]
The Adventures of Superman ("Superman March") [YouTube link], composed by Leon Klatzkin, opened one of my favorite childhood superhero shows. Considering that the Superman character is celebrating his 75th anniversary this year, I can think of no better way to kick off my annual mini-tribute to television themes, in honor of the upcoming broadcast of the Emmy Awards. The series ran from 1952 to 1958, and starred George Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman. [13 September 2013]
A Felicidade, music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, is featured on the album Ella Abraca Jobim, and is the only song in our tribute not sung in English! The album features so many of the very famous and melodic Jobim songs, but this is one of those rarely heard gems, with the same wonderful Brazilian flavor one would expect from the great composer, and that touch of swing one would expect from Ella. Check it out on YouTube. [23 April 2017]
After All features the music of Elton John and the lyrics of Charlie Puth---who turns 30 years old today! The "Perfect Pitch" birthday boy wrote the lyrics in tribute to John's nearly three-decade-long relationship with David Furnish, whom John legally married in 2014. Puth and John recorded this song for the latter's October 2021 album, "The Lockdown Sessions." Check out the album version, their appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and their duet on Global Citizen Live. [2 December 2021]
Afternoon [mp3 ink], words and music by Philip Verdi and Joanne Barry, is featured on the album "Holding On," with Carl Barry on guitar, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Eliot Zigmund on drums. The fact that Joanne is my sister-in-law and Carl is my brother [YouTube channel link] has nothing to do with it! Nepotism aside, they're great! And I can't think of a lovelier way to spend a summer's afternoon than to take in the sounds of their love for the music and each other. (And while you're at it, check out a few of their other recorded tracks, including "My Favorite Things," "Rollercoaster" (an original), "Embraceable You," "Empty Faces," "Autumn Leaves," and Carl's trio on "Footprints" [site links].) [11 July 2020]
After You've Gone, words and music by Henry Creamer and John Turner Layton, was first published in 1918. It has been recorded by such artists as Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, and, for the 1942 film "For Me and My Gal," by Judy Garland (audio clips at artist links). But my favorite version remains an instrumental by the Benny Goodman Trio, with Teddy Wilson on piano and Gene Krupa on drums. Listen to a full-length audio clip here. [14 December 2005]
Against Time ("Main Theme") [site link], composed by my colleague and friend Michael Gordon Shapiro, is a sensitive orchestral theme to a 2001 film starring Oscar-winning actor Robert Loggia, as well as Craig T. Nelson and John Amos. The film was originally titled "All Over Again," but was released in 2007 as "Against Time." Shapiro's touching score is a quintessential example of how scoring can enhance a film's emotional impact. This main theme is only one example of his many gifts (for those who own a DVD copy of the film, the "Deleted Opening Music" can be found in the "Special Features" section, but this lovely theme can be heard in variations throughout the film). Somewhat ironically, it is fitting to feature a song from a time travel movie on a day when groundhogs are telling us how much more time we have to wait for Spring! [2 February 2018]
(Ah The Apple Trees) When the World Was Young, music by Philippe Gerard, French lyrics by Angele Vannier, English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, has been recorded by countless artists through the years. Check out renditions by Edith Piaf (in the original French, as "Le chevalier de Paris"), Aretha Franklin, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Eydie Gorme, and Frank Sinatra [YouTube links]. Apple is the official fruit of New York, and today, The Big Apple, and all those who have been nourished by its fruitfulness, mark the twenty-first anniversary of 9/11. In memory of those whose lives we lost. [11 September 2022]
Ain't Nobody, music and lyrics by David Wolinski, was a huge sleaze-beat R&B hit for Rufus and Chaka Khan. The way Chaka bends and sails over these notes earned her a 1983 Grammy award for "Best Rhythm and Blues Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal." It's ironic that this was the year of Michael Jackson's big Grammy haul for "Thriller"; Quincy Jones tried to get this track for Jackson's album before Chaka recorded it. [7 November 2004]
Ain't No Mountain High Enough, words and music by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, has been performed by many artists, including Diana Ross (audio clip at that link), Michael McDonald (audio clip at that link), and classic disco versions by Boystown Gang (in a medley with "Remember Me") and by Inner Life, with vocalist Jocelyn Brown (listen to audio clip here). My favorite version remains the Marvin Gaye-Tammi Terrell duet. Listen to an audio clip here. [17 April 2005]
Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You, music and lyrics by Barry Gibb, was sung by Teri De Sario in a grand 1978 Casablanca Records release. A fantastic pop hook for the dancefloor. [19 October 2004]
Ain't She Sweet, music by Milton Ager, lyrics by Jack Yellen, was published in 1927 and became a Tin Pan Alley standard. In 1962, it was recorded by Frank Sinatra for a Neal Hefti-conducted album, "Sinatra and Swingin' Brass." For those who remember my Frank Sinatra Centenary Tribute, today marks the 103rd anniversary of Sinatra's birth. Check out this wonderful rendition of a timeless classic [YouTube link]. [12 December 2018]
Airegin (that's "Nigeria" spelled backwards, written in 1954 as "a salute to the newly independent African state") is a classic Sonny Rollins jazz composition that has been recorded by countless artists. It even sports a rarely heard lyric, composed by the great Jon Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. It has also been sung by such groups as The Manhattan Transfer; listen to an audio clip from their album "Vocalese." One of my favorite blazing, blaring, scalding instrumental versions of this song is performed by the Maynard Ferguson band (YouTube link from the album "New Vintage"). My brother, guitarist Carl Barry [YouTube link to his performance at "Guitar Night" at Gulliver's), has brought people to their feet when he's performed this hard bop evergreen in concert. Just terrific. [19 January 2005]
Air Force One ("Main Title/The Parachutes") [YouTube link] was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who was born on this date in 1929. This theme is featured in the Wolfgang Peterson-directed 1997 film, which stars Harrison Ford as President James Marshall, whose Air Force One plane gets hijacked by Russian nationalists, led by Egor Korshunov, played to the villainous hilt by Gary Oldman (who is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar this year for his performance as Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour"). The original score by Randy Newman was rejected by the studio and Goldsmith produced this heroic soundtrack in a miraculously swift twelve days. [10 February 2018]
Airport ("Emergency Landing") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, is a musical highlight from the 1970 film that originated the "disaster genre" that would come to dominate the decade. This was the last film Newman scored prior to his death on February 17th of that year, a month before he would have turned 70 and less than a month before the release of this film (on March 5, 1970). Nominated for forty-five Oscars throughout his scoring career, Newman would go on to win nine Academy Awards for Best Original Score, third behind Walt Disney, with twenty-six, and art director/production designer Cedric Gibbons, with eleven. [19 February 2018]
Airport ("Love Theme") features the last soundtrack composed by Alfred Newman, who passed away less than a month before the film's release (and a month before his 70th St. Patrick's Day birthday in 1970). Nominated for 10 Oscars (only Helen Hayes walked away with a statuette, for "Best Supporting Actress"), the movie is credited as having initiated the 1970s "disaster film" genre, which reached its height, so-to-speak, in 1974, with "The Towering Inferno." The Oscar-nominated Newman score is highlighted by this lush love theme (YouTube link). (This particular take on the love theme is from "As You Remember Them," a Time-Life collection on vinyl that I've always treasured.) [11 February 2012]
Airport 1975 ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by John Cacavas, opens the second installment in the "Airport" film series, inspired by the original Arthur Hailey novel (and 1970 film). George Kennedy (as Joe Patroni) was the only actor to star in all four films of the series (not counting the 1980 parody film, Airplane!). This 1974 film starred Charlton Heston, Karen Black, and Gloria Swanson (as herself) in her last film role. Not nearly as fine a production as its predecessor, it nevertheless went on to become the seventh highest-grossing film of 1974. And it sports an elegant main title. [5 February 2020]
Alfie, the Oscar-nominated title song to the original 1966 Michael Caine film version (remade in 2004 as a starring vehicle for Jude Law), has been sung by everyone from Cher to Dionne Warwick. But the version that tugs at my tear ducts is an instrumental, with Stevie Wonder on harmonica. It's a Hal David-Burt Bacharach classic. [13 November 2004]
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (aka "Funeral March of a Marionette") was actually adapted from a Charles Gounod composition. TV shows borrow such themes all the time. Listen to an audio clip here. [16 September 2005]
Alien ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is one of those unforgettable science fiction-horror themes that conjures up images of an entire film and the franchise to which it gave birth. "In space, no one can hear you scream," went the advertisement. But screams were aplenty in this 1979 iconic film, directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. This is one of my all-time favorite films of the genre, with a creepy score to match. [15 February 2013]
Aliens ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by James Horner, opens "Aliens," the best of the sequels to the iconic 1979 film. This action-packed 1986 film was directed by James Cameron, and starred, once again, Sigourney Weaver as a kick-ass Ripley. Cameron-Horner is as distinctive a collaboration as Hitchcock-Herrmann and Spielberg-Williams. This track is from one of the best scores (and one of the best films) in the sci-fi/horror genre. [16 February 2013]
All About Eve ("Main Title") [sample at that link] opens composer Alfred Newman's Oscar-nominated score for the iconic 1950 film, which was nominated for a then-record 14 Academy Awards (tied in 1997 by "Titanic"). The film won a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture. It boasts an outstanding cast, led by the incomparable (and Oscar-nominated Best Actress) Bette Davis, who utters that famous line: "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night" (#9 on the list of the American Film Institute's all-time movie quotations). And a special nod to Oscar-nominated Supporting Actress Thelma Ritter, who, as Birdie, just can't believe the life story being told by Eve (Oscar-nominated Supporting Actress Anne Baxter): "Everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." (And check out the Live Lux Radio Theater version of the story!) Today begins my Annual Tribute to Cinema Songs, Scores and Other Compositions featured in film, a traditional Film Music February en route to the 84th Academy Awards. [1 February 2012]
All Across the City was composed by Jim Hall, the great jazz guitarist, who was born on this date in 1930. Listen to various audio clips of this haunting jazz classic: the brilliant Jim Hall-Bill Evans duet; a lush Jim Hall version; and sensitive collaborations of Jim Hall with Paul Desmond and with the great Pat Metheny too. Happy birthday, Mr. Hall! [4 December 2007]
(You Are My) All and All was written and performed by Joyce Sims. I once heard a live remix of this song at a dance club called Bentley's in Manhattan, and was utterly astounded by the DJ's skill. It was inspiring to me, as I was still DJ'ing parties back then in 1986. Listen to audio clips of various remixes of this percolating freestyle dance track here. [19 January 2006]
All Around the World features the words and music of Ian Devaney, Andy Morris, and the woman who sang it: Lisa Stansfield. Listen to an audio clip of this soulful R&B-laced hit here. [13 June 2006]
All Blues, composed by Miles Davis, is from one of my favorite jazz albums of all time: "Kind of Blue." After "Blue Suede Shoes" and a Big Blue loss, I'll be in Blue for a few days. This classic features such players as Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, and the great Bill Evans, who contributed much to the modal approach to jazz featured on this recording. Listen to audio clips here and here. [9 January 2006]
All I Ask of You, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, is from the musical, "Phantom of the Opera" (listen to the audio clip at that link). It is featured in the 2004 film as well (audio clip here). My favorite version of this melodic, romantic song is by Barbra Streisand (listen to the audio clip at that link). [12 April 2005]
All in Love is Fair, words and music by the great Stevie Wonder. Streisand has a fine rendition of this, but Stevie's version makes me cry. [27 September 2004]
All in the Family ("Those Were The Days") [YouTube link], music and lyrics by Charles Strouse, is recognized as one of the Top Fifty Television Themes of All Time. Its iconic status in the history of TV themes is only eclipsed by the iconic status of this remarkably daring show, which simultaneously made us collapse with laughter and confront the social prejudices that are as relevant today as they were when Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin introduced this show on the CBS Television Network. Part of what made the show work was the real chemistry between its two prime players; no less than Lucy and Ricky, Alice and Ralph, Edith and Archie have become part of the culture of television excellence. And this year, it is especially poignant to end our mini-tribute to TV themes with the song that introduced the world to Lear's comedy, and to the brilliance of Emmy-winning actress, Jean Stapleton, who passed away on 31 May 2013. Tonight, when they do that Emmy Awards "In Memoriam" tribute section to people who have passed away, expect an ovation for this wonderful actress. And take a listen to that opening theme once more. So comes the end of our mini-tribute to television music. [22 September 2013]
All I Want for Christmas features the words and music of Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey, who can be seen in this jovial YouTube moment (with Johnny Depp). Check out as well this slower version by The Cheetah Girls. [29 December 2008]
All My Love features the words and music of Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, Moses Martin, John Metcalfe, and Chris Martin, who plays an upright piano in this Coldplay video featuring Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 years old today. The Spike Jonze-Mary Wigmore Director's Cut is a poignant and lovely tribute to the great DVD. Winner of six Emmy Awards, a Grammy, a Tony, a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kennedy Center Honors, Dick Van Dyke has had a legendary career that has spanned seven decades. Check out the Director's Cut, the lyric version, as well as a shorter version, which debuts today [YouTube links]. Long Live Dick Van Dyke! [13 December 2024]
All My Loving, written by Paul McCartney (but credited to both McCartney and John Lennon), was the song that opened up the set that The Beatles performed in their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," 50 years ago this very day. It was the ultimate symbol of the "British Invasion" appearing on one of the most popular variety shows of its day; indeed, 73 million people are estimated to have seen The Beatles that Sunday night, and I was among them. A sample of this song also made it into the 1964 film, "A Hard Day's Night," a black and white classic of the comedy-musical genre. Beatlemania had begun, and popular music would never be the same. Check out the single version, an excerpt from the "Ed Sullivan" performance on 9 February 1964, and its sample in "A Hard Day's Night" [YouTube links]. [9 February 2014]
All My Tomorrows, music by Jimmy van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was first heard over the opening credits of the 1959 film, "A Hole in the Head," sung by and starring Frank Sinatra, who was born on this date in 1915. Sinatra re-recorded the song for his 1961 album, "All the Way", and again in 1969 for his album, "My Way." Subtle differences can be heard in the three Sinatra renditions, each a treasure: the first, arranged by Nelson Riddle, from the opening of the 1959 film; the second, from 1961, also arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle; and the third, from 1969, conducted by Don Costa [YouTube links]. Sinatra remains one of the singular voices of the twentieth century, a legacy that lives on. [12 December 2024]
All Night Passion, words and music by Rick Tarbox, was a hot mid-80s dance hit recorded by Alisha. Listen to audio clips of the original version and the extended dance remix here. [29 June 2006]
All of Me, words and music by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons, was featured in many renditions on the radio show of Danny Stiles, "The King of Nostalgia," "The Vicar of Vintage Vinyl," who passed away back on March 11, 2011. Today, we remember the stylish Stiles, who gave all of himself to the cause of preserving great American standards. Check out these performances: Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington live "Jazz on a Summer's Day," Lester Young and Teddy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, the very Sassy Sarah Vaughan, Willie Nelson, John Pizzarelli, Tal Farlow and Red Norvo, Frank Sinatra swingin' at Caesar's Palace, and the one and only Pops with Chops: Louis Armstrong (all YouTube clips). [29 August 2011]
All of You, words and music by Cole Porter, has been recorded by many artists through the years, including jazz pianist Bill Evans, for his album, "Sunday at the Village Vanguard," his final recording with his famous trio that included Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums [YouTube link]; ten days after this live performance, the pathbreaking, innovative bassist, LaFaro, died tragically in an automobile accident. This song was recorded late in Sinatra's career, on September 17, 1979. Sinatra did a wonderful recording of the song "All of Me," which talks of a broken love affair, with poignant lyrics: "You took the part, that once was my heart, so why not take all of me?" But this song has a decidedly different message, perhaps more appealing to the "Fifty Shades of Grey" generation, with its "I'd love to take complete control of you" motif. The song first appeared on Sinatra's 1980 album, "Trilogy: Past, Present, Future," and it is found on Disc 4 of "Ultimate Sinatra," as well. Listen to the Chairman of the Board with this swinging Billy May arrangement [YouTube link]. Tonight a Grammy all-Star Las Vegas bash, taped on December 2nd, is being shown on CBS television to honor the Sinatra Centenary. Sinatra himself did many TV specials, including the three "Man and His Music" specials, which included, in its third installment, that lovely section with Jobim [see here in my opening essay], and one with The First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald; check them out in "The Lady is a Tramp" [YouTube link]. [6 December 2015]
All or Nothing at All, music by Arthur Altman, lyrics by Brooklynite Jack Lawrence, performed with a sense of tragedy by Sinatra to a fine Don Costa arrangement, from the album, "Sinatra and Strings" (check out that audio clip). [17 December 2004]
All the Things You Are, the Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II masterpiece, is one of the most beautifully crafted songs ever written. I mentioned Mario Lanza's version in my essay, "Celebrating the Great American Songbook." But it has been recorded by everybody from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson to Ella Fitzgerald. It is also one of the great standards of jazz improvisation; I really love pianist Bill Evans' playfully reworked version, which he renamed "Are You All the Things?" It is featured on his brilliant album Intuition, with Eddie Gomez on bass. [10 September 2004]
All the Way, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn. This Oscar-winning song from the 1957 film "The Joker is Wild," is performed by a relaxed Sinatra to another terrific Nelson Riddle arrangement. Listen to the audio clip at amazon.com. [18 December 2004]
All This Time, words and music by Jonathan Peters, Richard Bush, and Delsena Walrond, features the vocals of Sylver Logan Sharp. Listen to audio clips from two different remixes of this pumpin' dance track here and here. [28 September 2005]
Almost Like Being in Love, music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, has been sung with swing and gusto by everybody from Nat King Cole to Natalie Cole (click links for audio clips). I also love a hot jazz violin version by Joe Venuti. [11 March 2005]
Alone Together, words and music by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, is featured on the Gleason production "Music for Lovers Only," and includes another sparkling Hackett solo. The 2016 88th Annual Academy Awards gave its "Best Original Song" statuette to Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes for "Writing's On the Wall" from the Bond flick, "SPECTRE," and the "Best Original Score" went to the immortal Ennio Morricone for "The Hateful Eight." Meanwhile, having closed out our Film Music February yesterday, we can now conclude our Centenary tribute to Jackie Gleason. "And Away We Go...." Check out the warmth of Hackett's trumpet in this track [YouTube Link], which could only have been produced by a warm and loving Jackie Gleason. In this cantankerous political season, I can think of nothing more triumphant than a full-hearted embrace of the cultural contributions of The Great One, who arose from the blisters of his childhood and even above the bluster of his most famous characters to Leap Up and Declare, with undiluted joy: "How Sweet It Is." [29 February 2016]
Alright, Okay, You Win, words and music by Sid Wyche and Mayme Watts, is one of those jovial blues-based swing tracks that has been recorded by some fine jazz and pop vocalists, including Joe Williams with Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Bette Midler, on a tribute album to Lee (audio clips at those links). [8 December 2006]
Also Sprach Zarathustra, composed by Richard Strauss, was made famous when its introduction was used as the opening theme music to the 1968 Stanley Kubrick-directed film, "2001: A Space Odyssey." It is painted in bold musical strokes, a "tone poem for large orchestra" that was inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra. Listen to audio clips from the work here. [2 December 2005]
Always, words and music by Irving Berlin, is a 1925 gem that Berlin wrote as a wedding gift for his wife. The song has been recorded so many times by artists from Frank Sina)tra to Patsy Cline and Billie Holiday, who gives it a swing feel (YouTube links]. But its most memorable spin, for me, can be heard in the greatest sports film of all time, in my view, the 1942 Lou Gehrig biopic, "The Pride of the Yankees." Check out one scene from the film [YouTube link], featuring singer Bettye Avery, with Gary Cooper playing the immortal Gehrig and Teresa Wright, his wife Eleanor (Cooper and Wright received Best Actor and Actress nominations, respectively; only Wright walked away with the gold statuette, but for her Best Supporting Actress role in the Best Picture of that year, "Mrs. Miniver"). Seventy-five years ago today, Gehrig gave one of the most remarkable speeches in all of Americana, saying goodbye to 60,000+ Yankee faithful in attendance at a 1939 Indepedence Day ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Check out the speech as given by Gehrig, as emulated by Major League Baseball, and also as immortalized in celluloid history by the wonderful Cooper [YouTube links] (and that's the real Babe Ruth appearing in the film). Gehrig later passed away from ALS, a disease known to many as "Lou Gehrig's Disease." Gehrig was one of the Yankees' most memorable team captains; today's Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, in his final career season, recently tied Gehrig's franchise record for lifetime doubles. For Yankees fans, for fans of America's game, Gehrig will always be the Iron Horse; on this Independence Day, we say Happy Birthday, America, and we celebrate Gehrig and the national passtime with a song written by one of America's most celebrated songwriters. [4 July 2014]
Amazing Grace is a Christian hymn that was published in 1779, written by John Newton. If there had been recording technology back then, I think we could fairly say that there would have been thousands of recordings of this song by now. Since the advent of recording, AllMusic estimates that there have been at least 1,000 recordings of this hymn. Our Summer Music Festival (Woodstock Golden Anniversary Edition) continues with this rendition [YouTube link] by Arlo Guthrie, who closed his six-song set at 12:25 am on Saturday, 16 August 2019. Given this week's nineteenth installment in my annual WTC Remembrance Series, I could think of fewer themes more appropriate to feature this weekend. Also check out this bagpipe rendition [YouTube link], which features a montage of 9/11 images in tribute to the 343 firefighters who paid the ultimate price on that day---so that others might live. [Ed.: Hat Tip to my friend Kurt Keefner, who mentions that the words of this song were matched in 1835 to the melody of "New Britain" by William Walker.] [13 September 2019]
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (It's On Again) was composed by Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar, with a little help from Pharrell Williams, all in collaboration with Hans Zimmer, who scored this second film, released in 2014, in the Andrew Garfield reboot of one of my favorite superheroes. I mean he's not from Gotham City or Metropolis, pale copies of the real New York! He's from Forest Hills, Queens! Check it out on YouTube. [5 February 2015]
America, words and music by Prince, extends our Saturday Night Dance Party to a Monday in celebration of Independence Day. It is from the album "Around the World in a Day," issued by Prince and the Revolution. The lyrics are of what one philosopher may have called "mixed premises," but any song that includes stanzas like "Communism is just a word, But if the government turn over, It'll be the only word that's heard," and in a paean to "America the Beautiful," tells us, "America, America, God shed his grace on thee, America, America, keep the children free," can't be all that bad. Check it out in a live version on YouTube and a rare 12" extended mix and dance your way through a wonderful and safe Independence Day. [4 July 2016]
America the Beautiful, music by Samuel Ward, lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates, is my favorite "patriotic" song, and so appropriate on this Independence Day. My favorite version remains that of the soulful, heartfelt Brother Ray (Charles). Listen to an audio clip here. A happy and a healthy Fourth of July to all. [4 July 2005]
American Bandstand (Bandstand Boogie) features the music of Charles Albertine, Les Elgart, Larry Elgart, and Bob Horn and the lyrics of Bruce Howard Sussman and Barry Manilow. Listen to audio clips by Les Elgart and His Orchestra and Barry Manilow. [14 September 2007]
American Pie, words and music by Don McLean, was the title track to the artist's 1971 album. The folk-rock song would hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1972, and would be dubbed "one of the most successful and debated songs of the 20th century"---due to an array of interpretations as to its meaning. (And McLean is still making headlines till this day!) Check out the original album version, a truncated Madonna rendition, a jazz funk rendition by Groove Holmes, and a "Weird Al" Yankovic 'Star Wars' parody, "The Saga Begins" [YouTube links]. A Happy Independence Day to All! [4 July 2022]
The American President (Main Theme) [YouTube link], composed by Marc Shaiman, is a stately theme that opens the 1995 film, starring Michael Douglas as widowed President Andrew Shepherd, who falls for Annette Benning as Sydney Ellen Wade, an environmentalist lobbyist. The film has many of the trappings of contemporary liberalism in terms of its politics and its cast of characters, and it served as an inspiration to writer Aaron Sorkin, who launched the equally idealistic liberalism of the brilliant TV series "The West Wing," which began in 1997. But it is not the politics that interest me here. This is a film with a lot of heart, plenty of laughs, and much poignancy. In anticipation of President's Day, I highly recommend the Shaiman soundtrack. [11 February 2014]
The American President ("I Have Dreamed"), words and music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, was originally featured in the 1951 Broadway production of "The King and I," but was never heard in the 1956 film version, except as a background theme prior to "We Kiss in a Shadow." It is, however, featured in the 1999 animated version of "The King and I" [YouTube link], and over the end credits, by Barbra Streisand [YouTube link]. A lovely instrumental rendition arranged by Marc Shaiman is used in this 1995 romantic comedy-drama, which transcends party lines. Check out the version featured in the film [YouTube link] and then check out the original Broadway version (with Doretta Morrow and Larry Douglas), and versions by Sammy Davis, Jr. and Doris Day, whose rendition was Richard Rodgers's favorite [YouTube links]. Given today's date, I Have Dreamed of an early spring... despite the fact that Mother Nature just dumped a foot-and-a-half on NYC alone. Competing Groundhogs give us contrasting forecasts: Punxsutawney Phil says more winter's ahead; Staten Island Chuck predicts an early spring. Go Chuck! [2 February 2021]
An Affair to Remember, a
1957 Academy
Award nominated song, music by Harry
Warren, words by
Harold Adamson and Leo McCarey,
was
recorded by such singers as Vic Damone
and Nat King Cole. "Our love
affair is a wondrous thing. That we'll rejoice when remembering. Our love was
born with our first embrace. And a page was torn out of time and space."
Well, believe it or not ... that's exactly how I feel when I take my bike and
ride along the bike path that
sweeps under the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Boy, you know you're getting a little older
when you're older than a bridge. Today just happens to be the
40th anniversary of the opening of the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge,
still the longest
suspension bridge in the United States. Happy Birthday! The
bridge is so long that the tops of its towers are 1 5/8 inches further apart
than their bases ... to allow for the curvature of the Earth. I remember
being overwhelmed by its majesty from the time when
E.J. Korvettes
was a stone's throw away. I've seen the
QE2 and the QM2 pass under
its span. It has welcomed
Tall Ships
into New York harbor
in celebration of the
U.S. Bicentennial. It's one of my great loves in
my hometown. Oh, and
listen to a clip of this pretty song at
amazon.com from the original soundtrack album of the romantic film, "An
Affair to Remember," starring
Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
For those who are "starving
for stars," as my colleague David Hinckley puts it, those were the days.
(The film was made even more famous by references to it in the 1993 film, "Sleepless
in Seattle"). Ironically, another great love of mine,
The
Empire State Building, figures prominently in the plot. [21 November 2004]
An American In Paris ("I Got Rhythm"), music by
George
Gershwin (who wrote
the original 1928
jazz-influenced orchestral composition that inspired this film adaptation)
and lyrics by
Ira Gershwin,
was first heard in the 1930
Broadway musical "Girl
Crazy." But it was among the highlights of this
1951 musical,
starring Gene Kelly.
Check out the scene from
the 1951 film that features this wonderful jazz standard [YouTube link],
which embodies
Kelly's vocal and choreographical charm.
[7 February 2020]
Anastasia ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, opens this 1956 film
, which stars Ingrid Bergman, who resembles the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, rumored to be the only surviving daughter of Czar Nicholas II, who was executed by the Bolsheviks as a member of the Romanov family in 1918. Bergman was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress and Alfred Newman received an Oscar nomination for "Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture," but lost out to Victor Young, who won the award posthumously for his score to "Around the World in 80 Days." But Newman and Ken Darby did walk away with a statuette for their scoring of a musical picture ("The King and I"). Bergman's co-star in this film, Yul Brynner, had a banner year; in addition to this film, he also starred as Ramesses II in Cecil B. DeMille's blockbuster "The Ten Commandments" and received the Best Actor Oscar for his role as King Mongkut of Siam in the film version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, "The King and I." I highlight this film today for a very special reason: Today is the 101st anniversary of my mother's birth. Known as Ann or Anna to her friends and relatives, her full Greek name was Anastasia, and for those who loved her and were loved by her, she was royalty incarnate. [20 February 2020]Anatomy of a Murder ("Flirtibird") [YouTube link], composed by jazz legend Duke Ellington, captures the salacious, scandalous themes explored in this superb 1959 courtroom drama, starring a wonderful cast that included Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, and George C. Scott. Seductive and sexually charged, this track was also recorded by the great Duke, featuring his cornet player Ray Nance (who could also play a mean jazz violin). Check it out on YouTube. [9 February 2015]
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going, lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger, is one of the dramatic highlights of the Broadway musical, "Dreamgirls," inspired by the story of the Motown super group, The Supremes. I never saw the original Michael Bennett production, but I was enthralled with the performance of this track, sung with Tony-winning gusto, by Jennifer Holliday. The movie version, with an all-star cast, opens for an exclusive engagement at the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan, before its nationwide debut on Christmas day. In the film musical, another "J.H." takes on this song and the role of "Effie": "American Idol" runner-up, Jennifer Hudson. Listen to audio clips of the powerhouse Jennifer Holliday version (and check out her televised performance at the 1982 Tony Awards, courtesy of You Tube) and the new Jennifer Hudson version as well (clips at those links). [15 December 2006]
And Justice for All ("Main Title" / "There's Something Funny Going On") [YouTube link], music by Dave Grusin, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is heard over the closing credits of the 1979 film; it has that late '70s disco vibe, as it is performed by Zach Sanders and the NY Jailhouse Ensemble. Directed by Norman Jewison, this film is a cynical look at our judicial system (there are fewer ways to look at the structural deformities that often pass for "justice," and this motion picture captures it with touches of satire and tragedy). Al Pacino is virtually forced to defend a hated judge (played by John Forsythe of "Dynasty" fame), [SPOILER ALERT] whom he discovers to be guilty. But you've got to see the entire closing scene of the film, with Pacino at the peak of his career (and Jack Warden, who provides one of his finest turns as the wonderful character actor he is). The scene is just one of those "I'm As Mad As Hell and I'm Not Going To Take This Anymore" 'Network' moments that all of us should have more often. Check the scene out on YouTube. The film opens with an instrumental "Main Title" version [YouTube link] of the closing credits song; it features the unmistakably fine sax work and sound of Tom Scott. [3 February 2016]
And the Angels Sing features the music of trumpeter Ziggy Elman and the lyrics of Johnny Mercer, who was born 100 years ago today. The most famous version of this song was recorded by the Benny Goodman Big Band, featuring the sweet vocals of Martha Tilton and a rousing trumpet solo by Elman. In celebration of the centennial of the birth of the Great Mercer, take a look at this YouTube moment of this terrific song. [18 November 2009]
And the Beat Goes On, words and music by Leon Sylvers III, William Shelby, and Stephen Shockley, was performed with jazzy gusto by The Whispers. Listen to an audio clip of this classic dance track here. [10 August 2005]
The Andy Griffith Show ("The Fishin' Hole") features the music of Earle Hagen (who whistled the theme in the opening credits) and Herbert W. Spencer and the lyrics of Everett Sloane. Just as "The Andy Griffith Show" was a spin-off of an episode of "The Danny Thomas Show," so too did it give birth to spin-offs, including "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," Mayberry, R.F.D.," and the TV-reunion movie, "Return to Mayberry." Andy Griffith exuded an effortless warmth in his TV performances, from his self-titled show to "Matlock." And he had terrific acting chops (check out his remarkably jarring performance in "A Face in the Crowd"). He passed away yesterday at the age of 86. This theme and the famous TV show for which it was written have become part of Americana, something all the more noteworthy on this Day of Independence. Check out the main theme on YouTube and Andy himself singing it. [4 July 2012]
Angel Eyes has been recorded by artists as varied as Sting and Nancy Wilson (check out her awesome 1968 "Welcome to My Love" album for an audio clip). But as my colleague David Hinckley recalls: "Frank Sinatra used to create a magnificent moment in his concerts when the lights would dim to black at the end of the Earl Brent [lyrics]/Matt Dennis [music] song ... and Sinatra would sing, 'Excuse me while I disappear'." Check out an audio clip here. What a nice way to kick off our celebration of Sinatra's birthday, which is today, and which we'll mark with a couple of weeks worth of favorite Sinatra song highlights. [12 December 2004]
Angels We Have Heard on High (Les Anges dans nos Campagnes) (audio clip at that link) is a traditional French Christmas carol, whose words were translated into English by James Chadwick. Listen to audio clips of renditions performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Caribbean Jazz Project. [30 December 2005]
Another Part of Me, music and lyrics by Michael Jackson, is a pop-funk midtempo dance track. Though it was one of an armful of hits from the album, "Bad," it actually made an Epcot debut as part of a 3D short film, "Captain Eo," starring Jackson and Angelica Houston, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Listen to an audio clip here. [15 February 2006]
Another Sleepless Night, words and music by Mike "Hitman" Wilson and Tracey Amos, features the blazing vocals of Shawn Christopher. Listen to an audio clip of this hot dance classic here. (And, by all means, don't lose sleep ... Notablog will return on June 5, 2006. NYU is moving my whole site to a "new, more robust server.") [2 June 2006]
Another Star, music and lyrics by Stevie Wonder. This Latin-tinged extravaganza is from an essential Wonder-ful album, "Songs in the Key of Life" (check out the audio clip). What a career for this gifted musician. [9 December 2004]
The Answer is Yes is a lovely composition by Jane Hall, wife of the legendary jazz guitarist, Jim Hall, who passed away Tuesday, 10 December 2013, having just turned 83 on 4 December. There are few musicians who have touched me as deeply as this stupendous guitarist. He had a deeply melodic sense; his understated solos were matched only by his brilliant capacity at interplay with the many legends with whom he performed and recorded. I feel as if I've lost a friend, one that I never met, but whose music touched my heart and soul in ways that only a truly personal relationship could. Just a cursory look at "My Favorite Songs" reveals the extent of the impact his musical legacy has made on my life. For example (and this is just a sampling of Hall recordings mentioned therein): the Jim Hall-penned "All Across the City" [YouTube link], (from the enchanting "Intermodulation"): a duet album featuring the mesmerizing interplay of two of the greatest practitioners of the art form: Hall and the legendary pianist Bill Evans [see my entry on 4 December 2007]; "Concierto de Aranjuez" [YouTube link] is the title track from the 1975 album "Concierto," an inspired jazz interpretation of the second movement of the great Rodrigo composition with an all-star line-up, arranged by Don Sebesky. Also from that album is my absolutely all-time favorite jazz instrumental rendition of the Cole Porter gem, "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" [YouTube link], which features a seamless series of solos and utterly breathtaking interplay by Hall (on guitar), Paul Desmond (on alto saxophone), Chet Baker (on trumpet), Roland Hanna (on piano), Ron Carter (on bass) and Steve Gadd (on drums) [featured on 22 January 2005]. Back in 1997, in his liner notes to the CD re-release of "Concierto," Steve Futterman articulates what I've always felt: the improvisation on this album feels as if it is flowing from a single mind-set, expressed in different instruments. When Hall, Desmond, and Baker intertwine in contrapuntal conversation on the Porter song, for instance, "they sound like the same soloist playing three separate instruments"; "Down the Line" [YouTube link; from Hall's album "Commitment"] is a paean of sorts to Bill Evans's classic "Conversations with Myself"; on this composition, Hall overdubs his electric guitar with the acoustic guitar sounds of the handmade instrument designed by Jimmy D'Aquisto, who carried on the craft of his great teacher: John D'Angelico [see my entry of 30 January 2006]; and finally, "Scrapple from the Apple" [YouTube link] from one of the greatest live recordings ever put to vinyl: the 1975 album, "Jim Hall Live," with a trio featuring Don Thompson on bass and Terry Clarke on drums. The last time I saw Hall perform live was at a loving concert in which he participated in tribute to another legendary guitarist: Chuck Wayne. Alas, if there is a band in Heaven, I know not. But if we are to question whether that band just added one class act to its divine personnel, clearly "The Answer is Yes." [11 December 2013]
Anything Goes is the title song of the 1934 Broadway musical penned by the great Cole Porter. So many wonderful versions of this song have been recorded through the years, but today, I feature a rendition found on the Nelson Riddle-arranged 1956 album, "Songs for Swingin' Lovers," by Frank Sinatra, who was born on this date in 1915. Check it out here. And check out the new statue of Ol' Blue Eyes unveiled today in Hoboken, New Jersey. [12 December 2021]
Apollo 13 ("Re-Entry and Splashdown") [YouTube link], music by James Horner, is an appropriate way to honor the brilliant composer who passed away tragically on 22 June 2015 in a plane crash. The 1995 film, directed by Ron Howard, and starring Tom Hanks, is a tribute to the rational human spirit,which triumphs against all odds. This particular cue gives us a glimpse of Horner's manner of exhibiting the central theme of a film score through a prism of variations that both reflect and propel the action on screen. He did this through over 150 soundtracks, from "Aliens" to "Titanic," an unforgettable legacy to the art of the score. [24 June 2015]
Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In, lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, music by Galt MacDermot, is a medley of two songs from "Hair," the Broadway hit that was nominated for a 1969 Tony Award for Best Musical. The track was the first medley to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, performed with an R&B-jazzy groove by The 5th Dimension. As a 9-year old Aquarian, I fell in love with the recording the first time I heard it. In 1969, the Score scored a Grammy for what is now called "Best Musical Theater Album." And this particular medley won a 1970 Grammy for Record of the Year. Check out The 5th Dimension recording on YouTube and each song performed separately by the original Broadway cast: The Age of Aquarius and The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In). Tomorrow, the Tony Awards will be broadcast on CBS. [8 June 2013]
Are You For Real?, a sleaze-beat funk track, written by Rick Suchow, recorded by Deodato (featuring the vocalist Camille Filfiley) and also by TKA. "Who are you and where did you come from? Maybe you're an angel in disguise?" Check out Rick Suchow's website too, and scroll down on Rick's music page to listen to great audio clips of various versions of this fab song. See here too. [29 October 2004]
Around the World in 80 Days features the music of Victor Young and the lyrics of Harold Adamson (with an uncredited tip of the hat to Kurt Feltz and Gasta Rybrant). It was heard in the 1956 film of the same title. Victor Young's score (audio clip at that link) won an Academy Award in the category of "Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture." Listen to audio clips from the 1956 soundtrack (unrelated to the soundtrack to the 2004 remake). Also check out audio clips of lovely vocal renditions by Bing Crosby and the McGuire Sisters. [14 June 2006]
Armageddon It, composed by Steve Clark, Phil Collen, Joe Elliott, Mutt Lange, and Rick Savage, from the Def Leppard hard rock album Hysteria (check out that link for sample clip). Listen to it once, and hum the catchy chorus for days ... [8 November 2004]
Armando's Rhumba (audio clip at that link) was composed by Chick Corea for the album "My Spanish Heart." The featured soloist is the wonderful Jean-Luc Ponty on acoustic violin. Chick also recorded this for solo piano on his album "Expressions," with vibes player Gary Burton for "Native Sense: The New Duets," and with vocalist Bobby McFerrin for "Rendezvous in New York" (listen to audio clips at linked titles). [16 June 2005]
Arrest and Trial ("Theme"), composed by Bronsilaw Kaper, is played deliciously by Jimmy Rowles on his "Lilac Time" album (take a listen here). It's from a short-lived ABC television 1963-64 drama, but for me, it's another feather in the cap of the guy who wrote "Invitation," one of my absolutely favorite songs... we're talking a "desert island disc." [20 September 2013]
Arthur ("Arthur's Theme [Best That You Can Do]"), composed by Christopher Cross, Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen, is the Oscar-winning song from one of my all-time favorite comedies. In addition to the film rendition (YouTube link), check out this concert performance on YouTube, which features singer Christopher Cross and Dudley Moore, who played the title character in the film, and who was a magnificently talented musician as well. I have no clue how the 2011 remake of this movie will be, but the original with Moore, Liza Minelli, and Best Supporting Actor John Gielgud remains a classic. [23 February 2011]
Artistry in Rhythm was a signature tune for the progressive big band sounds of Stan Kenton. Listen here to an audio clip of this classic Kenton tune. [5 February 2006]
As Long as I'm Singin' features the words and music of Bobby Darin, who was born on this date in 1936. Recorded in 1964, it was one of those songs that went unreleased in Darin's tragically short lifetime (he died at the age of 37. The song can also be heard on the soundtrack to the 2004 Kevin Spacey-biopic of Darin, "Beyond the Sea." This song showcases the swingin' ways of Darin, gone but never forgotten. Check it out on YouTube [May 14, 2018]
As Time Goes By was written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931 for the Broadway musical, "Everybody's Welcome." But it is eternally enshrined in the minds of cinema fans worldwide for its appearance in the 1942 film, "Casablanca," starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Dooley Wilson, "Sam" in the movie, plays it, and plays it again (even if "Play it Again, Sam" is never actually uttered by Bogie). Speaking of "time," this is officially Leap Year Day, when, every four years, we add a day to our calendar. And it's also the end of Film Music February, our month-long tribute to film music. Take a look at two Dooley Wilson YouTube moments here and here. And check out instrumental versions by jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and classical guitarist John Williams. Here's lookin' at you, kid. [29 February 2012]
A-Tisket A-Tasket, a traditional nursery rhyme first recorded in the late nineteenth century, was the basis for the million-selling hit by Ella Fitzgerald with the Chick Webb Orchestra [YouTube link] in 1938. Lyrically embellished by Al Feldman and Ella herself, this is the song that got our Centenary Songstress off to a swinging start. Today we begin our mini-tribute to the First Lady of Song, as we move toward the 100th anniversary of her birth on April 25th. [19 April 2017]
At Last features the music of Harry Warren and the lyrics of Mack Gordon. Today, one hears it during a cat food commercial. But it has been recorded by many artists, including Glenn Miller, Celine Dion, and, of course, Etta James (audio clips at those links). [25 August 2005]
Attention, words and music by Jacob Kasher and Charlie Puth, the young man with a "Vanilla Ice" eyebrow and impressive vocal beat-box skills [YouTube link], was released in April 2017, and has since climbed into the Top 20 in more than 20 countries. The song has touches of funk and soul; as a video single [YouTube link], I had hardly noticed it. And then, I saw Puth perform it on Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show" and said, "Nice!" Check out especially Puth's jazz-infused chops when he solos on electric piano [YouTube link]. He also performd the song on "The Voice" and at the Wind Music Awards in Italy (where he also takes a nice solo) [YouTube links], but my favorite version remains the one on Fallon's show with The Roots. It's a summer dance track with a really cool vibe [YouTube link]. [2 July 2017]
At the Circus ("Lydia the Tatooed Lady"), music by Harold Arlen, with clever lyrics by Yip Harburg (the team that gave us the Oscar-winning song "Over the Rainbow" from the 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz"), made its debut in this other 1939 film, a Marx Brothers comedy. Groucho, the greatest Marxist of them all, introduced this song in this hilarious romp [YouTube film clip]. Groucho was in a class by himself, indeed [YouTube link]. But Kermit the Frog also delivered this song on "The Muppet Show" as did Virginia Wiedler in "The Philadelphia Story" (1940) [YouTube links] (hat tip to Roderick Long). And so, we end our sixteenth annual Film Music February on a leaping comedic note [YouTube link to a Dick Cavett interview in which Groucho sings this signature song], and look forward to revisiting the magic of film music again next year! [29 February 2020]
At the Hop, words and music by Artie Singer, John Medora, and David White, was originally called "Do the Bop," but when Dick Clark heard it, he suggested a title change, and after it premiered on his "American Bandstand," this 1957 recording by Danny and the Juniors would go on to #1 on the Hot 100 and the R&B Best Sellers list, and #3 on the Country chart. This huge rock and roll / doo-wop hit opens up the final weekend of our Summer Dance Party, where we will go back to the era that started this year's annual dance tribute. Check out the original single version as well as one of its many covers in later years, including a rendition by Sha Na Na heard at the 1969 Woodstock Festival [YouTube link] and that of Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids, who perform it on the soundtrack (as "Herby and the Heartbeats") to the 1973 George Lucas film, "American Graffiti" [YouTube film clip]. [20 September 2018]
Auld Lang Syne is an 18th century Robert Burns poem, which has become a New Year's Eve anthem, thanks to band leader Guy Lombardo. It is also featured in the final scene of the 1946 film, "It's a Wonderful Life." Listen to the Lombardo clip here. And bring in the new year with health and happiness! [31 December 2004]
Automatic, words and music by Brock Walsh and Mark Goldenberg, was released in 1984 and went to the Top 5 of the Hot 100, R&B, and Dance charts (where it peaked at #2), for the Pointer Sisters, from their album, "Break Out." With Ruth Pointer's contralto lead, this song has that distinctive soulful "sleaze beat" feel at 111 BPM. Listen to the original extended mix [YouTube link] (remixed by John "Jellybean" Benitez), and then check out a HiNRG 128 BPM 2007 cover version by Ultra Nate, accompanied by an uncensored steamy video "I'm So Excited" shout-out to the Pointer Sisters [YouTube link], which shot up to #1 on the Dance Club chart. [4 August 2017]
Autumn in New York, words and music by Vernon Duke, from the 1934 musical revue, "Thumbs Up," was sung ever-so-sweetly by Frank Sinatra. [23 September 2004]
Autumn Leaves, English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, original French lyrics by Jacques Prevert, music by Joseph Kosma, is truly apropos for the arrival of Fall. It's been sung by Nat King Cole and so many others; I also love my sister-in-law Joanne Barry's jazzy version. [22 September 2004]
Avalon features the music of Vincent Rose and the lyrics of G. "Buddy" DeSylva and Al Jolson, who had a huge hit with it in 1920, as did Benny Goodman in 1937. And on this date, in 1938, Benny Goodman performed this tune with his classic quartet, live, on stage, in the famous Carnegie Hall concert. Given the fact that today also happens to be Martin Luther King Day, it is all the more appropriate to celebrate the Goodman legacy in music. For years, Goodman featured both black players and white players in his various bands; a person's race mattered not. All that mattered was the person's ability to make great music. Goodman's Carnegie Hall concert continued his policy of racial integration in jazz. As for the history of this particular tune: it includes a bit of litigation. In 1921, Puccini actually won a suit against the writers, claiming that the melody was derived from "E Lucevan le Stelle." Listen to audio clips from Al Jolson, the original swingin' recorded version by the Benny Goodman Quartet, and a blazin' Natalie Cole rendition. [16 January 2006]
Away in a Manger is a title that pertains to many songs, including the standard version, with lovely music based on "Mueller" by James Ramsey Murray (check out a Johnny Mathis audio clip of this version here). Alas, the "alternate version" that I most adore uses "The Cradle Song" (listen at that link) by American gospel songwriter William J. Kirkpatrick. One very fine instrumental, orchestral version of this was recorded by the Living Strings, played traditionally during hour 2 of the WPIX Channel 11 Yule Log, something I grew up with. A wonderful choral version is performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic. Check out the audio link for the album "The Joy of Christmas." [2 January 2005]
The Awful Truth ("My Dreams Are Gone with the Wind"), music by Ben Oakland, lyrics by Milton Drake, is from this 1937 screwball comedy. The film, based on a 1922 play by Arthur Richman, earned Leo McCarey a Best Director Oscar---though in his acceptance speech, McCarey said: "Thanks, but you gave it to me for the wrong picture", a reference to his poignant 1937 film "Make Way for Tomorrow". However, this film, starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, and a young Ralph Bellamy (nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), is a hoot. The film also stars Skippy the Dog as Mr. Smith---also known for his appearances as the dog Asta in "The Thin Man" (1934) and as George, the dinosaur-bone-burying dog, in "Bringing Up Baby" (1938). The scenes in which this song is performed are hilarious. The song uses the phrase "Gone with the Wind", a playful reference to the 1936 book two years before that novel was adapted for the screen. The combined scenes in which Joyce Compton and Irene Dunne deliver the windblown lyrics were heavily improvised [YouTube link]. [13 February 2024]
Babes in Toyland (selections), music composed by Victor Herbert, book and lyrics by Glen MacDonough, opened on Broadway in 1903. It is another charming seasonal favorite. From its opening overture to the "Toyland" centerpiece and the "March of the Toys," the themes of this Herbert operetta always leave a lump in my throat. I first heard these themes as a child when I saw the classic Laurel and Hardy 1934 film, "March of the Wooden Soldiers." Listen to audio clips from the score here and here. [23 December 2005]
Baby Be Mine, words and music by Rod Temperton, is Track #2 on the stupendous Michael Jackson album, "Thriller," which was released on this date, 30 years ago. This recording predates "Spice of Life," but both songs have that same sweet Temperton groove. Listen to the track on YouTube. [30 November 2012]
Baby, Come to Me, composed by Rod Temperton, and produced by Quincy Jones, both of them at the top of their craft, made its debut on "Every Home Should Have One," a 1981 Patti Austin album, in which Patti duets with James Ingram, who died today at the age of 66. Ironically, there is a connection between Ingram and Michel Legrand, who I honored in a tribute on January 26, 2019, when he passed away. Ingram sang with Austin on the first recorded rendition of the Legrand-Bergmans' Oscar-nominated song, "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" [YouTube link], from the 1982 film, "Best Friends." Today's "Song of the Day" duet, which predates the film duet, only reached #72 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1982. But it was regularly heard by fans of the ABC soap opera hit, "General Hospital," as the love theme for the character Luke Spencer, and in October 1982, it was re-released, reaching #1 by February 1983 on the Hot 100 chart. Check out the lovely single [YouTube link]. RIP, James. Your velvety voice will be missed. [29 January 2019]
Baby I'm a Star, music and lyrics by Prince, was featured on the soundtrack for "Purple Rain." Back in the day when I used to DJ, I did an edit of this energetic song for one of my sister's many award-winning high school dance teams. We also enjoyed seeing Prince do this classic in concert. Happy birthday, sister! Listen to an audio clip here. [2 September 2008]
Baby It's Cold Outside features the words and music of the great Frank Loesser, who was born 100 years ago today. This Academy Award winner was heard in the film, "Neptune's Daughter," but it always makes me think of the Christmas season. It has been recorded by many artists. Take a look on YouTube at versions by Dinah Shore and Buddy Clark, Dean Martin, and Natalie Cole and James Taylor. [29 June 2010]
Back in the U.S.A. features the words and music and classic sound of Chuck Berry. It's a quintessential Independence Day song. Check out the original Chuck Berry version and a 1978 hit Linda Ronstadt version as well. The two of them did a live version on the occasion of Berry's sixtieth birthday, with Keith Richards on backup vocals [YouTube links]. [4 July 2018]
Back Street ("Love Theme") was composed by Frank Skinner, whose music I highight for the next two days. I have visited Skinner's music before; it is familiar to horror fans the world over for many of those great Universal monster films, from "The Wolf Man" to "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein." But he was also known for writing some of the lushest scores to some of Hollywood's famous romantic melodramas (and perhaps there are dialectical relationships between horror and romance that need to be investigated!). The lovely theme here was written for the 1961 film (based on the Fannie Hurst novel) starring Susan Hayward, and co-starring John Gavin and Vera Miles, who, just one year before this film, co-starred in Hitchcock's "Psycho." [24 February 2016]
Back Together Again, words and music by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, is a classic soulful duet of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (audio clip at that link). I also adore a "sentimental reunion" remix by Steve Anderson, produced for the June 1990 Disco Mix Club. Check it out here. [14 September 2006]
Back to Life (However Do You Want Me), music and lyrics written by Jazzie B, Carol Wheeler, Nellee Hooper, and Simon Law, who constituted the British R&B group Soul II Soul, took this 1989 song to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. It's Monday, but the summer solstice arrives in Brooklyn at 6:34 p.m, and for the first time in nearly 70 years it syncs with a full moon (a so-called "strawberry moon"). What truth in that title, for summer brings us all "back to life." This summer on Notablog, every Saturday, we'll have our own little "Saturday Night Dance Party," and feature a classic dance song, running from the 1970s to today's contemporary dance hits. But it's always nice to start with a so-called "sleaze beat" dance track, that sensual R&B pulse that New York beachgoers could hear blaring out of many a "boom box" every summer, from Coney Island to Brighton Beach to Manhattan Beach. This party will continue until the Saturday before the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd. I'm doing this because I still have a humongous vinyl collection of favorite dance hits, having been a mobile DJ in the 1980s, playing everything from senior proms to Bar Mitzvahs! Anyway, check out the original a cappella version and the utterly wonderful R&B classic hit on YouTube. And here's a special nod to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who came "back to life," down 3 games to 1, to take Game 7 and win the NBA championship! [20 June 2016]
Back to the Future ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Alan Silvestri, features themes from the Robert Zemeckis-directed 1985 film, starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. The film spawned a franchise of movie sequels, short films, television series, a video game, and a stage musical, and it is Silvestri's wonderful music that can be heard thoughout those media. [28 February 2024]
Bad, words and music by Michael Jackson, is the title track to MJ's "Bad" album, which, on this date twenty-five years ago, debuted atop the Billboard 200 album chart. The video, directed by Martin Scorsese, features choreography that is a paean to the great musical, "West Side Story." The 25th aniversary of the album's release (officially, on 31 August 1987) is being commemorated this year by "Bad 25", a special remix 3-CD re-release package, and a Spike Lee-directed documentary, which premiered at the 2012 Venice Film Festival. The original music video was filmed at the Brooklyn subway station at Hoyt-Schermerhorn. And the track includes a hot solo by one of my all-time favorite jazz organ players, Jimmy Smith. Check out the full music video version, the short-form music video, the Kids version, the 12" remix, the David Guetta remix, the Electro Mix by Ballistic, the new Afrojack remix, featuring Pitbull and DJ Buddha, and cover versions by country artist Ray Stevens, "Weird Al" Yankovic (a "Fat" parody), the Chipmunks, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the cast from "Glee". [26 September 2012]
Bad Girls, words and music by the Brooklyn Dreams and Donna Summer, is the title track to Summer's 1979 album, which became a #1 pop, dance, and R&B smash. Check out the single version, the extended version, the famous medley with "Hot Stuff" and a nice live cover version by Jamiroquai [YouTube links]. [20 May 2012]
Bad Guy, words and music by Finneas O'Connell and his sister, Billie Eilish (O'Connell), appears on Eilish's macabre #1 debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" It sat at #2 for nine nonconsecutive weeks (a Billboard chart record!) before unseating "Old Town Road," which broke all records on the Hot 100 for its 19 weeks atop that chart. The single got a much-needed shot of adrenaline when Justin Bieber joined Eilish in a remix (Bieber did much the same for "Despacito"). With its infectious hook and beat, it's a quirky song (with an even more quirky video [YouTube links]). Also check out the remix video with Justin Bieber, and dance remixes by Trap Nation and Sasha Vector. Duh. [20 August 2019]
Baker Street features the words, lyrics, and performance of Gerry Rafferty, who passed away on 4 January 2011. Spotlighting the saxophone of Raphael Ravenscroft, it's a late 70s pop gem. Check out the full Rafferty version on YouTube and, among the many covers of this song, one by the Foo Fighters. [2 March 2011]
The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde, music and lyrics by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, was recorded in 1967 by Georgie Fame [YouTube music link]. The tune is not heard in the 1967 film, "Bonnie and Clyde," which starred Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker and Warren Beatty as Clyde Barrow, the notorious Depression-era bank robbers. But the song was inspired by the film. The film score was written by Charles Strouse; the movie won Oscars for Estelle Parsons (Best Supporting Actress) and Burnett Guffey (Best Cinematography). [23 February 2013]
The Ballad of Thelonious Monk, words and music by Jimmy Rowles (with a little help from Jimmy McHugh), is a tribute to the legendary, lovably off-center jazz pianist, who was born on this date in 1917 (and who actually passed away on my 22nd birthday, 17 February 1982). The most hilarious and joyous rendition of this was performed by that wonderful interpretive jazz songstress Carmen McRae, recorded live at Donte's in Los Angeles, California in 1972 for her album "The Great American Songbook," with a group that included Rowles on piano, Joe Pass on guitar, bassist Chuck Domanico, and drummer Chuck Flores. Rowles's tune is a country-and-western paean to a jazz master [YouTube link]. We'll be tributing the Monk for a few days here at Notablog. [10 October 2015]
Ball and Chain was a hit record in the early 1960s for its writer: Big Mama Thornton [YouTube link]. It was later recorded by Janis Joplin in 1967-1968 with Big Brother and the Holding Company for the 1968 album "Cheap Thrills" [YouTube link], which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart. She performed the bluesy song famously at Monterey Pop and as the finale to her own set at Woodstock [YouTube links]. [5 July 2019]
On Facebook, I posted this
preface to today's Song of the Day: On July 6th, I posted a Notablog tribute to
a dear friend,
Murray Franck, who passed away on the 2nd. And I want to thank all of those
who posted or reacted on list or off to the sad news. But Murray always got a
kick out of the fact that I had this penchant for launching Notablog "Song of
the Day" entries to celebrate genres as diverse as jazz, film scores, classical,
rock, disco, and today's pop music. Nothing would have bothered him more than my
ceasing such tributes in the wake of his death. He would chuckle when I'd talk
to him about my days as a mobile DJ, playing everything from Bar Mitzvahs to
weddings, reunions, and proms. So I won't miss a beat from this year's annual
Summer Dance Series, and will continue with the first of two songs planned for
this weekend: "Bang Bang" by three women named Jessie, Ariana, and Nicki:
Bang Bang,
words and music by
Max
Martin,
Savan Kotecha,
Rikard Goransson,
Oniqa
Maraj, charted on no fewer than six
Billboard charts, reaching #3
on the Hot 100 and #22 on the Hot Dance Club chart. As the lead single from
Jessie J's 2014 album, "Sweet
Talker," the song was a huge hit for
Jessie J,
Ariana Grande, and
Nicki Minaj. Check out
the
music video, the
Bassel Remix,
3LAU Remix, the
Kevin-Dave Remix, and
their hot performance of the song on the 2014
American Music Awards.
[8 July 2017]
Barbara Allen is an ageless folksong whose origins go back to the 17th century. It has been performed in countless permutations by chamber groups and singers from every genre of music. I remember it today, on Christmas Eve, because it is featured so prominently in poignant scenes of the 1951 film version of "A Christmas Carol," with the incomparable Alastair Sim. For an equally poignant instrumental rendition, check out the audio clip on a very special album, "Christmas Jazz Guitar," by the terrific jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins. Meanwhile, don't forget to track Santa Claus! [24 December 2004]
Barbie ("Dance the Night") features the words and music of Mark Ronson, Caroline Ailin, Andrew Wyatt, and Dua Lipa, who provides the energetic vocals to this Golden Globe-nominated "Best Original Song." It is a choreographic highlight from the 2023 film, directed by Greta Gerwig. Check out the cinematic dance scene [YouTube link]. [22 February 2024]
Barbie ("What Was I Made For?") features the words and music of Finneas O'Connell and Billie Eilish, who delivers this poignant song over the closing credits of the 2023 film. Grammy-winner for Song of the Year and a Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song, it has also earned an Oscar nomination in that category. Check out the official music video [YouTube link]. [23 February 2024]
Barefoot in the Park ("Main Title"), music by Neil Hefti, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, opens this hilarious 1967 comedy starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. On this date in 1919, my mother was born; this was one of her favorite films. She'd become convulsed with laughter especially in scenes featuring Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee, Mildred Natwick as Fonda's mother, Ethel Banks. Natwick (who, like Redford, appeared in the original 1963 Neil Simon Broadway production) delivers some of the best lines in the film---after climbing umpteen flights of stairs to reach her daughter and son-in-law's quintessential New York apartment [see Robert Osborne's intro on YouTube]: "I had to park the car three blocks away. Then it started to rain so I ran the last two blocks. Then my heel got caught in a subway grating. When I pulled my foot out, I stepped in a puddle. Then a cab went by and splashed my stockings. If the hardware store downstairs was open, I was going to buy a knife and kill myself." Or: "I feel like we've died and gone to heaven---only we had to climb up" [YouTube link]. Or this one [YouTube link], where the climb nearly brings mother Banks to her knees. Or this one where she goes down the stairs [YouTube link]. Mom has been gone since April 1995. But her memorable, uproarious laughter was so infectious that it brought as many laughs to her family as did the things that tickled her. Check out the opening theme to this comedy classic [YouTube link]. [20 February 2021]
Barry ("Change for the World") is credited to the members of the funky Brooklyn-based Menahan Street Band, as well as Charles Bradley, on whose album, "Changes", this track first appeared in 2016. The song also features The Gospel Queens, but it is only the first few notes that we hear as the main theme to this dark comedy crime drama, which ran for four seasons on HBO, from 2018-2023. I recently streamed the entire show and really liked it! Created by Alec Berg and SNL-alum Bill Hader, who stars in the title role, it also features stellar performances from Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Stephen Root, and Anthony Carrigan, all of whom have received their share of Emmy nominations in the Comedy series categories. Hader, nominated this year, has won twice for Outstanding Lead Actor and Winkler, also nominated this year, has won once before for Outstanding Supporting Actor; he's up against Carrigan, also nominated this year in the Supporting category. The final season of "Barry" received a nomination this year for Outstanding Comedy Series. Check out the full theme [YouTube link]. [17 July 2023]
Basin Street Blues, music by Spencer Williams, lyrics by trombonists Jack Teagarden and Glenn Miller, has been recorded by so many great jazz artists through the years. But today, we highlight a classic version by the late great Dixieland trumpeter Al Hirt and the late, great Dixieland clarinetist Pete Fountain. Fountain passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016; he was a spirited player who was greatly influenced by the King of Swing, Benny Goodman, and New Orleans clarinetist Irving Fazola. Check out the Hirt-Fountain rendition of this classic Dixie-jazz tune on YouTube. [8 August 2016]
Batman ("Batdance"), composed by Prince, uses the Batman hook [YouTube link] from the campy 1960s TV show I grew up watching, starring the late Adam West as our Caped Crusader. This song was featured in the Tim Burton-directed 1989 Batman reboot, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as an over-the-top off-the-wall Joker. Check out the official music video [YouTube link]. [28 February 2018]
[YouTube link], composed by the celebrated jazz trumpeter, composer, songwriter, and arranger, Neil Hefti, opened every episode of the campy 1960s series starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne / Batman, and Burt Ward as Robin facing off against a host of villains played by an evolving all-star cast, including The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin and John Astin), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), and Catwoman (Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt), among them. The cartoon graphics at the beginning of the show inspired a hilarious SNL parody, called "The Ambiguously Gay Duo" [YouTube link]. I was so swept away by the series as a kid that I went out to my Aunt Joan's house in Bellmore, Long Island, just so I could see Adam West and Burt Ward pass by in a Long Island bus tour! And my sister, my cousins, and I made the cover of Long Island's Newsday in a photo showing me holding up a sign of greeting as high as any 7-year old kid could. Tonight, they'll be lots of people holding up Emmy Awards in the Primetime broadcast. Tomorrow, I'll have one more encore TV theme, in honor of one of the greatest musicians who ever lived, now gone. But tonight, check out the Emmys. [18 September 2016]Batman ("Trust"), composed by Prince, features sampled horn parts from jazz trumpeters Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss. This Prince soundtrack album to the 1989 film, directed by Tim Burton, stars Michael Keaton as our Caped Crusader. The film also boasts an utterly off the wall, over-the-top, but still classically Jack Nicholson performance in the villainous role of the Joker (formerly played in the 1960s campy TV series by Cesar Romero, and later played much more darkly by the posthumously awarded Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner Heath Ledger in the 1998 film, "The Dark Knight"). Check out this song and the scene in which it unfolds as well as a rockin' Shep Pettibone 12" dance remix [YouTube]. And so concludes our mini-tribute to Prince's film music repertoire. [7 February 2017]
Batucada (The Beat) is a Marcos Valle-Paulo Valle composition, sung in Portuguese by Brasil 66 on their album "Look Around" (listen to audio clip at that link or the song title link). This song can be described as "viral"; if you listen to it, prepare to be infected by its rhythmic, melodic hook. [14 January 2005]
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms ("Monster Does Manhattan") [sample clip at that link], composed by David Buttolph for the 1953 film, is one of the defining and most influential film soundtracks for the whole sub-genre of "Monster Movies," which feature giant monsters stomping on contemporary cities (everything from King-sized giant apes and Atomic Age-reawakened dinosaurs to mutant ants and tarantulas). This particular film's plot has a fabulous London counterpart, released in 1959: "The Giant Behemoth," with special effects by Willis O'Brien, who was a mentor to Ray Harryhausen, the special effects wizard for Beast. After the Beast wreaks havoc in Manhattan, it decides to visit Brooklyn. Fuhgeddaboudit! It comes to a violent end at the Cyclone roller coaster, in Coney Island Amusement Park. Still, a little too close for comfort, if you ask this Brooklynite. [24 February 2012]
Beat It, words, music, and performance by Michael Jackson, was one of the biggest hits from the album, "Thriller," which was released twenty-five years ago today. Jim Farber's recollection gets it right; this brilliant Quincy Jones-produced album defined a remarkable moment in pop cultural history on so many levels. Listen here to an audio clip of this classic track, with its scintillating Eddie van Halen electric guitar solo, and watch the video that had a huge impact on pop music. [1 December 2007]
Beautiful Love, the Victor Young romantic ballad (lyrics by Egbert Van Alstyne), has been recorded by countless artists. And yet, the version that sticks in my mind is a mysterious instrumental waltz rendering, heard as source music for the 1932 Universal Monster Classic, "The Mummy" with Boris Karloff. Listen to tenor saxophonist Benny Golson talk about it for Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center. [9 November 2004]
Beautiful People features the music and lyrics of Marco Benassi, Allessandro Benassi, Jean Baptiste, and Chris Brown, who recorded this song in 2011. Check out the official video and Brown's performance on the 2011 VMAs. I can think of no better way to start off 2015 than with a song that tells us "It's your life" and to celebrate the love and beauty inside. A happy and healthy 2015 to all! [1 January 2015]
Beautiful Sadness, words and music by M. A. Leikin and L. Holdridge, as performed by Jane Olivor on her album, "Chasing Rainbows." As a paean to the end of a romance, this is what we call "slit-your-wrist-music" at its best. [11 December 2004]
Be Faithful is credited to many writers, but it depends heavily on samples from, among other tracks, "Love Like This" by Faith Evans and, obviously, "Chic Cheer" by the Edwards-Rodgers team, which started this 3-song arc. It was released by American rapper Fatman Scoop in 1999 and re-released in 2003 to international success. The song was also featured in the 2001 film, "Save the Last Dance." If you can handle the explicit lyrics, check out the evolution of a sample here [YouTube link]. [9 May 2022]
Beggin' features the words and music of Bob Gaudio and Peggy Farina. Listen here to an audio clip of the original and also to a "Jersey Boys" soundtrack rendition. And as the summer season melts into fall, a Happy Autumnal Equinox to one and all (the season officially arrived a little after midnight EDT). [23 September 2006]
Beginnings features the words and music of Robert Lamm of the group Chicago, from its jazz-rock fusion heyday. It's one of my favorite Chicago tracks; listen to an audio clip here. And for an alternative jazzy take on this classic track, listen to the Russ Kassoff arrangement for Catherine Dupuis at this link. [14 October 2005]
Begin the Beguine, words and music by Cole Porter, was one of the biggest hits in the career of the late, great Artie Shaw (listen to an audio clip here). And there are vocal versions of this great song too, sung by artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald (audio clip here) and Mario Lanza (audio clip here). But this remains a Shaw signature tune. Viva Shaw! [1 January 2005b]
Behind the Groove features the words and music of Richard Rudolph and Mary C. Brockert, whose stage name was Teena Marie. I've been a bit 'behind the groove' in getting a Notablog entry up for the new year, so here's wishing health and happiness to all my readers in 2014. Listen to the extended version of this classic R&B hit from the 1980 album "Lady T" on YouTube here. [4 January 2014]
Behind These Hazel Eyes features the words and music of Martin Sandberg, Lukasz Gottwald, and Kelly Clarkson, the first "American Idol" winner, who also performs the song. (And, yes, I've been watching the fifth season of the talent show.) This song has been played so much that it essentially grew on me. Big time. I now sing along when I hear it on the car radio. Listen to an audio clip here. [26 January 2006]
Believe, credited to six writers, was performed by Cher, whose recording was Billboard magazine's #1 Hot 100 Single of 1999. It was the biggest single of her career, and provided her with her first Grammy Award (for "Best Dance Recording"). It is known also for its use of the vocoder (though that particular link adds vocoder effects not on the actual recording). Listen to an audio clip of this well-produced dance track here. [19 July 2005]
Be My Love, music by Nicholas Brodszky, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is a 1950 Academy Award-nominated song from the film "The Toast of New Orleans," starring Mario Lanza, today's birthday boy. Listen to an audio clip here. And take a look at today's announced "Best Song" Oscar nominees for the 78th Annual Academy Awards here. [31 January 2006]
Ben, music by Walter Scharf, lyrics by Don Black, was the title track to the 1972 flick, sequel to the 1971 killer rat film, "Willard." A young Michael Jackson (born on this date in 1958) sings this song over the film's closing credits [YouTube link]. The studio recording [YouTube link] would go on to become a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, the first of so many solo MJ hits to come. It would go on to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Other renditions include those performed live by Billy Gillman and by Dutch violinist Andre Rieu [YouTube links]. In keeping with our Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition), check out this big band arrangement by Jim McMillen and Company [YouTube link] (from the album "Swingin' to Michael Jackson: A Tribute" [YouTube links]). Tomorrow is the VMAs... where MJ collected quite a few awards over the years. [29 August 2020]
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ ("Chariot Race") [YouTube film clip], music by Carl Davis (for the 1987 restored version), highlights the rousing chariot race from the 1925 epic silent version of the famous Lew Wallace novel. The film stars Ramon Navarro as Judah Ben-Hur and Francis X. Bushman as Messala; they battle it out in one of the finest silent screen action sequences ever filmed. It is noteworthy that the 1959 Oscar champ, with its glorious film score by Miklos Rozsa, has no musical accompaniment for its famed chariot race [YouTube film clip excerpt], which was staged by famed Hollywood stuntman Yakima Canutt. It was a terrific choice, artistically speaking, because the audience is engulfed by the sounds of the arena---its gruesome violence depicted by the clashing chariots, their riders and horses, and thousands of extras, none of it generated by CGI effects. A silent film, however, had no such luxury; Carl Davis's soundtrack provides the audience with a dramatic motif that augments the action we view on screen. A genuine triumph. One other piece of cinema trivia: In this 1925 silent epic, William Wyler was an uncredited Assistant Director, and A. Arnold Gillespie was an uncredited set designer for the art department. Both Wyler and Gillespie would go on to win Oscars for the 1959 version, in the categories of Directing and Visual Effects, respectively. [18 February 2018]
Ben-Hur ("Anno Domini") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, comes immediately after the "Overture" in the 1959 Biblical epic, which still holds the all-time Oscar record with 11 Academy Awards, including "Best Picture" (tied by "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", except "Ben-Hur" is the only one among these that includes two Oscars for acting categories). This cue opens with the score's famous three-note motif and serves as the backdrop for the narration [YouTube link], which tells us the story of Rome's occupation of Judea, a prelude to the Nativity scene [YouTube link]. Director William Wyler bookends this "Tale of the Christ" with the birth and crucifixion of Jesus [YouTube link], whose presence is felt throughout the film, without ever seeing his face or hearing his voice---except through the expressions and experiences of the other characters. Known as the first "intimate epic" [pdf], this film remains my all-time favorite with my all-time favorite score, and it's become a tradition of sorts for me to highlight a cue from this soundtrack on this date, my birthday. Unlike the film, however, I'm not yet 60! Not that there's anything wrong with that [YouTube link]. For those who haven't seen the finest film version of the classic Lew Wallace tale, it will be shown as part of TCM's 31 Days of Oscar tomorrow afternoon. [17 February 2019]
Ben-Hur ("Arrius' Party") [YouTube link], composed by the great Miklos Rozsa, is a sedate but celebratory theme, from my all-time favorite film, the 1959 epic, "Ben-Hur." Each year, on this date, since I inaugurated "My Favorite Songs," and since February has traditionally been that time of year spent in tribute to film music, I have featured a selection from this, the greatest of movie soundtracks. I saw the film again last night, as part of TCM's "31 Days of Oscar," and it remains the greatest "intimate epic" of all time, in my view. Listening to the 5-CD "Complete Soundtrack Collection" released as a part of FSM Golden Age Classics, I will forever be in love with this music. Happy 53rd birthday to me! [17 February 2013]
[YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, incorporates several motifs from the film score, including the Prelude, the Christ theme, and the theme for the "Adoration of the Magi"---all speaking to the character of Balthazar, one of the three wise men who has returned to Judea to find the child he first encountered in a manger in Bethlehem, following the star that proclaimed his birth. William Wyler once joked that it took a Jew to make a good film about Christ (indeed, in music, as in film, such Jewish Americans as Irving Berlin, who wrote "White Christmas," and Mel Torme and Robert Wells, who wrote "The Christmas Song," have contributed some of the finest "chestnuts" to the soundtrack of the Christmas holiday season). Be that as it may, this film's soundtrack, written by one of the greatest composers of his generation---or any generation, has always provided me with a special kind of spiritual nutrition, even during some of my most difficult days. The 1959 all-time Oscar champ (tied only by "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"---each with 11 Oscars) recently celebrated its 60th anniversary; it was released on 18 November 1959. And now, yes, today, I too am 60. It has become a tradition of sorts to feature a cue from this epic---my all-time favorite film---on my birthday. How fitting to celebrate a 60-year old film and soundtrack, when a 1960 baby celebrates his Beddian Birthday (or should that be "his Ben-hurdian Birthday"?).Ben-Hur ("The Battle") (audio clip at that link) is one of the most rousing cinematic achievements in the Miklos Rozsa film score canon. No tribute would be complete without a nod to my all-time favorite film score. Rozsa's music for the naval battle, an action-packed highlight of the 1959 William Wyler-directed "Ben-Hur", remains one of his great Academy-Award winning cinematic moments. And so we conclude our Centennial Celebration of the music of Miklos Rozsa on the occasion, today, of his 100th birthday. Tune in to Turner Classic Movies to see a tribute to Rozsa-scored films throughout the day. [18 April 2007]
Ben Hur ("The Burning Desert") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the one and only Miklos Rozsa, is from my all-time favorite film, the 1959 epic known for its colossal naval battles and chariot races, but also for its intimacy and intelligence. It's been a tradition around these parts to feature a selection from this grandest of symphonic cinematic scores every February 17th. This past year, life has sometimes felt like a struggle across a burning desert; just knowing that the sounds of redemption echo on the next horizon, that the cup of human kindness awaits in the hands of my truly blessed family and loyal friends, is enough to inspire the continuing trek across the many burning deserts to come. Happy 52nd Birthday to Me (born on the day that made me "Wednesday's Child, Full of Woe") and Three Cheers to Rozsa! [17 February 2012]
Ben-Hur ("Choral Suite") (audio clips at that link), was composed by Miklos Rozsa and arranged and reconstructed by Daniel Robbins. Happy Easter to my family and to all my Greek and Russian Orthodox friends. And our Rozsa Tribute, which began here, comes to a conclusion. Next year, the tribute will return to mark the Rozsa Centenary! [23 April 2006]
Ben-Hur ("Conflict") [YouTube link], composed by Oscar-winner Miklos Rozsa for the 1959 Best Picture, which won a record 11 Academy Awards, highlights the confrontation between the Jewish Prince Judah Ben-Hur (played by Oscar-winner Charlton Heston) and his Roman boyhood friend Messala (played by Golden Globe-winner Stephen Boyd), a conflict that reaches its apex in an epic chariot race for the cinematic ages (check out an excerpt here---spoiler alert! [YouTube link]). It's a tradition of sorts to post a cue from my favorite score from my favorite movie on this date. And today, the Prime #17th Annual Film Music February Meets The Prime #17th of February! I was actually born on this day (Wednesday), on this date, back in 1960. Since it's not yet 4:27 pm ET (the time of my birth), call me 61*. Either way, I'll always be younger than this film! [17 February 2021]
Ben-Hur ("Entr' Acte") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, opens the second act of this spectacular 1959 film epic, which won 11 Oscars, a record tied by "Titanic" (1997) and "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" (2003), but never surpassed. This cue features some of the most triumphant themes from one of the greatest symphonic film scores ever written. There's also a live orchestral rendition that Rozsa originally wrote [YouTube link]. As is typical on this day, my birthday, I feature music from my all-time favorite film. [17 February 2024]
Ben-Hur ("Fertility Dance") [audio clip at that link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, offers a rousing start to our Annual Movie Music Tribute, in anticipation of the 81st Academy Awards. The tribute also begins on the occasion of my 49th birthday... so... uh... happy birthday to me! [17 February 2009]
Ben-Hur ("Friendship") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, continues an annual tradition, in which I feature a composition from my all-time favorite soundtrack. I pick this stellar theme today in celebration of my own birthday and in celebration of my friends, those who have given me their love and support over the past year, in good times and in very difficult times too. Today also begins my annual salute to film music. This year, instead of focusing on selections from my favorite film scores, like today's entry, I will focus on cinematic songs. From tomorrow until the Oscars on March 5, 2006, I will highlight some of my favorite songs from the silver screen, taking a chronological trip down memory lane. [17 February 2006]
Ben-Hur ("The Galley") was composed by birthday boy Miklos Rozsa for a classic scene, the rowing of the galley slaves, in this 11-Oscar-winning masterpiece. The perfect wedding between cinematic scoring and film, this composition takes us from "battle speed" to "attack speed" to "ramming speed" in thrilling fashion. It is Rozsa's music that directs the pace here as much as the great director William Wyler. Check out the scene on YouTube, where Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius and Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, Galley Slave No. 41, match wits. And check out the YouTube Red Bull Spoof. [18 April 2008]
Ben-Hur ("Gratus' Entry To Jerusalem") [YouTube link] is a dark, imperial march composed by Miklos Rozsa that begins immediately after "Salute for Gratus" (included here as well) on a 5-disc edition of the score to my favorite film of all time: "Ben-Hur", the Best Picture of 1959, which set a winning record of 11 Oscars that has been tied, but never beaten. In a sprawling Oscar-winning soundtrack filled with grand and diverse themes, Rozsa provides a wide range of emotions, which capture the "soul" of this remarkable film. It is not without significance that the film has been called the first modern "intimate" epic, one that could stage grand-scale naval battles and real chariot races of widescreen scope without the help or need for CGI, while at the same time exploring the essential depth of its main characters and the intimacy and complexity of their relationships. Much of the credit goes to Oscar-winning director William Wyler, and the performances he elicited from his actors (two of whom brought home Oscar gold: Charlton Heston for "Best Actor" and Hugh Griffith for "Best Supporting Actor"). Rozsa's piece captures the coercive imposition of ancient Roman will on Judea, the oppressive character of imperial occupation on a section of the world that, till this day, remains in turmoil. In any event, it is in keeping with my annual practice of featuring something from "Ben-Hur" on the occasion of my birthday, which always coincides with Film Music February. So I've chosen this muscular piece from Rozsa's greatest, most triumphant symphonic film score, perhaps one of the greatest scores in cinema history. [17 February 2016]
Ben-Hur ("Homecoming"), composed by the great Miklos Rozsa, opens my annual film m+usic tribute, which will extend through Oscar Day, February 25, 2007. This year, I will feature a mix of cues and songs from the movies. Today also happens to be my birthday; as in 2005 and 2006, I choose a track from my favorite film score of all time. Listen to an audio clip here. [17 February 2007]
Ben-Hur ("London Festival Orchestra Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] is yet another suite that has been orchestrated in celebration of the great Oscar-winning Miklos Rozsa score to the epic 1959 film version of the Lew Wallace novel. Starring the "Best Actor"-winning Charlton Heston in the title role, the film won 11 Oscars, a record tied but never beaten. It remains my all-time favorite, and it's a Film Music February Festival ritual to post something from its soundtrack on this date every year. It's my birthday after all---and yes, this film will always be older than me, since it was released almost three months to the day before I was born. [17 February 2023]
Ben-Hur ("Love Theme") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, is sensitively stated by a solo violin with orchestra. It is a central theme from this William Wyler-directed epic, and one of the romantic highlights of the score and the film. [18 February 2005]
Ben-Hur ("The Miracle") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, is a restatement of the central theme from this magnificent soundtrack, with hallelujah chorus bringing the film to a triumphant finale. A Happy Easter to all my Eastern Orthodox friends and family! Christos Anesti! (from St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Arizona, via Into the Light). [27 April 2008]
Ben-Hur ("The Mother's Love") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of the most melancholy themes from this William Wyler-directed 1959 blockbuster, which won a record 11 Oscars, including a well-deserved one for its magnificent score. Equaled but not surpassed by "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" in its Oscar tally, this epic is the only film among those holding the record to have won Oscars in the acting categories---one for Charlton Heston as Best Actor (in the role of Judah Ben-Hur) and the other for Hugh Griffith as Best Supporting Actor (in the role of Sheik Ilderim). Heston has the distinction of appearing in what is considered to be the last of the "classic" costume epics ("The Ten Commandments") and this, the first of the modern intimate "thinking man's" epics ("Ben-Hur"), noted for providing deep characterization amidst grand spectacle. Ironically, in both films, actress Martha Scott played Charlton Heston's mother (and today's theme captures "the mother's love" so poignantly). It's become a tradition during my annual film music tribute, which started way back in 2005, to pick a cue on this date, my birthday, from my all-time favorite film and film score---and I have no intention of changing that tradition anytime soon. How appropriate to highlight this selection especially for "the mother's love" that gave me life and nurtured me as I grew to maturity. Today also happens to be the 32nd Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards, in both theatrical releases and television, hosted by TCM's Ben Mankiewicz. Apropos, among the 11 Oscars received by "Ben-Hur" was one for "Best Color Cinematography" by Robert Surtees. For this year's TCM "31 Days of Oscar" celebration, films are being featured by Oscar Award category each day. "Ben-Hur" is the final film---in the climactic final category of "Best Picture"---in TCM's annual tribute, scheduled for 2:45 a.m. ET on March 4th. It's the most obvious period at the end of any cinema sentence, since it is still among the most honored films in Oscar history. [17 February 2018]
Ben-Hur ("Overture") [YouTube link], composed by Master Maestro Miklos Rozsa, encapsulates all the main thematic content of my favorite soundtrack (and film) of all time. It's become a tradition on my birthday to pick a cue from this 11-Academy Award-winning 1959 film (a total equaled by "Titanic" and the third installment of "Lord of the Rings," but never surpassed, and neither of those films received Oscars in any of the acting categories). For TCM fans, the film airs tonight from 8 pm to midnight (EST, followed by "Psycho"). Coincidence? Divine inspiration? All I know is that I turn 55 today; my loving Dad passed away in 1972, three months short of his 56th birthday. So I figure if I beat that, I'm good for another 55. Right now, I count my blessings that my eyes open every morning. I count my blessings for the passion of my work and for the love and support of my family and my friends. Cheers to a life worth living. For that reason alone, indeed, I shall "row well, and live." Even if I do get a little "Psycho" now and then; it keeps life interesting! [17 February 2015]
Ben-Hur ("Parade of the Charioteers") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, trumpets the bold and grand arrival of the charioteers before the Great Chariot Race in this all-time Oscar champ (its 11 Oscar record is tied with "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"). It acts as a fanfare for a scene rated among the "most thrilling" action sequences ever committed to celluloid, according to the American Film Institute. [19 February 2005]
Ben-Hur ("Prelude") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, announces the main theme from what is probably my favorite film score, composed by one of my favorite composers, for my favorite movie, the 1959 film version of the General Lew Wallace novel, starring Oscar-winner Charlton Heston in the title role. What better way to celebrate my own birthday than with my favorites? [17 February 2005]
Ben-Hur ("The Procession to Calvary" / "The Bearing of the Cross") [audio clips at that link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, coincides with the Eastern Orthodox Good Friday. It is as if Rozsa captures all the pain of The Passion; it's a classic musical moment in a classic film. [21 April 2006]
Ben-Hur ("Roman March" or "Marcia Romana") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of the master's grandest marches from the grandest of all epics. Continuing Movie Music Month, this one's for me (on my 51st birthday)! [17 February 2011]
Ben-Hur ("Salute for Gratus") [audio clip at that link] is one of the grandest themes composed by Miklos Rozsa for my favorite film, "Ben-Hur." And so, it is fitting to highlight this one, from my favorite soundtrack of all time, on the occasion of my 50th birthday... today! [17 February 2010]
Ben-Hur ("Salute for Messala") [audio clip at that link] is a 10-second cue composed by the legendary Miklos Rozsa, which is heard in the 1959 MGM epic upon the arrival of Judah Ben-Hur's childhood friend, Messala, who has returned to Jerusalem, a tribune of Rome, ready to assume command of the Roman garrison. To me, despite the flaws and corruptions that have engulfed the soul of the man who becomes Ben-Hur's nemesis, this particular cue, designed to express the requisite regality, also expresses strength of character and certainty of purpose. And it was a cue that never showed up on the umpteen versions of this film's soundtracks that had been released since the film's 1959 debut. That was rectified in 2013 by FSM Golden Age Classics, with the release of an utterly definitive 5-CD collection illustrating the complete brilliance of Rozsa's Oscar-winning score, one of the 11 Oscars that remains an Academy Award record (tied, but never bested by "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"). Since the beginning of Notablog, I've highlighted many cues from this soundtrack. Of this, one can be certain: On February 17th of any year, you'll find a "Ben-Hur" selection: in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and the tradition continues today. It's my 54th birthday, after all, and it allows me to offer an annual salute to my all-time favorite movie and my all-time favorite score. [17 February 2014]
Ben-Hur ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, derives from one of the greatest symphonic scores ever written for one of the greatest epics in cinema history: the 1959 version of "Ben-Hur", directed by William Wyler, and starring Charlton Heston in the title role. The first "intimate epic" won a record 11 Oscars, equaled---by "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"---but never surpassed, including this well-deserved statuette for Best Original Score, Rozsa's third and final Oscar. It is the only Oscar ever won for any score written in the ancient and medieval epic genre. This concludes our three-day mini-tribute to the Maestro Miklos. It's become a tradition of sorts for me to highlight a cue from this film every year on this date. So... uh... Happy Birthday to Me! [17 February 2022]
Ben-Hur ("Star of Bethelehem"/"Adoration of the Magi"), composed by the great Miklos Rozsa, is perfect on the eve of the Epiphany. From my favorite movie, the 1959 version of "Ben-Hur," these selections can be sampled from the soundtrack album here. [5 January 2006]
Ben-Hur ("Suite") [YouTube link], composed by today's birthday boy, Miklos Rozsa, includes all of the sweeping themes for the grand 1959 epic "Tale of the Christ," starring Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur [YouTube documentary on Chuck]. This is, to my knowledge, the only suite I have heard that is different from any other pieces I have already highlighted from the soundtrack of my all-time favorite film. But what makes it so very special is that it features the composer himself conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (in 1979). It is a special treat to see this man so alive with the music of the score that remains his crowning achievement. It is a true genius that we honor today [pdf link to my Rozsa essay] on the 110th anniversary of his birth [YouTube documentary on Rozsa]. Tomorrow, we begin a week-long Centenary Tribute to another musical legend from an entirely different genre. Just don't drop your brown and yellow basket because within a week, it'll be filled with the glory of Ella. [18 April 2017]
Ben-Hur ("Valley of the Lepers" / "The Search") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of the more mournful themes from his majestic soundtrack for this 1959 film, winner of 11 Academy Awards, including one for Rozsa's score (a record tied by "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," but never surpassed). It's a tradition during Film Music February to pick a cue from my all-time favorite film, on this particular day because it's my birthday! This ain't birthday party music---no victory parade or parade of the charioteers! [YouTube links]. But it shows another thematic side of the grandest symphonic film score ever written by one of my all-time favorite composers. And while you're at it, check out 10 Famous Lines from this Oscar champ [YouTube link]---though at least four classic lines are missing: "Bravely Spoken," "Down Eros, Up Mars" [TCM link], "Ramming Speed" and "We keep you alive to serve this ship: So row well and live!" [YouTube links]. That last one is a line I've used in some of my more whimsical moments with contributors to The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies. It's very effective! (On Facebook, I wrote the following preface: Today's entry in my film music series comes from an epic story of struggle and redemption with which I've always identified. And it's a custom I've developed, every February 17th since 2005, to choose a cue from the glorious Miklos Rozsa score to my all-time favorite film, "Ben-Hur," which made its debut at the Loew's State Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1959, just a day over 3 months before my birth in 1960. Perhaps I fell in love with the film before I was even born, since Mom saw it around the 1959 Christmas holidays, but one thing is certain: I actually first fell in love with the soundtrack to this film, playing it over and over on the ol' Victrola for a good 5 or 6 years prior to seeing the MGM Oscar champ for the first time on its tenth anniversary re-release, which began its run on June 18, 1969 at the Palace Theatre in NYC, the Overture, Intermission, and Entr' Acte still intact. I should add that the re-release ran in 70 mm through November 5, 1969, in preparation for the 70 mm showing of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." My family and I saw the film in the late summer of 1969. The lobby of the Palace was already adorned with Roberto Gari's famous portrait of Judy Garland, in the wake of Garland's death on June 22, 1969---Garland having given a series of legendary performances at the theatre. Enjoy!) [17 February 2017]
Ben Hur ("Victory Parade, Parts 1 & 2") [audio clip at that link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, kicks off our annual film music tribute, which will take us right up to the 80th Annual Academy Awards. And as is also traditional around here, the Movie Music begins on my birthday (I turn 48 today!) with a selection from my favorite film score from my favorite movie written by my favorite film score composer. This regal composition is one of Rozsa's best. [17 February 2008]
Ben-Hur / King of Kings ("A Christmas Sequence") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, arranged by Christopher Palmer, is a lovely 'mash-up' of the music from two of Rozsa's film score masterpieces: "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "King of Kings" (1961). It takes the cues related to the birth of Christ from both films and presents us with an inspirational thematic celebration of peace on earth, goodwill to all. The sequence is conducted by George Fenton, and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Choral Society. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! (And it's my Greek Name Day too! Yay!) [25 December 2021]
Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much), music and Spanish lyrics by Consuelo Velasquez, English lyrics by Sunny Skylar, has been recorded by the likes of Jimmy Dorsey, with vocalists Kitty Kallen and Bob Eberly (audio clip here), the Beatles, and Chris Isaak (audio clip here). My favorite version is by Wes Montgomery on his masterpiece album, "Boss Guitar" (audio clip at that link). [20 December 2005]
The Best is Yet to Come, composed by the late Cy Coleman, sung by a jazzy Sinatra in another fine collaboration with arranger Quincy Jones and the Count Basie Orchestra, from the album "It Might as Well Be Swing" (listen to that audio clip). [23 December 2004]
The Best of My Love, music by Al McKay, lyrics by Maurice White (of Earth, Wind, and Fire), was taken to #1 on the Billboard pop chart by The Emotions. The performance netted them a 1977 Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. Its groove was so distinctive to its era that, 20 years later, it opened the soundtrack to the 1997 film, "Boogie Nights" (listen to an audio clip here). [26 May 2005]
[YouTube link] is featured in the Oscar-winning Score (of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) composed by Hugo Friedhofer. The 1946 "Best Picture" showed us some of the horrific, lingering physical and psychological effects of war (even so-called "good wars") on those who survive it. Best Director William Wyler took home one of seven competitive gold statuettes won by this superb film (the producer, Samuel Goldwyn, also won the Irving Thalberg award and another individual also received an honorary award---more on that in a moment). A deserved Oscar went to Best Actor Frederic March (though Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy, and Teresa Wright are all equally wonderful in their roles). The Best Supporting Actor, Harold Russell, also received an honorary award for "bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans." Russell had lost both hands in World War II, and got along just fine with two hooks. One philosopher from whose work I have learned much, apparently despised this film and "It's a Wonderful Life" (for shame!), because it had subliminal pink propaganda (like references to bankers "with a heart," etc.). I could write a few articles about how far she missed the mark (like I did for "A Christmas Carol" and "Ben-Hur"), but, suffice it to say, sometimes you can appreciate works of art on many different levels, even if some mixed premises ooze into the script. This film came out a year after the end of the most horrific war in human history, one that this particular philosopher opposed. But there's a reason the American public responded to the film. The struggles of its survivng veterans were palpable and resonated with its war weary audience. One of the aspects of this film that got well deserved recognition was Friedhofer's soundtrack. And for that, Bravo, Maestro! [11 February 2015] was composed by Lewis Wharton and Barrie Cadogan of the band Little Barrie. The beginning bars of this track became the main theme of one of the finest spin-offs in television history: "Better Call Saul." It is first heard in the opening of Season 1, Episode 1 ("Uno") of this terrific show, which made its debut on February 8, 2015. Starring the wonderful Bob Odenirk as Jimmy McGill, this series shows us that character's evolution into Saul Goodman. The creation of Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the six-season run of BCS expanded the "Gilliverse" of the BB franchise in grand style. Check out the full BCS main theme [YouTube link]. [14 January 2023]Better Call Saul ("Samba Tropical") [YouTube link], composed and performed by Franck Sarkissian and Yannick Kalfayan, appears on the former's album, "Songs of Brazil". It is a musical highlight from Season 1, Episode 4 ("Hero") of BCS, which
made its debut on February 23, 2015. [15 January 2023]Better Call Saul ("Tune Down") [YouTube link], composed and performed by Chris Joss, appears on the musician's 2009 album, "Sticks". This cool, bluesy vibe is heard in Season 1, Episode 7 ("Bingo") of BCS, which first aired on March 15, 2015. Oh, those Kettlemans! And congratulations to Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito and BCS for taking home trophies from the Critics Choice Awards! [16 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Banzai Pipeline"), composed by the great Henry Mancini, appears on the 1963 album, "Uniquely Mancini," showcasing the maestro's big band sound. It's also heard in Season 1, Episode 10 ("Marco") of BCS, which first aired on April 6, 2015. It appears during one of those terrific BCS montage moments [YouTube link]. [17 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Smoke on the Water"), composed and performed by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice of the English rock band Deep Purple. This song, which hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, chronicles the 1971 fire at Montreux Casino. It appears on the band's 1972 album, "Machine Head". It also projects much symbolism in Season 1, Episode 10 ("Marco") of BCS. Jimmy McGill hums the famous guitar riff at the end of this episode before the credits roll into the original. Check out the full album version here [YouTube links]. [18 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Gloria's Step, Take 2") [YouTube link], composed and performed by Bill Evans, was recorded live by the jazz piano great with his legendary trio, featuring Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums. It was released as part of "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" in October 1961, only months after LaFaro's tragic death in an auto accident. Chuck McGill, Jimmy's brother (portrayed by Michael McKean), places this Bill Evans vinyl on the turntable in Season 2, Episode 5 ("Rebecca") of BCS, which premiered on March 14, 2016. Oh and btw, this is the 2000th distinct song entry in "My Favorite Songs" list, which started on 1 September 2004! [19 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Scorpio") [YouTube link], composed by Dennis Coffey, hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the Soul Singles chart, as part of the artist's 1971 album, "Evolution" (Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band). This funk instrumental is heard over one of the best musical montages of the series in Season 2, Episode 7 ("Inflatable") of BCS, which premiered on March 28, 2016. Check that montage out here [YouTube link]. On this date in 2008, "Breaking Bad" premiered---as did the birth of the franchise we are celebrating in music this entire month! [20 January 2023]
features the words and music of Lee Hazlewood. Nancy Sinatra's recording of it hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1966 and #1 on the East Listening chart one month later. The song is featured on her 1966 album, "Sugar". Season 3, Episode 1 ("Mabel") of BCS, which premiered on April 10, 2017, opens with this song as backdrop [YouTube link] over a flash-forward to Gene Takovic (aka as Saul Goodman, aka Jimmy McGill), managing a Cinnabon in a large shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska. [21 January 2023]Better Call Saul ("Alfonso Muskedunder") was composed by Norweigian DJ Todd Terje, from his 2015 studio album, "It's Album Time". The song is featured in Season 3, Episode 3 ("Sunk Costs") of BCS, which premiered on April 24, 2017. Check out its official video, but more importantly, its use in this sweet Kim Wexler montage [YouTube link]. [22 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Grazing in the Grass"), music by Philemon Hou
, lyrics by Harry Elston, was first recorded in 1968 by Hugh Masekela as an instrumental and, later on, in a 1969 vocal version, by Friends of Distinction [YouTube links]. But it's an instrumental rendition by The Ventures [YouTube link] that we hear in Season 4, Episode 4 ("Talk") of BCS, which premiered on August 27, 2018. [23 January 2023]Better Call Saul ("Burnin' Coal") [YouTube link], composed and performed by pianist Les MCann, first appeared on the artist's 1969 album, "Much Les". It provides a jazzy backdrop to a key scene in Season 4, Episode 8 ("Coushatta") of BCS, which premiered on September 24, 2018. Jimmy takes a trip to the town of Coushatta in Louisiana to help out his bodyguard Huell Babineux. Check out how Jimmy enlists a busload of folks to Save Huell [YouTube link]. [24 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("The Winner Takes It All") features the music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, members of the Swedish pop group ABBA, which scored a Top 10 Billboard Hit with this song from the 1980 album, "Super Trouper", which also included the dance floor staple, "Lay All Your Love On Me" [Disconet remix; YouTube link]. Check out the original ABBA recording [YouTube link]. In the opening scene of Season 4, Episode 10 ("Winner") of BCS, which aired on October 12, 2018, this song provides a rare glimpse into the complicated relationship between the two McGill brothers. To celebrate his admission to the New Mexico bar, Jimmy takes the stage at a karaoke lounge to perform this song, persuading his reluctant brother Chuck to join him. Though Chuck 'steals' the show, the two brothers eventually leave the bar together and hit the sack, lying side by side, in a poignant moment of unconditional brotherly love---a snapshot of what could have been, but never was. Check out that flashback scene here [YouTube link]. [25 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("The Sidewinder"), composed by Lee Morgan, is the title track to Morgan's 1964 album. It includes a stellar line-up, with Morgan on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor sax, Barry Harris on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The soul-jazz instrumental charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as a double-sided single, peaking at #81. It is heard in Season 5, Episode 1 ("Magic Man") of BCS, which premiered on February 23, 2020. Check out the full album version here and the featured scene where Saul Goodman gives away cell phones as a promo [YouTube links]. [26 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Blackbird Special") is credited to The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, on whose 1984 album, "My Feet Can't Fail Me Now" this track appears [YouTube link]. A funkier version appears as a live cut by drummer Stanton Moore on the 2008 album,"Take it to the Street (The Music)!" It's that version that we hear in Season 5, Episode 5 ("Dedicado a Max") in BCS, which first aired on March 16, 2020. It's used as the musical backdrop to Saul's efforts to delay the demolition of a client's house by throwing every legal and extra-legal obstacle in the way. Check out the full version here and the accompanying scene [YouTube links]. [27 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("I Got The"), composed by Labi Siffre, appears on the his 1975 album, "Remember My Song". It has been sampled by many hip hop artists, including on Eminem's "My Name Is" [YouTube link]. We also hear it in Season 5, Episode 8 ("Bagman") of BCS, which first aired on April 8, 2020. Check out the original full-length version as well as the scene in which an instrumental excerpt from this funky track is used---which might as well have been subtitled "Urine the Money". [28 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Cafe Granada") [YouTube link], recorded by guitarists James and Sylvia Kalal with Robert W. Fraser, is from the 2012 album "Flamenco Ole". The song is featured in Season 6, Episode 5 ("Black and Blue") of BCS during a boxing match between Howard Hamlin and Jimmy McGill [YouTube link]. [29 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Jim on the Move") [YouTube link], composed and performed by Lalo Schifrin, derives from the 1967 soundtrack to the "Mission: Impossible" TV series. It's also heard not coincidentally in Season 6, Episode 10 ("Nippy") of BCS. The episode also starts an arc that includes a sweet guest star turn by Carol Burnett---a big fan of the Gilliverse---as Marion. Check out how this groovy 60s track frames the setup by Gene Takovic (aka Saul Goodman aka Jimmy McGill) against the mall security guards [YouTube link]. [30 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Shared Smoke") [YouTube link] features the music of Dave Porter---the man whose compositions we started with on New Year's Day. He provided the original scoring for the entire BB-EC-BCS universe. This track is featured in Season 6, Episode 13 ("Saul Gone") of BCS, which first aired on August 15, 2022. It is heard in the closing scenes between Jimmy "Saul Goodman" McGill and Kim Wexler [YouTube link]. There are so many takeaways from this last episode and these final scenes---not the least of which is creator Vince Gilligan's sense of justice, individual responsibility and the moral imperative of facing the consequences of one's actions. Yet, one of the lingering, most poignant aspects of these scenes is how they project the complicated but loving relationship between Jimmy and Kim, a key to the success of BCS and to the final moments of the BB franchise. On the occasion of the Fifteenth Anniversary of the beginning of this grand franchise, all I can say is: "It's all good, man!" [YouTube link]. [31 January 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Address Unknown"), words and music by Carmen Lombardo, Dedette Lee Hill, and Johnny Mark, was recorded by The Ink Spots and went to #1 in 1939. But it experienced a resurgence when it was heard in the opening sequence of the series premiere ("Uno") of "Better Call Saul", which first aired on February 8, 2015. The show, which stars Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman (aka Jimmy McGill, aka Gene Takovic), was developed by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It is a triumphant spinoff of the critically acclaimed series, "Breaking Bad". The Emmy Awards were scheduled for tonight (and it's the 75th anniversary of those awards that is being celebrated in this year's Eighth Annual Summer Music Festival). But the ceremony has been postponed to January 15, 2024, due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG/AFTRA strike. "Better Call Saul" has received several Emmy nominations, including Best Drama, Lead Actor (Odenkirk), Supporting Actress (Rhea Seehorn) and two for Writing (Gordon Smith and Peter Gould). In its history, the show has garnered 53 Primetime Emmy and Creative Arts Emmy nominations and has only won 2 technical awards in the latter category. Whatever the results, this show and its predecessor remain among the finest achievements in television history, in my view. And to Roderick Tracy Long again: I promised I'd include this song at a future date! Check out the original recording and its appearance in the 2015 debut BCS episode [YouTube link]. [18 September 2023]
Better Call Saul ("Boulevard of Broken Dreams"), words and music by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, is performed by Juan Garcis Esquivel, in BCS, Season 1, Episode 2 ("Mijo"), which aired on February 9, 2015. Check out the BCS scene in which this track is used, as well as vocal renditions by Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, and Tony Bennett [YouTube links]. After a long delay due to the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the 75th Annual Emmy Awards, which I tributed in my 2023 Summer Music Festival, will finally air. Tonight, BCS's final season garnered several Emmy nominations. Despite 53 Primetime Emmy nominations, it has only won 2 technical awards in the Creative Arts category over its 6 seasons. Whatever the outcome tonight, it gets my vote for one of the all-time greatest television series. [15 January 2024]
A Better Day Will Come features the words and music of Carl E. K. Johnson and James Torme, son of the late, great jazz singer Mel Torme. I first discovered James when I highlighted his rendition [YouTube link] of Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" (title track from his debut album) in this year's tribute to the Tony Awards. Today is young Torme's 42nd birthday, and I'd like to highlight a few tracks from that fine album both today and tomorrow. I'm prevented from putting some of them up as "Songs of the Day," because they are already on my ever-growing list (for example, his rendition of the MJ classic [YouTube link] "Rock with You," his version of the Joseph Kosma-Johnny Mercer jazz standard [YouTube link] "Autumn Leaves," and his rendition of the Alan Jay Lerner song from the musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" [YouTube link], the jazzy "Come Back to Me"). Check out this Torme-penned track, with its melodic line and rhythmic feel [YouTube link]. This song won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest award for Best Jazz Song in 2009. [13 August 2015]
Beverly Hills 90210 ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by John E. Davis, opened up the coming-of-age television teen drama during its ten-year run on Fox. It was a guilty pleasure, I admit, but I watched all ten seasons, and at least one of its various spin-offs ("Melrose Place"). As in all teen-age soap operas, the series had one brooding young male character, and in '90210', it was Dylan McKay, played by Luke Perry, who died today at the age of 52, due to complications from a massive stroke. The only person I ever actually visited from that zip code was Nathaniel Branden, back in 1999. Today, however, is a date seared into my own memory---for my own father died on March 4, 1972, at the age of 55 from a massive coronary. As you get older, it's only natural that you are reminded of your own mortality, but at the age of 59, you tend to think that this happens to folks older than you. At some point, of course, the mathematics tend to outweigh the thoughts. Still, at 52, Perry is another person gone too soon. RIP, Luke. [4 March 2019]
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered, a great Rodgers and Hart tune from "Pal Joey," kicks off our mini-tribute in honor of Halloween week (okay, so the song has nothing to do with witches and goblins, even if it has "bewitched" in the title... but I love it!). Listen to audio clips of renditions recorded by Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Benny Goodman (with Helen Forrest), Rod Stewart and Cher, Barbra Streisand, and Oscar Peterson and Stan Getz. [30 October 2006]
Be Without You features the words and music of Johnta Austin, Brian Michael Cox, Jason Perry, and its singer: Mary J. Blige. While the original mix is classic Blige, nothing compares to the scalding Moto Blanco dance remix (audio clips at those links). "Put Your Hands Up!" [11 July 2006]
Big City Blues, words and music by Adrienne Anderson, appears on "2:00 AM Paradise Cafe," Barry Manilow's fourteenth studio album. In what is one of his best albums, the artist---who turns 76 today---brings together a host of jazz musicians, including pianist Bill Mays, baritone sax player Gerry Mulligan, drummer Shelly Manne, bassist George Duvivier, and guitarist Mundell Lowe, whose pleasant pickings can be heard at the beginning and end of today's recording. The 1984 album is one of Manilow's finest, including the gorgeous "When October Goes," based partially on an unfinished lyric from the great Johnny Mercer and a melody composed by Manilow. The album also includes two wonderful duets: one with the Divine One, Sarah Vaughan, and the other---today's Song of the Day---with Mel Torme, who left us twenty years ago (June 5, 1999). Check out this Manilow and Mel duet [YouTube link] in honor of today's birthday boy. [17 June 2019]
The Big Country ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Jerome Moross, opens the sprawling William Wyler-directed 1958 Western, starring Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Carroll Baker, and Burl Ives, who won a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. And if it weren't for the relationship forged between Wyler and Heston in this film, Chuck would never have gone on to Oscar glory in "Ben-Hur." The Moross score received an Oscar nomination (but it lost to Dimitri Tiomkin's score for "The Old Man and the Sea"). [7 February 2018]
Big Energy is credited not only to the team that gave us "Genius of Love" and to Mariah Carey (who recorded "Fantasy", featured yesterday), but also to the singer who recorded it, Latto. Released in September 2021, it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart. Check out the original music video and a remix version with Mariah and DJ Khaled [YouTube links]. From "Genius of Love" to "Fantasy" to today's song, we conclude another exercise in tracing the art of sampling. [4 December 2022]
Big Fun, words and music by Kevin Saunderson, Paris Gray, Arthur Forest and James Pennington, was recorded by the group Inner City. Listen to an audio clip of this classic house track here. [7 September 2006]
Bill Bailey (Won't You Please Come Home?), words and music by Hughie Cannon, dates back to 1902. It has been played by country and jazz artists alike. Listen to audio clips of a plaintive version by Patsy Cline, a finger-poppin' version by Ella, a swingin' version by Bobby Darin, a Dixieland-Swing version by Pete Fountain, and a collaboration between Ann-Margaret and Al Hirt. [12 October 2005]
Billie Jean, music, lyrics, and performance by Michael Jackson, was one of the biggest hits from one of the biggest selling albums of all time, "Thriller" (check out audio clip at that link). Its video also made a big splash at MTV. Like so many others, I saw Jackson perform this classic song live, with his famous moonwalk, at the 25th anniversary tribute to Motown back on May 16, 1983. But not even that compared to his live performance of it at The Garden, where I saw him in 1984 on the "Jacksons' Victory Tour," and, especially, in 1988, on his solo "Bad Tour." Whatever else one might say about MJ, he was/is a remarkable performer. And happy birthday to fellow MJ fan, Abe. [18 January 2005]
Billionaire features the words and music of Ari Levine, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars and Travie Lazarus McCoy, who recorded the track for "Lazarus," his first studio album. With clever rapping by McCoy and the smooth vocals of Bruno Mars, I can't think of a more appropriate song to feature on a day when the country is crazy for the Mega Millions Lottery, with the largest jackpot in history now roaring past half-a-billion bucks. Hey, You Never Know! So while you're waiting for the winning numbers, check out the music video to this cool song, a Danyo Wallem remix (Explicit Content Warning!), and a "Glee" cast version as well. [30 March 2012]
Bim-Bom, written by Joao Gilberto, has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips of various renditions of this lively Brazilian tune: a solo Gilberto, Gilberto with Stan Getz, and Stan Getz in a Big Band setting, and, finally, my favorite version from Brasil 66. [8 June 2006]
Birdland was composed by Joe Zawinul, the keyboardist of the jazz-fusion group Weather Report, which recorded it for their seventh studio album, "Heavy Weather" (1977). Named after one of the great 52nd Street jazz clubs in New York City, which took its name from the nickname of be bop pioneer, alto saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker, it became a landmark Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion track. But the Grammy Award went to The Manhattan Transfer a few years later, for their jazz vocalese version of the celebrated track. The lyrics for the track were written by Jon Hendricks (of the always-fascinating vocalese group, Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross), though Eddie Jefferson had started writing lyrics for the piece before his untimely death. The Manhattan Transfer version appears on my favorite album of theirs: "Extensions." And the album is dedicated to Jefferson. In 1980, they received Grammy Awards for Best Jazz/Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental for "Birdland" and for Janis Siegel for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices, for the same recording. Check out the original instrumental classic by Weather Report and the equally classic vocalese version by The Manhattan Transfer [YouTube links]. [16 April 2012]
The Birth of the Blues, music by Ray Henderson, lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown, was incorporated into the 1926 Broadway revue, "George White's Sandals." It has been recorded by many artists throughout the years, including the 1926 version by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra [YouTube link]. But today is the birthday of Ol' Blue Eyes, who himself was deeply influenced by jazz and the blues. And what better way to celebrate it than with one of Frank Sinatra's hits (it spent five weeks on the Billboard charts). Take a listen to Sinatra's solo recording from 1952 [YouTube link] and then, watch a very special live TV rendition on "The Edsel Show," with Louis Armstrong [YouTube link]. [12 December 2017]
The Bishop's Wife ("Main Title") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Hugo Friedhofer, is a lovely theme to match an even lovelier movie. The 1947 tale, starring Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young, is one of my all-time favorites. [13 February 2013]
Bitches Crystal, words and music by Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, is another classic high energy prog rock track from the Emerson, Lake and Palmer album, "Tarkus." Listen to an audio clip of the original cut here, and also, from an ELP tribute album here. [13 September 2006]
Black Cat, written and performed by Janet Jackson, from her socially conscious "Rhythm Nation 1814" album (check out that audio clip). It may not be "Black Dog," and Janet may not be a bona fide rock singer, but she got a much-deserved 1991 Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female." [18 November 2004]
Black Dog, words and music by John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, of the immortal rock band, Led Zeppelin. One of their most memorable hits with a classic rock riff. Check out audio clip here. [17 November 2004]
Black Panther ("A New Day") [YouTube link], was composed by Ludwig Goransson, for this 2019 superhero film, based on the Marvel-ous collaboration of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, starring the late Chadwick Boseman. With its predominantly black cast and black director, this trailblazing, absorbing film broke many box office records. The orchestral score embraces a global sound, while also incorporating original songs by Kendrick Lamar. [23 February 2021]
Black Velvet, words and music by Allanah Myles, who, with this song, beat out Janet Jackson's "Black Cat" at the 1991 Grammy Awards, for "Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female." Has a really nice churning bluesy groove. From her debut album; check out the clip at amazon.com. [19 November 2004]
Blame it on the Boogie, words and music by
Mick Jackson,
David Jackson, and Elmar Krohn, was recorded in 1978 by both Mick Jackson and
The Jacksons (no
relation between them). The Jacksons' version, my favorite, sported an
infectious and happy disco beat, and a sweet R&B-laced vocal by its
extraordinarily talented lead singer, who, today, would have been 51 years old.
In
remembrance of
Michael Jackson's birthday,
Spike Lee is sponsoring a day-long festival in
Brooklyn's Prospect Park
today. From the Jacksons' album, "Destiny,"
take a YouTube trip down
memory lane. (And check out
Mick Jackson's original
version on YouTube as well!) [29 August 2009]
Blame it on the Bossa Nova,
music by Barry Mann, lyrics by Cynthia Weil,
was a huge Top Ten 1963 hit for the great
Eydie Gorme,
who passed away yesterday at the age of 84.
Her discography was truly varied and wonderful and her many and
her many
playful and swinging duets with husband Steve Lawrence were legendary.
She will be truly missed. Listen to this song on
YouTube, so reflective of a great era for
pop music. [11 August 2013]
Blinding Lights features the words and music of Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Belly, DaHeala, and Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known to the world as The Weeknd. This uptempo song recently displaced "The Twist" as the longest-charting song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, having spent 90 weeks on that chart. This weekend, I'm highlighting two Weeknd songs, among his many enjoyable tracks. Check out the official video to this all-time #1 hit [YouTube link]. [4 March 2022]
Blood Count by Billy Strayhorn, was completed in 1967 while the composer was hospitalized, becoming his last finished composition before his death. There are wonderful renditions of this composition by the Duke Ellington Band, Joe Henderson, and Stan Getz [YouTube links]. Strayhorn remains one of the greatest contributors to the jazz repertoire and to the Great American Songbook. [21 September 2020]
Bloom features the words and music of Brett McLaughlin, Oscar Holter, Peter Svensson, and Troye Sivan Millet, a 23-year old South African-born Australian who used social media to "come out" [YouTube link] and to gain an impressive pop following with his music. But even Ian McKellen was impressed as was Larry King [YouTube links to Larry King interviews]. He recorded this title song for his forthcoming second album. He provides us with an exercise in human authenticity in a revealing interview for Billboard's 2018 Pride Issue. Tomorrow, we'll have more to say about the 'prideful' meaning of these dates in late June. For now, check out the song's original video single, Cliak Remix, Mysterio Remix, and Craig Welsh Remix. [27 June 2018]
Blueberry Hill, music by Vincent Rose, lyrics by Larry Stock and Al Lewis, was a big hit for the Big Man: Fats Domino, who died yesterday at the age of 89. This song was a staple of the 1940s swing era, but became an early rock and roll classic when Domino recorded it in 1956. The song went to #2 on the Top 40, and was at #1 on the R&B chart for 11 weeks, selling an estimated 5 million copies worldwide. Check out the original Domino single [YouTube link]. [25 October 2017]
Blue Bloods ("Reagan's Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Rob Simonsen (on a show to which composer Mark Snow, of "X-Files" fame also contributes), is a wonderful theme for a show whose passion is not drawn so much from the danger and violence of New York City police life, but from the trials, tribulations, and poignant bonds of love among the individuals of a family working in various areas of law enforcement. It often moves me emotionally, as does the theme every time I hear it. It stars, among others, a strong Tom Selleck and combustive Donnie Wahlberg. [16 September 2013]
Blue Bossa is a jazz standard composed by jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham. It's a lilting bossa nova that has been recorded by many artists, including jazz greats Joe Pass and J. J. Johnson, super pianist McCoy Tyner, and Kenny Dorham himself (audio clips at those links). And watch a YouTube video performance by Zack Kim, Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and I'm cheering on Big Blue: Go Giants! [3 February 2008]
Blue Danube Waltz is a very famous waltz composed by Johann Strauss, Jr. It was used to classic effect in the Stanley Kubrick-directed 1968 film, "2001: A Space Odyssey." Listen to an audio clip here. [26 October 2005]
Blue Gardenia ("Title Song"), words and music by Lester Lee and Bob Russell, is sung by Nat King Cole (playing himself) in the Blue Gardenia restaurant and nightclub in this 1953 film noir, directed by the great Fritz Lang. Check out the studio version and the film version [YouTube links]. It would also become a signature song for the great Dinah Washington [YouTube link]. [12 February 2020]
Blue Monk, composed by Thelonious Monk, has become a jazz standard. It was featured on the artist's album, "The Thelonious Monk Trio," with bassist Percy Heath and drummer Art Blakey. Check out the original Monk recording, and other renditions as well, including one featuring the lyrics of Abbey Lincoln, another vocal version by Carmen McRae and finally, a swinging solo piano recording by McCoy Tyner [YouTube links]. [11 October 2015]
Blue Moon, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is just the right song to pick today, the occasion of the Blue Moon. There's a classic Frankie Lane-Michel Legrand rendition of this song (but no audio clip). But there are so many other renditions from which to choose: Ella Fitzgerald, Django Reinhardt and Coleman Hawkins, Mel Torme, The Marcels, and Sha Na Na. And as this past week marked the 38th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the birth of the modern gay liberation movement, check out the Blue Moon Resort, the Blue Moon Cafe, and the Blue Moon B&B. [30 June 2007]
Blue Trombone [YouTube link], composed by trombonist Rex Peer, is delivered with lyrical, melodic flair by my long-time friend---the author, editor, and trombonist Roger Bissell---on his album "Reflective Trombone." Just another reason to love and celebrate Roger and his gifts. [8 August 2020]
Bluesette features the words of Jean "Toots" Thielemans and the music of Norman Gimbel. Thielmans first recorded this song whistling in unison with his guitar lines. Thielemans is a consummate musician, and my favorite jazz harmonica player too. Listen to audio clips of this song recorded by the Ray Charles Singers (aka Charles Raymond Offenberg), Mel Torme, and Thielemans himself (a live clip here as well). [12 January 2006]
Blues in Hoss' Flat, composed by musician Frank Foster, is one of those infectious perrennial Count Basie numbers that does not owe its origins to the movies. But there is music that achieves eternal shelf life just from a cinematic association, as we have seen with "Cinderfella" Jerry Lewis. In this instance, it's "The Errand Boy," with the irrepressible Jerry Lewis once more. [7 February 2013]
Blues in the Night ("Blues in the Night"), music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, earned its place in the Great American Songbook. The title track of the 1941 film (the film's working title was actually "Hot Nocturne"), it was nominated for a Best Song Oscar, but lost to "The Last Time I Saw Paris" (from "Lady Be Good"). The song was delivered on film by William Gillespie (YouTube link), but there have been so many superb versions of this trailblazing American song; check out renditions by Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Artie Shaw (with Hot Lips Page on vocals), Rosemary Clooney, Jo Stafford, Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee, an ambitious Mel Torme-Buddy Rich collaboration, Quincy Jones (whose version is heard in the 2001 film version of "Ocean's Eleven"), and there's even a take on the song by jazz-rock fusion band Chicago [all YouTube links]. Talk about a cross-generational impact. This one's a keeper. [4 February 2015]
Blue Suede Shoes was composed and performed by Carl Perkins (audio clip at that link). Today, however, I highlight my favorite version of this song, recorded by The King, birthday boy Elvis Presley. Listen to an audio clip of this early rock and roll classic here. [8 January 2006]
Blue Windows [YouTube link], written by Joseph Curiale, is a jazz-infused piece originally performed by Doc Severinsen---no surprise since Curiale worked on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson as an arranger and composer from 1982 to 1992. This rendition by the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields, features Severinsen on trumpet, and is conducted by Curiale. [6 December 2022]
Bobby DJ's Disconet Christmas Medley [YouTube link], mixed by the late Bobby "DJ" Guttadaro, was released in December 1978 by the Disconet Subscription Service. This past summer, I featured a tribute to the many wonderful dance medleys produced by the fine DJs at Disconet---and Bobby was one of the original team of remixers for the service. For a man who started out as a professional pharmacist, he would go on to become one of the great pioneers in beatmixing and disco remixing. Born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Bobby was the first DJ to be presented with a Gold Disc and was a Billboard National DJ of the Year Award recipient. This fun, if eclectic, Disconet medley has a certain poignancy. Bobby loved Christmas. He died the day after Christmas in 1989, due to complications from HIV/AIDS. But his spirit lives on in the music he left behind. His sense of humor blesses this medley, which concludes with The Singing Dogs barking out "Jingle Bells". I'll be posting three additional Christmas holiday music selections until Santa touches down on Christmas Day! Stay tuned! [17 December 2021]
Body and Soul, music and lyrics by Johnny Greene, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton, defines what is meant by a "Great American Standard." On Amateur Night at the Apollo in 1942, Sarah Vaughan won first prize for singing this song, and her recorded versions remain among the finest. Of instrumental versions, my favorites are the classic Coleman Hawkins 1939 tenor saxophone rendition and a superb version by jazz violinist Joe Venuti, recorded for his album "Fiddle on Fire," on the Grand Award Record label. [16 September 2004]
Body Heat ("Main Title") (soundtrack album audio clip at that link) is a bluesy, jazzy, steamy composition by the great John Barry. Listen to an audio clip of a rendition by the "Jazz at the Movies Band." [19 February 2008]
Body Moves features the words and music of Rami Yacoub, Albin Nedler, Kristoffer Fogelmark, and Joe Jonas, who was born on this date in 1989. Yes, he's a tot! This song by DNCE, the band that brought us "Cake By the Ocean," went to #2 on the Billboard Dance Club Singles Chart in January 2017 Check out the video single and the Victoria's Secret video version; and then we've got a host of remixes by Alex Shik, Kay Stafford at the Ibiza Beach Club, Eric Kupper and the Damien Hall Dub Mix. [15 August 2017]
Bohemian Rhapsody ("We Will Rock You"/"We Are the Champions") are two separate songs that have often been paired when heard on the radio, going all the way back to their 1977 debut on the Queen album, "News of the World." The first song is credited to Brian May, the second to Freddie Mercury. With its "Boom, Boom, Clap" beginning, and its anthemic sound, "We Will Rock You" has probably become the most sampled track in history for use at sports-stadium events. It was also part of the last medley performed by a reunited Queen at the Live Aid charity concert at Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985 [YouTube link]. In 2005, Queen's 20+ minute set [YouTube link] was voted by sixty artists, journalists, and music industry executives as the greatest live performance in the history of rock. It is also only one of the highlights of this 2018 Oscar-nominated Best Picture, one of the most emotionally-wrenching paeans to the tortured soul and artistic genius of Freddie Mercury, played courageously and poignantly by the Oscar-nominated Rami Malek, who has already won Best Actor Awards for his performance from the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild. I confess that the film often left me a slobbering mess, in terms of its emotional impact, which speaks to its powerful cinematic portrait of Mercury. Check out this remarkable side-by-side comparison of the Live Aid performance and its depiction in the 2018 film [YouTube link]. And also check out the original album recording [YouTube link]. Today, in Atlanta, where the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots will be vying for the Super Bowl Championship, one team is going to rock the other and declare "We Are the Champions." [Postscript: Love them or hate them, Brady does it again, as the Pats win their Sixth Super Bowl Title (with Brady wearing five of those rings). And celebrating the 50th anniversary of his own Super Bowl win, former New York Jets QB Joe Namath brings the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the podium.] [3 February 2019]
Bonanza ("Main Theme") was composed by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for this iconic Western TV series, which starred Lorne Greene and Michael Landon. Not a typical Western, the show is celebrated for its fearless opposition to racism, antisemitism, and bigotry. Its compassionate and humane motifs are worth celebrating on this Independence Day, along with those precious rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The NBC show ran from 1959 to 1973, sporting a memorable theme known even by those who have never seen it. This song was orchestrated by David Rose and arranged by Billy May. Check out the instrumental version and the vocal version sung by Lorne Greene [YouTube links]. [4 July 2023]
Boogie Nights, words and music by Rod Temperton (who wrote quite a few hits for Michael Jackson), was performed by the R&B-disco fusion band Heatwave. The opening and closing bars of this classic dance track are oh-so-jazzy. Listen to an audio clip here. [1 July 2005]
Boogie Wonderland, music and lyrics by Jon Lind and Allee Willis, was a collaborative performance between two funky musical groups: Earth, Wind, and Fire and The Emotions. It remains a dance highlight of the Disco '70s. Listen to an audio clip here. Today marks the day that Earth, Wind, and Fire actually made its debut on the Billboard album chart, back in 1971. Viva EWF! [15 May 2005]
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B, words by Don Raye, music by Hughie Prince, was performed by the Andrews Sisters, and was nominated for a 1941 Academy Award as "Best Song" (from the Abbott and Costello film, "Buck Privates"). It was also recorded in 1972, in an updated, revved-up version by Bette Midler, who dubbed all three vocal parts, and took it into the Billboard Top Ten. Reminds me of my Uncle Sam, a veteran of World War II. For Veteran's Day! Check out amazon.com for a clip. [11 November 2004a]
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, words and music by Leon Rene, went to #12 on what in late 1947 was called the Billboard Race Records chart. That original version was recorded by Mabel Scott [YouTube link]. But there are also versions by the Brian Setzer Orchestra (single and live rendition [YouTube links]). Don't forget to track Santa's travels on NORAD! Have a safe and Merry Christmas Eve! [24 December 2016]
Bootylicious features the words and music of Rob Fusari, Falonte Moore, and Beyonce Knowles, who turns 38 today. This was the third single from the 2001 album "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, the "girl group" which consisted of Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Beyonce. The song actually features a sample from "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks (who makes a cameo in the music video) and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2001. To date, amazingly, it is the last song by a "girl group" to achieve a #1 hit in the United States. Though the word "bootylicious" was first used by rapper Snoop Dogg in 1992, this song's title became so much a part of the American vernacular that it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2004! Check out the Matthew Rolston-directed music video [YouTube link], where Destiny's Child and their supporting dancers perform choreography made famous by Michael Jackson. A Rockwilder remix [YouTube link], featuring a rap by the 2019 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient, Missy Elliott, was featured in the 2001 MTV musical, "Carmen: A Hip Hopera." The song was also featured in two prominent "mash-ups", one with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and the other with Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" [YouTube links]. [4 September 2019]
Born Free, music by John Barry, lyrics by Don Black, won the 1966 Academy Award for Best Song from the heart-string-pulling film of the same title. Listen to audio clips of versions by Andy Williams, Matt Monro, and from the original soundtrack. [28 February 2006]
Born to Be Alive, music, lyrics, and performance by Patrick Hernandez, was a huge #1 dance hit in 1979. Happy 50th anniversary to Atlas Shrugged, the Ayn Rand novel that celebrates human beings who are ... born to be alive! Check out this song on YouTube. [10 October 2007]
Bossa Dorado, composed by French guitarist and violinist Dorado Schmitt, is a fitting exploration of "gypsy jazz," which owes its origins to the great jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, whose birthday we celebrated yesterday. It shows the remarkable range of Django's influence on jazz. Accordian player Ludovic Beier delivers a wonderful live take on this Schmitt composition [YouTube link], which fuses gypsy jazz with a Latin feel. Beier has been influenced by everyone from Django to Toots Thielemans and Chick Corea. [24 January 2018]
Bossa Nova U.S.A., composed by Dave Brubeck, is the sweet lyrical title track from the composer's 1963 album featuring the great jazzman's classic quartet, with alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Brubeck, who passed away today, was one of the greatest innovators in modern jazz. Listen to this song on YouTube. [5 December 2012]
Both Sides, Now features the words and music of Joni Mitchell, who turns 81 years old today. The song was first popularized by Judy Collins, who took it to #8 on the Hot 100, winning a Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance. Mitchell's first recording of the song was on her 1969 album, "Clouds". Her 2000 re-recording can be found on her album, "Both Sides Now", which won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals, for this song. I have always loved Mitchell's ability to draw from different musical idioms, from folk to jazz. Here's a triple play: Mitchell's 1969 original, 2000 re-recording with lush orchestration, and a poignant ensemble performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards [YouTube links]. Happy birthday, Joni! [7 November 2024]
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, music and lyrics by Green Day, is a song from the album "American Idiot" (audio clip at that link). It's an anthem to alienation, with a nice pulse and memorable hook. [8 May 2005]
The Bourne Identity ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by John Powell, gives us that pulsating, suspenseful motif we've come to expect from the film franchise. Matt Damon takes on the role of Jason Bourne in this 2002 film, the first film in the Bourne film series. He would go on to star in four of the five films in the series thus far. [20 February 2018]
Ed: I introduced this Song of the Day entry on my Facebook Timline with this
comment: "I've had quite a week, the highlight of which was submitting to
Pennsylvania State University Press the July 2020 issue of
The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies
... the first issue of our twentieth anniversary volume! Twenty
un-freaking-believable years!!! Woo-hoo!!! So I feel "like a boy" this morning,
and in honor of that, I'm going to be doing my Happy Dance for a few days,
highlighting mostly new pop-dance tracks."
Boy,
featuring the words and music of
Jacob Kusher and Charlie Puth,
appears on Puth's second
studio album, "Voicenotes."
Puth [YouTube link] is a boy with
perfect pitch [YouTube
link] and with a sense of humor (watch his spot on
Michael
McDonald-Doobie
Brothers impersonation in Jimmy Fallon's "Music Genre
Challenge" [YouTube link]). Check out
the album version, a
live concert
version [Live Nation at 1:15:14], and
an Instagram jam with John
Mayer [YouTube links]. [7 March 2020]
Bram Stoker's Dracula ("Love Remembered"), composed by Wojciech Kilar, is a moving, haunting, if slightly eerie, theme from this Francis Ford Coppola 1992 film masterpiece, with Gary Oldman as the Count, Winona Ryder as Mina, and Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Van Helsing. Listen to an audio clip here. [3 February 2005]
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major was written by Johann Sebastian Bach. I'm particularly fond of a version played by the great classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin with the Bath Festival Orchestra. Listen to an audio clip here. [15 March 2005]
Breakfast at Tiffany's ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, is one of the hallmarks of this 1961 rom-com, based on the Truman Capote 1958 novella, directed by Blake Edwards, and starring Audrey Hepburn. Mancini would take home Oscars for this wonderful score and the unforgettable "Moon River" (with lyrics by Johnny Mercer), which won for Best Original Song. The score and song would also go on to win five Grammy Awards. [13 February 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Dave Porter, made its debut in the "Pilot" episode of "Breaking Bad" (Season 1, Episode 1)---the Vince Gilligan-created series, starring the superb Bryan Cranston as Walter White. This AMC landmark television series premiered on January 20, 2008, and this is our first of 31 tracks to mark the Fifteenth Anniversary of both "Breaking Bad" and the franchise it inspired. [1 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("The Ballad of Heisenberg"), words and music by Jose "Pepe" Garza and Vince Gilligan, is one of those hilarious musical moments featured in Season 2, Episode 7 ("Negro y Azul") of BB, which debuted on April 19, 2009. Performed by the regional Mexican band Los Cuates de Sinaloa, check out this song on YouTube. [2 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Ginza Samba") [YouTube link], composed and performed by the wonderful Vince Guaraldi, is heard in Season 3, Episode 6 ("Sunset") of BB, which debuted on April 25, 2010. The song originally appeared on the 1965 album, "From All Sides", a collaboration between pianist Guaraldi and Brazilian guitarist Bola Sete. It's got that classic "Peanuts" feel, even though it's used during a Meth Cooking scene [YouTube link] that is about as far a cry from Charlie Brown and Snoopy as one can get. [3 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Lee") [YouTube link], composed by jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney, is heard as source music in a recording by jazz tenor sax legend Stan Getz in Season 3, Episode 11 ("Abiquiu") of BB, which debuted on May 30, 2010. The song appears on the 1953 album, "Jimmy Raney Plays," featuring Rainey on guitar and Hal Overton on piano. [4 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Digital Animal"), credited to a host of writers, including Jon Von Letscher, first appeared on the 2008 debut album of the electronic hip hop band, Honey Claws. It can be heard loud and clear from the sound system of Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul) in Season 4, Episode 2 ("Thirty-Eight Snub") of "BB", which debuted on July 24, 2011. Check out the original recording and the BB scene in which it is featured [YouTube links]. [5 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Crickets Sing for Anamaria"), composed by brothers Marcos Valle and Paulo Sergio Valle, was first heard as "Os Grilos" on Valle's 1967 album, "Braziliance". It was also recorded by Astrud Gilberto [YouTube link] with English lyrics by Ray Gilbert. Season 4, Episode 8 ("Hermanos") of BB, which debuted on September 4, 2011, features a bouncy instrumental version by organist Walter Wanderly [YouTube link], from his 1967 album, "Batacuda". [6 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Freestyle") [YouTube performance clip], composed and performed by the Taalbi Brothers. It is heard in the finale to Season 4, Episode 13 of BB, which debuted on October 9, 2011. For those who know the content of this episode, its title "Face Off" will be of no surprise, but what might be surprising is that two teenage boys provide the nice flamenco guitar licks on this track! Check the 'destroying the lab' BB clip that highlights this rousing recording [YouTube link]. [7 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("On a Clear Day"), music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, was first heard in the 1965 musical, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever", and in its 1970 film adaptation, where it was sung by Barbra Streisand [YouTube link]. A rendition by the jazz/soul trio, The Peddlers, appeared on their 1968 album, "Three in a Cell". That rendition is heard in Season 5, Episode 3 ("Hazard Pay") of BB, which debuted on July 20, 2012. Check out the full BB scene and montage featuring that rendition [YouTube link]. [8 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Overture") [YouTube link] first appeared on a classic 1960 album of jazz interpretations of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra (arranged by the Duke and Billy Strayhorn). It is featured in Season 5, Episode 7 ("Say My Name") of BB, which debuted on August 26, 2012. [9 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Pick Yourself Up"), music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, was introduced in the 1936 film, "Swing Time," by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and also recorded by Fred Astaire [YouTube links]. A wonderful 1962 rendition by Nat King Cole and jazz pianist George Shearing [YouTube link] is featured in Season 5, Episode 8 ("Gliding Over All"), the mid-season finale of BB, which debuted on September 2, 2012. Check out the brutal BB scene that makes great use of this rendition [YouTube link]. [10 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Crystal Blue Persuasion"), words and music by Eddie Gray, Mike Vale, and Tommy James, was released in 1969 by Tommy James and the Shondells as part of their sixth studio album, "Crimson & Clover". The song arose from James's budding interest in religion. As in yesterday's musical highlight, also featured in Season 5, Episode 8 ("Gliding Over All"), this song provided one of the most famous "Crystal Blue Meth" montages of the series, one later parodied by The Simpsons [YouTube links]. [11 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Baby Blue"), words and music by Pete Ham, was recorded by the Welsh rock band Badfinger and released on their 1971 album, "Straight Up". This song is featured in the final scene of Season 5, Episode 16 ("Felina"), the series finale of BB, which concluded on September 29, 2013. It's a scene that has been discussed for years. Check out that scene as well as the studio version of this song [YouTube links]. [12 January 2023]
Breaking Bad ("Crapa Pelada" aka "Testa Pelata"), based on an old Italian nursery rhyme, features the music of Gorni Kramer and the lyrics of Tata Giacobetti. The original 1936 recording (translated as "Bald Head"---a perfect metaphor for the character Walter White, portrayed by the brilliant Bryan Cranston) was performed by Italian jazz singer Alberto Rabagliati. But it's a 1945 version by the Italian jazz quartet Quartetto Cetra along with which Gale Boetticher (played by David Costabile) sings in the Season 3 finale ("Full Measure") of the terrific AMC series, "Breaking Bad", which aired on June 13, 2010. When I posted my January 2023 tribute in music to the Breaking Bad franchise, I saved two selections (today's and one next month) for this "TV Edition" of the Summer Music Festival, which includes TV themes and source music. I promised Roderick Tracy Long I'd highlight this song (and another) someday, and that day has come! Check out Gale's impeccable sing-a-long from the show, the full Quartetto Cetra recording, and the original 1936 Alberto Rabagliati recording [YouTube links]. And look out for "Breaking Bad 2"! [25 August 2023]
The Breeze and I, music by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuono (originally entitled "Andalucia" [YouTube link]), Spanish lyrics by Emilio de Torro, English lyrics by Al Stillman, was a huge hit in 1940 for the Jimmy Dorsey Band, featuring vocalist Bob Eberly [YouTube link]. It was also recorded by vocalist Dinah Shore with Xavier Cugat, Caterina Valente with the Werner Muller Orchestra, Vic Damone, and Bing Crosby (in a medley with "Malaguena") [YouTube links], as well as by alto saxophonist Art Pepper. My all-time favorite instrumental rendition comes from the irrepressible jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery [YouTube link]. [22 August 2020]
Brian's Song ("The Hands of Time"), music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, was the main theme from the poignant television movie of the same name, starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Listen to audio clips of versions by Sarah Vaughan and Michel Legrand. [13 September 2007]
Brick House features the words and music of Lionel Richie, Ronald LaPread, Walter Orange, Roger Ball, and Milan Williams. It was a huge funky hit for The Commodores (audio clip at that link). And Happy 75th Birthday to the biggest "brick house" in NYC: The Empire State Building. [1 May 2006]
The Bride of Frankenstein ("Main Title") is featured in the definitive score composed by Franz Waxman. This 1935 movie is the first and the best of the sequels to "Frankenstein." Directed by James Whale, it is one of the finest films in the Universal Monster Movie catalogue. Listen to the classic opening theme here [mp3 link]. [22 February 2012]
Bridges ("Travessia"), words and music by Milton Nascimento and Fernando Brant, with English lyrics by Gene Lees, has been recorded by many artists. A lovely rendition by the great Sarah Vaughan (from her 1977 album, "I Love Brazil!") is the musical backdrop for an homage to a New York marvel: The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which celebrates its sixtieth anniversary today! The bridge is named after the Italian explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who traveled up the Hudson in 1524. When the bridge opened, its name was spelled incorrectly with one Z! That was corrected in 2018, though many signs still spell it with one Z. My slideshow tribute features many photos from my own collection over the years. Though the Brooklyn Bridge has a special place in my heart, I also adore the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and have crossed over it---and under it, on the Shore Road bike path---countless times. Check out my video on YouTube. (And yes, I'm older than the bridge!) [21 November 2024]
Bring Back the Time, words and music by Lars Jensen and Donnie Wahlberg, is a throwback tribute to 1980s pop, and features New Kids on the Block, Rick Astley, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue. It's a hoot to watch this collaboration, which made its video debut on "Good Morning America" today. See if you can catch all the artists referenced in the hilarious video [YouTube link]! [3 March 2022]
Broadway Gondolier ("Lulu's Back in Town"), words by Al Dubin, music by Harry Warren, is from the 1935 Warner Brothers film musical. Powell provides the vocals, with the Mills Brothers, for this song in the movie [YouTube link]. The song was also performed by Fats Waller, the Hi-Lo's with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and in a swinging take by Mel Torme [YouTube links]. With the Tony Awards being broadcast on CBS on Sunday night, this is a Broadway weekend, even if this particular song didn't come from a Broadway show! [8 June 2018]
Brooklyn ("End Credits") [YouTube link], composed by Michael Brook, is from the 2015 film of the Colm Toibin novel about Ellis Lacey, an Irish woman (played by Oscar-nominated Saiorse Ronan) who settles in Brooklyn, and who develops a relationship with Anthony "Tony" Fiorello, a man of Italian descent (played by Emory Cohen). This is just one of those love stories that tugs at the heart strings, perhaps because in the end [semi-spoiler alert!], the woman realizes where her real home is. It's a romantic story about the power of love and the power of home. Fuhgedaboudit [YouTube link to a classic exchange in the 1997 film "Donnie Brasco"!]. The film is practically a Valentine's Day card to Brooklyn, New York. Just the greatest borough in the greatest city on earth (in this regard, "IMHO" is not part of my acronymic vocabulary)! But love is universal, so Happy Valentine's Day to all! [14 February 2017]
Brooklyn Bridge, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is featured in the 1947 film, "It Happened in Brooklyn." What a lovely song of tribute today... on Brooklyn-Queens Day. And speaking of the Brooklyn Bridge, I was there on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade on 24 May 1983 to commemorate the structure's 100th anniversary when the Grucci Family put on one of the most spectacular fireworks displays I've ever seen, with fiery "waterfalls" coming off the span and magnificent, colorful rockets launching from the cathedral-like towers. Listen to a Frank Sinatra audio clip of this song from the film here. [9 June 2005]
Brown Eyed Girl
features the music and lyrics of
Van Morrison, who took
this song into the
Billboard Top Ten in 1967. From the album "Blowin'
Your Mind!", the song became a signature tune for
Morrison. My all-time favorite of his
remains his very jazzy "Moondance,"
which was recorded fifty years ago this
month and was the title
track to his album,
released in January 1970 [YouTube link], though the single wasn't released
until 1977! But this one is a
classic rock staple,
from the "original" Summer of
Love. Today, the
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer turns 74 years old. Check out
the original album version
and live in concert at the
BBC Radio Theatre [YouTube links]. [31 August 2019]
Burn Rubber on Me, music and lyrics by Charlie Wilson, Lonnie Simmons, and Rudy Taylor, was performed by the funky Gap Band. Listen to an audio clip here. [24 July 2005]
Burning Up features the words and music of Madonna, who is inducted tonight into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I enjoyed dancing to the original 12" vinyl mix, which was less guitar-driven than its album incarnation on the singer's 1983 debut release. Listen to audio clips of the album version and that 12" single. Boy does this bring back memories... [10 March 2008]
But Beautiful, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke, was first sung by Bing Crosby (audio clip at that link) in the 1947 film "Road to Rio." Today, however, I remember this lovely American standard as interpreted by the late vocalist-pianist Shirley Horn, who died on October 20, 2005. Listen to an audio clip of one of her tender renditions here. [24 October 2005]
But Not For Me is a classic George and Ira Gershwin song (introduced in the 1930 Broadway production of "Girl Crazy" and performed in both the 1932 and 1943 film versions too) that has been recorded by countless artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Vaughan to Linda Ronstadt (audio clips at those links). For a change of pace, check out an audio clip of a version by the original "space cadet," Sun Ra. A happy and a healthy to #1 Herman Blount (Sun Ra) Expert, my colleague and pal Robert Campbell, who also celebrates his birthday today. [31 July 2005b]
BUtterfield 8 ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Bronislau Kaper, has that lush quality that Kaper brings to anything he touches with his musical sensibility and jazz inflections (take a listen to Bill Evans and Eddie Gomez on "Invitation" or Kaper himself [YouTube link]). This theme opens the 1960 film that brought Elizabeth Taylor her first Oscar for Best Actress. On this date, in 1932, Taylor was born. [27 February 2014]
BUtterifield 8 ("Gloria's Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Bronislaw Kaper, is from the 1960 film that brought Elizabeth Taylor her first of two Oscars (the other was for her raw performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"). It's a lush theme befitting the composer of the classic standard, "Invitation" [YouTube link] (from the 1952 film of the same name). [22 February 2023]
By Design, a composition by Larry Prentiss, Vince DiCola, Jodie Victor, and Steve Lane, is a wonderful duet that pairs jazz singer Diane Schuur and Latin singer Jose Feliciano, proving that seeing is a state of mind. [2 October 2004]
Bye Bye Birdie ("Kids") is a sweet and funny song from the Adams-Strouse songbook for "Bye Bye Birdie," a 1960 musical I'm tributing for three days, since I'm a 1960 baby. Paul Lynde made a career in the center square of the old game show "Hollywood Squares" (for which he won two Daytime Emmy Awards, his answers so typically hilarious), and, of course, he was the warlock Uncle Arthur on the classic TV series, 'Bewitched." But he shines in song as well, with his duet partner Marijane Maricle (on stage) and Maureen Stapleton (in film), in both the original stage production and in the film version [YouTube links]. [11 June 2016]
Bye Bye Birdie ("A Lot of Livin' to Do") is another gem from the Adams and Strouse soundtrack to the 1960 Broadway musical. Check out the original Broadway cast recording, the 1963 ensemble film version, and a few really swinging renditions by: Chita Rivera (who was in the original musical; this one is about 2 minutes into her "Great Performances" concert), Sammy Davis, Jr., Judy Garland, Jack Jones, and Nancy Wilson [YouTube links], which only goes to show how much of Broadway's music has made its way into the Great American Songbook. So we end our mini-Broadway tribute today; enjoy the Tony Awards tonight! [12 June 2016]
Bye Bye Birdie ("Put on a Happy Face"), with lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse, was a memorable song from the hit Tony Award-winning "Best Musical" in 1961 (for the 1960 season). As a 1960 baby, I'm tributing three of my favorite songs from that year from this musical, also adapted for the film version. It was, of course, the 1963 screen version that I saw as a kid and loved. Check out the cast album version and the film version [YouTube links] (both performed by the ever-cheerful Dick van Dyke, joined by Janet Leigh in the film version) and then jump on over to the joyful rendition of our Queens-born neighbor, Tony Bennett [YouTube link], who turns 80 years old on August 3rd (and we'll be doing a mini-tribute to him as well). [10 June 2016]
By the Time I Get to Phoenix, words and music by Jimmy Webb, was first recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965 [YouTube link]. It was later recorded by American country music singer Glen Campbell as the title track to his 1967 album. Campbell's version reached #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Best Contemporary Male Solo Vocal Performance. Campbell would go on to amass awards across the spectrum of American music, while also appearing in a dozen films. Today, he died at the age of 81, following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. This song was #20 on the Top 100 songs of the twentieth century by BMI, ranked according to the number of times they were played on television and radio. Even Ol' Blue Eyes called this the "greatest torch song ever written." In remembrance of Glen, check out his studio recording of this timeless song [YouTube link]. [8 August 2017]
Cabaret was one of the best musicals on Broadway that I've ever seen. The revival was an entertainment tour de force, powerful and deeply effective in its exploration of universal themes. The songs, written by John Kander and (now, the late) Fred Ebb, are boisterous, melodic, witty, and clever. So here's to the title song ... 'cause life is a cabaret ... [13 September 2004]
Cabaret
("Maybe This Time"), music by
John Kander, lyrics by
Fred Ebb, was one of the
winning songs not included in the original
1966 Broadway musical, which nonetheless won a total of
eight out of the eleven
Tony Awards for which it was nominated:
Best Musical,
Best Direction of a Musical,
Best
Original Score,
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role (Joel
Grey),
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role (Peg
Murray),
Best
Choreography,
Best
Scenic Design, and
Best
Costume Design. I wasn't fortunate enough to see the original Broadway
production, but I did see
its
absolutely spectacular 1998 revival, which won Tony Awards for
Best Revival of a Musical,
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (the stupendous
Alan Cumming),
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Natasha
Richardson), and
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role (Ron
Rifkin)---four awards out of a total of an additional ten nominations. The
musical derives from the 1951 play, "I
Am a Camera," which itself was adapted from the short story by
Christopher
Isherwood,
Goodbye to Berlin. This song made its way from the film into the
musical revival and it remains one of its highlights, sung by the character Sally Bowles. Check out the rendition sung by
Natasha Richardson in the
1998 reboot, and, of course, the
Oscar-winning Best Actress
performance of Liza Minelli [YouTube links], in the
Bob Fosse-directed
1972 film adaptation. Today starts a two-day tribute to the
2019 Tony Awards, hosted by
James Corden, which
will air on Sunday, June 9th, on the
CBS Network. [8 June 2019]
The Caddy ("That's Amore"), music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Jack Brooks, is the Oscar-nominated song from this 1953 Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis comedy. The song is a Dean Martin signature tune. Here is the scene from the film and the classic Dean Martin recording [YouTube links]. And what better way to say "Happy Valentine's Day," than with "That's Amore." [14 February 2015]
Cake By the Ocean, words and music by Robin Fredriksson, Mattias Larsson, Justin Tranter, and Joe Jonas, is the first single from DNCE. I was a mobile DJ in college and the Dance Bug is part of my genome. I still listen to current and recent hits, and really enjoyed DNCE's live performance of this last night because they did a "Le Freak" Chic mash up with the iconic producer, composer, and musician Nile Rodgers. Check out the official video (naughty words included) and the iHeart Radio Awards version. [YouTube links]. [4 April 2016]
Calabria, produced by Rune (DJ Enur), featuring the late Natasja Saad, is the soundtrack for one of the hottest Target commercials on the air. The two women roommates who stage a "dance off" to this track express infectious joy as they decorate their room (see the commercial on YouTube). The track features a sample from a Taana Gardner disco classic: "Work That Body" (YouTube clip at that link). Check out a full-version video clip of this track at YouTube. [13 September 2008]
Calamity Jane ("Secret Love"), music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Weber, was composed for the 1953 movie musical, where it was introduced by the incomparable Doris Day, who celebrated her 92nd birthday on April 3rd. With a melody based on the opening theme of the A-major piano Sonata D.664 [a Wilhelm Kempff version on YouTube] of Franz Schubert, this song was released before the film, and made it to #1 on both the Billboard and Cashbox charts, before going on to win the Oscar for Best Original Song. For years, fans have lobbied the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to give Oscar recognition to Day for all of her wonderful film performances through the years, from the title role of this film to her co-starring role with Kirk Douglas in the 1950 Bix Biederbecke-inspired film, "The Young Man with a Horn" (and that was the legendary Harry James providing the trumpet work) to the 1956 Hitchcock thriller "The Man Who Knew Too Much," opposite Jimmy Stewart, where she introduced another Oscar-winning Best Song, "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)." Check out this lovely Grammy Hall of Fame single, by the lovely lady who knew how to sing it in a film clip and in the longer studio version [YouTube links]. And check out this sweet Shirley Bassey tribute to Doris as well [YouTube link].. A belated 92nd Happy Birthday to one of the world's greatest animal lovers, who will always be an Award-winner in my songbook! [5 April 2016]
California Dreamin', words and music by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips, was a huge 1965-66 pop hit for The Mamas and the Papas, sporting a wonderful alto flute solo by one of my all-time favorite jazz musicians: Bud Shank, who was born on this day in 1926, and became one of the finest musicians in the West Coast jazz scene. It's not a "winter's day" in Brooklyn; we've had summer-like weather for awhile. But I'm dreamin' of a particular California attraction that celebrates its 75th anniversary today: Happy Birthday to the Golden Gate Bridge! Check out the original Mamas and Papas track, and instrumental versions by Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and, yes, Bud Shank too! [27 May 2012]
Calling All My Lovelies, words and music by the Bruno Mars crew, is one of those soulful "molasses-slow" grooves from "24K Magic," the Grammy-nominated "Best R&B Album of the Year" by Bruno Mars. On this track, even Oscar-award winning actress Halle Berry makes a cameo appearance. Check out the album version [YouTube link] and a live performance at the Apollo [DailyMotion link, around the 16-minute mark]. [27 January 2018]
Call Me, words and music by Randy Muller, was performed by the group Skyy. Listen to an audio clip here. It's particularly fitting on this day, the 130th anniversary of the first phone call made by Alexander Graham Bell to Thomas A. Watson. Over the next week or so, I'll have a few more favorite musical "calls" to make, in honor of this anniversary. (And "for all you frustrated musicians," see here, where you can access directions on how to play songs on your touch-tone phone.) [10 March 2006]
Call Me features the words and music of Nikos Karvelas, ex-husband of the Greek singer Anna Vissi, who took this song to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. Vissi recorded the song previously as "Ise" in Greek. Listen to an audio clip of this song among others on disc #2 of Vic Latino's Ultra Dance 06. [11 March 2006]
Call Me, words and music by Tony Hatch, has been performed by Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark, and Nancy Wilson (my favorite version), among others (audio clips at artist links). It's a warm '60s chestnut. [12 March 2006]
Call Me, words and music by Giorgio Moroder and Deborah Harry, the lead singer of the group Blondie, was the theme from the 1980 film, "American Gigolo." The group is being inducted tonight into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This song is probably my favorite Blondie track (in contrast to my favorite, and beloved, Blondie). Listen to an audio clip from the original soundtrack. [13 March 2006]
Call Me By Your Name ("Mystery of Love"), words and music by Sufjan Stevens, was a 2017 Oscar nominee for Best Original Song. Based on the Andre Aciman novel, this coming-of-age drama, starring the young and talented Best Actor-nominated Timothee Chalamet (a graduate of Brooklyn's LaGuardia High School) will tug at your heartstrings. The film also features wonderful performances by Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg
(whose scene with his son near the end of the film is itself worth the price of admission) [YouTube link, spoiler alert!]. Check out the song, accompanied with film clips [YouTube link]. So we begin this year's 15th Annual Film Music February en route to the Oscar Awards on February 24, 2019 with a song from one of last year's "Best Picture"-nominated films. Let's remember that Film Music February includes not only film score cues and original songs featured in film, but also songs previously recorded that found life again in film soundtracks. So be prepared for a very wide variety of music over the next 24 days! Today also begins TCM's annual 31 Days of Oscar! [1 February 2019]Call Me Irresponsible, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is the Oscar-winning song from the 1963 film, "Papa's Delicate Condition," starring Jackie Gleason. I love a 12-string jazz guitar version by Joe Pass. Listen to an audio clip of Ol' Blue Eyes singing this gem live in a Rat Pack performance at the Sands. Listen to additional audio clips from Robert Goulet, Jack Jones, Nancy Wilson, and a swinging Bobby Darin. [14 March 2006]
Call Me Maybe features the words and music of Tavish Crowe, Josh Ramsay, and Carly Rae Jepson, a young Canadian singer and songwriter who delivers the most infectious song of 2012. It provides what was probably "the year's most gripping hook," making it "one of the most irrefutable teen-pop songs in history," as New York Daily News music critic Jim Farber attests. It also sported an adorable music video with a gay twist [YouTube link], but before too long, as Farber reminds us, everybody got in on the act, from the college frat boys of Ramapo Kappa Sigma to the Tennessee "Call Me Gaybe" boys to the cast from "Glee" to the U.S. Olympics Swimming Team [YouTube links]. It's a song that should be on any year-end countdown. Tonight we'll be counting down till the ball drops in Times Square. Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year's Eve! [31 December 2012]
Can't Buy Me Love, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. This classic Beatles track is still one of my all-time favorite kickin' rock 'n roll songs. [12 September 2004]
Can't Feel My Face features the words and music of Ali Payami, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Peter Svensson, and Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, who performs this song. This was the third single from the artist's second studio album, "Beauty Behind the Madness" (2015). It hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 three separate times in August-September 2015. Check out the official video and a beat-driven dance remix by Martin Garrix. Today, "Gardenview", a new album by Nataly Dawn (one half of the duo constituting Pomplamoose) debuts, and it features a creative mash-up of this song with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and the Justin Timberlake hit, "Can't Stop the Feeling!" Check it out here. [3 June 2022]
Can't Fight the Moonlight, written by Diane Warren, is featured in the film "Coyote Ugly." Today begins my mini-tribute to film music, in anticipation of the 82nd Academy Awards to be broadcast this Sunday, March 7, 2010. Performed by LeAnn Rimes, it's a peppy track that's been remixed fabulously for the dance floor as well; check out various versions, including this YouTube moment, this remix and this one too. [5 March 2010]
Can't Stop the Feeling! features the words and music of
Max Martin,
Shellback,
and Justin Timberlake,
who debuts with this single from the animated film, "Trolls,"
due out in November 2016. This is
Timberlake's fifth solo #1 Hit and, perhaps, the most retro-disco sounding
recording of his career. The voice cast has fun with the song in a
pre-release video,
even as the official video
was released this week [YouTube links]. I remain a life-long
Timberlake fanatic, and disco
just might usher me through the
Pearly Gates or the
Disco Inferno,
whichever is in store for me.
Ed.
Note: Since posting this as
Song of the Day #1343, the video community has provided us with hilarious
takes on the song; check out the Storm Troopers videos,
Part
Can't Take My Eyes Off You, words and music by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, was a huge Frankie Valli hit. The song has shown up in many films as well, including "The Deer Hunter" (1978). Listen to an audio clip here, and also to alternative versions by Gloria Gaynor and Lauryn Hill. [22 September 2006]
Can You Handle It? features the words and music of Willie Lester and Rodney Brown. This classic "Prelude label" dance track was performed by the late Sharon Redd. It was one of those dance classics that has been remixed several times, but never at the expense of its wonderful feel. Listen to an audio clip here. [2 October 2005]
Capote ("Out There") [YouTube link], composed by Mychael Danna, is a simple theme that holds within it the complexity of the person at the center of the 2005 film, Truman Capote, and the complexity of the performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won a Best Actor Oscar for the role. Sadly, this 46-year old actor passed away yesterday; death need not be tragic, since it is an organic part of life, but when it comes so young to an actor with so much talent and promise, I can find few other words to describe it. RIP PSH. [3 February 2014]
Cappucino (audio clip at that link) is a Chick Corea composition that made its debut on the phenomenal album "Friends." It's an intense track with superb solos and ensemble playing, featuring saxophonist Joe Farrell, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd. [17 June 2005]
Captain America ("Theme Song"), composer mysteriously unknown, was the classic theme song to the 1960s Marvel Super Heroes cartoon. It's a favorite from my childhood, and while there have been lots of takes on Captain America, this one still holds a special place in my heart. Take a look at the animated opening theme [YouTube link], and have a safe and happy Independence Day! [4 July 2013]
Captain Senor Mouse, composed by jazz keyboardist extraordinaire Chick Corea, made its debut on two 1973 albums: "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy" with Return to Forever (featuring Bill Connors on guitar, Stanley Clarke on bass, and Lenny White on drums) and with vibraphonist Gary Burton on the duet album "Crystal Silence" (and in the 2008 Grammy Award-winning live set, "The New Crystal Silence"). Check out this Chick composition in all its wonderful renditions: with Return to Forever and with Gary Burton in studio and live settings, as well as covers by guitarist Al DiMeola, guitarist Martin Taylor and bassist Peter Ind, guitarist Kevin Eubanks, and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band [YouTube links]. [26 June 2020]
Caravan is credited to Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, and Juan Tizol. It was made famous by the Ellington orchestra (audio clips here and here). Among the scores of recordings of this song, my favorite version of this tune remains one recorded by Johnny Pate's orchestra featuring the burning bold boss guitar of Wes Montgomery. Listen to an audio clip of that version here. And so, for now, I conclude my Ellington tribute! [11 December 2005]
Carol of the Bells emerges from a fascinating musical lineage, based on a musical composition by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych. Most riveting when performed with a full chorus (as in this Robert Shaw Chorale audio clip) or full orchestra (as in this Leonard Bernstein audio clip). Ring in a Happy New Year! [1 January 2005a]
Carol for Another Christmas, composed by Henry Mancini, was the title track of a classic 1964 Rod Serling-scripted TV take on "A Christmas Carol," directed by Joseph Mankiewicz. I was first exposed to this beautiful instrumental as a child, watching the great Yule Log on WPIX-TV. It's one of those sensitively performed compositions, which has had a tendency to bring a bit of a puddle to my tear ducts. Listen to an audio clip of Henry Mancini (here too). [28 December 2007]
Carousel ("If I Loved You"), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is another memorable song from this 1945 Broadway musical (which has had many revivals). It was also heard in the 1956 film version. Today I begin three days of tribute to the Broadway musical. On Sunday, from Lincoln Center, the 77th Annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS. Check out Jan Clayton and John Raitt (yes, Bonnie's Dad!) [YouTube link], who reprise their Broadway duet for a 1954 salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as the film version, featuring Gordan McRae and Shirley Jones [YouTube links]. [14 June 2024]
Carousel ("June is Bustin' Out All Over"), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is a memorable song from this 1945 Broadway musical, which was also heard in the 1956 film version. Today is the first of June, and there's lots of music coming up! There are Famous Birthdays and Pride celebrations to mark, not to mention the 77th Annual Tony Awards and the start of my Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival. But hey, "June is Bustin' Out All Over"! Check out the classic film version of this production number [YouTube link]. [1 June 2024]
Carousel ("You'll Never Walk Alone), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is one of the standout songs from the great 1945 Broadway musical, "Carousel." It has been performed by everyone from Christine Johnson (in the original Broadway musical), Frank Sinatra,, Judy Garland and Shirley Jones and Claramae Turner in the 1956 film version (and finale) to Tom Jones, Barbra Streisand, and Jerry Lewis, who sang this song religiously at the conclusion of every Labor Day telethon he hosted from 1964 to 2010 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (all YouTube links). (Thanks to Michelle Kamhi and Louis Torres, my friends, who sent me the Tom Jones link.) There are few songs that sum up my own feelings of appreciation to those members of the FDNY who saved our apartment and our lives, as they battled a fire in my room, which, if it had had one more minute to breathe, could have consumed the rest of our home. My deepest thanks as well to all those who have offered their support as we recover from that fire, which occurred a week ago today. I had just received copies of the second edition of Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical, and it was my honor to inscribe the very first shrink-wrapped copy "To the company" of the FDNY, our heroes, "with love and admiration always . . ." for their bravery and courage. Though we have lost much, we count our blessings, which are more; we are thankful that we are alive to contemplate both losses and blessings. Part of the reason that a song such as this remains legendary is, of course, due to its lyrics. As David Hinckley wrote in his review of "Oscar Hammerstein II: Out of My Dreams" (a PBS biography): "You gotta have some powerful cards to even get into the discussion of the 20th century's great lyricists, and it's a tribute to Oscar Hammerstein II that no one even needs to look at his ID. Just think 'Oklahoma!', 'South Pacific', 'The Sound of Music' and 'The King and I'---you know, shows like that. He could be prickly to work with, but the results were worth whatever it cost, and this show wisely sticks to what mattered most, the songs that will be sung as long as humans have working lips" (see here; but this statement appeared in the Sunday New York Daily News "New York Vue" section for the week starting 4 March 2012). [16 October 2013]
Casino Royale ("You Know My Name") features the words and music of David Arnold and Chris Cornell, who died yesterday at the age of 52. This 2006 song features Cornell's lead vocals, from the first 007 film starring Daniel Craig as Bond, James Bond. Actually, Craig's "Skyfall" (2012) is one of my favorite Bond flicks. But today's tribute goes to Cornell, another talent gone too soon. Check out the opening credits [YouTube link], and while you're at it, check out Cornell's transformative version of the Michael Jackson hit, "Billie Jean" [YouTube link]. RIP, Chris Cornell. [18 May 2017]
Catch Me If You Can ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, exhibits another side to his repertoire. The composer started out as jazz pianist "Johnny" Williams and was the featured pianist in the original "West Side Story" film score. This wonderful jazz-influenced score is a nice complement to the 2002 film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. [6 February 2023]
Caught Up, words and music by Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Jason Boyd, and Ryan Toby, opened the Showtime concert of Usher. It is featured on the album "Confessions" (audio clip at that link). Like "Yeah," this one's got a big bass line, minimalist instrumentation, and a great hook. [25 March 2005]
C.E.D., composed by jazz guitarist Joe Pass and jazz pianist Arnold Ross, is featured on Pass's debut album---and what a debut it was---"Sounds of Synanon," recorded with patients of the Synanon Drug Center, where a young Pass was being treated for heroin addiction. Influenced by jazz guitar pioneers Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian, Pass would go on to become one of the greatest jazz guitarists in the history of the genre. (In fact, his tribute album, "For Django" [YouTube album link] remains a staple in the jazz guitar pantheon [YouTube link to a Django tribute from jazz guitarist Johnny Smith]. Check out the album version of this opening track to the Synanon album and a live TV version [YouTube links], where you can witness the birth of that unique fiery, rhythmic, melodic, virtuosic technique that Pass would come to master. [15 August 2020]
The Champion features the music and lyrics of Chris DeStefano, Brett James, Christopher Bridges, and Carrie Underwood, who recorded this song to open NBC's coverage of Super Bowl LII, but it was used by NBC throughout the 2018 Winter Olympics, which ended on 25 February 2018, and is an appropriate post-Oscar tribute to all those who took home statuettes last night. Check out the Champion vocal pipes of Underwood in the Super Bowl opening and in the official video, which features a rap by Bridges (aka Ludacris) [YouTube links]. [5 March 2018]
Change features the words and music of Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan, and Charlie Puth, who turns 27 today. The moment I heard the opening chords of the song, without even looking at the track listing off of "Voicenotes," Puth's second studio album, I thought to myself that it sounded like a James Taylor song. And sure enough, Puth duets with Taylor on this song. I celebrated Puth's music this past summer, and anyone in pop music who can incorporate a Bill Evans chordal phrase into his compositions [YouTube link] has earned his way into my musical heart. Check out
the album version with Taylor, Puth's live concert performance, with acoustic guitar accompaniment (at 37 minutes in), with on acoustic guitar, and his live March for Our Lives performance [YouTube links]. [2 December 2018] Change Partners, words and music by Irving Berlin, was nominated for a 1938 Academy Award for Best Song, from the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers film "Carefree." Listen to an audio clip of a lovely, "carefree" bossa nova rendition by Frank Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim. [18 February 2006]Chained to the Rhythm features the words and music of Skip Marley (grandson of Bob, and featured on the track), Max Martin, Sia Furler, Ali Payami, and Katy Perry, who released this recording as the first single from her fifth studio album, "Witness" (2017). This rhythmic track went Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Dance Club Songs chart. In fact, it was the seventeenth consecutive #1 Dance Club single for Perry, the longest unbroken streak of #1 dance club hits in the history of the Billboard Dance charts. Check out the chill original video single, and then explore the Lil Yachty Trap Remix, Cristian Poow Remix, and Fomichev Remix, before kickin' it into high gear with the Jerome Price Remix, Syn Cole Remix, Andy Fasa Remix, Ray Rhodes Remix, Oliver Heldens Remix, and the Deep House Mix. [24 June 2017a]
Charade is another magnificent collaboration between composer Henry Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer. It was nominated for a 1963 Academy Award for Best Song, featured on the beautiful score for the classic Cary Grant-Audrey Hepburn film of the same title, the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never directed. One of my favorite versions of this song is an instrumental rendering by jazz guitarist Joe Pass, who plays it on the 12-string guitar. Listen to audio clips from the original soundtrack here and a version by Andy Williams. [25 February 2006]
The Charge of the Light Brigade ("The Charge") [Screen Archives Entertainment mp3 link], written by the legendary Golden Age film score composer Max Steiner, captures the excitement of the climactic scene in this 1936 film, starring the swashbuckling Errol Flynn. This is one of the great Oscar-nominated soundtracks in cinema history. Check it out as well on YouTube (as conducted by William Stromberg). [21 February 2015]
The Charleston, composed by stride pianist James P. Johnson, with lyrics by Cecil Mack, was featured in the all-black Broadway musical comedy "Runnin' Wild," which debuted at the New Colonial Theatre on October 29, 1923. One of the most famous recordings of this jazz age standard was recorded in France on April 21,1937 by the Quintette du Hot Club de France, featuring violinist extraordinaire Stephane Grappelli, the immortal jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, guitar sidemen Pierre Ferret and Marcel Bianchi, and bassist Louis Vola. Established far away from the American soil that originated the art form, the Quintette contributed to the rise of jazz as a genuine global cultural contribution. And subsequently, the group had a huge impact on American jazz musicians. Indeed, Reinhardt alone is credited as one of the most influential guitarists in jazz history. As Bill Dahl put it: "Despite two fingers on his fretting hand being substantially paralyzed due to injuries suffered in a fire before he hit the bigtime, Reinhardt made more mesmerizing magic on his axe without those digits than the vast majority of fretsmen do with the standard allotment of five. Les Paul, Chet Atkins, B. B. King, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Joe Pass [whose "For Django" album remains one of the milestones in the evolution of the jazz guitar -- ed.], George Benson, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson, Jeff Beck, and Jerry Garcia have all reverently sung his praises over the years." Check out the Quintette recording on YouTube. Today is International Jazz Day, so named by UNESCO in 2011, followed by a UN festival kick-off in 2012 on this date and celebrated annually ever since. This year's festival takes place today in Paris, France. Vive Le Jazz Hot! [30 April 2015]
Cheek to Cheek, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, is featured in the classic Fred Astaire film, "Top Hat." It received a 1935 Oscar nomination in the "Best Song" category. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and of course, from the original film, Fred Astaire. My favorite jazz rendition of this song is by alto sax player Phil Woods, "Live from the Showboat," an album that won the 1977 Grammy for "Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, Group" (unfortunately no audio clip is available). [23 February 2007]
Che La Luna Mezzo Mare is an Italian folksong composed, it is said, by Paolo Citorello, but infinite variations of the song have been heard throughout the years. Growing up in the Sciabarra household, we heard the bouncy Louis Prima-Keely Smith version [YouTube link], with its funny double entendres sung in both Italian and English. Other memorable versions have been performed by Rudy Vallee, Lou Monte and Dean Martin [YouTube links]. But the most memorable cinematic take is at the wedding of the daughter of Don Vito Corleone (played by Oscar-winner, Marlon Brando) in the original Mafia Family Values Movie: "The Godfather," the Oscar-winning Best Picture, my all-time favorite gangster film, an epic crime drama directed brilliantly by Francis Ford Coppola. At the wedding, Mama Corleone (played by Morgana King) is invited to the stage to begin the verses of the classic song; an old man, not unlike many I've seen at countless Italian weddings that I've attended since childhood, gets up, and completes the verses with the kind of hilariously perverse body language that the song inspires. How appropriate to note this song today, for 40 years ago, on this date, on the Ides of March in 1972, "The Godfather" had its U.S. debut. Yes, it has a haunting Nino Rota soundtrack. But it also has a "Che La Luna" wedding scene [YouTube link]. [15 March 2012]
Cherish features the words and music of Terry Kirkman, a founding member of The Association, which scored a Number 1 hit with this song in 1966. Listen to audio clips of renditions by The Association and Nancy Ames. [3 August 2007]
Cherokee features the words and music of Ray Noble. Listen to audio clips of versions by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra, Johnny Smith and Stan Getz, and an early bop adventure by Charlie Parker. As an aside, the Cherokee word for "Groundhog" is "Ogana". Happy Groundhog Day! (Punxsutawney Phil tells us six more weeks of winter... but Staten Island Chuck disagrees... ) [2 February 2006]
Cherry, Cherry, composed by Neil Diamond, is from the 1966 album, "The Feel of Neil Diamond." Considered by Rolling Stone to be "one of the greatest three-chord songs of all time," it reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Check it out on YouTube. [16 September 2022]
Cherry Pie, words and music by Jani Lane, was a Top Ten Hot 100 Hit for the glam metal rock band, Warrant---the title single to their 1990 album. It's considered a "hair metal" anthem. The video received heavy airplay on MT(remember when they used to show music videos?). Check it out on YouTube. [12 August 2022]
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White is the English version of a 1950 song written by Louiguy. In 1955, Perez Prado recorded a version of the song that spent ten weeks at #1 on the Billboard chart. Check out the Perez Prado rendition and another by Harry James with the Buddy Rich Orchestra [YouTube links]. [21 September 2022]
Chicago, words and music by Cory Rooney, is a sweet track on Michael Jackson's posthumously released album, "Xscape." It's a terrific feeling to hear fresh music that is so alive from an artist gone too soon. Listen to the track on YouTube, and the original demo MJ recorded as well. [28 August 2014]
Chicago (That Toddlin' Town) features the words and music of Fred Fischer, a popular Tin Pan Alley composer. It's my musical tribute to the Chicago White Sox for winning their first World Series Championship since 1917. They swept the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros, and took 11 out of 12 in the postseason. Shoeless Joe? Dirty Black Sox? After the Red Sox, there are no more curses in baseball. Maybe the Chicago Cubs are next! Or maybe these triumphs are only possible for teams named after different kinds of, uh, socks. Either way, listen here to an audio clip of Frank Sinatra singing this timeless tune. [27 October 2005b]
Chic Cheer, words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, was the lead-off track to the 1978 album, "C'est Chic," which was the second studio album for the R&B/disco band, Chic. This song, with its infectious bass line, provides us with a foundation for the next two songs of the day---a lesson in the art of sampling, since this song has been sampled quite a few times over the years. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [7 May 2022]
A Child is Born, words and music by Alec Wilder and Thad Jones, is a song that has come to be identified with this day, but it has also become a jazz standard. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Diane Reeves, Bill Evans, Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, and, finally, Oscar Peterson, who passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2007. A sad loss for lovers of music to contemplate on this Christmas Day. Rest in peace. [25 December 2007]
The Children of Sanchez ("Overture"), words, music, film score written and performed by Chuck Mangione, comes from the Latin- and jazz-infused score that has a musical integrity quite apart from the fact that it's from a 1979 film, starring Anthony Quinn, that I've still yet to see! Mangione won a much-deserved Grammy Award for this album for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Listen to the 14+ minute overture on YouTube. [19 February 2012]
Chiller Theatre ("Horror Upon Horror") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Wilfred Josephs, was the opening theme music for the Saturday night WPIX-TV classic horror movie show. The theme made the hair of many New York tri-state area kids of the 1960s stand on end (including this one). The show was hosted early on by the great Zacherley before switching to the film montage of memory, with clips from such films as "Plan 9 from Outer Space," "The Cyclops," and "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman." There were other memorable "Chiller Theatre" openings, but this one was the real ... chiller. [19 September 2012]
Chinatown ("Love Theme") [aural clip at that link], music by Jerry Goldsmith, is stated simply by a bluesy trumpet soloist, harking back to its 1930s' setting, accompanied by a full panoply of modern harmonies. Evoking solitude, this composition was written for the 1974 Roman Polanski-directed film noir classic, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Goldsmith's mentor was Miklos Rozsa, who passed onto his pupil a melodic sensitivity that is readily apparent in this work. [16 February 2005]
Chinatown ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is a perfect complement to this 1974 neo-noir film, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston as one of the sleaziest villains in cinema history. On this date in 1929, the great Jerry Goldsmith was born. This jazzy, haunting, evocative score is only one side of the prolific musical legacy that Goldsmith left behind. [10 February 2022]
Chinatown ("Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is derived from my all-time favorite score by the maestro---and that's saying something! This particular suite is performed live by the Young Metropole Orchestra. Here, the trumpeter is not Uan Ramsey, from the original 1974 neo noir (one of my favorite films of that decade), but Hans de Munnik, who does a supe
rb job. On this date in 1929, the great Jerry Goldsmith was born. He left behind an innovative and influential cinematic musical legacy for the ages. [10 February 2024]The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) features the music and lyrics of Ross Bagdasarian, also known as David Seville and was recorded with Alvin and the Chipmunks. It brings back cheerful memories of childhood. It still makes me chuckle. Listen to an audio clip here. [28 December 2005]
Chock Full o'Nuts gave us a classic commercial jingle, one based on "That Heavenly Feeling," by Bernie Wayne and Bruce Silbert. The original lyrics to the jingle boasted: "Better coffee a Rockefeller's money can't buy," but when then-New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller took offense, the lyrics were changed to: "Better coffee a millionaire's money can't buy" (YouTube link). Today, however, inflation has taken its toll, and the lyrics have been adjusted accordingly: "Better coffee a billionaire's money can't buy" (two contemporary versions at the "jingle" link). The original version was sung by Page Black, wife of Chock Full o'Nuts founder, William Black. [16 September 2011]
Chocolate Souffle [YouTube link], composed by jazz-fusion guitarist Oz Noy, appears on the 2019 album, "Booga Looga Loo" on the Abstract Logix label. Featured on this recording is Noy on guitar, Brian Charette on keyboards, John Patitucci on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Also check out an alternative Noy live version [YouTube link] with bass guitarist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Dave Weckl, and Noy discussing the tools of his trade [YouTube link]. [7 September 2020]
Christos Anesti is a traditional hymn sung first at the midnight liturgy as the "paschal toparian" or celebratory hymn of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Greek (and Eastern) Orthodox churches to mark the arrival of Easter. Though its authorship is unknown, it has been attributed to Romanos the Melodist, the "Pindar of rhythmic poetry." I must say that with maternal grandparents having been born in Olympia, Greece, the home of the gods and goddesses (and the ancient site of the Olympic games), and paternal grandparents born in Porto Empedocle, Sicily, home of the godfathers, I was fortunate enough to learn all the Greek prayers (having been baptized Greek Orthodox) and all the Sicilian curse words. Growing up, this Easter hymn was, perhaps, my favorite; check out a lovely version of it on YouTube, featuring the actress Irene Papas with Vangelis. It depicts the faithful carrying lit candles, that begin to lift the darkened church at midnight into light, as a single candle is passed on to the faithful one by one until the entire church is filled with the light of rebirth and renewal. I want to wish all my orthodox family and friends a very Happy Easter! And it being the 1st of May, May it be a revolutionary one! [1 May 2016]
The Christmas Blues, words and music by David Holt and Sammy Cahn, is, yes, a bluesy song for this Christmas, recorded most famously by Dean Martin [YouTube link] and heard on the "L.A. Confidential" soundtrack. It was later recorded by Jo Stafford [YouTube link]. Don't let the blues get you down [link to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Medley by jazz pianist David Benoit; hat tip to Alexandra York]! A very Merry Christmas with peace on earth and goodwill to one and all! [25 December 2017]
A Christmas Carol (aka "Scrooge"; "Main Title") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Richard Addinsell, who mixes the sounds of a traditional carol ("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing") with a grim theme of beckoning menace, foreshadowing the fate-altering tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, played in this 1951 film by the utterly superb Alastair Sim (of all the cinematic treatments of this timeless Charles Dickens tale, this one is my favorite). Addinsell wrote one of my all-time favorite popular concertos ("Warsaw Concerto"). And he's in fine form here too. There are one or two neat videos on YouTube that provide an entertaining side-by-side comparison of the various Scrooges portrayed in film over the past century or so. This concludes my mini-tribute to music from Christmas-oriented films, "in keeping with the situation" of this holiday season. [30 December 2012]
Christmas Every Day, words and lyrics by Dave Barnes, Cason Cooley, and David Archuleta, who sings this song from his 2018 album, "Winter in the Air." Archuleta was a very young runner-up in Season 7 of "American Idol" (2008). This song has a finger-snappin' sweetness. Check it out on YouTube. Two more musical selections to go till Santa touches down! [23 December 2021]
Christmas in Connecticut ("The Wish That I Wish Tonight"), music by M. K. Jerome, lyrics by Jack Scholl, is heard over the opening credits to this 1945 film, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, and Sydney Greenstreet. Check out the music in the title sequence and as sung by Dennis Morgan in the film. The song was also a hit for the Ray Noble Orchestra with vocalist Trudy Erwin and Jo Stafford [YouTube links]. [22 February 2019]
Christmas in New York, words and music by Gary Baker, Greg Barnhill, and Walt Aldridge, was recorded by the Backstreet Boys for their 2022 album, "A Very Backstreet Christmas." The video mixes live action and claymation---harking back to such holiday classics as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which celebrated its sixtieth anniversary on December 6, 2024. Indeed, the video is dedicated to the memory of Jules Bass of Rankin/Bass, which produced so many of those wonderful stop-motion Christmas specials. Check out this sweet paean to NYC at Christmas time [YouTube link]. [23 December 2024]
The Christmas Shoes, words and music by Eddie Carswell and Leonard Ahlstrom, was recorded by the Christian vocal group NewSong. It charted on the Country chart, but went to Number One on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 2001. The song has been panned by quite a few critics, but whatever your spiritual beliefs, this is just one of those songs that tugs at your heart. Check it out on YouTube. A Merry Christmas Eve to all; and don't forget to track Santa on Norad! [24 December 2015]
The Christmas Song, words and music by jazz great Mel Torme and Robert Wells, as performed by the only Nat King Cole. Listen to an audio clip here. The warmth of his voice matches those chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Merry Christmas! Happy birthday to my friend JR! And let's begin the 12+ Days of Christmas Songs! [25 December 2004]
Christmas Swing [YouTube link], composed by Django Reinhardt, was recorded by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, with the immortal Django on guitar and the legendary Stephane Grappelli on violin.
You can swing your way into Christmas Day, watching Santa make all his stops on NORAD, in keeping with the situation [Yarn clip]. A very Merry Christmas, with peace on earth, and good will to one and all. [25 December 2018]Christmas Time is Here was composed and performed by the ever-recognizable pianist Vince Guaraldi. It has touched my heart from the first time I heard it on "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Listen to instrumental and vocal renditions from the soundtrack here. Also check out audio clips from lovely versions by Diane Reeves, Mel Torme, Anita Baker, and Brian McKnight, who is featured on a tribute album in honor of the 40th anniversary of the wonderful Peanuts cartoon. Also listen to another jazz instrumental rendering by the Airmen of Note (the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force). [26 December 2005]
The Christmas Tree [YouTube link], composed by David Rose, was recorded in 1959 and has been heard as a perennial favorite on the WPIX-TV Yule Log. It's an annual broadcast that my sister and I so enjoyed. This is the first Christmas Day without my sister, who died on November 26, 2022. But not even this tragic loss can dull my embrace of this holiday, which she so loved, and which I will always love, for its message of Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward All. On January 1, 2023, I will begin two months, 59 straight days, of terrific music that my sister knew I'd planned, celebrating one of the greatest franchises in the history of television in January and the magic of film scores in February. I want to wish a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and a very happy and healthy New Year to all. [25 December 2022]
The Christmas Waltz, words and music by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn, was written for Frank Sinatra and recorded in 1954 as the B-side to his version of "White Christmas". Check out Sinatra's original recording as well as other renditions by Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme, the Brecker Brothers and Steve Kahn, Diane Reeves, and David Rose [YouTube links]. Don't forget to track Santa on NORAD! [24 December 2022].
Chunky features the words and music of Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, and Bruno Mars, who performed this on both "Saturday Night Live" (@ 3:39 in the YouTube video of his performances on the October 15, 2016 show) and the "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" [YouTube link] last night. I don't how those razor-thin models reacted to a song extolling the virtues of "girls with the big old hoops," but Bruno was #1 on the runway for me. His new album, "24K Magic" (whose title track, with a spotlight-solo dance segment on November 20th's American Music Awards [YouTube link]) was a pure MJ throwback), has a touch of James Brown, Prince, and Michael Jackson, on whose shoulders he proudly stands (see his "60 Minutes" interview [CBS News link]). Pure Magic. 24K. (Oh, and check out this great cinema montage set to the Mars-Ronson hit, "Uptown Funk".) [7 December 2016]
Ciaconna (from "Partita in D-minor for Violin No. 2"), BMV 1004, is the last part of a five-movement partita (sometimes rendered in its French spelling as "Chaconne," each part corresponding to a dance of the time), written by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who was born in 1685 on this date, at least according to the Gregorian calendar. One of the greatest composers of all time, Bach wrote music that was definitive of the Baroque period. This work has a special place in my heart, and I was able to track it down with the help of my friend Roger E. Bissell. The intensity of the piece is displayed by violinists Hillary Hahn and the great Itzhak Perlman [YouTube links]. It has also been played by classical guitarists Andres Segovia and Julian Bream [YouTube links]. Ironically, however, I was first made aware of the piece due to an extraordinary video posted on YouTube in memory of jazz guitarist Joe Pass. It was recorded at the Adelaide Festival S.A. (sometime between 1-8 March 1990). It is heard during a seminar that included Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Pena, blues guitarist Leo Kottke, classical guitarist John Williams (not the film score composer, whose birthday we celebrated last month as part of my annual Film Music February series), and jazz guitarist Joe Pass. Beginning at around 2:15 in the 5:26 minute video, we are reminded that the classical masters were basically improvisers: they came up with a main theme and then "improvised" variations on the theme, which were written down. Guitarist Williams is obviously fascinated by the spontaneous improvisation of the jazz artist, and to illustrate the spontaneity and brilliance of the process, he lays down the basic melodic structure of the Chaconne, and invites Pass to improvise simultaneously over that melody. Pass throws in a few jazz licks that get a chuckle out of the audience, but the whole video provides us with a lesson on the universality of music. Check out the video clip here [YouTube link]. The piece can also be heard throughout the eerie 1946 film, with Peter Lorre, "The Beast with Five Fingers" [YouTube trailer]. [31 March 2018]
Cinema Paradiso ("Love Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Ennio Morricone for the 1988 Italian film that won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 62nd Academy Awards. This is Academy Awards Weekend, which comes later than the typical February showing (that coincides with my Film Music February Tribute). So I'm featuring two additional film-related "Songs of the Day" to celebrate the art of the score. Listen especially to this lush, romantic theme as rendered by the great classical violinist Itzhak Perlman [YouTube link]. [24 April 2021]
Cinderella ("A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes"), words and music by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, was sung by the character Cinderalla (vocalist Ilene Woods). It was on this date in 1950 that the Disney film, "Cinderalla," was released. This is one of the loveliest songs to emerge from the Disney musical catalogue. Listen to the original animated version of this song [YouTube link] and then check out an instrumental rendition that is among my favorites; it was recorded by the Rob Mounsey Orchestra for the album, "Jazz Loves Disney" [YouTube link]. [15 February 2018]
Cinderella ("So This is Love"), words and music by Al Hoffman, Mack David, and Jerry Livingston, is featured in the 1950 animated flick. Ilene Woods and Mike Douglas provide the vocals for this lovely duet in the original Disney film [YouTube link]. Check out another sweet rendition by James Ingram and an instrumental jazz version by the Dave Brubeck Quartet [YouTube links]. A Happy Valentine's Day, with love to my family and friends! The Daffodils are already in full bloom in Brooklyn! (And yes, I decorated!) [14 February 2024]
Cinq Jours en Juin (Five Days in June: "Love Makes the Changes") [YouTube link] features the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and the music of Michel Legrand, who was born on this date in 1932. Legrand also directed this 1989 film, and in case you were wondering, the song is delivered with soul and grace by the only Ray Charles, accompanied by the greatest jazz harmonica player to have ever graced this earth, Toots Thielemans, both men no longer with us. The soundtrack is pure Legrand, but boasts a few pieces by some lightweight composers, folks like Frederic Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach. In any event, Happy 85th Birthday to one of my all-time favorite musical innovators, a brilliant and legendary composer who also happens to be a remarkable jazz musician. [24 February 2017]
Cinnamon and Clove, music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, is one of those melodic Brazilian classics recorded by Brasil 66. Listen to an audio clip from their magnificent album, "Equinox." [12 May 2006]
Claire de Lune, written by the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy, the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, has been recorded by many orchestras, including this lovely version by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. I also adore a jazz version, featuring the Michel Legrand Orchestra, with alto saxophone soloist Phil Woods, from the album, "Images." [29 January 2005]
Climb Ev'ry Mountain features the words of Oscar Hammerstein II and the music of today's birthday boy, Richard Rodgers. It is a highlight from one of my favorite all-time musicals, "The Sound of Music," sung in the 1965 film version by the character Mother Abbess, played by Peggy Wood. Listen to audio clips of this uplifting song from the 1965 soundtrack album, as well as from the original 1959 Broadway production, the 1961 London production, the 1987 studio cast album, and the 1998 Broadway revival. [28 June 2006]
Close Encounters of the Third Kind ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], music by John Williams, is featured today, for it was on this date that the great composer was born in 1932. The Oscar-nominated score for this wonderful 1977 sci-fi film shows us, in five simple notes, that music really is the universal language. Alas, Williams lost the Oscar for this film that year to another film score of his: a little movie called "Star Wars." This score features a clever reference to the composer's famous "Jaws" theme (from his Oscar-winning score to that summer blockbuster). I'll give you a hint: it's near the two-minute mark in this YouTube clip. (And in the "Main Theme" of today's selection, there is an homage to "When You Wish Upon a Star," from Disney's "Pinocchio", at around 4:30.) See if you can catch it, uh, while you can. And Happy Birthday, Maestro! [8 February 2017]
C'mon Marianne, words and music by L. Russell Brown and Raymond Bloodworth, is my all-time favorite Four Seasons hit. It's got a rock and roll pulse, which exhibits the group's integrated R&B and doo-wop influences. As our Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute concludes, listen to an audio clip of this pop smash here. [24 September 2006]
Cobrai Kai ("Strike First") [YouTube link], composed by Leo Birenberg and Zack Robinson, is from the soundtrack to season 1 of this fun series that premiered in 2018. Now 5 seasons in, the show is a sequel to "The Karate Kid" franchise and stars Ralph Macchio ("Danny LaRusso") and William Zabka ("Johnny Lawrence"), who reprise their roles from the original film. I'm looking forward to its final season in 2024. [23 June 2023]
Cocoon ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by James Horner, has all those gentle, magical touches that complement this 1985 film, directed by Ron Howard. Horner left us much too soon, but his scores have left an indelible mark on cinematic music. [26 February 2023]
Come Back to Me, music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, is from the Broadway musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." It was sung in the 1970 Barbra Streisand film version by Yves Montand (audio clip here). My sister-in-law Joanne Barry used to do a hair-raising, glass-breaking version of this on stage, but I also love a slammin' Sammy Davis Jr. version, recorded live with the great drummer Buddy Rich leading his Orchestra in Las Vegas at the Sands Hotel Copa Room (where Davis often sang with his Rat Pack friends) for the album, "The Sounds of '66" (check out the audio clip on the box set, "Yes I Can! The Sammy Davis Jr. Story"). [11 January 2005]
Come Dance with Me, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is the title song of Sinatra's 1959 album, which won the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year. Sinatra also won a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, Male, and Billy May got a Grammy for Best Arrangement. The song can also be found on Disc 3 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Check out the wonderful May arrangement for a Swingin' Saloon Singer [YouTube link]. [4 December 2015]
Comedian's Galop is a long-time favorite, composed by Dmitri Borisovitch Kabalevsky as part of an orchestral suite, "The Comedians." Yes, I was first exposed to this composition while watching cartoon classics as a kid (audio clip at that link). Also check out audio clips from the full suite, performed by the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. [11 May 2006]
Come Fly with Me, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, sung by a carefree Sinatra to a smooth Billy May arrangement, from the album of the same name (check out that audio clip). The Winter Solstice arrives today at 7:42 a.m. ET, and what a nice way to celebrate it: Above the clouds, "where the air is rarefied ... weather wise, it's such a lovely day!" [21 December 2004]
Come on-a My House features the words and music of Ross Bagdasarian (yes, "David Seville" of "Chipmunks" fame) and William Saroyan. Based on a traditional Armenian folk song, it was performed in the off-Broadway production of "The Son" (1950) but became a huge #1 hit for Rosemary Clooney the following year [YouTube link]. Check out some other renditions by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima (with a few Italian delicacies thrown in), Kay Starr, and Julie London [YouTube links]. Today is Moderna Second Dose + 14 Days, which means that if you too have the proper paperwork, you can "Come on-a My House" and--as the song says---I can give you candy and figs and grapes and cakes and everything, even a Marriage Ring! Well, I'm not that easy. ;) [29 April 2021]
Come Rain or Come Shine, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, made its debut in the 1946 musical, "St. Louis Woman." The song first hit the pop charts in a rendition by Margaret Whiting with the Paul Weston Orchestra. Other notable recordings include those by Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand, and among instrumentalists: Bill Evans, Joe Pass, and Return to Forever (with vocalist Gayle Moran) [YouTube links]. But today, I highlight a recording from the 1962 album, "Sinatra and Strings"---to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of the Chairman of the Board. Check it out on YouTube. [12 December 2020]
Come Together, words and music by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, was the first Beatles single to go to #1 (in November 1969) as part of a two-sided number one single (with "Something"). It appears on "Abbey Road," the final recorded Beatles album. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's murder, listen to audio clips of this song recorded by Ike and Tina Turner (who took it to #57 in 1970), Aerosmith (who took it to #23 in 1978), and Michael Jackson (who has performed it in concert as well). [8 December 2005b]
Coming Out of Hiding, music and lyrics by James Lee Stanley and James Melamed, was performed by dance music artist Pamela Stanley. This "Paradise Garage" dance classic packed the floors in 1983-84. And I was among those dancing the night away to its rhymes and rhythms. [19 March 2005]
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra (Opus 32) was composed by Miklos Rozsa at the request of cellist Janos Starker. Listen to audio clips from three renditions: one recorded by cellist Lynn Harrell with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; another recorded by cellist Raphael Wallfisch with the BBC Concert Orchestra; and yet another recorded by cellist Brinton Smith with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. [15 April 2007]
Concerto for Viola (Opus 37) (audio clips at that link, featuring viola soloist Paul Silverthorne) is a richly textured four-movement work that is one of composer Miklos Rozsa's orchestral triumphs. [14 April 2007]
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 24, composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of my favorite Rozsa concert pieces. Listen to audio clips of all three movements from the debut recording by violinist Jascha Heifetz, and another recording by violinist Robert McDuffie. I saw this grand piece performed live with violin soloist Glenn Dicterow and the New York Philharmonic. What better way to celebrate the First Anniversary of "Song of the Day"! I'll be posting music favorites (sometimes more than one on a single day!) for as long as there's a song in my heart. [1 September 2005]
Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Orchestra, composed by Chick Corea, was performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on the album "Concerto." The composer found inspiration in the work of Mozart. The piece features an improvised piano introduction and an improvised cadenza, enveloped by composed orchestrations. Listen to various audio clips here. [19 June 2005]
Concierto de Aranjuez is one of the greatest and most memorable compositions of Joaquin Rodrigo. Julian Bream recorded this classical guitar evergreen many times, but my favorite version is that recorded with the Melos Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Colin Davis, which received a 1964 Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Performance (Instrumental Soloist with Orchestra)." The piece has also inspired many jazz artists, including: Miles Davis, who recorded a classic version of it on "Sketches of Spain" (listen to audio clip at that link), with the superb conductor and arranger Gil Evans; Jim Hall, who recorded it with an all-star line-up on his "Concierto" album (listen to audio clip at that link); and Chick Corea, who uses the famous second-movement melodic hook of the "Adagio" as a prelude to his composition "Spain," heard on the album "Light as a Feather" (listen to audio clip at that link) with his band "Return to Forever," and hinted at in a version he recorded with his sextet Origin and the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the album "Corea Concerto" (listen to audio clip at that link). This concerto reminds me of my dear pal Lou, to whom I send birthday wishes today for much health, happiness, and success. [22 January 2005]
Coney Island Baby, composed by Vinny Catalano and Peter Alonzo, is a 1961-62 doo-wop gem, recorded by the Excellents. It inspired everyone from Lou Reed to Tom Waits to re-imagine their own Coney Island babies. But today it is posted in tribute to all the residents of Coney Island, who live just a few Brooklyn blocks away from me, and who survived evacuation, the shutdown of the NYC subway system, and Irene herself, which was downgraded from a Hurricane to a Tropical Storm. Irene touched New York City soil when it made landfall in Coney Island around 9am this morning. So here's a doo-wop shout out: enjoy the original single by the Excellents on YouTube. [28 August 2011]
(The World of) Confirmation, music by Charlie Parker, lyrics by Eddie Jefferson, has been recorded by many instrumentalists and vocalists. Listen to a sampling of audio clips from Charlie Parker, Gene Ammons, Manhattan Transfer, and Sheila Jordan. [30 September 2006]
Constant Rain (Chove Chuva) features the music and original lyrics of Jorge Ben, and the English lyrics of Norman Gimbel. With a line that says "Everyday was Spring to Me," this melancholy Brazilian song is one of the highlights on a Brasil 66 album entitled "Equinox" (audio clip at that link). Listen also to two audio clips from Miriam Makeba. [21 March 2006]
Controversy, words and music by Prince, begins our mini-birthday tribute to the Purple One, who tragically passed away last month, but whose birthday we will celebrate on June 7th. And I'll have plenty of Prince songs featured in next year's February Film Music Month (and in a special musical project I have planned for the Summer of 2016). I have already listed several Prince classics on "My Favorite Songs" list: check out "Baby I'm A Star", "I Wanna Be Your Lover," and "Let's Go Crazy.") Today, I begin with one of my favorites; it showed an edgy musician who was willing to play with his audience: "Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?" he asks at the beginning of the song, which has a nice groove. It was the title track to his 1981 album, and though it went no higher than #70 on the Hot 100 or #3 on the R&B chart, clearly the dance club crowd was ahead of the groove, bringing the title to #1 on the Hot Dance Club chart. Prince was very protective of his recorded music, so check out the link to a live version here. [1 June 12016]
Copacabana (At the Copa) features the words and music of Jack Feldman, Joseph Thornton, and Barry Manilow, who was born on this date in 1943. This coming week, I will begin what has now become an annual Summer series: my Saturday Night Dance Party, though there will be many days during the week when we will be partying with dance music from today and yesterday. There was a time when if I heard Barry Manilow's name announced on the radio, I'd roll my eyes; that changed as the years went by, especially when I discovered his superb jazz-infused album, "2:00 A.M. Paradise Cafe," which featured the wonderful Johnny Mercer lyrics to "When October Goes," for which Manilow composed the music [YouTube link]. But for our Brooklyn birthday boy, I figured in keeping with the coming Dance Party entries, I'd feature the song that won Manilow a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, Pop Male. So check out Lola at the Copa on this Dance Remix, the 2012 Remix, Lola Goes Wild Remix, Maxi Dance Mix and of course, the original single [YouTube links]. [17 June 2017]
Cotton Tail (chord changes at that link) was composed by Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, but "vocalese" lyrics were added later by J. Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross (audio clip here). It was recorded in a classic rendition by the Duke (listen to an audio clip here) and also in a Duke session with three violinists (Stephane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen, and Ray Nance). (Stay tuned for a Mega-Duke Tribute, coming up in December.) I also love a Wes Montgomery blazing guitar version; listen to an audio clip of that rendition here. [29 November 2005]
Could I Have This Kiss Forever, words and music by Diane Warren, a duet by Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias, is a Latin-tinged dance track from "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" (2000). The original track never hit the Billboard Dance Chart, but it provides the kind of chill rhythmic pulse best for sensual dancing. Check out the original video version, the Tin Tin Out Mix, and the housed-up HQ Video Club Mix. [6 March 2012]
Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep), music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, was an Oscar-nominated song from the 1954 film "White Christmas." Cliche though it may be, this is something I do every day of my life ... count my blessings. Listen to an audio clip from the classic Rosemary Clooney rendition. [29 December 2006]
Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse has no credited composer (the copyright is held by Tele Features, Inc.). Listen to an audio clip of this jazzy cartoon theme, from one of my favorite childhood cartoons, here. [31 August 2006]
Courage Under Fire ("Main Title") [YouTube link] was composed by the late James Horner for this 1996 film starring Denzel Washington. The theme features certain phrases that are quintessentially Horner (such unique phrases are a hallmark of virtually all composers, whether for the concert stage or the silver screen). Gone too soon, James Horner left a body of work that has withstood the test of time. [21 February 2018]
Coventry Carol is a traditional English carol from the sixteenth century whose words are attributed to Robert Croo. I always associated this gorgeous, haunting carol with the alternate version of "Away in a Manger," because it was recorded in a medley by the Living Strings (featured on an album, "The Spirit of Christmas," which I finally got after about 35 years of searching for it!). Listen to audio clips of versions by The King's Sisters, the Mediaeval Baebes, and the Swingle Sisters. [27 December 2007]
Crazy, music and lyrics by Willie Nelson, was performed as a classic country song by the late, great Patsy Cline (listen to audio clip here). Nelson himself has recorded the song several times; listen to one audio clip here. [27 April 2005]
Crazy in Love features the words and music of Rich Harrison, Eugene Record, Shawn Carter (aka Jay Z), and Beyonce Knowles, who was born on this date in 1981. This was the lead single from Beyonce's 2003 debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," and it is highlighted by a guest rap from the man she'd marry in 2008, Jay Z. The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the peak of the Dance Club chart on September 13, 2003 due to a few stylish dance remixes. Check out the original video single, the Pat.No. 2K13 Mix, the Fare Soldi Remix, and the DJ Stylezz Mix, and for those who want to slow it up a bit, there's the "Fifty Shades of Grey" rendition (re-recorded in 2015 for the soundtrack to that hit film) [YouTube links]. Happy birthday, Queen Bee! [4 September 2017]
Crocodile Rock features the lyrics of Bernie Taupin and the music of birthday boy, Elton John, who celebrates his 60th tonight with his 60th concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. One of my all-time favorite Elton songs, this one still rocks. Listen to an audio clip here. And Happy Birthday, Sir Elton! [25 March 2007]
Cruel Summer features the words and music of Steve Jolley, Tony Swain, and the three founding members---Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodword---of the group Bananarama that brought us this 1983 song. Though issued initially as a stand-alone single, the song was eventually included on the group's second studio album. A Hot 100 and Dance Club Hit, the song's music video was filmed in Brooklyn during an August heatwave, in the shadow of the Twin Towers, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Check it out on YouTube [link]. The Autumnal Equinox arrives at 8:44 am tomorrow (ET). As the lyrics to this song tell us: "It's a cruel, cruel summer ... now you're gone." And so is this Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival! Till next year! [21 September 2024]
Cute, composed by Neil Hefti, is one of those familiar tracks that has been heard everywhere, thanks to the famous chart Hefti wrote for the Count Basie Orchestra, featuring the fabulous fills of drummer Sonny Payne, who was born on this date in 1926. The most memorable cinematic treatment of this tune, where one can see Music as Comedy and Comedy as Music, can be found in "Cinderfella"; watch how Jerry Lewis Does the Dishes. [4 May 2012]
Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah), words and music by Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, and Kenny Lehman, was the first single and #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for the dance/disco group Chic. They dominated that chart with this song and its companion tracks ("Everybody Dance" and "You Can Get By") for 8 weeks in the fall of 1977. Check it out on YouTube. We are on the precipice of another Autumnal Equinox, which doesn't arrive until 10:21 a.m Eastern time tomorrow, so we're hanging onto the last hours of summer, on the last full day of summer, with a song that tells us to go on ... and "dance, dance, dance." So ends our Summer "Saturday Night Dance Party," until next year. [21 September 2016]
Dance (Disco Heat), words and music by Eric Robinson and Victor Osborn, was a #1 dance hit for Sylvester, appearing on his album "Step II." Check out the album version and the extended version, which was released as part of a double-sided 12" with his Patrick Cowley remixed-iconic disco classic, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" [YouTube link]. The double-sided hits held the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Disco Chart for six weeks in the summer of 1978. We're partying straight through to the 4th of July, so don't you even think of leaving the dance floor! [1 July 2017]
Dancer, words and music by Gino Soccio, appeared on his 1979 debut album, "Outline." The song quickly climbed the Billboard Dance Club chart, peaking at #1 for six weeks. In all my years of being an on-again, off-again mobile DJ (1979 till the late 1980s, and Gema LaBoccetta ought to know since she was one of my DJ partners back in the day!), I can say that the 1977-1984 period was undoubtedly my favorite (and most of these songs already grace "My Favorite Songs" since I started the list back in 2004). 1979 was one of the greatest years of the Disco Era (check out this famous Disconet 1979 Medley [YouTube link], where Soccio's tune gets a hat tip at 05:18). And the 1982-1983 period brought back much excitement to the dance floor, due especially to the 11 weeks that all of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance cuts held the top spot on the Billboard Dance Club chart. It is simply not true that all disco/dance music was mind-numbing in its beats and oblivious to the social problems of the day (some of it was actually remarkably prescient in its social commentary, like, for example, Machine's terrific "There But For the Grace of God Go I" [YouTube link]). But the Disco era sported a variety of creative tempos and rhythms, which have influenced all dance music since, from hip hop to house to techno. This track, however, dispenses with social commentary, and is unapologetically propulsive in its beat and simple in its "message": "Let your body free now . . . Try to take it higher." Check out the original 12" remix [YouTube links]. [26 August 2017]
Dancing in Heaven (Orbital Be Bop), words and music by Martin Page and Brian Fairweather, was a Q-Feel techno hit. Listen to an audio clip here, just in time for All Souls' Day. [2 November 2006]
Danse Macabre (Opus 40), composed by Camille Saint-Saens, is one of those Halloween staples. Listen to an audio clip featuring the London Philharmonia Orchestra, another featuring Eugene Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra, and also a performance by pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Happy Halloween! [31 October 2006]
Dante's Peak ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by James Newton Howard, opens this exciting 1997 Man versus Nature film. The film stars Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton and some truly explosive special effects. And any film that carries the name "Dante" (the name of our cat) has something special indeed. [18 February 2015]
The Dark Knight ("Orchestra Suite") [YouTube link] includes memorable themes written by both Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard for the 2008 film based on the DC Comics superhero, Batman, for the second leg in the Dark Knight Trilogy, directed by Christopher Nolan. The film is notable for having earned a posthumous Best Supporting Oscar Award for Heath Ledger, for his diabolical portrayal of The Joker. [15 February 2023]
Dark Star, lyrics by Robert Hunter, music by the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia and his bandmates, is best remembered in its 23+ minute rendition [YouTube link] from their 1969 live album, "Live/Dead," which blended psychedelia, jazz, and jam elements. By contrast, the original single version, at 2 minutes and 44 seconds [YouTube link] sold only 500 copies and "sank like a stone," as band member Phil Lesh put it. The song was also a respectable 19-minute highlight from their set at Woodstock [YouTube link]. Today's "Dark Star" is a prelude to our commemoration tomorrow of a fundamentally bright cosmic event in human history. [19 July 2019]
Darn That Dream features the words and music of Eddie De Lange and Jimmy Van Heusen. Some lovely versions of this song have been recorded; listen to audio clips from Benny Goodman & Mildred Bailey, Doris Day, and Kenny Hagood with Miles Davis (from the classic album, "Birth of the Cool"). But one of the sweetest versions was recorded by Tony Bennett on a very early album, his first for Columbia, "Cloud 7" (audio clip at that link). The great Chuck Wayne is the featured guitarist on the album. Chuck, who was a mentor of sorts to my brother Carl (who learned the "consecutive picking" technique from Chuck) was such a well-known jazz guitarist back then that on his last European tour with Tony, many jazz enthusiasts seemed to greet him with even greater fervor than Bennett! [17 August 2006]
Dawgma / Swing '39 [YouTube link] are two songs that were performed back-to-back on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in support of the 1978 quintet album, "Hot Dawg," featuring David Grisman on lead mandolin, Mark O'Connor on guitar, Mike Marshall on rhythm mandolin, Rob Wasserman on bass, and the immortal Stephane Grappelli on violin. The September 13, 1979 show can be seen in its entirety [YouTube link]. The artists even play the gypsy jazz classic, "Minor Swing", as an encore (previously highlighted in 2013 as a "Song of the Day") over the closing credits [YouTube link]. "Dawgma" was composed by Grisman in that characteristic style of his, merging jazz and bluegrass; "Swing '39" was composed by Grappelli and his old bandmate, the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, with whom he formed the Quintette du Hot Club de France back in 1934. He was 71 when he appeared on "The Tonight Show", and is as fleet of finger as he ever was. I was privileged to see him in-person with David Grisman at Avery Fisher Hall (now "David Geffen Hall") on October 2, 1981 and again, with his own quartet, at The Bottom Line in Greenwich Village, on April 25, 1983. On this date, in 1908, Grappelli was born. He was born in Gaie Paris---pun intended; when he passed away at the age of 89 in 1997, he left behind his life partner of 25 years, Joseph Oldenhove. The virtuoso violinist also left behind an extraordinary musical legacy, having recorded with everyone from Yehudi Menuhin and Yo Yo Ma to Paul Simon and Pink Floyd [YouTube links]. [26 January 2022]
Dawson's Creek ("I Don't Want to Wait"), composed by Paula Cole, first appeared on the artist's 1996 album, "The Fire". It was a hit across pop, adult alternative, and adult contemporary platforms long before it was picked up as the opening theme to this WB series, which ran from 1998 to 2003. The series starred James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. Check out the original music video and its use in the opening credits to the show [YouTube links]. [8 September 2023]
Day In, Day Out, music by Rube Bloom, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, has been recorded by countless artists since its first appearance in 1939. Our birthday boy, Frank Sinatra, who would have been 104 today, recorded the song three times himself in wildly different arrangements, from his albums, "The Point of No Return" [YouTube link] (recorded in 1953, but featured in a 2002 expanded edition of the album, as a ballad arranged by Alex Stordahl); "Come Dance with Me" [YouTube link] (1959, in a swinging Billy May arrangement); and finally on "Nice 'n' Easy" (1960, in a distinctively Nelson Riddle orchestral arrangement). Amazing how different arrangers could allow Ol' Blue Eyes to explore the different nuances of a single song. All part of the genius that was Frank Sinatra and the wide influence [YouTube link] he continues to have. [12 December 2019]
Days Go By, words and music by Victoria Horn and Steve Smith, is the Dirty Vegas recording that received the 2002 Grammy Award for "Best Dance Recording." The infectious track is best known for its use in a famous Mitsubishi commercial; also check out this hot mix, the Paul Oakenfold remix, the Mimosa remix, and the Jimmy Fallon MTV commercial parody [YouTube links]. [3 April 2012]
Days of Wine and Roses features the stellar music of Henry Mancini and the poetic lyrics of Johnny Mercer. This great American standard was the 1962 Academy Award Winner for Best Song. Listen to audio clips of versions by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett with pianist Bill Evans, Bill Evans and harmonica player Toots Thielmans, guitarist Wes Montgomery, and Monica Mancini (Henry's daughter). [24 February 2006]
The Day the Earth Stood Still ("Prelude") [YouTube clip of opening credits at that link] was composed by the immortal New York-born Bernard Herrmann, the centenary of whose birth we celebrate today. The score for this classic 1951 science fiction film was remarkable for its revolutionary use of the theremin. Viva Herrmann! [29 June 2011]
Dead End Street features the words and music of D. Axelrod and B. Raleigh, with a gritty monologue by Lou Rawls, who performs the tune to soul perfection. When this Classic 45 came out, I took an instant liking to it because Lou Rawls referred to the wind as "The Hawk," a phrase my family had used for years. Rawls won the 1967 Grammy Award for "Best Rhythm and Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Male" for this recording. Sadly, the three-time Grammy winner passed away today. Listen to audio clips of the monologue and song here. [6 January 2006b]
The Dead Pool ("San Francisco Night") [YouTube link], composed by Lalo Schifrin, is featured over the end credits for the 1988 film, which was the fifth and final installment in the "Dirty Harry" series. This particular film includes an unforgettable car chase in which Clint Eastwood's Harry Callahan, driving his unmarked Oldsmobile 98 squad car, is pursued by a bomb-loaded electric race buggy. As far as film scores go, you know you're in an Eastwood movie, because it is almost always jazzy, and Schifrin's soundtrack doesn't disappoint. [27 February 2018]
The Dead Zone ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Michael Kamen, is a pensive theme from the 1983 science fiction thriller, directed by David Cronenberg, based on the 1979 Stephen King novel. It was recorded by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. [19 February 2023]
Dear Alice, music by Chick Corea, lyrics by Gayle Moran, is from one of my favorite Chick Corea albums of all time: "The Mad Hatter." Listen here and here to audio clips of this highlight from the album, featuring a superb bass solo by Eddie Gomez. And Happy Birthday, Chick! [12 June 2006]
Dear Evan Hansen ("You Will Be Found"), words and music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is a musical highlight from this 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Musical. With lead vocals by Tony-Award winning "Best Actor in a Musical," Ben Platt, the song is an inspiring call to "let the sun come streaming in" when "the dark comes crashing through." Tonight, another musical will take the top award at the Tony Awards. For now, we can enjoy a gem from last year's winner, featured on the Broadway cast album [YouTube link]. [10 June 2018b]
Dear Heart ("Main Theme"), music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, is from the 1964 film of the same name, starring Glenn Ford and Geraldine Page. This Oscar-nominated song is ever-so-appropriate for Valentine's Day. But I also dedicate it to my sweetheart friend, Mimi Reisel Gladstein, who celebrates her birthday today, and who has been calling me her "dear heart" practically from the beginning of our friendship in the 1990s. A happy and a healthy birthday, dearest Mimi! And a Happy Valentine's Day to all who love. Check out the original recording and renditions by Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Jack Jones, Al Martino, and Bobby Vinton [YouTube links]. [14 February 2021]
Dearly Beloved, music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was nominated for a 1942 Academy Award for Best Song from the film "You Were Never Lovelier." My brother, jazz guitarist Carl Barry, recorded this song on his first album. Listen to audio clips from Fred Astaire (who starred in the film), Dinah Shore, and, for jazz guitar fans, the great Wes Montgomery. [20 February 2006]
Deck the Halls is another great Christmas standard. Listen to audio clips of Joan Sutherland and the Ambrosian Singers, Ottmar Liebert, and Nat King Cole. [28 December 2006]
Deep Impact ("A Distant Discovery") [YouTube link], composed by James Horner, is the central theme of the 1998 film, which had an all-star cast, echoing the approach of many of the "disaster films" of the 1970s. [8 February 2014]
Deep Purple, sometimes referred to as "When the Deep Purple Falls," lyrics by Mitchell Parish, music by Peter DeRose, has been recorded in many wonderful renditions. I love an instrumental version by the "Dark Angel of the Fiddle," jazz violinist Eddie South (audio clip at that link). Check out audio clips of other versions by Artie Shaw with vocalist Helen Forrest and Billy Ward and His Dominoes. [6 April 2006]\
The Deer Hunter ("Cavatina") [YouTube link] is a piece composed by Stanley Myers, and was first heard in the 1970 film "The Walking Stick." Singer Cleo Lane added her own lyrics to the piece, and recorded it as "He Was Beautiful" [YouTube link], accompanied by classical guitarist John Williams. But it was that guitarist's version of the composition that is best remembered as the theme to one of the most shattering antiwar films ever made: "The Deer Hunter" (1978), starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, John Cazale, and Meryl Streep. [16 February 2014]
Deja Vu (lyrics and video clip at that link) features the words and music of Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Beyonce, a star in the new film version of "Dreamgirls," and the singer of this track, which appears on her album, "B'day." I like the original mix, but I love the Freemasons dance remix (audio clips at those links). Both versions feature a guest rap from Jay-Z. [16 December 2006]
Deja Vu (But Worse), produced by The Gregory Brothers, featuring "Weird Al" Yankovic, is not a summer song per se, but it lampoons a summer event: The Great Debate last Thursday between Trump and Biden [YouTube link]. For those who feel as if this is Deja Vu All Over Again, But Worse... I dedicate this song! Check it out here [YouTube link]. [30 June 2024]
Delirious, words and music by Prince, was a notable single from the 1982 Prince and the Revolution album ,"1999." The song was a Top Ten Hit (reaching #8 on the Hot 100) and offered a quirky, literally "delirious" rhythm. Check it out on YouTube. [2 June 2016]
Demetrius and the Gladiators ("Prelude") [YouTube link] features a score composed by Franz Waxman, who had two tough acts to follow: the stupendously successful film for which this one stood as a sequel, and its equally stupendous soundtrack, written by one of the Golden Era's Greats. This 1954 film was a "sword and sandal" sequel the stupendous 1953 epic, "The Robe," which was actually filmed twice: once in the typical "flat screen" process of the day, and a second time in the revolutionary widescreen format of "CinemaScope," for which 20th Century Fox got an honorary Oscar (though, as a sidenote, for me, the performances in the "flat screen" version of "The Robe" are far better than its widescreen sibling). The sequel picks up where "The Robe" leaves off. Waxman wisely kept reverential musical references to certain heartfelt themes composed by Alfred Newman for this film's predecessor. Listen up to 2:30 in the first YouTube link above to see how well Waxman incorporates the Newman motifs, while providing us with a strong score that stands on its own merits. [22 February 2014]
[YouTube link], composed by Franz Waxman, incorporates some of the themes made famous by the glorious soundtrack to "The Robe", composed by Alfred Newman. But Waxman still retains his own musical voice throughout the score. This particular suite gives the full flavor of many of the cues heard throughout the 1954 film, the CinemaScope sequel to "The Robe," featuring Victor Mature as Demetrius, Susan Hayward as Messalina, and Jay Robinson as the utterly insane Emperor Caligula (check out these two interviews of Robinson on YouTube). The script has some of my favorite lines; Hayward delivers one of the best: "When the truth is ugly, only a lie can be beautiful." [4 February 2020]Demolition Man, words and music by Sting, was first recorded by Grace Jones as part of her 1981 album, "Nightclubbing." The Police would record their own version of the song on their 1981 album, "Ghost in the Machine," as would Mannfred Mann's Earth Band for their 1983 album, "Somewhere in Afrika." Sting himself would release his own version as part of a 1993 EP in support of the Sylvester Stallone/Wesley Snypes film of the same name. I put this song up today with a little tongue-in-cheek (and with a hat tip to my friend, Brandon). For those who don't know why I've made this the Song of the Day, no explanation is possible; for those who do, no explanation is necessary. :) Check out the various versions: Grace Jones, The Police studio version and performance video, Mannfred Mann's Earth Band, and the Sting solo rendition [YouTube links]. [10 December 2019]
Desafinado, music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Newton Mendoca, made a huge impact when it was introduced to American audiences by tenor saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist Charlie Byrd on their album "Jazz Samba" (audio clip at that link). There's also a memorable vocal rendition by Joao Gilberto on the "Getz/Gilberto" album (audio clip at that link). The song is also featured on the soundtrack to the 2003 film, "Goldfish Memory." Listen to an audio clip of that version here, sung by Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan. Finally, here is an audio clip of this lovely bossa nova, played on piano by Jobim himself. [18 April 2005]
Despacito, words and music by Luis ("Fonsi") Rodriguez, Erika Ender, and Ramon Ayala, is the song of the 2017 summer, indeed maybe for the year as a whole, given that it is the first song to reach 3.058 billion views on YouTube (surpassing the Wiz Khalifa-Charlie Puth "See You Again" video, at 3.003 billion views, which was a tribute to the late Paul Walker from "Furious 7" [YouTube link]). The song, aided by the addition of Bieber's vocals, has also spent 13 weeks at the summit of the Billboard Hot 100, just surpassing Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" for the most weeks at #1 in 2017, and sets a new record of 14 weeks atop the Digital Song Sales Chart. Check out the original Luis Fonsi video, the one featuring Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee, a Salsa version featuring Victor Manuelle, as well as these remixes: Jeydee Club, Gelo Remix, Major Lazer and Moska Remix, Prince LJ Remix, Muffin Remix, Exitos Remix (with the Lobato Brothers), and the Marnage Bootleg Remix. There's even a Portuguese version featuring Luisa Sonza. [11 August 2017]
Despicable Me 2 ("Happy"), words and music by Pharrell Williams, is one of 2013's Oscar-nominated songs in the "Best Original Song" category. It's a #1 Billboard Hot 100 song that channels some wonderful R&B influences, from Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Check out the official music video and one that uses "Despicable Me" characters to showcase the lyrics. Watch the Oscar telecast tonight to see if it wins its category. Dare I say it: This song really makes me feel happy. And that's the way I'd like to conclude this year's tribute to film music. [2 March 2014]
The Detective ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, the 90th anniversary of whose birth we honor over the next two days. This cue opens the 1968 neo-noir film version of the Roderick Thorp novel. It stars Frank Sinatra, and the title theme has a touch of that Sinatra swagger. [9 February 2018]
Devil with a Blue Dress On, words and music by William Stevenson and Frederick Long, was made famous by Mitch Rider and the Detroit Wheels. It's a rockin' rock 'n roll record, which sports a "Good Golly Miss Molly" interlude. And it's oh-so-appropriate as Song of the Day #666. Listen to an audio clip here. [15 June 2006]
Diamonds Are Forever ("Main Title"), lyrics by Don Black, music by John Barry, is featured in the 007 film of the same name, starring the greatest Bond, James Bond: Sean Connery. This was the second Bond theme performed with gusto by singer Shirley Bassey (YouTube link). [5 February 2011]
Diana Ross and the Supremes Medley [YouTube link] ends my 2021 Summer Music Festival (Dance Medley Edition) with a trip to Classic Motown. The Autumnal Equinox arrives in the Northern Hemisphere at 3:21 p.m. (ET) today. So we're going way back to this classic Motown group as this festival concludes. This medley includes such hits as "Stop! In the Name of Love", "Back in My Arms Again", "Come See About Me", "Love is Like an Itching in My Heart", "Where Did Our Love Go?", and "Baby Love". Till next summer ... keep on dancin' [YouTube link to a "spotlight" on Diana Ross, produced by Bobby "DJ" Guttadaro, among those DJs to whom I dedicated this year's Summer Music Festival]. [22 September 2021]
Diane ("Beauty and Grace"), composed by Miklos Rozsa, is from the film score to the 1956 MGM swashbuckler. Listen to an audio clip from the soundtrack here and to full-length cues here (especially the lovely version with piano and violin). [19 April 2006]
DI4RIES ("Isole") features the words and music of Giordano Colombo, Amedeo Radaelli, Vincenzo Colella, and Italian singer, Tancredi, who performs the song, which serves as the theme to this coming-of-age Italian Netflix series that debuted in 2022. Its second season begins in September 2023. Offering a fresh take on first crushes, first kisses, and first protests, this heartwarming show is filmed entirely in the scenic Gulf of Naples. Check out this montage from the first season, in which the singer himself has a few cameos [YouTube link]. [15 August 2023]
The Dick Van Dyke Show ("Theme") [YouTube link], music by Earle Hagen, rare lyrics by Morey Amsterdam, is heard at the beginning of one of the most iconic television shows of its era. Check out YouTube also for this precious moment on "The Rachel Ray Show," with Dick Van Dyke singing the rare lyrics, with Mary Tyler Moore looking on. [18 September 2013]
Diggy [YouTube link with lyrics], by
Spencer Ludwig, is
featured on the "Target"
commercial "Vibes"
[YouTube link] focusing on "Leggie Moves."
Having just watched the
Emmy Awards, honoring excellence in television, I figured it would be nice
to note some danceable music on TV commercials!
Check out the full video version as well,
in keeping with the Summer Dance Party theme that
started way back in June.
We're in the final few days of the season, and promise to go out dancing every
day until summer ends!
Dim All the Lights was written and recorded by the "Queen of Disco," Donna Summer, the five-time Grammy Award winner who died today at the age of 63. Featured on her hugely successful "Bad Girls" album, this song, produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, was a massive hit in 1979. Its classic balladic intro shifts into the disco beat for which Summer was so famous. And the gal had amazing pipes; she was raised on gospel and electrified fans with her remarkably powerful vocal gifts. This particular song, for example, contains the longest sustained note in an American Top 40 hit ever sung by a female artist. Tonight, however, we "Dim All the Lights," as they do on Broadway in mournful tribute when a star dies; it is posted in genuine sorrow over the passing of a legend, whose music I've always danced to and loved. For the next few days, I will be offering a tribute in song that celebrates the continuing influence of Donna Summer on so many of the kaleidoscopic sounds of pop music to this day. Check out this selection on YouTube: the single and the classic 12" extended mix. [17 May 2012]
Dingo ("Paris Walking II") [YouTube link] was composed by the only Michel Legrand, who turns 86 today. His jazzy score to this 1992 Australian film is all the more significant because it features the trumpet work of the only Miles Davis, who also stars in the film and received co-composing credits. Michel will be making a four-night stop at the Blue Note jazz club in NYC in April! Happy birthday, Michel! [24 February 2018]
Dirty Boots, words, music, and performance by Sonic Youth, is featured on the band's album, "Goo." There are a few hilarious comments in the film "Juno" about Sonic Youth (which has exhibited a fascination for Karen Carpenter and Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce"). Check out the music video on YouTube and a YouTube live performance too, and the full album line-up (with audio samples). [2 April 2008]
The Dirty Dozen ("Main Theme") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Frank De Vol, is the percussive-heavy military theme to the memorable all-star 1967 film. Today is the last repeating date [12-12-12 12:12] of this century, and the cleanest of the 'dirty dozens' that we will see for a millennium. [12 December 2012]
Disco Inferno, music and lyrics by L. Green and R. Kersey, was one of the hottest dance cuts featured on the soundtrack of "Saturday Night Fever" (nice Travolta interview at that link). A #1 dance hit by the Philly dance band, The Trammps, this one still sizzles ("Burn Baby, Burn!"). And it also reminds us that the soundtrack brought together not only music from the Bee Gees, but music from an era. The soundtrack may not have even been nominated for an Oscar, but it took the 1978 Grammy for "Album of the Year." Take a look at the original Trammps video, and then check out alternative YouTube moments, renditions by Cyndi Lauper (another Cyndi audio mix here), Tina Turner, and Madonna (in an "Inferno"-laced remix of "Music," that is a tribute to the "Saturday Night Fever" disco era). [12 December 2007]
Disturbia, words and music by Brian Kennedy, Chris Brown, Robert Allen, and Andrew Merritt, is featured on Rihanna's 2008 album "Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded." This song went to #1 on four Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 and the Hot Dance Club Songs (almost 9 years ago to the day!). Check out the original video, the 12" remix, the Magnifikate Remix, the Daniel Brown remix, the Techno Remix, and finally, the DONK Remix, which makes the Techno Remix sound chill by comparison! Our Second Annual Summer Dance Series concludes today, since the season ends with the Autumnal Equinox at 4:02 p.m. But we ain't disturbia-ed... we're going out dancing! [22 September 2017]
Django, an elegy composed by John Lewis, was recorded famously by the Modern Jazz Quartet. But my favorite version remains the one recorded by immortal jazz guitarist Joe Pass, who was born on this date in 1929. That version is the opening track on Pass's tribute album to another immortal jazz guitar great, Django Reinhardt, to whom this piece was dedicated. It remains my favorite Pass album of all time. Listen to audio clips of the Pass recording and the MJQ recording. [13 January 2007]
Djangology [YouTube link] was composed by the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt, who was born on this date in 1910. He was one of the first Europeans to contribute significantly to an American musical idiom, especially with his initial work as a member of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France (which featured another immortal musician: jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli). And for a man who suffered with two paralyzed fingers on his left hand, Django played more notes with a thumb and two fingers than most others with full-functioning digits! He would have been perfect for an interview in Folks! Django influenced artists from many genres, including Les Paul, Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, and countless others. Tomorrow, we'll feature another instrumentalist greatly influenced by the Master. [23 January 2018]
DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love Again, written by Max Martin, Shellback, Savan Kotecha, and Pitbull (who guest raps), is a huge, infectious dance hit for 2010 American Music Award recipient, Usher. Check out the official video, the smokin' Dark Intensity Remix, and Usher's AMA performance. [22 November 2010]
DJ Play a Christmas Song, words and music by Sarah Hudson, Brett McLaughlin, and James Abrahart, among others, is featured on the 2023 Cher album, "Christmas". I first saw Cher perform this song at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade [YouTube link]. It's hard to "believe" that her song "Believe" ruled the charts 25 years ago. Alas, an annual event a lot older than the 77-year-old Cher continues tonight. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, a tradition begun in 1931 by Italian immigrant workers, will be televised by NBC. [29 November 2023]
Do I Do, music and lyrics by Stevie Wonder, in honor, today, of his receipt of Billboard's Century Award. From his album, "The Original Musiquarium" (listen to the audio clip at that link), it features the incomparable be-bop jazz trumpeter, "Mr. Dizzy Gillespie." [8 December 2004]
Do It Again, words and music by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, was a huge hit for Steely Dan. This song has been such an expression of American pop music that it was even part of two medleys with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," one by Club House and the other by Slingshot (an early "mash-up," perhaps?). Listen to an audio clip of that Club House rendition, and to the original and best version by Steely Dan. And Happy Birthday to my pal, Aeon Skoble (who is a Steely Dan fan). [27 March 2006]
Do Me Right, words and music by Nidra Beard and William Shelby, was another hit from Dynasty's 1980 album, "Adventures in the Land of Music." Check out the album version [YouTube link], which sports that classic SOLAR sound. [1 September 2018]
Done for Me, words and music by Jacob Kasher Hindlin, John Ryan, and Charlie Puth and Kehlani, who recorded this duet with Puth for his 2018 sophomore effort, "Voicenotes." A couple of NYC radio stations have declared this Charlie Puth week as he kicks off his first World Tour tonight, beginning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada---on the Budweiser Stage. He will make a Radio City Music Hall stop on Monday, July 16th. In keeping with the spirit of things, I'll be featuring Puth tracks [YouTube link] right through that date. He started doing covers and doing a comic Musical Vlog on YouTube in his early years, and later joined up with young prospects doing covers of his songs [YouTube links]. I am certainly among those who appreciate Perfect Pitch Puth [interview clip with "Kelly and Ryan" on YouTube]. It's been nice watching this child prodigy's musical evolution (perhaps not his "rap" skills or his beatboxing, but certainly his jazz chops) [YouTube links]. So check out the jazz-infused, acoustic version of this song, as well as the video version, and remixes by Syn Cole, James Hype, Oblivious Sound, and a nice mashup with Puth's "How Long" [YouTube links]. [11 July 2018]
Donna Summer Disconet Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Mike Carroll and Steven Von Blau, kicks off The Sixth Annual Summer Music Festival (Dance Medley Edition). The Northern Hemisphere greets the Summer Solstice at 11:32 pm ET, and what better way to embrace the warmth of Summer than with Summer herself! She may have been known as the "Queen of Disco," but her powerful pipes transcended genres. Her music graced film and even ended up on Broadway in a poignant, joyful bio-musical. From "Spring Affair," "Bad Girls," and the technoblazing Giorgio Moroder-produced "I Feel Love" to "Rumor Has It," "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" (her duet with Barbra Streisand), and the Oscar-winning "Last Dance," Donna strikes the match that lights up our Summer dance floor. [20 June 2021]
Don't Be That Way was written by Edgar Sampson, Mitchell Parish, and Benny Goodman, for whose band this was a huge hit. It was the tune that opened Goodman's famed 1938 Carnegie Hall concert (audio clip at that link). Today, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the King of Swing, I feature this wonderful tune from his remarkable discography. Take a look at a 1980 Goodman YouTube clip and for a vocal version, check out Ella Fitzgerald on YouTube. [30 May 2009]
Don't Cha, words and music by T. Callaway and T. Smith, is one of those fluff, borderline-offensive pop hits that, when played over and over again, gets into your head, and just doesn't leave. First recorded by Tori Alamaze, this song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in a version by the Pussycat Dolls and Busta Rhymes. Sometimes when I'm not crazy about a song, the DJ in me gets hooked by a hot remix. "Ralphi's Hot Freak" remix of this song is, indeed, scalding (audio clip at that link). An audio clip of the original mix can be heard here. [26 March 2006]
Don't Get Around Much Anymore, lyrics by Sidney Keith "Bob" Russell, music by Duke Ellington, was originally known instrumentally as "Never No Lament." Listen to audio clips of versions by Oscar Peterson, Ella, and, of course, the Duke himself featuring vocalist Al Hibbler. Listen also to audio clips of the "Never No Lament" instrumental versions of this tune featuring Duke's Jimmy Blanton-Ben Webster Band and a Live at Fargo, North Dakota 1940 version. [10 December 2005]
Don't Go, music and lyrics by Vince Clarke, is another Yaz (or Yazoo) dance gem from the 1980s. Listen to an audio clip here. [30 July 2005]
Don't Go Breaking My Heart, words and music by Stephen Wrabel, is the lead single to a forthcoming 2018 album by the Backstreet Boys. The boy band has grown up, but still has a flair for the rhythmic and the melodic. Check out the video single and a nice saxed-up sexy Dave Aude dance remix [YouTube links]. Also check out their recent appearance on "The Tonight Show" where they performed one of their golden goldies, "I Want it That Way" with toy instruments [YouTube links]. [4 August 2018]
Don't Lose the Magic, words and music by M. Wilson, B. Dickens, and G. Christopher, was a hot dance hit for Shawn Christopher (who was highlighted last time out). Listen to an audio clip here (which, unfortunately, never gets to the vocals!). [5 June 2006]
Don't Matter To Me is credited to numerous writers including
Paul Anka,
Aubrey "Drake" Graham,
and Michael Jackson,
who was born on this date in 1958. As I explained in my essay, "Michael Jackson:
Man or Monster in the Mirror," published on Notablog on the tenth anniversary of
MJ's death this past June, I believe that even if it could be proven that some
artists engaged in destructive behavior during their
lives, it need not erase our appreciation of the art they created. Ultimately,
it's something that each person has to decide for themselves. But the case of
Michael Jackson is particularly
troublesome because there are
so many contemporary artists who have openly acknowledged how deeply they were
influenced by him. One of these artists,
Drake, had been very
vocal in his
acknowledgment of MJ's influence on his music [MTV clip]---so much so that
he asked
the Jackson estate if he could include
samples from a previously unreleased MJ song for his 2018 album, "Scorpion".
Today's "Song of the Day" is that "collaboration"---a duet that drove the track
into the Top Ten on
Billboard's Hot 100 and
R&B/Hip Hop
charts. It's not as if allegations of MJ's exploits with children were unknown
prior to the release of the documentary, "Leaving
Neverland"; but in the film's wake,
Drake decided
to
remove this song from his setlist on his current world tour in support of
his album. Jackson's lyrical contribution to the track is now all the
more ironic: "All of a sudden you say you don't want me no more. All of a sudden
you say that I closed the door. It don't matter to me. It don't matter to me
what you say." Even MTV,
on which MJ made a huge impact, has been
pressured to strip his name from the Video Vanguard Award at its VMAs.
Protests from his most recent accusers may have led MTV
to drop his name
during the presentation of the Award this past Monday. But
this year's recipient,
Missy Elliott, would have none of it---her epic
performance and
acceptance speech
proudly paid tribute in both choreography and words to MJ [YouTube links].
She even thanked
MJ's sister Janet for all her support through the years.
For reasons I explained in June,
I continue to celebrate MJ's
artistry.
Deep down, I'm sure Drake still acknowledges
Jackson's impact on his music.
But if he fears a public backlash or feels that guilty about this particular
song appearing on his album to the point that he won't even perform the "duet"
publicly, maybe he ought to send all the proceeds he made off this
Certified Gold Single
to charities supporting victims of child abuse, as SNL's
Pete Davidson [YouTube
link] once bitingly suggested. Either way, I remain undaunted in highlighting
Jackson's contributions, even if they are featured on
present or future posthumously released singles. Check out this track's
original music video,
with its haunting MJ vocal chorus. And then check out the
Zanderz dance remix
[YouTube links]. [29
August 2019]
Don't Misunderstand, a Gordon Parks composition, sung by the ever-soulful O. C. Smith, for the soundtrack of Shaft's Big Score. [26 October 2004]
Don't Start Now, words and music by Caroline Furoyen, Emily Warren Schwartz, Ian Kirkpatrick, and Dua Lipa, whose recording of this single reached the summit of the Billboard Dance Club chart in January. It is the lead single to her forthcoming album, "Future Nostalgia." Check out the official video and the extended mix, as well as a slew of remixes: Purple Disco Machine, Andy Jarvis, Kungs, Dom Dolla, Theo, and Kenan. I'm still doing my happy dance... [9 March 2020]
Don't Stop (audio clip for this song is mislabeled; it's the link at "Be with You") features the words and music of James Wirrick and Jeff Mehl. It was performed to Disco Diva Perfection by Sylvester. [6 June 2006]
Don't Stop the Music, words and music by Jonah Ellis, Lonnie Simmons, and Alisa Peoples, is a grinding, funky, synth-based, sleaze beat hit recorded by Yarbrough and Peoples. Watch (and listen) to this infectious 80s track at YouTube. [9 February 2008]
Don't Stop the Music, words and music by T. E. Hermansen, M.S. Eriksen, T. Dabney, and M. Jackson, is nominated for "Best Dance Recording" on tonight's 50th Annual Grammy Awards. This Rihanna hit (not a remake of yesterday's Yarbrough and Peoples track) has a great beat, a catchy hook, and a very familiar sample from Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." MJ will be on hand, they say, as contemporary artists pay tribute to "Thriller," which debuted in 1983 (a new 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller" comes out on February 12, 2008). Listen here to audio clips of today's song from the Rihanna album, "Good Girl Gone Bad." And check out a YouTube video clip too. [10 February 2008]
Don't Stop features the music and lyrics of singer and keyboard player Christine McVie, who, along with Lindsey Buckingham, provides the vocals to this Fleetwood Mac song from their classic album "Rumours". The album produced four Top Ten singles and spent 31 weeks at #1, becoming one of the best-selling albums in history, even winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Today, we have this rare event in the constellation of "My Favorite Songs": This Song of the Day #1977 was actually released in 1977 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Yes, the song has been used for various political campaigns, including, most notably, the 1992 presidential bid of Bill Clinton. It has an upbeat message: "Yesterday's gone" and tomorrow will "be better than before." McVie died on November 30, 2022 at the age of 79. She left behind in her music so many tomorrows. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [7 December 2022]
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, written and recorded by Michael Jackson, is from one of his finest solo albums: "Off the Wall." The song, highlighting Jackson's falsetto, captures a classic sound and era. Listen to an audio clip here. [7 June 2006]
Don't Take Your Love From Me, words and music by Henry Nemo, is one of those "slit-your-wrists" standards. I loved when my Aunt Joan used to sing this (she'd performed it on radio too back in the day). Listen to audio clips of versions by Billy Eckstine, Etta James, and Frank Sinatra (who does a mid-tempo swing version as well). [30 March 2006]
Don't You Want My Love (audio clip at that link) is a disco stomper sung by Debbie Jacobs, with words and music by Paul Sabu. It was also recorded by Rosabel, featuring Debbie Jacobs (audio clip at that link). [6 February 2006]
Don't You Want My Love, words and music by Aldo Nova, was recorded by Nicole (actually Nicole J. McCloud). It has the same title as yesterday's song, but it's a different composition. This hot dance track was featured on the soundtrack of the 1986 film "Ruthless People." Listen to an audio clip of a 2002 remix. Back in my DJ days, I'd create my own steamy remix of this song by interweaving its "dub version" to keep the dance floor jammed. [7 February 2006]
Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is also from "Innervisions." Listen to an audio clip here (yes, that makes six tracks if you count this one and this one selected for my favorite list, all from one great album). [18 May 2006]
Doralice, words and music by Dorival Caymmi and Antonio Almeida, is another great selection from one of my favorite all-time albums: Getz/Gilberto (audio clip at that link). [28 April 2006]
Down the Line, composed and performed by jazz guitarist Jim Hall, appears on his album, "Commitment." Like pianist Bill Evans once did in "Conversations with Myself," Hall actually overdubs his own guitar comps and solos on both acoustic and electric instruments. It is a tour de force performance. No audio clips are available on the web. Darn. [30 January 2006]
Do Ya Wanna Funk? features the words and music of Patrick Cowley and the singer Sylvester, who performs this R&B-laced hi-energy dance classic. Some have called this "GDM," which has been interpreted to mean "Guido Disco Music" (a link that refers to an old pal of mine, the late Bobby "DJ" Guttadaro) or "Gay Disco Music" (take your pick). Some films, such as "Kiss Me, Guido," have satirized the commonality here, playing with the equally ambiguous acronym "GWM": "Guy With Money" v. "Gay White Male." Either way, it's classic dance music! [2 May 2005]
Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?, music by Louis Alter, lyrics by Eddie De Lange, is from the 1947 film, "New Orleans," in which it was sung by Billie Holiday (featured on "The Ultimate Collection"). It has been recorded by many artists. I post it today as a tribute to the people of that great city of jazz, and to all those who are dealing with the horrific tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Godspeed. Today's selections are from the children of New Orleans. Listen to an audio clip of a live rendition from Satchmo, a soulful version by clarinetist Pete Fountain, and a vocal version by another New Orleans native, Harry Connick, Jr. [31 August 2005]
Dragnet is credited to Miklos Rozsa (from whom the "dum-de-dum-dum" motif was drawn, first heard in "The Killers") and Walter Schumann. Known also as "Danger Ahead" and the "Dragnet March," the theme was a hit for the Ray Anthony Orchestra (YouTube clip at that link) in 1953 and for Stan Freberg thereafter (in a comedic take as "St. George and the Dragonet," YouTube clip at that link). And so concludes our 2008 TV Theme Tribute. Tonight, enjoy the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards! [21 September 2008]
Dream a Little Dream of Me, music by Wilbur Schwandt and Fabian Andre, lyrics by Gus Kahn, has been performed by many artists, from Louis Armstrong to Mama Cass Elliot (audio clips at those links). It's a song my Dad used to sing, accompanying himself on guitar; he would have been 88 years old today (he passed away in 1972). Sweet memories. [11 June 2005]
Dream On features music by Bill Frisell, lyrics by Steven Tyler, and the powerful performance of Aerosmith. It's a rock classic. Listen to an audio clip here. [25 July 2005]
Drinking Water (Agua De Beber), music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Brazilian lyrics by Vinicius de Moreas, English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, was not in the original line-up of songs that appeared on the 1967 Grammy-nominated album "Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim." (Though one thing is for sure: I don't think Sinatra was drinking water!) Instead, it appeared in the 1971 album, "Sinatra & Company"; it was also included in the fully reconstituted Sinatra-Jobim collaboration, a 20-track compilation, "Sinatra/Jobim: The Complete Reprise Recordings," released in 2010. I did a double "Song of the Day" dose on December 8th, and I can still list almost every song Sinatra ever recorded with Jobim, so I'm squeezing at least one more in before tomorrow's finale. It's just such a melodic, lyrical, flowing tune, with lyrics like "Your love is rain. My heart the flower." All I can say is: Rio hosts the 2016 Summer Olympics, and if, in the Opening Ceremonies, there is not a single mention of Jobim and all the other magnificent Brazilian artists who gave birth to this lilting melodic genre, impacting American music, and music throughout the world: Well, it's practicaly grounds to boycott the Games! In any event, celebrate this Sinatra-Jobim collaboration [YouTube link]. And for those who would like the DVD collection of all four "Man and His Music" television specials, one of which featured Jobim, check it out on Amazon.com. [11 December 2015b]
Drink You Away, words and music by Timothy Mosley, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, James Fauntleroy, and Justin Timberlake, is featured on Justin's fourth solo album, "The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2." I loved it when I first heard it on the album, and in concert, but I truly went wild for it when I saw it performed on, of all things, the Country Music Association Awards broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee, on 4 November 2015. Not a typical country music fan, I still marvel at the fact that so much of what is genuinely American music, owes its origins to the blues. In this instance, Justin's Memphis-blues-influenced approach is in a perfect mashup with Chris Stapleton's bluegrass country to give us a terrific performance. Check it out on YouTube, and also, their take on "Tennessee Whiskey." And don't forget Justin's original album version [YouTube link]. Tomorow night, there's another awards show, the American Music Awards, which might give us a few other moments to remember. [21 November 2015]
Drive By, words and music by Patrick Monahan, Espen Lind, and Amund Bjorklund, was recorded by the band Train. The full song can be heard on YouTube, but I must admit that I have a sentimental attachment to it because it was featured in a Tri-State New York-area Ford car commercial starring Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Jeter misses Opening Day 2013, despite having started for 16 of the last 17 years. He's still on the mend from last year's devastating post-season ankle break. I wish it were all an April Fools' Day joke, but it isn't. Still, baseball is back in New York today, Big Time! For the first time since 1956, when the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers each held Opening Day festivities, two New York teams are opening at home today: the New York Mets host the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox (and they are dedicating their games to those who lost their lives in the Newtown tragedy). Here's hoping that The Captain joins the party before too long. But for now: Play Ball! [1 April 2013]
Dr. Beat, words and music by Enrique A. Garcia, was the first international single released by Miami Sound Machine, led by Gloria Estefan, from their first English-language album, "Eyes of Innocence" (1984). The song reached the top 20 of the U.S. Hot Dance Club chart, only a tiny hint of the many mega-hits to come from MSM and Gloria Estefan, in her long solo career (and featured as well in the 2015 musical, "On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan"). Check out the original video single, the full 12" extended mix, and a Mylo vs. Miami Sound Machine Mash-up of "Drop the Pressure" and "Dr. Beat" [YouTube links]. [3 September 2018]
Dr. No ("James Bond Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Monty Norman (though authorship has always been a source of controversy), is the signature James Bond theme, first featured in this premier 007 franchise film and heard in virtually all of the "official" Bond films thereafter. It boasts a classic, jazzy John Barry arrangement (another YouTube link). [2 February 2011]
Dr. Zhivago ("Lara's Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Maurice Jarre for his Oscar-winning soundtrack to the 1965 film, remains one of the most famous, sprawling romantic melodies to emerge from the cinema. From the David Lean-directed epic, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie and based on the Boris Pasternak novel, with the Russian revolution as backdrop, the theme can also be heard with accompanying film clips and in a jazz arrangement by the Harry James Band [YouTube links]. But it was by request of singer Connie Francis that a vocal version (with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster) materialized as "Somewhere My Love" (nominated in 1967 for Grammy Song of the Year). It was recorded first by Ray Conniff and the Singers (who took it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100), and also by Connie Francis and Andy Williams [YouTube links]. Whatever melancholy one might find in the lyrics, I want to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to all! [14 February 2019]
Dynasty ("Main Theme"), composed by Bill Conti, announces the patrician excesses of the Carringtons and the Colbys. Listen to an audio clip here and here. [15 September 2005]
Early Autumn was done in a poignant, moving instrumental version by the band of its musical composer Woody Herman; it's the song that featured tenor sax player Stan Getz in a 1948 breakout performance. But Johnny Mercer gave it lyrics, which Ella Fitzgerald sang with divine grace. [24 September 2004]
Earthquake ("Main Title"), [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is the classic "disaster film theme" when the genre was hot (as was this film in 1974). For a composer who has mastered virtually every genre, we celebrate his 84th birthday. [8 February 2016]
Easy Living, words and music by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, has been recorded by countless artists. Especially memorable, for me, are versions by Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass, and Carmen McRae, with Joe Pass on guitar in a medley (audio clips at links). [27 September 2006]
1812 Overture, composed by Tchaikovsky, has no historical connection to Independence Day celebrations, but it is heard regularly on the Fourth of July. Listen to audio clips performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy and the Minnesota Orchestra, with commentary by Deems Taylor. Have a Happy and a Healthy Fourth! [4 July 2007]
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (K525, Serenade in G Major) is one of my very favorite Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart compositions. Listen to audio clips here. [4 November 2005]
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie ("Ambivalent Alaska") [YouTube link], written by the franchise's score composer, Dave Porter, provides a poignant, pensive end theme as backdrop to Jesse Pinkman---now re-baptized "Mr. Driscoll"---driving off into "Ambivalent Alaska", with hope. This well-tuned 2019 sequel serves as a fitting epilogue to the five seasons of "Breaking Bad" and gives us closure on Jesse's tumultuous life journey. Aaron Paul's performance here is staggering in its portrait of the physically and emotionally scarred Jesse. Check out the final scene to this fine BB sequel [YouTube link]. [13 January 2023]
El Cid ("Friendship") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is featured in the 1961 epic historical drama starring Charlton Heston as the medieval Castillion knight, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar and Sophia Loren as his wife, Jimena Diaz. The film's gorgeous score received an Oscar nomination, as did "The Falcon and the Dove" for Best Original Song. Today is the 113th anniversary of Rozsa's birth [pdf link]. He is one of my all-time favorite composers; this soundtrack is one of his finest achievements. And I can think of fewer things in these difficult times in need of greater celebration than friendship. [18 April 2020]
El Cid ("Love Theme: The Falcon and the Dove"), music by Miklos Rozsa, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, was nominated for a 1961 Academy Award for Best Song from the epic film, "El Cid." This was the only "Best Song" nomination of Rozsa's career; it lost out to another great song: "Moon River." Listen to an audio clip of an instrumental version here. [15 April 2006]
El Cid ("Palace Music") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is a gentle theme for flute and guitar for the soundtrack to the 1961 Anthony Mann-directed epic (which was lovingly restored by Martin Scorsese in 1993), starring Charlton Heston in the title role and Sophia Loren as Dona Ximena. For his gorgeous cinematic soundtrack, Rozsa received an Oscar nomination as well as for Best Original Song ("The Falcon and the Dove"), losing to Henry Mancini in both categories (who won for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Moon River," respectively). [18 February 2019]
El Cid ("Prelude") [audio clip at that link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, is a stirring theme from this heroic soundtrack from the 1961 film starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. [4 February 2005]
El Cid ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, provides a powerful backdrop for this 1961 epic, starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Lauren. The soundtrack was among Rozsa's 16 Oscar-nominated scores. Today, we begin a three-day mini-tribute to the great Hungarian-American composer. [15 February 2022]
Eleanor Rigby, a classic John Lennon-Paul McCartney song, is superbly performed with strings, on the Beatles' album "Revolver" (listen to the audio clip at that link). Also listen to the clip at this amazon.com link for a gritty rendition by the great Ray Charles (who is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in the 2004 film "Ray"). [15 January 2005]
Electric Storm is an electric guitar extravaganza, composed and performed by Sean Mercer, who just so happens to be hubby to my pal, Ilana. It's the scintillating title track to a fierce album of neoclassical-rock fusion. Listen to an all-too-brief audio clip here. [25 April 2005]
Elegy for Barbara [YouTube link], composed by Roger E. Bissell, was written in memory of writer and lecturer Barbara Branden. Today is the 91st anniversary of Barbara's birth [YouTube link]. Having passed away on 11 December 2013, she left behind a wonderful personal and intellectual legacy. I was proud to have written the Foreword to her posthumously published book, Think as If Your Life Depends On It: Principles of Efficient Thinking and Other Lectures. You remain deep in my heart, dear friend. [14 May 2020]
Elephant's Eye [YouTube link] was composed by post-bop pianist Marc Cary and Brooklyn-based jazz percussionist Sameer Gupta. It appears on the 2006 album, "Focus" (not to be confused with the Stan Getz-Eddie Sauter masterpiece of the same name [YouTube link]). Cary was influenced by both Randy Weston and McCoy Tyner. He heads this trio, which includes bassist David Ewell. They incorporate East Asian, Indian, Native American, and African American influences in their approach, making for a genuinely global sound. [6 September 2020]
E Lucevan le Stelle, an aria from "Tosca" (see synopsis) by the Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini, especially as sung by Mario Lanza. [9 October 2004]
Embraceable You, a classic George and Ira Gershwin song, has been recorded by so many people in so many fine renditions. But my favorite version remains a quiet, jazz duo interpretation, the title track to a recent album of guitarist Carl Barry (my brother) and vocalist Joanne Barry (my sister-in-law). And that's my dog Blondie with Joanne on the cover of the album. Since it is Joanne's birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!), I thought it apropos to add this gem to my list. Click here for an audio sample (it sounds much better on the CD). Ironically, today, the NY Daily News publishes a little piece on George Gershwin in their "Big Town Songbook." [5 September 2004]
Emerald, Texas ("Golden Coreopsis") [link], composed by my friend Michael Gordon Shapiro, is featured in the 2014 film, directed by George Adams. It is an update of "The Wizard of Oz" set in Emerald, Texas. Quite simply, it's a lovely theme. [9 February 2023]
Emerge, composed by Lester Robertson, was first featured on a great Gerald Wilson Big Band album, "Moment of Truth." Steeped in brilliant counterpoint, the recording features such soloists as tenor saxophonist Harold Land and pianist Jack Wilson. Listen to an audio clip of this fine instrumental track here. [23 November 2005]
Emily, music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, additional lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, comes from the 1964 antiwar film, "The Americanization of Emily," starring Julie Andrews in the title role. In many ways, its opening bars remind me of the "Love Theme from Spartacus." And it is just as melodically lovely. Film Music February may have come to an end but we usher it out, the way we ushered it in ... with a Barbra Streisand audio clip, this one from "The Movie Album." [1 March 2005]
Empire State of Mind features the words and music of Alexander Shuckburgh, Angela Hunte and Jane't "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic, Bert Keyes and Sylvia Robinson (a sample from their "Love on a Two-Way Street"), Alicia Keys and Shawn Corey Carter, otherwise known as Jay-Z, both of whom perform on the recording. Tonight, Jay-Z opens up eight concert dates at Brooklyn's new entertainment arena: the Barclays Center, where Jay-Z's basketball team, the newly named Brooklyn Nets, will open their season in October. Professional sports will return to Brooklyn for the first time since Dem Bums left. This is a paean to the city where Jay-Z was born. And any song with a shout out to Sinatra gets Two Thumbs Up in my book, any day. Tonight, Brooklyn gives the Empire State another jewel in its crown. Check out the official video. [28 September 2012]
The Empire Strikes Back ("Imperial March, Darth Vader's Theme"), composed by John Williams, is one of the best cinematic marches ever written. From one of the best movies in the "Star Wars" franchise, this one conjures up images of the Dark Side, heavy breathing and all! Listen to an additional audio clip here. [18 February 2008]
Empty Faces (Vera Cruz) features the words and music of Milton Nascimento, Marcio Borges, and Lani Hall. Listen to an audio clip of this song by the great Sarah Vaughan and an instrumental version by guitarist Jim Hall. My sister-in-law, Joanne Barry, does a terrific version of this song on the album, "Embraceable You." It's her birthday... much happiness, health, and love always! [5 September 2005]
The End of the World, music by Arthur Kent, lyrics by Sylvia Dee, was a crossover Skeeter Davis hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (#2), Hot Country Singles (#2), Hot R&B Singles (#4), and Easy Listening (#1) charts. Over the next seven days, I will be featuring compositions that include the phrase "end of the world" in their song titles. There have been more than two dozen songs recorded with that phrase in the title and countless others devoted to apocalyptic visions of things to come. But I've decided to pick just seven songs, touching on themes both personal and political. Folks have wondered why have I not talked much about the upcoming election. Why have I not made any predictions or endorsements? Does it matter? Given how entrenched everybody's opinions are with regard to the godawful selections before us---and I acknowledge only that some selections are more godawful than others---I know that nothing I say will change anybody's mind. After a sustained period of pandemics, lockdowns, racial, civil, and political upheaval, protests and riots, hurricanes, massive fires, and flooding---and the year ain't over folks---I have decided to embrace gallows humor as a coping device! Hellish projections are coming from all sides of the political spectrum as we march toward the upcoming U.S. Presidential election on November 3rd. I dedicate the next week to songs about the "end of the world." Don't resist it! Revel in nihilism just a bit---and let's sing our way into the apocalypse! Here is the first song---and one of the best---to ever use the Phrase of the Moment in its title: the classic original 1962 recording by Skeeter Davis [YouTube link]. Check out other renditions by Brenda Lee, the Carpenters, Sonia, Pat Carroll, Mike Wallace & the Caretakers, Patti Page, Allison Paige, Susan Boyle, Herman's Hermits, Vonda Shepard, and two "terror-tinged" takes from Anika and, from the psychological horror film, "mother!", Patti Smith [YouTube links]. [28 October 2020]
The End of the World, words and music by Ronnie James Dio and Craig Goldy, appears on the 2004 album, "Master of the Moon" by the rock band Dio. Delivered with the band's characteristic Doom / Heavy Metal sound, it's a fitting part of our 7-day apocalyptic celebration that will conclude on the Third Day of Nihilistic November! Check it out here [YouTube link]. [29 October 2020]
End of the World features the words and music of Ian Axel and Chad King, the duo who make up A Great Big World. In this single, from their 2015 album, "When the Morning Comes," the lead singer tells us "I'm gonna love you" even if we "go out with a bang" and "the city burns to the ground." Indeed, love is all we have to get us through. Even as we march toward the abyss of Nihilistic November! Check out the infectious (no pun intended) groove of this song here [YouTube link]. [30 October 2020]
The End of the World, words and music by Rob Dickinson, David Dundas, and Rick Wentworth, first appeared on a 2008 reissue of Dickinson's 2005 album "Fresh Wine for the Horses." Check out his original version [YouTube link]. It was covered again in 2019, a preamble to this insane year of 2020, by Billie Eilish for the appropriately named album, "The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalyptic Fantasy Playlist." The album derives from the Netflix series, "The Umbrella Academy" (which was adapted from the comic book series of the same name). Check out her hauntingly delivered rendition in its studio and live versions. Just one more entry to go in honor of Election Day and the End of the World predictions coming from each side of the aisle should the other side win! [2 November 2020]
End of the World features the lyrics of Ben Jorgensen and the music of Armor for Sleep, for their third and final studio album, "Smile for Them" (2007). It also appeared on the soundtrack for the 2007 sci-fi film, "Transformers." Check out this Killer Diller of a song here [YouTube link]. While the lyrics highlight everything from tidal waves and terrorism to The Bomb---leaving us "the biggest pile of nothingness"---I suspect that Election Day may not quite reach those proportions. To all you civic-minded folks: Go out and vote! But remember the advice of Marcus Aurelius: "The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane!" So, if in the end, you think voting only encourages the insane, then don't vote! Either way, I have this sneaky suspicion that the sun will come out tomorrow [YouTube link]! Wait! That's another song! For now: The End of The World Tribute Has Reached ... The End. Here's to New Beginnings ... [3 November 2020]
The Enforcer ("Rooftop Chase") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Jerry Fielding, boasts an absolutely sizzling big band arrangement that simultaneously reflects and drives this energized 1976 installment in the "Dirty Harry" film franchise, starring Clint Eastwood. Check out a film montage that features this cue. [10 February 2013]
Enter Sandman, written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, is the Metallica song that allows us to celebrate the exit of The Sandman himself, legendary relief pitcher, Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in the history of the game, with the most regular season and postseason saves in baseball history. One of the Core Four, who sports five World Series rings, he is the last active Major League Baseball player to wear the Number 42 (the MLB-wide retired number of the trailblazing Jackie Robinson), now retired at Yankee Stadium, on a ceremonial day that greeted him to the field as Metallica performed this song live in his honor (a theme song for Mo upon his entrance in any save situation at The Stadium). As we stand on the precipice of this year's World Series, the postseason isn't the same without him (or the Yankees for this frustrated fan), but no season will ever be the same without Mo. Here's the official video from the band and their appearance at Yankee Stadium on Mo's Day. [18 October 2013]
Erin Brockovich ("Useless") [YouTube link] is a composition by Thomas Newman of the very famous Newman Dynasty. He is the youngest son of the immortal Alfred Newman, one of the greatest film score composers from the Golden Age of Hollywood. That dynasty also includes brrother David, uncles Lionel and Emil, cousin Randy, and nephew Joey. Despite 12 Oscar nominations, Thomas Newman has yet to win a golden statuette; but his minimalist score for the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich" is one of his best. The film features a superb Best Actress Oscar-winning performance by the irrepressible Julia Roberts in the title role. [3 February 2015]
Erotic City features the words and music of Prince, the sixtieth anniversary of whose birth we celebrate today. Recorded by Prince and the Revolution in 1984, this song was released as the B-side to the Purple One's classic "Let's Go Crazy." And I can think of no song more appropriate to showing the "naughty side" of this Naughty Boy. The song, with co-lead vocals by Sheila E., is not freely available on the web, but you can hear an excerpt at Amazon.com. [7 June 2018]
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ("Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye") [audio clip at that link], music by John Williams, exemplifies all the dramatic ups-and-downs of a succession of climactic scenes from this classic Steven Spielberg-directed 1982 film. [12 February 2005]
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, provides just a hint of the triumphant Oscar-winning score to this Steven Spielberg-directed classic that celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year. I had the privilege of seeing the finale of this film conducted by John Williams himself with the New York Philharmonic in 2007. (You can check out that finale at the Hollywood Bowl, with Williams conducting [YouTube link].) Ten years later, we saw the entire film, with the Philharmonic providing the score live at Lincoln Center. It was an exhilirating experience that left the audience in tears. Today, the great John Williams celebrates his 90th birthday. Long live the maestro! And we'll have another Williams suite tomorrow! [8 February 2022]
Everybody features the words and music of today's birthday girl, Madonna. Released in 1982, it was included on her 1983 eponymous debut album. With 45 number one songs on the Billboard Dance Club chart, she is the artist with the most #1 singles on that chart. She also holds the record for 157 number one singles on all Billboard charts combined. So for her 59th birthday, it's nice to go back to her first bona fide dance hit (it peaked at #3 on the Dance chart). Check out the original video, the 12" remix, and the "You Can Dance" Remix. [16 August 2017]
Everybody Dance (Clap Your Hands), words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers, was a huge hit for Chic (YouTube clip at that link). And for a nice twist on an old dance classic, check out a new version recorded by the great Deborah Cox (YouTube clip at that link). [20 December 2007]
Everybody, Everybody, composed by M. Limoni, D. Davoli, and V. Semplici, for the diva-and-piano-driven Italian house music recording outfit known as Blackbox, on their album Dreamland. But don't let them fool you. The Big Voice on this recording, and so many others, is Martha Wash, who, with the late Izora Rhodes Armstead, made up both The Weather Girls and Two Tons o' Fun (and the back-up singers for R&B/dance artist Sylvester). I think of my friend Peter when I hear this dance floor jam; and it's his birthday. Happy Birthday, pal! [11 November 2004b]
Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon, music and lyrics by Jimmy Webb, was originally performed by the Philly soul group Three Degrees, but has been recorded also by Buddy Greco, Thelma Houston, and Dusty Springfield (live). I used to love seeing my sister-in-law perform this live. What better way to mark the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing in song... listen to a Three Degrees audio clip here. [20 July 2005]
Every Day I Have the Blues, words and music by Peter Chatman (aka Memphis Slim), has been recorded by many artists. I love the classic Joe Williams-Count Basie recording (an all-too-brief audio clip can be found here), but I also love another Joe Williams version, which uses the bass line of "All Blues." Listen to an audio clip here. And read more about the first recordings of the song as "Nobody Loves Me." [10 January 2006]
Everything Happens to Me, words and music by Tom Adair and Matt Dennis, is one of those Murphy's Law meets Romance songs. It's delivered with typical heartbreak by Billie Holiday in an audio clip here. Listen also to a Frank Sinatra audio clip, with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra here and, in a later version, here. And check out an audio clip here of a version featuring alto saxophonist Charlie Parker with strings. [28 July 2005]
Everything I Have is Yours, music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Harold Adamson, was introduced by Joan Crawford and Art Jarrett in the 1933 film "Dancing Lady." It was recorded by singers such as Ruth Etting and Rudy Vallee. Among my favorite versions are those by Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan (audio clips at those links). [26 September 2005]
Everything's Coming Up Roses, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is from the Broadway musical, "Gypsy: A Musical Fable," based on the memoirs of American burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee. The 1959 musical featured the choreography of Jerome Robbins, and was nominated for 7 Tony Awards, winning none (the year of this tie!). But the Tony-nominated powerhouse, Ethel Merman, starred as Mama Rose, Gypsy's mom; she sings this song famously at the close of Act I. The role was played big by Rosalind Russell in the fine 1962 movie version, Angela Lansbury in a 1974 Broadway revival, Tyne Daly in a 1989 Broadway revival, Bernadette Peters in a 2003 Broadway revival, and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film for Bette Midler in the 1993 TV version. I saw the 2008 revival with an absolutely stupendous Patti LuPone as Rose; she won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for the role. Tonight is the Tony Awards, for which everything will be coming up roses, at least for the winners! Check out versions by Ethel, Rosalind, Angela, Tyne, Bernadette, Bette, and Patti, and enjoy the show! [10 June 2012]
The Every Thought of You, words and music by Reid Hall and Chuck Moore, was, for years, the theme song of "Private Screenings," hosted by the late TCM pioneer, Robert Osborne, who was born on this date in 1932. The version performed on the show is by jazz vocalist Rene Marie, in a smoky jazz room sort of way. Listen to this lovely song at 6:26 in the closing credits of a show [YouTube link] in which Osborne interviewed Liza Minnelli. Osborne was always at the top of his game; as a film historian, he participated in a "Buy the Book" program designed for educators and students, introducing viewers to "The Fountainhead." Check that out here [YouTube link]. In the meanwhile, do check out Rene Marie; finding her music has been a real eye- and ear-opener. Just wonderful. [3 May 2017]
Evil Ways, words and music by jazz guitarist Clarence "Sonny" Henry, was originally recorded in 1967 by jazz percusionist Willie Bobo [YouTube link] for his 1967 album "Bobo Motion." It was later recorded by the group Santana, led by Mexican American Carlos Santana, who pioneered a fusion of rock and roll with Latin jazz. Gregg Rolie provides both the vocals and the Hammond organ solo. The song appears on the band's self-titled debut album, which was released on August 30, 1969, only two weeks after their performance of it at the Woodstock Festival [YouTube link] on August 16th. "Evil Ways" wasn't released as a single until December 30, 1969, becoming the group's first Top 40 and Top 10 hit. Check out the the really cool, studio version, as well as covers by the Village Callers, Johnny Mathis, and jazz saxophonist Stanley Turrentine [YouTube links]. [12 July 2019]
Evita ("Don't Cry for Me Argentina") features the lyrics of Tim Rice and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who, along with Leonard Bernstein, was honored on Sunday night, January 28, 2018, at the Grammy Awards. This song was famously delivered in the original 1979 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical production of "Evita," by Tony Award-winning Patti LuPone, who played the lead role of the Argentine political figure, Eva Peron. LuPone revisited this song at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday [see her brilliant Grammy performance here]. Check out LuPone's rendition from the Broadway cast album, and Madonna's performance in the 1996 film version, as well as its inevitable dance remix [YouTube links], which went to #1 on the Billboard dance chart. Even though this song is from a Broadway production, it appeared in a film, which is why it's part of our Film Music February tribute en route to the Oscars. As part of this annual series, we cover everything from songs and cues to main themes and source music. [30 January 2018]
Exodus ("Main Theme"), music by Ernest Gold, with lyrics added later by Pat Boone, is from the 1960 film, directed by Otto Preminger. It's a great theme to mark the arrival at sundown of Passover, the prelude to an exodus led by Moses out of Egypt. Listen to audio clips of this cinema theme from the original soundtrack, the Pat Boone vocal rendition, Percy Faith, a very cool Dizzy Gillespie, and the absolutely classic piano-and-orchestra rendition of Ferrante and Teicher. [19 April 2008]
Eye for an Eye ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by James Newton Howard, opens up the 1996 thriller based on Erika Holzer's suspenseful novel of the same name. The film stars Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland, in a role that is neither Jack Bauer-like nor Presidential. He's a sleaze and, well, I won't spoil it for you. But "an eye for an eye"... [4 February 2018a]
Eye in the Sky, words and music by Alan Parsons and Eric Wolfson, was the most successful release by the rock band The Alan Parsons Project. The title track to their 1982 album has become a staple on rock and soft rock stations, and in its album version, it is preceded by an instrumental piece entitled "Sirius", included here [YouTube link]. [11 May 2022]
Eye of the Needle ("Love Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Miklos Rozsa for this 1981 film based on the Ken Follett spy novel. This lush romanticism shows us another side to the man who composed scores for fantasy films, film noir, historical and Biblical epics, not to mention magnificent orchestral concert works. [17 April 2017]
The Fabelmans ("Mitzi's Dance") [YouTube link] was composed by John Williams for the 2022 autobiographical Steven Spielberg-directed film. I have no clue if this soundtrack will win in the Best Original Score category at the 95th Annual Academy Awards tonight, but it's still worth noting that this is the Maestro's 53rd Oscar nomination, second only to Walt Disney. He's won 5 statuettes over his illustrious career, and he is the oldest nominee in Oscar history. This gentle, romantic, and heartbreaking cue reminds us how gifted he remains. [12 March 2023]
Falling Alice features music and lyrics by Chick Corea and vocalist Gayle Moran (who performs on the track). The theme is played at both the midpoint and conclusion of one of my favorite jazz concept albums, "The Mad Hatter" (audio clip at that link). I saw Corea perform the entire album, along with so many other classic compositions, on his remarkable 1978 concert tour. [18 June 2005]
Falling Grace was composed by bassist Steve Swallow. It's a touching jazz standard that has been performed in fine duets by guitarists Jim Hall and Pat Metheny, and pianist Chick Corea and vibraphonist Gary Burton (listen to audio clips at those links). [6 May 2005]
Falling in Love, words and music by J. Bratton and D. Drewry, was a top 30 Dance and R&B hit for Sybil in 1986. As her debut single, it had a slick sound and a lot of soul. Check out the remix and the more extended Club Mix. [12 August 2017]
Falling in Love with Love is a sweet song from the Richard Rodgers-Lorenz Hart musical, "The Boys from Syracuse" How apropos to be falling today... with the arrival of Fall (the Autumnal Equinox comes at 11:44 EDT). Listen to an audio clip of a Tony Bennett swing version and check out YouTube moments with Allan Jones (from the 1940 film version), Frank Sinatra (and in a swing arrangement too), Vic Damone, Sarah Vaughan with Benny Carter, and Bernadette Peters (when the song was revived for the 1997 Disney TV version of "Cinderella"). [22 September 2008]
Fantasy, music and lyrics by Maurice White, Eddie del Barrio, and Verdine White, is one of those classic Earth, Wind, and Fire performances. It has fine, jazzy harmonies and a great pulse. Listen to an audio clip here. [7 July 2005]
Fantasy is credited to the team that gave us "Genius of Love" and the singer of this song, Mariah Carey. This was the first song by a female artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100, staying at #1 for eight weeks, and claiming the #1 spot on the Hot Dance Club and R&B charts as well. It makes sweet use of the "Genius of Love" sample and was a huge commercial and critical success. Check out the music video [YouTube link]. [3 December 2022]
Farewell, My Summer Love, words and music by Keni St. Lewis, was recorded by Michael Jackson in 1973, and released in 1984 as the title single from a Motown compilation album. This Top 40 hit capitalized on "Thriller", which was released in November 1982 and went on to become the all-time best selling album worldwide, topping the Billboard Hot 200 Album chart for 37 weeks as the #1 album for two consecutive years (1983-1984). On this date in 1958, Michael Jackson was born. Check out the single version and a dance remix of this summer song [YouTube links]. [29 August 2024]
Far From Heaven ("Autumn in Connecticut") [audio clip at that link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, opens the Todd Haynes-directed 2002 film, which serves as a lush, Technicolor paean to the work of Douglas Sirk. This Oscar-nominated retro score amplifies the sensitivity of the film, which starred Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid. [7 February 2005]
Far From Heaven ("Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, was the final film and the final Oscar-nominated soundtrack of Bernstein's illustrious career. This 2002 film, written and directed by Todd Haynes, is an homage to the 1950s films of Douglas Sirk, exploring themes of race, class, and sexuality. With its sumptuous Oscar-nominated cinematography by Edward Lachman, the film starred the Oscar-nominated Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, and Viola Davis. Bernstein's lyrical score harks back to those 1950s melodramas in a particularly poignant way. [22 February 2022]
Fascinated, words and music by Ish Ledesma, was recorded by the freestyle "girl group" Company B and spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in March 1987. Check out the single video promo version and the original extended 12" remix. [21 July 2018]
Feeling Good, words and music by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, has been heard every third or fourth second on American television, as Volvo has been killing us with the Avicii version of this classic jazzy standard [YouTube link]. But the song made its debut in the stage musical, "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd," which received 6 Tony Award nominations in 1965. It turned out two other fine songs, "The Joker" and "Who Can I Turn To?". But there have been some very nice renditions of this song through the years; it was performed in the 1964 UK tour by Cy Grant and the 1965 US Broadway cast recording by Gilbert Price [YouTube links]. Among the other definitive recordings, from her album "I Put a Spell on You," Nina Simone [YouTube link]; the English rock band Muse, Sammy Davis, Jr., Billy Paul, George Michael, and Michael Buble [YouTube links]. I hope every one within earshot of Notablog is "feeling good"as we welcome 2016 on this New Year's Day. This is the 1300th "Song of the Day" and there ain't no luckier number than 13!! (And check out this nice Newley-Davis duet of Newley-Bricusse songs.) [1 January 2016]
Feels, words and music by Adam Wiles, Pharrell Williams, Brittany Hazzard, Katy Perry, and Sean Anderson, is featured on Calvin Harris's album, "Funk Wav Bounces, Volume 1." The Old School-style vocals are provided by Pharrell and Katy, with Big Sean providing the rap. Check out the fun video single and the playful instrumental version for this track, released in June 2017, and already in the top five on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. [23 July 2017]
Feliz Navidad, lyrics by Kirby Shaw, joyful music and performance by Jose Feliciano. Listen to an audio clip here. [27 December 2004]
Ferdinand ("Home") features the words and music of Justin Tranter, Nick Monson, and Nick Jonas, who sings the lead from this song, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, but is not among the nominees for this year's "Best Original Song" Oscar category. It is, however, a highlight from the 2017 3D-animated flick, "Ferdinand." Check it out on YouTube. [2 March 2018]
Feud ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Mac Quayle, is heard in the title sequence to one of the best of this past season's TV minseries (as is another one of my favorites: "The Night Of"), focusing on the "feud" between legendary actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, which reached its climax in the production of the classic horror-fest "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" Susan Sarandon (as Bette) and Jessica Lange (as Joan) deliver fine performances, and both are nominated in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie. And Quayle has earned nominations for "Outstanding Original Dramatic Score" and for "Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music"; in fact, the opening credits have been nominated for "Outstanding Main Title Design," giving "Feud" a total of 18 Emmy Award Nominations. Check out the Emmy Awards tonight on CBS. [17 September 2017]
Fever is credited to John Davenport and Eddie Cooley, but Otis Blackwell was actually the chief writer. It has been recorded by Little Willie John, Rita Coolidge, Madonna, and Michael Buble, but Peggy Lee owns this one (audio clips at each link). [20 November 2005]
55 Days at Peking ("So Little Time [The Peking Theme]"), lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, music by Dimitri Tiomkin, is heard on the soundtrack to the 1963 historical epic, starring Charlton Heston, David Niven, and Ava Gardner. Tiomkin received Academy Award nominations for both this song and the film's score. The soundtrack features the performance of Andy Williams, who passed away on 25 September 2012 and left us memorable recordings of everything from classic melodic movie themes to classic Christmas perennials. On this date, we also remember those for whom there was "so little time," who died, twenty years ago, in the first attack on the World Trade Center. Check out Andy Williams on YouTube. [26 February 2013]
Fight for Life, composed and performed by Jean-Luc Ponty on the electric violin, is one of those virtuoso jazz-rock fusion pieces that switches gears mid-stream and takes us "Upon the Wings of Music" (the title of the album on which it is featured). Listen to an audio clip here. [13 May 2005]
Filthy features the words and music of Larrance Dopson, James Fauntleroy, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Timothy Mosley, and Justin Timberlake, who released this electro-funk track as the lead single from his 2018 album "Man of the Woods." It was the first song featured in his medley of hits in this year's Super Bowl Half-Time Show [YouTube link]. Tonight, the futuristic video of this song is nominated in the category of "Best Choreography" on the MTV Video Music Awards. The song made an impact on six Billboard charts, becoming a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit. Check out the innovative video, the single version, the Lord 'n Club remix, and the Workout remix [YouTube links]. [20 August 2018]
Find Another Fool, composed by guitarist Marv Ross, performed by the group Quarterflash. Vocalist Rindy Ross sounds Benatar-ish, and the "fours" (trading solos for four measures) between Rindy on sax and violinist Bruce Sweetman elevates this pop-rock track to another level. Listen to a clip at amazon.com. [12 November 2004]
Finesse has quite a few contributors to its words and music, including Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, and Bruno Mars, who recorded this song for his superb third solo album, "24K Magic" (and I've got a few more fav tracks I'll be featuring soon). He kills it in concert (he certainly did at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Live at the Apollo in Harlem [DailyMotion link; can be viewed about 7 minutes in]). The song, like the album on which it is featured, is an exercise in throwback; this one harks back to the New Jack Swing sound of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Check out the album version and a new remix [YouTube links] just released yesterday, featuring rapper Cardi B, in a video tribute to "In Living Color." Jennifer Lopez, one of the original "Fly Girls," responded to the homage with a clip from the famed Wayans-produced TV show. [5 January 2018]
The Firm ("The Death of Love and Trust") [YouTube link], composed by pianist Dave Grusin, is one of the jazziest, most sensual cues from the Oscar-nominated soundtrack to this 1993 film, directed by Sydney Pollack and based on the John Grisham novel. The film stars Tom Cruise and a strong supporting cast. [6 February 2019]
The First Noel is an English composition of unknown origin, which was first published in 1833. I especially love a Nat King Cole version of this holiday favorite (audio clip at that link). Listen also to an audio clip by Ol' Blue Eyes. Merry Christmas to All! Happy Holidays!!! And Happy Name Day to Me! [25 December 2005]
The "Fish" Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag, written by Country Joe McDonald, was first released as part of a 1965 extended play vinyl, "Rag Baby Talking Issue No. 1," recorded by Country Joe and the Fish. In 1967, it became the title song of this psychedelic rock band's second studio album. With its biting satire, this was one of the most iconic counterculture protest songs ever recorded in opposition to the war in Vietnam. And so our Summer Music Festival (Woodstock Anniversary Edition) continues with this classic song. Check out the original EP version and then the unedited live Woodstock performance [YouTube links] that ended the group's Saturday afternoon set on 16 August 2019. [6 September 2019]
500 Miles High is another wonderful Chick Corea composition (co-written with Neville Potter) first heard on his Return to Forever album, "Light as a Feather" (audio clip here). This version features the vocals of Flora Purim, and a band that included the late Joe Farrell, Stanley Clarke, and Airto Moreira. [13 June 2005]
Flashdance ... What a Feeling features the music of Giorgio Moroder and lyrics of Keith Forsey and Irene Cara, who took this song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance Club charts. This was the title track to the 1983 film, "Flashdance". Cara died yesterday at the age of 63. Her sweet voice graced this film and the 1980 film, "Fame". Check out the music video to this 80s pop gem [YouTube link]. [26 November 2022]
Flight ("Opening") [theost excerpt], composed by Alan Silvestri, is the pensive opening theme for the 2012 film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, and starring Denzel Washington, who gives a superb Oscar-nominated performance. The film provides hair-raising moments of suspense and poignant moments of raw honesty. [25 February 2014]
The Flight of the Bumble Bee was composed by Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov for the opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," based on a poem by Aleksandr Pushkin. Listen to audio clips of this fleet-of-finger composition here and here. [9 May 2006]
The Flintstones features the words and music of Hoyt Curtin, Joseph Barbera and William Hanna. The show was inspired by another one of my all-time favorites: "The Honeymooners." Listen to an audio clip of the TV theme here. And check out the Jacob Collier and SuperMilesio renditions. [15 September 2007]
Flying Home is credited to Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Sid Robin. Listen to the classic Lionel Hampton recording and another by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra. [25 May 2006]
The Flying Song (audio clip at that link) is an instrumental composition written and performed by Joe Maurone (aka Spaceplayer). I first heard this track years ago and it still resonates with me. A very happy and healthy birthday to its composer. [31 July 2005a]
Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words), music and lyrics by Bart Howard, performed by Ol' Blue Eyes at the Sands (check out that audio clip) to a swinging Quincy Jones arrangement with the Count Basie Orchestra. [13 December 2004]
The Fool on the Hill, credited to Lennon and McCartney (though written by Paul alone), was recorded in 1967 and included on The Beatles's "Magical Mystery Tour" album and film. It's a great song for an April Fool's Day; check out the original version by the Beatles, and also a really nice bossa-tinged rendition recorded by Sergio Mendez and Brasil 66 [YouTube links]. [1 April 2015]
Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread), music by Rube Broom, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, has been recorded famously by Frank Sinatra when he was with Tommy Dorsey, and by Sinatra solo, as well as by Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley (audio clips at artist links). A Happy April Fool's Day! [1 April 2008]
Footprints, music by jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, with lyrics added later by Donna Smith, has become a jazz staple. Listen to an audio clip of one of Shorter's recordings of this track here. In 1962's Downbeat magazine, Shorter polled second only to Duke Ellington (whose birthday is today) as a jazz composer. My favorite version of the song, however, remains one by another birthday boy: jazz guitarist, Carl Barry, from the album "Holding On." Listen to the full-length track here. Happy Birthday to my brother Carl! [29 April 2005]
Forget Me Nots, words and music by Terri McFaddin, bassist Freddy Washington, and singer and pianist Patrice Rushen, received a Grammy nomination for "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance." This pop, R&B and dance hit from Rushen's album, "Straight from the Heart," includes a nice sax solo by Gerald Albright. The song has been covered and sampled by several artists (most famously, Will Smith for "Men in Black" [YouTube link]), but Patrice's version is tops for pure finger-poppin' pleasure. Check out her music video, the album version, the 12" dance mix, and a really jazzy live 2009 performance with guitarist Lee Ritenour at North Sea Jazz [YouTube links]. On a day when we lost "America's oldest teenager," at 82 years of age, we pause to celebrate the life of the irreplaceable Dick Clark, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who helped us embrace the promise of every new year with his New Year's Rockin' Eve specials, and who gave us countless productions and television shows, including the trailblazing "American Bandstand," on which Patrice Rushen performed this song (Season 25, Episode 29, airdate: 29 May 1982). We forget you not ... ever! [18 April 2012]
For Me features the words and music of Harold Lobo and Norman Gimbel. I adore a version by Brasil 66 from the album, "Equinox" (audio clip at that link). [26 April 2006]
For Once in My Life, lyrics by Ron Miller, music by Orlando Murden, has been recorded in many different versions, including one in 1968 by the rollicking Steve Wonder, and a definitive 1967 vocal turn by Tony Bennett. [23 October 2004]
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons was most likely written solely by William "Pat" Best, but a lyric credit has also been given to Deek Watson. Either way, the song has charted with many artists through the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Sam Cooke to the Cleftones (audio clips at those links). Listen to an audio clip of my favorite version, the #1 hit by Nat King Cole. [7 August 2005]
Fortress Around Your Heart, composed and recorded by Sting, is from his terrific, jazzy solo album "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," which features Branford Marsalis on the saxophone. I saw him perform this at Radio City Music Hall on his Blue Turtles Tour; the band was superb. Listen to an audio clip of the album version here. [29 March 2006]
The 4:30 Movie ("Moving Pictures") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Joe Raposo, opened up one of the most memorable New York tri-state area film shows of the 1960s and 1970s, when local networks actually showed movies instead of talk shows during the day. I remember it when it was a 90-minute show on WABC-TV, and it would typically devote a whole week to the airing of classic genres or actors, or classic films, such as "Ben-Hur." The theme music still brings a big smile to my face. [20 September 2012]
Found a Cure, a #1 dance track from 1979, was written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. It appears on the Ashford & Simpson album, "Stay Free." Ashford passed away on 22 August 2011. But he left behind a musical legacy that still provides the cure; listen to the energetic, soulful 12" remix on YouTube. [26 August 2011]
The Fountainhead ("The Quarry"), composed by Max Steiner, is a highlight from this film score to the 1949 movie version of Ayn Rand's famous novel. Glenn Alexander Magee wrote the liner notes to this newly released soundtrack album. Magee quotes Christopher Palmer, who writes that this selection restates the memorable main theme of the score "on high violins, flute and vibraphone, with little harmonic or textural support other than the naturally reverberative properties of vibraphone, soft bass-drumroll and tam-tam. Their overtones, mingling and lingering in the atmosphere, complement director King Vidor's insistence upon the heat-haze and white chalk dust which permeate the scene" in which Dominique Francon (played by Patricia Neal) and Howard Roark (played by Gary Cooper) gaze upon one another from the quarry where Roark works. Smoldering, indeed. And what better way to celebrate the Ayn Rand Centenary, which is today! (See my review of the film score here.) [2 February 2005]
Four on Six is one of those "incredible jazz guitar" tracks composed and performed by the outstanding Wes Montgomery. A lyric was added later by Donna Smith. Wes recorded this a number of times; check out the audio clips on "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" or my absolute favorite rendition, performed live with the Wynton Kelly Trio: Smokin' at the Half Note. (The Half Note is now closed but it was a premier jazz spot in NYC; Carl and Joanne Barry, my brother and sister-in-law, appeared in the club too, opposite James Moody.) Wes's solo on this version is indeed smokin': a soaring, swinging, lyrical, deeply artistic statement. [21 April 2005]
Fragile was written and recorded by
Sting. It is a passionate commentary on human fragility in the face of
violence. Listen to an audio clip
here. [16 December 2005]
Frankenstein ("Main Title" / Various) [YouTube clip at that link],
music
by
Giuseppe Becce and Bernhard Kaun,
is from the soundtrack to the
James Whale-directed
1931 classic
Universal monster movie, starring
Boris Karloff as the Monster. Today, I begin a mini-tribute within
a
tribute: a brief foray into my favorite "Monster Movie" soundtracks. I grew up on "Famous
Monsters of Filmland" and was a regular Saturday night fan of "Chiller
Theatre" and
Zacherley on WPIX-TV
in New York. So it's only natural to start off with one of the
grand-daddies in the
unnatural Universal catalogue! [21 February 2012]
Free Again (Non C'est Rien), music by Armand Canfora and Joss Baselli, French lyrics by Michel Jourdan, English lyrics by Robert Colby, is featured on "Je m'appelle Barbra" (1966), the eighth studio album of Barbra Streisand, who, today, turns 70. The album was arranged and conducted by the great Michel Legrand, who, on February 24th, turned 80 (a belated Happy Birthday to Le Grand Michel!). Listen to the English-language version of the song from the album, and the French-language version of the song [YouTube links], which was introduced on Streisand's third TV special, "Color Me Barbra" (which first aired on CBS on 30 March 1966). This is vintage Barbra; she remains one of my all-time favorite artists and one of the most accomplished artists of her generation. Happy Birthday, Funny Girl! Forgive me, I'm getting a little Verklempt! [24 April 2012]
Fresh features the music and lyrics of J. T. Taylor, S. Linzer, and Kool and the Gang. "Fresh as a summer breeze," indeed; listen to an audio clip of this 1984 dance-pop hit here. [17 July 2005]
Fresh Prince of Bel Air ("Yo Home To Bel Air"), composed by the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffrey Townes), is a storytelling narrative rendered in rap that opened this NBC series, which aired from 1990 to 1996. Fifty years ago, on this date in music history, at a party in The Bronx, DJ Kool Herc played dance music before a large crowd, using two turntables to extend the "breakbeat" in what is recognized as the "official" birthday of hip hop. Tonight, New York City---from Brooklyn's Prospect Park and Staten Island's Stapleton Waterfront Park to Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, 50 Years of Hip Hop is being commemorated with a huge musical celebration. The origins of hip hop are, of course, much older. But its impact across many genres of rap has been enormous, influencing even TV show themes. This one is among the most memorable. Check out the full rendition [YouTube link]. [11 August 2023]
Friday the 13th ("The Bed Axe") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Manfredini, is featured in the 1980 slasher film, which went on to spawn a huge multimedia franchise. I'm not particularly superstitious---but I do have to say that I closed not one, but two (!) different book deals on a Friday the 13th! So that sounds like good luck to me! Now "Bring me the Axe!" [YouTube link]. [13 May 2022]
Friday the 13th ("Opening Theme") [YouTube link], composed by jazzman Henry Manfredini, clearly exhibits the composer's Bernard Herrmann "Psycho" lineage. What better way to mark a rare full-moon Friday the 13th on a rainy and grim New York June day. ("I love New York in June, How About You?"... but this one's been too rainy and it feels like March!). Nevertheless, a few thunderstorms will add to the atmosphere of watching this film. Manfredini actually composed for the whole "Friday the 13th" franchise, but the original 1980 Jason was the best (especially in that famed Hockey mask, so appropriate on a weekend in which the New York Rangers are struggling for the Stanley Cup, right now having won only 1 frightening game to the LA Clippers, who are one game away from winning that horror series). The first two John Carpenter produced-"Halloween" films are, in my view, better examples of the post-1960s evil slasher genre, all of which owes its spirit to Hitchcock's utterly brilliant "Psycho." In any event, Friday the 13ths have been typically "good luck" days for me, having signed contracts for books on those days, in fact, but it's always fun revisiting a horror film from the vault.siting a horror film from the vault. [13 June 2014]Fried Pies (audio clip at that link) was composed and recorded by the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Swingin'. [4 April 2006]
The Frog, words and music by Joao Donato, is a highlight from "Look Around," a Sergio Mendes-Brasil 66 album. Listen to an audio clip of that version here, and to a recent "Timeless" version as well (featuring Q-Tip). [30 June 2006]
From Russia with Love, composed by Lionel Bart, is the title track to the second Sean Connery 007 flick. This splendid theme features the memorable vocals of Matt Monro (YouTube link). [3 February 2011]
From Russia With Love ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by John Barry. From the 1963 007 film, starring Sean Connery as James Bond, it is one of the standout scores to one of cinema's most enduring franchises. [16 February 2023]
From the Terrace ("Love Theme") [Film Score Monthly excerpt link] was composed by Elmer Bernstein for this Paul Newman-Joanne Woodward 1960 film. The theme serves as the main title and can be heard in full at the beginning of this YouTube film link. This cue provides us with an example of Bernstein's capacity to write soaring, lush, and passionate themes. [13 February 2018]
From This Moment On, words and music by Cole Porter, was written in 1951 for the composer's musical, "Out of This World," but it was dropped, only to be included later in the 1953 MGM film of the musical, "Kiss Me Kate." The song was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1957, with a mid-tempo swinging arrangement by Nelson Riddle, for the album, "A Swingin' Affair!." It can also be found on Disc 2 of "Ultimate Sinatra." As today's lead essay explains, with this entry, we begin a 19-song tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes, culminating on December 12, 2015, the 100th anniversary of the day of his birth. Check this song out on YouTube. [24 November 2015]
Frosty the Snowman, words and music by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson, is the perfect song for the Winter Solstice, which arrives at 1:08 a.m., Eastern time. And now begins the march back toward the light! Listen to an audio clip of the famous Gene Autry and the Cass Country Boys version of this seasonal favorite. And check out a YouTube video clip of the Rankin-Bass animated classic, with Jimmy Durante singing the title track. [22 December 2007]
F-Troop, ("Main Theme"),
music and lyrics by
William Lava,
Irving Taylor and Frank Comstack,
was a regular theme heard around my house in the mid-1960s, when I watched
this show religiously. Check out the
Season One Intro
(with lyrics) and the
Season Two Intro
(without). [22 August 2014]
The Fugitive ("Judgment Day, Part 2, Finale") [YouTube TV clip, Spoiler
Alert!], composed by
Dominic Frontiere, is
the music that highlights the climax of the
120
episodes of one of the most iconic "TV
Noir" shows in the history of the
medium: "The
Fugitive." which ended its four-season run on
Tuesday, August 29, 1967,
in front of
over 78 million viewers. It was the
largest audience to watch
any show in TV history up to that date [YouTube, Leonard Goldberg
interview]. But in the "Epilog" of that famed
Quinn Martin production,
narrator William Conrad
tells us that it was "Tuesday,
September 5th, the Day the Running Stopped" [YouTube TV clip]. And
in those closing
moments, the haunting
theme of the show, composed by
Pete Rugolo, re-emerges,
as it must. Frontiere, who was a
great fan of
Rugolo from the days when he arranged and composed for the
Stan Kenton Orchestra,
got the chance to complete the score to the climactic finale.
Cheers
to
a
great series, its great
score, and its
unforgettable finale [YouTube link to the final two episodes in their
entirety], which concluded, in narrative legend, fifty years ago, on this date.
[5 September 2017
The Fugitive ("A New Love"), composed by
Peter Rugolo,
captures the alienation of the central character,
Dr. Richard Kimble,
played with subtle brilliance by the great
David Janssen, as he searches, week after
week, for the One-Armed Man who killed his wife. Dr. Kimble would have been
executed had he not been "reprieved by fate" in a train wreck that freed him en
route to "the death house" (as told to us with characteristic authority by the
narrator
William Conrad).
Each week viewers saw a man torn between his struggle to survive in pursuit of
the justice he deserves, while encountering characters who either need him (and
the strength of character he provides) or who test his integrity. Through it
all, he proves as unshakeable as
Lieutenant Philip Gerard
(played with relentless obsessiveness by
Barry Morse),
whose concern is not the justice of the verdict, but in apprehending the
convicted killer and carrying out the sentence the law requires. There are so
many
magnificent episodes
in the four year series (which I watched over the past year on DVD), including
such gems as "The
Girl from Little Egypt" (season 1), "Angels
Travel on Lonely Roads" (a
two-parter
from season 1) and "The
Breaking of the Habit" (season 4) (all
three episodes of which provide us with a terrific star turn by the great
Oscar-winning actress
Eileen Heckart), and, of course, the final
two-parter episodes of the series,
"The Judgment," Parts 1 and 2, in which both Kimble---and Gerard---finally
confront the One-Armed Man. Those episodes remain among the
most-watched finales
in the history of television (a 50.7 rating and a 73.2 audience share). This
show was a morality tale for sure, with an obvious debt to
Hugo's "Les Miserables." Its cast and guest
stars were consistently splendid and its first three seasons were as close to
classic film noir for television
as has ever been seen (it went "in color" in the final fourth season). Fifty
years ago today, the show debuted on the ABC television network. I can agree
with
Stephen King who
understood how
the series turned everything on its head,
questioning the justice of 'the system'. As he put it in the Introduction to
The Fugitive Recaptured
by
Ed Robertson, it
was "absolutely the best series done on American television."
After seeing the show for the umpteenth time, I confess to "A New Love" for it and its wonderful soundtrack by the
great
Peter Rugolo. Happy Fiftieth!!! [17 September 2013]
The Fugitive
("Main Theme"), composed by
Peter Rugolo (with lyrics
by Roy Huggins, William Conrad, and Glen Campbell), was just the title track
to a haunting
score that echoed the existential loneliness and alienation of
Dr. Richard
Kimble, played to perfection by
David Janssen in this
television morality drama. One of my favorite themes and scores from one of my
all-time favorite
series. Listen to an audio clip
here and
here.
[13 September 2005]
The Fugitive ("Main Title") [audio clip at that link], composed by James Newton Howard, is from the 1993 motion picture, starring Harrison Ford. One of my all-time favorite TV themes is the one by Peter Rugolo for the magnificent original David Janssen series. I love listening to this soundtrack as well, just as much as I enjoy watching this film ... over and over again. [20 February 2009]
The Fugitive ("Stairway Chase") [YouTube link], music by James Newton Howard, is one of those truly frenetic chase scenes captured perfectly in the way it is both edited and scored. This is a fine 1993 film reboot of the absolutely magnificent original 1960s television series, which starred David Janssen as Dr. Richard Kimble, who brilliantly portrayed the painful loneliness, fear, and alienation of the innocent man on the run. For the series, composer Pete Rugolo created one of the most expressive scores, always infused with a jazz idiom, to have ever graced a television show. Howard is certainly up to the task, and someday, I'm going to reveal a few cues from the film that are homages to Rugolo's scoring. Whereas a multiyear television series provides us with an opportunity to truly develop its characters, the film provides us with a complex puzzle that must be solved if the fugitive is to find justice. All of this takes place amid a predatory chase between the hunter, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, as Lieutenant Sam Gerard (in the TV series, the character was played by Barry Morse and was named Philip Gerard, and the name change remains a mystery) and the hunted, well played by Harrison Ford, who maintains his innocence, despite being found guilty for killing his wife, and sentenced to execution by lethal injection. But, like the series, Kimble escapes and goes on a quest to find the one-armed man who murdered his wife. In the film, his search for this one-armed man takes place within the context of a larger conspiracy. I've chosen a cue that is used in a scene in which the unjustly convicted fugitive takes his chances by seeking out one potential suspect behind prison walls. Lietenant Gerard is hot on Kimble's trail and finds him at the prison. What results is a scorching chase scene, neither on motorcycles nor cars, but on foot, down a spiral staircase, through to the exit doors of the prison, with Gerard shooting to kill. It makes for rousing adventure and give us a lesson in how terrific Oscar-nominated scoring augments the excitement on screen (Howard was a casualty of another shattering John Williams score, the Oscar-winning "Schindler's List" soundtrack, which got a little help from the virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman; Williams, ironically, has only five Oscars, out of an amazing 50 nominations, second only to Walt Disney [pdf link]!) . For a little entertainment, check out a YouTube video on the "Top Ten Movie Fugitives." [23 February 2016]
FUM [YouTube link], composed by grand Brooklyn-born jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins (and long-time family friend; he and my brother Carl Barry [a YouTube link that features a few duets with Jack] have done many gigs together through the years), appears on his 5-star 1977 album, "Merge," which featured an all-star cast of wonderful jazz artists: Randy Brecker on fluegelhorn, the late, great Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. I saw this wonderful group perform this tune at Sweet Basil back in the day, and it brought down the house. With a flying tempo, and fluid soloing, this one burns. And, in truth, I just had to step out of the Disco DJ Booth for one day. Next week, I'll be stepping out of the DJ Booth for a full six days. Watch this space for a tribute to an American treasure as he turns 90. [25 July 2016]
Fun credits nine writers, including the two guys who recorded it as a duet for the 2015 album, "Globalization": Pitbull and Chris Brown. Check out the video single, audio single, Damaged Goods Remix, and the Jump Smokers Remix. We're dancing all weekend in NYC, so stay tuned! [23 June 2017]
Funky New Year, words and music by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bob Seger and J. D. Souther was recorded by the Eagles, among the newest Kennedy Center Honorees, as the B-side to "Please Come Home For Christmas" [YouTube link], first made famous by Charles Brown. Check out the Funky single and a Funky live version too [YouTube links]. A happy, healthy, and very funky 2017 to all! [1 January 2017]
Funny Girl, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, was nominated for a 1968 Academy Award for Best Song from the film of the same title. It replaced a magnificent song from the Broadway score, "The Music that Makes Me Dance," but it shines on its own as a memorable moment from a wonderful musical starring Oscar-winner Barbra Streisand. Listen to an original soundtrack audio clip of Streisand singing this gem. [2 March 2006]
Funny Girl ("Don't Rain on My Parade"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, performed by Barbra Streisand on Broadway and in the William Wyler-directed film on the life story of Fanny Brice: "Funny Girl." Streisand tied for a 1968 Best Actress Oscar with the equally brilliant Katherine Hepburn, who played Eleanor of Aquitaine in "The Lion in Winter." This song has also been performed in a rousing swing arrangement by Bobby Darin, whose life is dramatized in the 2004 Kevin Spacey film, "Beyond the Sea." Check out the Broadway audio clip or film audio clip. It's been raining for two days in N.Y.C., but this song's lyrics transcend the weather: "Don't tell me not to fly, I simply got to. If someone takes a spill, it's me and not you. Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade?" [7 December 2004]
Funny Girl (I'm the Greatest Star"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, is a highlight from the classic 1964 Broadway musical, "Funny Girl," which starred a young Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice. Though nominated for eight Tony Awards, the musical won none, facing a tough competitor in "Hello, Dolly!" Streisand would win an Oscar for the role in the 1968 film version. Check out the Broadway musical version, the film version, and Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel in a "Glee" cast version [YouTube links]. Today begins our tribute to songs from Broadway, in anticipation of the Tony Awards, on Sunday, June 10th. [1 June 2012]
Funny Girl ("The Music That Makes Me Dance"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, from the Broadway musical version of "Funny Girl" (listen to the infuriatingly brief Barbra Streisand audio clip here, and in a more recent duet with Kenny G). It was dropped from the 1968 film, unfortunately, but it lives on in countless renditions since, from Natalie Cole to Christina Aguilera to Joanne Barry (my sister-in-law). [8 January 2005]
Funny Girl ("People"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, was a huge hit for Barbra Streisand from the musical "Funny Girl." A classic. Listen to an audio clip here. [31 January 2005]
Funny Girl ("Who are You Now?"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, is a song (like "The Music That Makes Me Dance") that was dropped from the 1968 film version, even though it is a highlight from Act II of the 1964 Broadway musical. In her role as the legendary entertainer, Fanny Brice, Barbra Streisand delivers the song with poignancy. Check it out on YouTube. [2 June 2015]
Funny Girl ("You are Woman, I am Man"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, was featured in the 1964 Broadway musical that made Barbra Streisand a star. Streisand would go on to sing this duet with Omar Sharif in the 1968 film version of the musical about the life of Fanny Brice. Check out the Broadway musical version [YouTube link], which featured the Tony-nominated Sydney Chaplin, son of Charlie, as Nicky Arnstein. And then check out the charming 1968 film version [YouTube film clip], the one in which Babs got her Best Actress Oscar, tying with the Great Kate, who won for "The Lion in Winter." This was only one of six ties in Oscar history and both actresses certainly were equally superb in their roles. [10 June 2017]
Funny Lady (*Isn't This Better?"), words and music by John Kander and Fred Ebb, is a sweet song from "Funny Lady," the 1975 sequel to "Funny Girl". The film continues the (highly fictionalized) story of Fanny Brice, centering on her relationship with songrwriter Billy Rose, played by James Caan. Check out Streisand's lovely rendition here on YouTube. [6 February 2014]
Fur Elise (aka "Bagatelle in A Minor"), composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, is a familiar and tender classical theme. Listen to this audio clip of a version by Balazs Szokolay. And, yes, I was first exposed to this as a child... when I saw Schroeder play it on "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (audio clips at those links). [22 November 2005]
Furious 7 ("See You Again"), words and music by Andrew Ceder, Justin Franks, Cameron Thomaz, and Charlie Puth, who provides the vocals to match Wiz Khalifa's poignant rap tribute to Paul Walker, who had portrayed the protagonist in the series (Brian O'Conner), and who tragically died in an automobile accident before this 2015 film was released. This lead single from the film's soundtrack spent 12 nonconsecutive weeks at #1, tying Eminem's Oscar-winning "Lose Yourself" and the Black Eyed Peas "Boom-Boom-Pow", as the longest-running rap track atop the Billboard Hot 100. It is among the most streamed and most viewed videos (exceeding three billion views) in history, and was among the best-selling singles of 2015. We did a Puth spotlight this past summer
. Check out the video single and a live performance of it at Berklee by Charlie and in concert (at 01:23:10). [4 February 2019]The Gauntlet ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Fielding, opens this 1977 film, in which Clint Eastwood has to deliver an escort (played by Sondra Locke) from Las Vegas to Phoenix to be a witness in a mob trial. As is the case with so many Eastwood vehicles, this one offers a genuinely jazzy score. The soundtrack features trumpeter Jon Faddis and saxman Art Pepper. Today we throw down the gauntlet to start what has become, since 2005, an annual feature of Notablog: Our tribute to music featured in film, hence, Film Music February, beginning on this first day of the month (like TCM's 31 Days of Oscar, which begins at 6 a.m., tributing films with Oscar winners and nominees, this year, in alphabetical order!). The only difference is that our tribute, which exhibits a reverence for the art of the score, concludes on February 26th, the date on which the 89th Academy Awards will air. Within this month, I'll be showcasing songs, famous themes, terrific cues, and other "source" music that have been featured in films throughout the years. And we'll also devote time throughout the tribute to some folks who get special recognition, for one reason or another. So sit back, get out the popcorn, and enjoy 26 Days of Cinema Music. [1 February 2017]
Genius of Love, words and music by Adrian Belew, Chris Frantz, Steven Stanley, and Tina Weymouth, was a Top 40 hit for the Tom Tom Club from their 1981 eponymous debut album. The track went to #1 on the Billboard Disco Top 80 chart in 1982. Back in May 2022, I did a three-song arc in tribute to the art of sampling. Today starts another such arc with this 40-year old dance hit that brings me back to my days as a mobile DJ! Check it out here [YouTube link]. [2 December 2022]
Gente, music and lyrics by R. Gilbert, M. Valle, P. Valle, is another memorable track from the Brasil 66 album "Equinox" (audio clip at that link). [25 September 2006]
The Gentleman is a Dope, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is a song from the 1947 Broadway show, "Allegro" (check out the audio clip from the original cast album here). A really nice recent recording of this song by Barbara Cook is featured on her album "Barbara Cook's Broadway," where you can check out the audio link. (And some people find hidden meanings in everything!) [20 January 2005]
Georgia on My Mind, music by Hoagy Carmichael, lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, has been performed by Willie Nelson, whose voice bespeaks heartache even when it's joyful, and the incomparable Ray Charles (audio clips at those links). [10 May 2005]
Georgy Porgy, words and music by David Paich, appeared on the 1978 self-titled debut album of the band Toto. Having just heard this song during Episode 5, Season 6 ("Black and Blue") of the fabulous "Better Call Saul," I was reminded of how much I loved its groove, especially with those backing vocals by R&B singer, Cheryl Lynn. Check out the original version, the "Disco Purrfection" version, and a rendition by Eric Benet with Faith Evans [YouTube links]. [12 May 2022]
Get Down, words and music by Todd Terry, C. Gonzalez, C. Sosa, T. McDonald, and C. Ryden, is a fierce house track of the Todd Terry All Stars, featuring Kenny Dope, DJ Sneak, Terry Hunter, and Tara McDonald (who sings on the track). I first heard this club burner on Party 105.3, my favorite dance music station (broadcasting from Long Island, New York). Listen to various remixes of this hot dance cut here, here, here, and here. And check out an excerpt of Tara McDonald's performance on her MySpace page. [27 November 2007]
Get It features the words and music of Stevie Wonder, who duets on this track with Michael Jackson. The two had collaborated before (for example, Jackson performed Stevie's jazz-flavored composition "I Can't Help It"; the two also sang together on "Just Good Friends"). But this one dances to its own beat. Listen to an audio clip here. [23 May 2006]
Get Lucky [YouTube link to the official video, with lyrics], words and music by Pharrell Williams and the great Nile Rodgers (he of the band "Chic", providing us with some of the most memorable sounds of the disco era), recorded by them as the house music band Daft Punk, for the album "Random Access Memories," one of my absolutely favorite albums of 2013. The album took home honors for "Album of the Year," while this song was named Record of the Year (the full list of Grammy winners is here) and also received a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The band is a mixture of Old School and cutting edge; this song has got that wonderful retro feel. The album also won for Best Dance Electronica Album and Best Engineered Album, Classical. But nothing prepared me for the sweetly transformative performance of the song on the Grammy telecast last night [YouTube link here],with its subtle "Le Freak" Chic references, and the cameo live appearance by Stevie Wonder, who provided the melodic mash-up, intermingling his utterly magnificent "Another Star". [27 January 2014]
Get On the Floor features the words and music of Louis Johnson (of The Brothers Johnson) and Michael Jackson, who passed away two years ago on this date. A sweet disco track from the trailblazing album, "Off the Wall," it is given a YouTube tribute here. [25 June 2011]
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir ("Prelude"), film score composed by Bernard Herrmann, is one of the most haunting soundtracks ever written. Herrmann captures the mysterious love portrayed in this romantic 1947 film with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. Listen to an audio clip here. [20 February 2005]
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], music by Bernard Herrmann, harks back to his early years as a film score composer. This suite, derived from the soundtrack to the enchanting 1947 fantasy film, starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison, features some of the most romantic of Herrmann's themes. [6 February 2022]
Ghosts, words and music by Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley, was first featured on Jackson's album, "HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I," but can also be found on a newly released album, "Scream," just in time for Halloween. In fact, many of the songs from this new compilation album could be heard in the most recent MJ animated special, "Michael Jackson's Halloween," seen on CBS last week. It was also the basis of an ambitious video written by MJ and Stephen King, and directed by Stan Winston. A short form of the video can be found on YouTube. Also check out Mousse T's Club Mix, the DJ Rmx extended version, and the Stepper's Mix. And for old time's sake, check out the King of All King of Pop Videos, the John Landis-directed short film for "Thriller" [YouTube link], featuring the great Vincent Price, and recently named by Billboard magazine as the #1 Halloween-themed recording. Check out the video version prepared for "This is It" and the Steve Aoki Remix too! And have a Happy Halloween! [31 October 2017]
Ghosttown features the music and lyrics of Jason Evigan, Evan Bogart, Sean Douglas, and Madonna who recorded the song for her newest album "Rebel Heart." The album track is performed as a ballad on her new album [YouTube link], But the song gains distinction this week as the 45th No. 1 single to chart Billboard's Dance Club Songs, the most of any Number One single on any chart in the history of Billboard. Among the remixers who took the song to Number One, check out the Dirty Pop Mix, DJ Mike Cruz NYC Club Mix, Offer Nissam Drama Mix, Razor N Guido Remix, and the S-Man Mix. And while you're at it, check out the Billboard Music Awards tonight. [17 May 2015]
The Giant Behemoth ("Main Title") [YouTube link at 1:15], composed by Edwin Astley (no relation to Rick), opens this Eugene Lourie-directed 1959 film, in which a prehistoric beast terrorizes London. Lourie also directed the similarly themed 1953 monster movie, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms," in which the prehistoric beast terrorizes Manhattan (even though the monster is ultimately defeated in Coney Island, Brooklyn. He obviously picked the wrong place to go on a monster rampage!). This film includes classic stop-action animation by Willis O'Brien, of "King Kong" fame (whereas the "20,000 Fathoms" film featured that same technique used by one of O'Brien's greatest students: Ray Harryhausen). [26 February 2018]
Giant Steps, music by John Coltrane, is one of my favorite Coltrane tracks of all time. Straight ahead, hot, and blazin'. Listen to various audio clips here (where the main theme can be heard) and here (where more improvisation is featured). [7 March 2005]
Girlfriend, words and music by Jason Kasher Hindlin and Charlie "Perfect Pitch" Puth, who turns 29 today. This is really a fun song with an adorable music video (even with the Old School Tube Socks!). Check out the video single, the Haywyre Remix and a live performance of the song on the The Late, Late Show with James Corden [YouTube links]. Happy birthday to this genuinely talented musical prodigy. [2 December 2020]
The Girl from Ipanema, music by the only Antonio Carlos Jobim, boasts Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes and English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. Featuring the lilting lyricism of tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, vocalist and guitarist Joao Gilberto, and vocalist Astrud Gilberto, this song from the Grammy-winning Getz/Gilberto album, one of my all-time favorites, put bossa nova into American pop cultural hyper-drive. Timeless. [3 October 2004]
Give it to Me Baby, words and music by Rick James, topped the Billboard Black Singles chart for 5 weeks and the Dance Club chart for 3 weeks in the summer of 1981. In fact, this track was in the midst of its #1 reign this very weekend in 1981, along with a song that we will feature tomorrow, the date on which James passed away in 2004. The King of "Punk-Funk" led a troubled life, but it's memorable tunes like this that remind us about the importance of appreciating art of any kind, whatever one might think of the person who originated it. Too many tortured souls in the world of music especially have given us joy on the dance floor. Check out the original 12" remix, the DJ "S" Mix, and the 1981 extended Rework Feeler Baku Remix. [5 August 2017]
Give It 2 Me features the music and lyrics of Pharrell Williams and Madonna, who celebrates her 50th birthday today. This hot dance track is one of my favorites from her most recent release, "Hard Candy." Listen to an audio clip here and check out the YouTube video and a Paul Oakenfold remix.[16 August 2008]
Give Me the Night features words and music by Rod Temperton, production by the great Quincy Jones, and performance by jazz guitarist and singer, George Benson. It has a nice groove, with those sweet unison vocal-guitar lines that Benson does so well. Listen to an audio clip here. And check out two audio clips of alternative versions, featuring singer Randy Crawford, who formerly performed with the Crusaders. [21 July 2005]
Give Me the Simple Life, words and music by Harry Ruby and Rube Bloom, was first heard in the 1946 film, "Wake Up and Dream." Listen to audio clips from renditions by Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Mel Torme and George Shearing. [10 October 2006]
Give Me Tonight, words and music by Chris Barbosa and Ed Chisolm, was a smash dance hit for Shannon. Along with "Let the Music Play," this freestyle classic was spun regularly on the Sciabarra DJ turntables in the mid-80s. Listen to an audio clip here. [30 May 2006]
Give Me Your Love, words and music by Bruce Fielder, John Newman, and Steve Manovski, was released in 2016 by British DJ Sigala, featuring the vocals of John Newman and some added production by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nile Rodgers. The song, which was a Top Five hit on the UK Dance chart, was showcased in several routines of this week's episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" (my favorite dance competition show, the first to give Mandy Moore a platform for her choreography, before she went off to "La La Land"). Check out the song's official video and these remixes: Cedric Gervais, Andy C, Alex B-Cube & Michael Klash, Jacob Doehner, Kasmet Bootleg, MZT, Tough Love, Cliak, PBH and Jack Shizzle, DJ eMa, Viduta, Shimron Elit, and the Rap Remix. [29 July 2017]
Give My Regards to Broadway, music and lyrics by that great Irish composer, George M. Cohan, was immortalized by another great Irishman, James Cagney, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the composer in the 1942 film, "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Listen to an audio clip here. Happy St. Patrick's Day! [17 March 2005]
Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) features the words and music of Jerome Brailey, Bootsy Collins, and Geoge Clinton, who was born on this date in 1941. Recorded in 1976 by Parliament-Funkadelic (or "P-Funk" for short) for the album, "Mothership Connection," it was the band's first million-selling single. Check out the original "We Want the Funk" extended album mix [YouTube link]. [22 July 2018]
Glory Days, composed and performed by "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen, appears on his huge hit album, "Born in the U.S.A." It's the perfect way to kick off the New York Yankees' 2012 baseball season, which begins today in Florida against the Rays. Check out the terrific baseball-inspired video on YouTube. And Go Yanks!!! [6 April 2012]
Go Away Little Girl, words and music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, was a #1 hit in 1963 for Steve Lawrence, who died today at the age of 88. He and his wife, Eydie Gorme (who died in 2013), made a terrific singing pair. One of the most memorable performances of this song was Lawrence's delivery of it on the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in the 1960s. Singing to a little girl---who took the lyrics seriously and began to cry---Lawrence embraced her and assured her that he wanted her "to stay". By the time the song ended, she was all smiles. It was one of the most poignant moments I've ever seen on television. RIP, Steve Lawrence. Check out Lawrence's rendition of this song [YouTube link]. [7 March 2024] [The story of the little girl was confirmed by her sister; see the exchange here.]
Go, Cubs, Go!, words and music by Steve Goodman, is the song of the day for the baseball team that has broken the 108-year World Series victory drought for the fans who will soon see a banner rise over Wrigley Field, now home to the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs. I'd never thought I'd see, in my lifetime, the Boston Red Sox end an 86-year World Series victory drought (a consequence of the so-called "Curse of the Bambino") or the Chicago White Sox end an 88-year World Series victory drought (a consequence of the curse of the "Black Sox Scandal"), but the Cubbies have achieved something that is the stuff of legend, vanquishing the so-called Curse of the Billy Goat! With guys like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, they have a winning future ahead of them. Now I know that the Cleveland Indians have their own "curse" to conquer (the so-called "Curse of Rocky Colavito" that has prevented them from winning a World Series since 1948, though this Colavito "curse" traces to 1960). But this big New York Yankees fan congratulates the Chicago Cubs and their fans for a tenth-inning Game 7 victory and a World Series title! Anyway, check out the Cubbies' song [YouTube]. [3 November 2016]
God Bless the Child features lyrics by Arthur Herzog, Jr. and music by Billie Holiday, who would have celebrated her 90th birthday today. Listen to a poignant Lady Day audio clip here. And for a change of pace, listen to an audio clip of the classic Blood, Sweat & Tears version here. [7 April 2005]
The Godfather ("New Godfather") [audio clip at that link], music by the great Italian film composer Nino Rota, signifies the passing of the criminal baton to Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, in the original 1972 Francis Ford Coppola-directed gangster flick (also heard in the 1974 and 1990 sequels). A haunting, forbidding thematic triumph. [21 February 2005]
The Godfather ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Nino Rota, is the central musical motif of one of the greatest motion pictures ever filmed, directed by the incomparable Francis Ford Coppola, who won an Oscar as co-writer of the adapted screenplay, with the author of the original novel, Mario Puzo. It starred Best Actor-winning Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, and a terrific supporting cast, including Al Pacino, who went on to film two sequels to this Oscar-winning Best Picture. Rota received a Grammy for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture or TV Special, but was ruled ineligible for the Oscars; that travesty was corrected when he won (with Carmine Coppola) for his brilliant score to The Godfather Part II. It's the Ides of March; but instead of commemorating Julius Caesar on the famous day of his assassination, I recommend this film about a few modern-day "Caesars" in the criminal pantheon. It was released on this date in 1972. [15 March 2015]
The Godfather ("I Have But One Heart") is a 1945 popular song, adapted from an 1893 Neapolitan theme,"O Marenariello" (here, sung by Andrea Bocelli) with words by Gennaro Ottaviano and music by Salvatore Gambardella. The adapted English-language version features music by Johnny Farrow and lyrics by Marty Symes and was Vic Damone's debut single [YouTube link], rising to #7 on the Billboard chart. In 1972, in the film version of Mario Puzo's novel, "The Godfather," it was given new life when it was sung by the character, Johnny Fontane (portrayed by Al Martino) [YouTube links to Martino's renditions in the film and on the soundtrack], at the wedding of Connie Corleone (portrayed by Talia Shire), daughter of Don Vito Corleone (portrayed by the Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-winning Best Actor Marlon Brando). A long-time family friend, long-assisted by the Don at crucial points in his career, Fontane asks the Don if he could help get him a role in a film for which, he believes, he would be perfectly cast, but the producer Jack Woltz (played by John Marley), despises Fontane and won't give him the part. The Corleones approach Woltz, offering various deals and favors, but Woltz won't budge on this issue. . . until he's given an offer he can't refuse. But Valentine's Day is not the Day to be speaking of SPOILER ALERTS [YouTube link at your own risk!]; it is to be speaking of that "One Heart" you have for your Valentine. Pulling a song from "The Godfather" songbook today gives us an opportunity to note the passing of Abe Vigoda, who portrayed the character Salvatore Tessio in the first film of Francis Ford Coppola's gangster epic. So wipe that film's imagery from your Head, and think of Hearts instead! [14 February 2016]
The Godfather ("The Godfather's Tarantella") [YouTube link] was composed by Carmine Coppola (father of director Francis Ford Coppola). This gem, featured in the 1972 Oscar-winning Best Picture, is heard during the wedding reception of Connie and Carlo, while Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando in an Oscar-winning turn, is taking care of The Family's business behind closed doors. While, in my opinion, "The Godfather Epic" is the only way to see the full breadth of this saga---because it unites all three films and includes over 50 deleted and extended scenes---this landmark gangster flick remains among the greatest of its genre, and the American Film Institute agrees. [25 February 2024]
The Godfather, Part II ("Immigrant Theme") [YouTube link] is a superb Nino Rota composition, conducted by Carmine Coppola, father of Francis Ford Coppola, the director of "The Godfather" (1972) and its two sequels (1974 and 1990), adapted from Mario Puzo's original 1969 novel. But nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing beats the re-edited version of the first two "Godfather" films known as "The Godfather Epic" (a later collection, "The Godfather Trilogy," incorporates "Godfather III"). The original re-edited epic (now playing regularly on premium cable channels, though originally broadcast on NBC in 1977, with a bit of language-scrubbing, as "A Novel for Television") provides us with the whole Corleone family history arranged chronologically (with many scenes not shown in the original theatrical film releases seamlessly integrated). Here, the Family history begins with the tragic youth of Vito Andolini of Corleone, Sicily, fatefully renamed as a child upon his arrival at Ellis Island, as Vito Corleone. Coming to maturity, Vito (superbly played by Robert DeNiro) settles in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. We then move on to the mature Mafia Don of the Corleone syndicate (played brilliantly by Marlon Brando) with special attention focused on one of his American-born sons, Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino, who gives us a master class on evolutionary character development). Michael is an idealistic World War II hero who eventually becomes the family's chieftan, wielding his power with shocking precision. Overall, seeing this brilliant epic, a masterpiece of direction, writing (and improvisation), acting, cinematography, and the use of symbolism, in this chronological reconfiguration provides us with one of the most fascinating cinematic portraits of the power of values in human life---by showing what happens when they are gradually inverted and corrupted. (And for cinemaphiles, check out the the uh, shooting locations that were used in the original film, including Clemenza's house, only ten blocks from where I live!) This particular Rota theme (featured originally on the soundtrack to "Godfather II," for which both Rota and Carmine Coppola shared a much-deserved Oscar in the category of "Best Original Score") is one of my all-time favorites. It expresses the yearning of those who emigrated to this country in search of the American Dream, even as it provides us with a sense of a tragic, underlying American nightmare. [16 February 2017]
The Godfather, Part III ("Promise Me You'll Remember"), words and music by Carmine Coppola and John Bettis, was the love theme from the concluding part of the Francis Ford Coppola "Godfather" trilogy. Nominated for "Best Original Song" at both the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards, it was performed on the film's soundtrack [YouTube link] by Harry Connick, Jr. [21 February 2019]
The Godfather, Part III ("To Each His Own"), music by Jay Livingston, lyrics by Ray Evans, was a popular hit for several recording artists in 1946: Eddy Howard, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Tony Martin, The Modernaires with Paula Kelly, and the Ink Spots [YouTube links]. Though this song was released in the same year as the 1946 film of the same name, starring Oscar-winning Best Actress Olivia de Havilland---who is still kickin' at the age of 103---it is only tangentially related to that film! But it is a standout track to the third installment of "The Godfather" trilogy, performed in the 1990 film by Al Martino [YouTube link---with the Sicilian turn-of-phrase "Salsiccia's Own"). On this Valentine's Day, celebrate love ... "to each his own." [14 February 2020]
The Godfather Trilogy ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], with composing credits going both to Nino Rota and Carmine Coppola, takes musical highlights from Francis Ford Coppola's gangster epic: "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather, Part II" (1974), and "The Godfather, Part III" (1990). It's hard to believe that the first film will mark its fiftieth anniversary on March 14, 2022. I saw it during its original theatrical run, but was also privileged to see it in September 2015, with the breathtakingly lush accompaniment of the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. Today, I begin my Eighteenth Annual Film Music February Festival. One of my all-time favorite film series still works best, in my humble opinion, when re-edited as a single chronological epic, with 50+ deleted and extended scenes added in. Just as I spotlighted medleys in my 2021 Summer Music Festival, so I will be spotlighting soundtrack suites for my 2022 film music series. And this soundtrack suite is a musical offering ... you can't refuse [YouTube link]. [1 February 2022]
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is a traditional olde English carol that stretches back to the 18th century. Listen to an audio clip from Leontyne Price. [30 December 2004]
Godspell ("Day by Day"), music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (with a little help from Episcopal hymnals), offers a contemporary take on the Gospel of Matthew (with a few parables taken from the Gospel of Luke). This particular song is an uplifting track from the musical that reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart. The musical debuted Off Broadway in 1971, though it made it to Broadway in a 2011 revival. There was also a 1973 film version. Here is a recording from the original Off Broadway cast album [YouTube]. [4 June 2015]
Godzilla ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Akira Ifkube, opens the classic 1954 Japanese film, "Gojira," that launched one of the biggest monster movie franchises in cinema history. It was released in 1956 to American audiences as "Godzilla: King of the Monsters!" and re-edited to include Raymond Burr as journalist Steve Martin. Today, of course, we're looking not to a beast as Super Bowl large as Godzilla but to the relatively smaller, though not necessarily less vicious Groundhog [YouTube link to ex-NYC Mayor Bloomberg getting his finger bit by Staten Island Chuck!], who will let us know how many more weeks of winter we'll have to endure in the Northern Hemisphere! Tomorrow, we'll check out the main theme of the 2014 reboot! [2 February 2020]
Godzilla ("Godzilla!") [YouTube link], composed by Alexandre Desplat, opens the 2014 reboot of the classic 1954 monster movie whose main theme we featured yesterday. Desplat has been nominated for ten Academy Awards for Best Original Score in his career, having won two (for "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Shape of Water"). Having had a long-time love affair with "Monster Movies" since childhood, I am all the more impressed by Desplat's fresh approach to a film franchise with a long history, which is both an homage to the original "Godzilla" themes, while never losing its unique voice in the process. Oh, and btw, the little monsters, both Punxsutawny Phil and Staten Island Chuck
, predicted an early spring! [3 February 2020]Godzilla ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Akira Ifukube, derives from the original 1954 Japanese film, "Gojira," which was re-edited for US release in 1956 as "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!", with the addition of actor Raymond Burr. In case you didn't notice, "Godzilla" begins with a "G" and so does "Groundhog". What better way to celebrate Groundhog Day than with a tribute to a critter a tad bit larger but just as prolific in contemporary culture (by cinematic comparison, however, Godzilla has more than 30 films to his starring credit, whereas the Groundhog appears in the titles of only a handful of films). Hoping for an early Spring after a Nor'easter Bomb Cyclone! [2 February 2022]
Go Home, words, music, and performance by Stevie Wonder, is a melodic-and-rhythmic highlight from his fine album "In Square Circle" (audio clip at that link). [19 May 2006]
Going My Way
("Title Song"), music by
Jimmy Van Heusen,
lyrics by Johnny
Burke, was sung by
Bing Crosby,
Rise Stevens, and the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir (one of several songs
Crosby sang in this 1944 film,
which won a Best Song Oscar, for "Swinging
on a Star"). Overall, the fillm was
nominated for ten Oscars, and was among the only films to nominate an actor,
Barry Fitzgerald,
for "Best
Actor" and "Best
Supporting Actor" for the same role, from the same film, in the same year.
As it turned out Bing got the Best Actor Oscar, and Barry got the Supporting
Actor Oscar (and, in 1945, Bing received another "Best Actor" nomination for the
same character, Father Chuck O'Malley, for the film, "The
Bells of St. Mary's"). Sounds like the makings of a Jeopardy
"answer"... Check out the title track
here. [11
February 2016]
Going Up the Country,
words and music by
Canned Heat, was a
remake of sorts of the 1928 "Bull
Doze Blues" [YouTube link] by blues musician
Henry
Thomas. Their version of this song was recorded for their third album, "Living
the Blues" and became an international hit. Check out the
single version and
the Woodstock festival
version of this rollicking blues-rock romp [YouTube links]. [2 August 2019]
Golden Girls ("Thank You For Being a Friend"), composed by Andrew Gold, was the main title for this golden television comedy, which starred the late Bea Arthur, the late Rue McClanahan, the late Estelle Getty, and the very much alive Betty White, who, today, turns 90. As crazy and entertaining as ever, perfect in her comic timing, and still laughing it up on such shows as "Hot in Cleveland," the lady is poised for another 90 years! Take a look at the opening of this hilarious show, with its theme music, on YouTube. And Happy Birthday, Betty! [17 January 2012]
Golden Lady, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is yet another "Innervisions" classic. Listen to an audio clip here. [17 May 2006]
Goldfinger ("Dawn Raid on Fort Knox") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by John Barry, expresses all the urgency of a classic James Bond score, from my all-time favorite 007 film, "Goldfinger." On this date, in 1962, the very first James Bond franchise flick made its debut: "Dr. No". On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Bond phenomenon, long live 007! [5 October 2012]
Goldfinger ("Into Miami") [YouTube clip at that link] is the sexy, jazzy second track from the stupendous John Barry score to my absolutely all-time favorite 007 flick, starring the one and only Sean Connery as James Bond. [4 February 2012]
Goldfinger ("Main Title"), music by John Barry, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, performance by Shirley Bassey, from my favorite 007 flick. The score from this 1964 James Bond film is classic Barry: jazzy, sexy, cool, hip. Listen to a Bassey audio clip here, and a recent recording of the song by Chaka Khan here. And a "shout out" to my friend Barry: Happy Birthday to a great 007 fan! [6 February 2005]
Goldfinger ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Barry, remains one of the most recognizable scores in the entire 007 film franchise. Still a sentimental favorite, this 1964 flick, starring Sean Connery as Bond, James Bond, introduced many of the elements that would become staples in the film series. Barry's brass-heavy jazz-infused soundtrack remains a highlight of the spy-thriller genre. Shirley Bassey famously handles the vocals to the main theme. Today begins a two-day mini-tribute to Barry's contributions. [12 February 2022]
[YouTube link to various renditions], composed by the incomparable jazz alto saxophonist, Phil Woods, was written as a tribute to the equally incomparable jazz pianist Bill Evans, who passed away on 15 September 1980. On 29 September 2015, the composer of this lovely paean to Evans, passed away. Two of my all-time favorite jazz musicians gone, 35 years apart, in September, standing on either side of the Equinox. Of Evans, Miles Davis was once criticized by the 'brothers' who could not understand why he'd hired a white pianist, to which Miles is said to have replied: "You find me a brother who plays like that, and I'll hire him." Miles knew what Bill brought to jazz, and jazz has never been the same since. Much the same can be said about Phil Woods; a disciple of Charlie Parker, who married Parker's widow, he took the bop linguistic of Parker to another level. From his brilliant Grammy-winning orchestral work [YouTube link] with Michel Legrand to his amazing small group recordings to his triumphs even in pop music (who can forget his melodic solo on Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are"?), Woods was one of the greatest jazzmen of his generation. I had the privilege of seeing both Evans and Woods in small group settings, the former at the Village Vanguard, the latter at The Bottom Line. Their virtuosity was matched only by the creativity of their individual musical imaginations. So it is fitting to remember Woods, who passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 83, with this tune (for which the legendary Steve Allen later provided lyrics), Phil's own celebration of another jazz master. Check out Phil Woods and the Festival Orchestra, performing this wonderful composition, as well as a Phil Woods Quartet rendition (and among so many others, check out tenor saxman Scott Hamilton's version as well). [YouTube links]. Goodbye Mr. Woods. Gone, but, like Mr. Evans, never forgotten, for the loveliness each left to this chaotic world. [4 October 2015]Good King Wenceslas (audio clip at that link) features words by John Mason Neale, who used the melody of "Tempus Adest Floridum" ("Spring has Unwrapped Her Flowers"), a thirteenth-century Latin carol. Listen to audio clips by Mel Torme, Loreena McKennitt, and the Harry Simeone Chorale. [29 December 2005]
Good Life, words and music by Kevin Saunderson, Paris Gray, and R. Holman, was a huge club hit for the group Inner City. Listen to an audio clip of this hot dance recording here. [12 August 2006]
The Good Life, words by Jack Reardon, music by Sascha Distel, was featured on the soundtrack to the 1962 film, "The Seven Deadly Sins." The song was a hit for Tony Bennett, who celebrates his 80th birthday this month. Listen to an audio clip here from the fabulous album "I Wanna Be Around." And join us for the next Twelve Days of Tony! [13 August 2006]
Good Love, by Gary Taylor, is delivered soulfully by Anita Baker in a "sleaze-beat" rhythm (the so-called "morning music" of the DJ: a slow and sexy dance rhythm hovering around 100 beats-per-minute). Delicious. Listen to an excerpt at amazon.com (though they leave out the best parts). [14 October 2004]
Good Morning Heartache, words and music by Ervin M. Drake, Dan Fisher, and Irene Higginbotham, has been recorded by many artists. But the most memorable and poignant version is by Billie Holiday. Listen to an audio clip of that recording here. [15 December 2005]
The Good Son ("Opening Credits") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is from the Ian McEwan-penned 1993 thriller starring Elijah Wood and Macaulay Culkin (not the relatively innocent "Home Alone" kid here!). The film harks back to a 1956 film, "The Bad Seed," with a different ending, for sure. The score is among the best aspects of the movie! [18 February 2021]
The Good Son ("End Credits") [YouTube link], composed by the legendary Elmer Bernstein, is a lush, melodic closing to the 1993 psychological thriller, starring Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood. This cue is more expansive in its motif and variations than the "opening credits" I featured in 2021. And it provides the "end credits" to my Nineteenth Annual Film Music February Festival. My loving thanks to my dear friend, Ryan Neugebauer, for introducing me to (or reminding me of) so many of the films and entries for this year's Festival. Till next year ... [28 February 2023]
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (Main Theme) was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone for the Sergio Leone-directed 1966 epic "Spaghetti Western" film. Today, Ennio Morricone, one of the most prolific film score composers of his generation, died at the age of 91. Check out the original soundtrack version and the 1968 Hugo Montenegro hit version [YouTube links]. Then, in keeping with our Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition), check out, from the 2007 tribute album, "We All Love Ennio Morricione" this Quincy Jones-Herbie Hancock collaboration, and a truly superb live jazz interpretation featuring Herbie, Steve Woods, and Patti Austin [YouTube links]. [6 July 2020]
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by the immortal Ennio Morricone for the 1966 "spaghetti Western", directed by Sergio Leone. The film was the third in the director's "Dollars Trilogy", which included 1964's "Fistful of Dollars" and 1965's "For a Few Dollars More". Morricone scored all three films, but this one is notable for its classic main theme heard prominently in this soundtrack suite. [11 February 2023]
Good Times, words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, first appeared on "Risque," the third studio album of the disco-soul group, Chic. It is one of the most sampled songs in the history of recorded music and is ranked by Rolling Stone as the #1 Summer Song of all time. Indeed, one of its classic samples was used in the 1979 party rap hit, "Rapper's Delight," which I featured on "My Favorite Songs" back on November 16, 2014. Forty-five years ago this summer, this song dominated the airwaves, becoming a #1 Hot 100 and #1 Hot Soul hit. Check out the original Chic classic [YouTube link]. [28 August 2024]
Goody Goody, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, music by Matty Malneck, is, along with such compositions as "I Wanna Be Around," one of the Classic "F*&% You" Songs in the Great American Songbook. Listen to audio clips from two different swingin' Ella Fitzgerald renditions here and here. [21 November 2005]
Got a Match? [YouTube link], composed by Chick Corea, appears on the 1986 album, "The Chick Corea Elektric Band", featuring Chick on keyboards, drummer Dave Weckl, bassist John Patitucci, and guitarists Scott Henderson nd Carlos Rios. The track is expressive of its title: it just burns. Hot as hell, with a tempo to match. Whew. (And check out this nice Jazz Violin Band version of the track [YouTube link].) When is Chick going to get his place among the honorees at the Kennedy Center? And while we're on the subject of this stupendous musician, check out how, over the years, he has reinterpreted his own composition, a modern jazz standard if ever there was one: "Spain," which opens with a paean to Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." Here it is in three different settings: the classic "Return to Forever" 1973 original, from "Light as a Feather" [YouTube link]; a 1999 version recorded for Sextet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, in three movements: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three [YouTube links]; and this 1989 Akoustic Band album version [YouTube link], which changes time signature and tempos (the group includes the drummer and bassist featured on today's Song of the Day). Just marvelous. While you're at it, check out Stevie Wonder's live-in-concert take on that Corea Classic and Stevie and Chick playing it live, together [YouTube link]. [20 January 2017]
Gotta See You Tonight, words and music by Paul Simpson, was a #1 dance hit in 1986, recorded by Barbara Roy. Listen here to an audio clip of this dance track, driven by a propulsive bass line. [11 April 2006]
Got to Be Real features words and music by David Paich, David Foster, and Cheryl Lynn, who sings like the R&B Disco Diva that she is. It's a mid-tempo dance classic. Listen to an audio clip from the "Will & Grace" soundtrack here. [25 May 2005]
Got To Get You Into My Life, words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was a hit for the Beatles, from their album, "Revolver." Tomorrow, Paul McCartney turns 64. Yes, Sir Paul: We still need you! Like so many of the Lennon-McCartney songs, this one has been covered by many other artists (including my sister-in-law). Listen to audio clips of a hit rendition by Earth, Wind, and Fire and another by Ella Fitzgerald. [17 June 2006]
The Graduate ("Mrs. Robinson"), words and music by Paul Simon, first appeared in an early version in this 1967 film, which starred Anne Bancroft as the older Mrs. in question, and Dustin Hoffman as the younger Benjamin Braddock, whom she seduces. The complete version of the song debuted on the Simon & Garfunkel album, Bookends. The record won a Grammy Award in 1969 for "Record of the Year." And any record that mentions Yankee great Joe DiMaggio gets extra points. In celebration of movie music this month, and in recognition of the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, which air tonight, check out YouTube. [13 February 2011]
Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, written by Randy Brooks, was recorded by Dr. Elmo. This crazy comedy Christmas classic can be viewed on YouTube. And check out the rap version and the remix too. Today begins our Annual Holiday Music Tribute! [21 December 2007]
The Great Escape ("The Chase") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is just a snippet of the music that captures an heroic and thrillingly suspenseful scene from this superb 1963 World War II epic, directed by John Sturges with an all-star cast. Bernstein captures the suspense perfectly as we watch Steve McQueen (who plays "Hilts," the so-called "Cooler King"), an escapee from a German POW camp, hijack a German motorcycle in an attempt to make it to freedom. We use the word "iconic" a lot, but it's unavoidable: this is one iconic scene and among the most memorable moments in cinema history. McQueen did virtually all the driving himself, except for the final jump. Check out the full scene (edited) on YouTube. [22 February 2016]
The Great Escape ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is one of my all-time favorite themes from one of my all-time favorite POW adventures. And this 1963 film is full of adventure and suspense, with an all-star cast that included Steve McQueen in a iconic scene on a motorcycle trying to escape the Nazis. The film also featured the always affable, down-to-earth gentlemanly actor, James Garner, who passed away on 19 July 2014. [23 July 2014]
The Great Escape ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is a terrific complement to the suspense and thrills of this 1963 epic POW film, directed by John Sturges. The all-star cast includes Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough. It is said that Bernstein lived off the royalties to the film's popular score for the rest of his life. Not too shabby considering that he composed the scores for 150+ other films and nearly 80 television productions throughout his career. I will feature another Bernstein gem tomorrow. [21 February 2022]
The Greatest American Hero ("Believe It Or Not"), music by Mike Post, lyrics by Stephen Geyer, was a huge 1981 hit for Joey Scarbury, from a TV series that I never really watched. But, growing up, I confess... I really liked the theme. Check out the full-song on YouTube, with clips from the TV series. [15 September 2008]
Greek New Year Song is a traditional tune sung in many Greek households on this day. An audio clip of a "New Agey" version of it can be found here, by pianist George Skaroulis. It marks not only New Year's Day, but the feast of St. Basil the Great (Agios Vassilis, one of the saints of the Greek Orthodox Church in which I was baptized: The Three Hierarchs Church, founded by my maternal grandfather (the paternal side is Sicilian): the Rev. Vasilios P. Michalopoulos. There is currently a beautiful concrete monument to him in front of the church. It would have been his "name day" today, and it's my sister's name day too (Elizabeth, derived from Vasiliki). A Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! Chronia Polla! [1 January 2006]
Green River, words and music by John Fogerty, was the title track to the third studio album of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The song was a Certified Gold Single that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Check out the single version [YouTube link] and the live version [YouTube link] of the song, which the group performed on this very day fifty years ago at Woodstock (it was the second song in their set, which lasted from 12:30 a.m. to 1:20 a.m.). The song has been heard in several films through the years, including "The Post" (2017), in which it is used anachronistically---since it plays over a scene in 1966 Vietnam, three years before this single was released! One film that it was not heard in was "Easy Rider," which debuted on 14 July 1969 (during the same month that our song of the day was also released). This is therefore the Golden Anniversary Summer of a landmark "counterculture" film, which starred Peter Fonda, who, died at the age of 79 yesterday (16 August 2019). Fonda considered himself a part of the counterculture of the 1960s and was "Born to Be Wild" [YouTube link], indeed. It was all the more ironic then that, in 1999, he would receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for a Miniseries (for the Showtime movie version of Barbara Branden's book, "The Passion of Ayn Rand"), playing Frank O'Connor, opposite Helen Mirren, who assumed the role of his wife, Ayn Rand, and who would go on to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Television Movie. [17 August 2019]
Greensleeves, a traditional English ballad with no known composer, is said to have been written by King Henry VIII. Listen to a rendition by the Heavenly Harpist. My favorite version remains a playful one by jazz guitarist Chuck Wayne, whose recorded version for his superb album, "Tapestry," features Chuck on a very jazzy banjo. This seasonal favorite is in keeping with the day: Happy Winter Solstice! After today, the light begins its march back toward summer in the Northern Hemisphere! (So, uh, Happy Summer to my Southern Hemisphere friends...) Today also begins my annual 12+ days of Christmas songs and seasonal favorites. (Last year's list was kicked off here and here.) [21 December 2005]
Gremlins 1 ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by the late Jerry Goldsmith, features highlights from this 1984 comedy-horror hybrid. It embodies elements of both genres. Today begins a four-day celebration of the wonderful Goldsmith and his artistry. He has composed some of my all-time favorite scores, from "Alien," "The Omen," and "Planet of the Apes" to "Chinatown" and "L.A. Confidential." Tomorrow marks the 92nd anniversary of Goldsmith's birth. [9 February 2021]
Gremlins 2 ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who was born on this date in 1929. Having composed the score to the original "Gremlins" (1984), he returned in 1990 to compose the score to its sequel, "Gremlins 2: The New Batch." Opening with a bow to that classic "Merrie Melodies" cartoon theme [YouTube link], this soundtrack suite captures a "new batch" of cues, some macabre, some comedic, all perfectly integrated. [10 February 2021]
Grenade features the words and music of Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Claude Kelly, Andrew Wyatt, Brody Brown, and Bruno Mars, who recorded the song for his debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans." The song ranks with some of the best F-U pop songs of relationships (sing it Ella!) gone wrong (the Great Tony and Eydie too!). Mars is today's birthday boy; he has a new album coming out soon. Check out the official video of one of his best [YouTube link]. [8 October 2012]
The Groove Line features the words and music of Rod Temperton, who would later compose such classic Michael Jackson hits as "Thriller." This song was one of the best dance tracks of 1978, recorded by the R&B-funk-disco band, Heatwave for their album, "Central Heating." Check out the single version and the extended 12" version, and "leave your worries behind . . ." [19 March 2012]
Groundhog Day ("I Got You Babe"), words and music by Sonny Bono, was a huge hit for Sonny & Cher, peaking at #1 for three weeks in August 1965. It is also the song heard over and over again in this 1993 film that TV weatherman Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) wakes up to every morning in a seemingly endless time-loop, covering the findings of Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day, which just so happens to be today! (In New York, we rely on Staten Island Chuck, who has had a habit of biting past NYC Mayors.) Here's to the Groundhogs that do not see their shadows; we can use an early Spring! [2 February 2019]
Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was introduced by Jane Withers in the 1944 Philadelphia stage show, "Glad to See You," which never quite made it to Broadway. This song was one of those saved by Sinatra's rendition of it. Indeed, it wasn't until it appeared on Sinatra's 1958 album, "Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely," that the song became a hit, and a jazz standard sung by vocalists and played by many jazz instrumentalists thereafter. Sinatra's way with a ballad led jazz legends like trumpeter Miles Davis and tenor saxophonist Lester Young to sing his praises. Miles once said that when he played "Porgy and Bess," a collaboration with the great arranger, Gil Evans, he wanted his trumpet to sound like Frank Sinatra. Both Miles and Lester wanted their solos to tell a story, in the way that Sinatra had perfected vocally. Even Quincy Jones maintained that Sinatra used his voice like a jazz saxophonist. The Enny Monaco Quartet ["Sinatra on Sax"] would agree, as would jazz pianist Oscar Peterson [YouTube links]. This song is also featured on Disc 2 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Check it out on YouTube. [1 December 2015]
Guess Who I Saw Today, music by Murray Grand, lyrics by Elisse Boyd, was originally written for "New Faces of 1952," a Broadway musical revue by Leonard Sillman, and sung by June Carroll [YouTube link]. The song was later recorded in 1957 by both Carmen McRae and Eydie Gorme [YouTube links]. But it became a signature tune for jazz song stylist Nancy Wilson, who recorded the song for her second album, "Something Wonderful," released in 1960. I learned today that Nancy Wilson passed away yesterday at the age of 81 after a long illness. One of my all-time favorite singers, whose music filled the air of my youth, Nancy Wilson was one of those singers with a truly distinctive style. Check out the album version of this song, with its Billy May arrangement, as well as two live presentations, which combine her singular interpretive style with an understanding of both the comedic and dramatic elements of performance: a 1987 Newport Jazz Festival appearance and a 1994 concert (with a tip of the hat to "Miss Otis Regrets") [YouTube links]. RIP, Nancy. You will be greatly missed. [14 December 2018]
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner ("The Glory of Love"), with words and music by Billy Hill, was recorded in May 1936, becoming a #1 pop hit by the great clarinetist Benny Goodman and his Orchestra, featuring Helen Ward on vocals [YouTube link; and check out this sweet clip of BG with Ella and Peggy Lee doing the song). Ironically, given the subject matter of our film choice today, it's worth noting that the King of Swing was one of the most heroic musicians of his era, "swinging" a bat at the notion of segregation in jazz, and in music, working with Fletcher Henderson, who wrote wonderful arrangements for BG's big band, and forming an original trio and quartet, which featured two African-Americans, respectively, pianist Teddy Wilson and vibes player Lionel Hampton (and later, the trailblazing guitarist Charlie Christian, who was a featured player in Goodman's Sextet and Big Band). On tour, Goodman refused to play in "Jim Crow" Southern states that required the exclusion of his black musicians. Years later, in 1951, the Five Keys took the song to #1 on the R&B chart [YouTube link]. And it has been recorded by countless artists since, making its way into many films as well, from the 1988 tearjerker, "Beaches" (check out Bette Midler's rendition [YouTube link]), to the 1981 film "Pennies from Heaven" and the 2009 horror film, "Orphan." But no film used this song to greater effect than this Stanley Kramer-directed 1967 movie, on our tribute list today. The film is "dated" in some respects, but it boasts a wonderful cast, headed by Spencer Tracy, in his last film role (he received a posthumous Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category), Katharine Hepburn, who won the Oscar for Best Actress (and who repeated that feat the following year for her brilliant performance in "The Lion in Winter," tying with Barbra Streisand, who received the Oscar for her terrific film debut in "Funny Girl"). In any event, the issues with which this film deals were controversial in its day, but the problems surrounding racism, integration, segregation, and the institution of marriage itself remain with us. After all, in this film, Sidney Poitier, who gives us a typically fine performance, wants to marry Tracy and Hepburn's daughter (played by her real-life niece Katharine Houghton), and when the film was released, it was only six months after the last 17 states in the United States were forced to recognize interracial marriage, because the U.S. Supreme Court had finally struck down antimiscegenation laws (with obvious parallels to the more recent debate over same-sex marriage). Sadly, Tracy had actually passed away two weeks after filming his final scene in the movie, and two days after the Court's decision. His character goes through immense pain dealing with the issue of knowing that his daughter could marry a "colored" man, and that they would be tortured by the harsh cultural forces around them, forces that exist till this day. But his character undergoes a transformation throughout the course of the film, and his final monologue [YouTube link] becomes, in essence, a paean to "The Glory of Love" [YouTube link]. [4 February 2016]
Gunga Din ("Across the Bridge / Battle at Tantrapur") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, is from the 1939 George Stevens-directed adventure film, starring Sam Jaffe in the title role, along with Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Victor McLaglen. Loosely based on the 1890 Rudyard Kipling poem, the film concludes with the same classic line: "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din." But the movie offers up quite an adventure, both comedic and tragic, before we get to that conclusion. There's been a long debate over the film's legacy, its British colonialist and racist subtext, and the controversial use of dark make-up in Hollywood. That said, this cue from the score by Alfred Newman is one of his most stirring, a highlight from Hollywood's Golden Year of 1939. The movie's adventurous scenes influenced Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", and its composer, Alfred Newman, had a significant impact on Spielberg's musical comrade, John Williams, to whom our attention turns tomorrow. [3 February 2024]
Guys and Dolls ("Luck Be a Lady"), music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, was among those songs to grace this 1950 Broadway musical that won the Tony Award for Best Musical. It is also an appropriate song for the day; like in the musical, the action takes place in New York, and nothing is needed more than Luck, for today, American Pharoah races for The Triple Crown at Belmont Park. Check out the original Broadway version sung by Robert Alda (as the character "Sky Masterson") and the 1955 film version delivered by Marlon Brando. Check out other wonderful treatments of the song by Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. And Go American Pharoah! [6 June 2015]
Gypsy ("Let Me Entertain You"), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is the perfect way to start off our mini-tribute to Broadway musicals, as we approach the Tony Awards, which will air live Sunday, June 7th, on CBS. In the original Jerome Robbins-directed and choreographed1959 production, which did not win in any of the eight categories for which it was nominated, this tune is performed by Sandra Church [YouTube link], who plays the celebrated striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. It was also performed in the 1962 film version by Natalie Wood [YouTube link]. [1 June 2015]
Hacksaw Ridge ("One at a Time") [YouTube link], composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, encapsulates an extraordinary motif in this shattering 2016 film, which tells the story of Desmond Doss, who served as a conscientious objector during World War II, receiving the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of an estimated 75 infantrymen in the Battle of Okinawa, one man at a time. Andrew Garfield, who played Spiderman in two films, plays real-life superhero Doss, who refused to even hold a gun or to kill another human being in military engagement, but vowed to save human life as a medic on the battlefield. It is a role for which Garfield has earned a well-deserved 2016 Best Actor Oscar nomination. I have seen many films concerning "war and peace" in my life, and this Mel Gibson-directed Oscar-nominated Best Picture, which depicts all of the unspeakable horrors and miraculous heroism of battle, easily makes my Top Ten-ish list in that cinematic genre. [Ed: See also Lawrence Read's FEE essay, "Hacksaw Ridge Deserves an Oscar for Redefining Heroism."] [25 February 2017]
Hallelujah features the words and music of Leonard Cohen, who passed away on Monday, November 7th, at the age of 82. Featured on his 1984 album, "Various Positions," the song would go on to much fame in film ("Shrek"), and in renditions by John Cale, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. lang, the jazz-infused Lon Hope, the "Gentle" alto Sax, Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris, and our newest Nobel laureate for literature, poet-folk-rocker Bob Dylan [YouTube links]. But in remembrance of the remarkable songbook he left behind, it's fitting to return to the Cohen original [YouTube link]. RIP, Leonard. [12 November 2016]
Happy Christmas ("War is Over") features the words and music of Yoko Ono and John Lennon. Lennon was tragically killed forty years ago on 8 December 2020, but this 1971 Christmas song remains one of the artist's signature post-Beatles tracks (with the Harlem Community Choir), a quintessential expression of his peace activism---and of this holiday's message of peace on earth, goodwill toward all. Check out the song on YouTube. Tomorrow, I'll post a new Christmas song. But today, it's a Merry Christmas Eve ... and don't forget to check out Santa's NORAD status across the globe! [24 December 2020]
This Happy Madness (Estrada Branca), music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, with English lyrics by Gene Lees, was recorded by Jobim and Francis Albert Sinatra, who was born on this date 101 years ago today. Readers might recall that last year I did a three-week tribute in song on the occasion of the Sinatra Centenary. But December 12th never ceases to be a day to honor Ol' Blue Eyes. This particular song was recorded for the album, "Sinatra & Company," released in 1971, but is also to be found on the wonderful "Complete Reprise Recordings" of Sinatra and Jobim. A wonderful day to celebrate the talents of two of the finest artists to have ever graced this planet. Check out this lovely song on YouTube. [12 December 2016]
Happy New Year, words and music by Gordon Jenkins, is featured on the 1957 studio album, "Alone," by Judy Garland. It has a certain sadness to it, but given the recent resurgence of interest in Judy (see the 2019 film with Rene Zellweger), I thought it was a poignant way of bringing in the new year [YouTube link]. To better days in 2020, filled with love, health, and happiness! [1 January 2020]
Happy New Year [YouTube link], words and music by Bill Katz and Ruth Roberts, was recorded by the McGuire Sisters (for their 1958 album, "Greetings from the McGuire Sisters"). It's not well known, but it's full of all the joy and promise of the holiday. A Happy and Healthy New Year: Here's to a better 2021! [And RIP, Phyllis McGuire, last surviving member of the trio!] [1 January 2021]
Hard Day, with words and music by George Michael, is posted on a day on which we honor the memory of the late Michael Jackson, while also celebrating the birthday of the late George Michael. This song can be found on the singer's 1987 first solo album, "Faith"; it went to the top 5 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart. Check out the funky single and the Shep Pettibone 12" remix. [25 June 2017b]
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing had multiple origins, including the music from an 1840 cantata "Festgesang no. 7" by German composer Felix Mendelssohn and the words of such writers as Charles Wesley. Listen to an audio clip from Andy Williams. [29 December 2004]
Harlem Nocturne, composed by Earle Hagen, has been recorded by many artists since 1940. It was even heard as a jazzy signature theme for the TV series, "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer," in the mid-1980s. Listen to an audio clip of Herbie Fields, perhaps the most famous version. [27 May 2006]
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ("Harry's Wondrous World") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is a truly wondrous exploration of the main themes that are heard in this 2002 film, second in the brilliant fantasy series based on the books of J. K. Rowling. [19 February 2015]
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ("Dragon Flight"), composed by Alexandre Desplat, is one of the most exhilarating musical moments of the fantastic 2011 final film in the Harry Potter film franchise. Check this out on YouTube. Though Desplat's wonderful soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media" in 2012, it lost to "The King's Speech," composed by Alexandre Desplat! Last night's Grammy's had just as many surprises. [11 February 2013]
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ("Showdown") [YouTube link], composed by Alexandre Desplat, encompasses all the passion of the ultimate film of the great series of feature films dramatizing the ultimate showdown between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. A truly terrific piece from a truly terrific scene, illustrating the art, and the power, of a great score. (If you ask me, the people who give out Oscars truly missed the boat, so-to-speak, in virtually ignoring all the films of this series.) [26 February 2014]
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 ("Snape's Demise") [YouTube link], composed by Alexandre Desplat, is an amalgam of several themes from the climactic final film of this classic fantasy series, based on the J. K. Rowling novels Alas, today, we mourn the passing of actor Alan Rickman, who embodied the character Severus Snape in each of the eight feature films of that remarkable series. It is two weeks into the New Year, and we've already lost high profile artists Natalie Cole, David Bowie, and Alan Rickman. We mourn even for Celine Dion, whose husband, Rene Angelil, lost his long battle against cancer. There is nothing unusual about witnessing such a natural part of the life process on a daily basis, but I didn't expect Notablog to become an almost hourly obituary; we'll take it as it comes. [14 January 2016]
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ("Mischief Managed!") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is a grand suite from the 2004 third installment of the eight films that make up the most successful film franchise in cinema history. [20 February 2015]
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ("Hedwig's Theme") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the prolific John Williams, derives from the 2001 Oscar-nominated and Grammy-nominated score for the first film in the Harry Potter franchise, one of my all-time favorite fantasy series. The theme became the central musical leitmotif of the entire series, as powerful a contribution to thematic cinema scoring as any that Williams has ever made in his remarkable career. Happy 80th Birthday to the Maestro! Bravo! [8 February 2012]
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, contains all those original, charming, magical qualities that served as the musical backdrop for one of the most successful and entertaining franchises in film history. Williams received an Oscar nomination for the score to this 2001 film. Today begins five days of suites dedicated to Williams, the oldest Oscar nominee in Academy Award history, as we approach his 91st birthday. [4 February 2023]
The Hateful Eight ("L'Ultima Diligenza Di Red Rock"), composed by Ennio Morricone, can be heard in the 2015 film, directed by Quentin Tarrantino. It was the first Western---since 1981's "Buddy Goes West"---that Morricone scored in 34 years. And it was well worth the wait! In 2007, Morricone had won an Honorary Oscar for his "magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music." But this soundtrack, which won a Golden Globe, gave Morricone his first and only Oscar for Best Original Score. [27 February 2023]
Have a Heart, music by jazz pianist Gene DiNovi, lyrics by the great Johnny Mercer, is featured on jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson's album, "A Touch of Today." This LP was regularly spinning on the Sciabarra family turntable from the time of its release in May 1966, and till this day, I could hear my mother's voice singing along to all its tracks. This was one of her favorites, and one of mine. This song and this album were also a comfort to her for the five years that she fought gallantly against small cell lung cancer, before dying, at home, in the presence of her children, at the age of 76, at 2:37 a.m. on this date back in 1995. It was, ironically, Greek Orthodox Good Friday, and given that her full name in Greek was Anastasia (everybody called her Ann or Anna), her Greek Name Day would have been Easter (derived from the Greek word for "resurrection"). Twenty-five years have come and gone since that night, but mom's voice still fills our memories: "Have a heart and when you do, have a heart! For a heart that beats for you!" She left behind family and friends whose lives have been touched forever by her strength, her support, and her love. Our hearts keep that love alive. Check out Nancy Wilson's rendition of this gentle song [YouTube link]. [As I said on YouTube: "One of my mother's all-time favorite songs from one of her all-time favorite albums. She's gone 25 years (21 April 1995), but the music and the memories never end."] [21 April 2020]
Have a Wonderful Christmas Day, words, music, and arrangement by my friend, Roger Bissell, is delivered in a sweet a cappella version, in which his immensely talented grandson, "Super Milesio" [YouTube channel], sings all nine parts! My best wishes to all my colleagues, friends, and family for a wonderful Christmas Day! Check out this wonderful song [YouTube link]! [25 December 2020]
Have You Met Miss Jones?, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is from the 1937 Broadway musical "I'd Rather Be Right." My brother, guitarist Carl Barry, along with his guitar pal Jack Wilkins, played this tune at a jazz guitar tribute to Tal Farlow, and the guys brought down the house. I don't have an audio clip of that duet, but you can listen to a full-length live club clip of Carl with guitarist Joe Giglio (Carl is in the right-hand speaker). Today is the 60th annual Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall; listen to audio clips of renditions of this Broadway nugget by Louis Armstrong, a scatting Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Robbie Williams, Phil Woods and Stephane Grappelli, and a live version by Tony Bennett. [11 June 2006]
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, music by Hugh Martin, lyrics by Ralph Blane, has been sung by artists as diverse as Judy Garland (original version in the 1944 film, "Meet Me in St. Louis") and James Taylor (on his fine album, "October Road"; check out Taylor's full, sensitive treatment of the song here). [4 January 2005]
Hawaii Five-0 ("Main Theme") composed by Mort Stevens, conjures up images of that tropical surfer wave in the opening title sequence. Book 'em, Danno! Murder One! Listen to an audio clip here. [12 September 2005]
The Hawaiians ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, opens the 1970 film I saw (a sequel of sorts to "Hawaii," covering the later chapters of James Michener's book) at the Somer Highway Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, where its star Charlton Heston made an appearance to promote the film. I was awestruck; I could not believe the redness of his hair or all the freckles. Just the previous year, I'd seen "Ben-Hur" for the first time, at the Palace Theatre, and here he was in Brooklyn: Judah Ben-Hur, Michelangelo, Moses in the flesh. Anyway, today begins my annual film music tribute, now beginning its ninth consecutive year, leading up to the 86th Annual Academy Awards. [1 February 2014]
Here I Am, music and lyrics by William Shelby, Nidra Beard, Melvin Gentry, and Belinda Lipscomb, was performed by the group Dynasty. The song encapsulates that late '70s-early '80s R&B "SOLAR" sound that I love so much. Listen to an audio clip here. [9 May 2005]
Heartbreaker, words and music by G. Gill and C. Wade, was recorded in typically fiery form by Pat Benatar. "Your love is like a tidal wave," and that's how this song feels ... with the volume way up. Listen to a clip at amazon.com. [10 November 2004]
Heart of Glass features the words and music of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry, who as the lead singer of the new wave group, Blondie, took this song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. The song is featured on the band's third studio album, "Parallel Lines" (1978). Check out the Stanley Dorfman-directed
video, the 12" dance remix, the Shep Pettibone 1988 remix, and the Philip Glass "Crabtree" remix. In 2014, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, with producer Bob Sinclar recorded a charity single cover version of this song; check out the video. But in my mind, I always hear the voice of Debbie Harry, who today celebrates her 74th birthday! [1 July 2019]Heartstopper ("First Sight") [YouTube link], composed by Adiescar Chase, is one of the many original themes heard in this coming of age British romantic comedy-drama series that, in its debut 2022 season, won five Children's and Family Emmy Awards. Based on the Alice Oseman graphic novels, this popular Netflix show offers an affirmative and poignant exploration of the glories of love and friendship---in all their rainbow hues. I'm looking forward to Season 3 in 2024. Check out the "first sight" meeting of Charlie and Nick, during which this sweet theme is heard [YouTube links]. [16 August 2023]
Heat Wave, composed by the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team of Motown, was a huge Top 5 hit in 1963 for Martha and the Vandellas. Twelve years later, it went into the Top 5 again with a Linda Ronstadt reboot. Nothing like a Heat Wave to bring in the Dog Days of August! Check out the original Martha and the Vandellas recording and Linda Ronstadt's rendition as well [YouTube links]. [1 August 2024]
Heaven Can Wait features the Oscar-nominated score of composer Dave Grusin. It's one of my favorite cinema comedies (actually an adaptation of Harry Segall's 1938 play of the same name, and a remake of the 1941 film, "Here Comes Mr. Jordan"). But it's also a movie whose final sequences take place at the Super Bowl. And that's where the New York Giants are today, facing off with their arch football rivals, the New England Patriots, whom Big Blue beat at the 2007 Super Bowl. (Okay, okay, I'll give handsome Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady 1/2 of 1 point, just for admitting to a "man-crush" on New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.) But I say: One Mo' Time! Go Eli Manning! Go Giants! And Go Grusin for capturing so many moods in his kaleidoscopic main theme from this 1978 film (YouTube clip at that link). [5 February 2012]
Hello, Dolly! ("Before the Parade Passes By"), music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, was featured in the 1964 Broadway musical that clobbered yesterday's "Funny Girl" at the Tony Awards that year. It won a then-record 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Carol Channing). Ironically, Streisand, who lost the Tony to Channing, would go on to star in the 1969 film version of the musical. In any event, this year, it is nominated in the Best Musical Revival category, with Bette Midler receiving a nomination for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical." Check out the original Carol Channing rendition and Bette Midler's rendition. And so concludes our mini-Tony tribute; check out the Awards tonight. [11 June 2017]
Hello Dolly ("Hello Dolly") is the memorable theme from the 1964 Broadway blockbuster that featured the music and lyrics of Jerry Herman. The musical faced stiff competition from Barbra Streisand's sparkling star turn in the Broadway production of "Funny Girl," but it swept the night, winning 10 Tony Awards, including one for Carol Channing over Streisand. Streisand would later win a 1970 Special Tony Award for "Star of the Decade." And it is not without some irony that she went on to play the Dolly role that Carol Channing made famous in the Gene Kelly-directed 1969 film adaptation of the musical. So here's a nice line-up for comparison: the original Channing rendition with the ensemble, the Streisand film version, which included Louis Armstrong, and, my favorite version of all time: the Louis Armstrong solo version [all YouTube links], which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 9, 1964, ending 14 consecutive weeks at #1, dominated by various singles from an obscure British band. [9 June 2016]
Hello, Frisco, Hello ("You'll Never Know"), music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Mack Gordon, was introduced in the 1943 film by Alice Faye, but it has had many memorable renditions, including those of Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes, Rosemary Clooney with the great trumpeter Harry James, Shirley Bassey, and was the first song ever recorded by Babs [YouTube links]. This standard from the Great American Songbook received an Oscar for Best Original Song. [12 February 2015]
Hell to Eternity ("Main Title") [YouTube link], music by Leith Stevens (who provided that great score for the splendid 1953 George Pal production of "War of the Worlds"), is an appropriate theme to highlight on this day of remembrance, a day we forget at our peril, when the United States government opened internment camps during World War II for Japanese Americans. The 1960 film stars Jeffrey Hunter, along with David Janssen (who played Dr. Richard Kimble in the trailblazing TV series, "The Fugitive"). It is a biopic about Marine hero Guy Gabaldon Pfc. (played by Hunter), who went on to fight in the Pacific theater of the war, using his considerable Japanese language skills in the Battle of Saipan, where he persuaded the Japanese commander to order the surrender of about 1000 troops and 500 civilians. [19 February 2017]
Help!, words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was a #1 Billboard pop hit in 1965, the title track from the rollicking Richard Lester-directed Beatles film. A classic foot-tappin' Beatles melody. [26 March 2005]
The Help ("Swingin' on a Rainbow"), words and music by Peter De Angelis and Robert Marcucci, was recorded originally by Frankie Avalon as the title track of his 1959 album. Anything with Frankie Avalon's name attached to it brings to mind films with beaches, blankets, and bingo. But this swingin' song was among the "source music" used in this critically acclaimed 2011 period film set in the Civil Rights era of the early 1960s. Source music can play a crucial role in the cinema, providing an aural authenticity to films with an historical setting. Check out the teen idol's swingin' song on YouTube. [21 February 2017]
Help! ("Ticket to Ride"), music and lyrics by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was recorded 50 years ago on this date. It was released in April of that year, and is actually the first single from the Beatles's comic odyssey, "Help!." The Golden Anniversary of the film and the music in it gives us an opportunity to celebrate, once again, the impact of the Beatles on pop music. Check out the #1 Billboard hit on YouTube (and check out a live version of the title track from the film). I know the wonderful "A Hard Day's Night" (1964), is considered the greater artistic achievement, but "Help!" was, in my view, just a more fun film to watch (with little nods to the cultural phenomena of the day, including Bond, James Bond). [15 February 2015]
Here Comes the Waves ("Ac-Cent-TchuAte the Positive"), music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was written in 1944 and heard on the radio documentary, 'Pop Chronicles." It was later featured in the 1944 film, "Here Comes the Waves," in a rendition by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters [YouTube link]. [10 February 2016]
Here Comes Santa Claus, words and music by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, is another holiday favorite. Listen to an audio clip of the Gene Autry version. [23 December 2007]
Here Come the Yankees is music to my ears, given that today is the opening of baseball's 2004 post-season. The New York Yankees face-off against the Minnesota Twins in the American League Division Series. GO YANKS! [5 October 2004]
Here's that Rainy Day, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke, is a standard that has been performed by singers such as Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald and instrumentalists such as Paul Desmond and Stan Getz. The song actually originates from a 6-performance 1953 Broadway flop, "Carnival in Flanders," which starred John Raitt (father of Bonnie Raitt). Listen to a Nancy Wilson audio clip here. [26 January 2005]
He's a Pretender, words and music by G. Goetzman and M. Piccirillo, was the lead 1983 single of the Motown group High Inergy, from their final album "Groove Patrol." This song was a Top 30 Dance Hit on the Billboard Dance Chart. And it was performed with high energy in a "Can't Stop" medley with DeBarge on the classic special "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever." It was a performance, no doubt, a little vague in the minds of many, because it was on that special that Michael Jackson performed with the Jackson Five, before showing the world how to moonwalk in an unforgettable rendition of "Billie Jean" [YouTube link]. Speaking of Jackson, his sister Latoya did a version of this song as well, as did Jennifer Holliday [YouTube links]. Nevertheless, check out the original High Inergy single and their Motown performance with DeBarge of this rhythmic track, part of our Saturday Night Dance Party [YouTube links] and perfect for the political season, full of those "pretenders" seeking election or re-election. [6 August 2016]
Higher Ground,
words, music, and electric performance by
Stevie Wonder, is rockin' funk incarnate. Listen to an audio clip
here and to a
Red Hot Chili Peppers version too. [27 September 2005]
Higher Love
features the words and music of
Will Jennings and
Steve Winwood, who
took this song from his album "Back
in the High Life" to
#1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August of 1986. The female vocals on
the single were provided by
Chaka Khan, who also appeared in the
music video [YouTube
link].
Tomorrow, we get back to our
Woodstock Edition of the Summer Music Festival,
but today, we mark the date, 56 years ago, when
Whitney Houston was
born.
It turns out that despite having left a remarkable
discography
to
posterity,
Whitney actually recorded this song in 1990 (produced by
Narada Michael
Walden) for her third studio album, "I'm
Your Baby Tonight" (and what a
great song that was
[YouTube link]!), but it appeared only on the album's Japanese release.
So her current single is
the first posthumously released recording to hit the Hot 100 since her untimely death in
2012. Check out
Whitney's live performance of the song and the
Kygo-produced remix
released last month as well as the slammin'
Stormby Club Mix
[YouTube links].
The song is already a
Top 5 Dance Club Track, peaking at #2 as well on the
Hot Dance /
Electronic Songs Chart. [9 August 2019]
High Hopes features the words and music of a host of writers, including lead singer Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, which brought this song to #1 on five Billboard charts and into the Top Five of the Hot 100---the biggest hit in the band's chart history. Winner of the Top Rock Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards and of the MTV Best Rock Video, this upbeat song, telling us to "go make a legacy," was the second single from the band's sixth studio album, "Pray for the Wicked." Not to be confused with that great Sinatra tune [YouTube link] from the 1959 film, "A Hole in the Head", check out this song's award-winning official video [YouTube]. With this track, we've hit Song of the Day #1776! Think of the Declaration of Independence! The Wealth of Nations! Or just keep on dancin'... [11 March 2020]
High Society ("Now You Has Jazz"), written by Cole Porter for this 1956 film, which was a musical version of the "The Philadelphia Story" (1939 play), subsequently made into a 1940 romantic comedy with Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn (who starred in the Broadway play), and James Stewart. The musical has an all-star cast as well: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Louis Armstrong as himself. Check out this wonderful scene, with Pops offering his "definition" of jazz, by just blowing that great horn, playing and interplaying with Crosby at his best [YouTube link]. For the next few days, we're turning a little attention to Crosby, who contributed so much music to the film score soundtrack of our lives. [9 February 2016]
High Society ("Well, Did You Evah?"), written by Cole Porter for the soundtrack to the 1956 film, but originally written for the 1939 Broadway musical, "DuBarry Was a Lady," which starred Bert Lahr, Betty Grable, and Ethel Merman. Gene Kelly, Red Skelton, and Lucille Ball starred in a film version later that year that dispensed with much of Porter's score. But those songs enjoyed a resurrection in "High Society." This particular song is an witty duet in the 1956 musical comedy, featuring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra at their best; their ad libs kept the song fresh, playfully referring to their generational and intergenerational appeal with a series of "wink-winks" to its audience. Going full circle, we conclude our mini-Bing tribute within our ongoing film music February. Check out two pros who had an innate ability to charm the camera [YouTube link]. [12 February 2016]
Hi Lili Hi Lo, music by Bronislau Kaper, lyrics by Helen Deutsch, was first recorded by Dinah Shore in 1952 (YouTube clip at that link), but the song was featured in the 1953 movie "Lili," starring Leslie Caron, who performed a duet with Mel Ferrer in the film [YouTube link]. Kaper, who wrote one of my all-time favorite film songs ("Invitation"), won the Oscar for this film's soundtrack for "Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture." But by far, my all-time favorite instrumental of this sweet song is that performed by the trailblazing pianist Bill Evans and the stupdendous bassist Eddie Gomez on their incomparable duet album, "Intuition" [check out that version at this YouTube link]. That album, a Desert Island Disc if ever there were one, also features tc he duo's equally incomparable version of Kaper's "Invitation" (YouTube clip at that link). [6 February 2013]
Hitch it to the Horse, words and music by Jesse James, was a 1968 pop and R&B hit for Fantastic Johnny C. (Johnny Corley). Drawing on the James-penned hit, "The Horse," which we featured on Triple Crown Day, this song implores us to do "the funky walk." Check out the original single and a 2003 cover by Latin jazz artist Poncho Sanchez, which features a nice sax solo to accompany its soulful funky beat [YouTube links]. [30 June 2018]
Holding On (full-length version at that link), music and lyrics by Philip Verdi and Joanne Barry, is the title track from the Joanne and Carl Barry album. This gorgeous song is a perfect tribute to today's birthday girl: the vocalist, Joanne Barry, who happens to be my sister-in-law. Happy birthday, with much love! [5 September 2008]
Hole in the Head ("High Hopes"), music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, became a hit for one of the stars of this 1959 Frank Capra comedy, Frank Sinatra, a singer who took up quite a bit of cyber-ink by this writer at the close of 2015. The film's score was written by Nelson Riddle, but it was Miklos Rozsa who took home the Score Gold in 1959. Nevertheless, it was Jimmy and Sammy who walked away with the Oscar for Best Original Song for this hit record. It was one of the few Oscars "Ben-Hur" didn't win that year, having walked away with 11 statuettes that till this day remains a record, tied twice thereafter, but never beaten. The song was later adapted with substitute lyrics in Sinatra's campaign for JFK. Check out the original, the song as heard and seen in the film, and the campaign rendition. [5 February 2016]
Holiday, words and music by Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens, spent five weeks as the #1 Billboard Dance Club Song for Madonna from her 1983 self-titled debut album. The song was produced by the famous South Bronx DJ John "Jellybean" Benitez. We post it today as part of our Summer "Saturday Night Dance Party," extended into a Tuesday, in celebration of Madonna's birthday. Like Prince and Michael Jackson, she was a 1958 baby. Unlike them, she is still with us. As an honored member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she has carved a remarkable career. And having seen her in concert, I can say she gives a great show and honors all of those, including her fallen comrades, who have had an impact on her music. Check out the original album track and her original video (made with considerably less production value than the videos to come!) [YouTube links]. Then check out this massive mash-up [YouTube link] with the classic R&B hit, "And the Beat Goes On," by The Whispers (one of my all-time favorite SOLAR groups). [16 August 2016]
Holiday Inn ("Be Careful, It's My Heart"), words and music by Irving Berlin, was originally slated to be the big hit from that 1942 film, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. But it got eclipsed by a little song about a "White Christmas" that sold 50 million copies, making it the Guinness Book world record holder as the best-selling single of all time. Still, this song is a sweet addition to the film. Check out the "holiday" scene in which it is featured [YouTube link]. And a Happy Valentine's Day to All! [14 February 2023]
A Holly Jolly Christmas, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks, has been recorded by several artists, including Burl Ives and Alan Jackson (audio clips at those links). I was first introduced to this song as a kid, in my annual viewing of one of my favorite animated Christmas tales of all time: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." [26 December 2007]
Hollywood Canteen ("What Are You Doin' the Rest of Your Life?"), words by Ted Koehler, music by Burton Lane, can be heard in this 1944 film performed by Jack Carson and Jane Wyman (with the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra) [YouTube link]. Not to be confused with, perhaps, my favorite song of all time, the very first entry ever featured on "My Favorite Songs" (written by yesterday's birthday boy, Michel Legrand), this song, nonetheless, is a musical highlight of the Canteen film. It was also recorded in 1945 by Vaughn Monroe [YouTube link]. [25 February 2018]
Hollywood Tonight features the words and music of Brad Buxer, Teddy Riley, and Michael Jackson, who, on this date in 2009, passed away at the age of 50. This was the second single released from the 2011 posthumous album, "Michael" The video is a paean to Jackson in every way, and the lead dancer, Sofia Botella knocks it out of the park in getting down some of MJ's classic dance moves. The track went to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart, and it's not hard to see why. Check out the original mix (and video), the Throwback Mix, and DJ Chuckie Mix [YouTube links]. This is the official start of our "Saturday Night Dance Party," where every Saturday from now until the end of summer, a dance floor staple from the 1970s to today will be the featured "song of the day." What better way to kick off our celebration of the dance floor (and many New Yorkers will be dancing at the weekend's Gay Pride Events) than to remember the King of Pop whose music and talent as the quintessential "song and dance" man of his generation still uplifts the spirit, even on a sad June day of remembrance. [25 June 2016]
(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays, music by Robert Allen, lyrics by Al Stillman, was popularized by Perry Como (YouTube moment at that link). And check out another YouTube moment with the Carpenters. So ends our mini-holiday tribute. A Happy and a Healthy New Year to all! [1 January 2009]
Home Room ("Going Home") [site link] was composed by my colleague and friend, Michael Gordon Shapiro, for a 2002 film, starring Erika Christensen, Busy Philipps, and Victor Garber, dealing with the traumatic psychological effects in the aftermath of a school shooting. It is a phenomenon that continues to haunt American society (yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting), and Shapiro brings to it an understated poignancy that reflects the tragic, numbing sense of loss that one would expect in a score of this nature. [15 February 2019]
Home Room ("Main Theme") [site link], was composed by my friend Michael Gordon Shapiro, for a 2002 film, a cue from whose soundtrack I highlighted last year. This film, starring Erika Christensen, Busy Philipps, and Victor Garber, portrays the traumatic after-effects in the wake of a high school shooting massacre. On the eve of the two-year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, this cue has special poignance. I truly love and value so much of Michael's music over the years and encourage listeners to explore his ever-growing body of work. [13 February 2020]
The Honeymooners (aka "You're My Greatest Love"), music by Jackie Gleason, lyrics by Bill Templeton, opened this immortal TV comedy. We began our TV theme tribute with The Great One and we close this year's installment with him again. With the Harvest Moon arriving only a few hours ago, listen to an audio clip of this wonderful theme here and here. [18 September 2005]
Hooked on You, words and music by Joseph Malloy and David Sanchez, was recorded by Sweet Sensation. Back in 1986, I packed the dance floors with a custom remix that I did of this song, using its "Diamond Dub" version. Listen to an audio clip of the original mix here. [2 July 2006]
Hooray for Hollywood, music by Richard A. Whiting, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, made its debut in the 1937 movie "Hollywood Hotel," The original film rendition featured Johnnie Davis, Francis Langford, and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Listen to audio clips of renditions by a swinging Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Sinatra, and Doris Day (and Doris on YouTube too). There's also a YouTube video montage featuring the original rendition! As our annual Movie Music Tribute concludes, don't forget to check out the 80th Annual Oscars tonight! [24 February 2008]
Hoosiers ("Best Shot") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Goldsmith, expresses the thrilling athletic adventures of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team, coached by Norman Dale (played by Gene Hackman, who delivers one of his best performances). This 1986 film provides many "feel-good" moments, and few composers could express this with more majesty. On this date in 1929, Goldsmith was born, and his music graced some of greatest films of his time. This humble little tale is embodied in Goldsmith's score, which expresses all the excitement, passion, and poignancy that were endemic to his artistry. [10 February 2017]
Horror Hotel (in the U.K., known as "The City of the Dead") features the music of two composers: Douglas Gamley, who wrote the spooky themes, and Kenneth V. Jones, who composed the jazz music heard throughout. This 1960 film stars a superb Christopher Lee and a terrifically terrifying Patricia Jessel, who plays the witch, Elizabeth Selwyn, burned at the stake in Whitewood, Massachusetts on March 3, 1692 (coincident with the Salem Witch Hunts), but still living as Mrs. Newless (a play on Selwyn, spoken backwards), the owner of the Raven's Inn. It's one of my all-time favorite horror movies. Some have compared it to "Psycho," in terms of structure, but the films were released months apart (Hotel actually started shooting in 1959, a month before filming began on "Psycho"), and this Hotel is no derivative. The version released in the U.S. is slightly shorter than the U.K. original; the U.S. edit can be viewed here. The creepy Main Title by Gamley can be heard at 00:01-01:24; some of the best Jones jazz can be heard at 31:21-33:04 (my favorite at 32:49). The first human sacrifice in the movie takes place on Candlemas Eve: at the hour of "13" (the stroke of midnight, when February 1st becomes February 2nd), the bells in the churchyard ring 13 times. At which point, poor Nan Barlow (played by Venetia Stevenson) is ritually slaughtered. That makes today, uh, gulp, "Candlemas"; I say: Happy Groundhog Day (a big shout out to Staten Island Chuck and Punxsutawney Phil)! [2 February 2012]
Horror of Dracula ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by James Bernard, captures all the genuine horror of the Hammer Studio's 1958 red-blooded color reboot of the classic Bram Stoker tale. The film starred the late, great Christopher Lee in the title role, with Peter Cushing playing his classic nemesis, Dr.Van Helsing, in this and a few vampire sequels (though the two starred in 22 films together, ranging from "Hamlet" to Hammer Horror). Lee passed away this week but left a stupendous legacy of chills and thrills for his legion of fans in the horror, fantasy, and sci-fi genres (indeed, who can forget his classic duel as Count Dooku with Yoda in "Star Wars, Episode Two: Attack of the Clones" [YouTube link]. He will be missed. [12 June 2015]
The Horse, words and music by Jesse James, was a million-selling #2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. It was technically the instrumental B-side of the 1968 single "Love is All Right" [YouTube link], by Cliff Nobles and Company. A slice of Philadelphia soul at its best, it boasts a horn section that went on to become the group MFSB. I provide this second "Song of the Day" for one reason only: Today, the Horse, Justify, vies for a place in Thoroughbred Racing History, looking for a win at the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes to take the Triple Crown. Go Justify! And check out this classic instrumental [YouTube link]. [Ed: And Justify becomes the 13th Horse in History, and only the second undefeated Thoroughbred, to win the Triple Crown!] [9 June 2018b]
A Horse with No Name, music and lyrics by Dewey Bunnell, was recorded by the band America and hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1972. This long-time favorite song of mine has one of the most infectious hooks in pop history. Check it out on YouTube. [26 August 2014]
Hotel ("Key Case") [YouTube link], written by Scottish big band composer and arranger Johnny Keating, is a grooving classy jazz track. It's a real throwback to the cool 1960s jazz sound, and is featured in the 1967 film. [10 February 2014]
Hotel ("Main Title" / "Love Theme") features the music of John Keating and the lyrics of Richard Quine, who was the director of the 1967 film, "Hotel." The Keating soundtrack earned a Grammy Original Score nomination; on the album, the great jazz singer, Carmen McRae (YouTube clip at that link), who stars in the film, sings the love theme. The instrumental version can be heard in its entirety here; also, check out one of my all-time favorite renditions by Nancy Wilson (MySpace full-length clip at that link); it's from the 1968 album "Welcome to My Love," which was also one of my Mom's favorite albums; today, she would have been 93. [20 February 2012]
Hotel ("Jeanne and Pete") [YouTube link], composed by Johnny Keating, is a lush trombone-led instrumental ballad from one of the finest jazz-influenced scores of the 1960s (I've already highlighted two other tunes in previous years from the 1967 film). [6 February 2015]
Hotel ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, offers us an alternative to the haunting main theme from the 1967 film. The ABC prime time drama was inspired by the same 1965 Arthur Hailey novel. Still, this theme is Pure Mancini, which means Pure Magic. [20 August 2014]
Hot Fun in the Summertime, words and music by Sly Stone, was released as a single in 1969, right before Sly and the Family Stone's appearance at Woodstock. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is ranked #247 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." The Summer Solstice arrives at 4:51 pm (ET)---the earliest solstice in 228 years---which means that today begins my Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival, where virtually all the chosen songs (with a few notable exceptions) refer in some way to the things we associate with summer. Check out this classic summer single [YouTube link]. [20 June 2024]
Hot in Herre features the words and music of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Cornell Haynes (aka Nelly) with a sample from Chuck Brown's 1979 Go-go funk track, "Bustin' Loose". The song was Nelly's lead single from his 2002 album, "Nellyville" and won the inaugural award in the Grammy category of "Best Male Rap Solo Performance". Check out the official music video [YouTube link]. [31 July 2024]
Hot Stuff, words and music by Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer, and Keith Forsey, is one of the "essential" Donna Summer dance hits, a rock-disco hybrid, electrified by the guitar work of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter. Summer got a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for this #1 hit from her 1979 album, "Bad Girls." Check out the single version, an extended version, and the Funky House Remix [YouTube links]. (And an honorable mention must go to the great Steve Allen, who did a hilarious reading of the lyrics to this song on a television special.) [19 May 2012]
Hound Dog, words and music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was performed with characteristic gusto by Elvis Presley. Though the song was performed by Big Mama Thornton in 1953 as a #1 R&B track, it would not become a pop hit until three years later. On this date, in 1956, the song ascended as a double-sided record with "Don't Be Cruel" to #1 on the Billboard charts and stayed there for 11 weeks. It's one of my favorite Presley recordings. Listen to an audio clip here. This past week also marks the 28th anniversary of Presley's death. [18 August 2005]
The House I Live In
features the music of Earl Robinson, and the lyrics of
Abel Meeropol (under the
pen name of Lewis Allan), both of whom were later identified as members of the
Communist Party during the McCarthy era. In 1953, Meeropol actually adopted
Michael and Robert, the orphans of convicted spies
Julius and
Ethel Rosenberg. The
Rosenbergs were executed in 1953 for their acts of
espionage in passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.
The Robinson-Meeropol song is heard in a
1945
short film, directed by
Albert Maltz, who would go on to be one of the
Hollywood Ten. Being associated
with some of these individuals kept the pressure on Sinatra, who was herded
before investigators to answer questions with regard to his involvement with
associations that had alleged "red" or "pink" connections. Seeking to travel to Korea to entertain the troops with the
USO,
Sinatra was offended
that these investigators were impugning his patriotism; in the HBO documentary,
"Sinatra: All or Nothing at All," he relates his answer to those who
questioned his love for America: "they could take the Korean War and shove it up
their asses." With this, he walked out of the investigation room. It's a tad
ironic, perhaps, that, in 1962, Sinatra ended up starring in one of the most
controversial Cold War thrillers of the day, based on
a favorite novel of JFK's, written by
Richard Condon,
which was filled to the brim with tense international communist conspiratorial
intrigue, an emergent by-product of the
Korean War:
"The Manchurian Candidate,"
directed by John
Frankenheimer. Sinatra's film performance is surely
a highlight of his acting career. In any event, Sinatra's involvement with
"The House I Live In" was primarily due to his view that the song celebrated an
America without bigotry or prejudice. He
had
heard the epithets spewed against
Italian Americans throughout his whole life;
he was a greaseball, a wop, a guinea bastard, a mobster, simply by virtue of his
ethnicity. His hatred of ethnic prejudice extended to a principled stance
against all forms of racism and bigotry. At the conclusion of World War II, the
world had to confront the ugly reality of
anti-Semitism, which had propelled
many regimes throughout history toward discrimination and violence against Jews.
But the Nazis fell to a level of human savagery that cashed-in on long-held
cultural biases to justify the mass extermination of
Jews (Nazi racial "cleansing" of the Third Reich targeted others as well,
including many "inferior" ethnic, religious, and political groups, and even
sexual "deviants" of the "pink triangle").
In any event, this song was
actually first heard in the musical revue,
"Let Freedom Sing."
In the film, there's a small plot set-up; Sinatra walks out of a studio, where
he's just completed a recording, and he sees a bunch of kids fighting over this
one kid who is different from them; he's Jewish. They are taunting this one kid,
and Sinatra
asks the gang if they're Nazis. They object; some of the kids say that their
dads went to fight the Nazis. And Sinatra asks them that if their dads got hurt in battle,
did they get blood transfusions? Well, sure. He asks the Jewish kid if anyone in
his family were blood donors, and the kid says that both his mom and dad were
donors. He asks the kids, would their dads have
rather died in battle than receive blood from people of another religion? He tells them to think, or he could have simply said, "Check
your premises," because we're all human beings with human blood. He says
he's Italian, and some others may be Irish, French, or Russian, but we are all Americans. He
then tells them a story about the first airstrike by Americans against the
Japanese after Pearl Harbor. It was successful due to the skill of
Meyer Levin (by the way, a graduate of
Brooklyn Technical High School and
a member of its
Hall of Fame [a BTHS .pdf file]), whose bomb hit and sunk the
Haruna, a
Japanese battleship. For all its controversy as a short-film, with its
"commie" messages like, uh, "freedom
of religion," the
film moves into song, as Sinatra asks the opening question "What is
America to Me?" He provides a lyrical celebration of American
freedom and democracy, of "the right to speak my mind out," a paean to the American people of "all races and
religions," and their values. This certainly didn't strike me as a piece of
red propaganda, but I can understand the ways in which the material can be
interpreted as "pinko," given its historical context and the people who were
involved in its making. In the end, however,
a special Honorary Oscar and
Golden Globe were awarded to the short film, which can be seen on
YouTube.
Right now, I
count my blessings that I am eating a Thanksgiving meal in America, in the
same Brooklyn, New York of
Meyer Levin, in the "house I live
in." A Happy Thanksgiving to all!
A House is Not a Home, another Hal David-Burt Bacharach song, has been performed lovingly by both Luther Vandross and Dionne Warwick, and in an utterly shattering instrumental version by pianist Bill Evans (from his "I Will Say Goodbye" album; check out a sample at amazon.com too). [14 November 2004]
How About You?, music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Ralph Freed, is from the 1941 Busby Berkeley film musical "Babes on Broadway," starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. This Oscar-nominated song has also been recorded in a live swinging version by jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. Listen to a Sinatra audio clip here or three different audio clips from a 1956 Stan Getz album, "The Steamer" (audio clips at that link). Today kicks off a multi-day tribute to Broadway, �music from, or inspired by, The Great White Way, in honor of the American Theater Wing's Antoinette Perry Awards. The Tony's! "I like New York in June, how about you?" It's one of my favorite months of the year! [1 June 2005]
How Deep is the Ocean is a classic Irving Berlin song that has been recorded by so many artists, including vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, and Diana Krall and instrumentalists such as Bill Evans (here too), Joe Pass, Stan Getz, Ben Webster, and Allan Holdsworth (audio clips at each link). [19 November 2005]
How Deep is Your Love, written and performed by the Bee Gees, was a #1 hit for an astounding 17 weeks in 1977-1978. Listen to an audio clip of this melodic "Saturday Night Fever" song here. [7 December 2007]
How Deep is Your Love (not that one) is a Calvin Harris and Disciples song, with words and music by Calvin Harris, Nathan Duvall, Gavin Koolmon, Luke McDermott, Marvin White, and Ina Wroldsen, who has uncredited vocals on the 2015 single. This one starts off the Independence Day weekend with a sweet dance beat. Check out the original single, the Harris & 3Hab Remix, and the Disciples & Unorthodox Remix. Every Saturday Night, we'll be featuring a dance track till the end of Summer, but expect one more in honor of July 4th on Monday. [2 July 2016]
How Do You Keep the Music Playing? [full song audio clip at that link], music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, was an Oscar-nominated song from the 1982 film, "Best Friends," starring Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn. It was performed on the original soundtrack by James Ingram and Patti Austin. It can be found too on a James Ingram "Greatest Hits" package. Its tender lyrics have also been sung by Barbra Streisand (listen to an audio clip here). [18 March 2005]
How High the Moon, music by Morgan Lewis, lyrics by Nancy Hamilton, is one of those great jazz standards that has been recorded by so many musicians through the years. One of my favorite versions is by the master jazz violinists Stephane Grappelli and Stuff Smith (audio clip at that link). Benny Goodman and Helen Forest recorded a terrific rendition (YouTube clip at that link) and Ella Fitzgerald recorded it several times as well (check out an audio clip from "Ella in Berlin"). But the song went to #1 on the Billboard chart in a classic version by Mary Ford and Les Paul. Les passed away today; he was a wonderfully talented musician and a titanic innovator in the art and science of modern recording. Check out Les and Mary on YouTube. [13 August 2009]
How Insensitive (Insensatez), music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, boasts a title that is in total contradiction to the sensitivity of this bittersweet song, performed by artists from Sinatra to Sting (audio clips at those links). [19 April 2005]
How Long features the words and music of James Kasher Hindin, Justin Franks, and Charlie Puth, who recorded this song for inclusion on his long-awaited second studio album, "Voicenotes," which was released yesterday, May 11, 2018. The 26-year old Puth, a New Jersey native, is a talented artist, with perfect pitch, who graduated from Manhattan School of Music Pre-College, where he majored in jazz piano, with a classical music minor. He later earned a degree from Berklee College of Music. I first noticed this guy when he performed "Attention" on "The Tonight Show," hosted by Jimmy Fallon. He played an electric piano solo that exhibited some really nice jazz chops; the song eventually was a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by the equally hook-laden "How Long" [YouTube link]. As if speaking to his jazz roots, one of the lyrics to the chorus of this song is "How Long Has This Been Going On?"---a clear allusion to the great Gershwin standard. Bravo, Charlie! Great new album! [Ed.: And for a chuckle, check out the Trump Mix [YouTube link].] [12 May 2018]
How Long Has This Been Going On?, composed by George and Ira Gershwin, is from the 1927 Broadway musical, "Funny Face," which starred the great Fred Astaire. Tonight the 62nd Annual Tony Awards celebrate the best of today's Broadway; this song helps us to remember the grand tradition of the Great White Way. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Boz Scaggs, Doc Severinsen and the "Tonight" Show band, Joe Pass, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and, one of my all-time favorites, Sarah Vaughan.[15 June 2008]
How's It Going to Be (audio clip and pop-up lyrics at that link) features the words and soulful vocals of Jennifer Ahmed, with music provided by the group Intransition. From the debut album, "Intransition," this infectious rock groove is aided by the guitar accompaniment of my pal Walter Foddis. "Keeping me tied down, locked in, making me crazy, with the tangled web you spin. ... Isolated, abbreviated, how's it going to be?" [26 April 2005]
How the West Was Won ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, provides the musical backdrop for this 1962 all-star epic Western, narrated by Spencer Tracy, directed in five chapters, variously by Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall. Now that we are at the sixtieth anniversary for 1962 films, it's interesting to note that some critics consider this to be the greatest year at the movies. Tomorrow's entry will provide some additional evidence to support that debatable contention. But there's no denying that the year was a box office bonanza for the epic genre, and this score is as epic as it gets. And for an extra-special treat, check out a jazz version of the main theme played by Joe Pass on 12-string guitar [YouTube link]. [19 February 2022]
Humoresque, composed by Antonin Dvorak, is a charming piece that has been recorded by many classical and jazz instrumentalists. It was featured in the 1946 film of the same name, starring Joan Crawford and John Garfield. The violinist who dubbed for Garfield in the film was Isaac Stern (audio clip at that link). I'm very fond of a jazz rendition by violinist Joe Venuti found on the album, "Fiddle on Fire." That version isn't available online, but an alternative version with guitarist George Barnes is available in infuriatingly short audio clips here and here. For a more traditional rendering, listen to an audio clip featuring the London Symphony Orchestra. [24 March 2006]
Humpty Dumpty (audio clip at that link), composed by Chick Corea, is a blaring, blazing straight ahead tune from one of my favorite Corea albums: "The Mad Hatter." This musical journey into Wonderland features superb solo and ensemble work by saxophonist Joe Farrell, bassist Eddie Gomez, drummer Steve Gadd, and, of course, Chick on piano. Chick also recorded an alternative live version with his Akoustic Band (audio clip at that link). Breathtaking. [15 June 2005]
Hungarian Dance No. 5, composed by Johannes Brahms, is my favorite of his lively Hungarian Dances. Listen to an audio clip here (and sample all 21 of them). [22 October 2005]
Hungarian Nocturne (Opus 28, Notturno Ungherese] is composer Miklos Rozsa's "attempt to recapture the rare beauty of the nights" he remembered in rural Hungary. For me, it evokes the rare beauty of Rozsa's melodic sensibility. Listen to an audio clip here, performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Sedares. Today begins my one-week tribute to the great Miklos Rozsa, which will culminate on April 18th, to mark the centennial of the maestro's birth (check out my other Rozsa tributes as well). (Noted too at the Miklos Rozsa Society's Rozsa Forum.) [12 April 2007]
Hungry for Your Love features the words and music of Kurtis Mantronik and the team of Aaron Hanson and E. J. Davis, who perform this fiery freestyle track. Listen here to an audio clip of this 80s dance hit. [6 May 2006]
Hung Up is credited to Madonna, Stuart Price, and B. Anderson and B. Ulvaeus of ABBA (because of the "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" sample). It's the lead single from the new Madonna album, "Confessions on a Dancefloor." Sample aside, something about the recording reminds me of Claudja Barry's "Boogie Woogie Dancin' Shoes." It's nice to have the Material Girl back where she belongs ... in the disco ... though it's not like she ever really left it. Take a look at the full video clip for this infectious dance track here. [10 November 2005]
Hush, music and lyrics by Joe South, was performed with hard rock gusto by Deep Purple. The song was originally performed by Billy Joe Royal (audio clip here), and has been recorded by others as well. But my favorite version remains the Deep Purple one: From the howling wolf opening to its organ-and-electric guitar-drenched instrumentation, this track percolates. Listen to an audio clip here. [28 April 2005]
The Hustler ("Main Theme [Stop and Go] and Various) [YouTube link], is a masterful soundtrack composed by Kenyon Hopkins in the kind of superb jazz idiom for which he is known. The main theme begins with the unmistakable sounds of jazz also saxophonist Phil Woods. I can think of no better way to kick off a few days in celebration of the Jackie Gleason Centenary, than to start with the claustrophobic black and white 1961 film that netted him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations as "Best Supporting Actor," in his role as the great pool player, Minnesota Fats (though there are questions about the authenticity of the story of Minnesota Fats). Authentic or not, there are no stunt doubles for Gleason: He plays pool authentically from beginning to end. As my Centenary tribute essay indicates, Gleason hung out in pool halls from the time he was a young teenager. Now, in some instances, there was a stunt double used for Paul Newman, who plays Fast Eddie Felson, who salivates at the prospect of competing against Fats. Newman earned an Oscar nomination too, but he's probably the only Oscar winner who received an Oscar for the same role in a sequel, entitled "The Color of Money" a 1986 film in which he co-starred with Tom Cruise (though I've always believed that the Academy awarded Newman the gold because the membership knew that he really deserved it for his shattering performance of a lifetime in "The Verdict"). Nevertheless, I'm going to echo the Gleasonian phrase here: "How Sweet it Is" with a twist; for in this movie, the tension makes you wonder "How Sweaty It Is" in the pool hall. ("How Sweet It Is" is the Welcoming Traffic Sign that graces the Brooklyn exit off the Verrazano Bridge; that's how much this man is celebrated as Brooklyn's son!) Newman's tension rises because his respect and awe rises as he watches the artistry of his competitor. He marvels at the way Fats plays with cool confidence, with the grace of an Astaire and the grit of a Cagney. Though I highlight the Main Theme here, I've taken the liberty to add two other tracks from the score, illustrating Hopkins's terrific jazz sensibility. On the first additional track, you have entered the pool hall [YouTube link]; it sounds like a smoke-filled room, with immaculate pool tables, and the grit of a jazz score in the background just to keep the atmosphere a little naughty. And finally, the second additional track is the Suite [YouTube link], featuring some of the finest jazz players of the era, or any era, including Woods and trumpeter Doc Severinsen. In any event, take a look at this scene [YouTube link] in which Gleason doesn't just embody Fats because of the simple weight parallel. He becomes Fats, moving "like a dancer" and using a cue stick "like he's playing the violin," as Newman's Felson tellls us. [26 February 2016]
I Am A Paleontologist, words and music by Danny Weinkauf of the Brooklyn-based band, They Might Be Giants, is my nod to current TV commercial fare, which hasn't lost its knack for using catchy tunes. The original full-length track can be found on the band's album, Here Comes Science, but it has gotten its biggest airplay, I suspect, from this TV commercial for Payless Shoesource (clip at that link). The original music video, with its animated dinosaur bones, is a lot of fun. I don't know if Payless is a sponsor of tonight's Primetime Emmy Awards, but they get Thumbs (Halluces?) Up as our annual mini-TV-oriented-music tribute draws to a close. [18 September 2011]
I Believe in Love features the music, lyrics, and performance of Paula Cole. As much as I like the original album version (audio clip here), I fell in love with the Jonathan Peters dance mix. It is astounding. Listen to an infuriatingly brief audio clip here. [20 September 2005]
I Burn for You, words and music by Sting, performed with The Police for the soundtrack of the 1982 film "Brimstone and Treacle," in which Sting starred. By far, the best version of this track, however, is on the hard-to-find B-side of the 12" vinyl version of "Russians" (not to be confused with the live version from "Bring on the Night"). This superior version from Sting's post-Police "Blue Turtles" band, includes a scintillating saxophone solo by Branford Marsalis. [5 December 2004]
I Can See It, music by Harvey Schmidt, lyrics by Tom Jones, is a highlight from "The Fantasticks," the original production of which ran for 42 years Off-Broadway. It is also a highlight of "My Name is Barbra," the first of two studio albums that were tied-in to Barbra Streisand's television special of the same name, which won five Emmy Awards and Streisand's first of four Peabody Awards. For this album, Streisand won her third consecutive Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, Female. I was almost three years old when my mother returned from a Broadway show called "I Can Get it For You Wholesale," having enjoyed the production, but telling us that this one performer, "no beauty," had such a voice that she stole the show. "This girl is going places," Mom said. And boy has she. Streisand has collected ten Grammy Awards, along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Legend Award, a Special Tony Award, nine Golden Globe Awards, two Oscars, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, an AFI Life Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. Even though we are in the middle of an Ella Fitzgerald Centenary Salute, which concludes tomorrow, I don't think Ella would have minded one bit giving a "shout-out" to Brooklyn Babs, who today celebrates her 75th birthday. This is one of my all-time favorite early Streisand recordings. Check out the song, arranged and conducted by Peter Matz, on YouTube. [24 April 2017]
I Can't Get Next to You, words and music by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, recorded by The Temptations, was one of the choice #1 Motown hits featured in the 1969 Stonewall Inn jukebox, when it was raided by police on the 28th of June. Now, with gay marriage having been approved in New York State, the events of that night seem as if they happened in an almost alien culture. But I still salute the bravery of those who fought back in that Greenwich Village bar 32 years ago. Listen to this classic song on YouTube. [28 June 2011]
I Can't Get Started, music by Vernon Duke, lyrics by Ira Gerhswin, was heard in the Broadway production, "Ziegfeld Follies of 1936" (listen to an audio clip here from a reconstructed soundtrack of the show). It has been performed by many singers through the years, but the definitive version is by Bunny Berigan, whose vocals and famous trumpet solo are heard as "source" music in the classic 1974 film, "Chinatown." Listen to an audio clip of that recording here. [8 June 2005]
I Can't Give You Anything But Love, music by Jimmy McHugh, lyrics by Dorothy Fields (the centenary of whose birth was marked in July), has been performed by many artists through the years. It debuted in a 1928 production, "Blackbirds of 1928," the longest-running black musical of the twenties. Listen to a few audio clips from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, Ella Fitzgerald (which features the lovely introduction), and New Orleans native, Louis Armstrong. [4 September 2005]
I Can't Go for That (No Can Do), words and music by Daryl Hall, John Oates, and Sara Allen, was a #1 Pop, R&B, and Hot Dance Club track recorded by Hall & Oates for their 1981 album, "Private Eyes." This smooth "blue-eyed soul" recording has had a huge impact on popular music; it has been sampled on countless dance and hip hop tracks and its influence can even be found on "Billie Jean" (check out Daryl Hall's memories of Michael Jackson). Here are YouTube links to: the original music video, the extended 12" mix, another extended mix, and Daryl with Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo. [8 April 2012]
I Can't Help It, music and lyrics by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Greene, has been performed by both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Wonder performed this sleek, jazz-infused song on the January 9, 2005 United Negro College Fund Telethon in tribute to Quincy Jones, who, ironically, produced the track for Jackson's Top 500 Rolling Stone magazine album, "Off the Wall" (listen to the audio clip at that link). [10 March 2005]
I Can't Wait, written and recorded by Nu Shooz, reached #1 on the Billboard dance chart in 1986. The wait is over, though, and 2011 is here. January 1 was dedicated by the ancient Romans to Janus, a god of gates, doors, beginnings, and endings, one who looks back in time to the old and forward to the new. How very dialectical! A very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to All! Get up and dance! [1 January 2011]
Ice, which features the lovely sounds of keyboardist Tamlyn, from the Sean Brennan-spearheaded group, London After Midnight, might seem like an "odd" choice for a holiday song list. How appropriate, then, that it is the final track of "Oddities," an album that begins with a track entitled "The Christmas Song" (audio clip here). And I really love it; listen to an audio clip of the song, officially Track 72 on the album (the very end of the song features a tip of the hat to "Jingle Bells"). And Happy Winter Solstice, which, coincidentally, arrives at 7:22 pm, Eastern Standard Time! [21 December 2006]
Ice Station Zebra ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by the late, great Michel Legrand, who was born on this date in 1932. The score to this 1968 espionage film was orchestrated and conducted by Legrand himself with a 75-piece orchestra. It has been described as a brilliant "Cold War ballet." [24 February 2021]
I Concentrate on You, a Cole Porter golden nugget, performed by Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim, arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman. Bliss. Pure bliss. Listen to the audio clip at amazon.com. [14 December 2004a]
I Could Fall in Love, words and music by Keith Thomas, was a promotional single off of Selena's fifth and final studio album, released posthumously, "Dreaming of You," which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album chart. Tragically shot and killed at the young age of 23, the Grammy-winning singer was dubbed the "Queen of Tejano Music." This song is played over the final credits to the very last episode of the recent two-season Netflix series on the singer's life, giving it a special poignancy. In episode 7 of the second season, her brother, "AB" Quintanilla, sees that his sister is having difficulty putting some things together as her career is blazing forward. He tells her: "Sel, you're very organic. Everything in you is connected to everything else. That's who you are. Not just pieces. It's a whole life. All at once. You'll figure it out." A little dialectical insight in a Netflix series! Who knew? In any event, since I finished streaming this wonderful series, I decided to highlight this as today's Song of the Day. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [14 May 2021]
I Could Have Danced All Night, music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, is from the classic 1956 Broadway musical, "My Fair Lady," based on the 1914 comedy, "Pygmalion," by George Bernard Shaw. The production starred Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews. Listen here to an audio clip from the original Broadway soundtrack, sung by Andrews. The 1964 film version also starred Rex Harrison, but surprisingly Andrews was replaced by Audrey Hepburn (even though Julie ended up with the Oscar that year anyway, for "Mary Poppins"). Listen here to an audio clip from the film soundtrack, as sung by Marni Nixon (whose vocals were lip-synched by Hepburn). So many other artists have recorded this show standard, but the one version that still makes me chuckle is that featuring Hank Azaria in the hilarious 1996 film, "The Birdcage." Listen to an audio clip of that version here. A very happy and healthy birthday to my friend Karen, who shares with me a love of this wonderful musical. [22 May 2005]
I Could Write a Book is a Rodgers and Hart gem from "Pal Joey." Check out audio clips of versions by Tony Bennett with Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald. [9 September 2006]
I Cover the Waterfront ("Main Title"), music by Johnny Green, lyrics by Edward Heyman, was originally released in 1933 as a popular song, inspired by the 1932 novel of the same title, written by Max Miller. The book also inspired a 1933 film, which right before its release, was re-scored to include this song. It has been recorded by so many artists, including everybody from Billie Holiday to Sarah Vaughan [YouTube links]. In keeping with both our Film Score February music tribute, which in its final three days intersects with our mini-tribute to the Great One, Jackie Gleason, I should mention that this song was also featured as an instrumental, with a sweet solo by the great trumpet and cornet player, Bobby Hackett, on Gleason's first album, "Music for Lovers Only," which still holds the record for the album longest in the Billboard Top Ten Charts (153 weeks). And so, we end our annual Film Music February, but we're going to give one more encore to Jackie tomorrow, thus concluding our mini-Gleason tribute. In the meanwhile, enjoy the Oscars tonight, especially those competitive categories dealing with music! For now, just dim the lights, and check out the Gleason and Hackett rendition (YouTube link]. [28 February 2016]
I Cried for You, words and music by Arthur Freed, Gus Arnheim, and Abe Lyman, is another one of those 'poetic justice' standards of the Great American Songbook. Listen to audio clips by Billie Holiday (the clip doesn't quite get to her vocals), Harry James (with vocalist Helen Forest), Sarah Vaughan, and a swingin' live version by Carmen McRae. [19 March 2006]
I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Happy with Somebody Else), words and music by Fred Fisher and Billy Rose, was introduced by Fanny Brice in the 1928 film "My Man." Of course, Brice first became famous in the Ziegfeld Follies. Today is the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Ziegfeld Follies (hat tip to David Hinckley). Marking the centennial, "The Big Broadcast" is featured on New York's Fordham University radio station WFUV (90.7 FM) tonight, 8 p.m. to midnight! Listen to this recording of Fanny Brice (with the rarely heard introduction) and also an audio clip from the 1968 movie version of "Funny Girl," with Barbra Streisand. [8 July 2007]
I Didn't Know What Time it Was, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, was heard in the 1957 film, "Pal Joey" (yes, another one from that production). The song was actually not heard in the original 1940 Broadway production of "Pal Joey"; it debuted in the 1939 Broadway show, "Too Many Girls." Among the many versions recorded, listen to audio clips of renditions by Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Gogi Grant, Betty Carter, and Bobby Darin. [10 September 2006]
I Didn't Mean to Turn You On, words and music by Jimmy Jam (James Samuel Harris III) and Terry Lewis, was a 1984 Top Ten R&B hit by Cherrelle. The music video features an homage to the 1933 blockbuster, "King Kong" [YouTube link]. A year later, Robert Palmer recorded his own version (following a trajectory similar to "You Are in My System"). The track appears on his album, "Riptide," and in a video featuring The Girls, prominent in other Palmer solo hit videos. Check out the Palmer music video and the extended video, as well as a live "American Music Awards" performance [YouTube links]. Mariah Carey also did a version of the song for the film "Glitter" that was faithful to the original Cherrelle arrangement. The soundtrack was released on September 11, 2001 (not a good sign, apparently). Check out this "Glitter" film excerpt and the soundtrack version [YouTube links]. But I still love the original full-length version that appears on Cherrelle's self-titled album [YouTube link]. [25 March 2012]
I Don't Care Much, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, is a dramatic musical highlight that comes from the revival of the Broadway production of "Cabaret." Listen to a clip of star Alan Cumming from the cast album here. [7 June 2005]
I Don't Know Enough About You features the words of singer Peggy Lee and the music of Dave Barbour. It's a 1945 hit that has been revived again and again. Listen to audio clips from Peggy Lee, Russell Malone and Diana Krall (at those links). [30 August 2005]
I Don't Want to Talk About It features the words and music of James Lee Stanley, the brother of recording artist Pamala Stanley, who was born on this date in 1952. Check out the video single, the 12" remix, and the Disconet versions of this 1983 dance hit. And happy birthday, Pamala! [16 July 2017]
I Dream of Jeannie ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Hugo Montenegro, opened this TV comedy, which ran from 1965 to 1970. The series was the brainchild of Sidney Sheldon, who was also the creator of "Hart to Hart" and co-creator of "The Patty Duke Show". Sheldon won an Oscar for his screenplay to the 1947 comedy, "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer" and authored 18 best-selling novels. This show starred Barbara Eden as Jeannie (the genie) and Larry Hagman (long before he was J.R. Ewing on "Dallas"). Check out a rare vocal rendition and a mix of both the original theme by Richard Wess and the famous Montenegro version [YouTube links]. [7 July 2023]
I Fall in Love Too Easily, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is from the 1945 film, "Anchors Away," where it was introduced by Frank Sinatra [YouTube link]. The musical director Georgie Stoll received an Oscar for the Scoring of a Musical Picture, and this song received an Oscar nomination for "Best Original Song" (losing out to Rodgers and Hammerstein's gem, "It Might As Well Be Spring"). Check out versions by Keith Jarrett and Anita O'Day. One of my favorite versions of this standard can be found on "Cloud 7" [YouTube clip at that link], an early Tony Bennett album, featuring the trailblazing jazz guitarist Chuck Wayne, who was born on this date in 1923, and served as Bennett's musical director and accompanist from 1954-1957. The trumpet solo here is by Charles Panely. (And three cheers to host Billy Crystal for some truly hilarious moments at the 84th Annual Academy Awards last night; to Meryl Streep for finally getting Oscar #3, after nearly 30 magnificent acting years since Oscar #2; and to Zach Galifianakis for the Best Zinger of the Night in presenting the Oscar for "Best Original Song," today's highlighted category.) [27 February 2012]
I Fall to Pieces, words and music by Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran and Harlan Perry Howard, was the first #1 Country Hit by the immortal Patsy Cline. It was released on 30 January 1961, three days after Dr. Franklin Edward Kameny submitted a petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the United States Supreme Court to review his case, Kameny v. Brucker, which protested the U.S. Army's unjust dismissal of him in 1957 from his position as an astronomer in the Army Map Service for being gay. He lost the case, but not the cause. Frank was an indefatigable warrior, a great trailblazer, on behalf of individual rights, I corresponded with him a few times over the years; he may have been known for his thunderous style, but I was always warmed by his gentility. So it's no wonder that many of us fall to pieces over his passing at the age of 86 on 11 October 2011. Check out Patsy Cline on YouTube. [15 October 2011]
I Feel Fine is a John Lennon-Paul McCartney composition, recorded by The Beatles. Speaking of anniversaries, today is a big one: The 40th anniversary of The Beatles' Shea Stadium concert (a midi audio clip of this song at that link). Nobody could actually hear this song or any other performed at Shea because the roar of the crowd was deafening. But it was a seminal moment in rock history. I also love a version of this song by singer Nancy Ames, from her album "Spiced with Brasil." [15 August 2005b]
I Feel for You, words and music by Prince, first appeared on Prince's self-tited 1999 album. Check it out here (YouTube link). There have been other versions of this song, including one by the Pointer Sisters and the other by Rebbie Jackson (MJ's sister). But I have to admit that my favorite version is the one featuring, come on, altogether now: "Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan..." Here's the single version, the biggest hit of Chaka's career, but I love the extended version. I mean, how can you miss with Chaka's vocals, Stevie Wonder's harmonica, rapper Melle Mel, and The System's David Frank? For Chaka, it peaked at #3, but was on the Hot 100 for 26 weeks. [6 June 2016]
features the words and music of Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Martin McKinney, Henry Walter, Eric Chedeville, and Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd. This recording features the electronic duo known as Daft Punk, and can be found on the third studio album of The Weeknd, "Starboy." The song rose to #4 on the Hot 100 chart and #12 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The Weeknd's vocals sound like he is channeling Michael Jackson. It's just got that danceable, but breezy summer feel, a perfect way to officially kick off my second annual Saturday Night Summer Dance Party, where I will be posting a danceable track every Saturday (and even throughout some weeks) from now until the last day of Summer. Check this track out on YouTube: the single (actually the official video too), the Mert Altin Remix, the Nathan C Remix, Jako Diaz Remix, and the TOFU Remix. It's 12:24 a.m. in NYC, and the Summer Solstice has come to the Northern Hemisphere; let the dancing begin! [21 June 2017]I Feel Love was written by Giorgio Moroder, Peter Bellotte, and Donna Summer, who propelled this driving synthesized track (from her 1977 album, "I Remember Yesterday") to its exalted status in dance music history, influencing later dance styles, such as house and techno. Check out the original album version, the 12" extended mix, the famous Patrick Cowley underground 15+ minute megamix, and covers by Bronski Beat, Blondie, Madonna, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. [18 May 2012]
I Feel the Earth Move, music and lyrics by Carole King, is from one of my all-time favorite albums: "Tapestry." Those first piano chords on this first track of the album provide the pulse for a great pop record. Listen to audio clips from the original album, an R&B take by Eternal (on a tribute set, "Tapestry Revisited"), and a dance version by Martika. "Mellow as the month of May," indeed. [14 May 2005]
If Ever I Would Leave You, music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, was performed famously by Robert Goulet in the 1960 Broadway musical, "Camelot." The production also starred Julie Andrews and Richard Burton. Listen to an audio clip of this lovely song here. [12 May 2005]
If He Walked Into My Life, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, was featured in the 1966 Broadway musical, "Mame," starring Angela Lansbury. The most memorable recording of it was sung by Eydie Gorme, who received a 1967 Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Female. I could find no audio clip, unfortunately, but it's offered as part of a double album of classics: "Don't Go To Strangers"/"Softly As I Leave You." [6 October 2005]
If I Can't Have You, written by the
Bee Gees, was
performed by Yvonne
Elliman on the soundtrack to "Saturday
Night Fever." Listen
here to an audio clip
of this sweet melodic song about the tribulations of love. [8 December 2007]
If I Can't Have You
features the words and music of
Teddy Geiger,
Scott Harris,
Nate Mercereau, and Shawn Mendes,
who turns 21 today! Check out
the video single and
several remixes by Galoski,
MT SOUL, and the
Bass Brothers. And
Happy Birthday, young man! [8 August 2019]
If I Had You, written by "Irving King" (actually the British songwriting team, James Campbell and Reginald Connelly) and Ted Shapiro, is a bona fide jazz standard, which has been recorded by many artists. Take a look and a listen to versions by Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli, and Sarah Vaughan. [15 November 2010]
If I Had You (not that one), written by Max Martin, Shellback, and Savan Kotecha, is performed with disco gusto by Adam Lambert, runner-up in the 2009 "American Idol" competition. Take a look at the "official video" on YouTube. [16 November 2010]
If I Love Again, a song I mentioned in an article "Celebrating the Great American Songbook," with music by Ben Oakland and lyrics by J. P. Murray (from the 1933 Broadway show, "Hold Your Horses"). Many recordings of this song have graced us, from a rendition by the Paul Whiteman Band to a Barbra Streisand rendition in "Funny Lady," the sequel to "Funny Girl." But, for me, the most memorable version was recorded by Tony Bennett in 1962. [8 September 2004]
If I Ruled the World, words by Leslie Bricusse, music by Ciral Ornadel, from the 1963 musical "Pickwick." Recorded by artists such as Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder, and in a splendid version with jazz trio by my sister-in-law Joanne Barry, from her first album, "This is Me." [29 November 2004]
If I Told You That, words and music by LaShawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, and Toni Estes, is a duet by Whitney Houston and George Michael. The original version of this song [YouTube link] appeared on "My Love is Your Love," as a solo Whitney track. But the duet featured on "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" (2000) provided nice interplay between the two artists. This particular track never scored on the Billboard Dance Chart, but its "sleaze-beat" (a slower but still very danceable Beats-Per-Minute tempo) provides a lot of chill spaces for sexy moving. Check out the video, the smooth Johnny Douglas Mix, and Nic Mercy's Bavaro Beat Mix. [7 March 2012]
If You Go Away, words and music by Jacques Brel (English translation by Rod McKuen), speaks of a "summer day"... which is precisely what I'd like right now. There's not too much to complain about this winter in New York City, as it has been milder than usual. However, we are expecting a bit of snow, ice, and rain tonight. Ugh. But hey, only 14 days till pitchers and catchers report to the Yankee Spring Training Camp! In any event, this is a terrific song that has been recorded by artists such as Damita Jo, Frank Sinatra, and Dusty Springfield (audio clips at those links). I first heard this song when my sister-in-law, Joanne Barry, performed it at Gil Hodges' Grand Slam Cocktail Lounge. [1 February 2007]
If You Leave Me Now, music by Glenn Gutierrez, Dadgel Atabay, and Stevie B., who also provides the lyrics. Listen to an audio clip of a rendition by Stevie B., but the version that I love most was recorded by Jaya (audio clip at that link). Stevie B. actually produced that track, and provided the background vocals too. [5 April 2006]
If You Really Love Me is a 1971 Stevie Wonder-Syreeta Wright composition. They were married when this tune was recorded, and it shows. Check out audio clip here. [23 November 2004]
If You Should Ever Be Lonely, music and lyrics by Fred Jenkins and singer Val Young, for whom it was a huge 1986 club hit, has also been covered by the Real McCoy [audio clip at that link], Reina, and Mariah Carey as part of a dance remix medley with the song "Heartbreaker" [audio clip here]. [10 April 2005]
If You Were Mine, music by Matty Malneck, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, is one of my favorite popular standards and one of my favorite Tony Bennett recordings of all time. Listen to an audio clip here. [18 August 2006]
I Get a Kick Out of You, composed by Cole Porter, with a playful Sinatra singing to a kickin' Neil Hefti arrangement, from the album "Sinatra & Swingin' Brass" (listen to that audio clip). (I also have another playful version from Dinah Washington; listen to an audio clip from "The Jazz Sides.") [22 December 2004]
I Get Along Without You Very Well, words and music by Jane Brown Thompson and Hoagy Carmichael, has been performed in a melancholy vocal version by Billie Holiday. [25 September 2004]
I Got it Bad (And That Ain't Good), words and music by Paul Francis Webster and Duke Ellington, is another classic American ballad. Listen to an audio clip of one sample Duke recording here, which features the vocals of Ivie Anderson. I love a version of this song by my sister-in-law Joanne Barry. Check out audio clips of Ella (doing the rarely heard introduction), Diane Reeves, Nat King Cole, and a Duke-tribute version in the style of the Count Basie Band. [6 December 2005]
I Got You (I Feel Good), words and music by James Brown, reworks a Brown song entitled "I Found You" (audio clip at that link), recorded by Yvonne Fair. This track is my personal Brown favorite; it was a mega-hit and a signature tune for the "Godfather of Soul," who passed away yesterday, on Christmas Day 2006. Brown was one of the most important artists of the past forty years, influencing everything from R&B to hip hop, and everyone from the Rolling Stones and Public Enemy to Prince and Michael Jackson (and check out a rare You Tube clip featuring Brown, Jackson, and Prince). Listen to an audio clip of this classic track here. [26 December 2006b]
I Got Your Love, words and music by Bruce Roberts and Donna Summer, who performs this song with both intensity and restraint. This hot dance track was heard in 2003 on "Sex and the City," but remains unreleased (except through iTunes). Listen to an audio clip at Summer's Site. [9 November 2005]
I Have Nothing, words and music by David Foster and Linda Thompson, was an Oscar-nominated song performed powerfully by a full-voiced Whitney Houston in the 1992 film, "The Bodyguard." Listen to an audio clip here. [13 April 2005]
I Hear a Rhapsody, words and music by George Fragos, Jack Baker and Dick Gasparre, was first recorded by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, with Bob Eberly on vocals (audio clip here). There's also a wonderful duet version of this song on the album "Undercurrent" (listen to audio clip at that link), featuring guitarist Jim Hall and pianist Bill Evans. [16 March 2005]
I Heard it Through the Grapevine, words and music by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, was a mega-hit for two different Motown artists: Gladys Knight and the Pips and Marvin Gaye (audio clips at those links). The song was one of my sister's favorites (and one of mine too) back in the 1960s, and it's her birthday today! Happy birthday, sister! Meanwhile, check out alternative versions by Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Temptations, and, of course, The California Raisins. [2 September 2006]
I Just Called to Say I Love You was never one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs. I know it's a 1984 Oscar winner for Best Song from the film "The Woman in Red" (audio clip of the original recording at that link). But I never thought it was all that much like ... Stevie! (And it was really nice seeing a Wonder-themed show on "American Idol" last night, even if the performances weren't always top notch.) Then, one day, I heard a remarkable rendition by Diane Schurr with Herbie Hancock (audio clip at that link), and was knocked out. Listen also to an audio clip of a similar arrangement with Herbie Hancock and Raul Midon (with Stevie on harmonica). [15 March 2006]
I Know A Place, words and music by Tony Hatch, was one of those perennial favorites requested by the regular clientele of the Stonewall Inn. On the weekend of 28-29 June 1969, the site became Ground Zero for a drag queen-led riot against police harassment of gay and lesbian establishments. It is among the events that gave birth to the modern American movement to protect the individual rights of gays and lesbians, and it is in honor of that event that I post this song on this date. The song was recorded most famously by Petula Clark, but has also been recorded by Sammy Davis, Jr., with the Buddy Rich Band [YouTube links], and Vi Velasco, whose rendition features jazz guitarist Carl Barry, my Bro. [29 June 2014]
I Learned from the Best, words and music by Diane Warren, appeared as a ballad [YouTube link] on the artist's fourth studio album, "My Love is Your Love." But slammin' remixes by Hex Hector [YouTube link] and Junior Vasquez [YouTube link to the Disco Club Mix] (for which Houston re-recorded her vocals) propelled the track to #1 on the Billboard dance chart. [4 March 2011]
I Left My Heart in San Francisco, words by Douglass Cross, music by George Cory, is a Tony Bennett song. Listen here to an audio clip of this classic Grammy-winning signature tune. [15 August 2006]
ILGWU (Look for the Union Label) (YouTube link), music by Malcolm Dodds, lyrics by Paula Green, gave us the best television commercial song from an American labor union, in my humble opinion, even if it was parodied occasionally. My enjoyment of the song was most likely colored by the fact that my mom worked in the garment industry her whole life; it appeals to the proletarian in all of us. [17 September 2011]
I Like It, words and music by Stuart Crichton, Andy Morris, and Robert de Fresnes, is performed by the group Narcotic Thrust. Its great hook is wedded to a driving dance beat. Listen to an audio clip of one mix here. [31 March 2005]
I Like Me Better features the words and music of Kobalt and Lauv, who provides the vocals on this melodic mid-tempo dance track. The song, from the artist's second studio album, "I Met You When I Was 18 (The Playlist)," took a record 35 weeks to reach the Top Ten on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart. Check out the official video version, a version performed live by the artist at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, and several dance remixes by TRU Concept, Kaan Pars, and Paul Gannon. [30 August 2018]
I'll Be Good For You had the input of quite a few songwriters, including Kevin Antunes, long-time singer Teddy Pendergrass, Reginald and Vincent Calloway (formerly of the group Midnight Star), and Justin Timberlake himself. From the 'N Sync album, "No Strings Attached" (check the audio clip at that link), this track has an easy R&B groove with velvet harmonies. [6 December 2005]
I'll Be Home for Christmas, music by Walter Kent, lyrics by James "Kim" Gannon, has been performed by a variety of artists through the years. It is a sad song for generations of soldiers who pondered its meaning as they fought wars on foreign soil, yearning to return home, to a world of peace and good will. Listen to a beautifully harmonized version of it here, by the group 98 Degrees (with Nick Lachey). [5 January 2005]
I'll Be Seeing You, music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Irving Kahal, was written for the 1938 Broadway flop, "Right This Way." This gorgeous standard was the favorite song of the late, great Johnny Carson. And it's one of mine too. Listen to this audio clip by Tony Bennett, who was among the guests on Carson's first "Tonight Show" broadcast. [25 January 2005]
I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time was written in 1920 by Albert Von Tilzer and Neville Fleeson. It was first recorded as a waltz by Nora Bayes. It was later covered by such artists as Artie Shaw (vocals by Tony Pastor) and Harry James and Helen Forest [YouTube links]. But it is most well known for having been performed by The Andrews Sisters, whose version was featured in the classic 1941 Abbott and Costello film, "Buck Privates." Check out the film clip and studio version [YouTube links]. [5 August 2022]
I'll Fall with Your Knife, a paean to commitment and to 'keeping the faith' against all odds, features the music and lyrics of Peter Murphy and Paul Statham. The song has been heard in several venues, including as the opening and closing theme of the 1997 teen movie, "The Trojan War" (where Tom Hiel delivers his own rendition as well). Take a look also at two YouTube moments: a "Samurai X" anime video and a glimpse of a live Peter Murphy concert appearance from May 2000. And check out audio clips from Peter's "Cascade," "Wild Birds: 1985-1995: The Best of the Beggars Banquet Years," and, my favorite rendition, from "aLive Just for Love." Happy Birthday, sweetie! [6 January 2008]
I'll Never Smile Again, words and music by Ruth Lowe, has the distinction of being the first #1 single on the "National List of Best Selling Retail Records," the first national Billboard chart, 75 years ago this week. The recording by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, with the Pied Pipers and a young singer named Frank Sinatra, hit Number One on the 27th of July 1940 and held onto the top spot for 12 weeks. There had been other charts, compiled from sheet music sales and "music machines" (or phonographs), but this was the first that polled retailers. The song has been recorded in other wonderful renditions, including those by the Ink Spots, the Platters, and a spirited jazz rendition by Bill Evans [YouTube links] from the album "Interplay," featuring guitar great Jim Hall, trumpeter extraordinaire Freddie Hubbard, and the immortal rhythm section of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Philly Joe Jones. But this Dorsey rendition is perhaps most important because it helps us to spotlight the centennial year of the birth of the Chairman of the Board, something we will officially celebrate from Thanksgiving 2015 until Ol' Blue Eyes' 100th birthday on 12 December 2015. Enjoy the sounds of a melancholy Grammy Hall of Fame recording that should only bring smiles to every listener [YouTube link]. [31 July 2015]
I'll Walk With God, a composition that features the words of Paul Francis Webster and the music of Nicholas Brodszky, has been sung gloriously by Mario Lanza. In honor of the 45th anniversary of his passing, I include this song in remembrance. [7 October 2004]
, words and music by John Edwards and Lyn Duddy, featuring the adorable Bosco bear, was a commercial staple during the children's TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s. (Though, in truth, I was an even bigger fan of Farfel from Nestle's!) Check out the jingle on YouTube. [15 September 2016]I Love Lucy, music by Eliot Daniel, lyrics by Harold Adamson, is a classic TV theme from a classic show, which starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Listen to both vocal and instrumental audio clips here. [17 September 2005]
I Love Music, words and music by the Philly soul team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, was featured on the 1975 album, "Family Renunion," by the O'Jays. This iconic '70s dance track ("Part One") was a Top 5 Hot 100 hit and a #1 Billboard R&B chart hit. But in its full-length album version ("Part One" and "Part Two"), it spent eight weeks atop the Hot Dance Club chart. It was also featured on the soundtracks to "Carlito's Way" (1993) and "Pride" (2007). A little trivia: The solo bongo intro was played by comedian Bill Cosby and the "Get it On" chorus was sung by Cleavon Little. Check out the album version and the extended 12" version in all their '70s Disco Glory [YouTube]. [2 July 2018]
I Love You, words and music by Cole Porter, was the #1 song on this day, June 6, 1944, for the fifth week in a row, as sung by Bing Crosby with John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra. The song came from Porter's 1944 stage musical "Mexican Hayride." It was first recorded by Wilbur Evans (who played the character David) in that musical, but it was Bing Crosby's recording of the song that took it to the top of the charts. This weekend, other musicals will be honored at the Tony Awards. But it is of particular interest that the American public had embraced a sentimental song of love for the five weeks leading up to the Allied invasion of Normandy, the largest air, land, and sea invasion in human history that proved to be the beginning of the end of World War II. That war, which led to estimated fatalities of 70 to 85 million people, may have signified the "nadir of the Old Right"---but it also brought forth the intellectual seeds of a libertarian resurgence in the decades to come. Nevertheless, I post this song today as an expression of love to my own family members who fought and died in that most horrific of wars, and in honor of those who survived that battle on the beaches of Normandy, and who have returned to those beaches today, to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of that invasion, knowing that, in the words of Herman Wouk: "The beginning of the end of war lies in remembrance." Check out the original Wilbur Evans version of this song and the #1 Bing Crosby hit [YouTube links] that serenaded Americans at home, who listened to the music on the radio, with news bulletins that, they prayed, would move the world one step closer to peace. [6 June 2019]
I Love You (Je t'aime), lyrics by Harlan Thompson, music by Harry Archer, is the 1923 chestnut from the Broadway musical, "Little Jessie James." It was featured prominently in the great Billy Wilder-directed 1953 World War II POW flick, "Stalag 17" (which boasts a soundtrack by Franz Waxman). You can check out the scene, where the song can be heard for around five minutes, starting at 4:20 at this YouTube clip. At 6:08 begins an unmistakably sweet solo by the legendary jazz violinist Joe Venuti. The song is reprised as the scene continues here, where "Animal" finally gets to dance with "Betty Grable". The guy singing in the scene is Ross Bagdasarian, who, under the name David Seville, created Alvin and the Chipmunks. "Stalag 17" is one of my all-time favorite war flicks; William Holden received a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with these Three Little Words? [14 February 2013]
The Love You Save, music and lyrics by The Corporation, Motown's Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards, went to Number One, the third of four straight number one singles released by the Jackson 5, which held that position on the Billboard chart for two weeks, 27 June through 4 July 1970. But Casey Kasem, who passed away yesterday, was always one week ahead of the curve, giving us a weekend countdown that reflected the chart of the following week's Tuesday release of Billboard. So the song had actually dropped to the number two position on the 4th of July debut show of Kasem's classic, "American Top 40 (AT40)" I can't help but credit Kasem with stoking my love of pop music as I grew up listening to his show on the radio, whether it was in the dead of winter or on the hot sands of Manhattan Beach through Brooklyn's steamiest summers. This song was one of my favorite early Jackson 5 songs, made all the more poignant because its lead singer is no longer with us either. Check out the original single here, and while you're listening, save a little love too for screen and stage actress Ruby Dee, who passed away on June 11th and the ultimate gentle man of baseball, Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres Hall of Famer, who sadly passed away today, at the young age of 54. All of them gone too soon.
I Love You the Same Old Way (a sweet music-box waltz), All for You (with wonderful modulations), Please Don't Make Me Cry (too late... it does it to me every time I hear it), the lovely Don't Play Around With My Heart and Trade Winds, the ever-charming Foxtrot and Melody III (full audio clips at each link) are only seven of the many terrific compositions of Robert "Bobby" Kuttner, who celebrates his 90th birthday today. Ironically, I was first sent these melodic midi files back in February 2005 as a birthday present from my pal, Eric Kuttner (Bobby's son). It was a heart-warming gift that I've wanted to share with the rest of the world, so I'm glad to be able to do so today. Bobby Kuttner was once called a "natural" by songwriter Al Dubin and it's easy to understand why. He grew up in New York, and sold papers on the subway as a kid just to help support his family. Back in the 1930s, his own orchestra played on cruise ships going to South America and Cuba. He got to know Vernon Duke, Peter DeRose, and Jimmy Van Heusen before going on tour with the USO during World War II. During the war, he was stationed with the 3rd Air Force Band at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, playing clarinet and sax. Kuttner gave up composing thereafter, and stored this material in a suitcase in a closet for years. Then, in 2003, his son had the music transcribed (the seven sample tracks featured here were transcribed by musical theatre composer John Clifton and orchestrated by Clifton and Eric). And some of these songs have wonderful lyrics too. So, Happy Birthday, Bobby Kuttner. And thank you for your gift of music. [15 June 2005b]
I Love You Too Much, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is not among his most well-known compositions, but it is certainly among his classic performances. Danceable and full of heart, soul, and sheer oomph, the song includes Stevie's signature rhythmic ad-libs: "I love you too much... maybe three much." I think of my friend Elaine when I hear this song, and it's her birthday, and I love her three much. Happy Birthday! [18 October 2004]
I'm a Fool to Want You, words and music by Jack Wolf, Joel Herron, and Frank Sinatra, has been performed by many singers, including Ol' Blue Eyes. Billie Holiday performed this sad song of unrequited love to heartbreaking effect. Listen to audio clips of several Holiday takes here (and tune-in to the WKCR Billie Holiday Festival, starting today). If you want to change the mood... have a fun April Fool's Day! [1 April 2005]
Images, an extraordinary Michel Legrand orchestral title track in three movements, spotlights the remarkable Phil Woods on alto saxophone and Legrand on piano. This one runs the gamut from hip to romantic to avant garde to a climax that blows a hole through the roof. Featuring amazing unison lines, breathtaking improvisation, and virtuoso performance, it won and deserved a 1976 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. [16 January 2005]
I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful), music by Henry Sullivan, lyrics by Harry Ruskin, was first heard in the 1929 Broadway revue, "Murray Anderson's Almanac". It was sung by Doris Day in the 1950 film "Young Man with a Horn", directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Kirk Douglas. Loosely based on the life of jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, the film has a wonderful soundtrack. Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Doris Day, who had a terrific run as a star of film, TV, and song. Check out the track that features the great trumpeter Harry James on YouTube. [3 April 2022]
I'm Beginning to See the Light, music and lyrics by Duke Ellington, Don George, Johnny Hodges, and Harry James, has been performed by countless artists. Listen to these finger-poppin' jazzy audio clips by trumpeter Harry James, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Ella with the Count Basie Orchestra. [9 March 2005]
I'm Confessin'
(That I Love You), music by
Doc Daugherty and
Ellis Reynolds, lyrics by
Al J. Neiburg, was my
mother and father's "song." This lovely tune has been performed by so many
artists through the years. Listen to audio clips of versions by
Guy Lombardo,
Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with the Quintet of the Hot Club of
France (I also love a rare version with Django on electric guitar),
Perry Como,
Ella Fitzgerald,
Louis Armstrong, and
Tony Bennett with k.d. lang. [26 May 2006]
I'm Every Woman,
words and music by
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, was a huge hit in 1978 for
Chaka Khan. A #1 R&B
track, the record peaked at #21 on the pop chart. It was reprised by
Whitney Houston, who performed it in the 1992 film, "The
Bodyguard," in which she co-starred with
Kevin Costner.
The song went to #4 on the pop chart and was a
#1 Dance Club Hit.
The
soundtrack album won a Grammy Award for
Album
of the Year, sporting
Whitney's cover of "I
Will Always Love You," which went on to win "Record
of the Year," while
Whitney herself captured the "Best
Pop Vocal Performance, Female." Check out Chaka's original version
here, a terrific remix
from her 1989 album, "Life
is a Dance," and, finally,
Whitney
Houston's remake, in which she gives a shout-out to Chaka as the song fades
out. Tonight,
tune in and see who the new winners are at the
54th Grammy Awards. And remember
multiple-Grammy Award-winning singer,
Whitney Houston,
who passed away yesterday at the age of 48. [12 February
2012]
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, lyrics by Ned Washington, music by George Bassman, was immortalized by the orchestra of famed trombonist Tommy Dorsey. Listen to an audio clip of a vocal version by Ella Fitzgerald and an instrumental version by Gerry Mulligan, Check out also a YouTube clip of jazz guitar master Jim Hall and the original 78 rpm version of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Thanksgiving is among those American family holidays that appeal to the very best of sentiments. A Happy and a Healthy Thanksgiving to all. And hearty appetite! [27 November 2008]
I'm Glad There Is You, words and music by Jimmy Dorsey and Paul Madeira (aka Paul Mertz). is a perfect song to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Empire State Building, my favorite of all NYC skyscrapers. Extraordinary you are, the King Kong of all buildings: I'm Glad There is You, still You, always ... You. Happy Birthday! And listen to Old Blue Eyes on YouTube. [1 May 2011]
I'm Going Home features the words and music of the late rock guitarist Alvin Lee of Ten Years After. Lee had always marvelled at the fast fret work of the jazz guitarists he emulated, including Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, John McLaughlin, and Joe Pass. At Woodstock, he provides us with a truly adrenaline-fueled guitar solo, incorporating snippets of "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," and John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom." Check out the live version from their album "Undead" and the rockin' live performance at Woodstock [YouTube links]. [10 August 2019]
I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, music by Fred E. Ahlert, lyrics by Joe Young, is a fine ol' standard from Tin Pan Alley. Listen to audio clips performed by Dean Martin, Sarah Vaughan, actor-turned-singer Danny Aiello, and Billy Williams. [2 April 2006]
I'm in Love, music and lyrics by Kashif Saleem (born Michael Jones) and Nicholas Trevisick, is one of Evelyn "Champagne" King's best. Listen to an audio clip here. [22 August 2005]
I'm in the Mood for Love, music by Jimmy McHugh, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, is a classic of the standard songbook. Originally from the 1935 film, "Every Night at Eight" (okay, okay, another film song for good measure!), it has been recorded by so many vocalists, including Barbra Streisand, Jamiroquai, and Rod Stewart. And it has also been recorded in different forms... as we'll see tomorrow. [6 March 2006]
Imitation of Life ("Main Theme"), music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, is sung in the title sequence by Earl Grant (who has a Nat King Cole-ish delivery). It is a lovely song from one of the signature Douglas Sirk films of the 1950s. The 1959 film stars Lana Turner and John Gavin. Check out the theme over the opening credits [YouTube link]. [23 February 2018]
I'm Leaving It Up To You, music and lyrics by Don "Sugarcane" Harris and Dewey Terry, was first recorded by them, as the Doo Wop duo Don and Dewey [YouTube link]. Their R&B-inflected version spent 2 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart in 1957. Recorded also by Dale and Grace [YouTube link], it was also a selection on Linda Ronstadt's 1970 album "Silk Purse" [YouTube link here], with a lovely country lilt and a fiddle solo (most likely by Gil Guilbeau, as a nod to Don Harris who was himself a violinist). Even Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond brought the song to the top of the Adult Contemporary chart in the summer of 1974 [YouTube link here]. Technically speaking, the number one pop hit on this day in 1963 was "Deep Purple," but the Dale and Grace version of this song topped the chart on 23 November 1963, the day after one of the most infamous events in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Whatever one thinks of JFK and his political legacy, the shooting in Dealey Plaza in Dallas on this day, fifty years ago, was a watershed event, a symbolic turning point, a signal of all the violence and brutality that consumed the decade to come: the Vietnam war, the urban riots, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Robert F. Kennedy, and the growing discontent and distrust in government, which ultimately brought down another president in the Watergate scandal: Richard Nixon, who lost to JFK in the 1960 election and resigned the office in 1974. Check out CBS's streaming video, beginning at 1:38 p.m. today, when Walter Cronkite interrupted the soap opera "As the World Turns" with a special bulletin. I was only 3 years old that day; we were at my grandmother's house because she had fallen and was badly injured. I remember a weekend of non-stop television coverage. I remember seeing Jack Ruby shooting and killing the alleged Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald [check out the Zapruder film of the JFK assassination, television coverage of the Oswald shooting, and various breaking reports from the major networks on November 22nd]. These events, for a 3 year old, seemed totally incomprehensible, but judging from the reaction of all my elders, they were truly horrific. Now, at age 53, I still look at that day and the days that followed with a degree of incomprehensibility. [22 November 2013]
I'm Not Gonna Let You, words and music by Marston Freeman and Colonel Abrams, was a #1 1986 Dance Club hit, from a #1 Dance Club album, which was the artist's self-titled debut recording that included yesterday's "Trapped" as well. Check out the original 12" extended mix [YouTube link]. [8 September 2018]
I'm Playing the Field features the words and music of Steve Allen, who was born on this date in 1921. Allen was the original host of "The Tonight Show" (1954-1957). Much more than that, he was a multitalented artist---a comedian, composer, musician, and actor (most notably in the title role of the 1956 film, "The Benny Goodman Story"). This song was originally written for a 1956 television musicial production, "The Bachelor", but it's sung here in swinging style by Steve Lawrence on the first installment of "Steve Allen's Music Room" in 1983 (in which he appeared along with his wife, singer Eydie Gorme). With a wonderful band led by vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and with Allen on percussion, check out this live performance on YouTube. An earlier version was recorded by Andy Williams in 1956 [YouTube]. [26 December 2023]
Improvisation #2 features the immortal gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, the centennial of whose birth (on 23 January 1910) we celebrate. Though well known for his work with the great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli in the magnificent swing ensemble, Quintette du Hot Club de France, this particular track shows off the master stylist in a solo setting. Check out a YouTube excerpt, even if the video cuts the last part of the original recording. Long live Django! And a belated Happy New Year to All! [28 January 2010]
I'm Your Baby Tonight, words, music, and production by L. A. Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, is the finger poppin' title track to Whitney Houston's third album and the artist's 8th #1 pop hit. Now, while I'm often a lover of remixes, this track's dance remix [YouTube link] just does not compare to the original album mix [YouTube link], with its slick shuffle beat. [3 March 2012]
In a Mellow Tone, words and music by Milton Gabler and Duke Ellington, has been recorded in many fine renditions by vocalists and instrumentalists alike, including Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Tony Bennett, Joe Pass, and, of course, the Duke himself (audio clips at artist links). [8 December 2005a]
In a Sentimental Mood, music by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Manny Kurtz (also known as Manny Curtis) and Irving Mills, has been performed by many vocalists and instrumentalists. Two of my favorite instrumental versions are a haunting saxophone synthesizer version, played by Michael Brecker, with the group Steps Ahead, and a sweet and smooth rendition by my friend trombonist Roger Bissell, from his album with pianist Ben Di Tosti, "The Art of the Duo" (audio clip here). This 1935 hit was also featured in the musical revue, "Sophisticated Ladies." [3 March 2005]
Independence Day ("Firestorm") [audio clip at that link], composed by David Arnold, is a dramatic selection from one of my favorite sci-fi films. [19 February 2009]
Indian Summer, originally entitled "An American Idyll" (audio clip at that link), features the music of Victor Herbert and Al Dubin's lyrics, which were added some 20 years later. Listen to an audio clip of a famous Tommy Dorsey recording of this song (at that link). I love a Jim Hall studio recording of this from the album "Commitment" (considered by some as among the top jazz albums of the past 50 years). Hall also recorded it live with bassist Ron Carter, who states the melody line in an audio clip here. Autumn arrives today, but we can still hope for an Indian Summer. [22 September 2005]
Indian Summer Love [YouTube link], composed by Cedric Martin and Skip Scarborough, was recorded by the R&B/funk band, Con Funk Shun. This instrumental appears on the 1977 album, "Secrets". It's a nice smooth jazz track for a late summer day---or an unseasonably warm autumn day, a chill way to close out August. But this Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival continues until the Last Day of Summer---which is NOT Labor Day! So stay tuned! [31 August 2024]
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny ("Helena's Theme") [YouTube link], composed and conducted here by the great John Williams, is from one of two of Williams's film scores nominated tonight at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for "Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media" (the other being his score from "The Fabelmans"). This lovely cue, featuring German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, is original to this installment of the Indiana Jones franchise and is Grammy-nominated for "Best Instrumental Composition" (and it won!). The film's original score earned John Williams his 54th Oscar nomination. Today begins a five-day tribute to John Williams's iconic musical canon. [4 February 2024]
Indigo Eyes features the music and lyrics of Peter Murphy and Paul Statham. My favorite rendition of this song is from Peter Murphy's solo album, "aLive Just For Love" (audio clip at that link). This double album features an array of acoustic reconstructions of Peter's diverse body of work (and includes a guest appearance by Bauhaus bassist David J). I have highlighted Peter's "Subway" and "Just for Love" in previous "Song of the Day" entries, and I've enjoyed his artistic evolution from his Bauhaus days to his glorious solo projects. Thanks for introducing me to Peter's eclectic universe, sweetie. Happy birthday, with love. [6 January 2007]
Infatuation (YouTube clip at that link), written by Winston Negron, was one of my favorite 1980s synth club tracks. Performed by Up Front and remixed by Edward T. Colon, it was a New York area dance club smash in 1983. [1 October 2007]
In Like Flint ("Where the Bad Guys Are Gals"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is featured in the whimsical 1967 sequel to "Our Man Flint" (1966). This was the last movie ever made in CinemaScope This main title composition (which, with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, became "Your Zowie Face"; listen to a sample here) has the kind of infectious melody heard throughout the film that once heard never seems to leave the psyche (and, yes, it has a similarity to another one of my favorites: "Call Me"). Check it out on YouTube here and here (along with a piece on "Spy Vogue") and in a Nelson Riddle arrangement too! And check out "The Musician's Magician" (YouTube link), a mini-"In Like Flint"-tribute to the great composer, who was born on this date in 1929. [10 February 2012]
In Living Color ("Main Theme"), co-written and performed by Eddie F and Heavy D, opened this Wayan Brothers show, which ran from 1990 to 1994 on Fox. It's a really nice New Jack swing theme, that continues to inspire; even Bruno Mars paid homage to it in his "Finesse" remix video with Cardi B [YouTube link]. [14 July 2023]
Inner City Life features the words and music of electronic music master Goldie, Rob ("Timecode") Playford, and Diane Charlemagne, whose voice caresses this classic drum and bass track. It is taken from the title track of the album "Timeless," in which jungle, breakbeats, and atmospheric ambient sounds blend seamlessly with symphonic strings, jazzy inflections, and soulful vocals to produce a wondrous cross-fertilization. Listen to the full 21-minute piece from which this song emerged, and then check out these various mixes: Classic Drum & Bass, Roni Size and DJ Krust Remix, Baby Boy's Edit, Rabbit's Short Attention Span Mix, the Rabbit in the Moon Mix (courtesy of the great Paul Oakenfold), and a jazz-inspired remake featuring vocalist Jhelisa Anderson [all YouTube links]. [18 March 2012]
Inspector Morse ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], music by Barrington Pheloung, opens this British television series (shown on PBS in the United States), which ran for 8 seasons (1987-1995). This hypnotic composition, which uses a motif based on the Morse code for M.O.R.S.E., was chosen by Classic FM listeners, in partnership with Radio Times, as the U.K.'s all-time favorite TV theme. [1 July 2023]
International Love, words and music by Armando C. Perez ("Pitbull"), Carsten Shack ("Soulshock"), Peter Biker, Sean Hurley, and Claude Kelly, is a really catchy dance track from "Planet Pit," the sixth studio album from rapper Pitbull, and it features an infectious melody line delivered by Chris Brown. Check out the Official Video, as well as the Jump Smokers Remix and the Daniel Ngo Remix. [12 March 2012]
In the Good Old Summertime, music by George "Honey Boy" Evans, lyrics by Ren Shields, is an iconic 1902 Tin Pan Alley song that has been featured or referenced across the arts: in musical theater, including "The Defender" (1902); novels, including "Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis and "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair; film, from the 1930 Mickey Mouse cartoon, "The Picnic" (1930) and the Laurel and Hardy 1930 classic, "Below Zero" to the 1949 eponymously titled film, starring Judy Garland. It has been performed by countless artists, from John Philip Sousa and The Andrews Sisters (with Dan Dailey) to Nat King Cole and Pearl Bailey & Floyd Pepper on "The Muppet Show" [YouTube links]. [30 August 2024]
In the Hall of the Mountain King (audio clip at that link) was composed by Edvard Grieg as part of the "Peer Gynt Suites" (audio clips from the orchestral suite at that link). This famous Grieg theme has been heard in many renditions by orchestras and rock groups, in cartoons and video games. A tiny lick of it even shows up in "Open Sesame" (audio clip at that link) by Kool and the Gang from the 1977 soundtrack to "Saturday Night Fever." Grieg's composition is not, strictly speaking, a tribute to the telephone, except that it is the featured ringtone on my own cell phone. Okay, okay, folks: Y'all can hang up now ... our tribute to the telephone has been disconnected. But do check out a few additional songs about telephones. [16 March 2006]
In the Heat of the Night, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, music by the multitalented composer, conductor, arranger, and producer Quincy Jones, is featured in the 1967 film, starring Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier ("They call me Mister Tibbs!"). The Quincy Jones soundtrack received a Grammy nomination for "Best Original Score from a Motion Picture or Television Show." It's a great title song, sung by the great Ray Charles (YouTube clip at that link). Check out other notable versions as well: Bill Champlin (who sang it for the TV series) and the very jazzy Nancy Wilson (from her 1968 album, "Welcome to My Love"). The Bergmans, Jones, Champlin, Charles, Wilson, even Poitier! ... all Grammy winners in their lifetimes. Last night's memorable Grammy telecast (even Betty White won a Grammy!), with its moving memorials to Whitney Houston, Etta James, and others, reminds us to celebrate the healing power of music. [13 February 2012]
In the Heights ("96,000), music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a highlight of the 2008 Tony-Award winning Broadway musical, which offers a snapshot over three days of the largely Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights, a community that, today, has the most reported Coronavirus cases in the borough of Manhattan. This rousing production also won Tony Awards for Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations (four awards out of a total of thirteen nominations!). Check out the recording from the original Broadway cast production as well as a performance of it on the 2008 Tony Awards [YouTube links]. And finally, check out the Warren Five, my cousins on Long Island, who, after having performed this song live for their growing Facebook Audience [Facebook link] during the #QWARRENtine, have just produced a music video for their own terrific rendition [YouTube link]. Love 'em all! [6 April 2020]
In the Line of Fire ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Ennio Morricone, provides a musical landscape of tension that undergirds this 1993 political action thriller starring Clint Eastwood, Rene Russo, and the maniacal Oscar-nominated John Malkovich. This is the first of two back-to-back suites from Morricone the Magnificent, which will conclude this year's Film Music February Festival. [27 February 2022]
In the Line of Fire ("Taking the Bullet") [YouTube link], music by Ennio Morricone, exhibits one side of perhaps the most versatile film score composer of his generation. This cue from the 1993 film, starring Clint Eastwood, Rene Russo, and an utterly maniacal John Malkovich (who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination) encapsulates all the tension and suspense of an unsettling political thriller. [13 February 2017]
In the Mood, words by Andy Razaf, music by Joe Garland, was a Glenn Miller mega-hit. Listen to audio clips of Glenn Miller and, in a vocal rendition, the ever-effervescent Bette Midler. [31 March 2006]
In the Name of Love features the words and music of R. Williams and Sharon Redd, who performs this memorable Prelude dance track. Listen to audio clips here and here. [17 January 2006]
In the Name of Love, words and music by Joe Leeway and Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins, was a #1 dance hit in 1982. Same title as yesterday's song, but a very different end-product. Listen to an audio clip here. [18 January 2006]
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, music by David Mann, lyrics by Bob Hilliard, is the title track from a 1955 album regarded by many to be the greatest of Sinatra's career. Ths song is also featured on Disc 2 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Sinatra delivers the song in that personally reflective manner, which bathes the lyrics with his own yearnings and lovelorn loneliness. It speaks to any of us who has ever fallen in love and felt the sting of its loss. Listen to this classic on YouTube. [25 November 2015]
Into the Groove, music and lyrics by Madonna and Stephen Bray, performed by Madonna, who also starred in the hilarious 1985 film "Desperately Seeking Susan," from which the song comes. A 12" dance classic that was released as the B-side of "Angel," it was later included in an extended remix version on the compilation album, "You Can Dance" (check out the audio clip at that link). But there's nothing like the original mix. [3 December 2004]
Inventions (full version at that link) is a composition by the band Maserati. A stand-out from the band's album, Inventions for the New Season, the track has also been creatively remixed. Take a look at two YouTube moments: this clip of a live version from the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, and this clip from San Antonio, Texas, recorded on 18 October 2009. The latter clip is all the more poignant to watch because it was recorded by the ensemble just weeks before the tragic untimely passing on 8 November 2009 of Brooklyn-based drummer extraordinaire Jerry Fuchs. Fuchs had worked prolifically with such bands as LCD Soundsystem, !!! (pronounced "chk, chk, chk"), and The Juan Maclean. I never met him, but I had heard wonderful things about him from those who knew him. His passionate devotion to his craft is evident in the remarkable musical legacy he has left behind. [4 December 2009]
Invitation, music by Bronislau Kaper and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, derives from Kaper's haunting 1950s film scores for A Life of Her Own and Invitation. For me, the most heartfelt version is an instrumental one by Bill Evans (two free audio clips are available here). [26 September 2004]
I Only Have Eyes for You, music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, was written for the 1934 Busby Berkeley film "Dames," starring Joan Blondell, Dick Powell, and Ruby Keeler (listen to audio clips from the film's soundtrack here). It was a big hit for pianist Eddy Duchin (audio clip here). I especially love a rendition by Carmen McRae ("I only have eyes for you... Joe-oh-oh Pass"). Listen to an audio clip of that playful live version here. Today is my precious dog Blondie's Sweet 16th Birthday; her eyes ain't what they used to be. But she's still the #1 blond in my life. Happy Birthday, Blondie! [6 July 2005]
I Owe You One, words and music by Joey Gallo and Leon Sylvers III, appears on "Big Fun," the 1979 album that first featured the "classic" Shalamar line-up of Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, and Jody Watley. The album also included hits that have made "My Favorite Songs" previously, such as "Right in the Socket" and "The Second Time Around." Check out the sweet original extended mix of this R&B Dance track [YouTube link]. [19 August 2017]
I Remember When was composed and arranged by Eddie Sauter, conducted by Hershy Kay, and performed by the incomparable tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, along with an orchestra that included members of the Beaux-Arts Quartet, for the remarkable 1961 album, "Focus" (listen to an audio clip here). Here's what is remarkable: Getz was "handed a sketchy lead sheet of what had been scored for the orchestra of ten violins, four violas, two cellos, a bass, harp, and percussion. Not one note had been scored for him, nor had any areas been left open deliberately in the composition for his improvisation. ... His part would have to be wholly improvised over and through the fabric of the compositions Sauter had written for the orchestra." Because Getz crafted entirely new moods with each successive take, every track but one on this superb album derives from a single take (one was pieced together from two takes because both takes were so "fresh"). As Sauter put it, Getz "fitted his part into the fabric and made a whole." And what results, especially in this sensitive, lyrical, heart-tugging composition, remains one of the most challenging and inspiring performances in the history of recorded music. This album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. [21 January 2005]
Iron Man ("Iron Man") features the words and music of Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Sometimes the use of source music can be wonderfully adapted to the screen. With its infectious guitar riff, I would have been surprised if this song had not been used during the end credits of the 2008 Marvel Studios film of the same name, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Back in 2013, the trailer for the third film in this franchise debuted on Super Bowl Sunday [YouTube link]. Today, the Iron Men from the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs face off on the field in Super Bowl LVIII. Check out this song with scenes from the original 2008 movie [YouTube link]. [11 February 2024]
I Saw Her Standing There features the words and music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who celebrates his 70th birthday today. The song was the opening track on "Please Please Me," the debut UK album by The Beatles. One of my all-time favorite early Beatles tunes, this one has been covered by other artists as well. Check out the grand original, and versions by The Supremes, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and Tiffany. Happy Birthday, Sir Paul! [18 June 2012]
I Saw Three Ships, a traditional English carol, has been recorded by many artists, but my favorIte version is by Nat King Cole [MySpace link]. Merry Christmas to All! [25 December 2013]
I Should Care, music by Axel Stordahl and Paul Weston, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, made its debut in the 1945 Esther Williams-Van Johnson film, "Thrill of a Romance." It has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Martha Tilton, June Christy, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Boz Scaggs, pianists Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk, and birthday boy Duke Ellington, among many other artists (audio clips at those links). My brother, guitarist Carl Barry, who also celebrates his birthday today, has performed this tune brilliantly, both as a solo artist and with vocalist Jack Michaels. Happy Birthday, Bro! [29 April 2007]
The Island (Comecar de Novo), music by Ivan Lins, Portuguese lyrics by Brazilian songwriter Vitor Matins and English lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, begins an extended Labor Day weekend of the Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition). Notable recordings of this sensuous love song include renditions by Ivan Lins (live), pianist Steve Kuhn, virtuoso harmonica player TootsThielemans (live too!), tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, pianist Richie Beirach and vocalist Laurie Antonioli, and vocalists Patti Austin, Julie Andrews, Sergio Mendes (with vocalist Angie Jaree), Dee Dee Bridgewater, Barbra Streisand [YouTube links], and, from the album, "Embraceable You," Joanne Barry [mp3 link] (my sister-in-law, whose birthday is today: Happy Birthday Wan, with Love!), with my brother, jazz guitarist Carl Barry [YouTube link], Mike Morreale on fluegelhorn, Tim Lekan on bass, and Mike Hyman on drums. [5 September 2020]
Isn't She Lovely? features the words, music, and performance of Stevie Wonder. This exuberant song is from another classic Stevie album: "Songs in the Key of Life" (audio clip at that link). A lyrical celebration of Wonder's newborn daughter Aisha Morris, whose crying is heard on the recording, this song is also a tribute to the love of fathers and mothers: Happy Mother's Day! [14 May 2006]
I Specialize in Love, words and music by Lotti Golden and Richard Scher, was an international dance hit by Sharon Brown. In 1982, it peaked at #2 on the Billboard Dance Club chart. Check out the classic 12" remix and a later "Dirty House" remix [YouTube links]. In 1995, the girl group Expose released a rendition of the song that hit the Top Ten of the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Check out the album version and the dance remix [YouTube links]. Today, we kick off an extended Labor Day Summer Dance weekend. [1 September 2017]
Israel is a minor blues composition by John Carisi, a standard of the jazz repertoire made famous by such jazz luminaries as Miles Davis, on the classic album "Birth of the Cool" (audio clip at that link), and the incomparable Bill Evans, who recorded it many times. Listen to a full audio clip of one of Evans' renditions, featuring bassist Chuck Israels, and the late drummer Larry Bunker. Another Evans audio clip can be heard here. To my knowledge, the title has nothing to do with the holiday, but I wish a healthy Passover to all my Jewish friends! [23 April 2005]
It Ain't Necessarily So, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, has been recorded by countless artists. Listen to audio clips of this "Porgy and Bess" staple performed by Peggy Lee, Bobby Darin, Lena Horne, trumpeter Art Farmer, clarinetist Buddy DeFranco and pianist Oscar Peterson, Peterson on clavicord with guitarist Joe Pass, and Paul Robeson. [17 August 2005]
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, words by Edmund Hamilton Sears, music by Richard Storrs Willis, is one of those Christmas songs that has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Josh Grobin, Mannheim Steamroller, and guitar greats Joe Pass and Jack Wilkins, each of whom casts his own magic on this classic carol. Meanwhile, it's Christmas Eve: Don't forget to Track Santa! [24 December 2007]
It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing), music by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Irving Mills, is one of the great Ellington classics. On this date in 1927, the Duke opened at the Cotton Club, "one of the most celebrated premieres in American music" history. Thus begins our 7+ days of Duke Tributes (audio clip of this song at that link). And for a change of pace from the Ellington version, listen to an audio clip of one of Ella's blazing versions here. [4 December 2005]
It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be, words and music by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, is a fun 1989 duet featuring Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, from the latter's album, "Through the Storm." For the next few days, we turn to a few of my favorite beat-friendly duets in the Whitney canon. Check out the New Jack Swing feel of the original and the remix, and the 1999 Nic Mercy house remix. [5 March 2011]
It Might as Well Be Spring, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, was featured in both the 1945 and 1962 incarnations of the movie musical "State Fair" (you can sample both versions of this song at that link). Sample an audio clip from Rosemary Clooney too. [24 March 2005]
It Never Entered My Mind features the music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of today's birthday boy, Lorenz Hart. It was first heard in the 1940 Broadway production of "Higher and Higher." It has been recorded by many artists, including Sarah Vaughan, Linda Ronstadt, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis (audio clips at those links). [2 May 2006]
It's a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving ("Thanksgiving Theme") [YouTube link], music composed and performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio for this 1973 animated feature, is one of those recognizable jazz themes long associated with all things "Peanuts." Thanksgiving is often viewed as the kick-off to the holiday season (though nowadays, stores seem to be putting up holiday decorations before Labor Day!). Despite much heartache over the past year, I never fail to count the many blessings for which I am thankful---loving family and friends, warm memories, passionate work, the wonderful food on this holiday that only a loving home can provide--and, of course, the sweetness of all the music I have celebrated in "My Favorite Songs." A Happy Thanksgiving to All! [23 November 2017]
It's a Love Thing, music and lyrics by W. Shelby and D. Meyers, was performed by another great SOLAR group: The Whispers. Listen to an audio clip of this dance classic here. [31 May 2005]
It's All Right with Me, words and music by the incomparable Cole Porter, from the musical "Can-Can," is one of the great American standards. Listen to audio clips of Harry Connick, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Joe Pass, and Oscar Peterson. I'm dedicating this classic standard to Danny Stiles, who has been playing classic standards for eons on the radio in the New York metropolitan area, and who celebrates his 85th birthday today at John's Pizzeria at 260 West 44th Street in Manhattan. Happy birthday! [1 December 2008]
It's a Man's Man's Man's World features the words and music of Betty Jean Newsome and the one and only James Brown, whose recording of the song was a huge hit on both the R&B and pop charts. Listen to two versions by Brown: the original, a jazz-influenced reworking from "Soul on Top" with the swingin' Louis Bellson Orchestra (both YouTube links), and two versions that invert the imagery: one finely orchestrated, grinding rendition by Cher (YouTube link), and a totally deconstructed powerhouse live performance at the 2007 Grammy Awards by Christina Aguilera (YouTube link). Aguilera is a Staten Island native, which is all the more appropriate today, as the NYC borough marks the 350th anniversary of its founding in 1661. Happy Birthday, Staten Island! [22 August 2011]
It's a Wonderful Life ("Main Title") composed by Dmitri Tiomkin, is one of the most recognizable themes of all holiday movies. Though initially released to lukewarm reception, this 1946 Frank Capra film became a classic over the years as it was shown again and again on television especially around the holidays. It is one of my all-time favorite movies with a stupendous cast, led by Jimmy Stewart, whose character learns, through the lightness and darkness of his experiences, that his actions (like the actions of every individual) have ever-widening ripple effects on the people with whom he comes into contact (and even some people he'll never meet). And I love the Tiomkin score. You can watch the movie online on YouTube; check out the opening theme in the first minute or so. [29 December 2012]
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, a spirited holiday song written by Meredith Willson, made its debut in 1951. Listen to audio clips of various renditions: Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters, Johnny Mathis, and Dionne Warwick. Also check out the audio clip at the link for "Pine Cones and Holly Berries," from the original 1963 Broadway cast album for "Here's Love." Thanks Eric! [3 January 2006]
It's Better with a Band, music by Wally Harper, lyrics by David Zippel, is the title track of the live album recorded by musical legend Barbara Cook, who died yesterday at the age of 89. Cook was born in Atlanta, Georgia but she became a New York institution, as she conquered the Broadway theater, concert halls and cabarets of the Big Apple. She achieved global recognition for her intepretation of the Great American Songbook. Check out the live album rendition of this light-heated song recorded in 1980 at Carnegie Hall and a later 1997 rendition with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. [9 August 2017]
It's Easy to Say, composed by the magnificent Henry Mancini, with lyrics by Robert Wells, is featured in the 1979 film "10," where it is performed hauntingly and lovingly on piano by Dudley Moore and by Julie Andrews and Moore as well (full-length movie versions at those links). One of my all-time favorite Mancini compositions, take a look at a live version with Mancini and Moore and another played by the composer himself. The Academy Award-nominated song was performed on the 1980 telecast by Moore and singer Helen Reddy. And so ends my annual mini-movie music tribute. [7 March 2010]
It's Impossible is the English language version by Sid Wayne of a Spanish standard "Somos Novios" by Armando Manzanero. Listen to audio clips of Spanish-language renditions by Manzanero himself, Luis Miguel, and, in a YouTube clip, Andrea Boccelli and Christina Aguilera. Then check out audio clips of English-language renditions by Elvis Presley, and, my favorite, Perry Como (check out a YouTube full-length version of the Como classic). [19 December 2007]
It's Just Begun, words and music by Jimmy Castor, Johnny L. Pruitt, and Gerry Thomas, is one of the most famous tracks recorded by The Jimmy Castor Bunch. It is featured during a sizzling breakdance sequence (YouTube link) in the 1983 smash hit film "Flashdance." This entertaining movie sported a robust soundtrack of hit singles. And yet, this track never appeared on the soundtrack album! The track actually predates the movie; it first appeared in 1972 as the title track to the second album released by The Jimmy Castor Bunch. Castor passed away in January 2012. But his music lives on; this song, in particular, has been sampled countless times by hip hop artists. Check out the gloriously funky original on YouTube. [3 February 2012]
It's Magic, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was sung by Doris Day in her film debut, "Romance on the High Seas." The song was nominated for a 1948 Academy Award for Best Song. Listen to audio clips from Doris Day, Tony Martin, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan. [22 February 2006]
It's Not Easy Being Green, of Muppets fame. Kermit could be such a philosopher, even if he does get a little help from lyricist Joe Rapposo. It's one of my favorite songs and one of my friend Matthew's too. Happy birthday, Pal! [11 September 2004a]
It's Not Right But It's Okay, words and music by LaShawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, Isaac Phillips, and Toni Estes, is featured on the 1998 Whitney Houston album, "My Love Is Your Love." My all-time favorite uptempo Whitney track remains "Love Will Save the Day," especially the original album version (check out, as well, the Disconet remix, which builds on the original). And my all-time favorite Whitney ballad is "Saving All My Love for You," with "I Have Nothing" a close second. But this one is my absolute all-time favorite dance remix of any Whitney Houston song. The original track [YouTube link] is transformed into a scalding #1 Billboard dance chart hit by Thunderpuss [YouTube link], a testament to the raw power of a well-done remix, the sheer talent of a remixer, and a stellar example of the reason for having a non-classical Grammy remix category. As we close out our Whitney Houston dance music tribute, check out these various greatest hits medleys, which include some very popular songs not highlighted here over the past 10 days: the 1988 Whitney Houston Disconet Medley, another 1980s medley, the 2008 lovetoinfinitymegamix, the 2009 Ulti Megamix, the x2party megamix, the 2011 D.G. Megamix Medley, and another Megamix, Part 1 and Part 2. Excuse me now, 'cuz "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." RIP, Whitney. [10 March 2012]
It's Only a Paper Moon, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and Billy Rose, is a song that owes its origins to the theater. It has also been heard in a few films, including "Take a Chance" (1933), "Paper Moon" (1973), and "Funny Lady" (1975). While you're celebrating the arrival of the Full Harvest Moon later this week, listen to audio clips of this song recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and actor James Caan (from "Funny Lady"). [1 October 2006]
It's Raining Men, words and music by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer, was performed with Diva gusto by those "two tons o' fun": The Weather Girls. Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes Armstead tore up the dance floors with this one. The song was re-recorded by Geri Halliwell for the soundtrack of the 2001 film, "Bridget Jones's Diary" (audio clip at that link). But nothing compares to the original (audio clip at that link). Just the right song for a Gay-Day Parade in NYC, even it has been raining (literally) on and off for days. [25 June 2006]
It's the End of the World As We Know features the words and music of Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe, who provides the lead vocals to this R.E.M. staple. The song has been covered by many artists, but it was prominently featured in the 1996 Armageddon-like sci-fi film, "Independence Day," which, though it refers to another holiday, seems perfectly appropriate for a Spooky Halloween---though not as spooky as that other upcoming "holiday": Election Day! Check out the R.E.M. original video single. [31 October 2020]
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, music and lyrics by Edward Pola and George Wyle, captures the wonder of the season perfectly Listen to audio clips by Toni Braxton and Rosemary Clooney, and my two most favorite versions: the exuberant, joyous renditions by Andy Williams (and check out a shrift remix of that track too) and Johnny Mathis. And so ends our tribute to holiday songs, which began 12 days ago. A very happy, healthy, prosperous, and successful New Year to all my readers! [1 January 2008]
It's You or No One, words and music by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, can be heard in the 1948 movie, "Romance on the High Seas," sung by Doris Day in her first film role. Check out the scene in the film where Doris Day sings the song for Jack Carson. And check nice versions by Bobby Darin and jazz guitarists Joe Giglio and Carl Barry (my bro!) and jazz bassist David Shaich, live at The West End, NYC. [10 February 2013]
It's Your Thing,
words and music by
Ronald Isley,
O'Kelley Isley, Jr., and
Rudolph Isley,
otherwise known as the
Isley Brothers,
was released in February 1969. This song, from the album, "It's
Our Thing," would reach #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the
R&B charts, and would go on to win a
Grammy
Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. It was one of the singles
featured on the
jukebox at the
Stonewall Inn, which was raided by police in the
early
morning hours of June 28th of that year, in what proved to be the final act
of state violence against this private establishment catering to a largely gay
and lesbian clientele. With lyrics such as "It's your
thing, do what you wanna do! I can't tell you who to sock it to! I'm not trying
to run your life, I know you wanna do what's right. Give your love now, to
whoever you choose. How can you lose!"---it became a perfect funk
anthem
to
celebrate
the birth
of the modern
gay liberation movement as the
Stonewall
Inn patrons fought back in defense of their
rights to live their own lives in
liberty and to pursue their own happiness,
without social or political
oppression or
the need for the Mafia-owned bar to keep making police pay-offs---a
libertarian moment if ever there were one! [28 June 2018]
I Turn to You
features the words and music of
Billy Steinberg,
Rick Nowels, and
Melanie Chisholm---aka
"Melanie C"
or "Sporty
Spice," one of the five original
Spice Girls. She
recorded this 1999 song for her first solo album, "Northern
Star." She was the first woman to top the U.K. charts as part of a quintet,
quartet, duo, and solo artist, racking up eleven #1 U.K. singles in the process.
Check out the
single mix,
a
music video mix, the Hex Hector 12" Club Mix
and the
Techno Mix to
this catchy tune [YouTube links].
[18 August 2018]
It Was a Very Good Year by the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra. The Ervin Drake music and lyrics
to this song benefit from a superb Gordon Jenkins 1966
Grammy-winning arrangement, featured on the "September of My
Years" album, bathed in strings and minor key changes. Sinatra is a consummate
storyteller here: it's as if he's lived every age he sings about. And he
did... [4 September 2004]
It Was Me (C'Etait Moi) features the words and music of Maurice Vidalin, Gilbert Becaud, and Norman Gimbel. Listen to Tony Bennett sing his heart out. [16 August 2006]
I've Got a Crush on New York Town, words and music by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, was recorded by Connie Francis for her 1964 album, "A New Kind of Connie". New York is the town of my birth; I have lived here my entire life. And as the lyric says, "I wouldn't leave if I could. I've got a crush on New York town, for good." With this song, I've provided a slideshow of photos taken mostly by me or of me---a paean to the Twin Towers and to NYC. This video tribute to the World Trade Center debuts on the twenty-third anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on this late summer day in 2001 [YouTube link]. #NeverForget. My thanks to Kevin Wichowski-Hill for helping to restore some of the featured photos. [11 September 2024]
I've Got a Crush on You, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, is one of the great standards of the American songbook. It has been recorded by countless artists through the years. It was covered recently by Rod Stewart and Diana Ross (though a November 12, 2005 Billboard review said that the duet "meshes Stewart's burlap delivery with a razor-thin satiny performance from Ross. A more unlikely pairing would challenge the imagination and that is no compliment. Every variable of this effort is an assault on good taste, like serving Pabst with brie." Ouch.) Listen to audio clips of recordings by Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald (each of these features the intro), and by Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. Moving from songs with a moon motif, I wish all the honeymooners and romantics out there (including my very own "sweetie pie") a Happy Valentine's Day. [14 February 2006]
I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For, words and music by Irving Berlin, made its debut in the 1942 film, "Holiday Inn." The soundtrack features some truly wonderful gems that would make their way into the Great American Songbook. This particular tune was sung in the film by Bing Crosby, accompanied by Bob Crosby and his Orchestra [YouTube link]. It's just my way of saying "Happy Thanksgiving" to one and all. [22 November 2018]
I've Got the Music in Me features the words and music of Tobias "Bias" Boshell, who was the keyboardist for The Kiki Dee Band, which released this as the title song off its 1974 album. I loved the song when I first heard it; my sister-in-law, Joanne Barry, used to give a rousing performance of it in the NYC cabaret circuit too. Check out these versions: the driving rock-oriented original Kiki Dee Band rendition [YouTube link]; the full-voiced R&B diva,Thelma Houston [YouTube link]; a jazzy Aretha Franklin, who sang it with superb jazz horn player Clark Terry on "Sweet Passion," her 1977 album. A snippet of it is heard over the closing credits of HBO's wonderful documentary, "The Music In Me" (check it out at 27:37). And finally, check out sexy Jennifer Lopez, who provides a beat-heavy version for her current Kohl's Department Store commercials [YouTube link]. [14 March 2012]
I've Got the Next Dance, words and music by J. D. Williams, C. Fowler, and K. Johnson, was recorded by Deniece Williams. It was a hot disco hit that I loved dancing to when it came out in 1979, probably my favorite year of dance music in the disco era. Listen to an audio clip here. [17 March 2006]
I've Got the World on a String, music by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Ted Koehler, was first heard in the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, introduced by both Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. The song was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1953, and reached #14 on the Billboard "most played" chart. It appeared as the lead track on his 1956 album, "This is Sinatra!", which constituted his first Capitol Records compilation set. Arranged by Nelson Riddle, it became a staple of the Sinatra Songbook, and was recognized in 2004 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences as a Grammy Hall of Fame recording. It is one of those songs that is almost inseparable from Sinatra's rendition, even though it has been covered by so many wonderful artists through the years. Indeed, I'll never forget an instrumental rendition by sweet trumpeter Bobby Hackett [You Tube link (and that's Carl Kress on guitar)], who went on to record so many of those romantic mood music albums produced by The Great One, Jackie Gleason. Gleason was so impressed by how background music magnified romantic scenes in the cinema that he once said: "If [Clark] Gable needs music, a guy in Brooklyn must be desperate!" [And be warned: the Jackie Gleason Centenary is Coming in February!] Johnny Carson [YouTube link] turned that same thought around; he once acknowledged the role of Sinatra's music as background to his own romantic encounters and he asked Sinatra: "When you're in a romantic mood, and you're trying to 'make out,' whose records do you put on?" Check out the Carson link for Sinatra's answer (and a surprise guest). Well, this song may not be soft, cuddly, and "romantic," but it celebrates the ecstatic state of being in love. And if its bouncy rhythm helps you in your romantic romps, more power to you! Because no Centenary Tribute is complete without this swinging original Sinatra recording [YouTube link]. [8 December 2015a]
I've Got Your Number features the music of Cy Coleman and the lyrics of Carolyn Leigh, from the Broadway show "Little Me." Listen here to an audio clip of Tony Bennett singing this swinging standard. We began our Tony Tribute, and we end it, with a selection from his album, "I Wanna Be Around," which remains my favorite Bennett album of all time. [24 August 2006]
I've Got You Under My Skin, yet another Cole Porter classic, sung with ease by Sinatra to a breezy Nelson Riddle arrangement, from the album "Songs for Swingin' Lovers" (listen to that audio clip). [16 December 2004]
I've Just Begun To Love You, words and music by William Shelby and Ricky Smith, was featured on the 1980 album, "Adventures in the Land of Music," by the SOLAR-label R&B group, Dynasty. This song was the highest charting track in the Dynasty single discography, a Top Ten R&B hit. Check out the Extended 12" Mix [YouTube link]. What's a Summer without a little SOLAR power? [31 August 2018]
I Wanna Be Around, words and music by Sadie Vimmerstedt and Johnny Mercer, was delivered with a sense of poetic justice by Tony Bennett. Seeing a Godfather-spoofing Marlon Brando dance to this in "The Freshman" was a hoot. [20 October 2004]
I Wanna Be Loved features the words of Billy Rose and Eddie Heyman and the music of Johnny Green. My favorite versions of this song are by Billy Eckstine and Dinah Washington (audio clips at those links). [20 January 2006]
I Wanna Be Your Lover, music, lyrics, and performance by Prince, was released on this date in 1979, becoming the artist's first bona fide pop hit single. Like Madonna, Prince celebrates his 50th birthday this year (he was born on June 7, 1958). Listen to an audio clip here (from the self-titled album "Prince"). [24 August 2008]
I Want It That Way, by Swedish composers Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson, was sung by the harmonizing Backstreet Boys. It's just a wonderfully hummable pop record. [22 October 2004]
I Want to Live! ("Main Title" / "Poker Game") [YouTube link to the entire soundtrack album; these tracks encompass the first 6:50] was composed by the ever-jazzy and wonderfully prolific Johnny Mandel. It provides a superb backdrop for this Robert Wise-directed 1958 tale based on the harrowing true story of Barbara Graham, who went to the gas chamber for murder. Susan Hayward gave an Oscar-winning performance as Best Actress, playing the "brazen bad girl . . . implicated in murder and sentenced to death row." Two scores for the film were actually released---"Johnny Mandel's Great Jazz Score" and "The Jazz Combo from 'I Want to Live!'"---the former received a Grammy nomination for Best Soundtrack Album (losing out to Andre Previn for "Gigi"). The film's soundtracks feature such jazz luminaries as Gerry Mulligan, Frank Rosolino, Jack Sheldon (the trumpeter who delivered Mandel's haunting 1965 "Sandpiper" score with such passion), Art Farmer, and Shelly Manne (who was also featured on Previn's "Gigi"). [20 February 2017]
I Want to Take You Higher, words and music by Sly Stone was actually the "B" side to "Stand!", the first bona fide Woodstock performance [YouTube link] I featured in this year's Summer Music Festival, coinciding with the Golden Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. Even as a "B" side, "I Want to Take You Higher" hit the Top 40 chart in 1970 for both Sly and the Family Stone and Ike and Tina Turner, who did a cover of the song [YouTube links]. This song was one of the highlights of "Woodstock: The Director's Cut", an expanded version of the 1970 Oscar-winning Best Documentary Feature. Check out the Woodstock performance [YouTube link], which took place in the wee hours of Sunday, 17 August 1969. It's the final entry in our Fiftieth Anniversary Tribute to Woodstock. Tomorrow's entry marks the 71st Annual Emmy Awards, but we return in the wee hours of 23 September 2019, to conclude this year's Summer Music Festival with the same artist who opened it---all before the Autumnal Equinox hits the East Coast of the United States at 3:50 AM. [21 September 2019]
I Want to Thank You, a mid-tempo 1981 dance classic composed by Kevin McCord and singer Alicia Myers. Listen to a clip at amazon.com. Happy Thanksgiving! [25 November 2004]
I Want You Back, music and lyrics by The Corporation, went to #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart in 1969. This "Grammy Hall of Fame" tune was also the first hit single for the Jackson Five. The lead singer of that group, Michael Jackson, turns 50 today. It's hard to believe that Madonna, Prince, and MJ are now all 50 years old! Check out a YouTube video of this classic track. [29 August 2008]
I Want Your Love, words and music by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, was a #1 1978 Hot Dance Club hit by Chic, from their classic Disco album, "C'est Chic." In 2006, Jody Watley recorded a cover for her 2006 album "The Makeover," and it too went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club chart. Check out the Chic classic album version, the extended 12" mix of the Watley cover version, and a 2015 Lady Gaga version as well [YouTube links]. These various renditions only show how that dirty word, "Disco," has profoundly influenced dance music through today, from House to Hi-NRG, from Eurobeat and Techno to EDM, its sounds continue to resonate. [11 August 2018]
I Was a Fool to Care, words and music by James Taylor, is a melancholy song to note on what is an otherwise whimsical day: April Fools' Day. But this song from Taylor's 1975 album, "Gorilla" is a standout selection. Check out the song on YouTube. Also check out a faithful rendition by Mac DeMarco and Jon Lent [YouTube link] (which includes a little snippet from "The Simpsons"). [1 April 2017]
I Was Made to Love Her is credited to Sylvia Moy, Henry Cosby, Stevie Wonder, and Lulu Hardaway (Wonder's mother). It was the first Stevie Wonder 45 rpm recording that my sister ever bought, and it is one of her favorites till this day. And it's one of my favorites too. Happy birthday to my sister, my friend! Much love, health, and happiness always. Listen to an audio clip here. [2 September 2005]
I Will Say Goodbye, music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is a gloriously melodic, if sad, song from the Legrand-Bergman songbook. My favorite instrumental version of the song is by jazz pianist Bill Evans
[YouTube link], with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund (and it actually won a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo in 1981). Among the fine vocal interpretations are renditions by Sarah Vaughan, Jack Jones, Lena Horne (from that classic Monsanto-sponsored Legrand special), and Carmen McRae with the Shirley Horn Trio. Last night was about "Goodbye" in many ways; Derek Jeter, baseball icon, played in his final All-Star Game, and went 2 for 2, shining just as brightly on the field. He is pure class, and this Jeter fan has had teary eyes ever since he announced that this will be his last year as a professional baseball player. It's going to be tough saying goodbye at the end of the season. Check out this sweet Jordan commercial tribute [YouTube link]. [16 July 2014]I Will Wait for You, music by Michel Legrand, English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, French lyrics by Jacques Demy, was an Oscar-nominated song that lost out to the brilliant theme from "The Sandpiper." But it derived from the 1964 masterpiece, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg). A special 2-CD version of the soundtrack includes two superb jazz instrumental versions arranged by Legrand. [4 October 2004]
I Wish, written and performed by Stevie Wonder, went to to #1 on the Billboard chart on this date in 1977. His live performances of this song are the best, but the recorded version is terrific too. Listen to an audio clip here of the original recording. [22 January 2006]
I Wish You Love was a French popular song from the 1940s, with music by Leo Chauliac and Charles Trenet, who also composed the lyrics (the song's original title is "Que reste-t-il no amours?"). It was rendered into English by Albert A. Beach. And it was one of the most famous moments in a 1967 one-woman show at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre given by Marlene Dietrich. In the show, Marlene was backed by Burt Bacharach and his huge orchestra, featuring a song list that included this famous tune, later immortalized in a television concert special, "An Evening with Marlene Dietrich." Check out Marlene's version and Keely Smith's version, which became her signature tune. [5 June 2015]
I Won't Dance, music by Jerome Kern, has two sets of lyrics: the first (in 1934 for the London musical "Three Sisters") by Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto Harbach, the second (in 1935, for the film version of the Kern-Harbach musical "Roberta") by Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh. It is the latter version that remains the most recorded, and Ella's Grammy-Award winning rendition with Nelson Riddle (from "Ella Swings Brightly with Nelson") is one of the best. Check it out on YouTube. And also check out another recording of the song that Ella performed with Louis Armstrong [YouTube link]. [20 April 2017]
The Jackie Gleason Show (aka "Melancholy Serenade"), composed by "The Great One," Jackie Gleason, for his CBS-TV show, is one of those recognizable television themes. It was a glorious show in its heyday, one that gave birth to classic characters from Reginald Van Gleason III and the Poor Soul to Joe the Bartender and Ralph Kramden. And don't forget the June Taylor Dancers. Gleason was also a composer and music producer. Listen to an audio clip of this theme here. Today kicks off twelve days of favorite TV themes, in anticipation of the Emmy Awards. [7 September 2005]
The Jackson 5 Medley [YouTube link] features the first three #1 hits of The Jackson 5. This is where it all began. Check out another classic Jackson medley, performed live at the "Motown 25" Celebration in 1983 (with a solo "Billie Jean" thrown in for good measure) [YouTube link]. On this date, in 1958, Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" was born. [29 August 2021]
Jaguar was composed by the great jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, who also performed the piece with a terrific small ensemble that included the immortal jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. I met Smith when my brother Carl Barry participated in a wonderful jazz guitar tribute to him back in 1999. Listen to an audio clip of the fleet-of-finger smooth bop tune here. [3 December 2005]
Jailhouse Rock, a Jerry Leiber-Mike Stoller gem, was the first song to debut at #1 on the British singles chart (it went to the top spot again in 2005). Elvis Presley also took it to #1 on the U.S. Billboard chart, for a 7-week run that began on this day in 1957 (it was paired with "Treat Me Nice" on the B-side, which also charted). The song was the title track and highlight production number of Elvis's third film, which opened in theaters also on this day in 1957. Three weeks after the song fell from the top spot, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. army. This song remains one of my all-time favorites in the Presley catalogue; it's a blues-based burner. Listen to an audio clip here. [21 October 2005]
J'aime Paris au Mois de Mai ("I Love Paris in May") features the words and music of Pierre Roche and Charles Aznavour, who passed away yesterday, October 1, 2018, at the age of 94. Known as the "French Frank Sinatra," he was the writer (or co-writer) of over a thousand songs, sold over 180 million albums worldwide and appeared in over 80 films. This particular song was first recorded by Aznavour in 1956 [YouTube link], but it is also featured in a collection of Aznavour's hits, re-interpreted in a jazz setting, that he re-recorded in 1998 for the album "Jazznavour." Check out this wonderful duet with the incomparable jazz singer Diane Reeves [YouTube link]. RIP, Charles Aznavour. [2 October 2018]
Jam features the words and music of Rene Moore, Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley, and Michael Jackson, who died on this date in 2009. The song, from Jackson's 1991 album "Dangerous," features a rap by the late Heavy D (who died in 2011). Take a look at the official video [YouTube link], which features the immortal Michael Jordan. Also check out the Silky 12" Remix, Space Vibes Mix, and a live version with a sweet dance segment by MJ. And check out a great mash-up of "Uptown Funk" and "Jam," featuring Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, and MJ, as well as this one, this 24K one, and that one; and another mash-up with MJ and Bruno of "Beat It" and "Beating on Heaven's Gate." And for another visit down memory lane, check out a 2017 remix of MJ's "Smooth Criminal" [all YouTube links]. [25 June 2017a]
January, February, words and music by Andy "Panda" Tripoli and "Latin Rascals" Tony Moran and Albert Cabrera, was recorded by Tina B at "117 Heartbeats Per Minute." It's a terrific freestyle dance hit. Listen to an audio clip here. [1 February 2006]
Jason and the Argonauts ("Skeletons"), composed by Bernard Herrmann, provides the atmospheric musical motif for one of the greatest special effects achievements in the storied history of legend Ray Harryhausen, who passed away today at age 92. Check out this iconic scene from the fun 1963 fantasy film on YouTube. [7 May 2013]
Jaws ("Main Title/First Attack") [audio clip at that link], music by John Williams, did for beaches what Herrmann did for showers: giving people who use them a recognizable theme for ominous possibilities. It's part of the unforgettable Oscar-winning score to the unforgettable Steven Spielberg-directed 1975 film. [23 February 2005]
Jaws ("One Barrel Chase") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, begins with an echo of that ominous "shark" theme before bursting into the sounds of a seafaring adventure. This is one of the best cues from the Oscar-winning soundtrack to Steven Spielberg's suspenseful 1975 film (and it's also one of my---and my sister's [Ski!]---favorite movies!). Today is the Maestro's 89th birthday and what better way to celebrate it than with a selection from one of his most iconic scores. Check out the scene that this music gallantly captures [YouTube link]. [8 Feburary 2021]
Jaws ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is one of only five scores for which the maestro won an Oscar. That's 5 wins out of 54 Oscar nominations, the most held by any living artist, second only to Walt Disney in Oscar history (who had a record 59 nominations over the course of his career). This soundtrack boasts one of the simplest and most unsettling two-note combinations in cinematic history, sitting alongside the classic dissonant shrieking violins from Bernard Herrmann's "Psycho" murder theme. Happy 92nd birthday to John Williams, who is the oldest Oscar nominee ever! [8 February 2024]
Jazzman, words and music by Carole King and David Palmer, is sung by King, with a little help from saxophonist Tom Scott. Listen to an audio clip of this song here. [14 August 2005]
Jazz Samba [YouTube link], composed by one of the best, the arranger and composer, Claus Ogerman, can be heard on "Intermodulation" (1966), one of the finest duet albums ever recorded, featuring the incomparable Bill Evans on piano and the equally incomparable Jim Hall on guitar. Perhaps my favorite track on this album is "All Across the City," a lovely Hall composition [YouTube link], but this one, in which the great guitarist provides comp support for Evans's swinging ways, is, to my knowledge, probably the only samba that Evans ever recorded. I'm sure this piece would have been on any playlist of my dear friend, the late Michael Southern, given his passion for the great Evans. [1 October 2017]
Jealous features the words and music of Nolan Lambroza, Simon Wilcox, and Nick Jonas, who was born on this date in 1992. God, they're getting younger and younger in this survey of dance music, aren't they? The 25-year old scored a #1 Hot Dance Club Hit in January 2015 with this song. Check out the video, the version featuring Tinashe (along with the E-man and Ikon remix of it), a gospel rendition, the Anda Remix, the hot Rooftop Boys Remix, House Remix, Club Killers Deep House Mix, Ugo Remix, and the DYAGO remix. [16 September 2017]
The Jeffersons ("Movin' on Up"), co-written by Ja'Net Dubois and Jeff Barry, opens this show, which was the second "All in the Family" spinoff (after "Maude"), developed by Norman Lear. "The Jeffersons" ran for 11 seasons (1975-1985). In its run, this show received 14 Emmy Award nominations (with 2 wins).This September marks the 75th Annual Emmy Awards, which honors excellence in artistic and technical achievements in television. With over 2000 "Song of the Day" entries since that list began in 2004, I've already featured quite a few TV themes. As the Summer Solstice arrives today (10:58 AM, EDT), I begin my Eighth Annual Summer Music Festival (TV Edition) as a tribute to that Emmy milestone. I will be regularly highlighting television themes or source music featured in TV shows throughout the summer. We all have our favorite TV themes. This one was rated by Rolling Stone as the All-Time #1 in that department! Check it out [YouTube link]. [21 June 2023]
Jeopardy (not that one) features the music and lyrics of Greg Kihn and Steve Wright. Listen to an audio clip of the original Greg Kihn Band hit. And check out an audio clip of the Weird Al Yankovic lyrical twist on this song. [17 September 2007]
Jeopardy (Think Music), composed by the late, great Merv Griffin, is one of the most recognizable TV themes of all time, and one of my favorites too! Listen to an audio clip here. With tonight's showing of the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, we conclude our third annual mini-tribute to TV Themes! [16 September 2007]
Jersey Bounce, lyrics by Robert Wright (aka Buddy Feyne), music by Bobby Platter, Tiny Bradshaw, and Ed Johnson, is a Big Band Staple. Listen to audio clips of this swinging song by Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald. [5 October 2005]
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata No. 147), composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, closes out this year's seasonal favorites, which began here. Listen to audio clips of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Josh Groban with Lili Haydn. Merry Christmas to all my Russian friends! [7 January 2006]
Jesus of Nazereth ("Jesus of Nazareth") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the stupendous Maurice Jarre, is a loving overture heard throughout the epic television miniseries, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, probably the best story of Christ I've ever seen in any medium. The film features a sensitive performance by Robert Powell in the title role, and memorable appearances by Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Anthony Quinn, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, Anne Bancroft, Christopher Plummer, Rod Steiger, Olivia Hussey, and so many others. A Happy Easter to all of my Eastern Orthodox compadres! [5 May 2013]
The Jetsons, music and lyrics by William Hanna, Joseph Barbera and Hoyt Curtin, was the percussive, jazzy theme to one of my favorite prime-time cartoons as a kid. Check it out on YouTube. [18 September 2008]
Jim Henson Idea Man ("Thank You Jim") [YouTube link], composed by David Fleming, is a poignant theme from this Emmy-winning 2024 documentary, directed by Ron Howard, which debuted on Disney Plus back in May. The film is a lovely tribute to a wonderful creator who brought so much joy to so many. Tragically, he died at the young age of 53. Last weekend, at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, this film won five Emmys including one for Original Dramatic Score (Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special), which features this selection. Tonight is the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, a sure sign that we are headed toward the Fall season. [15 September 2024]
Jingle Bell Rock, written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe, is a fun-filled holiday tune. Listen to audio clips by Bobby Helms, Brenda Lee, Amy Grant, Randy Travis, and even Billy Idol (on YouTube)!!! Have a Rockin' (and Safe) New Year's Eve! [31 December 2007]
Jingle Bells was written by Minister James Pierpoint. It has been recorded by so many artists through the years, including Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall (here too!), and, my favorite finger-poppin' version by Natalie Cole (audio clips at links). [27 December 2005]
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work ("Opening Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Paul Brill with Amber Rubarth, opens the 2010 documentary about the life and career of a great comedian, author, and Red Carpet fashion critic. Over the last several weeks, I feel as if celebrities have been dropping like flies: Robin Williams, Lauren Bacall, Don Pardo, Richard Attenborough, and now, fellow Brooklynite, Joan Rivers, who died today at the age of 81. The music is spacey and haunting with snippets of the star's comic lines. Those lines were sometimes so over the top that only a big band could match the volume of the laughter she created. I last saw her critiquing the fashions at the VMAs and the Emmys, just last week. And ultimately, it was the melody of that laughter that endures; check out some of her greatest TV moments and an E! celebration of her work. Cultural icon, outrageous, and irreverent, she was the consummate entertainer. Few people have made me laugh harder; I will miss her. Oh, grow up! [4 Septemer 2014]
Johnny B. Goode features the words and music of Chuck Berry, who died today at the age of 90. A genuine rock and roll pioneer, Berry brought a wonderful R&B sensibility to his music. This 1958 song [YouTube link] is one of his best, ranked in the Top Ten of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was also a comedic-musical highlight of the 1985 film "Back to the Future" [YouTube link] with Michael J. Fox. RIP, Chuck! [18 March 2017]
Jonny Quest, composed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, is another one of those rousing jazzy cartoon themes. Listen here to an audio clip. And so ends the Second Annual TV Theme Tribute. [1 September 2006]
Joy to the World (audio clip at that link) is a truly joyful carol, with words by Isaac Watts and music derived from George Frederick Handel ("Antioch"), arranged by Lowell Mason. Listen to audio clips from versions by Joan Sutherland, Andy Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and Mario Lanza. [4 January 2006]
Judgment at Nuremberg ("Overture") [YouTube link], composed by Ernest Gold, offers a kaleidoscope of themes from the magnificent film starring among others the great Spencer Tracy (who was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, Burt Lancaster, and Oscar-winner Maximilian Schell, who passed away yesterday at the age of 83. The film is a morality tale about those who executed the orders of the Third Reich in perpetuating one of the greatest mass murders in human history. Playing the attorney Hans Rolfe, Schell had the difficult task of representing the reprehensible defendants, and he does so with dignity and integrity, and won a well-deserved Academy Award. (Other shattering performances are offered by Judy Garland and Montgomery Cliff, each of whom was nominated in their supporting categories). Directed by Stanley Kramer, it is one of my all-time favorite films. RIP Maximilian Schell. [2 February 2014]
Jumpin' at the Woodside (audio clip at that link) as composed and performed by Count Basie (and his Orchestra), is one of the most swingin' hits of the Swing Era. It features the sax sounds of Lester Young too; check out an additional audio clip here. [9 October 2005]
Jump, Jive, an' Wail is a classic Louis Prima composition, which was also recorded by the Brian Setzer Orchestra (audio clip at that link). But nothing compares to the Prima version (audio clip here). The master passed away on this date in 1978, but his music lives on and on... [24 August 2005]
Jurassic Park ("Journey to the Island"), composed by the living legend that is John Williams, contains some of the most majestic themes in the corpus of this great composer, who, tomorrow, turns 80 years old. The composer earned Oscar nominations for two of his scores this year; he now surpasses the mighty Alfred Newman for the all-time most music nominations (47 and counting...) in the history of the Academy Awards. This dino-mite 1993 film is one of my all-time favorite "monster movies" centering on the unintended consequences of human action. And it was another in a string of terrific collaborations between Williams and director Steven Spielberg. Check out this YouTube moment. [7 February 2012]
Jurassic Park ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, continues our two-day celebration of the maestro's 90th birthday. Williams remains the most-Oscar nominated film score composer in history. His 52 Oscar nominations in total, put him second only to Walt Disney (with 59 nominations) in the history of the Academy Awards. This ground-breaking 1993 Spielberg-directed film set off a dynamic dino franchise and the score's themes have become iconic. [9 February 2022]
Jurassic Park ("T-Rex Rescue and Finale"), composed by John Williams, is one great way to celebrate Richard Attenborough, who played the film's visionary John Hammond in this classic Spielberg dinosaur flick, "unintended consequences" gone wild. Attenborough passed away at the age of 90 on August 24th; he was a fine actor who graced such films as "The Great Escape" and who showed his Oscar-winning directorial chops on the sprawling epic that was "Gandhi." Check out this tense moment in music that brought us to the film's finale [YouTube link]. [20 August 2014]
Jurassic World ("As the Jurassic World Turns") [YouTube link], is composed by Michael Giacchino, as a theme that evolves, almost organically, out of the original "Jurassic Park" theme, composed by John Williams It is a terrific musical homage, while standing on its own, and if you're wondering: Yes, I utterly loved the 2015 film, which clearly picked up every clue and cue of the original franchise to provide us with thrilling entertainment, eye-popping special effects, and a really exciting adventure story. The great power of film is that it can move us deeply, emotionally and intellectually, and it can entertain us, and there need be no dichotomy between the two. In this case, however, let's face it: it's time to get out the popcorn and enjoy yourself. You'll find yourself rooting for Blue the Raptor and the T-Rex in their battle against the Indominous Rex [YouTube link, with SPOILER ALERT]. I especially like the way that Blue strategically jumps from the T-Rex to the Indominous Rex during the fight to the finish! [20 February 2016]
Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody is a classic medley of two songs, the first adapted by Irving Caesar from a Casucci-Brammer Austrian song, and the latter credited to Spencer Williams and Roger Graham. It was performed with wild wit by the great Sicilian American jazz man, Louis Prima, the centennial of whose birth was celebrated on 7 December 2010. Check out this YouTube moment featuring the original recording, with Keely Smith, poppin' saxman Sam Butera, and Prima's Sicilian-tinged scatting. Also check out David Lee Roth's faithful paean to Prima. [12 December 2010]
Just Be Good to Me, words and music by Terry Lewis and Jimmy "Jam" Harris, has been recorded by Zodiac, DLP, and Kym Rae (audio clip at that link). But, for me, the original version of this churning R&B groove is the definitive one: by the S.O.S. Band. Listen to an audio clip here. [9 April 2005]
Just for Love, words and music by Peter Murphy (see "Subway") features the scintillating violin work of Hugh Marsh and the rhythmic pulse of tabla player Shankar. This superb track, with its Middle Eastern influences, is an innovative highlight of Peter's 'luminescent' album, "Dust" (audio clip at that link). [23 October 2006]
Just Friends, music by John Klenner, lyrics by Sam Lewis, has been performed by many artists, starting with Red McKenzie in 1931. Listen to audio clips of versions by Russ Columbo, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Joe Pass, Helen Merrill with Stan Getz, and Stan Getz with Chet Baker. [27 August 2005]
Just in Time, words and music by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Jule Styne, has been performed by many artists through the years (and it has been spoofed too). Listen especially to audio clips of renditions by Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, and Judy Garland, whose funeral was held at the Campbell Funeral Home in New York City on this day in 1969. It was the same day that many gays, in mourning over the passing of this cultural icon, took to the streets in response to a routine police raid on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. And so was born the Gay Liberation Movement. [27 June 2006]
Just One of Those Things, words and music by Cole Porter, was written for the 1935 musical "Jubilee". The song is featured on the first of Ella's great songbook albums, released in 1956 as the first album for a new label: Verve Records. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000 and one of fifty recordings selected by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. Check out Ella's rendition on YouTube. [22 April 2017]
Just the Two of Us features the words and music of William Salter, Ralph MacDonald, and Bill Withers, who passed away on Monday, March 30th. This song was recorded by Withers and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., on whose 1980 album, "Winelight", it first appeared. It went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. This R&B and smooth jazz staple was one of my all-time favorite Withers (and Washington) tracks, earning Withers a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song---one of three Grammys that he won in his lifetime. Check out the full album version of this classic and the single version as well [YouTube links]. RIP, Bill. [4 April 2020]
Just the Way You Are, music and lyrics by Billy Joel, from his memorable album, The Stranger (check out the clip at the album link). I'll never forget hearing this melody for the first time; the moment that classic jazz alto saxophone "sultry solo" started, I looked at my sister and we both said, simultaneously: Phil Woods. [6 November 2004]
The Karate Kid (I-II-III-IV) ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Bill Conti (well known for his soundtracks to the "Rocky" franchise), brings a perfect combination of energy, contemplation, and triumph to the whole film series (1984-1994). I recently re-watched the original films in their entirety---the first three with Ralph Macchio---as a prelude to the fun Netflix "Cobra Kai" series, in which Macchio reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso [YouTube link to the hilarious "Sweep the Leg" video by No More Kings]. I enjoyed the films on a whole other level than I did when I first saw them. Maybe it was a wider appreciation for all the wisdom coming out of the mouth of Mr. Miyagi! It's not Bruce Lee, but it's got a special poignancy for me. [27 February 2021]
Keep On features the words and music of Hubert Eves III and James Williams of D-Train. The group scored a huge R&B and Hot Dance Club hit with this track. I highlight it today because it was the kind of groove in heavy rotation on one of my favorite urban contemporary FM stations of all-time: WRKS-FM (98.7 FM). Today is the last day that this FM station will broadcast; it merges with that other great urban contemporary FM outlet, WBLS-FM (107.5), making way for an ESPN sports station that has been broadcasting on 1050 AM (it will, for now. simulcast). KISS-FM was well known for its unforgettable Mastermixes (one of which I've already featured: "Must Be the Music"). So today, in tribute to KISS-FM, check out the classic Shep Pettibone Mastermix [YouTube link] heard on a station that I will truly miss. Keep keepin' on. [29 April 2012]
Keep Your Head Up, words and music by Andy Grammer, is from his 2011 debut self-titled album---and has one of those positive messages fit for the times we live in. In addition, I never thought I'd find a pop song that takes a swipe at philosophical skeptics! "Skeptics mess with the confidence in my eyes. I'm seeing all the angles, thoughts get tangled. I start to compromise my life and my purpose. Is it all worth it? Am I gonna turn out fine? Oh, you turn out fine! Fine, oh, you turn out fine! But you gotta keep your head up, oh oh. And you can let your hair down, eh eh!" Check out the official video [YouTube link], with a cameo from actor Rainn Wilson, and, with a French turn-of-phrase, "Releve le tete", in a duet with Melissa Nkonda [YouTube link]. [2 April 2020]
[YouTube link], composed by Frank Cordell, opens and closes this 1966 historical drama, which centers on the siege of Khartoum in the late 19th century. Charlton Heston portrays General Charles Gordon, Laurence Olivier portrays Muhammad Ahmed (the Mahdi), and Ralph Richardson portrays British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. Historical inaccuracies aside, politically correct concerns aside, the film boasts an intelligent script and a wonderful score. This is actually the first of three films in our Film Music February salute, starring Charlton Heston. [15 February 2020]Killer Joe was composed and first recorded by jazz saxophonist Benny Golson. Listen to audio clips of that version here and here. My favorite version is the one recorded by Quincy Jones, featuring Hubert Laws and Freddie Hubbard. Listen to that cool audio clip and also clips of renditions by Toots Thielemans and Manhattan Transfer. [20 November 2006]
The Killers ("Main Title") is from the 1946 movie, which boasted one of Miklos Rozsa's classic film noir scores. It actually introduced the "dum-de-dum-dum" theme, which (along with Rozsa's score for "The Naked City") inspired the opening notes for the television series, "Dragnet" (audio clip at that link). Listen to an audio clip of the "Main Title" here. [17 April 2007]
The King and I ("Hello, Young Lovers"), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is one of the highlights from the 1956 film score of this classic Broadway musical. I highlight the film version, which starred the Oscar-winning Yul Brynner as the King of Siam (a role he immortalized on the Broadway stage, and for which he won the 1952 Tony Award as "Best Featured Actor in a Musical"), in the same year that he played the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II in the DeMille epic, "The Ten Commandments." Brynner starred opposite the lovely Deborah Kerr, who lost the Best Actress Oscar, but won the Golden Globe for her role as Anna Leonewens. In the film, her singing voice was dubbed by one of the greatest invisible talents of the silver screen: Marni Nixon, who just passed away on July 24, 2016. Dubbed the "American cinema's most unsung singers," she was the singing voice of Natalie Wood in "West Side Story" and the singing voice of Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady." Check out her rendition of this unforgettable song from the film version of "The King and I" [YouTube link]. [7 August 2016]
The King and I ("Shall We Dance?"), music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, was featured in the original 1951 production,which won the Tony for Best Musical, based on the Margaret Landon novel, "Anna and the King of Siam," which was made into a 1946 film drama, starring Rex Harrison as the King and Irene Dunne as Anna. Tonight, it's up for Best Revival of a Musical. On the stage and in the 1956 film, the role of the King of Siam was played by Yul Brynner (who, that same year, portrayed Ramesses, the Pharaoh, in DeMille's classic epic, "The Ten Commandments"). Brynner won the Tony and the Oscar for the role of the King of Siam, etc. etc. etc. In the film, Brynner played opposite Oscar-nominated Deborah Kerr (whose singing voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon), and in the original musical, he played opposite Tony Award winner Gertrude Lawrence. Check out the original Broadway version and the scene from the 1956 film. In any event, it seems so apropos that I highlight a musical that stars an actor who played a King and a Pharoah both in the same year, for yesterday, American Pharoah (yes, that's the spelling) became King of the World. So before ending this year's mini-tribute to the music that has graced the Broadway stage, I am just delighted that my "Song of the Day" yesterday hit the nail on the head, so-to-speak; congratulations to American Pharoah for taking the first Triple Crown in 37 years, the 4th in my lifetime and only the 12th thoroughbred to achieve this since its nineteenth-century inception. Though, for me, nothing comes close to Secretariat, who ended a 25-year drought in Triple Crown winners extending back in time to Citation in 1948, for it was Secretariat who set records for the fastest run in all three legs of the Triple Crown (1:59 2/5 in the Kentucky Derby; 1:53 seconds in the Preakness Stakes; and a scorching 2:24 seconds flat to run the 1.5 miles of that grueling third leg in the Belmont Stakes (after all, "if you can make here, you can make it anywhere"). Moreover, Secretariat achieved his third victory by 31 lengths over the second-place finisher. None of this takes away from yesterday's winner. I'm glad I witnessed Seatle Slew and Affirmed take the last two trips to the Triple Crown in 1977 and 1978, respectively, but I was beginning to doubt we'd ever see another winner, considering that we're waiting 37 years in annual disappointment. So three cheers for American Pharoah. I'm so happy, well, I could just ask the next person I see: "Shall We Dance?" (Julie Andrews and Ben Vereen cover). And three cheers for those productions that are honored in tonight's Tony Awards. And so ends our annual mini-Broaday tribute, even if it was interspersed with a little sports history. [7 June 2015; It looks like I picked two winners: "The King and I" won "Best Revival," and American Pharoah revived the Triple Crown!]
King Cobra ("Luuvbazaar"), words and music by Cody Baker Critcheloe and J. Ashley Miller, closes the credits to this 2016 film based on the book Cobra Killer: Gay Porn, Murder, and the Manhunt to Bring the Killers to Justice, by Andrew E. Stoner and Peter A. Conway. The unsettling film stars Christian Slater as Bryan Kocis, James Franco as Joseph Kerekes, and Garrett Clayton as Brent Corrigan. On the soundtrack, the song is performed by SSION (and check out their music video too) [YouTube links]. [19 February 2020]
King Kong ("The Adventure Begins") [audio clip at that link], composed by Max Steiner, captures the thunderous spectacle that was the "Eighth Wonder of the World" in this 1933 film version of the "Beauty and the Beast" tale. This remains one of the greatest film score achievements in cinema history. And so we close this year's "Film Music February." [28 February 2005]
King Kong ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by John Barry, has all those Barry signature touches of intrigue and mystery, which could be found in every one of the eleven James Bond film soundtracks he scored (and we shall not forget that Ayn Rand, who was born on this date in 1905, was a fan of the early Bond films, especially "Dr. No," for which Barry was the uncredited arranger of the famous Monty Norman Bond motif, though there is lots of controversy surrounding who actually composed that theme). Sadly, this 1976 remake of the classic 1933 film doesn't quite live up to the majesty of the subject matter or the score, but the movie did introduce to the world of cinema, a wonderful actress in her first film role, Jessica Lange. The ending, like all the "King Kong" remakes does feel a bit like Groundhog Day (because the fate of our famous ape is sealed the moment he is brought to New York City). But this particular film features an ending that fans of the Twin Towers will never forget. [2 February 2017]
King Kong ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Max Steiner, is credited as the first score written in a way to parallel, enhance, and support the narrative to a film---and "movie music" has never been the same since. So singular was Steiner's achievement for this 1933 fantasy, monster film that it was not recognized for Oscar consideration because it was not until 1934 that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences established a category for Best Original Score. The film starred Robert Armstrong, Fay Wray, Bruce Cabot, and New York's relatively young Empire State Building (which would be featured in 250+ films after its use in the Kong finale). Ironically, its trailblazing stop-animation special effects by Willis O'Brien were also not eligible for Oscar consideration because that category wasn't fully established by the Academy until 1938. But the score and the effects remain among its most spectacular contributions to cinema. Tomorrow, I'll feature another great soundtrack suite from the 1930s. [25 February 2022]
King Kong ("Tooth and Claw") (audio clip at that link), composed by James Newton Howard, is a highlight from the 2005 version of the iconic Big Ape tale, directed by Peter Jackson. [22 February 2008]
King of Jazz ("Wild Cat") [YouTube link], a duet between jazz violinist Joe Venuti and jazz guitarist Eddie Lang (both of whom are credited as composers of the tune) backed by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, is a brief snippet in the 1930 "talkie" film with early two-color Technicolor, providing only a glimpse of Venuti's virtuosity.
This is the first of two consecutive cues from films referring to a "King"... tomorrow, something entirely different, to say the least! [18 February 2020]King of Kings ("Choral Suite"), composed by Miklos Rozsa, arranged and reconstructed by Daniel Robbins, begins a ten-day tribute to Rozsa that will encompass his birthday and the Easter holidays. Given some of the music he wrote for Biblical epics, it's an appropriate coincidence of dates. Today marks the Western Christian Good Friday; I highlight this magnificent choral suite from the film score to the 1961 version of "King of Kings." It was recorded by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, with Erich Kunzel conducting, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, directed by Craig Jessop. Listen to audio clips from the suite here. [14 April 2006]
King of Kings ("Jesus Enters Jerusalem"/"A Tempest in Judea"/"Defeat"/"False") [YouTube link], composed by Maestro Miklos Rozsa, is featured as the cue in this 1961 Biblical epic, when Jesus of Nazareth (played by Jeffrey Hunter) enters the city of Jerusalem during the season of the Passover on what has become known as "Palm Sunday" in Christianity. It is at once triumphal, while also providing an undercurrent of unrest among a populace dominated by the forces of Rome. For those who celebrate Easter in Western Christianity and Passover in Judaism, I extend my good wishes for the season. Next Sunday is the Eastern Orthodox Easter, which will be marked by another Song of the Day tribute. [5 April 2015]
King of Kings ("The Lord's Prayer") (audio clip at that link), composed by Miklos Rozsa, marks Easter for my Western Christian friends today, to whom I send my best wishes. This composition restates with great sensitivity a central theme from one of Rozsa's best scores. [23 March 2008]
King of Kings ("Prelude") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, is the glorious main theme from the 1961 Nicholas Ray-directed version of "King of Kings," starring Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus. This selection is but one from a soundtrack that plays like an instrumental opera from beginning to end; it is a remarkable musical achievement for an epic re-telling of "the greatest story ever told." [11 February 2005]
King of Kings ("The Pieta"/"The Sepulcher"/"Resurrection") [YouTube link], composed by the great Miklos Rozsa for the 1961 film of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, marks the moment of his death, burial, and resurrection, which today is celebrated by Eastern Orthodox Christians. The film, directed by Nicholas Ray, who was known for his work in "Rebel without a Cause" (starring James Dean), acts as a prelude to the tumultuous 1960s. In that decade, revolutionaries of many faiths forged a civil rights movement by means both violent and nonviolent. Indeed, change "by any means necessary," a Sartrean phrase extolled by Malcolm X, echoes Ray's characterization of the Judean rebel Barabbas (played by Harry Guardino) who opposed Roman aggression with violence. The character says he wants "freedom," but he differs from Jesus only in the means by which to achieve it. By contrast, Jesus is portrayed by Ray as a nonviolent revolutionary, echoing the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., a rebel with a cause who died violently as the Christ he worshipped. To all of my friends and family who are celebrating today (my maternal grandfather, Vasilios P. Michalopoulos was, after all, the founder of the first Greek Orthoodox Church in Brooklyn, the Three Hierarchs Church on Avenue P and East 18th Street), I say: Christos Anesti! It comes at a time that for believers and pagans alike is a season of rebirth: Hope Springs Eternal. [12 April 2015]
King of Kings ("Road to Bethlehem"/"The Nativity"), composed by the great Miklos Rozsa, is one of the most beautiful film score renderings of the birth of Christ. Listen to an audio clip from the soundtrack album here, and from another album here; the latter clip captures briefly the loveliness of the Nativity theme. [24 December 2005]
King of Kings ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa, graces this 1961 Biblical epic about the life of Jesus, played by Jeffrey Hunter. Rozsa received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Score, one of three lifetime Golden Globe nominations. Up against himself for 1961's score to "El Cid" (featured yesterday), Rozsa lost to Dimitri Tiomkin (for "Guns of Navarone"). [16 February 2022]
King of the Zombies ("Main Title") [YouTube link, full movie, check the first minute), composed by Edward J. Kay, is from one of those classic comedy/horror hybrids. The 1941 film opens with music over ominous drumming. Remember that drumming, because it is key to one of the most memorable lines in the movie (at 1:00:52). With "voodoo" drums playing in the distance, Bill Summers, played by John Archer, asks his valet, Jefferson Jackson, played by the utterly hilarious Manton Moreland: "What does that sound like to you?" Moreland replies: "I don't know, but it ain't Gene Krupa." [As I stated on Facebook: "Today, as our Film Music February series moves toward its final weekend, I tribute Manton Moreland---one of the greatest and most talented African American comic actors, a trailblazer who broke through the walls of the cinema with his remarkable timing and often improvised use of the double entendre. It's exhibited in today's featured music from Kay's soundtrack to this 1941 film."] [23 February 2017]
King of Wishful Thinking features the words and music of Martin Page, and Peter Cox and Richard Drummie of Go West. This hit song, an ode to heartbreak, was featured on the soundtrack for "Pretty Woman" (audio clip at that link). [21 February 2007]
King Porter Stomp, composed by the great Jelly Roll Morton, has been performed by Louis Armstrong and in big band arrangements by Fletcher Henderson, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. My favorite version remains one performed by the Goodman band "on the air" in a live 1937 radio broadcast with a hot blazing trumpet solo by Harry James Listen to that version here. Other Goodman versions include the 1935 recording here, with Bunny Berigan, and this one here from the 1956 film, "The Benny Goodman Story." [30 March 2005]
Kings Row ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, is derived from one of the signature film scores from this cinematic musical giant. The acclaimed 1942 melodrama is famous for having given us Ronald Reagan's line, "Where's the rest of me?", which became the title of his 1965 autobiography. Korngold's notable score influenced the John Williams-penned opening theme to "Star Wars". [27 February 2024]
Kiss From a Rose, words and music by Seal, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, when it was released as the second single from the soundtrack to the 1995 film, "Batman Forever," starring Val Kilmer as the Caped Crusader. Nothing more appropriate on the day in which Pasadena, California hosts the amazing Tournament of Roses Parade. Take a look at this haunting, melodic song in two different music videos: the original and the one directed by Joel Schumacher, which is interspersed with clips from the movie. [2 January 2012]
K.I.S.S.I.N.G., words and music by Dana Merino and Guy Babylon, is only one of many kissing songs that could be noted on this day. This one is sung in grand style by Siedah Garrett; an audio clip of the album version is available here. That version, however, does not compare remotely to the Shep Pettibone and Steve Peck house remixes that Garrett recorded separately for a 12" vinyl single (a Brothers in Rhythm remix followed some years later). Happy Valentine's Day! [14 February 2007]
Kissing a Fool features the words and music of George Michael, who first recorded the song in 1987. It has a retro jazzy feel that has been captured as well by Michael Buble. Listen to audio clips by George Michael and Michael Buble. [16 June 2006]
Kiss on My List, words and music by Daryl Hall and Janna Allen, was a #1 Hot 100 single for Hall & Oates in 1981 from the album "Voices." Check out the original single with its melodic hook, an extended mix, and a duet with Daryl and Rob Thomas. And so ends our mini-tribute to H&O. [9 April 2012]
K-Jee, composed by Charles Hearndon and Harvey Fuqua, was performed on the soundtrack by MFSB, giving disco an added dash of Philly soul. This one can be heard in full on YouTube; it's a remake of a recording by the Nite-Liters (audio clip at that link). [13 December 2007]
L.A.
Lady and the Tramp ("What a Dog / He's a Tramp") features the words and music of Oliver Wallace and Peggy Lee, who sings this classic song from the 1955 Disney animated film. It is also heard in the 2019 live action Disney reboot, where it is sung by Janel Monae. Check out Lee's original and Monae's rendition [YouTube link]. I started my 20th Annual Film Music February Festival with a Disney classic, and "Leap" to the end on another Disney note. Till next year ... [29 February 2024]
Lady Be Good, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, from the 1924 musical comedy of the same name. I watched, listened to, and still have an old audio cassette copy of, an absolutely unbelievable live duet of this on the old Merv Griffin Show, in which Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme traded lyrics and fiery scatting. [And here is that version on YouTube!] And Stephane Grappelli recorded an equally scalding live rendition of it at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Having seen him live when he was still with us, I was a witness to his brilliance as one of the greatest of jazz violinists. [30 November 2004]
Lady Be Good ("Fascinating Rhythm"), music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, originated in the 1924 Broadway production "Lady, Be Good!," and was introduced on the stage by Clint Edwards, Fred Astaire, and Adele Astaire (Fred's older sister). It has been recorded by so many artists through the years, becoming a bona fide entry in the Great American Songbook [pdf link]. Listen to Astaire's original Broadway version [YouTube link] and then check out the epic tap sequence [YouTube link] by Eleanor Powell, which comes immediately after a sequence with the Berry Brothers [YouTube link], both featured in the 1941 remake of the 1928 silent film version. And for a little extra fun, check out Fred Astaire's appearance at the 1970 Oscars. [23 February 2020]
Lady (Hear Me Tonight), the debut single by French duo, Modjo, was written and performed by Romain Tranchart and vocalist Yann Destagnol. The recording features a guitar sample of "Soup for One," performed by Chic, for which Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards are also credited as songwriters. Check out YouTube to listen to this hot dance track. [24 August 2011]
The Lady in My Life, words and music by Rod Temperton, is one of my all-time favorite ballads by Michael Jackson, who passed away one year ago today. This sensuously rhythmic song is featured on the biggest selling album of them all, "Thriller." Listen to the track on YouTube, in remembrance of a talented soul, gone too soon. Also, take a look at a really nice KurtHugoSchneider medley of Michael Jackson tunes. [25 June 2010]
The Lady is a Tramp, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, made its debut in the 1937 Broadway smash, "Babes in Arms," which featured the choreography of George Balanchine. This famous Rodgers and Hart song, performed in the original musical by Mitzi Green, spoofs New York high society. The song can be found in several films as well: as background music in the 1939 film version, performed by Lena Horne in the 1948 film "Words and Music" (YouTube clip) and by Frank Sinatra in the 1957 film, "Pal Joey," singing to Rita Hayworth (YouTube clip). Check out these other clips: Tommy Dorsey (with singer Edythe Wright), Sophie Tucker, Ol' Blue Eyes again, swingin' at Caesar's Palace in 1978 and with Ella Fitzgerald, and, most recently, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, featured on "Duets II," the highest debuting #1 Billboard album by the oldest living artist. Bennett may have turned 85 in August, but on this date, 125 years ago, the Statue of Liberty opened in New York Harbor. "This chick is a champ" with a lamp, which is why she's getting a Fireworks Celebration Tonight! Happy 125th birthday, Lady Liberty! [28 October 2011]
Lady Madonna, credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was a Top Five hit in 1968. The Beatles may have been going through some troubles, which led to their inevitable breakup in 1970, but their music lived on in the voices of several Woodstock performers. Richie Havens, who opened up the Woodstock festival on 15 August 1969, performed a few Beatles covers in his marathon set, such as "With a Little Help from My Friends" (and he needed a little help with the lyrics!) and a medley of "Strawberry Fields Forever and Hey Jude" [YouTube links]. This Beatles song was also a part of his repertoire, but not performed live at Woodstock. I feature it today nonetheless because it gives us a chance to say Happy Birthday to a different Lady Madonna, who, was born on this date 61 years ago---a full eleven years before the festival took place. Madonna would go on to rock the charts of the 1980s and beyond, along with such artists as Prince, George Michael, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston, all of whom are now gone. But Madonna is still kickin' in 2019, scoring her ninth #1 album on the Billboard Hot 200, "Madame X," which debuted at #1 in 58 countries on iTunes in the last week of June. But getting back to this year's Summer Music theme, check out a rendition of our song of the day by the guy who kicked off the Woodstock festival, Richie Havens [YouTube link] (though the highlight of his set was, undoubtedly, the improvised "Freedom" [YouTube link], based on the Negro spiritual, "Motherless Child"). The Brooklyn-born Havens died in April 2013, and his ashes were later scattered on August 18th of that year, across the Woodstock site, that 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York, to coincide with the festival's anniversary. Finally, let's not forget the original rendition of this classic song by the Beatles [YouTube link]. [16 August 2019]
Lady Sings the Blues ("Love Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Michel Legrand, who was born on this date in 1932. This is one of the few original compositions on the soundtrack to this 1972 biopic of Billie Holiday, portrayed by the Oscar-nominated Diana Ross with heartbreaking realism. The soundtrack includes, of course, some of the grandest gems from the Great American Songbook. [24 February 2020]
Lady Usher ("A Few Kind Words") [site link], composed by my friend, Michael Gordon Shapiro, is from a 2020 adaptation [YouTube link] of the Edgar Allan Poe short story, "The Fall of the House of Usher." The soundtrack to this film won Best Original Score from the New York Cinematography Awards (congratulations, Mike!). As described by the composer, this tender cue offers "a moment of respite before the film's macabre mood arrives in full force." [22 February 2021]
Lady Usher ("Suite") [site link], composed by Michael Gordon Shapiro, is a lovely suite of selections from the soundtrack to this 2021 creepy thriller with a twist, based on Edgar Allan Poe's Gothic tale, "The Fall of the House of Usher." My friend Mike outdoes himself here. He prepared this suite just for my Film Music February Festival and I'm honored to mark its official premiere today! The full soundtrack album is on the way (Ed: It's now out here!) In 2020, it won Best Original Score from the New York Cinematography Awards competition. Terrific! [23 February 2022]
LA Girls features the words and music of Sean Douglas, Jason Evigan, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, and Charlie Puth. Another track from Puth's current---and second---solo album, "Voicenotes," the lyrics reflect this Jersey-born artist's East Coast loves. In this song, he yearns for one particular East Coast love, but is suffering from West Coast blues, "messin' with these LA Girls." He yearns to be back on that "Greyhound to NYC." Well, on Monday, Charlie's back in NYC, but tonight his tour stops at the BMHMC Amphitheater at Bald Hill, in Farmingville, Long Island. Check out the album track [YouTube link]. [14 July 2018].
La Fiesta, composed by Chick Corea, has been featured on a number of albums, including the debut Return to Forever album (audio clip at that link), a live album duet rendition by Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, and, my favorite version, from a pulsating Stan Getz-Corea album, called "Captain Marvel" (audio clip at that link). [14 June 2005]
Laia LaDaia (Reza), words and music by Norman Gimbel, Edu Lobo, and Ruy Guerra, is a Brazilian sparkler, which has been recorded by several artists, including Marvin Gaye in a live rendition at the Copa. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Vikki Carr, Brasil 66, and Nancy Ames. [7 July 2006]
La Isla Bonita features the words and music by Patrick Leonard, Bruce Gaitsch, and Madonna, who recorded this mid-tempo Latin-flavored '80s pop gem for her album "True Blue" (audio clip at that link). [19 December 2005]
La La La features words and music credited to a host of writers, chief among them being Shahid "Naughty Boy" Khan, James Napier, Jonny Cofler, and Sam Smith, who provides the central vocals for this 2013 "Naughty Boy" production. The track charted on no fewer than five Billboard charts and went to #1 in 26 countries. It also served as the theme song for the 2013 film, "The Internship." Check out its steaming beats and infectious vocals on the White Panda X Gazzo Remix, James Egbert Remix, and DEvolution Remix. [30 July 2016]
Land of the Giants ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by the great John Williams for the Irwin Allen-created sci-fi TV series. As an eight-year old kid, I enjoyed this TV series when it premiered in 1968. The show lasted two seasons on the ABC network. [12 September 2016]
Last Christmas, written by George Michael, has been recorded by so many artists, but it was first released by Wham. Listen to audio clips of renditions by the Cheetah Girls and Hilary Duff (the clip is actually available on the link labeled "Same Old Christmas"), and take a look on YouTube for a sweet ballad-to-dance version by Ashley Tisdale, a nice house-inflected version by Cascada, and the original Wham video. [30 December 2007]
Last Dance, music and lyrics by Paul Jabara, won the 1978 Academy Award for Best Song, from the film "Thank God It's Friday." Listen to an audio clip by Donna Summer (and check out the original soundtrack too). [4 March 2006]
Last Night When We Were Young, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Yip Harburg, has been recorded by many artists through the years, but it was a highlight from Frank Sinatra's classic 1955 album, "In the Wee Small Hours." It is among the songs that appears on Tony Bennett's 1992 album, a tribute album, "Perfectly Frank," to the man who called Bennett "the best singer in the business," as I point out in my kick-off essay, "A Tribute to an American Treasure: Tony Bennett at 90." Bennett had recorded this song on his 1960 album "To My Wonderful One" [YouTube link]. But there is something about this loving, whispery version [YouTube link] on the Sinatra tribute album that drives home the fact that theirs was a mutual admiration society. Today kicks off our six-day tribute to Bennett, whose 90th birthday is on Wednesday, August 3rd. [31 July 2016]
Latch features the words and music of James Napier, Howard Lawrence, Guy Lawrence, and featured vocalist Sam Smith, who infuses this track by the garage house duo Disclosure with his own distinctive soulful delivery. The song, with its 6/8 time signature, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Song chart. Check out the steamy video on YouTube. The talented a cappella group, Pentatonix, also provides a cover medley [YouTube link] of this song and "La, La, La" that's worth checking out. [13 August 2016]
Laura, music by David Raksin, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, ever the poet among lyricists. The melody, bathed in mystery, originated in the Raksin score to the 1944 film noir of the same title, one of the finest soundtracks of all time. [27 November 2004]
Laura ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], features the memorable music of David Raksin, who scored this 1944 film noir, directed by Otto Preminger, and starring Gene Tierney in the title role, along with Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, and Vincent Price. As Wikipedia tells us, Preminger wanted to use "Sophisticated Lady" by Duke Ellington for the main theme, but Raksin, who was hired to score the film, objected. Fox studio’s musical director, Golden Age film score composer, Alfred Newman, convinced the director to give the composer a weekend to write an original tune, though Preminger threatened Raksin with dismissal if he failed. The haunting theme composed by Raksin would become a jazz standard recorded by 400+ artists in the years thereafter (with lyrics later written by Johnny Mercer). [11 February 2022]
Lawrence of Arabia ("Main Title") [audio clip at that link], music by Maurice Jarre, frames the 1962 David Lean-directed epic, starring Peter O'Toole in the title role. Listen to an alternative audio clip of this sweeping, dramatic composition here. [8 February 2005]
Lawrence of Arabia ("Soundtrack Suite"), composed by Maurice Jarre, highlights key themes from the 1962 Oscar-winning Best Picture, directed by David Lean, and starring Peter O'Toole as T. E. Lawrence, and a grand supporting cast featuring Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, and Omar Sharif. The Oscar-winning score is as sprawling as the desert depicted in this monumental film---just magnificent. [20 February 2022]
Lay All Your Love on Me, words and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, was recorded by the group ABBA. I recently acquired a copy of the classic Disconet remix of this track (thanks Denis!), done by Raul Rodriguez, and it is as crisp and creative as I remember it, when I first heard it over 20 years ago. The song has been revisited by such groups as Information Society and Erasure, and can also be heard on the soundtrack to the musical production, "Mamma Mia!" (audio clips at all links). It has also been recorded by Abbacadabra and Steps. But none of these takes comes close to Raul's magical remix, which is nearly 8 minutes long and sports an unbelievable break. Ah... memories. At the very least, listen to an audio clip of the original ABBA track here (taken from the album, "Super Trouper"). [20 May 2005]
Leap Frog [pdf], composed by trumpeter Benny Harris and alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, was first recorded by Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie for the 1952 album "Bird and Diz." Check out the original recording by these two bop giants and then take a look at two remarkable comic routines that I once posted on Facebook, spotlighting the trade-off between these legendary musicians here and here [YouTube links]. [18 September 2020]
Leave Me Alone, words and music by Michael Jackson, appeared initially only on CD versions of his post-Thriller album, "Bad." Today marks the sixth anniversary of the entertainer's passing. It's a sad anniversary for those of us who continue to enjoy the gifts he left behind. (Yesterday, we remembered James Horner, who also had a connection to MJ: he did the scoring for "Captain EO" [YouTube full-length clip].) Check out the song, with its irresistable melodic hook and shuffle beat matched to stunning video visuals on YouTube. That work received a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 1990. And while you're at it, check out the Pentatronix Tribute to the Evolution of Michael Jackson [YouTube link]. [25 June 2015]
, is from his "Black Album" (aka "The Funk Bible"), which was recorded in 1986-87, but not released until 1994, largely because the artist believed it was created under the influence of an "evil" demonic entity "Spooky Electric." With all honesty, it's hard to figure out precisely what was so evil about this funk-heavy track with the same sensuous lyrics we'd all come to expect from The Artist. Despite his tragic death in 2016, his music lives on. Today would have been his sixty-first birthday. Check out the rare track on YouTube. [7 June 2019]Lemon Tree was composed by folk artist Will Holt, who was inspired by a Brazilian song from 1930. It went into the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 in a rendition recorded by Trini Lopez in 1965. Check out that version as well as renditions by Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Kingston Trio, and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass [YouTube links]. [26 August 2022]
Lester Leaps In was composed and recorded by the great tenor saxophonist Lester Young ("Prez"). A more fitting song for a Leap Year Day I cannot find! Listen to audio clips by Lester Young, Count Basie, Charlie Parker (here too), James Moody, and a YouTube clip of Lionel Hampton with an All-Star Line-Up. And a very Happy Bissextile Day to All! [29 February 2008]
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, has been performed by many artists since 1945 as a seasonal Christmas song. And I do so enjoy hearing it around the holidays. But with over a foot of snow on the ground in New York City, it just seems apropos. Click here to listen to a down-tempo Johnny Mathis version and here for an up-tempo Ella Fitzgerald version. (See pic of Snowstorm here.) [23 January 2005]
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, words and music by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, hit #1 on the Billboard pop chart on this date in 1957. It's one of my favorite Elvis Presley songs (he would have turned 70 years old this year). Listen to an audio clip here. [8 July 2005]
Let Me Love You features the words and music of Andrew Watt, Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, Louis Bell, and William Grigahcine, aka DJ Snake, on whose 2016 album, "Encore" this song appears. The song, written in C-minor, hit the Top 5 on five Billboard charts, while also breaking the Top 20 on two additional charts, including the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. It features vocalist Justin Bieber and can be heard in a plethora of mixes. Check out the official video and a video with Bieber and Selena Gomez, as well as the remix featuring Sean Paul and R. Kelly. And then the DJs Take Over the World with: the Marshmello Remix, Tom Westy Remix, R3hab Remix, Don Diablo Remix, Slander & B-Sides Remix, Danny Dove vs. Offset Remix, Audio/Zedd Remix, Murper Future House Remix, Faruk Sabanci Remix, Tom Budin Remix, Albert Yam C.B. Remix, JustinTechN9 Deep House Mix, DJ Kavesh Latin House Remix, and finally, the Andry J Future House Remix. [3 September 2017]
Let's Dance (audio clip at that link) is credited to Fanny Baldridge, Gregory Stone, and Joseph Bonime. But it is actually adapted from "An Invitation to the Dance," composed by Carl Maria Von Weber and orchestrated by Hector Berlioz (listen to an audio clip here). It became the swing theme song of the Benny Goodman Orchestra for the Saturday night NBC radio dance program, "Let's Dance." [26 November 2005]
Let's Dance, not to be remotely confused with the great Benny Goodman Theme Song, features the words and music of David Bowie, who tragically passed away yesterday, January 10, 2016. For some, this song, the title track from Bowie's 1983 album, was David's movement into the kind of commercial success that apparently takes the "edge" off your music--a polite way of saying "sell-out." But for me, the song brings me back to 1983, dancing in the hottest clubs on Fire Island, where DJs regularly kicked down the artificial walls that separated various genres of pop-dance music. You could hear scalding sets of remarkable mixing that brought together everyone from Bowie to Michael Jackson to the Clash; you could revel in a kaleidoscope of materials that went from disco to post-disco to new wave to early hip hop. Perhaps this mash-up was a natural by-product of bringing Bowie together with Nile Rodgers [YouTube link; some nice recollections by Rodgers of Bowie], of Chic fame. Ah, the universality of music; the power of memory. Check out the Bowie-Rodgers collaboration on YouTube. [11 January 2016]
Let's Face the Music and Dance is a classic Irving Berlin song that has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips of a finger-poppin' version by Tony Bennett and a Brazilian-influenced take by Diana Krall. [1 July 2006]
Let's Fall in Love, words and music by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, has been recorded by many performers, from Eddy Duchin to Diana Krall [YouTube links]. It has also been recorded by Irish American jazz musician Gerry Mulligan, perhaps the leading baritone saxophonist in all of jazz history. One of my favorite versions of this sweet selection from the Great American Songbook is from the album "Getz Meets Mulligan in Hi-Fi," a stupendous meeting of two legendary saxophonists, who switch it up on this delightful track: Getz plays the baritone, instead of his classic tenor and Mulligan plays the tenor [YouTube link]. Happy St. Patrick's Day! [17 March 2012]
Let's Get it Started is credited to six writers, including Jamie Gomez and Allan Pineda of the hip hop hybrid group known as Black Eyed Peas. It has become a rhythmic anthem of sorts in many sports venues ... perfect for tonight's baseball All-Star Game. Yankee fan that I am... I'll be rooting for the American League. In All-Star Game history, only one Yankee has gotten an MVP trophy in this exhibition game (Derek Jeter). But the National League still leads in the record books for most wins since the inception of this mid-summer classic in 1933: NL: 40 wins; AL: 33 wins; 2 ties. Nowadays, the league that wins takes home field advantage in the World Series. From the album "Elephunk," listen to an audio clip of this song, or its original un-PC incarnation as "Let's Get Retarded" ... here. [12 July 2005]
Let's Get Loud,
words and music by
Gloria Estefan and
Kike Santander, was
featured on Jennifer
Lopez's 1999 debut album, "On
the 6." Though the song was not released officially as a single, it was a
Top 40 hit on the
Hot Dance Club Play chart. Today, the Bronx-born Jenny from the block, like
Woodstock---a child of 1969---turns
50 years old! Check out
the album version and remixes by
Kung Pow,
Castle Hill,
and
D.MD Strong [YouTube links]. [24 July 2019]
Let's Go Crazy, words and music by Prince, who recorded this as Prince and the Revolution, a Minneapolis rock band formed in 1979. The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a mega-hit from the 1984 soundtrack album, the Oscar-winning "Best Original Song Score" to the film, "Purple Rain." I am happy that I had the opportunity to see this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician perform this blazingly hot song live in concert; today, he passed away at the young age of 57. His music broke through various genres and he leaves a legacy of musical treasures released and yet-to-be-released. I will miss him. Check out the album version of this song, which tells us of an "afterworld . . . of never-ending happiness," something he has given to his fans for generations to come [YouTube links]. [21 April 2016]
Let's Hang On (To What We've Got), words and music by Bob Crewe, Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, is another fine Four Seasons hit (audio clip at that link). [18 September 2006]
Let's Hear it for Me is a John Kander and Fred Ebb gem sung in grand style by Barbra Streisand from the film "Funny Lady," the 1975 sequel to "Funny Girl." Listen to an audio clip from the original soundtrack here. [22 February 2007]
Let it Whip,
words and music by
Leon "Ndugu"
Chancler and Reggie
Andrews, was recorded by the
Dazz Band for their 1982
album, "Keep
It Live." The song held the
#1 spot on the R&B chart for five nonconsecutive
weeks and peaked at #2 on the Hot Dance Club Chart and #5 on the Billboard
Hot 100. It would go on to win the
Grammy Award for
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Check out
the funky album version
and the extended 12" remix
[YouTube links]. [17 August 2018]
Let Me Take You Dancing features the words and music of
Jim Vallance and
Bryan Adams. Though this
year's Dance Party focused on the
Golden Anniversary of Woodstock and its
artists, this 1978 dance track
takes us full circle---since we started our
Fourth Annual Summer Music Festival
with Bryan Adams's "Summer
of '69", we end it with
an
Adams recording that, believe it or not, was one of the most memorable
disco
hits of the
decade following
Woodstock. Unfortunately, Adams has actively worked to suppress all digital
uploads of this song to any site, including YouTube. The original John Luongo 12" dance
remix
sped Bryan's 18-year old voice up to 122 BPMs without access to the
voice compression technology of today---thus making
young
Bryan sound even younger (or as one critic put it: like a "Disco
Chipmunk"). So, hanging onto the last four hours of summer by an
eyelash, I can only provide you with
the instrumental 12" vinyl
version,
three snippets from Jim Vallance's website, a snippet of
the single's
"lost" 3rd verse [Facebook link] and cover versions by
David Karr and
Vicki Shepard [YouTube
links]. We conclude this
year's festival with the song's main lyric: "Let me
take you dancing, let me steal your heart tonight. Let me take you dancing, all
night long." Till
next
summer... [23 September 2019]
Let's Start the New Year Right is an Irving Berlin chestnut from the 1942 film, "Holiday Inn." Listen to audio clips of renditions by Bing Crosby and Mel Torme. As our annual tribute to the holiday season comes to an end, let me wish a//ll of my readers a Happy, Healthy, and Successful 2007! [1 January 2007]
Let's Start II Dance Again, a dance extravaganza by funk master Hamilton Bohannon, features a terrific party rap over a pounding disco beat. "Everybody get on up and dance!" [16 October 2004]
Let's Twist Again, words and music by Kal Mann and Dave Appell, recorded by Chubby Checker, would go on to win a Grammy for Best Rock and Roll Recording. This 1961 track brings our Third Annual Summer Dance Party to a conclusion. We've come full circle: We started with Checker and we conclude with Checker. As the opening lyric says: "Let's Twist Again, like we did last summer." And so we will . . . next summer! The Autumnal Equinox arrives at 9:54 p.m. ET, so listen to this original 1961 hit [YouTube link]---and go out dancing! [22 September 2018]
Let the Good Times Roll, words and music by New Orleans-blues singer Sam Theard and his wife Fleecie Moore, was first recorded by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five [YouTube link] for the 1947 film, "Reet, Petite, and Gone." The song has been recorded by so many different artists from so many different genres. But yesterday, the King of the Blues passed away [clip of Eric Clapton's eulogy]. And so today, I give you three Monarchs, and maybe One in waiting: a Regal figure in the history of the Great American Songbook, Tony Bennett, joining B. B. King on vocals (who always played a mean blues guitar), from the Bennett album "Playin' with My Friends." And check out the live Bobby Bland and B. B. King version as well [YouTube link]. This King knew had to live; his discography will let the good times roll as long as human beings have the capacity to hear. Long live the King. Tonight, you can check out more blues royalty, a biopic of the Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith, played by Queen Latifah in "Bessie." (And let's not forget Ben E.King.) And here's to what I hope will be a Monarch-in-Waiting: American Pharoah, winner of the Kentucky Derby, has just won the 140th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second victory on the way to the Belmont and the Triple Crown. [16 May 2015]
Let the Music Play, the Chris Barbosa-Ed Chisolm '80s dance nugget, sung by Shannon, brings back memories of the days when I was a mobile DJ playing college parties, weddings, retirements, and Bar Mitzvahs. It's influential freestyle beat and post-production by Mark Liggett, Barbosa, and company, kept dancefloors packed for years to come. [30 September 2004]
Levels features the words and music of a host of writers, including the songwriting team known as The Monsters and the Strangerz. The 2015 song appears only on "Nick Jonas X2," the reissue of his second eponymous album, "Nick Jonas" (2014). With this song hitting #1 on the Hot Dance Club Chart, today's birthday boy Jonas actually matched Madonna in career #1 dance tracks the year this was released (2015) due in part to remixes by Alex Ghenea, Steven Redant, and Jump Smokers [YouTube links]. Check out the original funk-laden video single as well. [16 September 2018]
Levitating features the words and music of many writers, including Dua Lipa, who took the honors for this track, which was the #1 Billboard Hot 100 Single of 2021. What makes this feat so remarkable is that the song peaked only at #2 in its chart run. But it placed in the Top 40 for all 52 weeks of the chart year, including 41 weeks in the Top 10, a record for any song by a woman in the history of the Hot 100. It's only the third song in the chart's history to take #1 honors for the year since the chart originated, without ever having hit the Top of the Charts (the other two: Faith Hill's "Breathe" in 2000 and Lifehouse's "Hanging by a Moment" in 2001). From Dua Lipa's second studio album, "Future Nostalgia", the song's electro-disco beat and infectious melody lent itself to multiple remixes. Check out the original video, the video remix with rapper DaBaby, and the Blessed Madonna remix, featuring Madonna and Missy Elliot [YouTube links]. [10 May 2022]
Life with Lucy ("Every Day is Better Than Before") [YouTube link], words and music by Martin Silvestri, Jeremy Stone, and Joel Higgins, opened this short-lived series starring Lucille Ball. Unlike her other huge hits ("I Love Lucy", "The Lucy Show", and "Here's Lucy"), this ABC show lasted only 13 weeks in 1986. But it left behind a wonderful theme song, sung by the great Eydie Gorme. On this date in 1911, Lucille Ball was born. What a legacy of laughter she left behind. [6 August 2023]
Light My Fire has music and lyrics by Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, and Jim Morrison, collectively known as The Doors. The group took this standard of the classic rock repertoire to #1 in 1967. Listen to an audio clip here. I confess, however, that I have the softest spot in my heart for the ever-soulful vocal rendition by Jose Feliciano. Listen to an audio clip of his version here. [23 May 2005]
Light Switch, words and music by JKash, Jake Torrey, and Charlie Puth, is the lead single from Puth's forthcoming album, "Charlie". This one has been in the making on TikTok for months on end. The video is an uptempo "exercise" in fun. "You turn me on like a light switch," Charlie sings. This Puth fan is looking forward to the new album. Check out Charlie working on the song and the new video, which made its debut today [YouTube links]. Check out the acoustic version too [YouTube link]. [20 January 2022]
Like a Lover features the words and music of Dori Caymmi, Nelson Motta, Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Sensuous as the "velvet moon," it has been recorded by Sarah Vaughan, Diane Reeves, and Brasil 66 (audio clips at those links). [10 April 2006]
Like a Virgin, words and music by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, was the title, lead single from the second studio album released by Madonna, who was born on this date sixty years ago. This song, produced by Chic-alum, Nile Rodgers, featured an almost Billie Jean-like bass line (which MJ freely admitted was inspired by the Hall & Oates hit, "I Can't Go For That"). It was among the most talked-about singles the moment it hit the airwaves, made all the more scandalous when Madonna performed it in a wedding dress on the very first MTA Annual Video Music Awards show in 1984 [YouTube link], writhing and floor-thrusting her way into music history. It would become the entertainer's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the Billboard Hot Dance Club charts. It's hard to believe that among the three most iconic figures in 1980s pop music, all of whom were born within three months of one another in 1958 (Prince and Michael Jackson are the other two), Madonna is the only one alive to celebrate her 60th birthday. Check out the original single, the original video, the original 12" extended dance mix, as well as her live performance (where a lick from "Billie Jean" is heard) on "The Virgin Tour" [YouTube links]. The Queen of Pop would later pay tribute to the fallen King at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards [YouTube links]. Having seen Madonna in tour back in 2004, it was clear to me then that she'd have enough energy to perform for many years to come. Happy birthday! [16 August 2018]
Li'l Darlin', composed by the late, great Neal Hefti (who passed away on October 11, 2008), was a huge hit for the Count Basie Band. Hefti arranged this luscious tune and others on what has become known as the "Atomic Basie" album. Take a look at a Basie-Hefti YouTube moment, and at this all-too-brief clip of the great jazz guitarist Joe Pass. [18 October 2008]
Limehouse Blues, written by Philip Braham and Douglas Furber, dates to 1924. Some 14 years before that, on this date, the great "gyspy" jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt was born (though some say it was January 23rd). Listen to audio clips of the hard-driving Django (with featured violinist Stephane Grappelli and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France). And check out the classic Joe Pass "Django" tribute recording, which is available for download here. [24 January 2007]
The Lion in Winter (Main Title) [YouTube link], composed by John Barry, is from the Oscar-winning soundtrack to the brilliantly acted 1968 film featuring tour de force performances by Oscar-winner Katharine Hepburn (who tied with Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" for the Best Actress award, a first in Oscar history) and Best Actor Oscar-nominated Peter O'Toole. O'Toole, one of my all-time favorite actors, passed away at the age of 81 on 14 December 2013. He was nominated a total of eight times without an Oscar win, a record (though he did receive a lifetime achievement award in 2002). In this film, O'Toole revisits a role that had previously earned him another Best Oscar nomination, King Henry II of England, in the 1964 film "Becket" where he played opposite the equally brilliant and (almost) equally winless Richard Burton (seven lifetime Oscar nominations without a win). In that earlier film, O'Toole's Henry II is a heartbreaking shattered man, destroyed over his obsessiveness for Thomas Becket, his friend, played by Burton, whom he names Archbishop of Canterbury in the hope of having an ally to control an increasingly unruly church. But Becket finds his integrity to the dismay of his King and the "unnatural" love they share is doomed. Both actors earned Oscar nominations and lost. Doom underscores the plot for "Lion in Winter," but in ways that display the corrupting machinations of power. The role earned O'Toole another Oscar nod, and another Oscar loss. Today marks winter's arrival in the northern hemisphere. It is all the more appropriate to tribute this great actor on this day as we march toward the light; he was truly a lion on stage who brought a great light to the art of cinema. [21 December 2013]
Lipstick features the words and music of Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Nathan Perez, Andrew Wansel, and Charlie Puth, who celebrates his 32nd birthday today. At 92 beats per minute, what DJs used to call a "sleaze beat", the song sports a sensual, sultry old-school groove and is the lead single to Puth's upcoming fourth studio album (CP4*). The lyrics and the video are a bit, uh, suggestive, but hey, Happy birthday, Charlie! Check it out [YouTube link]. [2 December 2023]
The Little Colonel ("Stair Dance) [YouTube link] created a magical moment in cinematic history, pairing the great tap dancer, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and the late great Shirley Temple. In later years, she became a diplomat, and added the surname of her husband, becoming "Shirley Temple Black." But it was not the added surname "Black" that broke the color barrier; it was Shirley's joyous appearances in films like this 1935 gem that did more to mow down racial segregation by showcasing great and precious talent, black and white. Shirley Temple will always be remembered as that endearing little girl in so many wonderful movies from the 1930s; but it was roles like these that truly showed what a trailblazer she was (check out "The Littlest Rebel" as well). She passed away 10 February 2024 at the age of 85 . RIP Shirley. [12 February 2014]
Little Drummer Boy features the words and music of Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone. It is a staple of the Christmas season and can also be heard in a Rankin-Bass animated special. Listen to an audio clip from the most famous rendition by the Harry Simeone Chorale and to a duet featuring Bing Crosby and David Bowie (the duet clip never gets to the vocals, but there is also a clip of a Crosby solo version at that link). [22 December 2006]
A Little Less Wonderful [YouTube link], words and music by my dear friend Roger Bissell, is highlighted today in honor of his birthday! This song, written in 1982, features vocals by Roger's kids (Charlie, Rebecca, Andrew, and Daniel) and gospel singer, Mike Allen. Roger provides the scat-singing, whistling, finger snaps, and "mouth percussion" (sounds perverse, I know). This is a sweet track from the 2010 album, "Reflective Trombone." And for a loving twist on the tune check out this George Smith-produced video version [YouTube link]. To my brother from another mother: Many more happy and healthy returns, with love! Keep bringing more wonderful music (and many more wonderful ideas) into our world! [27 June 2020]
Live and Let Die ("Main Title"), words and music by Linda McCartney and Paul McCartney, who recorded it for the group Wings, is the title theme song for the first Roger Moore 007 flick (former Beatles producer George Martin composed most of the soundtrack). The film was not one of my favorite Bond entries, and I'm a diehard Sean Connery fan, but this rocking, rousing track was a big hit for Paul McCartney and Wings (as heard in the opening film credits) and was also covered in 1991 by Guns 'n Roses (YouTube links). [7 February 2011]
Living for the City, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is another "Innervisions" gem. Listen to an audio clip here of this classic track, which integrates great melody, rhythm, and social commentary. [16 May 2006]
Living Single ("Main Theme"), written and performed by Queen Latifah, opened this Fox comedy series, which ran from 1993 to 1998. The show had an impact on the development of many sitcoms, from "Friends" to "Insecure". The theme is a poppin' jack/jill swing groove. Check out its use in the opening credits as well as an extended version [YouTube links]. [25 July 2023]
Livin' on a Prayer, words and music by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Album Rock Track charts and became a signature song for the American rock band, Bon Jovi. Check out the hit song as well as a hilarious Karaoke version at a gas station [YouTube links].
Congratulations to the band for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14th; the ceremony is being televised tonight by HBO. [5 May 2018]Long Live Love features the words and music of Darrell Brown, Mark Batson, and LeAnn Rimes, who was born on this date in 1982. The song by this country-crossover artist is featured on the 2016 album, "Remnants," and hit the summit of the Billboard Dance Chart on March 4, 2017. Check out the original single, a live "Today" performance, and then dance your butt off to the Dave Aude Club Remix, the Deville Remix, and the Drew G Remix. [28 August 2017]
Looking for You features the words and music of Kirk Franklin, with a classic sample taken from "Haven't You Heard" (audio clip at that link), written by Patrice Rushen, C. Mims, S. Brown, and F. Washington. This is one of those rousing gospel-inflected songs of thanks. If you're not religious, it still makes you want to go to church! Whether or not you're turned on by the lyrics, the music is divine. Listen to an audio clip here. And a Happy Thanksgiving to all! [22 November 2007]
The Look of Love, music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, was nominated for a 1967 Academy Award for Best Song from the film "Casino Royale." Listen to audio clips from the original soundtrack (includes an instrumental version and a vocal version by Dusty Springfield) and my favorite rendition by Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. [1 March 2006]
The Look of Love, words and music by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy van Heusen, is featured on the 1964 album, "Softly as I Leave You", sung by Frank Sinatra, who was born on this date in 1915. The swinging arrangement is by Nelson Riddle, and the orchestra is conducted by Neil Hefti. Sinatra recorded well over 1,200 songs, some on more than one occasion, a testament to his huge impact on the evolution of American popular music. Check out this rendition by Ol' Blue Eyes [YouTube link]. [12 December 2023]
Looks Like December, composed and performed by the great Antonio Carlos Jobim, is a poignant song of memory to mark the end of a month, the end of a year. Listen to an audio sample of Jobim, and have a very happy and safe New Year's Eve. [31 December 2008]
Look What You Made Me Do features the words and lyrics of Jack Antonoff, Fred Fairbass, Richard Fairbass, Rob Manzoli, and Taylor Swift, whose video of this song made its debut on the MTV Video Music Awards on August 27th. The lead single from Swift's forthcoming "Reputation" album is already #1 on the Hot 100. Check out the killer video [YouTube link] to this infectious song, which broke the all-time record for views within a 24-hour period. And then listen to a few remixes by Vylet, Vincy, and Tom Damage [YouTube links]. Even young Andrew Foy is fingerpickin' this one already [YouTube link]. And Look What Taylor Made Me Do: Expect a song a day right up until the last hours of summer!!! [15 September 2017]
Looney Toons ("The Merry Go-Round Broke Down") (YouTube clip at that link), composed by Cliff Friend and Dave Franklin, is a true companion to the "Merrie Melodies" theme. This theme opened up some of my favorite cartoon shorts of all time, which included such greats as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester and Tweety. [20 September 2008]
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Howard Shore, features memorable themes from the 2001 epic fantasy adventure directed by Peter Jackson, the first of a trilogy of films based on the J. R. R. Tolkien classic. It was once said that music is the inner heartbeat of a movie. This Nineteenth Annual Film Music February Festival will give us a chance to listen to some memorable beats of the cinematic heart. [1 February 2023]
Loser, words and music by Charlie Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, was released today along with Puth's third studio album, "Charlie". The album has an '80s throwback groove, as Perfect Pitch Puth provides some emotionally raw content of unrequited love and loss. Rolling Stone praises the album as "terrific, cohesive" and "expertly crafted". And Vulture praises Puth for incorporating a remarkable inclusiveness into his "font of musical knowledge." The official video is hilariously ambitious, but it ain't no spaghetti Western (Sergio Leone's legacy is preserved). Check it out here [YouTube link]. And check out an acoustic version, live from the Howard Stern Show [YouTube link]. [7 October 2022]
Lost in Japan features the words and music of Teddy Geiger, Scott Harris, Nate Mercereau, and Shawn Mendes, who turns 20 years old this month! This track is featured on Mendes's self-titled 2018 album (which spawned the hit single "In My Blood," covered by his one-time-tourmate, Charlie Puth [YouTube links]). Mendes tells us he was inspired by the music of Justin Timberlake (especially JT's "Justified"). Mendes provides us with a strong JT-like falsetto over a bass-infused groove. Check out the single version and the especially slick dance remix [YouTube links]. [3 August 2018]
Lost Love [YouTube lyrics link], words and music by Stonebridge, Aubrey Logan, and Lisa Cole, who sings this 2017 dance hit with a throwback sound. Check out the official music video and the extended mix. And for those who doubt that a remix can change the whole feel of a song, I provide links to a host of other remixes, among the most I've ever seen for a single dance hit in my entire life, going all the way back to my days as a college mobile DJ: the Archie Remix, AstraeusMusic Remix, Robert Eibach Club Mix, Rob Hayes Remix, Junotrix Remix, Alex Lo Remix, ALX Remix, Andre Sebastian Remix, BigBadBoy Remix, chemical solution remix, Chirurgicals Waveforms Remix, Chris Woodland Remix, G-Pizzy Remix, Harvey Nash Remix, Henrique Pirai Remix, Hindu White Remix, iBug Remix, Jagwyrd Remix, Jesus Velazquez Remix, Joel Smith Remix, Jose Baptista Ferreira Dos Remix, Lolo Remix, Mark Wampfler Mix, M3 Roadworx Remix, Moodyboy Remix, NVNTS Remix, Pump Remix, Rick Cross Remix, Rivermint Remix, Russelldeejay Remix, Sam David Remix, Serkan Demirel Remix, SKALP Remix, Tamas Klein Remix, Timechaser Remix, Trappify Remix, tronicsoul remix, Twisted Dee Remix, DrewG Remix, DJ Ryan Harvey Mix, djadtoliveira Remix, Mr. Fahrenheit Remix, Osi Bahti Remix, Benny Dawson Remix, Almost Done Remix, Timmy Loop Future House Remix, ZU78 aka casseta Remix, Junotrix Dub and the IdeaL & J. Break Dub. And if I missed any, you can find them here, because it was a remix competition that led to this avalanche of renditions. If you have just listened to all these remixes, and haven't either (a) lost your love for this song or (b) lost your mind, you are a real Dance Club Freak! So for a change of pace, listen to this Donna Summer-Yaz Mashup of "I Feel Love" and "Situation", because you need a break! [22 July 2017]
Love After War, words, music, and performance by Robin Thicke, is the title track to the artist's fifth studio album. Oozing with seductive soul, the track has a sound that reminds me vaguely of "Nite and Day" by Al B. Sure! The comparison is all the more freaky because another artist, Raheem DeVaughn, actually did a cover version of "Nite and Day" [YouTube link] on a 2009 mixtape prequel to his "Love & War MasterPeace" project. Hmmm, I'm Sure there is some kind of "love" and "war" conspiracy going on! Either way, I really love the Thicke song. Take a look at the very sexy official music video and a live "Jimmy Kimmel Live" performance. [22 March 2012]
Love, American Style, music by Charles Fox, lyrics by Arnold Margolin, is the theme to a late 60s-early 70s TV anthology series that I watched and enjoyed as a kid. A pilot episode of "Happy Days" was first seen as a segment on this series. Check out the opening theme at YouTube. [17 September 2008]
The Love Boat ("Main Theme"), music by Charlie Fox, lyrics by Paul Williams, opened this ABC series, which ran from 1977 to 1986. They certainly chose the cream of the musical crop to sing it: a rendition by Jack Jones ran for seasons 1 thru 8 and another by Dionne Warwick ran in season 9 [YouTube links]. [21 August 2023]
Love Come Down, composed by former B.T. Express band member Kashif, who also provides those nice keyboard licks, was performed with funky verve by Evelyn "Champagne" King. Listen to an audio clip here. [18 July 2005]
Love For Sale, composed by the great Cole Porter, made its debut on the Broadway stage in the 1930 musical, "The New Yorkers," which starred Jimmy Durante. Kathryn Crawford first sang the scandalous song from the perspective of those in the world's oldest profession, but the song was banned from radio play, and eventually given to an African American woman to sing, Elisabeth Welch
[YouTube link], making it more acceptable in some circles. One of the classic jazz standards, it has been recorded by so many great singers and instrumentalists; check out versions by Stan Kenton, Johnny Smith, Harry Connick, Jr., Billie Holiday (with pianist Oscar Peterson), Jack Teagarden, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis, Mel Torme and his son, James Torme (who also does an interesting take on MJ's "Rock with You"), Dinah Washington, and a guitar duet with Joe Pass and Herb Ellis [all YouTube links]. [3 June 2015]Love Hangover, words and music by Marilyn McLeod and Pam Sawyer, was released in March 1976 and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles, and Hot Dance Club Play Charts for Diana Ross. If you wanna talk about retro 70s disco classics, this is it. It begins with that slow soulful prelude to an utterly unforgettable riff, sampled the world over. It was released at the same time by the 5th dimension [YouTube link], but their single version stood no chance on the charts competing with what was, perhaps, the definitive Ross Disco Diva Dance Song of all time. It gained Ross a Grammy for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance. Ross's ad libs, telling the world that she "don't need no cure" for the sweetest hangover had clubgoers dancing into the wee hours. Check out one of the grandest of 12" vinyl remix singles of the era on YouTube. These were the years that disco remixers began wild experimentation with recorded singles, providing alternate takes for diverse audiences. So check out the Tom Moulton 17-minute mix, the Frankie Knuckles Mix, and the Joey Negro Hangover Symphony Mix as well. [9 July 2016
]Love Has Come Around, words and music by William Duckett, peaked at #4 on the 1981 Billboard Dance Chart. It was recorded by Donald Byrd's 125th Street, NYC Band for the album "Love Byrd," produced by Isaac Hayes. Initially a bop horn player, Byrd was a pioneer fusion artist, who has blended elements of jazz, funk, and soul, of which this selection is a prime example. Check out this smooth track with its memorable hook on YouTube here and here. And check out a few latter day remixes: Pink City Remix and DJ Cris Funk. [26 March 2012]
Love Insurance, words and music by S. Plotnicki and E. Rubin, was performed by the group Front Page, featuring the late Sharon Redd. Listen to an audio clip of this rare, energetic, musical disco classic here. [19 August 2005]
Love is a Many-Splendored Thing, music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, was the 1955 Oscar winner for Best Song from the film of the same title. Listen to audio clips from the Four Aces, Frank Sinatra, and Barry Manilow. [18 February 2007]
Love is Here To Stay, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, was written for the 1938 film, "The Goldwyn Follies." This jazz standard has been recorded by so many artists through the years, and is another one of those that can be heard in two versions, like yesterday's featured entry: one, a solo version by Ella, the other a duet with Louis Armstrong [YouTube links], heard in the 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally". [21 April 2017]
Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger) features the words and music of Rod Temperton, Merria Ross, and Quincy Jones, who produced the 1982 album "Donna Summer," on which this song appears. This enjoyable funky track went Top Ten on the Pop, R&B, and Dance charts. Check out the album version, the extended 12" mix, the Discotech remix, and a nice remixed cover version by Sheena Easton [YouTube links]. [22 May 2012]
Love is Like an Itching In My Heart, written by the famous Holland-Dozier-Holland team, was another Billboard Top Ten Hot 100 and Hot R&B hit from "The Supremes A' Go Go" album. The 1966 single was an uptempo dance hit, released in April of that year but making its television debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on May 1st. Check out the single version and the television performance as we conclude our Supremes Weekend [YouTube links]. [29 July 2018]
LovE is LovE is LovE is credited to Darrell Brown, Lindy Robbins, Toby Gad, and LeAnn Rimes, who turns 36 today. And today also begins an eight-day extended Labor Day weekend stretch of hits for our Summer Dance Party. This was the third Rimes single to hit #1 on the Hot Dance Club Chart (the other two #1 Dance Hits preceding this one were "What I Cannot Change" [YouTube link] from 2009, and "Long Live Love" from the same album as this song, "Remnants," released in 2017). Check out the original single and then listen to its transformation to a dance floor hit in three remixes: the Dave Aude Disco Remix, the Drew G Remix, and the Maruo Mozart Remix. [28 August 2017]
Love is Stronger Far Than We, originally a French song "Plus Fort Que Nous," comes to mind today because my sister-in-law, vocalist Joanne Barry, whose birthday was yesterday, has a fabulous recording of this poignant song on her album, the recently re-released, Holding On. The CD features much original music and a superb band, with my brother Carl Barry on guitar, former Bill Evans-drummer Eliot Zigmund, and fine bassist Steve La Spina. [6 September 2004]
Lovelace ("I've Got to Use My Imagination"), words and music by Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg, first appeared on the 1973 album, "Imagination," by Gladys Knight and the Pips. That version opens up this 2013 biopic of Linda Lovelace, of "Deep Throat" fame. This is one of those examples of how a film can successfully adapt period music---with a message---to its sad, central theme [YouTube link]. [13 February 2021]
Love Letters, by the great film score composer Victor Young, has been recorded by such singers as Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Elton John & Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Presley, and Diana Krall. Young received an Oscar nomination (shared with Edward Heyman) for the song and for his score from the 1945 film of the same title. (The film, one of my favorites, is as romantic as the song; its screenplay was written by Ayn Rand.) [18 September 2004]
Love Light in Flight, words, music, and performance by Stevie Wonder, was featured in the 1984 film, "The Woman in Red." Listen to an audio clip of this rhythmic soulful song here. [25 April 2006]
Love Like This is credited to a host of writers, including Sean "Puffy" Combs, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence, and Faith Evans, though the Edwards-Rodgers "Chic Cheer" sample looms large. With its soulful retro R&B/dance feel, this was the biggest hit of Evans's career. Check out the official video [YouTube link]. Tomorrow, the original sample is taken to a whole other hip hop level! [8 May 2022]
Lovely One, words and music by Randy Jackson and Michael Jackson, appeared on the 1980 album "Triumph", the fourteenth studio album of The Jacksons. This funky track hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Fifteen years ago today, Michael Jackson died. MJ's memorable musical legacy was the soundtrack of my youth and it still makes my heart dance. I was 'thrilled' to see him twice in person, once, with his brothers, on the Victory Tour (1984) and again on his solo Bad World Tour (1988). Check out the extended remix [YouTube link]. [25 June 2024]
Love Me Do, words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was the first single released by The Beatles in 1962 in the United Kingdom, and later, in 1964, in the United States, where it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. And the British Invasion was underway (even if the original version released in the U.S. had Andy White on drums and Ringo Starr on tamborine, though versions with Starr on drums, and Pete Best before him, were also recorded). Leading the charge of this invasion, however, was the man who worked behind the scenes as a producer, the so-called Fifth Beatle, who was no Fifth Wheel: the deeply talented and visionary George Martin, who passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Martin was an amazingly prolific producer, arranger, and composer, for both the recording studio and the cinema. He produced over 20 #1 singles in the US and 30 #1 singles in the UK. And he was responsible for the string arrangements brought to one of my all-time Beatles favorites, "Eleanor Rigby," something that was influenced, he acknowledged, by the work of the great film score composer Bernard Herrmann. But it's best to start at the beginning; check out the original UK single, with Ringo on drums, and remember the love [YouTube links]. [9 March 2016]
Love Never Felt So Good features the music and lyrics of Paul Anka and the late great King of Pop, Michael Jackson Is there any doubt that this lifelong fan of MJ would not have fallen in love with this new release from a posthumous collection of previously unreleased MJ tracks ("Xscape", an album even critic Jim Farber gave Four Stars!)? It's even better because the single features a duet with the very much alive Justin Timberlake, who has long credited MJ as being one of his greatest influences. JT gave an utterly amazing concert at the mint-condition Barclays Center in my home town of Brooklyn last year that I had the privilege of seeing; he is a remarkable, multi-talented (okay, and adorable) performer, and MJ would have been proud of the ways in which JT integrated MJ influences, including a cover of "Human Nature" in a medley with his own "What Goes Around" [YouTube clip here]. Check out the official video of this song, which is a true paean to MJ in and of itself. There's also an extended dance mix. And check out the original cover of this tune by Johnny Mathis, who released it in 1984. I'm moved to tears for all that was lost with MJ's passing, but in the sadness there are tears of joy for all that he's left behind. [12 June 2014]
Love on My Mind is credited to a number of writers, including those who wrote one of my favorite disco-era songs, "This Time Baby," from which this hot dance track samples. It is performed by the Freemasons, featuring Amanda Wilson (video clip at that link). Listen to various audio clips here. [11 November 2005]
Lover Come Back to Me features the music of Sigmund Romberg and the lyrics of birthday boy Oscar Hammerstein II. Originally from the 1928 Broadway musical, "The New Moon," the song has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips from renditions by a young Barbra Streisand, Billie Holiday (here too), a swingin' Bobby Darin, and a blazin' Dinah Washington. Speaking of "coming back," I'll "come back" to you when Notablog returns from summer hiatus. No new entries or new comments will be posted till then. So ... keep the music playing ... [12 July 2006]
Love Sensation, written by Dan Hartman, was sung by roof-raising Disco Diva Loleatta Holloway, who passed away at the age of 64 on 21 March 2011. This 1980 #1 Billboard Dance Single is one of the most sampled tracks in dance music history. Its trademark sounds can be heard on recordings such as "Ride on Time" by Black Box and "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark (Wahlberg) and the Funky Bunch (YouTube clips at those links). Check out the classic Shep Pettibone Mix on YouTube. [25 March 2011]
Love, Simon ("Roller Coaster"), words and music by Jack Antonoff and John Hill, can be heard on the soundtrack to this endearing coming-of-age 2018 film. The Bleachers' song (not to be confused with that great jazz track [mp3 track] by that illustrious duo Carl Barry and Joanne Barry, my jazz guitar brother and jazz vocalist sister-in-law, nepotism aside) is a retro-80s-sounding rock track [YouTube link]. It first appeared on the Bleachers' debut album, "Strange Desire" and was also heard in the second season finale of the Netflix series, "13 Reasons Why." [16 February 2019]
Lovesong is credited to Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Porl Thompson, Roger O'Donnell, Boris Williams, and Lol Tolhurst, known collectively as the alternative rock band, The Cure. It was the third single released from their eighth studio album, "Disintegration" (1989). Check out the single version, the music video version, and the extended mix, as well as a cover version by Adele [YouTube links]. [26 March 2019]
Love to Love You Baby was written by Pete Bellotte, Giorgio Moroder, and Donna Summer, whose moans and groans drove the song to #1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1975. Temperatures are headed to the 90s in New York City, where the sweaty summer solstice arrives at 7:09 pm EDT. Bring in the summer with Summer's wildly dirrrrty, orgasmic single, and the Big, Hot 12" ... vinyl version, and checkout Beyonce's paean to this hit in her own "Naughty Girl" track [YouTube links]. A Happy Summer! [20 June 2012]
Love Will Find a Way, music and lyrics by Lionel Richie and Greg Phillinganes, is one of my all-time favorite tracks from Richie's wonderful "Can't Slow Down" album. It's a soulful sleaze-beat R&B scorcher. Listen to an audio clip here. [4 March 2007]
Love Will Save the Day, music and lyrics by Antoinette "Toni C" Colandero, was performed by Whitney Houston on the album "Whitney." Produced and mixed by Jellybean Benitez, it's an energetic and musical dance track, which features a cool vibraphone solo by Roy Ayers. Listen to an audio clip here. [4 April 2005]
Loving You, music and lyrics by Michael Jackson, begins with the line: "Hello, August moon, where are the stars of the night?" This August, if MJ had been here, he would have seen a glorious moon at its closest approach to the earth in 2014. Now, like the cicadas who issue their lyrical calls every August in Brooklyn, New York, we are still "loving you" for the lyrical and melodic music you've left behind, MJ. In celebration of the day of his birth, here's a YouTube moment to cherish (and the demo too!), one of my favorite songs from his most recent posthumous album. [29 August 2014]
Lovin' is Really My Game, words and music by B. Woods and T. Womack, was first recorded by the group Brainstorm (audio clip at that link). Belita Woods, who was one of the song's accredited writers, and who spent some time with George Clinton and P-Funk (Parliament-Funkadelic), provides the rousing hi-energy vocals on the track. It was also recorded by Ann Nesby and by Sylvester (the audio clip is linked mistakenly at "Take Me to Heaven"). [20 August 2005]
Lowdown, music and lyrics by William "Boz" Scaggs and David Paich (of Toto), sung by Boz himself (from the album Silk Degrees, where you can hear a clip). A smooth and funky groove. [5 November 2004]
Lucky Hank ("Gypsy Swing") [YouTube link], composed by John Donaldson, first appeared on the artist's 2018 album, "Tonight at the Jazz Joint". The style harks back to the sounds of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. It is heard as source music in Season 1, Episode 5 ("The Clock") of this AMC comedy-drama, which premiered on March 19, 2023. It stars the wonderful Bob Odenkirk of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" fame. (As an aside, the final season of "Better Call Saul" received multiple Emmy Award nominations, including Odenkirk for Lead Actor in a Drama, Rhea Seehorn for Supporting Actress, Gordon Smith and Peter Gould for Writing; and the show for Outstanding Drama Series.) "Lucky Hank" is based on the 1997 novel, Straight Man, by Richard Russo, which I've not read. But I love the show! [12 July 2023]
Lullaby of Birdland, music by jazz pianist George Shearing, lyrics by George David Weiss, has been sung by many jazz artists, including a wonderful version by the great Mel Torme. Listen to an audio clip from his album "Songs of New York." [11 April 2005]
Lullaby of Broadway, with words and music by Al Dubin and Harry Warren, has been recorded by countless artists. It won the Oscar for "Best Song," from the film, "Gold Diggers of 1935" (sung by Winifred Shaw here). It was also a highlight of the Broadway musical, "42nd Street" (listen to clips from the 1980 cast album, with the late Jerry Orbach singing here and the 2001 revival here). Also check out an audio clip of Doris Day's version here, from the 1950 film, "Young Man with a Horn." [4 June 2005]
Lush Life, a Billy Strayhorn masterpiece, has been performed by artists as varied as Nat King Cole (listen to the audio clip at that link) and Donna Summer. A lyrically shattering portrait of loneliness. [27 January 2005]
Lust for Life ("Sien" / "Reunion"), composed by Miklos Rozsa, is from the score for the 1956 film "Lust for Life," starring Kirk Douglas. Listen to the full-length audio clips of these cues here; check out here also. [20 April 2006]
Lydia ("Waltz") was composed by Miklos Rozsa, as part of the Academy Award-nominated score for the 1941 film, "Lydia," starring Merle Oberon and Joseph Cotten. It can be heard as part of a suite for solo piano, featuring soloist Albert Dominguez, on this soundtrack album. [30 October 2005]
MacArthur Park, composed by Jimmy Webb, has been performed by many artists through the years, including one by an actor who first took it, in 1968, to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart: Richard Harris (whose endearing performance as Albus Dumbledore in the first two "Harry Potter" films is captured in that tribute clip). Check out these other renditions: Waylon Jennings; Sammy Davis, Jr.; Stan Kenton; Woody Herman; Maynard Ferguson (my favorite jazz instrumental version); "Weird Al" Yankovic (spoofed as "Jurassic Park"); and Carrie Underwood on "American Idol" in 2005 (see 4:03-4:36), who famously quipped that she hadn't the faintest idea what the lyrics were all about! [YouTube links]. And then there's the seminal dance version by Donna Summer, recorded initially as part of a nearly 18-minute disco epic: "MacArthur Park Suite" [YouTube link] and released in 1978 as a stand-alone #1 Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Dance Club Play single [YouTube link]. I used to chuckle when she let out that Snoopy-like cry, which kicked off the thumping disco beat (at 01:49 here), but her version will always rock my dance floor. [24 May 2012]
MacArthur Park Suite [YouTube link] includes the Jimmy Webb-penned song in a medley with "One of a Kind" and "Heaven Knows", composed by Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, and Donna Summer, who delivers this nearly 18-minute dance extravaganza on her #1 1978 album, "Live and More". Today's date, 12/31/23 (1-2-3-1-2-3), may offer a once-in-a-century numerical sequence. But it's also the 75th anniversary of the birth of Donna Summer (1948-2012). I danced to her music in my youth and spun it on the turntables as a mobile DJ in college. Back in 2018, I very much enjoyed seeing the Broadway jukebox musical of her life, "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical". And in 2023, I equally enjoyed HBO's fine documentary, "Love to Love You: Donna Summer". Nothing like a little Old School Dancing to bring in a New Year! [31 December 2023]
Mack the Knife is derived from "Moritat" ("Murder Ballad") in the Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht 1928 "Threepenny Opera" ("Die Dreigroschenoper"), which itself was based on John Gay's 1728 "Beggar's Opera." This song was a jazzy, swinging hit for Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, and Ella Fitzgerald (click each for audio clips). The story of how it became a song and a hit, multiple times, is told by David Hinckley, in his essay: "Back in Town: The Transformation of MacHeath." (As Hinckley reminds us, the song, with music by Weill and lyrics by Brecht, was given "a few Americanizing tweaks" by composer Marc Blitzstein. Hinckley also has a fine portrait of Darin here. And see this L&P exchange.) [9 January 2005]
Madame Bovary ("Waltz") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, was composed for the Vincente Minnelli-directed 1949 film version of the Gustave Flaubert novel, starring Jennifer Jones. This swirling, romantic piece was inspired by Flaubert's descriptions of the waltz, which Minnelli captures perfectly in this key scene. [26 February 2005]
Madame X ("Main Title") [YouTube link] features music composed and adapted by Frank Skinner, who draws directly from the "Swedish Rhapsody" of the Austrian composer and conductor Willy Mattes (aka Charles Wildman). Sometimes referred to as the "Love Theme from Madame X," it has been covered in a variety of styles, including a jazz-influenced version by Sammy Kaye [YouTube link] and in a semi-classical mode by pianist George Greeley (born Georgio Guariglia, the Italian-American pianist, conductor, composer, and arranger), with the Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra for the album "The World's Ten Greatest Popular Piano Concertos." Skinner adapted the theme through a variety of cues, textures, and emotions, including those that are a pure expression of the "Depths of Despair" [YouTube link]. And despair pervades the story of this 1966 film, which stars John Forsythe and Lana Turner as "Madame X". The 1908 stage play by French playwright Alexandre Bisson upon which this film was based has spawned about a dozen other adaptations from the silent era to today. Skinner, who brought us themes for "The Wolf Man" and "Son of Frankenstein," was able to swing effortlessly from horror monsters to horror romances [YouTube links]. And with scores composed for this film, and more than 200 others, including such Douglas Sirk-directed classics of the genre such as "All That Heaven Allows" and "Imitation of Life," Skinner received only five Oscar nominations in his lifetime, the gold statuette eluding his grasp. [25 February 2016]
Madonna Disconet Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Jose "Animal" Diaz, features many of Madonna's classic 80s hits, including "Borderline", "Everybody", "Lucky Star", "Holiday", "Physical Attraction", "Like a Virgin", and "Burning Up." (Speaking of which, I will never forget the singer's live performance of "Like a Virgin" at the VMAs in 1984 [YouTube link].) On this date in 1958, Madonna was born. [16 August 2021]
Magic Lady (audio clip at that link) features the words and music of Sergio Mendes, Michael Sembello, and Gene Lees. Though I have enjoyed listening to the album version, I utterly adored many-a-live renditions of this, performed by my jazz guitarist brother Carl and jazz singer-sister-in-law Joanne, when they were doing the Village circuit in the mid-1970s. [3 May 2006]
The Magnificent Seven ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is just one of the most memorable title themes of any western---indeed, any film---in cinema history. A 2016 remake was good, and both the remake and the rousing 1960 original film (inspired by the great 1954 Japanese film, "Seven Samurai") had terrific ensemble casts, but, for me, nothing beats the title theme of the 1960 film. [9 February 2017]
The Magnificent Seven ("Soundtrack Suite"), composed by Elmer Bernstein, is from the masterful 1960 film that was a Western-reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 Japanese classic, "Seven Samurai". With a wonderful ensemble cast, this film spawned three sequels, a television series, and a 2016 remake. And the iconic Oscar-nominated score stands at #8 on the Top 25 American Film Institute list of 100 Years of Film Scores. [15 February 2024]
Maid with the Flaxen Hair (aka Girl with the Flaxen Hair; Prelude for Piano, L. 117/8 No. 08) is a classic Claude Debussy composition. (This composition is not to be confused with the Artie Shaw recording of Eddie Sauter's "Maid with the Flaccid Air," audio clip at that link). Listen to an audio clip of the Debussy composition here, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra. This expressive Debussy theme has shown up in many films, including the mysterious 1948 movie "Portrait of Jennie" (for which there has also been an homage). I adore especially a beautiful rendition by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith. He's recorded it a number of times; I love the one featured here, but he has an acoustic guitar version that is captured in this audio clip. [23 October 2005]
Make 'Em Laugh, music by Nacio Herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed, is from the 1952 movie musical, "Singin' in the Rain," #1 on AFI's 100 Years of Musicals. The film opened 60 years ago this week at Radio City Music Hall. This song, closely based on Cole Porter's "Be a Clown," was performed with daring enthusiasm by Donald O'Connor in the film [YouTube link]. What a movie moment! [29 March 2012]
Make It Happen, lyrics and performance by Mariah Carey, music by Carey and Robert Clivilles and the late David Cole (of C&C Music Factory), may have sampled melodically, or, uh, borrowed from "I Want to Thank You," which may explain why I like it so much. But like its predecessor, it has an infectious bass groove. Check out a clip at amazon.com. [26 November 2004]
Make Me, words and music by Rodney Jerkins, Thomas Lumpkins, Michaela Shilo, Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers and Janet Jackson, was the 19th #1 Hot Dance Club single of Janet's career. The song appears on Janet's 2009 album, "Number Ones." Check out the video version (where Miss Jackson, if your Nasty, shows us she can still move and groove!). And her paean to her late brother Michael is clear; when she says "Don't stop til you get it up," she is, no doubt, tipping her hat to "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" [YouTube link]. Check out a few other remixes: the Moto Blanco Video Remix, DJ Dan Audio Remix, Dave Aude Club Mix, and Ralphi's Martini Mix. The Autumnal Equinox (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) doesn't arrive in NYC till 4:02 p.m. tomorrow, so expect one final song as our Second Annual Summer Dance Series concludes. [21 September 2017]
Makes Me Wonder features the words and music of Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden of Maroon 5. Check out the YouTube video clip of this infectious pop hit. [16 December 2007]
Make That Move, words and music by Kevin Spencer, William Shelby, and Ricky Smith, was recorded by Shalamar for their 1980 album, "Three For Love." This Shalamar song, with its irresistible hook, truly embodies the quintessential soulful "SOLAR" ("Sounds of Los Angeles") sound. Check out the original extended Top Ten R&B Dance mix [YouTube link]. I was asked what inspired this mini-SOLAR tribute within our Summer Dance Party, and the full truth finally comes out, for it concludes, as it should, on the eve of tomorrow's Solar Eclipse, which will be visible across the United States. [20 August 2017]
Make Your Own Kind of Music, words and music by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, appeared on the second studio album of Mama Cass Elliot. The album was released in June 1969 and this single was already spinning on the jukebox of the Stonewall Inn on the night of that infamous police raid. The soundtrack of the Stonewall jukebox is part of the new Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center [YouTube link]. This song calls out to those who have faced "the loneliest kind of lonely," who have learned that "it may be rough goin', just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do." It celebrates the right to "make your own kind of music, sing your own special song ... even if nobody else sings along." Check out the original Mama Cass rendition as well as the South Coast Chorale singing "The Songs of Stonewall" [YouTube links]. Long live the Stonewall rebels! And long live Pride! See my essay on "Stonewall and the Meaning of Pride." [28 June 2024]
Making Contact ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Paul Gilreath, is from a 1985 West German horror-fantasy film (also known as "Joey"), directed by Roland Emmerich, which features a demonic-possessed ventriloquist dummy named Fletcher, of whom I'm not too thrilled. Just as Emmerich provides various nods to "Poltergeist", "E.T. The Extra Terrestrial" and "Star Wars", so too Gilreath, who re-scored the film for its US release, provides nods to the scores of John Williams and James Horner in this lovely suite. [21 February 2023]
Mama Said, words and music by Luther Dixon and Willie Denson, was a huge hit for the Shirelles, who took the song to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B chart. It has been covered by many artists through the years, but the original Girl Group hit remains my favorite. What better way to wish all the mothers out there a "Happy Mother's Day." Check it out on YouTube. [13 May 2018]
Mama Used To Say, written by Junior Giscombe (an R&B Londoner who also sings the song) and Bob Carter. Check out the bass-happy clip on Billboard Hot R&B Hits 1982. [28 October 2004]
A Man and a Woman, words and music by Pierre Barough and Francis Lai, with English lyrics by Jerry Keller, is from the 1966 film "Un Homme et Une Femme." Listen to audio clips of this ever-recognizable song by Nancy Ames and Johnny Mathis. [9 June 2006]
A Man Called Otto ("Til Your Home") features the words and music of Sebastian Yatra and Rita Wilson, who was a co-producer of this poignant 2022 comedy-drama. Based on the 2012 novel "A Man Called Ove", written by Fredrik Backman, and a 2015 Swedish film adaptation, this film stars Tom Hanks in the title role. Thomas Newman composed the film score, but this song is a standout from the film's soundtrack. Check out the official video, which highlights scenes from the film [YouTube link]. [19 February 2024]
Maneater features the words and music of Sara Allen, Daryl Hall, and birthday boy John Oates, who came into this world on this date in 1949. This has always been among my favorite Hall and Oates tracks; so in the next couple of days, I'll do a mini-H&O tribute. Check out the original version and music video of the song on YouTube, which appears on the album "H2O". [7 April 2012]
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ("Main Themes"), composed by the great Jerry Goldsmith, graced the original TV show in various iterations for its mid-1960s small-screen run. It led to a series of spin-offs and film adaptations, including a 2015 movie version. The show was inspired by Ian Fleming's James Bond series; indeed, Fleming contributed to the development of the original show, which featured two characters, one Soviet and one American, who join forces in a secret international counter-espionage agency called U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law Enforcement). The Soviet agent, Illya Kuryakin, was played by the handsome, blond David McCallum and the American agent, Napoleon Solo, was played by cleft-chinned Robert Vaughn. It was a fun show that I'll always remember from my childhood. I post this theme in remembrance of Robert Vaughn, who passed away today at the age of 83. [11 November 2016]
Manha de Carnaval (Morning of Carnival), music by Luiz Bonfa, original lyrics by Antonio Maria, English lyrics by George Weiss, Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore, is from the 1959 film, "Black Orpheus." Listen to audio clips of versions from the original soundtrack, Luiz Bonfa (on guitar and vocals), tenor saxophonist Stan Getz with big band, vocalist Astrud Gilberto, and a duet by guitarists John McLaughlin and Al Dimeola. [10 May 2006]
Manhattan, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is a wonderful paean to the City of New York. It was featured in the unproduced 1922 musical "Winkle Town" and in the 1925 production "The Garrick Gaieties." I highlight this song today in honor of conductor Skitch Henderson, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Skitch was the first "Tonight Show" bandleader and the founder of the New York Pops. Listen here to an audio clip of Skitch with the New York Pops. [2 November 2005]
Manhattan Beach [YouTube link], composed by John Philip Sousa, was written in 1893, as a tribute to Manhattan Beach, which---for those not in the know---is located in Brooklyn, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east, Sheepshead Bay to the north, and Brighton Beach to the west. At one time, the beach was part of a larger seaside resort, established by banking and railroad magnate Austin Corbin, which drew tens of thousands of visitors to its hotels, horse racing and cycling tracks, and nightly fireworks displays. Corbin was a noted anti-Semite, who barred Jews from the resort. It is not without some irony that today Manhattan Beach is home to a sizable Jewish population and to a moving Holocaust memorial. I spent many summer days with my family on this lovely beach. Yesterday, to greet the glorious Summer Solstice, I headed down to the Sheepshead Bay-Manhattan Beach community and photographed some of its sights to prepare the third in my series of "I Love Brooklyn" slideshows. As part of my Ninth Annual Summer Music Festival, this video features the Sousa march played by the Warner Bros. Military Band, conducted by the legendary Henry Mancini. Enjoy! [21 June 2024]
Manhattan Skyline (a poignant YouTube clip at that link) was written and performed by David Shire. Featured on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, it is a lyrical disco paean to a skyline of hope for the young Brooklynite, Tony Manero, played by John Travolta. Also listen to an audio clip of this track here. [10 December 2007]
Man Hunt ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by Alfred Newman for this 1941 Fritz Lang-directed war thriller, one of his four explicitly anti-Nazi films (the others being "Ministry of Fear", "Hangmen Also Die!", and "Cloak and Dagger"). The film stars Walter Pidgeon, Joan Bennett, George Sanders, and Roddy McDowell in his first Hollywood role (at the age of 13). David Buttolph has been credited with having assisted Newman in the dazzling number of films that he scored in 1941. And this suspenseful film is one of them. Over his lifetime, Newman scored over 200 motion pictures. [26 February 2024]
Maniac, music and lyrics by Dennis Matkosky and Michael Sembello, who performed this Oscar-nominated song for the soundtrack to the 1983 film "Flashdance." Listen to the album version of this frenetic, high energy track here. [27 May 2005]
The Man I Love / Lover Man, the former song's music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, originally from the 1924 production of "Lady Be Good" but actually dropped from the show before its New York opening. It became a standard in the hands of such jazz singers as Billie Holiday (and rendered well by Diana Ross in the 1972 film, "Lady Sings the Blues") and by such torch singers as Helen Morgan. I remember "The Man I Love" being sung in Gogi Grant's voice but coming out of the mouth of Ann Blyth, who played the lead character in "The Helen Morgan Story," a 1957 film also starring a very hunky blue-eyed Paul Newman. My sister-in-law Joanne Barry does a killer rendition of this, in a medley with "Lover Man," a very pretty song of longing, written by Jimmy Davis, Jimmy Sherman, and Roger Ram Ramirez. So that's two songs for the price of one and a double song of the day! [20 November 2004]
The Man in the Iron Mask ("Opening"; "A Boy") [TCM clip], composed by Lud Gluskin and Lucien Morawek, received an Oscar nomination for its score to the 1939 film loosely based on the last section of The Vicomte of Bragalonne: Ten Years Later, the third and final section of the third and final book of the "d'Artagnan Romances" (following : "The Three Musketeers" and "Twenty Years Later"). Even the story by Dumas is based on French legend, but this film is notable for several milestones: it was the first film to introduce us to actor Peter Cushing; it was directed by the great James Whale; and it stars Louis Hayward in a remarkable double role. Born to Louis XIII, the first son is seen as the legitimate heir of France, but a twin is born (Philippe) and the king is persuaded to send the second son to Gascony, to be raised by d'Artagnan (in this film, portrayed by Warren William). The first son grows up to be the hated monarch Louis XIV, imposing oppressive taxes and repressing the people of France. Through a series of dramatic twists, it is discovered that there is a twin, who is much more kind and compassionate, and Louis XIV imprisons him, placing an Iron Mask on his brother's face, so that no one shall ever discover his twin, hoping his brother will simply strangle as his beard crowds out the oxygen within the mask. The Three Musketeers and d'Artagnan come to the rescue, and when Philippe assumes the throne to right the wrongs of his brother, Louis XIV, he enuciates something about the laws of justice and retribution, something from which my mother always used to quote, any time news of some criminality, especiallly political crimianlity, hit the headlines: "There is one law in life, brother, that not even a king could escape: The law of retribution. The pendulum of the clock of life swings so far in one direction, then very surely swings back. The pendulum is swinging for you brother," not so much for the injustices suffered by Philippe, but for all the injustices suffered by the people of France whose sacred trust the King had violated. This Philippe says before the Museketeers put the mask on the corrupt king. Mom didn't realize she was providing a budding libertarian with a few maxims about the fight against tyranny! Mom is gone over twenty years, but her birthday is on February 20th, so I'm giving her a little tip of the Yankee cap (she was a Yankees fan, after all) a few days early. [16 February 2016]
Man in the Mirror, featuring the words and music of Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard, was the fourth of five consecutive #1 singles released from Michael Jackson's "Bad," the 1987 solo album that followed the massive success of "Thriller," still the biggest-selling album in music history. This song features not only Jackson's classic vocals [a cappella link], but the background vocals of Garrett (who sang a duet with Jackson on the album's first #1 hit, "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"), The Winan's, and the Andrae Crouch Choir. Check out the single version, the extended version, the official video version, and the inevitable dance remix. Also check out his performance of the song at the 1988 Grammy Awards (which followed a jazzy live performance of the third #1 single from the same album, "The Way You Make Me Feel") [YouTube links]. This begins a two-day tribute to MJ in remembrance of his untimely passing on June 25, 2009. [24 June 2018]
Man of Galilee [audio clips at that link], composed by Alfred Newman, with additional lyrics and orchestral and choral arrangements by Ken Darby, is actually a cantata that draws from two prime Newman film scores: "The Robe" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." What better way to celebrate the Eastern Orthodox Easter holiday (as I do with my family) than with the debut recording of this piece, which features Nuala Willis (alto) and Roberto Salvatore (baritone), as well as the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The reverent pieces are integrated on Disc 2 of this collection and they are entitled: "Prologue," "The Promise of the Holy Spirit," "Rejoice," "The Great Journey," "Miriam's Song," and "Sunrise of the Third Day." [1 May 2005]
Man on Fire ("Smiling") [YouTube link] composed by Harry Gregson Williams, is featured in the 2004 film, directed by the late Tony Scott. It also has the distinction of being heard in an Omega watch commercial [Omega site featuring the advertisement). It's a really sensitive piano composition. [13 February 2014]
The Man That Got Away, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, is an Oscar-nominated song from the 1954 film, "A Star is Born," starring Judy Garland and James Mason. It has also been performed by everybody from Ella Fitzgerald (listen to an audio clip here) to Jeff Buckley (heard in his "Live in Chicago" concert and in an audio clip here from "Mystery White Boy") to Joanne Barry. But the Garland version is most famous and today it is worth noting especially in honor of those "Friends of Dorothy." On this date in 1969, the Stonewall Riots began. Some say that the patrons at the Stonewall Inn were in no mood to be harassed by yet another cop raid on their establishment after mourning at the Manhattan funeral of Judy Garland the day before. Connections real, coincidental, or poetic, gay icon or not ... listen to an audio clip of this great song from the film's soundtrack here. And Long Live the Spirit of Stonewall! [28 June 2005]
The Man Who Knew Too Much ("Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)"), words and music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, made its debut in Alfred Hitchock's 1956 remake (with James Stewart and Doris Day) of his own 1934 film. The song became central to the plot of that suspenseful remake, and it was the great Doris Day who sang it numerous times in that film, taking it to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It won the Oscar for Best Original Song and became Day's signature tune and the theme to her TV show, which ran from 1968 to 1973. Doris Day passed away today at the age of 97. A powerhouse and often underrated talent, she will be remembered for her work in film, television, and song, and as one of the most humane defenders of our domestic pets and family members. For years, folks lobbied to get her that honorary Oscar that forever eluded her. Now her charming legacy belongs to the ages. Check out this song as performed in the film, not once, but twice and in its studio version [YouTube links]. RIP, Doris. [Ed (8 June 2019): I just wanted to alert those who are interested that Turner Classsic Movies is running a 24-hour marathon of Doris Day films tomorrow (June 9th) starting at 6 am, Eastern time (more information here,)] [13 May 2019]
The Man with the Golden Arm ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Elmer Bernstein for the 1955 film featuring Frank Sinatra as a struggling heroin addict. The soundtrack has been characterized by some as the #1 jazz-infused score, due to Bernstein's integration of elements of West Coast Jazz and Afro-jazz. Also check out the theme as heard in the opening credits to the film. We'll be spending a little time with Bernstein's scores [a YouTube link to one of his rejected scores] over the next few days.[11 February 2018]
The Mark of Zorro ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, includes all of the key themes to this swashbuckling 1940 adventure film, starring Tyrone Power as Zorro. The score was among the seventeen scores nominated in 1940 for "Best Original Score" (losing out to "Pinocchio"). It illustrates just why Newman is considered one of the great composers of the Golden Age of Classical Hollywood Cinema. With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring training for both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, it would be nice to see a little swashbuckling magic in the upcoming 2020 MLB season! [11 February 2020]
Marnie ("Prelude") [audio clip at that link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, is the dark and lush theme from the 1964 Hitchcock film, starring Sean Connery and Tippi Hedren. [27 February 2005]
Marnie ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, is the third of our 5-day mini-tribute to this cinematic score legend. This score for the 1964 film starring Sean Connery and Tippi Hedren, was the last of Herrmann's seven collaborations with Hitchcock. [5 February 2022]
Marty ("Hey, Marty") [YouTube link] features the music of Harry Warren (who was once characterized on TCM by Michael Feinstein as the most successful writer of popular songs in the twentieth century!) and the lyrics of Paddy Chayefsky, who wrote the screenplay for this 1955 Best Picture (based on his 1953 teleplay). Ernest Borgnine in the title role earned a Best Actor Oscar. The theme can be heard in varied orchestrations penned by Roy Webb throughout the film, but the song itself can be heard over the end credits. [4 February 2021]
Mary, Did You Know?, music by Buddy Greene, lyrics by Mark Lowry, was originally recorded by Christian recording artist Michael English, though there have been many lovely renditions of it, including those by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd, and Pentatonix [YouTube links]. It is also on Mary J. Blige's 2013 Christmas album, "A Mary Christmas." Check it out on YouTube; but the rendition that blew me away was her live take on it at this year's lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City. There's a poor quality TV taping of it on YouTube, but it captures Mary's soulful delivery. Merry Christmas to all; whatever your spiritual beliefs, I wish you peace and good will, always. [25 December 2015]
Mary Poppins ("Stay Awake"), words and music by brothers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, is a sweet lullabye sung by Oscar-winning actress Julie Andrews in this classic Disney tale. Yesterday, we dreamed. Today, we're staying awake with a selection from this Oscar-winning score. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [3 February 2020]
Mary Tyler Moore Show ("Love is All Around"), composed and performed by Sonny Curtis, was the opening theme of an iconic TV show from the 1970s, which spawned a few spin-off shows as well ("Rhoda," "Phyllis," and "Lou Grant"). Sadly, today, Mary Tyler Moore passed away at the age of 80. This was one of those series that was part of my youth and gave me plenty of laughs (who can forget the death of Chuckles the Clown [YouTube link to full episode]?). Then again, I liked her going all the way back to the "Dick Van Dyke Show." Check out the theme song on YouTube, which includes variations of the theme as it evolved over the seasons during which it was on broadcast television (especially with that Cute Kitten Meow at the End Credits). RIP, Mary! [25 January 2017]
M*A*S*H. ("Suicide is Painless"), music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Michael Altman, made its first appearance in the 1970 film "M*A*S*H", based on the 1968 Richard Hooker novel that takes place during the Korean War (with a clear Vietnam War subtext). It also became the theme to the CBS TV series, starring Alan Alda, which ran from 1972 to 1983. (M.A.S.H. stands for "Mobile Army Surgical Hospital", which is the backdrop for the novel and its adaptations.) Check out the instrumental and vocal versions [YouTube links]. As a rare second Song of the Day, I post it tonight to highlight a wonderful jazz rendition by the legendary pianist Bill Evans, who was born on this date in 1929. Recorded in August 1977, it appeared on a 1981 album, "You Must Believe in Spring," a year after Evans's tragic death at the age of 51. It includes a terrific trio with Eddie Gomez on bass and Eliot Zigmund on drums. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [16 August 2023]
Mas Que Nada (Pow Pow Pow) features the words and music of L. Deane and J. Ben. Listen to audio clips of this Brazilian nugget recorded by Dizzy Gillespie, Brasil 66, Sergio Mendes and the Black Eyed Peas, and, my favorite rendition, by Nancy Ames. [9 April 2006]
May I Come In?, music by Marvin Fisher and lyrics by Jack Segal (songwriting team of "When Sunny Gets Blue"), to dramatic effect by Nancy Wilson in a way that only she could deliver. From her "Welcome to My Love" album (that album link includes a clip of the song). Also sung by Blossom Dearie and Rosemary Clooney (clips at those links too). "Speaking of the devil, well here I am... may I come in?" [4 November 2004]
McHale's Navy ("Main Theme"), composed by Axel Stordhal, is featured in the opening credits to the popular television series that ran from 1962 through 1966. The series was actually a spin-off from a one-hour episode of "ALCOA Premiere," entitled "Seven Against the Sea." I watched the hilarious series regularly in my youth. It served as my first exposure to Ernest Borgnine, who passed away at the age of 95 on 8 July 2012, a few days after the passing of another TV icon, Andy Griffith. Borgnine was one of the greatest character actors of his generation, an Oscar-winner for his role in "Marty," and a recognizable presence in such films as "From Here to Eternity," "Demetrius and the Gladiators," "Willard," "The Poseidon Adventure," and 11'09"1 September 11. Check out the opening credits to the series and tip your hat to one of the greats. [10 July 2012]
The McLaughlin Group ("Main Theme") [Television Tunes link] opened up this show every week, where viewers have been treated since 1982 to shouting matches between the discussants, among them, regulars such as Patrick Buchanan and Brooklyn-born Eleanor Clift. I often thought that only New Yorkers could really appreciate the ability of the discussants to speak louder and louder over each other, but the show has always been syndicated and appreciated nationally. Sadly, the host of the show, John McClaughlin, missed his first show in the entire run of the series last weekend [YouTube link] (though he still provided the voiceovers for the opening and the "Issue 1," "Issue 2" and so forth announcements). He passed away yesterday at the age of 89. I don't know how or if the show will continue, but it certainly provided this political junkie with a half hour of entertaining discussion of current events every Sunday morning. Check out also an alternative rendering of the theme, an orchestral version of the theme, a YouTube remembrance, his appearance in the film "Independence Day," and his famous "Bye Bye" [YouTube links]. [17 August 2016]
Me and Mrs. Jones, words and music by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert, was a #1 hit for Billy Paul, and is surely one of the most memorable soul tracks of my pre-teen youth. Sadly, Paul passed away on April 24, 2016. This has been a pretty tough year for those of us who grew up in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, as the artists who provided the soundtrack of our lives have passed on. It's a reminder of our own mortality; but music lives forever. Listen to the original Paul hit and a nice cover by Michael Buble. [27 April 2016]
Me and My Shadow features the words and music of Brooklynite Dave Dreyer, Al Jolson, and Billy Rose. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Judy Garland, Vic Damone, Peggy Lee, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in a paean to Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and James Caan, who sings the song to that "Funny Lady," Barbra Streisand. And speaking of shadows: Punxsutawney Phil saw his today... and forecast six more weeks of winter. But I'm with Staten Island Chuck, who didn't see his shadow, and forecast an early spring. Happy Groundhog Day! [2 February 2008]
Meditation features the Portuguese lyrics of Newton Mendonca, the English lyrics of Norman Gimbel, and the luscious music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, who was born on this date in 1927. This is one of my all-time favorite melodies from one of my all-time favorite composers. Listen to audio clips from Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto, guitarist Charlie Byrd, Nancy Ames (with guitarist Laurindo Almeida), Frank Sinatra with Jobim, and Jobim himself. [25 January 2008]
Meditation from Thais is a theme composed by Jules Massenet from the opera "Thais." I first heard this as a 78 r.p.m. recording by violinist Fritz Kreisler, and fell in love with it. Listen to an audio clip here of this wonderful melody played by violinist Maxim Vengerov. [21 August 2005]
Meet the Mets, words and lyrics by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz, is the fight song of the New York Mets, who open their 2012 baseball season today at Citi Field. I'm a diehard Yankees fan, but I have to admit . . . uh, I actually have always liked this theme from the cross-town rivals. Play ball! And check out the Mets song [YouTube link]. [5 April 2012]
Memories of You features the music of Eubie Blake and the lyrics of Andy Razaf. Listen to an audio clip interview with ragtime pianist Blake and a clip of him playing the song here. And check out an audio clip from a lovely version featuring clarinetist Benny Goodman and guitarist Charlie Christian here. [5 August 2005]
Me, Myself, & Irene ("Totalimmortal") was originally recorded by AFI, and featured on their extended play album, "All Hallow's E.P." The song was subsequently covered by The Offspring, and heard over the closing credits for this "black comedy," released in 2000, starring Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger. Check out the original and its Offspring [YouTube links]. [1 March 2018]
The Meow Mix Theme, music by Thomas G. McFaul, lyrics by Ron Travisano, was a hit for Ralston-Purina cat food, and it has undergone a few transformations. How could a tribute to TV (and earlier radio) music not bow its head to the creativity that has been unleashed within the advertising community? This one, from the 1970s initially, is part of "The Jingle Hall of Fame." Check out a few variations on the theme: here, here, a 1920s spoof, the Cee Lo Meow Mix Remix and opera singer Richard Troxell's take on Jimmy Fallon. [21 September 2013]
Merrie Melodies, composed by Charles Tobias, Murray Mechner, and Eddie Cantor, was a variation on the song "Merrily We Roll Along." This theme opened up a series of hilarious Warner Brothers cartoons. Look and listen to one of these cartoons at YouTube. And check out additional audio clips from these animated classics. [19 September 2008]
Merry Christmas, words and music by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre, made its debut in the 1949 musical, "In the Good Old Summertime", sung by Judy Garland. This film was a musical adaptation of "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940), and both films were shown back-to-back last night on Turner Classic Movies. The plot was also adapted in the 1998 film, "You've Got Mail". But in a song that features the lyrics: "Dream about your hearts desire, Christmas Eve when you retire, Santa Claus will stop and I know he'll drop, Exactly what you wanted from your chimney top", I couldn't help but feature it today! Make sure you're tracking Santa on NORAD! Check out the original Garland rendition, as well as renditions by Johnny Mathis and Bette Midler [YouTube links]. [24 December 2023]
Merry Christmas, Baby, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore, is a bluesy celebration of today's holiday. Take a listen (or a look) to versions by Kenny Burrell, B.B. King, and Bruce Springsteen. And a Merry Christmas to one and all! [25 December 2009]
Merry Christmas, Darling, words and music by Richard Carpenter with the heartbreaking vocals of his sister Karen. The Carpenters made this original a touching holiday staple. Listen to an audio clip here. [26 December 2004]
Mesmerized is credited to a dozen writers, including the one who performs it with R&B gusto: Faith Evans. I especially love the Freemasons dance mix. View the video and listen to various full-length remixes of this hot dance track here. [29 January 2006]
Michael Jackson 70s & 80s Mega-Medley [YouTube link] was mixed by Chris Matthew Sciabarra (yes, Me!) and features some of MJ's biggest hits from the era that he dominated, including recordings with his brothers, some famous duets (with Jermaine Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Mick Jagger), and, of course, classics from his solo studio albums. I mixed this medley from 12" vinyl records, using an analog cassette tape recorder, without any sampling capabilities, and with the creative, if crude, use of a pause button for a few extra tricks. I've digitized it and it debuts on YouTube today. Catch it before they snatch it away! And if they do, then check out the Michael Jackson Disconet Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Tuta Aquino (who did have sampling capabilities!). I had the pleasure of seeing MJ in concert twice---once with his brothers, once solo. Soft-spoken when interviewed, he turned into a lion on stage. On this date in 2009, Michael Jackson died tragically at the age of 50. Scandals, trials, allegations, and controversies aside, few would deny the remarkable musical legacy this artist---perhaps the greatest "song and dance man" of his generation---left behind. This is also linked at Quora Digest. Hope you enjoy this medley of memorable musical moments! (And again, H/T to Ryan Neugebauer for the YouTube tech tips!) [25 June 2021]
Mickey Mouse Club ("The Mickey Mouse Club March") was composed by the original Disney variety show's primary adult host Jimmie Dodd. Among the original Mouseketeers were such kids as Annette Funicello and Sharon Baird. The show aired intermittently from 1955 to 1996. Check out the original march on YouTube and its 1990s update, which featured young kids named Britney (Spears), JC (Chasez) (later of NSYNC), Keri (Russell), Christina (Aguilera), and Justin (Timberlake), a few of whom went on to appear and/or win a statuette on the MTV Video Music Awards, a show that happens to be airing on TV tonight. [24 August 2014]
Mickey One ("Mickey's Theme") [YouTube link] is from the soundtrack to this 1965 neo noir crime drama, composed by Eddie Sauter and Stan Getz. The score reunited these two giants, who gave us the sublime 1961 jazz orchestral masterpiece, "Focus" [YouTube link]. Just breathtaking ... [16 February 2021]
Midnight Cowboy ("Main Theme"), written by the late great John Barry, won a 1970 Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. The 1969 film remains the only "X-rated" flick to ever win an Oscar for Best Picture. Check out YouTube for the soundtrack version, featuring harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans. See also a live version, featuring Toots with the Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by John Williams. [14 February 2011]
Midnight Express ("The Chase") [audio clip at that link], composed by Giorgio Moroder, is a pulsating dance classic from the 1978 Oscar-winning Best Original Score to a harrowing tale of injustice. [18 February 2008]
Midnight Sun features music by the great vibes player Lionel Hampton and composer Sonny Burke and lyrics by the great Johnny Mercer. Listen to an audio clip of a lovely June Christy version here and a Sarah Vaughan-Joe Pass jazz collaboration here. [26 June 2005]
A Mighty Fortress is Our God is a beautiful hymn with words and music by Martin Luther. In addition to the German language version, this hymn has two English versions: the American Lutheran composite translation and one written by Frederick H. Hedge. I've loved this hymn since hearing it as a kid, as the opening theme of "Davey and Goliath," a TV classic of the great Art Clokey, whose wonderful "Claymation" brought us Gumby and Pokey too. This is a special greeting to my Western Christian friends, who celebrate Easter today. Eat, drink, snack on Peeps, and watch "Ben-Hur"! [27 March 2005]
[YouTube link], composed by Roy Webb, opens the original 1949 version of this classic fantasy film, created by the folks who brought us the original "King Kong" (including producer and writer Merriam C. Cooper and special effects Wiz, Willis O'Brien, and his protege, Ray Harryhausen). It even stars Robert Armstrong, who plays a character very much like Kong's Carl Denham. At least this one has a happier ending for the ape! And here's to a Mighty ending for the winning team in today's Super Bowl LV. [7 February 2021]Mighty Mouse, words and music by Marshall Barer and Phillip Sheib, was the title song to the classic TV cartoon [YouTube link], which made its debut in 1942. This weekend is the 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, and I'll be featuring two great jazz renditions of some classic TV cartoon themes, from pianist Randy Waldman's wonderful 2019 jazz tribute to superhero theme songs. Check out his swinging rendition [YouTube link], featuring saxophonist Joe Lovano, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, and both Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. [19 September 2020]
Million Dollar Bill, words and music by Alicia Keys, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Norman Harris, is a song from Whitney Houston's seventh and final studio album, "I Look To You." A sample from "We're Getting Stronger" by Loleatta Holloway [YouTube link] is featured in the original mix; check out a really nice Freemasons Club Mix as well. [9 March 2012]
Minor Swing, music composed by Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and legendary jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, was performed memorably by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, featuring Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli [YouTube link]. But there are also wonderful versions by David Grisman and Stephane Grappelli (also featuring monster bassist Eddie Gomez) [MySpace link] and the version adapted by Rachel Portman [YouTube link] as one of the standout themes from the Oscar-nominated score for the wonderful 2000 cinema morality tale, "Chocolat," which starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Today is a standout day for chocolate, or, at the very least, one of the classic chocolate-coated cookies: Mallomars are officially 100 years old today! Happy birthday to one of my favorite seasonal cookies. [13 November 2013]
Minuet (Opus 11, No. 5) (midi audio clip at that link), composed by Luigi Boccherini, is featured in the composer's E Major Quintet G. 275. It is another one of those very famous and delightful classical themes that has been heard in so many venues. I was introduced to this particular piece when I first saw the hilarious 1961 Frank Capra film, "Pocketful of Miracles" with Bette Davis as Apple Annie (actually a remake of Capra's 1933 film, "Lady for a Day"). It was also used in such films as "The Magnificent Ambersons" and the 1955 version of "The Ladykillers." Listen to an audio clip featuring the string quintet, Europa Galante. [18 March 2006]
The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima ("Main Title" / "Miracle of the Sun"), composed by Max Steiner, opens the 1952 film, which tells the story of Lucia dos Santos, who claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, in Portugal. Check out the film on YouTube, especially the opening minutes, where Steiner's main title is heard, and the "Miracle of the Sun" (starting around 1:35 on...). The legendary composer's score received an Academy Award nomination. [28 December 2012]
Miracle on 34th Street ("Main Theme") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Cyril J. Mockridge, opens the joyous 1947 film of the same name, starring an absolutely magical Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Gwenn won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and the film won Oscars for Best Writing, Original Story and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay, as well. Check out a suite from the film on YouTube! [26 December 2012]
The Miracle Worker ("Main Title: Helen Alone") [YouTube link] was composed by Laurence Rosenthal for the brilliant 1962 film, starring Oscar-winning Best Actress, Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan and Oscar-winning Best Supporting Actress, Patty Duke as Helen Keller. I grew up watching "The Patty Duke Show" on television, but this was another side of Duke entirely. As Ayn Rand observed in her essay, "Kant versus Sullivan," Duke gave a "superlative performance" as the young Keller both on the Broadway stage and in the screen version of what Rand called "the only epistemological play ever written, for its depiction of the way in which human beings grow to understand words and their referents. Rand praised Bancroft as well, for illustrating a fierce "titanic" determination to transform a young girl with little sensory contact to reality into a thinking human being. Sadly, Patty Duke passed away today at the age of 69. But I'll never forget laughing to her TV show, and crying when she utters the word "water" in this film's finale. The expressive Rosenthal score puts to music the aloneness and alienation that Keller must have experienced as a child before her cognitive liberation by Sullivan. [29 March 2016]
Mission: Impossible ("Main Theme") is another cool and jazzy opening theme composed by Lalo Schifrin. Listen to an audio clip here. [14 September 2005]
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ("Won't You Be My Neighbor?"), written and performed by Fred Rogers, opened this PBS series, which aired from 1968 to 2001. There's a certain poignancy in the gentle lyrics to this lovely TV theme. It was also featured in the 2019 film, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," starring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers. Hanks sings the theme in the film, but there's nothing like the original [YouTube links]. [28 July 2023]
Misty, music by Erroll Garner, lyrics by Johnny Burke, has been recorded by such artists as Sarah Vaughan and Johnny Mathis. It was also featured in a Fatal Attraction-like Clint Eastwood film, "Play Misty For Me." [12 October 2004]
The Moment of Truth, words and music by Collen G. "Tex" Satterwhite and Frank Scott, was recorded in a hot, swinging arrangement by the great Tony Bennett (audio clip at that link). Today marks the release of Bennett's new album, in tribute to his 80th birthday: "Duets: An American Classic." [26 September 2006]
Mommie Dearest ("Main Theme") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the perennially melodious Henry Mancini, is one of the great unheralded themes from his remarkable corpus of cinematic scores. It evokes gentility and pain, a feeling of promise, and of the ominous. And the 1981 film, entertaining as ever, features one of those eminently quotable lines in film history, uttered by Faye Dunaway, playing Joan Crawford, as she speaks before the Pepsi Cola Company Board of Trustees, which tries to dispense with her upon the death of her husband, Albert Steele, who had been Chairman of the Board: "Don't fuck with me fellahs. This ain't my first time at the rodeo." The Mancini soundtrack remains among this film's hidden gems. [18 February 2012]
Mona Lisa, music by Ray Evans, lyrics by Jay Livingston, from the film "Captain Carey, USA" won the 1950 Academy Award for Best Song. In the history of the Oscars, it was the first award-winning song from a nonmusical film. Listen to an audio clip from the definitive version of this song by Nat King Cole. Also check out an audio clip from Conway Twitty (thanks Jeff!). [23 February 2006]
The Monkees ("Main Theme" or "Hey, Hey, We're the Monkees"), words and music by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, was the theme song of the TV show "The Monkees," that I regularly watched as a child. On February 21st, Peter Tork, one of the quartet's original members, passed away. Check out the memorable theme [YouTube link]. [25 February 2019]
As we near the end of Pride
Month, this remains a night to remember. On this night in 1969, in
Greenwich Village, NYC,
a rebellion began. It would unfold over six days, taking on legendary
significance in the battle for freedom and personal flourishing. This is my
tribute to
Stonewall Pride in Song ...
The Monkees ("I'm a Believer"), words and music by
Neil Diamond, was
recorded by The Monkees,
with lead vocals by Micky
Dolenz. It first appeared on the group's second studio album, "More
of the Monkees". It was heard in four consecutive episodes of "The
Monkees" TV show in 1966. Though the show ran from 1966 thru 1968, this song
remained on the
jukebox of the
Stonewall Inn in the wee hours of
June 28, 1969, when that gay bar was raided by police for the umpteenth
time. For those who don't understand why there is
such a thing as "Pride Month"
or why it is celebrated in June, it's because
on
that night, the patrons fought back. They had had enough of being
regularly harassed and bullied, arrested and bloodied. This was
not the first such revolt
against state authority,
not by a
long shot. In
NYC, for example, during
the "Sip-In" at
Julius' bar in 1966, gay men who identified themselves as such were defined
as "disorderly"
and were denied service. Despite
court victories in 1967 against oppressive liquor license laws, mob-owned
bars like the Stonewall operated without liquor licenses, with all the
corruption, payoffs, and blackmail this entailed. That's why the
Stonewall Uprising remains a
milestone of
mythic proportions. In honor of their bravery, I salute the
Stonewall Rebels in
all their rainbow glory. Their historic struggle has universal significance
for those of us who value human freedom and authenticity. Check out this song in
a compilation of scenes
from "The Monkees" [YouTube links]. [28 June 2023]
Monkey features the words and music of George Michael, who, sadly, passed away at the age of 53 on Christmas Day 2016. Originally part of the duo Wham!, giving us a memorable song of the season ("Last Christmas"), Michael recorded a number of songs that have been among my favorites ("Feeling Good," "Kissing a Fool," "My Baby Just Cares for Me," and "If I Told You That," a duet with the late Whitney Houston). This track was a Top Ten R&B track that went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance Club Singles charts. A Jimmy Jam-Terry Lewis production, it was the fourth consecutive #1 hit from Michael's solo album, "Faith." It sported a deep bass line and a great sleaze dance beat. Check out the official video and the extended remix (with a few samples from "Hard Day" [YouTube links], another of Michael's adventures in funk). Back in 1987, when I was still doing the occasional mobile DJ gig, I'd have a ball with those two turn tables remixing the 12" vinyl records (remember those?) to packed dance floors. RIP, George. He'll be missed. [26 December 2016]
Mon Santos [mp3 link] is a composition by the incomparable Michel Legrand, and the only time I have ever heard it is on a television show broadcast on our local Channel 5 (now a Fox affiliate) back in 1972, as part of the occasional series, "Monsanto Presents." The cassette tape that I made of that special night of music was done by placing a primitive microphone right up to the television set and hitting the record button. I have never been able to find this track anywhere, I have never been able to track down the show in searches popular and obscure, but if there were ever a great example of the artistic heights to which television can take us, it is this burning jazz track that features the greatest musicians "that love can buy," as Michel puts it. The soloists (in order) are jazz giants: tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, trombonist J. J. Johnson, trumpeter Pete Candoli, pianist Dave Grusin, drummer Shelly Manne, bassist Ray Brown, and on organ, Michel himself. The only proof, apparently, that the show was ever broadcast (except for my cassette recording of it) is this photo featuring, ironically, the all-star line-up of this very track. The show also featured great performances by Lena Horne, Jack Jones, and Michel himself (doing utterly heartbreaking renditions of such songs as "The Summer Knows" (from "Summer of '42") and "What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" Because this recording was made with an old home cassette recorder, without a direct line to an audio line-in, it turns out that the truly best soloist of the bunch can be found only on my recording of it: it is my brother's beautiful (and long-departed) Irish setter, Shannon, who can be heard doing his version of jazz interplay over solos by Manne and Brown. It's the best jazz interplay between dog and man ever recorded. And I am proud to be able to present what appears to be the only existing recording of what has come to be a timeless classic in my own TV memory book. [19 September 2013]
The Monuments Men ("Opening Titles") [YouTube link]. composed by Alexandre Desplat, takes its inspiration from some of those great war films of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is an astonishing tribute to those who recovered and preserved the art looted by the Nazis during World War II. Check it out on YouTube. The big monument today, however, has little to do with such grand history; it is the Trophy that went to the Denver Broncos and their quarterback Peyton Manning, who won Super Bowl 50, [7 February 2016]
Moody's Mood for Love has inspired a bit of a debate as to who wrote its lyrics, but there's no doubting who created its melody line: Saxophonist James Moody improvised on the song "I'm in the Mood for Love," and it was Eddie Jefferson who put free-style lyrics to that improvised solo, pioneering "vocalese." Listen to audio clips of renditions by James Moody and Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure, George Benson, and, finally, Quincy Jones with Brian McKnight, Rachelle Ferrell, Take 6, and James Moody. And props to Elliott Yamin (audio and video clips at that link) of "American Idol" for singing that song on last week's show. [7 March 2006]
Moondance, words, music, and performance by Van Morrison. Saxophone, flute, piano, percussion, and a walking bass never sounded so jazzy, sexy, hip. Check out the the title track of the album. [10 December 2004]
Moonglow, music by Will Hudson and Irving Mills, lyrics by Eddie De Lange, was played most memorably by the Benny Goodman Quartet (listen to an audio clip here). [10 July 2005]
Moonlighting ("Main Theme") was produced by Nile Rodgers and co-written by Lee Holdridge and Al Jarreau, who provided the smooth jazz vocals for this theme to the ABC-TV series. Starring Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis, the series ran for 5 seasons (1985-1989). The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Check out two sweet renditions of it here and here [YouTube links]. [21 July 2023]
Moonlight in Vermont, words and music by John Blackburn and Karl Suessdorf, is a romantic song for all nights... including tonight, the night of the Full Hunter's Moon. It has been recorded most famously as an instrumental by guitarist Johnny Smith and saxophonist Stan Getz, and vocally by such singers as Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, and Mel Torme (audio clips at artist links). [17 October 2005]
Moonlight Serenade features the words and music of Mitchell Parrish and Glenn Miller, the Swing era bandleader who recorded a classic version of this song (audio clip here). Listen also to a vocal rendition by Carly Simon (clip at that link). What better way to mark the night of the Full Beaver Moon! [15 November 2005]
Moonlight Sonata (aka "Piano Sonata No. 14, C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2") is one of the great compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven. A full moon today... how apropos! Listen to an audio clip here. [13 April 2006]
Moon Maiden, words and music by Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, was commissioned by the ABC News Network to debut on the day of the Apollo 11 moon landing and moon walk. Awaiting the first walk upon the surface of the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, while Michael Collins orbited above in "Columbia," the command module, ABC anchor Frank Reynolds introduced the piece. This performance by Duke was actually recorded live on 15 July 2019 but aired on the ABC network on this date fifty years ago, after the lunar module, "Eagle," touched down in the Sea of Tranquility. Check out the rare footage of its debut by Duke Ellington and a later studio recording [YouTube links] with Duke "speaking" the lyrics, accompanied by his own playing on the vibes-sounding celeste. As a 9-year old kid, I cannot even begin to describe the level of utter elation I felt watching the grainy images of human beings on the surface of a celestial body other than the Earth. I had followed the space program from the earliest moments of my consciousness of such things (the politics of it never crossed my mind at the time); I remembered John Glenn's orbit around the earth, the Apollo 1 fire, and the Christmas Eve moon orbit of Apollo 8. But nothing could compare to the excitement I felt watching my TV fifty years ago this day [YouTube link], the sense of awe I felt hearing Neil Armstrong's first words on the lunar surface, and the sense of hope that was inspired in me, hearing him enunciate the words on the lunar plaque: "We came in peace for all mankind" [YouTube link]. It gave credence to Robert Browning's poetic tribute to human potential: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" The promise of that which seemed impossible made real inspired me to use that line from "Andrea del Sarto" as an epigraph to Marx, Hayek, and Utopia, the first book in my "Dialectics and Liberty Trilogy." [20 July 2019]
Moon Over Bourbon Street, written and recorded by Sting, was an homage to Anne Rice's novel, "Interview with a Vampire." Listen to an audio clip here, and enjoy the Full Snow Moon tonight. Indeed, we are a bit full of snow right now due to the NYC Blizzard of '06, which keeps on comin' ... [12 February 2006]
Moonraker ("Main Title"), lyrics by Hal David, music by John Barry, was the theme to the 1979 James Bond film, starring Roger Moore, who passed away today at the age of 89. Sean Connery remains my favorite Bond, but Moore had his moments. This song was the third Bond theme sung by Shirley Bassey, who had previously recorded the vocal themes to "Diamonds are Forever" and, most famously, "Goldfinger" [YouTube links]. Bassey provides different renditions of the song at the film's opening and the more upbeat end credits [YouTube links]. RIP, Roger Moore; and my deepest condolences to those of his fellow Brits, who are mourning today the deaths of those attending an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, victims of a shameful act of terror. [23 May 2017]
Moon River, a poignant Henry Mancini Oscar-winning composition (with lyrics by Johnny Mercer), from the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," starring Audrey Hepburn. One of my long-time favorites and a favorite of another special aunt of mine who passed away some years ago (and whose 95th birthday it would have been today). Listen to an audio clip featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica. [10 October 2004]
More (aka "Ti Guardero' Nel Cuore") (audio clip at that link and here too) features the music of Riz Ortolani and Nino Oliviero, the Italian lyrics of Marcello Ciorciolini, and the English lyrics of Norman Newell. It was nominated for a 1963 Academy Award for Best Song, from the "shocking" documentary film "Mondo Cane." I enjoyed playing this song on violin when I was a kid in junior high school. Listen to audio clips from the original soundtrack here, a Joe Pass version played to jazzy perfection on 12-string guitar, and an Andy Williams version too. [26 February 2006]
The More I See You, music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Mack Gordon, has been performed by many instrumentalists, including Harry James, and many singers, including Nat King Cole, Jack Jones, 60s Latin rocker Chris Montez, and Carmen McRae, who sings the lovely introduction (audio clips at each link). The song was written for the 1945 Betty Grable film "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," in which it was sung by Dick Haymes (audio clip at that link). Happy anniversary, sweetheart. [5 July 2005]
More Than a Woman, music and lyrics by the Bee Gees, was featured in two versions on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. Listen to audio clips of renditions by the famously falsetto Bee Gees and a group of five brothers, who formed a super R&B, disco, and soul band named Tavares. [9 December 2007]
More Than You Know, music by Vincent Youmans, lyrics by Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu, debuted in the Broadway musical "Great Day" and it has been recorded by countless artists. I enjoyed a version performed by Barbra Streisand, who sang it in the film "Funny Lady." Listen to audio clips of Streisand and jazz greats Anita O'Day and Dave Brubeck and take a look at a YouTube clip featuring Judy Garland. And tonight, celebrate the legacy that is Broadway and watch the Tony Awards! [13 June 2010]
More Today Than Yesterday, a swinging Pat Upton-penned hit for Spiral Staircase from 1969. Check out an audio clip as featured on a Super Hits collection. [24 November 2004]
Morning Delight, words and music by Nerio Poggi, is performed by Papik (featuring Frankie Lovecchio). Hopefully, after a day and night of excess eating, you've got a little 'morning delight', rather than a need for TUMS! From the 2014 album, "Sounds for the Open Road" [YouTube link], this one has a jazzy, soulful midtempo groove. Perfect for The Day After Thanksgiving. Enjoy the studio version and a live performance as well [YouTube links]. [26 November 2021a]
Morning Mood is from the "Peer Gynt Suite" (No. 1, Op. 46, Allegretto pastorale) by Edvard Grieg. The opening of this classical classic reminds me of the rising sun and the birth of Spring. Listen to an audio clip here, played by the New Philharmonia Orchestra, and celebrate the Vernal Equinox, which arrives today at 8:07 p.m. EDT. Go balance an egg on its end! [20 March 2007]
Mother features the words and music of Billy Walsh, Ryan Tedder, Louis Bell, Andrew Watt, and Charlie Puth, who released this song in September 2019 [YouTube link]. Check out the video single [YouTube link], with its shuffle beat, and then check out a host of remixes by Fedde Le Grand, Codeko, CPEN and Meridian [YouTube links]. This song has absolutely nothing to do with Mother's Day, but it gives me an opportunity to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! [10 May 2020]
Motherless Brooklyn ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Daniel Pemberton, who brings a Miles Davis-influenced sound to this 2019 film. The score also includes some classic jazz recordings along with other original songs, performed by such artists as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. [25 February 2021]
Motownphilly, words and music by Dallas Austin, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris, and Shawn Stockman, was the debut single from the Boyz II Men debut album, "Cooleyhighharmony," and it was featured yesterday afternoon in the opening gala of the 2016 Democratic National Convention taking place in the City of Brotherly Love. It went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains my favorite single from that Philly-based Motown-produced group, for its rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic sense. If nothing else, I will admit only to my partiality to the music featured at Democratic Party events versus Republican events. I guess it's due to my urban, gritty "New York values," the ones that Ted Cruz never tired of condemning during the GOP primaries. Well, it looks like two New Yawkers, one a native, the other one viewed by some as an interloper, are going to fight it out for the Presidency, and one of them is going to sit in the White House in 2017. A friend of mine has suggested that the televised debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton should be made into "pay-per-view" events... you know, like Wrestlemania and such, for there is little doubt that the U.S. would be able to achieve a balanced budget, while paying off the national debt. Hmm... well, if we end up with two New Yawkers shouting over one another, I'll just turn up the volume on this song, and dance away from the TV. In the meanwhile, check out the original video for this wonderful 1991 R&B single [YouTube link] from the guys who came from the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as well as their performance on yesterday's DNC opening [YouTube link], probably the most melodic thing we'll hear from that stage this week. [26 July 2016]
Moves Like Jagger, words and music by Adam Levine, Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), Ammar Malik, and Shellback, was recorded by Maroon 5, and features a guest appearance by Christina Aguilera. I confess: One listen to this catchy #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, which references Rolling Stones lead vocalist Mick Jagger, and I can't get it the hell out of my brain or my feet! Check out the Official Music Video and a live performance of the song on "The Voice." [16 October 2011]
Mr. Roboto, words and music by Dennis DeYoung, was released as a single from the 1983 album "Kilroy Was Here" by the band, Styx. A quintessential mash-up of prog-rock and synth-pop styles, the song went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is part of a rock opera of sorts, in response to anti-rock religious groups who pushed various bills demanding record manufacturers to label albums that might include "subliminal" messages through "backward masking" (see the "Paul is Dead" controversy that emerged from various Beatles' recordings [YouTube link]). The Styx album tells the story of a futuristic society run by a theocratic fascist state and the "Majority for Musical Morality" [YouTube link]. This rebellious song sports an infectious hook and a memorable video [YouTube link]. Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto! [Yarn link]. [2 March 2020]
Murder, Inc. ("The Awakening") [YouTube link], words and music by George Weiss, is introduced by Sarah Vaughan in her first screen credit, in this gritty 1960 docudrama, which earned Peter Falk, in the role of Brooklyn-born gangster Abe Reles, a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination (the first of two consecutive nominations he received in 1960 and 1961). Facing the electric chair for a series of murders in which he was implicated, Reles, who was a member of the organized crime group known as "Murder, Inc.", turned government informant, sending other gangsters to the hot seat. He eventually met his death by, uh, suicide, trying to "escape" from Room 623 of the Half Moon Hotel located on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island on the very day he was due to testify against Mafia hood Albert Anastasia---forever dubbing him "the Canary Who Could Sing, But Couldn't Fly." Funny how these things happen, eh? [Daily Motion, part 2, clip at 49:00] Check out the song as delivered in the film by Sassy in a lounge scene [Daily Motion, part 1, clip at 42:19]. [22 February 2020]
The Music Goes 'Round ("The Music Goes Round and Round") features the music of Edward Farley and Mike Riley and the lyrics of Red Hodgson. It became a 1935 hit for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, with Edythe Wright on vocals [YouTube link]. In February of 1936, almost 70 years ago to this day. a film, "The Music Goes 'Round", made its debut to less-than-sparkling reviews, and used this song for its interlude, something the New York Times said was "the best thing in the new picture," and many artists through the years would agree with that. Today begins Film Music February, an annual tribute that I post every year; it gives a nod to a film score cue, a song, or even music that wasn't specifically written for a film, but whose presence in the film gives moviegoers a scent of familiarity, while embedding it in an entirely new cinematic context that evokes a fresh emotional response for those who experience it (talk about shifting dialectical applications!). We'll feature a different daily selection right up to the Oscars, and beyond, as our film tribute metaphorizes into a paean to another Centenary Saint. For me, one of the most memorable versions of this particular song was issued in 1959 by the late great Sicilian American jazz entertainer, Louis Prima, who always honored his greatest influence, Satchmo (and, for those of you following Black History Month, which begins today, take note: It was the great Louis Armstrong who recorded the 1936 classic rendition [YouTube link] of this song). Take a listen to Prima's version here. And check out another film in which the song is featured [YouTube link], the entertaining 1959 biopic of cornetist, Red Nichols (played by Danny Kaye), "The Five Pennies", in which Armstrong has a cameo. [1 February 2016]
The Music Man ("Seventy-Six Trombones"), music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson, is one of the rousing highlights from this 1957 Tony Award-winning musical, starring Robert Preston (who won for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical) and Barbara Cook (who won for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical). The cast album would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. In October 2020, a revival of the musical, starring the irrepressible Hugh Jackman, will make its debut on Broadway. (Jackman actually performed "Rock Island" [YouTube link] with LL Cool J and T.I. on the 2014 Tony Awards, giving us a glimpse into the "rap" nature of one of the classic opening numbers to the musical!) Check out the original Broadway cast version of today's song from the musical and the 1962 film version [YouTube links], both led by the great Robert Preston. And I'm one to enjoy even one [YouTube link], let alone seventy-six, trombones. Enjoy the Tony Award's celebration of the Broadway stage tonight! [9 June 2019]
Musicology features the words and music of Prince, who was born on this date in 1958. This is the title track from Prince's twenty-eighth studio album, which was initially distributed only to those who attended his "Musicology Live 2004ever" Tour. I'm happy to say I was one of those concertgoers! In fact, my sister and I attended that terrific concert at Madison Square Garden nearly twenty years ago in July 2004. This song opened that concert. Though Prince tragically died in 2016, at the age of 57, he left behind a massive catalog---so much of which has yet to see the light of day. This James Brown-like funk throwback won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Check out the official music video [YouTube link]. [7 June 2024]
Must Be the Music (audio clip at that link) features the words and music of M. Blackmon and J. Prister and the funky performance of the group Secret_Weapon. A classic Prelude dance track, this one was also given a glorious KISS-FM "Mastermix" treatment by Tony Humphries. [28 March 2006]
My Arms Keep Missing You, music and lyrics by the UK hit team Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman, was a huge dance hit for Rick Astley. The song was a non-album club smash that was available only as an import 12" vinyl single, before finding its place on a Greatest Hits collection (listen to the audio clip at that link). I mixed it as a DJ and had a great time dancing to it. [5 March 2005]
My Baby Just Cares for Me, music by Walter Donaldson, lyrics by Gus Kahn, is from the Broadway musical "Whoopee." This little jazzy nugget has been recorded by Tony Bennett and guitarist Chuck Wayne, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, George Michael, and today's birthday boy, Frank Sinatra, who was born on this date in 1915 (audio clips at those links). [12 December 2006]
My Buddy, lyrics by Gus Kahn, music by Brooklynite Walter Joseph Donaldson, sung by Mario Lanza (and also by Frank Sinatra with the Harry James Orchestra) and dedicated here to my pal Lindsay Perigo. Happy Birthday,Linz! Many more healthy and happy returns! Check out an audio clip here. [14 December 2004b]
My Cherie Amour is credited to Henry Cosby, Sylvia Moy, and the guy who made it a signature tune: Stevie Wonder. Listen to an audio clip of this sweet favorite here. [1 December 2005]
My Cousin Vinny ("Bible Belt") was written and performed by Travis Tritt over the end credits to this utterly hilarious 1992 film, with wonderful performances by Joe Pesci, and Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner MarisaTomei, who nailed it perfectly: she is the quintessential cinematic cuginette. Maybe only genuine Brooklynites can truly appreciate all the in-jokes and hilarity of the Brooklynese on display in this comedic classic. The original version of this song appeared on Tritt's 1991 album, "It's All About to Change," with different lyrics; check out the original here (featuring Little Feat) [YouTube link]. But Tritt actually re-wrote the lyrics specifically for this film, and those lyrics fully encapsulate the film's plot and theme. Check it out on YouTube
. [7 February 2015]My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year) features the music of Paul Horner and the lyrics of Peggy Lee, who recorded this song for a Christmas album. There are few songs that express as many good wishes for the new year as this one. Check out the recordings by Peggy Lee and a cover by Regina Spektor [YouTube links]. A Happy and Healthy New Year to All! [1 January 2018]
My Eyes Adored You, words and music by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan, was a #1 hit for Frankie Valli. Listen to an audio clip here, and a happy anniversary to my brother Carl and sister-in-law Joanne. [21 September 2006]
My Fair Lady ("On the Street Where You Live"), music by Frederick Lowe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, was a highlight in the 1956 Broadway musical (in which it was sung by John Michael King [YouTube link], and in the 1964 film version, where is was sung by Bill Shirley, dubbing for actor Jeremy Brett. Check out the film score version here [YouTube link]. But I provide this additional "Song of the Day" today because I've just learned of the death of singer Vic Damone, another singer who was deeply influenced by Ol' Blue Eyes, who said of Damone that he had "the best pipes in the business." The Brooklyn-born Damone recorded the most popular version of this song, which went to #4 on the Billboard chart. Check it out on YouTube. [12 February 2018b]
My Favorite Things, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is from one of my favorite musicals of all time: "The Sound of Music." The film version celebrates its 40th anniversary this week, as noted here and here. And I love this song so much that I paid tribute to it in the title of this popular website page. I've seen many Broadway and off-Broadway productions of this musical, and have enjoyed so many wonderful recorded versions of this song. Listen to Mary Martin from the original 1959 Broadway cast album, Julie Andrews from the terrific 1965 film version, Rebecca Luker from the 1998 Broadway revival, and for a jazz twist, several clips from one immortal John Coltrane rendition (examined here) and a tour de force by my jazz guitarist brother Carl Barry and jazz singing sister-in-law Joanne Barry here (audio clips at each link). [2 June 2005]
My Foolish Heart, another classic Ned Washington and Victor Young composition, has been recorded by the great Mel Torme. Its lush romantic melody has inspired deeply moving jazz instrumentalist interpretations as well, most notably several recordings by pianist Bill Evans. It also happens to be the wedding song of my brother Carl and sister-in-law Joanne. Happy Anniversary! [21 September 2004]
My Funny Valentine, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is from the 1937 Broadway musical "Babes in Arms," which featured the choreography of George Ballanchine (it was also part of a vastly altered 1959 stage version). The show, without this song as part of its soundtrack, was completely transformed into a 1939 Busby Berkeley movie musical, starring Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Margaret Hamilton---the villainess, who was also the witch in Garland's 1939 classic, "The Wizard of Oz." Alas, the song has been featured in other films, most notably in "Pal Joey," sung by Kim Novak, and in the homoerotic movie version of Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," where Matt Damon attempts to duplicate the heart-tugging Chet Baker recording. Sample Damon's version here and Baker's version here. The song is also featured on my sister-in-law Joanne Barry's album, "Embraceable You." Ironically, the song is not about "Valentine's Day"; it is about a character in the musical named Valentine. Either way, a Happy Valentine's Day to all. And I'm sending all my love to my friend Mimi, who celebrates her birthday today. [14 February 2005]
My Grown Up Christmas List, music by David Foster, lyrics by Linda Thompson-Jenner, was performed most recently by the first "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson. I dedicate this to my Russian Orthodox Christian friends who, today, are observing Russian Christmas (I was baptized Greek Orthodox and we always celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25th; there are differences among the Orthodox denominations, after all!). In any event, here's one last holiday song... till next year's installment of seasonal musical cheer. [7 January 2005]
My Heart's Divided, words and music by Ann Godwin and Chris Barbosa, was recorded by Shannon for her debut album, "Let the Music Play," and followed the #1 Dance title track and its #1 Dance Club follow-up, "Give Me Tonight," into the Top 3 of the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. This was a huge freestyle hit, and Shannon made a distinctive mark on the birth of the freestyle era of the 1980s (and having seen her in person, I can say she gave a great show). Check out the 12" vinyl club remix (which I played at many a party back in the day, as a mobile DJ), and while you're enjoying that, revisit two, rare Disconet megamixes of her biggest freestyle classics: "Let the Music Play" and "Give Me Tonight" [YouTube links]. [3 September 2016]
My Heart Will Go On, music by James Horner, lyrics by Will Jennings, was the 1997 Academy Award Winner for Best Song from one of my favorite movies. It put words to one of the most recognizable themes in film music history, from the Oscar-winning soundtrack. Listen to an audio clip of the Celine Dion recording. Today, our film song tribute ends; tonight, we will learn the title of the newest Oscar-winning "Best Song." [5 March 2006]
My Kind of Town, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was nominated for a 1964 Academy Award for Best Song, from the film "Robin and the Seven Hoods." Listen to an audio clip from the one and only Francis Albert Sinatra. [27 February 2006]
My Man (Mon Homme) features French lyrics by Albert Willemetz and Jacques Charles, English lyrics by Channing Pollock, and music by Maurice Yvain. (Additional writing credits go to I. Bibo and L. Woods.) It was sung originally by Fanny Brice, but was revived magnificently by Barbra Streisand for "Funny Girl" (audio clip at that link). My favorite Streisand version of this song is on her classic album "My Name is Barbra" (audio clip at that link). [7 April 2006]
My, My, My features the words and music of James Alan Ghaleb, Oscar Gorres, Brett McLaughlin, and Troye Sivan, on whose 2018 album "Bloom" this #1 Hot Dance Club song appears. Check out the single video version, and live performances on SNL, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", and "Live with Kelly and Ryan" on September 5th. Then check out a series of dance remixes: the Throttle Remix, Hot Chip Remix, U-Go Boy Remix, and the Cliak Remix. We're taking this year's Annual Summer Dance Party right through the last day of summer, so stay tuned for the next eight days! [14 September 2018]
My One and Only Love, music and lyrics by Guy Wood and Robert Mellin, has been recorded by so many wonderful artists. Listen to audio clips from renditions by Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, Frank Sinatra, Sting, and Carly Simon. One of my favorite instrumental versions is by jazz guitarist Jim Hall (no audio link available, unfortunately). [30 September 2005]
My Romance, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is from the 1935 Billy Rose Broadway production, "Jumbo" (which was also a 1962 Doris Day film). This is the weekend that Broadway celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Antoinette Perry Awards, also known as "The Tonys." Listen to audio clips of renditions by Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Carly Simon, James Taylor, pianist Dave Brubeck, and pianist Bill Evans. [10 June 2006]
My Shining Hour, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from the film "The Sky's the Limit," was nominated for a 1943 Academy Award for Best Song. One of my favorite swinging versions is by jazz vocalist Betty Carter (from a live album, "Round Midnight"). Listen to audio clips of versions by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, saxophonist Eric Alexander, and guitarist Howard Alden. [21 February 2006]
My Spanish Heart, composed by Chick Corea, was the title track to his 1976 album. Check out that version here as well as this rendition [YouTube links] by "The Spanish Heart Band" (from the Grammy-winning "Best Latin Jazz Album", "Antidote"), which includes vocals by Ruben Blades and Gayle Moran. Today, we celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Chick's birth, who sadly passed away on February 9, 2021. Viva Chick! [12 June 2021]
My Time to Fly [YouTube link], composed by NJ-native Harriet Goldberg and featuring saxophonist Billy Novick, is probably one of the most heard pieces of music in the world. Have you ever been put on hold? And this jazzy musical ditty gets looped OVER AND OVER again? Having been on hold for over an hour today, I thought I'd feature this song. When I first heard it some time ago, I thought to myself: "That's got a nice feel to it." But like any piece of music that one might listen to, eventually, if played incessantly for a very long time, one's nerves start to fray, and that's why it's the Song of the Day! This bouncy tune was recorded in 2017 and has been adopted by legions of companies as the Music to Hold By. Now you know why Goldberg has been dubbed the Queen of Hold Music. [27 November 2023]
My Way, with English lyrics written by Paul Anka, was set to music by Claude Francois and Jacques Revaux, for the French composition, "Comme d'habitude." It was popularized by the Chairman of the Board, and though it was never my favorite Frank Sinatra recording, there is a dignity to the lyrics that cannot be denied. Derek Jeter used the song for a Gatorade commercial, in which he says farewell to his many fans. Check out that Gatorade advertisement on YouTube as well as the full song as recorded by Ol' Blue Eyes. Today, Derek Jeter completed his exemplary career in baseball with his 3,645th hit (a lifetime .310 average). He was replaced by a pinch runner, Brian McCann, after hitting a Baltimore chop in the third inning, at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. His infield hit drove in a run, and the Yanks went on to win the game 9-5. The Red Sox fans gave him a standing ovation, not only when he departed the game, but also in a pre-game ceremony honoring him (where even Yaz showed up!). The seventh inning stretch featured a rendition of "God Bless America" by Ronan Tynan (who often performed the song at Yankee Stadium) and a gorgeously arranged version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," by guitarist Bernie Williams, a former Jeter teammate. This was a classy sendoff to one of the greatest ballplayers to grace any sports field, and the Fenway crowd showed the respect and appreciation one would expect from any crowd so steeped in the history of baseball. Okay, and yes, I've been crying, and I'm going to miss one of my all-time favorite Yankees. Bless you, Derek, in all your future endeavors. [28 September 2014]
My Week with Marilyn ("Marilyn's Theme"), composed by Alexandre Desplat, is performed brilliantly on solo piano by Lang Lang on the wonderful soundtrack (with music by Desplat and Conrad Pope) to the 2011 film. The melancholy theme is restated on the tracks "Marilyn Alone" and "Remembering Marilyn" (YouTube clips at each link). It has a mournful quality to it, but also one of innocence and depth, all qualities captured by Marilyn Monroe, played well by Michelle Williams. The former Mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, gave this film a fine review on his "Mayor at the Movies," so it is only fitting to give that late Mayor a fine review for his colorful years at the helm of his beloved city. Today, he is laid to rest at Trinity Cemetery, having passed away on Friday, February 1, 2013. [4 February 2013]
Nancy Jo (audio clip at that link) is a superb Gerald Wilson composition that made its debut on the classic big bebop band album "Moment of Truth," with fine solos by trumpeter Carmell Jones, saxophonist Harold Land, and guitarist Joe Pass. It has also been recorded for other Wilson projects with stellar musician line-ups: "New York, New Sound" and "State Street Sweet" (audio clips at those links). Also, listen here to some really nice audio clips regarding Wilson's life as a composer and arranger. [5 November 2005]
Nardis is a classic jazz standard, composed by Miles Davis. My jazz guitarist brother plays a mean version of this song, and I also love any of many versions recorded by pianist Bill Evans (scroll down at that link for a fast-paced audio clip of one of those versions). Indeed, it became an Evans theme of sorts. Listen to another audio clip here, of a classic Evans trio, with Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums. [11 May 2005]
Nasty, words and lyrics by Jimmy "Jam" Harris III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip Hop Singles charts. This 1986 Janet Jackson signature tune, from her #1 album, "Control," is a particularly appropriate "song of the day" today; last night in the final face-off between Benito and Evita, "Nasty Boy" Trumpster called Hillary a "Nasty Woman," and the phrase has now gone viral. Only the future of the republic is on the line, but I'm still chuckling over a comment made by my long-time colleague and friend, David Boaz, who, when asked, "If somebody held a gun to your head, and gave you the choice of The Don or Hillary?", replied: "Take the bullet." Whatever your political persuasion, most of us will look back on this 2016 Presidential campaign as having provided us with some "nasty" entertainment for months. There's only one thing left to do: "Gimme a Beat" (and you thought I was going to say: "Rock the Vote!"). Check out the video to this iconic Janet song [YouTube link] (and yes, in the video, you'll find a young Paula Abdul, who did the choreography). [20 October 2016]
National Geographic ("Fanfare") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the immortal Elmer Bernstein, is one of those themes that is heard a few times before getting eternally embedded in one's brain. Da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaa da... It was once voted by Fast Company Magazine [YouTube clip at that link] as one of the most addictive sounds in all the world. Check out the abbreviated version of memory [YouTube link] that opened every "National Geographic" special of my youth (and I still get the Society's magazine). [21 September 2012]
The NBC Mystery Movie ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by the legendary Henry Mancini, opened this anthology television movie series, which ran from 1971 to 1977. Mancini had such an enormous impact on film music, but his brilliance came to the small screen as well, in shows as varied as "Peter Gunn", "Newhart", and "Remington Steele" [YouTube links]. [31 August 2023]
The Nearness of You is a Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington composition, which has been recorded by everybody from Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra to Rod Stewart and Norah Jones. But one of the most touching versions I've ever heard was recorded live as an instrumental in 1971 by the great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. [17 September 2004]
Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye), words and music by Jim Weatherly, won a 1974 Grammy Award for Gladys Knight and the Pips for "Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus." Listen to an audio clip of this wonderful pop hit here. [6 September 2006]
Nessun Dorma, an aria composed by Giacomo Puccini, with librettists Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni, for the opera, "Turandot," has been sung by many great tenors. Listen to an audio clip from Luciano Pavarotti, who performed the piece for the XX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. [16 February 2006]
Nestle's Quik, aside from being one of my favorite childhood powdered ingredients for great (cold or hot) chocolate milk, inspired one of the classic television commercial jingles, featuring ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson, puppet Danny O'Day and Farfel, the utterly adorable hound dog. As we gear up for this year's 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, now is a good time to salute some of my favorite TV commercial jingles. This one was big in the 1950s and 1960s: N-E-S-T-L-E-S, with Farfel and this updating too. [15 September 2011]
Never Can Say Goodbye, words and music by Clifton Davis, remains one of my favorite Jackson Five hits. Listen to audio clips from the original Jackson Five and also a very nice Gloria Gaynor dance remake. [29 May 2006]
Never Let Me Go, words and music by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, was first heard in the 1956 Michael Curtiz-directed crime drama, "The Scarlet Hour" brought to life in the film by the great Nat King Cole and in a longer studio recording as well [YouTube links]. Jazz pianist Bill Evans recorded this song for his album, "Alone," for which he received his third of seven Grammy Awards (out of 31 total nominations in his career). The legendary musician was born on this date in 1929. Check out Bill's 14+ minute solo piano performance of this lovely composition [YouTube link]. [16 August 2020]
Never Let Me Go ("The Pier") [YouTube link], composed by Rachel Portman, echoes the tragic tones of this 2010 film based on the dystopian novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. The San Diego Film Critics Society awarded the soundtrack with best score honors that year. [21 February 2021]
Never (Past Tense), words and music by R. Checo, A. Lorenzo, and P. Lewis, is performed by The Roc Project, featuring Tina Arena. A catchy hook and an irresistible dance beat grace this track. Listen to an audio clip here. [8 August 2005]
Never Say Never Again ("Main Title") is the title track to the one "unofficial" James Bond film not produced by Albert Broccoli and company; it's a 1983 remake of "Thunderball" with a theme song that featured the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, the music of Michel Legrand (who celebrates his 82nd birthday today! Joyeux Anniversaire, Michel!!!), and the vocals of Lani Hall, who performed with Brasil 66. With a cluster of talent like that, the song still doesn't hold a candle to the original "Thunderball," but I still think it's a mini-miracle that, with lawsuits hanging over the film, Legrand was still able to draw from his jazz roots and come up with a score fully consistent with the 007 musical canon. Listen to the title track on YouTube. [24 February 2014]
Never Too Much was composed and performed by the late, great Luther Vandross, who passed away yesterday (1 July 2005). A wonderful crooner, with a silky smooth voice, Luther also knew how to mix it up with some of the hottest R&B dance beats. I'm very sad to see him go, but eternally grateful to Luther for leaving such wonderful music behind. Rest in peace. Listen to an audio clip of this classic track from his debut solo album here. And listen to an audio clip of Mary J. Blige, from an all-star Luther tribute. [2 July 2005]
New Year, composed by Pat Metheny, is one sweet groove on which to start 2013. Metheny's Unity Band features Chris Potter on saxophone, Ben Williams on bass, and Antonio Sanchez on drums. Check it out on YouTube. And a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to One and All! [1 January 2013]
New Year's Day, words and lyrics by Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, Martin Johnson, and Sam Hollander, is performed by Pentatonix. As the lyrics declare, when the Apple Falls in Time, we embrace the moments to come, our friends forever by our side ... it's time to celebrate like its New Year's Day. Check out the studio version and a live performance [YouTube links]. A Very Happy and Healthy New Year to All! [1 January 2022
New York City Blues, words and music by Quincy Jones and Peggy Lee, first appeared on Lee's album, "Blues Cross Country." The song, with Jones' swinging arrangement, can also be found on the TV soundtrack to the short-lived series, "Pan Am." Today, one of the great NYC landmarks is celebrating its 85th birthday with 25-cent rides (though it actually opened on June 26, 1927): the rickety wooden Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island that I will never set foot on. Definitely not on my bucket list. Check out Peggy Lee's fabulous track on YouTube. Happy birthday to this Grand Roller Coaster! [30 June 2012]
New York, New York, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, is a highlight from both the Broadway musical "On the Town" and its 1949 film version. A great song dedicated to my hometown, this one is selected today to honor the memory of Betty Comden, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 2006. Listen here to an audio clip from the original Broadway show. [25 November 2006]
New York, New York, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. How much more apropos, in the post-9/11 era, to be reminded that "if I could make here, I'll make it anywhere." It's become an unofficial theme song of the New York Yankees too; typically, when they lose home games, they play the Liza Minnelli version from the 1977 movie of the same name. But when they win, it's none other than Ol' Blue Eyes whose voice reverberates throughout the Cathedral of Baseball. [11 September 2004b]
Nice 'N' Easy, music by Lew Spence, lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman (then Marilyn Keith), is the mid-tempo title track of Sinatra's 1960 album of ballads, which went to Number One on the Billboard album chart. The songs were all arranged by the gifted Nelson Riddle. It is also featured on Disc 3 of "Ultimate Sinatra." It's one of those Sinatra recordings that has to be included on any list of his classics. Check it out on YouTube. [5 December 2015]
Nice To Be Around, lyrics by Paul Williams, music by John Williams, from the 1973 film, "Cinderella Liberty." My sister-in-law, vocalist Joanne Barry, does a fine version of this song live in concert, but there are some good recordings of it as well, including one by Maureen McGovern. [7 September 2004]
Night and Day, words and music by Cole Porter, has been recorded in many vocal versions, and in many fine instrumental versions as well, including one by the incomparable jazz guitarist Joe Pass, featured on his album "For Django," a groundbreaking tribute to the magnificent gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt. [21 October 2004]
Night Fever is a song written and recorded by the Brothers Gibb (or as they are more famously referred to as "The Bee Gees"). It made its first appearance on the mega-soundtrack to the 1977 hit movie, "Saturday Night Fever," a film that was released forty years ago this week. I did a 30th anniversary salute to the soundtrack, so there weren't many other tunes to choose from---but there is no better one to feature than the one that seems to have inspired the very title of the pathbreaking film, which brought international fame to John Travolta who, as Tony Manero, hustled his way onto the dance floor of Brooklyn's 2001 Odyssey disco (which later became a gay dance club named Spectrum and today is a Chinese restaurant). Check out the classic original recording by the Bee Gees and then the scene in which it is heard in the film [YouTube links]. [13 December 2017]
Night Gallery had several themes, including the series theme composed by Gil Melle (listen to an audio clip here). Another theme was composed by the great Eddie Sauter (audio clip here). My favorite theme from this Rod Serling show, however, is the one featured in the superb made-for-TV movie that served as the basis for the series. That main title was composed by Billy Goldenberg. Listen to an audio clip of that theme here. [28 August 2006]
The Night Has a Thousand Eyes ("Main Theme"), music by Jerome ("Jerry") Brainin, lyrics by Buddy Bernier, is featured in the 1948 film noir, which starred Edward G. Robinson. The main theme (not the same-titled Bobby Vee hit) evolved into a jazz standard, played by such musicians as John Coltrane, Paul Desmond and Jim Hall, Stan Getz (with a little intro assist from Steve Allen), Freddie Hubbard, Joe Pass, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Sonny Stitt and Bennie Green, and McCoy Tyner (all YouTube links). And check out this sample of the vocal rendition by the great Carmen McRae. The night may have a thousand eyes, but on this date, the 7th anniversary of the inauguration of our "Song of the Day," we have reached a thousand titles on "My Favorite Songs." Here's to a thousand more (at least)! [1 September 2011]
Night in Tunisia, written by birthday boy Dizzy Gillespie, has been recorded by manyv jazz artists, including Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Manhattan Transfer, and, of course, Dizzy and Bird. [21 October 2006]
The Night Of [YouTube link], music by Jeff Russo, opens each episode of the tense HBO miniseries that recently concluded its summer run. The show was to star the late James Gandolfini, who retains a posthumous executive producer credit; his role was subsequently offered to Robert DeNiro, but due to scheduling conflicts, it was ultimately played superbly by John Turturro. And so begins our annual-ish tribute to television themes en route to the Emmy Awards, which will be broadcast on Sunday, September 18th. Though seemingly simple in its composition, this show's theme seems to take its 'cue' from "Psycho" and "Jaws," warning us of the ominous things to come. After viewing hours of touching tributes today, we have come to the night of September 11th. The twin beams of light from downtown Manhattan can be seen clearly from my apartment in Brooklyn, in tribute to the shattering events that occurred on 9/11/2001, destroying the WTC Twin Towers. There is a bit of irony to commence a mini-tribute to television themes with a show centered on a murder mystery in a post-9/11 America. Indeed, over the years, not even television series have been able to sidestep the ultimate "reality show" that took place on this day, fifteen years ago. [11 September 2016]The Night Of [YouTube link], music by Jeff Russo, opens each episode of the tense HBO miniseries that recently concluded its summer run. The show was to star the late James Gandolfini, who retains a posthumous executive producer credit; his role was subsequently offered to Robert DeNiro, but due to scheduling conflicts, it was ultimately played superbly by John Turturro. And so begins our annual-ish tribute to television themes en route to the Emmy Awards, which will be broadcast on Sunday, September 18th. Though seemingly simple in its composition, this show's theme seems to take its 'cue' from "Psycho" and "Jaws," warning us of the ominous things to come. After viewing hours of touching tributes today, we have come to the night of September 11th. The twin beams of light from downtown Manhattan can be seen clearly from my apartment in Brooklyn, in tribute to the shattering events that occurred on 9/11/2001, destroying the WTC Twin Towers. There is a bit of irony to commence a mini-tribute to television themes with a show centered on a murder mystery in a post-9/11 America. Indeed, over the years, not even television series have been able to sidestep the ultimate "reality show" that took place on this day, fifteen years ago. [11 September 2016]
Night on Bald Mountain (aka "St. John's Night on the Bare Mountain") was composed by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. I was first exposed to this "tone poem" when it accompanied one of my favorite sequences in the 1940 film "Fantasia." Listen to a brief midi audio clip here, and an audio clip of a version performed by the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Lorin Maazel. And don't forget its derivative, by David Shire, recorded for the soundtrack of the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever": "Night on Disco Mountain" (audio clip at that link). [22 March 2006]
Nights (Feel Like Getting Down) features the words and music of Nigel Martinez and Billy Ocean, who sings this cool and funky 1981 disco track. Listen to an audio clip here. [20 January 2007]
A Night to Remember ("Main Title") [not that one], composed by William Alwyn, opens the very fine 1958 British film adaptation of Walter Lord's famous book of the same name (some of the film is available on YouTube). This particular cinematic take on one of the most definitive 20th century catastrophes stars Kenneth More, who, for me, is best remembered for his role as Young Jolyon in the great BBC series, "The Forsyte Saga" (1967). One hundred years ago on this date, Titanic began its journey, leaving Southampton in England and stopping in Cherbourg Harbor, France. Today begins our own six-day tribute to the fateful maiden voyage of Titanic. Among the multitude of provocative books on the subject is one written by my colleague and very dear friend, Stephen Cox, entitled The Titanic Story: Hard Choices, Dangerous Decisions (1999). So much music and so many films have also been inspired by this tragic event, starting with a 1912 newsreel [YouTube link], featuring its own poignant piano accompaniment. Cinematic presentations by filmmakers the world over have been presented throughout this past century: even the Nazis produced a movie, portraying the disaster as the inexorable result of sinister British capitalist greed (that 1943 German "Titanic" is actually pretty good as a film; some of its frames may have been used, without credit, in the 1958 British film highlighted here). As film scores go, I will never forget the great James Horner score to my favorite "Titanic" film of all time, directed by James Cameron. The 11-Oscar Award-winning "Best Picture" has now been re-released to theaters in 3D to mark the centennial occasion. Today, however, we turn to the majestic opening of "A Night to Remember" on YouTube, as we begin our own voyage into history, film, and music. [10 April 2012]
A Night to Remember, music and lyrics by Dana Meyers, Charmaine Sylvers, and Nidra Beard, was performed endearingly by the R&B/dance group Shalamar. Listen to an audio clip here. [22 April 2005]
1977 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Tom Savarese, includes some classic disco and funk moments from Barry White, Odyssey, First Choice, Marvin Gaye, Chic, C.J. & Co., Grace Jones, and The Trammps, to name a few. This is the first of the many "annual" Top Tune Medleys that were issued by Disconet, which I'll be featuring in chronological order. [26 June 2021]
1978 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Silvio Barthez, produced by Bobby DJ Guttadaro and "Captain" Mike Wilkinson, features some of the biggest dance hits of that year. From "I Will Survive", "Let's Start The Dance", "Boogie Oogie Oogie", "Instant Replay", and "In the Bush"---and we're not talking Presidents!---to "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)", "Shame", and "Shake Your Groove Thing", this one rocked the dance floor back in the day! [3 July 2021]
1979 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Jersey native John Matarazzo and Brooklyn-born Mike Arato, is one of my all-time favorite Disconet gems. It was heard not only in clubs but played by Paco on "Disco 92, WKTU" in New York City, typically blaring from car radios on 86th Street in Brooklyn [YouTube link]. It features snippets from classic disco tracks such as "This Time Baby", "Don't Stop till You Get Enough", "Dancer", "Heaven Must Have Sent You", "Don't You Want My Love", "I've Got the Next Dance", "Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You", "The Break", "Come to Me" and "There But for the Grace of God Go I"---a song by Machine of raw social commentary that provided one of the quintessential disco riffs of all time. This superb dance medley was done the old fashioned way, without digital sampling, and with all the talent that a remixer could muster! [9 July 2021]
1980 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], produced by John Matarazzo and Mike Arato, features such dance gems as "Fame", "Funkytown", "Twilight Zone", "Vertigo/Relight My Fire", "Celebration", "Love Sensation", "Rapture", "Upside Down", and "Another One Bites the Dust", drawing from the pop, alternative, and rock sounds of the day. [17 July 2021]
1981 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Mike Arato (who DJ'd at Uncle Sam's in Long Island!) and John Matarazzo, is a swirling compendium of some of the best hits of that year, including: "Pull Up to the Bumper", "Nights", "Try it Out", "Give it to Me Baby", "Hit 'n Run Lover", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Walk Right Now", "Your Love", and "Lay All Your Love on Me" (yep, from that great ABBA Disconet Remix [YouTube link]). While the rest of the world was walking on disco's grave, the rest of us were dancing the night away in the clubs of the day! [23 July 2021]
1982 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Casey Jones, is another one of my all-time favorite Disconet dance medleys. This is just a superb knitting together of dancefloor staples such as "Love Come Down", "I Specialize in Love", "Keep On", "Planet Rock", "Play at Your Own Risk", "Megatron Man", "Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)", "Let it Whip", "Do Ya Wanna Funk", "Come and Get Your Love", "Babe, We're Gonna Love Tonight", "Gloria", "It's Raining Men", and "Mickey". The medley incorporates R&B, hip hop, Hi-NRG, electro-pop, and the alternative sounds of the era. I digitized this lively medley from the original vinyl, uploaded for the sole purpose of entertainment with no copyright infringement intended. (And another H/T to Ryan Neugebauer for his YouTube Tech Tips!) [30 July 2021]
1983 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Mike Arato and John Matarazzo, captures the essence of a year in which dance music once again began to dominate the pop charts, led by the success of MJ's all-time best seller, "Thriller," all of whose cuts took over the Billboard Dance Chart for eleven consecutive weeks. Some of those thrilling cuts are here, as are such post-disco hits as "The Safety Dance", "Just Be Good To Me", "Rockit", "Holiday", "I.O.U.", "Let the Music Play" (the first truly massive freestyle single), "Angel Eyes", "Flashdance ... What a Feeling", "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", "She Blinded Me with Science", "She Works Hard for the Money", "Maniac", and "I'm So Excited", among others. [6 August 2021]
1984 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Mike Arato and John Matarazzo, strikes all the right chords of a stellar year in dance music. It includes, among other songs, such dance hits "Somebody Else's Guy", "Self-Control", "Jam on It", "Relax", "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)", "Lucky Star", "Give Me Tonight", "Swept Away", "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", "Dr. Beat", "Din Daa Daa", "I Feel For You", "When Doves Cry", and "The Glamorous Life" (those last three showing the impact of the Purple One on this year in music!). [13 August 2021]
1985 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by the wonderful Arato-Matarazzo duo again, takes us from soulful 105 sleaze-beats-per-minute to HiNRG 138 BPMs. Among its scorching dance hits, we find "Too Turned On", "Who's Zoomin' Who?", "Thinking About Your Love", "Do You Wanna Get Away", "I Wonder if I Take You Home", "Trapped", "Into the Groove", "Point of No Return", "Conga", "I Like You", "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)", "Freeway of Love", "Perfect Kiss", and "New Attitude". [19 August 2021]
1986 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Tuta Aquino, features some of the biggest pop, dance, and alternative hits of that year by such artists as The Human League, Gwen Guthrie, Level 42, Simply Red, Michael McDonald, Pet Shop Boys, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Holliday, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Dead or Alive, Bananarama, and Stacey Q. [27 August 2021]
1987 Disconet Top Tune Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Tuta Aquino and Dennis Muyet, was one of two medleys that Disconet produced that year, the last annual "Top Tune" medley offered by the subscription service. This particular one includes such hits as "I Want Your Sex", "Looking for a New Love", "Silent Morning", "Catch Me (I'm Falling)", "Fascinated", "No Lies", and a sizzling dash of "The Pleasure Principle" (by Janet Jackson). [17 September 2021]
1999, words and music by Prince, is one of my absolute all-time favorite tracks from The Artist (especially the extended album version) [YouTube link]. Come on now, everybody, "Don't Ya Wanna Go! . . . Everybody, everybody say 'Party'." This was the title track from that 1982 classic album, it has a wonderful groove. Like Michael Jackson, Prince was a child of 1958; today would have been his 58th birthday. Both men are gone, having never reached 58, but on this Prince birthday, we can still "party like it's 1999," in tribute to him; it is reported that he left behind enough recorded music in his vaults for albums that could be issued one per year for the next century! Tomorrow, we switch gears big time: a mini-tribute to some of the music of Broadway, in honor of the Tony Awards on June 12th. [7June 2016]
Nite and Day [not that one] features the words and music of Kyle West and Al B. Sure!, who sings this seductive #1 R&B hit on his 1988 album, "In Effect Mode." It has the kind of "sleaze beat" Quiet Storm sound appropriate for "grinding music" and its related activities. Check out the irresistibility of the original single [YouTube link]. With night and day of approximately equal length around this time of the vernal equinox, there's no better moment for a little lesson from the Old School of New Jack Swing. [21 March 2012]
Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat, Op. 9 (audio clip at that link) was composed by Frederic Chopin. Listen also to an audio clip of a sensitive rendition by Claudio Arrau. [4 February 2006]
No Frills Love, words and music by Arthur Baker, Gary Henry, and Tina B., was recorded by "Dreamgirls" Broadway star, Jennifer Holliday. The recording went to #1 on the Billboard Dance chart in 1986 and hit #1 again a decade later with the 1996 Anthem Mix [YouTube link]. Check out the original 12" remix, the Love to Infinity Mix, and even one that is dedicated to Channing Tatum [YouTube links]. [9 September 2017]
No More Tears (Enough is Enough), words and music by Paul Jabara and Bruce Roberts, went to #1 in 1979 on the vocal strength of Two Divas kickin' butt (and a lousy man "out that door"): Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. How appropriate that this duet, which ends our Donna Summer Tribute, contains the longest sustained note by a female artist (Streisand, 14 seconds) of any #1 hit on the Hot 100, when the song that started the tribute ("Dim All the Lights") contains the longest sustained note by a female artist (Summer, 16 seconds) of any Top 40 hit. It's hard to measure the influence of an artist on those who have followed. To be dubbed the "Queen" (not that one, great though he was) of a genre that some have viewed with disdain is a limitation, of course, because the work of Donna Summer transcended that era. Or maybe Disco itself has lived on. People stopped using the Dreaded D-Word to describe any popular dance recordings, but the genre's influence can still be heard (in house, techno. electronica and more). And Donna was The Queen; it's clear to this fan that later dance hit-makers, from Madonna to Beyonce to Lady Gaga, owe much to Her Reign. Today, after more than a week of looking back, we have "No More Tears" moving forward. And lots of dancing left to do; check out the single version, the extended version (from Streisand's "Wet" album), and the 12" extended mix (from Summer's album, "On the Radio: Greatest Hits, Volumes I & II"). [25 May 2012]
North By Northwest ("Crash of the Cropduster") [link to scene], composed by Bernard Herrmann for this 1959 cinematic Hitchcock gem, is as much about what music is not heard as much as it is about what is heard. This scene is the ultimate in Hitchcock iconography; Cary Grant is alone, with vast empty plains stretching for miles in every direction, as he awaits the arrival of the nonexistent George Kaplan. Suddenly, he is being chased by a cropdusting plane with a trigger-happy pilot. The whole scene is without accompanying music at first, as Cary runs from the plane, finding cover in crops until the cropduster flushes him out to re-target him. But as Cary flags down a huge fuel truck, the plane unavoidably crashes into the truck and disintegrates into flames. The suspenseful music begins with the crash. When Hitchcock and Herrmann were in sync, they knew when to let the action speak for itself, and when to let the music enhance the scene. Herrmann's non-score to this truly iconic scene is as effective as Rozsa's non-score during the chariot race in "Ben-Hur", also a 1959 film: we have a "Parade of the Charioteers" before the race and music announcing victory in its aftermath. But during the scene, we are assaulted by the deafening noise of the crowd, the horses and chariots, the tramplings, the sound and fury of a race to the death. (A similar pattern is used in the film "Independence Day," where at the Zero Hour, all of America's key monuments and cities are destroyed, the music not engaging us until the very end of that apocalyptic series of events.) In any event, the cropduster scene is one of my favorite scenes in one of my all-time favorite Hitchcock films. In honor of my mother, who was born on this date in 1919, I post it; she passed away in 1995, but seeing her Cary was among the few things that could perk her up even in illness. The film is often thought of as the first "Bond" film, before 007 made his cinematic 1962 debut, and it is not difficult to see why. [20 February 2014]
North by Northwest ("Main Titles" or "Overture" on some recordings) [audio clip at that link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, has that ominous quality, foreshadowing the twists and turns, the "wild ride" that constitutes what is probably my favorite Hitchcock film of all time. The 1959 film starred Cary Grant, James Mason, and Eva Marie Saint. [9 February 2005]
North by Northwest ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, is one of the highlights to this 1959 film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason. I know it's a tough call, but this remains my all-time favorite among Hitchcock films, with a wonderful soundtrack by a man who scored seven of those films (while also being credited as sound consultant to "The Birds"). Today begins a five-day mini-Herrmann tribute within my Film Music February Festival. [3 February 2022]
North By Northwest ("The Station"), music by the great Bernard Herrmann, is from my favorite Hitchcock film of all time. This particular cue is on the soundtrack album (listen to it here) for a scene in which Cary Grant tries to elude the authorities and his would-be killers by escaping on the 20th Century Limited at Grand Central Station. That Station opened its doors at midnight on February 2, 1913, and is, today, celebrating its centennial. In this scene from the 1959 cinematic gem, Grant approaches the ticket window at the fabled station, shading his eyes with dark glasses. The ticket clerk, played by Ned Glass, knows he is dealing with a fugitive and asks Grant: "Is there something wrong with your eyes?" "Yes," Grant says, visibly irritated, "they're sensitive to questions." Check out the scene on YouTube, which features our Centennial Station in all its glory. [2 February 2013]
Not a Day Goes, words and music by Stephen Sondheim, is one of the highlights from the 1981 Broadway musical, "Merrily We Roll Along." Today, Sondheim died at the age of 91. He leaves behind a vast musical legacy. This is only one of so many Sondheim songs I've featured through the years. In the original Broadway production, it was performed by Jim Walton [YouTube link]. But the song was recorded subsequently by singers as diverse as Carly Simon, Patti LuPone, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters [YouTube links]. RIP, Sondheim. [26 November 2021b]
Nothing Compares 2 U, words and music by Prince, for a side-project band called "The Family" from their self-titled 1985 album. Sinead O'Connor had a huge hit with this one, but I still love the original Prince version. Check out that original here, and the O'Connor version here [YouTube links]. I should note that on June 3rd, America lost one of its most controversial and entertaining cultural icons and nothing compared to him either: "The Greatest", Muhammad Ali. [5 June 2016]
Notorious ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Roy Webb, opens this 1946 suspense film with a lovely romantic theme with ominous undertones. This was the second collaboration of two cinematic giants: Director Alfred Hitchcock and Actor Cary Grant, who share the distinction of never having won an Oscar in a competitive category. They did receive honorary Oscars at the end of their careers (for which Hitchcock said at the podium, "Thank you"). It is said that Grant swore never to make another film with Hitchcock after "Suspicion" (1941), but this second collaboration, which co-starred the wonderful Ingrid Bergman, is a classic stomach churner. Bergman starred previously in Hitchcock's "Spellbound" (1945) and with her other "Notorious" co-star, Claude Rains, in "Casablanca" back in 1942. Like "Casablanca," this film has its share of villainous Nazis. Grant and Hitchcock would go on to make two additional films together: "To Catch a Thief," and my favorite one of all: "North by Northwest." "Charade" could be mistaken for a Grant-Hitchcock collaboration, but alas, it wasn't (though it's often referenced as "the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made"). [10 February 2015]
Now, Voyager ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], was composed by Max Steiner, who won the Academy Award for Best Music Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture for this 1942 film, starring the great Bette Davis, along with such acting luminaries as Claude Rains and Paul Henreid. Steiner's music rises to a crescendo when Davis turns to Jerry (played by Henreid) and utters, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars." It's a line that was ranked #46 by the American Film Institute's list of the Top 100 Cinema Quotes. Check out the last scene on YouTube and also a lovely musical tribute by composer and former Boston Pops conductor John Williams, featuring violinist Itzhak Perlman. [15 February 2017]
Nuages, composed by the great Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, has been supplied with lyrics by singer Tony Bennett for his album "The Art of Romance" (listen to an audio clip of the re-christened "All for You" at that link). Dr. Frank Forte has also written lyrics for the song. Listen to an audio clip of Django with the Quintette of the Hot Club of France. Among my favorite instrumental renditions is one by Joe Pass, featured on his classic jazz guitar tribute album, "For Django." A Pass audio clip of another rendition can be heard here; it's a live recording from the 1975 Montreux Jazz Festival. [12 March 2005]
The Nutcracker (selections), composed by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is a wonderful seasonal favorite. From "Marche Miniature" to the Russian, Arabian, and Chinese Dances to the "Waltz of the Flowers" to the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and of the "Reed Pipes," this great ballet has been heard the world over. Its themes have been heard on the big screen too, in films such as "Fantasia" and "Pocketful of Miracles." Listen to audio clips from a grand rendition of the suite by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic and to clips from the whole brilliant ballet performed by the Kirov Orchestra. [22 December 2005]
Ocean's 11 ("Ain't That a Kick in the Head"), music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was first recorded by Dean Martin in a swingin' Nelson Riddle arrangement in May 1960; it is performed by Martin in an alternative arrangement with the Red Norvo Quartet, in this wonderful 1960 Rat Pack heist film. What better way to mark the 11th with Danny Ocean (played by Frank Sinatra) and his up-to-no-good gang of 11! Check out this song's original arrangement and its film rendition [YouTube links]. [11 February 2017]
[YouTube link], composed by Nelson Riddle and designed by Saul Bass, is a swinging affair for the chicest of chic Rat Pack films, starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson, and so many other wonderful performers who hit the Vegas Strip for the ultimate scam. But the real question is if those Groundhogs are scamming us, because it looks like it's going to be a long winter up here in the Northern hemisphere. Thank goodness we're kept warm by this hot and fiery Nelson Riddle chart from the original (and best) 1960 version of the film. [2 February 2015]O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum) is a traditional Christmas carol of German origin. There are so many versions of this song and so many recorded renditions that it is almost impossible to pick a favorite. Listen to audio clips of Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. [19 December 2006]
The Odd Couple, music by Neal Hefti, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, made its debut in the 1968 film version of this Neil Simon play, but was adapted for the small screen as well. Listen to an audio clip of this famous theme here, along with other sound clips here, and, tonight, tune into the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. [27 August 2006]
Ode to Joy, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, constitutes the fourth movement and finale of his Ninth Symphony (in D minor, Op. 125). It is one of the most performed works from the corpus of the great composer, the 250th anniversary of whose birth is being noted this month. The master based the choral sections on a poem by Friedrich Schiller. But it is a theme that has been used by both dictators and freedom fighters the world over, giving it a particularly checkered history [YouTube link]. And yet, it is no coincidence that the great Leonard Bernstein conducted the full symphony as an "Ode to Freedom" on the occasion of the collapse of the Berlin Wall (the finale itself can be heard, triumphantly, in two parts: part 1 and part 2) [YouTube links]. Bernstein embraced the Ninth Symphony [YouTube link], as a jubilant celebration of peace and brotherhood, having recorded it two previous times: first with the New York Philharmonic in 1964 and again with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1979. It has also been embraced by diverse cultures for its exuberant spirit; in Japan, for example, in keeping with the holiday season, it has become a veritable Christmas carol. And it has been used by dissenters throughout the world in protests such as those against the oppressive Pinochet regime in Chile and in those that rocked Tiananmen Square. What better way to end a two-day celebration of this important anniversary! [18 December 2020]
Off the Wall, words and music by Rod Temperton, was recorded as the title track of one of Michael Jackson's finest solo efforts. Listen to an audio clip here. [23 March 2006]
[YouTube link], composed by the "father of film music," Max Steiner, is heard over the opening credits to the 1934 film version of the W. Somerset Maugham novel. In previews, RKO executives were not too fond of Steiner's initial score, and he literally had to write a new one, with motifs for each of the characters. The opening credits feature, however, a lovely waltz, which doesn't begin to convey the venomous power of one of Davis's most memorable performances, with one of the most memorably delivered lines in cinema history: "And after you kissed me, I always used to wipe my mouth. Wipe my mouth!!!" [YouTube link]. Alas, our sixteenth annual Film Music February begins today, February 1st and runs through February 29th. Today also begins TCM's Annual 31-days of Oscar celebration.This leap year, the Oscars air a bit earlier than usual: on February 9th. But we will be celebrating film music every day in February, running the gamut from score cues, suites, and main titles to songs that originated in film and those used in film, even if they originated elsewhere. This year, we'll be focusing more attention on scores from the Golden Age of American Cinema (broadly interpreted). So fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy month [YouTube link]! [1 February 2020]O Grande Amor, music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, is as lushly romantic as the "Big Love" of its title. My favorite version is the one featured on the "Getz/Gilberto" album; listen to an audio clip here. [4 May 2005]
March on Washington ("Oh, Freedom") is a post-Civil War African American spiritual. It was first recorded in 1931 as "Sweet Freedom" by the E. R. Nance Family, and was later recorded by Odetta as part of the "Spiritual Trilogy" for her 1956 "Ballads and Blues" album. In 1958, a 17-year old Joan Baez recorded it as well [YouTube link]. Sixty years ago, on this date, Baez officially opened the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with this song. That massive gathering, famous for Martin Luther King Jr.'s legendary "I Have a Dream" speech, was not carried in its entirety on television. But Baez courageously added the lyric "No More Jim Crow" to her live rendition, a moral denunciation of systemic segregationist policies. Check out the 1931 E. R. Nance Family original, Odetta's rendition, and Baez's rendition from the March [YouTube links]. [28 August 2023]
Oh Marie, written by Eduardo Di Capua, was sung with jazzy Italian gusto for the Peabody-dancing crowd by the Wild One, Louis Prima. A Louis Armstrong-influenced performer, Prima gives us Sicilian scat singing at its best. Listen to an audio clip here. [15 August 2005a]
O Holy Night, composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, is one of the most beautifully melodic carols of the season, and has been sung by countless artists. It's my favorite of the religious carols. Check out a popular Celine Dion version of it here. And listen to many other wonderful versions of this song here. [28 December 2004]
Oklahoma! ("Oklahoma!") was the first musical that teamed composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. The original Broadway hit opened on March 31, 1943, and hence, it preceded the first Tony Awards. It did, however, receive special Tony recognition on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 1993. But that doesn't mean we can't jump from a mini-Prince tribute to a mini-Tony Award Tribute in honor of the American stage. The main title was delivered in the original production by Alfred Drake and Chorus [YouTube link] and the original album released by Decca Records on 78 r.p.m. records, was the first Broadway cast album to sell a million copies. We should also note that this musical spawned countless revivals and, of course, the wonderful 1955 film version, in which it is Gordon McRae who delivers the unforgettable theme [YouTube link]. [8 June 2016]
Old Town Road (Remix), words and music by Kiowa Roukema and Montero Hill (aka Lil Nas X) with a sampled beat from "34 Ghosts IV" [YouTube link] by Nine Inch Nails (credited to the Oscar-winning duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross), breaks the all-time Billboard Hot 100 record today, logging its seventeenth straight week at #1. It passes both "Despacito" (by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber) and "One Sweet Day" (by Mariah Carey and Boys II Men), each of which held the previous #1 record at sixteen consecutive weeks. Lil Nas X paid $30 for the right to use the Nine Inch Nails sample and added Billy Ray Cyrus to the performance, producing one of the most interesting crossover sounds, merging elements of country, rock, and rap. And I'm just going to say it: Whoever dreamed that a song that started as a meme [YouTube link], which went viral, featuring the 57-year old country-singing father of Miley Cyrus and the 20-year old African American rapper who recently came out would be the longest running #1 single in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 charts? Goes to show you---life offers us a rainbow of possibilities! But it helps if your song is really catchy. Check out the mini-movie video version of the song [YouTube link] (with some hilarious cameos) and the truly infectious single version [YouTube link]. [30 July 2019]
Oleo is a hard bop composition by tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, written over the chord progressions employed by George Gershwin in "I Got Rhythm". Our 1,800th Song of the Day was first recorded by Miles Davis, with Rollins, pianist Horace Silver, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Kenny Clarke, for the 1954 album "Bags' Groove." Check it out here [YouTube link]. Another notable Miles recording is featured on his compilation album, "1958 Miles," with the band that made "Kind of Blue," the best-selling jazz album of all time. This live performance features tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, alto saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderly, pianist Bill Evans, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Check out that live version here as well as renditions by pianists Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, saxophonist Eric Dolphy with pianist McCoy Tyner, and jazz guitarists Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, George Benson, and Joe Pass. [25 July 2020]
O Little Town of Bethlehem, words by Rector Phillips Brooks, music by church organist Lewis Redner, has been recorded many times. Listen to audio clips of Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. [26 December 2006a]
Olympics Fanfare Medley combines the robust "Bugler's Dream," composed by Leo Arnaud and the celebratory John Williams composition, "Summon the Heroes," They are both wonderful fanfares, tributes to the indomitable spirit of the Olympics. Tonight is the closing ceremony of the exciting 2012 London Summer Olympics. Check out the Arnaud theme, the John Williams theme, and the medley. [12 August 2012]
The Omen ("Ave Satani"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, whose birthday we celebrated on February 10th, is the theme that opens the devilishly scary original 1976 film, "The Omen," starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. The film would spawn two sequels, and a 2006 reboot. This song actually received an Oscar nomination in the Best Original Song category, the only song sung in Latin to ever be so nominated---though it would lose to "Evergreen" from the Streisand version of "A Star is Born". Goldsmith still walked away with a well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Score, because it did everything that could ever be asked of a soundtrack: contributing to and augmenting the things we see on the screen. And that it does quite well! Now, let me be clear about one thing; I've been called many things by many folks: a Hegelian, a Marxist, even a nutjob, but one thing I am not is a "Satanist," even if I'm highlighting this song on this day. I am a fan of many film genres and their corresponding scores---horror films among them. And this is certainly one of the most eerie soundtracks to ever be honored in this category---definitely not something to listen to before you go to bed, unless you want 666 nightmares before dawn! Check it out on YouTube. Don't say I didn't warn you! Now here's a bit of ironic horror cinema trivia: On this date, March 3rd in 1692, Elizabeth Selwyn, accused of being a witch, was "Burned at the Stake in Whitewood, Massachusetts" [a metal track from "Horror Classics and Other Tributes to the Darkside" by Those Left Behind]. Before the flames consumed her, she cast a Satanic curse on the town to last for all eternity (spoiler alert: nothing lasts forever). Well, that's how the 1960 British film "City of the Dead" [YouTube film link] opens. It is known to some horror film fans as "Horror Hotel" (which was slightly edited for its American audience) and scared the daylights out of me when I first saw it as a kid. As did "The Omen" [YouTube film clip]. All the more appropriate then to feature this selection from Goldsmith's Oscar-winning score on this devilish date (called "The Witches' Sabbath" in "The City of the Dead")! [3 March 2018]
On Broadway, music and lyrics by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil has been performed by The Drifters (audio clip here) and George Benson, whose version I like the most ... 'cause I love when he plays "this here guitar." Listen to an audio clip of Benson's version, which expresses the gritty struggle of making it ... on Broadway. [3 June 2005]
Once I Loved, music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, English lyrics by Ray Gilbert, and Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, has been performed by singers such as Perry Como and, in a stirring rendition by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the virtuoso solo guitarist Joe Pass on the lovely album, "Take Love Easy." Listen to an audio clip of their collaboration here. [24 January 2005]
Once in a Lifetime, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, was featured in the 1962 Broadway musical, "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off." This song was also featured in the 1966 movie version. I was first exposed to this song as a kid when I heard my sister-in-law sing it in performance at the Gil Hodges Grand Slam Cocktail Lounge. Listen to Newley's original version here and to a swingin' grand slam version by Sammy Davis, Jr. here. [12 August 2005]
Once Upon a Summertime (La Valse Des Lilas) features the music of Michel Legrand and E. Barclay, the French lyrics of Eddie Marnay, and the English lyrics of Johnny Mercer. Listen to audio clips of sensitive renditions by Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Blossom Dearie, trumpeters Chet Baker and Miles Davis (with Gil Evans), and one of its composers, on piano: Michel Legrand. [22 June 2006]
Once Upon a Time features the words and music of Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte and singer Donna Summer, who performs this disco classic. Listen to an audio clip here. [16 August 2005]
Once You've Been in Love, music by Michel Legrand and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is from the 1972 film "One is a Lonely Number" (aka "Two is a Happy Number"). Streisand recorded a version of this that was never released. But Sarah Vaughan's version was released, and it is grand and moving. [13 August 2005]
One, a song written by Harry Nilsson, and covered by Three Dog Night in 1969, reached the Top 5 on the Billboard pop chart. It was also among the Top 40 songs on the Stonewall Inn jukebox on this date in that year, when the historic riots against police raids took place. I mark this date each year, which today inspires the annual NYC LGBT Pride Parade. Indeed, it takes just One individual to stand up and fight for the right to exist and to pursue personal happiness. One may be "the loneliest number," as the lyric says, but in the wee small hours of this date (most people were actually out on the night of June 27th, but it was technically after midnight when the 27th melted into the 28th), and the NYPD pushed into the Stonewall Inn for just another routine raid. This time there would be nothing routine about it. Many Ones stood up and pushed back. Long live the Stonewall Rebellion and freedom and equality under the rule of law! Check out the Three Dog Night rendition on YouTube. [28 June 2015]
One at a Time features the music of Michel Legrand and the lyrics of Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. The theme here is from the 1969 film, "La Piscine," which Legrand scored with his typical lush, jazzy flair. The soundtrack theme had no lyrics, though it features vocalizing by Michel Legrand and his sister, French soprano, Christiane Legrand of the original Swingle Sisters, and a scintillating jazz violin solo by the great Stephane Grappelli. Check out the original soundtrack recording [YouTube link]. In 1971, the Bergmans added wonderful lyrics to the music, and it was Jack Jones who first recorded it [YouTube link], with Legrand's orchestrations and arrangements. Yesterday, three-time Oscar winner Marilyn Bergman died at the age of 93. She and her husband combined to provide so many wonderful lyrics to some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century, many of them composed by Legrand. My very first "Favorite Song" in this ongoing series, which premiered on September 1, 2004, featured lyrics by the Bergmans set to Legrand's music: "What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" [YouTube link]. My life has been enriched immeasurably by the romance Marilyn brought to the music. RIP, lovely songwriter. [9 January 2022]
One Bad Apple features the words and music of George Jackson, who originally wrote it for The Jackson 5 (no relation). By the end of 1970, the J5 had scored 4 consecutive #1 Hot 100 hits. This song was released in November of that year by The Osmonds, who took this track to #1 for five weeks on the Hot 100 and #6 on the R&B Chart. The Jacksons and the Osmonds would meet in 1971-1972, and Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson would become lifelong friends. Check out this video version of the single [YouTube link], which combines performance footage and clips from "The Osmonds" animated ABC-TV series. (Yes, "The Jackson 5ive" had an animated show too!) [29 July 2022]
One For My Baby, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, a "suicide song" performed by an achingly pensive Sinatra in a subtle Nelson Riddle arrangement, from the album, "Only the Lonely" (listen to that audio clip). [15 December 2004]
One Hundred and One Dalmations ("Cruella de Vil"), words and music by George Bruns and Mel Leven, is sung in the 1961 animated classic by Bill Lee [YouTube link]. Selena Gomez rocked the song in 2008 [YouTube link]. It paints a lyrical portrait of the iconic antagonist in the story, whose name is a mixture of "Cruel" and "Devil", ranking 39th on AFI's List of "100 Years ... 100 Heroes and Villains." Growing up, long before I saw the film that I came to love, my Mom---who was definitely not Cruella de Vil---must have read me this bedtime story at least 101 times, from the 1962 volume, "Walt Disney's Story Land". (The Disney story and franchise were based on Dodie Smith's 1956 novel, "The Hundred and One Dalmations".) It was one of my all-time favorites as a child. On this date in 1919, my Mom was born. And I'll forever cherish all the stories she told, all the love she gave, all the laughs we had, and all the memories that remain deep in my heart. [20 February 2024]
One Kiss features the words and music of Adam Wiles, Jessie Rayez, and Dua Lipa, who contributes the vocals to this Calvin Harris dance track, which hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Club chart on June 2, 2018. Check out the video single and the Oliver Heldens Remix. [7 July 2018]
One Less Bell to Answer, music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, is one of those heart-tugging, slit-your-writs-end-of-a-romance songs that has been performed most memorably by The 5th Dimension, but also by artists such as Barbra Streisand (in a duet with herself) and Sheryl Crow (check out all the audio clips linked to each artist's name). [21 May 2005]
One Life to Live has featured many lovely opening and closing themes throughout its 40+ years on television, with words and music being contributed by composers as varied as Dave Grusin and Lee Elwood Holdridge. I started watching the ABC soap opera back in 1992, when I was hooked on a storyline about an out gay teenage character named Billy Douglas (played by Ryan Phillippe). I watched the show right through its last episode on Friday the 13th of January 2012, when it ended a 43+ year run on daytime television. Listen to these incarnations of its catchy theme: Peobo Bryson, a 1980s memory, one from the early 1990s, a 1991 incarnation, a turn of the century version, and a vocal performed by Kassie DePaiva (who played Blair Cramer). Today may start The Revolution, but I say: Viva Life (in fact, some characters/actors will move to "General Hospital")! [16 January 2012]
One Life to Live ("Brand New Start") [YouTube at that link], composed and recorded by Iza, featuring Snoop Lion, is the new theme song used for an old soap favorite that ended its run on ABC television after 43 years on January 13, 2012. But the show was reborn online and can be accessed at hulu.com and other venues; this is a nice slick theme, recorded by one of the show's biggest fans (who has made a few cameos on the show too): Snoop Dogg (Lion now). [14 September 2013]
One More Night features the words and music of K. Kama, Frank Berman, Christian Berman, and Marie Claire Cremers, who recorded this hypnotic club hit, and who goes by the name of Amber. Listen to audio clips of different remixes here (very few of which even get to the vocals!). [24 June 2006]
One O'Clock Jump, composed by Count Basie, became the swingin' 12-bar blues anthem of the Basie Band. Listen to audio clips of a Basie version and a Benny Goodman version (at those links). [13 November 2005]
One Step Beyond ("Fear"/"Weird"), composed by Harry Lubin, was the haunting theme music to an equally haunting TV series. Hosted by the elegant John Newland, the series offered dramatizations of real-life tales of the unexplained. These themes were among the spookiest in TV history and this show remains one of my favorite all-time TV series (one of the least typical episodes is the rarely seen docu-style, "The Sacred Mushroom," which is on YouTube; check out parts 1, 2, and 3, the last of which includes the theme music at the end). One day beyond last night's Emmy Awards, which kicked off the new television season officially, listen to audio clips from Lubin's soundtrack and from the ever-popular Ventures. [21 September 2009]
On Facebook, I prefaced my "Song of the Day" with the following comment: I know
some of my anarchist friends might think that today is a day that some people
celebrate the establishment of yet another state. :) For me, the 4th of July is
a celebration of the idea of America, for which the founders, whatever
their flaws, on this Independence Day, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred
honor. "Only in America":
Only in America,
words and music by Kix
Brooks, Don Cook, and
Ronnie Rogers, went to
#1 on the Hot Country
Songs chart. It was a huge hit by
Brooks & Dunn,
suitable for
a Red-White-and-Blue Indpendence Day. Whatever the realities in today's
America, it is almost a truism that a song, like any work of art, can project an
ideal; in this instance, it is the ideal of America. And truth be told,
I can't help but embrace a tune that begins with the lyric, "Sun Comin'
Up Over New York City," in a country where "Everybody Gets to
Dance." In keeping with our Summer Dance theme, check it out on
YouTube and in this
2001 video single as
well, which
includes a paean to the
Twin Towers. [4 July 2017]
Only Murders in the Building ("Look for the Light"), words and music by Sara Bareilles, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, is featured in Season 3, Episode 3 ("Grab Your Hankies") of this show, which first streamed on August 15, 2023. This Hulu series began its run in August 2021; it has an incredible cast of characters, with a wonderful trio---portrayed by Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez---leading the seasonal investigations. I've enjoyed the show not only for its blend of hilarious inside jokes and touching poignancy, but also for its familiar New York settings. There are still four more episodes left to the newest season and we still don't know Whodunit! Check out Meryl Streep and Ashley Park, who perform this lovely song in episode 3. OMITB has a nice title theme as well, composed by Sidhartha Khosla [YouTube link]. [7 September 2023]
Only The Good Die Young, words and music by Billy Joel, was the third single from the artist's 1977 album, "The Stranger." Tonight, the Bronx-born Joel is rockin' Madison Square Garden in celebration of his 70th birthday! Apparently, the Good Live On! One of my all-time favorite Joel tracks, check it out on YouTube. And Happy Birthday, Billy! [9 May 2019]
Only the Lonely, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is the title song of the 1958 album we visited yesterday, a Sinatra collection of "torch songs" (songs that might be called "torturous songs" or "songs of spiritual torture or torment," a derivative of what I call the wider "Slit Your Wrists" music genre, which can include both ballads and uptunes, so-to-speak). It is said that Sinatra considered this song of his repertoire to be his favorite. It is, as author Will Friedwald notes, the "most classically oriented Sinatra recording . . . which opens with a Chopin-like piano solo played by Harry Sucoff, a classical pianist." The song can also be found on Disc 3 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Listen to it on YouTube. Tonight, though, nobody will be lonely at the Wynn Las Vegas's Encore Theater, where many artists gather to throw a 100th birthday bash in honor of Sinatra, which will be broadcast in prime time on CBS television on December 6th. In the meanwhile, don't forget to check out Turner Classic Movies, whose "Star of the Month" is, appropriately, Frank Sinatra. Starting tonight, and every Wednesday throughout the month, the Prime Time hours will be devotede to Sinatra films and concerts. It kicks off with the Emmy- and Peabody-award winning television special, "A Man and His Music," which marked Sinatra's 50th birthday year. Fifty years later, we're celebrating A Century of Sinatra (a Facebook link; for those interested, my daily postings to Facebook since the tribute began on November 24th, has included some interesting give-and-take among various participants, including me). [2 December 2015]
On Green Dolphin Street, lyrics by Ned Washington, music by Bronislaw Kaper, can be heard on the soundtrack to the 1947 film, "Green Dolphin Street." The song has become a jazz standard; check out these classic versions by Miles Davis (in the rare "'58 Miles," with the "Kind of Blue" sextet, featuring pianist Bill Evans and saxophonists Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane), Bill Evans and a live Evans version with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell, the Gary Burton Quartet, with guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Chuck Israels, and drummer Larry Bunker, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Vince Guaraldi, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson, live at the Newport Jazz Festival with the Count Basie Orchestra. Any song that celebrates "love" and the "heart" and "nights beyond forgetting," deserves to shine on this day: Happy Valentine's Day! [14 February 2012]
Only Girl (In the World), written by Crystal Johnson, Stargate, and Sandy Vee, is the lead single from Rihanna's new album, "Loud." Check out the official video for this Billboard #1 Hot 100 dance scorcher. [4 December 2010]
On the Beat, words and music by M. Malavadi and P. Slade, was the hit lead single from the debut self-titled album of the BB&Q Band (standing for "Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens"). This 1981 song went to #3 on the Billboard Dance Club chart and #8 on the Black Singles chart. It has that classic R&B/dance throwback sound that I utterly and absolutely adore. It's the kind of thing we'd hear "back in the day" in NYC on classic FM radio stations like KISS-FM and the still vigilant WBLS-FM. Check out the original extended single, as well as the DMC Remix and the DJ Stefano Luzi Remix. [28 July 2017]
On the Floor includes composing credits for RedOne, Kinnda Hamid, A. J. Junior, Teddy Sky, Bilal "The Chef", Armando Perez, Gonzolo and Ulises Gonzalez. But the song is well known because it was recorded by Jennifer Lopez, for her 2011 album, "Love?", with a little help from Pitbull. Today, is J-Lo's 48th birthday, and this is not only her most commercially successful single, but one of the best selling singles of all time. Check out the original video single, and a few remixes as well: Low Sunday Radio Edit, CCW Club Mix, Ralphi Rosario Extended Mix, and the Mixin Marc and Tony Svejda LA to Ibiza Mix [YouTube links]. Happy birthday, Jenny from the Bronx! [24 July 2017]
On the Radio, music by Giorgio Moroder, lyrics by Donna Summer, was recorded in 1979 by the singer for the soundtrack to the film, "Foxes." It is also featured in two versions on the singer's third consecutive #1 double-album, "On the Radio: Greatest Hits, Volumes I & II" (1979). Check out the single version, the longer "Greatest Hits" version, the extended 12" version, and a really nice compilation of the theme as it is heard throughout the 1980 film. [23 May 2012]
On the Sunny Side of the Street, music by Jimmy McHugh, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, was introduced in Lew Leslie's International Revue. Some archivists suggest that this 1930 song was actually written by Fats Waller, who sold the rights to it. Be that as it may, the song earned its place in the Great American Songbook. Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists (aka The Clark Sisters) took this song to #16 on the popular charts in 1945. Check out that Dorsey rendition as well as swinging versions by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald (with Count Basie) [YouTube links]. [9 August 2024]
Oppenheimer ("Can You Hear the Music") [YouTube link], composed by Ludwig Gorranson, is one of the highlights from the Golden Globe-winning and Grammy-winning soundtrack to the 2023 biopic, directed by Christopher Nolan. This selection was nominated for two Grammys, while the original score has earned an Oscar nomination. Today begins a three-day Barbenheimer musical arc. [21 February 2024]
Opus One, words and music by Sy Oliver and Sid Garris, has been recorded in a swingin' Big Band version by Tommy Dorsey and in a hit vocal version by the Mills Brothers (audio clips at those links). [23 January 2006]
Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me), words and music by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, was a pop and R&B smash for the Four Seasons. Listen here to an audio clip of 17 on the 17th! [17 September 2006]
The Oscar ("Maybe September"), music by Percy Faith, lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, was featured in the 1966 film, with an all-star cast, including Tony Bennett, who made his film debut and sang the film's theme song. The song appears on two of Tony's albums: "The Movie Song Album" and the second of two albums he did with the jazz piano legend Bill Evans, "Together Again". Check out the original version and the Evans collaboration [YouTube links]. And Happy 93rd Birthday, Tony! [3 August 2019]
O Sole Mio, music by Eduardo di Capua, lyrics by Giovanni Capurro, is one of the most famous Neapolitan songs ever written. I post it in honor of Luciano Pavarotti, the great Italian tenor, who passed away today. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Placido Domingo, and, of course, Luciano himself. Rest in peace. [6 September 2007]
Out of Nowhere, music by Johnny Green, lyrics by Edward Heyman, was Bing Crosby's first #1 hit (in 1931). Listen to a Bing audio clip here, and a nice Artie Shaw big band arrangement here. [16 October 2005]
Overjoyed, words and music by Stevie Wonder, concludes our Twelve Days of Stevie. Listen to an audio clip of this sensitive ballad here. [24 May 2006]
Over the Rainbow, music by Harold Arlen (the centenary of whose birth was celebrated on February 15th), and lyrics by E. Y. "Yip" Harburg (who was born on this day in 1898; check out the new stamp in his honor) is from the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." Made famous by Judy Garland, it is a timeless song of yearning and hope. Listen to an audio clip of young Dorothy singing this gem. And for an utterly hilarious story about Ethel Merman's reaction to Renata Scotto's vocalizing of this song, see here. Listen also to the full audio clip of Scotto's rendition at that site. [8 April 2005]
Oye Como Va, by Tito Puente, was first released in 1962 by the composer, but became a worldwide hit for Santana in 1971. The Mexican-American guitarist, Carlos Santana, led this song straight into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. Check out the original Tito Puente version and the Santana hit [YouTube links]. Happy Cinco de Mayo! [5 May 2022]
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (Parts 1 & 2), words, music, and performance by James Brown, spent 8 weeks at the top of in the 1965 R&B charts and was the first Billboard Top 10 hit in the artist's long career. It also earned Brown his first Grammy Award (for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording). And a very Happy Father's Day to all the Papas out there! Check out this classic soul/funk recording [YouTube link]. [18 June 2023]
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, words and music by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, was first released on May 9, 1972 by The Undisputed Truth [YouTube link]. Today, however, marks the fiftieth anniversary of its release on Motown Records by The Temptations---a seminal #1 Hit, that in its full glory went on for 12+ minutes, with extended musical passages (even the single version was 7 minutes!). The song won three Grammy Awards. Check out the full album version as featured on the album, "Psychedelic Soul" [YouTube link]. [28 September 2022]
Para Machuchar Meu Coracao (To Hurt My Heart), words and music by Ary Evangelista Barroso, is featured on the fabulous Getz/Gilberto album (audio clip at that link). [3 September 2006]
Paradise by the Dashboard Light, words and music by Jim Steinman, is a piece of musical theater that became a staple of classic rock radio when it was released in 1978 as the third single off the album, "Bat Out of Hell", the 1977 debut album of singer and actor, Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday). The Platinum 8+ minute track, featuring both Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley on vocals, was produced by Todd Rundgren, who plays guitar on the track. When the song came out---even as it was played endlessly in its full album glory---I had a certain sentimentality for it. Any song that features the rather 'suggestive' play-by-play of Hall of Fame Yankees shortstop and hilarious sports announcer, Phil Rizzuto, gets Major League Points in my book. Yesterday, Meatloaf passed away at the age of 74. Check out one of his biggest hits [YouTube link]. [21 January 2022]
Paris Holiday ("Nothing in Common") features the music of Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, and, by the title, one would think of it as something that could have been a product of one of those Hope-Crosby "Road To . . . " films. And, indeed, it was recorded and released by United Artists as a single by the pair [YouTube link] in February 1958, the same month as this film's release, and with obvious links to the film in its marketing. But this wasn't a "Road To" film and Crosby never appeared in it; the original duet was filmed for the movie by Bob Hope and Martha Hyer but was cut from the final edit. The song was also released in 1958 in a pumped-up Billy May arrangement by Frank Sinatra and Keely Smith [YouTube link]. So here we have a song from the movies that wasn't in the movies. [6 February 2016]
Paris Was Made for Lovers, with music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Hal Shaper, is the title track from the 1972 British comedy-drama film, known alternatively as "A Time for Loving." My favorite version of this song was a live Legrand performance from an early 1970s Monsanto special (see link below). Of course, today, there is every reason in the world to remember one lyric from Legrand's song: "Paris Was Made for Lovers... Why Else Would Paris Even Be There?" I've never been to Paris, but my heart has visited its residents since Friday the 13th of November, and it aches because they, who have known the horrific wars of the twentieth-century, conquered by the Nazis, liberated by the Allies, have now been introduced to a war of the twenty-first century, one that I know only too well because it showed its ugly face in my city, my home, on September 11, 2001. We can debate the reasons for this bloodshed from here to eternity, but there is simply no doubt about the utter savagery of those who have the self-righteous audacity to claim that they kill in the name of their God. These premodern jihadists have brought back all the premodern means of murder; they've sawed off heads and crucified "heretics." But they use modern technology to assist them in their coordination of terror. We've heard of the "Stolen Concept Fallacy," where one requires the truth of that which one is simultaneously trying to disprove; maybe we can call this one the "Stolen Technology Fallacy," where one requires all the technological gifts of a civilized society, including social media and satellite technology, while in the process of trying to destroy the very civilization that has made such gifts possible. If I lived in Paris, I'd want to deny such murderers the capacity to use anything that wasn't invented prior to the seventh century. And I'd introduce them to one more premodern innovation as a reward for their brutality: The Guillotine. Paris Was Made for Lovers, Not Haters. Listen to the godly Legrand sing of the love of his city [.wma link]. And may God bless the people of Paris as they mourn the lives that have been taken from them. [15 November 2015]
Paranoid Android is credited to the English alternative rock group Radiohead. It was the lead single from the group's third studio album, "OK Computer" (1997). The 6+ minute song has four distinct sections that were drawn from three different compositions, each written by a different member of the band. What emerges from its varied rhythms and its series of minor keys, its multi-track choral vocals and a showcased Jonny Greenwood guitar solo, is a musical totality that lands squarely in the realm of progressive rock. Check out the animated video for the track [YouTube link]. [27 March 2019]
Park Avenue Petite was composed by tenor saxophonist Benny Golson. It first appeared on the 1960 album "Meet the Jazztet," featuring trumpeter Art Farmer on flugelhorn and pianist McCoy Tyner on piano. Check it out here and here [YouTube links]. In that same year, trumpeter Howard McGhee recorded another melancholy version [YouTube link] for his album "Dusty Blue." But my favorite version is by Blue Mitchell, which preceded both the Golson and McGhee recordings; it was featured on his 1959 album, "Blue Soul," with a group that included pianist Wynton Kelly, trombonist Curtis Fuller, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Philly Jo Jones. Check out his haunting version here (and a hat tip to my friend Brandon!). A blue song for a blue Monday in November. [25 November 2019]
Part-time Lover, features the words, music, and performance of Stevie Wonder, along with the ever recognizable scat singing of Luther Vandross. Listen here to an audio clip of this finger-snappin' hit song. [4 May 2006]
Passin' By, words and music by trumpeter John Daversa, is another sweet track from James Torme's album, "Love for Sale." The trumpet caresses this song, delivered with Torme flair [YouTube link]. [14 August 2015]
Passion Dance, composed by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, is featured on three of his albums, including the 1967 quartet album, "The Real McCoy" [YouTube link] (with tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Elvin Jones), the 1978 live album, "Passion Dance" [YouTube link] (with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams) and the 1992 Big Band album, "The Turning Point" [YouTube link], for which Tyner won the first of five Grammy Awards. I just learned that the great pianist died on 6 March 2020 at the age of 81. He was the last surviving member of the legendary John Coltrane Quartet. Tyner developed a virtuoso distinctive "maximalist" style, incorporating and integrating the "two directions" pioneered by Coltrane into his piano playing, what Sami Linna has described as "playing chordally (vertically) and melodically (horizontally)" simultaneously, with complex use of pentatonic scales---which had a great impact on many pianists to follow in his wake, including Chick Corea. This NEA Jazz Master remains one of my all-time favorite jazz pianists. RIP, McCoy [YouTube links to Aimee Nolte's discussion of Tyner's distinctive contributions]. Think of this as a prelude to what is forthcoming in Summer 2020: My Fifth Annual Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition)! [12 March 2020]
Passionfruit features the words and music of Nana Rogues and Aubrey Drake Graham, who recorded this song for his 2017 playlist mixtape, "More Life." Drake's Top Ten hit mixes elements of tropical house, R&B, pop, and dancehall into a sensuous blend. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [13 July 2022]
The Passion of Ayn Rand ("Love Is, Love is Not"), words and music by Jeff Beal, is sung by Shirley Eikhard over the closing credits of the 1999 Showtime film, based on Barbara Branden's 1986 Rand biography of the same name. The film earned awards for some of its stellar acting performances: an Emmy Award for Helen Mirren in the lead role of the novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand ("Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie") and a Golden Globe Award for Peter Fonda in the role of Rand's husband, Frank O'Connor ("Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for TV"). Check out the sensitive jazz-infused song on YouTube. [16 September 2016]
Pata Pata features the words and music of Jerry Ragovoy and Miriam Makeba, who passed away today at the age of 76. This joyful track by "Mama Africa," as she was also known, is easily my favorite Makeba recording. Check out a live YouTube clip of Makeba as well as the original recording. [10 November 2008]
A Patch of Blue ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by the great Jerry Goldsmith, who was born on this date in 1929. Goldsmith received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for this score to this poignant 1965 film, starring Sidney Poitier. [10 February 2023]
Patton ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith, is easily identifiable from those very first reverberating brass tones. It can be heard at the opening of the terrific 1970 film, in which George C. Scott gave an Oscar-winning Best Actor performance as the famous U.S. general, even if he declined to accept the gold statuette. The Oscar-nominated score is one of the best of the genre and this is one of my favorite war films. [19 February 2013]
Peace Piece [YouTube link], composed by the great jazz pianist Bill Evans, is a pastoral improvisation that appears on the 1958 album "Everybody Digs Bill Evans". Its sound inspired Miles Davis, who featured Evans on four tracks of the profoundly influential 1959 album "Kind of Blue". On this date in 1929, Bill Evans was born. Though he has been gone for more than 40 years, his musical legacy endures. [16 August 2024]
Peaches is credited to a host of writers, including Justin Bieber, who recorded this song for his sixth studio album, "Justice", which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart in 2021. The song, featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, hit #1 on both the Hot 100 and the Hot R&B Hip Hop charts. Check out the official video and a remix with Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, and Usher [YouTube links]. [19 August 2022]
Peel Me a Grape (full Diana Krall audio clip at that link) features the music and lyrics of Dave Frishberg. This sexy, jazzy song is performed by singer-pianist Krall on her album "Love Scenes," which features guitarist Russell Malone and bassist Christian McBride. [7 October 2005]
Pennies from Heaven, music by Arthur Johnston, lyrics by Johnny Burke, was the title song introduced in the 1936 film by Bing Crosby [YouTube clip from the film]. Crosby's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. It has also been performed by Billie Holiday (with guys like Benny Goodman on clarinet, Teddy Wilson on piano, Ben Webster on tenor sax, and Jonah Jones on trumpet), the Swinging Chairman of the Board, that other Pope Francis (Albert Sinatra) with the Count Basie Orchestra, tenor sax legend Stan Getz with pianist Oscar Peterson and guitarist Herb Ellis, and the irrepressable Louis Prima and saxman Sam Butera, among scores of others [all YouTube links]. It's just a nice way of sending the humble riches of heaven to those who are celebrating Passover and Easter this week; my own family celebrates Easter in May, one of those rare times when the Easter of Eastern Orthodoxy comes in late Spring. [31 March 2013]
Pent-up House (audio clip at that link) is a Sonny Rollins jazz composition. It has been played by many musicians; among my favorite versions is one featuring two great jazz violinists: Jean-Luc Ponty and Stephane Grappelli. These two actually recorded the composition live for "Violin-Summit" (it was also included on their "Giants" disc). An audio clip of a solo Grappelli effort is here. [26 August 2005]
The Peppermint Twist features the words and music of Henry Glover and Joey Dee, who, with his Starliters, took this song to #1 in 1962. When I was about 2 years old, I'd go "round and round" a living room coffee table to this song. It has been a sentimental favorite ever since. Listen to an audio clip here. [24 September 2005]
Perdido, music by Juan Tizol, words by Harry Lenk and Ervin Drake, has been recorded by many artists, starting with the great Duke Ellington. Listen here to an audio clip of a version heard at the Duke's 70th birthday back in 1969. Also listen here to a two-part audio clip by saxophonist James Moody. I also love a lyrical version by the Gerald Wilson Big Band (no audio clip available, unfortunately). [20 October 2005]
Perm, words and music by Bruno Mars and his group of writers, is one of the highlights from "24K Magic," nominated in the Grammy category of "Album of the Year." This track definitely channels James Brown. It is an infectious, playful throwback, like the album from which it comes. Check out the album version [YouTube link], a live performance at the Apollo [DailyMotion link, around the 10-minute mark], where Bruno shows off a few Brown moves, and a Car Pool Karaoke version with James Corden [YouTube links], who will host this year's Grammy Awards. "Throw some Perm on your attitude ... you gotta relax!" [26 January 2018]
Perry Mason ("Park Avenue Beat") [YouTube clip at that link] was composed by Fred Steiner, who passed away on 23 June 2011. This was the iconic theme song for the famous television series, featuring Raymond Burr in the title role. [27 June 2011]
Persephone (The Gathering of Flowers), words and music by Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard, is a Dead Can Dance track, which is deeply moving (in fact, the first time I heard this track I was moved to tears). The recording features a dramatic layering of melodic strings, woodwinds, and brass (violins, viola, cellos, trombones, tuba, and oboe), percussion (timpani and military snare), and choral harmonies. On this Day of the Dead (All Saints Day too!), listen to an audio clip from the album, "Within the Realm of the Dying Sun." [1 November 2006]
Peter Gunn (audio clip at that link), composed by Henry Mancini, is one of those instantly recognizable television themes. Check out an audio clip of a rendition of this track featuring saxophonist Tom Scott. This begins our Annual Tribute to Favorite TV Themes, which coincides with the soon-to-be-broadcast 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, and the kick-off of the Fall 2006 TV season. [25 August 2006]
Peter Pan ("You Can Fly!"), words by Sammy Cahn, music by Sammy Fain, is one of the highlights of one of my favorite childhood Walt Disney Films, released on this date in 1953. The vocals in the original Disney cartoon are provided by Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Paul Collins, Tommy Luske, The Jud Conlon Chorus, and The Mellomen. One of the really enchanting things about my childhood is that my mother used to read me bedtime stories all the time, and so many of them came from "Walt Disney's Story Land". So I knew this lovely story before having seen the Disney clasic. Check out this joyous tune in a scene from the film on YouTube here. [5 February 2014]
Peter Rabbit ("Feel It Still") is credited to the band that recorded it, Portugal. The Man (with credit for interpolations from "Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes). The song, from the band's album, "Woodstock," reached #1 on six major Billboard charts, while being featured in several commercials and the soundtrack to the 2018 animated flick that hits theaters today, "Peter Rabbit"---about the famous "rascal rebel rabbit," with featured voice roles by Sia and James Corden, the host of this year's Grammy Awards. A Grammy winner in the category of "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance," this song is a pop-oriented, funky track with a retro feel. Check out the official video, and its use in two trailers to the film [YouTube link]. "Ooh, woo, I'm a rebel just for kicks now..." Irresistible. [9 February 2018]
Piano Concerto in A Minor, composed by Edvard Grieg, is an exuberant piece. I especially love the first movement; listen to an audio clip here, featuring pianist Dinu Lipatti. [10 October 2005]
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor is a wonderful Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky orchestral composition. I was first exposed to the melody of the first movement when I heard it as the opening theme song of Orson Welles's Mercury Theater on the Air (at that link, you can listen to streaming audio of many programs from the show, including the 1938 broadcast of "The War of the Worlds"). Listen here to audio clips of the concerto, performed by the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta. [8 March 2006]
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major (also known as Rondo Alla Turca or the Turkish Rondo, listen to midi link), composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is one of those classical piano staples that I've long adored. Listen here to an audio clip of a version recorded by the great Vladimir Horowitz. [4 October 2005]
Piece of My Heart, music and lyrics by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy, was recorded by Big Brother and the Holding Company, featuring the screaming vocals of Janis Joplin. Listen to an audio clip of this bluesy rock classic here. [30 April 2005]
Pieces of Dreams, words by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, music by Michel Legrand, is from the 1970 film, in which the title track is sung by Peggy Lee, who was born on this date in 1920. Check out versions by Jack Jones, Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis (on "The Tonight Show"), Barbra Streisand, and an excerpt from Peggy Lee. [26 May 2012] Lee. [26 May 2012]
Pinball Wizard, words
and music by Pete
Townshend, was featured on "Tommy,"
the rock opera
recorded by The Who in 1969.
Check out the original
album version [YouTube link]. Today marks the first of four days coinciding
with the
Golden Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival.
I will be focusing primarily on some of the songs and artists who appeared at
that festival (with one quasi-exception tomorrow). But our
Woodstock tribute will continue until the end of the Summer (in September).
Since I will be posting entries over these next four days, which coincide with
the dates of the original festival, I think we should note a few things about
Woodstock
itself---given the bad press it received with its legendary rampant drug use and
"free love" in the mud on open display.
This festival
took place on Max
Yasgur's 600-acre farm in
Bethel, New York. Having received $75,000 for the use of his private land
for the very public festival,
Yasgur,
who was a pro-Vietnam War conservative, was also deeply committed to the
American principle of free expression. He
addressed the crowd that
had come to his property and openly celebrated the "kids" in attendance at
the event [YouTube link]. He observed correctly that this was one of the
largest gatherings of youth "ever assembled in one place"---one marked by no
violence, despite some very real "inconveniences" (like
severe rainstorms and shortages of both food and toilets). Even
the local
community rose to the occasion; the largely conservative, rural town
residents, who would not have ordinarily sat down with anyone from the "hippie"
generation, gladly donated food, water, and other resources to aid the young
people who were overwhelmed by the sheer size and unpredictable scope of the
event and its hardships. Even the
Medical Corps of
the armed forces flew in supplies---to monumental applause from the hundreds
of thousands of people who were there.
The
Summer of '69---which we have been commemorating in this year's installment of our Summer Music Festival---is a study in
contrasts (Ayn
Rand herself saw it as a battle between "Apollo" and "Dionysus").
But it is also a study
in convergence. In
July 1969, two human beings walked on the surface of the moon for the first
time, while in August 1969, nearly half-a-million human beings embraced the
music and message of a festival, featuring more than 30 artists and/or bands,
embracing 'cosmic' peace (I'm sure some of the participants thought they were
walking on the moon themselves, at various times over that four-day period!).
Whatever one's attitudes toward the views of that era, of its culture or its
"counterculture", this remarkable convergence of events demonstrated what was
possible when people reached across a "generation
gap." At
Woodstock, the "counterculture"
[pdf to one of my encyclopedia entries]---many of them left-wingers who were not
particularly enamored by the institution of private property---nevertheless
assembled on private land to very publicly voice not just their
disenchantment with the
Vietnam War and
the draft, but to nonviolently celebrate "peace" and "love" through the
music of their day, at the end of one of the most turbulent, violent decades in
American history. In the summer of 1969 alone, there were
thousands of
military and civilian casualties in
Southeast Asia,
not to mention ongoing unrest and violence at home, including a
sensational murder spree in early August committed by the Manson cult that led
to the horrific deaths of five people in Los Angeles (including actress
Sharon Tate, who was
eight-and-a-half months pregnant). And yet, for all its "countercultural"
hoopla,
only two people died at Woodstock (one from a drug overdose; another from a
tractor accident). It's as if a Wizard had simply waved a wand to show, in a
single unforgettable summer, what was possible---in the stars and on
earth---when people of different ages, backgrounds, views, and perspectives
could claim to have "come in peace for all mankind."
And
so we kick off the height of our
Woodstock Summer with a song of Wizardry. It was featured
about half-way through The
Who's set at the festival [YouTube link], in the wee hours of 17 August
1969, followed by what has become known as the "Abbie
Hoffman incident" [YouTube link] (one of the few disruptions during
any musical set, not counting delays due to
pouring rain!). Of course, for those of us who saw the 1975 film version of
"Tommy," it's not
possible to forget Elton
John's performance of this song [YouTube link] or its re-imagining in this
year's Elton biopic "Rocketman"
[YouTube link]. But wizards work magic, and in that summer, fifty years ago,
there was pure magic on display in so many significant ways. [15 August 2019]
The Pink Panther Theme, composed by Henry Mancini, is one of my favorite jazzy film themes of all time. It can be heard in the original film version and in subsequent sequels, cartoons, and the 2006 remake, starring Steve Martin, opening today. The song won Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Composition, Performance, and Arrangement in 1964. Listen to audio clips (at title links) from the "Pink Panther" and "Ultimate Pink Panther" soundtracks and another from "Ultimate Mancini," featuring Plas Johnson on tenor sax, Joey DeFrancesco on organ, and Gary Burton on vibraphone. [10 February 2006]
The Pink Panther ("It Had Better Be Tonight"/"Meglio Stasera"), composed by Henry Mancini, is one of my all-time favorite Mancini tunes (along with the original Pink Panther theme too). It is also known as "Meglio Stasera," with Italian lyrics by Franco Migliacci and English lyrics by the one and only Johnny Mercer. It is featured in the original 1963 "Pink Panther" flick, which starred Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, David Niven, Robert Wagner, Claudia Cardinale, and our mischievous Pink cat. Check out the original instrumental theme, the Fran Jeffries version from the film, an Ennio Morricone version with vocalist Miranda Martino, and wonderful vocal versions by Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Buddy Greco, Donna Summer and the swinging Michael Buble [YouTube links]. As far as instrumental versions, here's one great big shout out for the 12-string guitar rendition by the great jazz musician Joe Pass. [20 February 2013]
The Pink Panther ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, includes the truly memorable main theme along with all those jazzy Mancini-esque touches that are heard throughout this 1963 comedy, starring David Niven and Peter Sellers. Okay, the Pink Panther is not a groundhog by a long shot, but Happy Groundhog Day nonetheless! [2 February 2023]
Pinocchio ("I've Got No Strings"), music by Leigh Harline, lyrics by Ned Washington, is heard in the Walt Disney animated film that made its debut on this date in 1940. In the film, the song is sung by Dickie Jones, the voice of Pinocchio [YouTube link here]. My favorite version is the jazzy, swinging recording of Barbra Streisand for her utterly superb album, "My Name Is Barbra" [YouTube link]. [7 February 2014]
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Klaus Bedelt, is from the 2003 film that began a five-film franchise. The score benefited from the collaboration of Hans Zimmer as well. It's got all those rousing themes befitting a modern swashbuckler. [20 February 2023]
Places features the words and music of Greek DJ
Xenia Ghali and singer-songwriter Raquel Castro, who recorded this song and hit the #1 position on the Billboard Dance Club chart on May 6, 2017. Check out the official video, the Extended Mix, and Lynn Wood 'We Love the '90s' Club Mix. [8 September 2017]A Place with No Name features the music and lyrics of Dewey Bunnell, Dr. Freeze, and Michael Jackson. Today begins a mini-tribute to the late King of Pop, who was born on the 29th of August 1958. This song was posthumously released as part of the recent MJ album, "Xscape". The song is, in many respects, derived from "A Horse with No Name," but has an integrity of its own, making it one of the melodic highlights of the new collection. Upon hearing a snippet of the track back in 2009, Bunnell and Gerry Beckley of America expressed their gratitude to MJ: "We're honored that Michael Jackson chose to record it and we're impressed with the quality of the track. We're also hoping it will be released soon so that music listeners around the world can hear the whole song and once again experience the incomparable brilliance of Michael Jackson. . . . Michael Jackson did [the song] justice and we truly hope his fans -- and our fans -- get to hear it in its entirety. It's really poignant." And now the world can hear it, and it is both poignant and truly wonderful. With a rhythmic pulse similar to "Leave Me Alone," the song pops; check it out on YouTube. And check out the recording MJ did prior to this album's post-production. [27 August 2014]
Planet of the Apes ("Main Title" / Various) [excellent YouTube soundtrack montage at that link] features the futuristic sounds of Jerry Goldsmith, who provides the perfect musical complement to one of the most remarkable sci-fi films, with one of the most chilling, twisted endings, in cinema history. I loved this movie when I first saw it in 1968, and it has been a favorite ever since. And when I was 13, I remember going to the Sommer Highway Theater in Gravesend, Brooklyn, and seeing all five "ape" movies in a 1973 marathon upon the release of the fifth and final film in the original series: Planet of the..., Beneath the Planet of the..., Escape from the Planet of the..., Conquest of the Planet of the..., and Battle for the Planet of the... Apes). On that day, the Planet of the Apes franchise gave us 5 films for the price of 1. "Young man, in my day, we saw those films in a theater that was not a multiplex." God, do I sound old. One more thing about Jerry Goldsmith: he studied with Miklos Rozsa at USC. In his teens, Goldsmith recollects that it was "Spellbound" in 1945 that put him upon his life's path. That film featured two things with which he fell in love: Rozsa's Oscar-winning score and the great actress Ingrid Bergman. From that point on, he sought a career in film score composition and sought to marry Ingrid. As he put it in later years: 'One out of two wasn't bad.' [28 February 2012]
The Planets, Op. 32, IV: Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity, composed between 1914 and 1916 by Gustave Holst, is part of a seven-movement orchestral suite. Check out a wonderful recording by James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as this recording of the full suite by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andre Previn [YouTube links]. It's my favorite of the seven integrated sections. I want to thank my dear friend Ryan Neugebauer for having introduced me to this, and so many more musical selections that will be featured in the coming months. [5 December 2022]
The Pleasure Principle, words and music by Monte Moir, was recorded by Janet Jackson for her #1 album "Control," and it went on to #1 in June 1997 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and by August of that year, it hit the summit of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop singles chart. Barry Lather won an MTV "Best Choreography in a Video" Award and Janet made dancing with a chair look easy. Check out the original video, the Shep Pettibone Remix, the Classixx Recovery Mix, the Cajoline Remix, the GARREN remix, the David Morales Legendary Club Mix, and the Danny Tenaglia/Todd Terry remix. In two days, we'll extend our "Saturday Night Dance Party" into Monday, in a birthday tribute to Janet's late brother, Michael. [27 August 2016]
Pneuma features the music of Maynard James Keenan and the lyrics of Keenan [YouTube interview link], Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor of the progressive metal band Tool for their fifth studio album, "Fear Inoculum." Hat tip to Richie! The word "pneuma" comes from the ancient Greek for "breath"---and this track certainly breathes. It captures the notion of "becoming"---in Stoic thought, the emergence of the vital spirit, soul, and creativity of both the individual and the cosmos. Check out this piece from their critically acclaimed #1 album on YouTube. [5 December 2019]
Pocketful of Miracles ("Title Song"), music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, received a "Best Original Song" Academy Award nomination in 1961. The song was featured in the utterly hilarious 1961 film, starring the great Bette Davis, Glenn Ford, and the magnificent Peter Falk (who received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his hyper-comedic turn as Joy Boy). Whatever role he played (including the classic Lieutenant Columbo), Falk entertained as if it were "Christmas Every Day." Sadly, he passed away on 23 June 2011. Take a look at the opening credits choral version of this song (YouTube video at that link) and one by Francis Albert Sinatra (another YouTube link), who, it is said, was originally slated to play Dave the Dude, prior to the casting of Glenn Ford. [26 June 2011]
Poinciana (Song of the Tree) features the words of Buddy Bernier and the music of Nat Simon. It has been recorded by many artists from Nat King Cole to Manhattan Transfer (audio clips at those links). When I was a child, I fell in love with a live version by pianist Ahmad Jamal (listen to an audio clip from "Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing: But Not for Me"). I used to call him "Ama-jo" at that young age... and the song gave me more than enough reason to continue my "coffee table" adventures. [25 September 2005]
Point Break ("Take Me Down"), words and music by Michael Hodges, Kayla Morrison, and Gerald Trottman, is sung by Genevieve over a pulsating dance groove, featured on the soundtrack to this 2015 action thriller. The film didn't receive a great reception, earning an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, nowhere near the original Kathryn Bigelow-directed 1991 original, but the films share rockin' soundtracks. Check out this propulsive track here [YouTube link]. [26 February 2020]
Polonaise in A Major ("Military," Op. 40, No. 1) is a composition by Frederic Chopin, famous for its "pomp and glory." Listen to an audio clip here performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy. [7 November 2005]
Polovetsian Dance No. 2, composed by Alexander Borodin, is a selection from the opera "Prince Igor." It is perhaps best known in popular circles as the theme of "Stranger in Paradise," with words and music by Robert Wright and George Forrest (adapted for the Broadway musical, "Kismet"). Listen to the original composition performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy conducting, and to the popular vocal renditions by Tony Bennett, the Four Aces, and Tony Martin. [6 July 2006]
Poltergeist ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Jerry Goldsmith, continues our four-day salute to this great film score maestro. This suite, derived from his 1982 Oscar-nominated score to one of the best supernatural horror films, shows the enormous breadth of moods and motifs that Goldsmith typically delivered. The score lost out to one of the great triumphs of John Williams's career ("E.T. the Extra Terrestrial"), but it's with a little irony that it arose out of a collaboration with the director of that other film: Steven Spielberg. [11 February 2021]
Poor Butterfly, words and music by John Golden and Raymond Hubbell, made its debut in the 1916 Broadway production "The Big Show." Listen to audio clips of this lovely song by Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae (who tributes Sassy), and a Sinatra-Ellington midtempo collaboration. [24 January 2006]
Popsicle Toes features the music, lyrics, and recorded performance of Michael Franks. It's not, strictly speaking, a "seasonal favorite," though it is in keeping with the temperature around these parts at this time of year! The song has also been recorded by Diana Krall and the Manhattan Transfer (audio clips at those links). But no version is as cute, clever, jazzy, and oh so sexy as the one featured on the Franks album, "The Art of Tea" (audio clip at that link). "I know today's your birthday," hot stuff! Much love and affection, happiness and health, always ... [6 January 2006a]
Portrait of Jennie, music by J. Russel Robinson, lyrics by Gordon Burdge, is not heard in the film of the same name, but it was a hit for the unmistakable Nat King Cole. The 1948 film is a classic fantasy starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten (who were paired in several other films, including the 1945 classic, "Love Letters," with a screenplay by Ayn Rand). This film also includes memorable turns by Ethel Barrymore and Cecil Kellaway. Check out the Nat King Cole version and a sweet trumpet turn by jazz musician Blue Mitchell, with Junior Cook on tenor sax and Harold Mabern on piano. [21 February 2013]
Por Una Cabeza, written by composer, singer, and actor Carlos Gardel, has been a featured tango in many film scores, including "Scent of a Woman" (audio clip at that link). It was first heard in the 1935 film "Tango Bar" (original film vocal audio clip here) and has also been heard in "True Lies" and "Schindler's List." [11 October 2005]
The Poseidon Adventure ("Main Title"), composed by birthday boy John Williams, opens the Irwin Allen-produced 1972 film. Allen was known as the Master of Disaster, and this disaster film, featuring a stellar ensemble cast, is one of the best. For this soundtrack, Williams, who turns 86 today, received an Oscar nomination in the category of Best Original Score, one of his remarkable 51 Oscar nominations---second only to Walt Disney, with 59 Oscar nominations. Though Disney's winning percentage is greater (22 wins out of 59 nominations to Williams's 5 wins out of 51 nominations), Williams is the most nominated living person in Oscar history. And how appropriate it is to celebrate a Williams birthday as the 2018 Winter Olympics begin; after all, he even wrote one of the famed Olympic themes [YouTube link]. [8 February 2018]
The Post ("The Presses Roll") [YouTube link] was composed by John Williams for the 2017 Steven Spielberg-directed film, focusing on the controversial publication of "The Pentagon Papers," which revealed the extent to which the U.S. government had engaged in a systematic policy of disinformation in its conduct of the Vietnam War. Tom Hanks (as Ben Bradlee) and Meryl Streep (as Katharine Graham) give fine performances as the principals who published these classified documents in The Washington Post, which, with The New York Times, went on to win its First Amendment case in a 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Today, our birthday boy, John Williams, turns 87 years old. He is the consummate maestro whose cue, here, can make even the functions of a printing press sound heroic. [8 February 2019]
Pour Some Sugar On Me is credited to Joe Elliott, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, and Rick Savage, and was a hit single from the 12x platinum-selling 1987 album, "Hysteria", by English hard rock band Def Leppard. Today kicks off our seven-day tribute to the seven inductees, which constitute the Class of 2019, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'm paying special attention to this year's induction ceremony because it is taking place for the fourth time in the last five years in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. An HBO special of the event will air on April 27, 2019. Each day over the next week, I will devote to one of the inductees en route to the March 29th ceremony. I could think of no better song to kick off our tribute than one that's hot, sticky, and sweet. Check out the official video of the song and the extended version [YouTube links]. [23 March 2019]
Pradizer Adeus (To Say Goodbye), words and music by Edu Lobo, Torquato Neto, and Lani Hall, is a sensitive bossa nova, which has been recorded by Brasil 66 and the incomparable Sarah Vaughan (audio clips at those links). [15 October 2006]
Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs was written by legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, the centenary of whose birth we celebrate this weekend---as we take a little break from our Summer Dance Party. This ensemble piece was originally written for Woody Herman before the breakup of his band. Its premier performance was shown on the CBS show "Omnibus: The World of Jazz" [Vimeo show link] on October 16, 1955. Dedicated to clarinet great Benny Goodman, Bernstein recorded the piece with the King of Swing in 1963 [YouTube link]. The piece suggests a three-movement classical composition, its first two movements typical of the Baroque form, its final movement based on a series of jazz "riffs." It is the kind of piece that was the perfect incarnation of Bernstein's and Goodman's penchant for crossing over from classical to jazz and back. Stay tuned: Tomorrow is Lenny's Centenary. [24 August 2018]
Prelude No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor (from "Three Preludes"), composed by Brooklyn-born George Gershwin, is illustrative of the uniquely American integration of classical and jazz idioms in a superb instrumental setting. The composer himself premiered the work at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1926. Check out recordings of this piece by Gershwin himself [YouTube link] and as later interpreted in 1959 (on the album "Brazilliance, Volume 3") by guitarist Laurindo Almeida and alto saxophonist Bud Shank, who, on this track plays the flute [YouTube link]. It was also given a fabulous treatment by Dave Grusin on his #1 Grammy-winnning Billboard Jazz Album, "The Gershwin Connection", featuring an all-star band, including Chick Corea (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (guitar), John Pattitucci (bass), Gary Burton (vibes), Dave Weckl and Harvey Mason (drums), and Eddie Daniels (clarinet). Check out this wonderful rendition [YouTube link]. [5 July 2020]
Pressure Point ("Main Title") [excerpt therein], composed by Ernest Gold, is a jazz-infused theme from the 1962 film. It has elements of its time, even its "West Side Story"-like moments. [18 Febuary 2014]
The Price is Right ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Edd Kalehoff, opened this show, which debuted in 1972 on CBS. The show was a reboot of a 1956 game show, hosted by Bill Cullen, which was first shown on NBC and then, ABC. This incarnation has aired over 9,000 episodes. Its long-running catchphrase, "Come on down!", is part of the American vernacular. It was hosted until 2007 by Bob Barker, before being helmed by Drew Carey. I remember Barker when he hosted "Truth or Consequences" but he'd go on to host this show for 35 years. Today, Barker died at the age of 99. He'll be long remembered not just as a legendary game show host, but for throwing punches with Adam Sandler in "Happy Gilmore" (1996) [YouTube link]. Check out one of Bob's entrances on "The Price is Right" [YouTube link]. RIP, Bob Barker. [26 August 2023]
Prisoner of Love, lyrics by Leo Robin, music by Clarence Gaskill and singer Russ Columbo, who performed the aching song of unrequited love in 1931. In addition to the Columbo version, this standard was recorded by Perry Como (who took the song to #1 on the Billboard charts), the Ink Spots, and Billy Eckstine (click links to listen to audio clips from each). [28 May 2005]
Proud Mary, written by John Fogerty, has been recorded by many artists. Though I do enjoy the original Creedence Clearwater version, my favorite version remains that of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Ike Turner, who passed away on December 12, 2007, provided the deep vocal counterpoint to Tina Turner's "nice and rough" vocals on their classic take of this song. They won a 1971 Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Group. Listen to audio clips of the original Creedence Clearwater Revival version and the scalding rendition of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. [15 December 2007]
Providence ("Valse Crepusculaire"), music by Miklos Rozsa, was dubbed the "anti-Ben-Hur" by the composer because "it had absolutely nothing of the spectacular about it." In fact, it is one of the most intimate and touching scores in the Rozsa corpus, for the 1977 film, starring John Gielgud, Dirk Bogarde, and Ellen Burstyn. I truly love a solo piano version of this particular composition by Sara Davis Buechner, as well as a solo guitar version by Gregg Nestor. Listen to an audio clip from Arthouse Cafe, Vol. 2. [25 February 2005]
, composed by Bernard Herrmann, is heard over the opening credits to the 1960 classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller. This is just a little precursor of what is to come in our fifteenth annual Film Music February, which celebrates songs, cues, and other music heard in the movies--en route to the Oscar broadcast on February 24, 2019. I post this entry today, however, for two reasons: First, it comes from a film that was featured in my very first Film Music February tribute (which highlighted the "Murder" that occurs in the famous shower scene). Second, for film fans who might remember, this is the exact time and date on which the action of this film begins: at 2:43 p.m. on December 11th (a Friday in the film, a Tuesday this year). A classic Herrmann score for a classic Hitchcock film. And tune in to Notablog for the 2019 Film Music February tribute! [11 December 2018]Psycho ("Murder") [audio clip at that link], music by Bernard Herrmann, features the jarring, discordant, nerve-shattering strings that match the rhythmic slashing of crazy killer Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, in this classic 1960 Hitchcock fright-fest. A truly harrowing, brilliant soundtrack. [22 February 2005]
Purple Haze, music, lyrics, and scalding performance by rock guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. It still makes me chuckle, though, when I hear the words "'scuse me, while I kiss the sky." For years, I, and quite a few other people, thought it was: "'scuse me while I kiss this guy." That is also the title of Gavin Edwards' book on "misheard lyrics." Listen to an audio clip that features that very phrase, from the classic album, "Are You Experienced?" [15 April 2005]
Purple Rain ("The Bird"), words and music by Prince, Morris Day, and Jesse Johnson, was first released by The Time as part of their 1983 album, "Ice Cream Castle." Except for guitarist Johnson, Prince played all the instruments on the original studio version of this single, but it was later released in a live rendition [YouTube links]. The group performs the song in the 1984 film, "Purple Rain." Check out a clip from the film and as part of a twentieth anniversary tribute concert [YouTube links]. [5 February 2020]
Purple Rain ("Darling Nikki"), words and music by Prince, hit the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. It's a raw, sexually charged track from the 1984 film that prompted the use of "Parental Advisory" stickers on the soundtrack album, despite never having been released as a single. It has been covered by many artists, but there is only one Prince. Check out the film version [YouTube link]. [4 February 2017]
Purple Rain ("Purple Rain"), words and music by Prince, is the title track to the artist's quasi-autobiographical 1984 film. In 2016, I paid tribute to Prince on the occasion of his untimely death in a week-long celebration of his birthday in June. This week, as part of my annual celebration of film music, I feature a few classic songs from Prince's cinema repertoire. This iconic signature tune is one of his best. Check out the soundtrack album rendition on YouTube. [3 February 2017]
Purple Rain ("When Doves Cry"), words and music by Prince, is featured in the 1984 film and was the biggest hit single from the soundtrack album. The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Black Singles chart, and Dance/Disco chart. It is one of those notable R&B-inspired tracks lacking a bass line, but certainly not lacking in soul. On the soundtrack album, Prince plays all the instruments in addition to providing the vocals. Check out the music video [video link]. Some football fans are going to be crying at the end of Super Bowl Sunday; maybe this song will ease the agony of de-feet. If not, then watch the commercials for a laugh or embrace Lady Gaga's halftime show for a little shock and awe. [5 February 2017]
features the music and lyrics of Maynard James Keenan and the band Tool. The song appears on the album Aenima (audio clip at that link), but my favorite version is one that breathes with kaleidoscopic instrumentation and vocals. It was recorded live for the band's 2-disc set, "Saliva!" A video version of that rendition is available in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. [16 April 2008]Put a Little Love in Your Heart, words and music by Jackie DeShannon, Randy Myers, and Jimmy Holiday, was a top 5 DeShannon hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and was also one of the songs found on the jukebox of the Stonewall Inn, the bar and its surrounding area now a National Monument. But back in 1969, it was a virtual war zone, when just another routine police raid sparked a riot, whose effects have continued to reverberate throughout our culture. I have always seen this day as an essentially libertarian achievement, one that ultimately aimed for the recognition of the rights of individuals, who felt the sting of social and political policies designed to oppress, to humiliate, to dehumanize, and to marginalize people because of who and how they love. So "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," and celebrate that date in 1969, when men and women of difference stood up and said: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore" [YouTube links]. We've come a long way since then; "don't ask, don't tell," which made a whole class of people dishonest by definition, is no longer our military policy, and same-sex marriage has recognition across the country in our civil laws. But in a world that fears difference, a backlash is not hard to fathom (Orlando is only the tip of the unimaginable). It has been said that "the price of liberty is eternal vigilance," and whoever said it (there have been historical debates) uttered a truth that our culture forgets at its peril. For the whole point of liberty is not to create a society of homogenization, hypocrisy, and conformity; it is to provide a safe haven for difference. [28 June 2016]
Put on a Happy Face, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams, is from the 1960 Broadway hit "Bye Bye Birdie," which was later made into a film musical. From childhood, I adored Tony Bennett's version of this delightful track (audio clip at that link). [14 August 2006]
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), words and music by James Ingram and Quincy Jones, was the sixth single release from Michael Jackson's Grammy award winning and all-time best selling album, Thriller (which generated seven Top Ten hits in total). I've highlighted so many of Jackson's songs through the years on my "Song of the Day"; today, I feature this one in the wake of his death. It's just fun ... a reminder of what fun Jackson's music was. And, well, "now is the perfect time..." [26 June 2009]
Queer As Folk ("Dive in the Pool"), composed and performed by Barry Harris, featuring Pepper Mashay, is a signature track from the first season of this path-breaking Showtime series, based on its British counterpart. With its "Let's Get Soak and Wet" motif, it practically defined the series. Check out the original mix on YouTube. [21 August 2014]
Queer as Folk ("Sanctuary"), words and music by Brian Canham and Ben Grayson (both formerly of Pseudo Echo), was recorded by Origene and featured prominently in Season 4 of the pathbreaking Showtime series. "There is a place within all of us, it is sacred, so free of judgment, and this is yours to share with who you wish. . . This is your sanctuary . . ." It is a lyric so in sync with the individualist ethos of the series in which it was heard. Moreover, the song's dance rhythm meshes well not only with our TV-themed week, but also as a contribution to the final weekend of our Summer Saturday Night Dance Party, which ends officially on the last full day of Summer (September 21st). Check out the original telescore single mix, the extended Harry Lemon remix, and the Ivan Gough remix. [17 September 2016]
Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado), music and Portuguese lyrics by Antonio Carlos Jobim, English lyrics by Gene Lees and Buddy Kaye, is one of those lilting bossa nova standards that has been performed by everyone from Sinatra to Miles Davis & Gil Evans to Getz/Gilberto (check out the audio clips at each of those links). [4 March 2005]
Quigley Down Under ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Basil Poledouris, enhances the Western motif of the 1990 film, starring Tom Selleck and Alan Rickman. The film may not have been a big hit, but its score remains a winner. [23 February 2023]
Quo Vadis ("Choral Suite") was composed by Miklos Rozsa and arranged and reconstructed by Daniel Robbins. Happy Easter to all my Western Christian friends! Listen to audio clips from the suite here and to Mario Lanza, who provides a vocal rendition of the "Lygia" theme from the film. [16 April 2006]
Quo Vadis? ("Overture") [YouTube link], composed by Miklos Rozsa for the 1951 MGM film adaptation of the Henryk Sienkiewicz novel, helps us to mark Easter, which is celebrated today by both Western and Eastern Orthodox Christians. The phrase "Quo Vadis?" ("Where Are You Going?") appears in the Latin Bible in both the Old Testament (based on the Tanakh) and the New Testament (including an apocryphal book). It is said to have been asked to the risen Christ by Peter as he hurried along the Appian Way, away from Rome, where he would face certain execution under Emperor Nero. This musical overture is quintessential epic Rozsa, whose music I will feature for the next three days, as we celebrate the 110th anniversary of his birth. A Happy Easter to all my Christian friends! Christos Anesti! And to all my Jewish friends who have been celebrating Passover this past week: a Zesan Pesach [that's a special link to the entire Elmer Bernstein score for "The Ten Commandments", given that Bernstein himself celebrated Rozsa by recording so many of his compositions over the years!] [16 April 2017]
Raiders of the Lost Ark ("The Raiders March") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, evokes all the adventure of the Indiana Jones movies. The adventure begins again in May 2008, with "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (trailer and full-length audio clip at that link). And take a look at a YouTube celebration of the "Indiana Jones" films and of John Williams conducting a live orchestral version of this classic theme. [21 February 2008]
Raiders of the Lost Ark ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by John Williams and is performed here by the London Symphony Orchestra. It’s hard to believe … but on this date---forty years ago---in 1981, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" debuted in theaters. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film starred Harrison Ford, and gave birth to the Indiana Jones film franchise! The action-packed adventure never lost its sense of humor, and won five Oscars in the process (for Art Direction, Film Editing, Sound, Sound Editing, and Visual Effects). It also gave us a memorable Oscar-nominated score by the maestro, who won a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. [12 June 2021b]
Raiders of the Lost Ark ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, derives from the first of five films that he scored for the Indiana Jones franchise, yet another milestone in cinema---and cinematic music---history. Indeed, Williams's soundtrack to the forthcoming "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", set to debut in June 2023, is slated to be the composer's final film score. This suite (quite different from the one I featured in 2021) comes from the iconic 1981 first film in the series. This year, he is nominated for yet another Oscar (for "The Fabelmans"), making him the oldest nominee for a competitive Oscar in Academy Award history with a total of 53 Oscar nominations, spread over seven decades (second only to Walt Disney). He has won the statuette five times. Today, Williams turns 91. Happy birthday, maestro [YouTube link]! [8 February 2023]
Raindrops, written and produced by Dave Valler, Molly Smithen-Downes, Ralf Kappmeier, Sascha Lappessen, and Thomas Alisson, is a hot dance track recorded by Stunt. Listen here to a full-length audio clip. [28 September 2006]
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, words and music by Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, won the Oscar for Best Original Song from the Oscar-winning Best Original Score for the fun 1969 film, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. At the time, I was pissed that this song beat out one of my favorites of all time ("What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"). But this was a #1 Billboard hit by B. J. Thomas, and it's a great way to start off my annual tribute to my favorite movie music. Check out the track on YouTube. [1 February 2013]
The Rains of Ranchipur ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Hugo Friedofer, opens this 1955 remake of the 1939 film, "The Rains Came." This film, starring Lana Turner, Richard Burton, Fred MacMurray, and Michael Rennie, has had its share of criticisms, but it features fine cinematograhy, Oscar-nominated special visual effects, and a wonderful Friedhofer score. [6 February 2021]
Raise the Titanic ("Suite") [YouTube clip at that link; Nic Raine, conductor], composed by the great John Barry for the 1980 film, "Raise the Titanic," gives us a kaleidoscope of the majestic, the poignant, and the reverent. On this date, at 2:20 a.m. UTC-3 ship's time, the Titanic sunk, having struck an iceberg, en route to New York harbor. Its survivors, aboard the Carpathia, would arrive at that harbor by 18 April 1912, greeted by tens of thousands of New Yorkers (check out an interesting 1929 flick: Titanic, Part 1 and Part 2 on YouTube). They may never "Raise the Titanic," but this act of "raising," of "resurrecting," is appropriately noted on a day that Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter with the phrase "Christos Anesti" ("Christ is Risen"). We raise the spirit by keeping the memory of Titanic, resurrecting its history and meaning, even in song. And so ends our 6-day tribute on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its sinking. [15 April 2012]
R&B Junkie is credited to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Tony "Prof. T" Tolbert, and the writers of "I'm in Love" (because it samples from that great Evelyn "Champagne" King track). Performed by Janet Jackson, it has all the groove of the Kashif song, with a little Jam & Lewis magic. Listen to an audio clip here. [23 August 2005]
Random Harvest ("Opening Title") [Screen Archives Entertainment link], composed by Herbert Stothart, opens a gorgeously romantic love story, perfect on the eve of Valentine's Day. The 1942 film starred Ronald Colman and Greer Garson. Stothart won an Oscar for his Original Score for "The Wizard of Oz," and received an Oscar nomination for this score. If the ending of this film doesn't leave you with a lump in your throat, you've lost that lovin' feelin'. [13 February 2015]
Rapper's Delight is credited to Sylvia Robinson, Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike, Master Gee, Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, Grandmaster Caz, and Alan Hawkshaw. Big Bank Hank, aka Henry Jackson, who passed away on November 11, 2014, after a long batttle with cancer, was a member of the Sugarhill Gang, which recorded this utter classic of American popular hip hop music, riffing on the infectious bass line of Chic's "Good Times,"composed by Edwards and Rodgers. It also sampled from the disco hit "Here Comes that Sound Again" by Love De-luxe. In 1979, perhaps my favorite year of Disco Music [YouTube WKTU medley, though it ends prematurely], at 19 years old, there wasn't a dance club I went to that didn't feature the great 14-plus minute 12" recording of this track [YouTube link], which, in 2011, was made part of the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, among those culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant recordings of the twentieth century. We (my friends and I) could practically rap along with every word of the hilarious lyrics. "Ho-tel Mo-tel, Holiday Innnnn..." Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show" gave us an equally hilarious take on this rap hit: a superb editing and splicing of footage from newsman Brian Williams (with a little help from Lester Holt and Kathy Lee Gifford). Check that out on YouTube (and check out Fallon's comedic interview with Brian Williams, Part One and Part Two and Brian doing "Baby Got Back" [YouTube links]). [16 November 2014]
Raspberry Beret features the words and music of our birthday boy, Prince, who would have turned 59 today, were it not for his untimely death in April 2016. This song went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985, the first release off of "Around the World in a Day," by Prince and the Revolution. The song was considered "neo-psychedelic pop" but the funk is always detectable. Check out a clip of the original single (alas, the Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson has restricted access to his music). [7 June 2017]
The Rat Race ("Main Title" / "Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by Elmer Bernstein for the 1960 film, featuring Tony Curtis and Debbie Reynolds. It provides yet another taste of the jazzy sounds for which the composer was well known. Curtis plays a jazz saxophonist named Pete Hammond, Jr. in the film (one year after having played another jazz saxophonist named Josephine in the gender-bending comedy classic, "Some Like It Hot"), and he gets support from real-life jazz saxmen, Sam Butera and Gerry Mulligan. [12 February 2018a]
Rather Be, words and music by Jack Patterson, James Napier, and Grace Chatto, Nicole Marshall, won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, for the British group Clean Bandit, featuring Jess Glynne. The track hit the #1 spot in November 2014 as a Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Song, and made its way onto a total of seven of Billboard's prominent charts. Check out the single, official video, Lash Remix, Elephante Remix, LiTech Trap Remix, the Magician Remix, and Merk & Kremont Remix. And for a different take on the song, check out the Pentatonix cover version. [20 August 2016]
Red, Hot, and Blue ("Ridin' High"), words and music by Cole Porter, was first heard in this 1936 Broadway musical, starring Ethel Merman and Bob Hope. Tonight is the 77th Annual Tony Awards honoring excellence in the theater over the past year. Check out a live instrumental rendition of this song by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and vocal renditions by Ethel Merman, Chris Connor, and Ella Fitzgerald [YouTube links]. [16 June 2024]
The Red Shoes ("Ballet of the Red Shoes") [YouTube link] was composed by Brian Easdale, who went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Score for this highly stylized 1948 film, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Easdale was the first British composer to win in this category. The film also earned a well-deserved Oscar for Art Direction. The wonderful Moira Shearer plays the role of Victoria Page [YouTube link from "The Birdcage"], and her dancing in this particular ballet, choreographed by Robert Helpmann, influenced a generation of people who were inspired to become professional dancers. An adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, this iconic film underwent a magnificent restoration in 2006, and has been praised by directors as diverse as Brian DePalma and Martin Scorsese. [5 February 2019]
Reelin' in the Years, words and music by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, is one of my favorite Steely Dan hits. Listen to an audio clip here. [1 June 2006]
Remember the Time, music, lyrics, and performance by Michael Jackson, was among the best tracks on the album "Dangerous" (check out the audio clip). I love the groove of the original version and the house-infused dance remix by Steve "Silk" Hurley as well. And it was a great Ken Singleton-directed video too, starring Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. On the precipice of what promises to be a criminal trial for tabloid heaven, I still "remember" MJ the artist. [30 January 2005]
Reminiscing, written by Graham Goble, is a staple of Adult Contemporary radio, performed by the Little River Band. Any song that mentions Glenn Miller and Cole Porter, and that has a memorable hook and a lyrical trumpet solo has earned its way onto my list. Listen to an audio clip here. [7 May 2005]
Requiem for a Heavyweight ("Main Title"), composed by Laurence Rosenthal, is the soundtrack for the film version of this boxing drama. It was filmed initially as a 1956 installment of TV's "Playhouse 90", and Rod Serling's teleplay won a Peabody. But it was remade into a 1962 feature film. There are more than a few literal "Bang! Zooms!" in this one. Mickey Rooney and Anthony Quinn co-star; and contrary to any intuitive thoughts you might have had, it was Jackie Gleason who played the role of the manager, not the heavyweight. Quinn observed that Gleason did things just like Frank Sinatra. One take, sometimes with improvisational flair, and he was satisfied. Quinn needed a few more takes than that; but either way, it contributed greatly to a film that was a much darker movie than its small-screen counterpart. [27 February 2016]
Rescue Me ("C'mon C'mon"), words and music by Jason Stollsteimer, from The Von Bondies, is the theme song to this FX TV series that ran from 2004-2011. The show, starring Denis Leary, centered on the personal and professional struggles of New York City firefighters, many of whom were suffering from 9/11 PTSD. It served as an homage to those brave souls who rescued thousands of people at the World Trade Center on this date in 2001. Check out the opening credits and the full version of this garage rock television theme [YouTube links]. #911NeverForget. [11 September 2023]
Respect was written by Otis Redding, who recorded the song in 1965 [YouTube link]. But it was in 1967, that Aretha Franklin recorded a version of this tune that went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her signature song, featured on her album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You." Franklin would go on to win her first two (out of eighteen) Grammy Awards for her rendition, for "Best Rhythm & Blues Recording" and "Best Rhythm and Blues, Vocal Performance, Female"---in the latter category, the first of an unprecedented eight consecutive wins, and a record-holding 11 wins out of a record-holding 23 nominations. The song was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 1998), added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry (in 2002), and rated #5 on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The Memphis-born Aretha herself became the first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in 1987). On a date that marks the sixtieth birthday of the Queen of Pop (Madonna), the forty-fifth anniversary of the passing of "The King" (Elvis Presley), as well as the seventieth anniversary of the death of the Bambino and Sultan of Swat (Babe Ruth), we have lost the Queen of Soul today at the age of 76. Ironically, I had already programmed this song for later in our 2018 "Summer Dance Party"---but moving it up to today is so much more apropos. Check out the Aretha's soul-shaking recorded version of this classic, along with two live performances, one in Detroit and the other in Paris (at 16:33) [YouTube links]. [16 August 2018b]
Return of the Jedi ("Return of the Jedi") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, is from the third entry in the "Star Wars" film franchise (officially "Episode VI" of the series). Roger Ebert, who passed away today, famously defended the series on "Nightline" (clip at that link) back in 1983; he and the late Gene Siskel brought us years of entertaining film critique in their "At the Movies." [4 April 2014]
Rhapsody in Blue is one of George Gershwin's finest jazz-influenced orchestral compositions. It was initially commissioned by Paul Whiteman's band in 1924, with Gershwin himself on piano (scroll down here to listen to that version). Also listen to an audio clip here of a version recorded by Andre Previn and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. An Andre Kostelanetz recording of this piece (audio clip here) inspired a young Alex Steinweiss to come up with a classic album cover depicting "a small piano under a small street lamp, with a huge silhouette of a city skyline towering behind," as David Hinckley reports. Steinweiss, who hailed from Brooklyn, New York, practically invented album cover art. He also designed another famed album cover for an Oscar Levant recording of this immortal Gershwin composition (see here). [18 November 2005]
Rhythm Nation features the words and music of Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson, who released this song from her 1989 album, "Rhythm Nation 1814." It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 but topped both the R&B/Hip Hop and Dance Club charts. The video for the song received MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Choreography" and "Best Dance Video." It also won a Grammy as part of Jackson's long-form "Rhythm Nation 1814" video. This week the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is honoring people who have had various ties to Harlem's history, and both Janet and "The Divine One," Sarah Vaughan, are among the honorees. This song remains one of Janet's best and one of my all-time favorite Janet Jackson tracks, with its killer bass line and melodic hook. Check out the single version and the classic black-and-white video [YouTube links]. [10 August 2018]
Ribbon in the Sky features the words and music of Stevie Wonder, who provides us with another example of his passionate vocals and keyboard work. Listen to an audio clip of this song here. [22 May 2006]
Ride 'Em Cowboy ("I'll Remember April"), music by Gene de Paul, lyrics by Patricia Johnston and Don Raye, was first heard in the hilarious 1942 Abbott and Costello film, "Ride 'Em Cowboy," where it was performed by Dick Foran (YouTube film clip at that link). Other classic renditions have been performed by the very Sassy Swinging Scatting Sarah Vaughan (YouTube link) and the late, great pianist George Shearing (YouTube link), who just passed away on Valentine's Day. (And while I could have posted this in, uh, April, this great song makes my list in Movie Music February, with temperatures reaching the very April-ish 60s in snow-weary New York City!) [18 February 2011]
Ride Like the Wind features the music, lyrics, and performance of Christopher Cross. An 80s hit, the song also boasts superb backing vocals by Michael McDonald. Listen to an audio clip here and take a look at this YouTube video clip and this one too. As we prepare to rake the wind-swept leaves of fall, a Happy Autumn to one and all! [23 September 2007]
Right Here Waiting, music, lyrics, and performance by Richard Marx, is one of those plaintive paeans to romantic heartbreak. Listen to an audio clip here, from the album "Repeat Offender." [17 May 2005]
Right in the Socket, words and music by Kevin Spencer, Leon Sylvers, and Dick Griffey, performed by the R&B/dance Solar (Sound of Los Angeles Records) recording artists Shalamar (which featured among its members Jody Watley, Howard Hewitt, and Jeffrey Daniels). From the Shalamar album Big Fun (check out the audio clip). What else could this be, but electric? [22 November 2004]
, words and music by Billy Ward, was recorded by Billy Ward and His Dominoes in 1953 [YouTube link]. The song was later recorded as "Bringing in a Brand New Year" by both Charles Brown and B. B. King [YouTube links]. Whether you're bringing it or ringing it, a Happy New Year to One and All! [1 January 2019]Rise, Ye Shepherds, music by Franz Waxman, lyrics by Mack David, is a wonderfully melodic carol original to the score for the 1962 film, "Taras Bulba," starring Yul Brynner and Tony Curtis. The entire film is on YouTube here; this rare selection is at 26:17. Merry Christmas to All (on that "Norad Tracks Santa" link, check out, especially, the U.S. Air Force of Liberty's jazzy rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" when Santa hits the Northeast)! [25 December 2012]
The Rite of Spring ("Introduction"), composed by Igor Stravinsky, is ever-so-appropriate to mark the Vernal Equinox, which arrives today at 1:26 p.m. (you were expecting "Springtime for Hitler," perhaps?). I know the full orchestral piece can be jarringly dissonant in some of its aspects, but I have always associated the lovely placid sounds of its introduction with the gentleness of Spring. Stravinsky borrowed the melody of that introduction, played by a solo bassoon, from a pre-existing folk tune, composed by Lithuanian Anton Juszkiewicz, entitled "Tu, manu seserele" (read this PDF about the opening solo). Listen to audio clips from the whole ballet, performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Boulez. [20 March 2006]
The Robe ("Caligula's Arrival") [YouTube clip at that link] is from the stupendous Alfred Newman score to the first CinemaScope film in movie history (the last was "In Like Flint"). I remember when I first wrote 20th Century Fox many years ago: having been used to the flat-screen version shown on TV, I finally had a chance to see the "letterbox" version that was released on DVD and I was appalled at the differences. Whoever answered me from the studio insisted that it was only a difference between a "pan-and-scan" edit shown on TV and the actual CinemaScope released to theaters. No way, I protested! This wasn't a mere difference in the angle of the lens; the acting, the inflections of the words, etc., were completely different! I was vindicated when I found out later that this sprawling Biblical epic, one of my all-time favorites, was actually filmed twice: in Widescreen and in Standard "Flat" Screen versions. As far as I'm concerned, however, the best acted version remains the standard flat-screen one, which has yet to be given a glorious Blu-Ray transfer (only a side-by-side comparison can be found as a "bonus" on the Blu-Ray). In any event, this particular track, "Caligula's Arrival," captures the might of ancient Rome, if not the seeds of insanity, in the not-yet-Emperor Caligula, played with memorable flamboyance and furiosity by Jay Robinson. When I was a kid of 9 or 10 years old, so impressed was I by Robinson's portrayal (the film was played regularly on The 4:30 Movie), that I'd don an emperor's robe (usually a larger-than-life blanket), and recite, word-for-word, the character Caligula's speech at the trial of Tribune Marcellus Gallio (played by an Oscar-nominated Richard Burton). If that wasn't a sure sign of my, uh, inner, uh, Caligula, I don't know what could have been more telling! "Senators, Romans, there exists today in our Empire, and even in Rome itself, a secret party of seditionists, who call themselves Christians..." Don't get me started... I still know that speech by heart. Which is why I knew there were differences between widescreen and flat-screen versions; Robinson's inflections differ considerably in the standard version I grew to love, a version that, unfortunately, can't be found anywhere online. (I have my own copy recorded from cable many years ago, when AMC didn't have commercial interruptions!) The actual theme ("Caligula's Arrival"), highlighted today, is stated again at 01:55:43, when the trial sequence gets under way. [16 February 2012]
The Robe ("Interior Dungeon") [audio clip at that link], music by Alfred Newman, offers several key themes, including a restatement of the heartbreaking "Love Theme" (a classic recordinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_York_Yankees_captainsg of which can be found on Victor Young's album, "Hollywood Rhapsodies" [Decca DL8060]), from this reverent 1953 biblical epic, starring Richard Burton and Jean Simmons, and based on the Lloyd C. Douglas novel. This composition suggests both tragedy and hope. [13 February 2005]
The Robe ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Alfred Newman, derives from the 1954 Cinemascope epic adaptation of the 1942 Lloyd C. Douglas novel. It starred Richard Burton as Tribune Marcellus Gallio, Jean Simmons as Diana, Victor Mature as Demetrius, Michael Rennie as the very reverent Peter, and Jay Robinson as the crazed Caligula. This film was actually shot twice, once in widescreen, and the second time in a "flat" version, which, in my view, is actually the more superior-acted take. Be that as it may, the score is memorable throughout---with a love theme (at 7:34) for the ages. Tomorrow, the patriarch of the Newman Musical Dynasty gets one more entry. [18 February 2022]
Rock Around the Clock, words and music by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, was not the first rock and roll record, but it became an anthem for the rebellious young generation of the mid-1950s. The best known recording of it, by Bill Haley and His Comets, would rocket to #1 on Billboard-tracked sales and radio airplay, as well as #3 on top-selling R&B singles. Check out the original rockin' single [YouTube link]. [21 September 2018]
Rockin' Robin, words and music credited to Leon Rene and Jenny "Jimmy" Thomas, was first recorded in 1958 by Bobby Day (audio clip at that link). But my favorite version remains the one recorded by a young Michael Jackson. Listen to an audio clip of this finger-poppin' pop hit here. [18 December 2005]
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, words and music by Johnny Marks, is a fun-filled seasonal romp. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Brenda Lee, Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love, and a Hannah Montana YouTube Clip. [29 December 2007]
Rock the Boat, words and music by Waldo Holmes, was a #1 Billboard Hot 100 single, that was bubbling in the Top Ten on this very date in 1974, when Derek Jeter was born. On this date, on the occasion of his fortieth birthday, I think we can safely` say that Derek has "rocked the boat" for fans of the game throughout his stellar career. Having announced that this will be his final year as a professional baseball player, Derek leaves us with many rockin' moments to remember. Check here [YouTube link] for the original Hues Corporation single and Celebrate Jeter, Captain of the Yankees, and of my pinstripe heart, now and forever. [ 26 June 2014]
Rock Steady, music and lyrics by Babyface, Antonio "L.A." Reid, D. Ladd, and B. Watson, was performed by The Whispers. Listen to an audio clip of this retro-sounding, soulful 1987 dance cut here. [9 August 2005]
Rock with You, music and lyrics by Rod Temperton, is a smooth, soulful, mid-tempo track featured on the terrific Michael Jackson album "Off the Wall" (audio clip at that link). [19 October 2005]
Rocky ("Gonna Fly Now") was composed by Bill Conti, with lyrics by Carol Collins and Ayn Robbins, and was performed on the soundtrack album with vocalists DeEtta Little and Nelson Pigford. The song defined a series of films tracing the boxing adventures of Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) and in American popular culture, it has become a song celebrating the champion character of the underdog. Indeed, it hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of July 2, 1977, a virtual theme signifying the victory of the American underdog against the British Empire, which culminated in a Declaration of Independence on July 4th (Stallone himself was born on July 6th). Indeed, "Rocky" became the little "underdog" picture that could: It was 1977's Best Picture of the Year, though Conti lost in the Best Original Song Oscar category (he also lost in the Scoring category to "Star Wars" composer John Williams, at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards). Check out the Grammy Awards tonight, and check out the Conti single [YouTube link] as well as a terrific rendition by the big band of Maynard Ferguson [YouTube link], a trumpeter whose high notes have sometimes challenged the superior hearing of dogs. But this human thinks the Rocky track Rocks! [8 February 2015]
Rock Your Body, written by Justin Timberlake, Chad Hugo, and Pharrell Williams, and performed by Timberlake on his debut solo album, Justified. The kid's got rhythm and attitude and the song has a retro feel that demands the dance. [30 October 2004]
Roda, words and music by Gilberto Gil and Joao Augusto, features a lovely melody caressed by a Brazilian beat. Listen to an audio clip of a rendition performed by Brasil 66. [8 April 2006]
Roller Coaster (full-length audio track at that link), words and music by Carl and Joanne Barry, is one of my favorite tracks from the album "Holding On." Aside from Joanne's terrific scat singing and Carl's swinging guitar solo, this track boasts a mean rhythm section: bassist Steve LaSpina, who has toured and recorded with the fabulous guitarist Jim Hall, and drummer Eliot Zigmund, who, for years, played with the great pianist Bill Evans. This week marked the Spring awakening of Coney Island's Astroland Amusement Park, home of the world famous Cyclone, one of the world's great roller coasters, on which I have never taken a ride (I have enough intestinal trouble thankyouverymuch). With the Vernal Equinox arriving at 1:48 a.m. EDT, a Happy Spring to All! [20 March 2008]
Romeo and Juliet ("Love Theme"), composed by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, remains among his most recognizable and lovely works. Listen to an audio clip here. [3 February 2006]
Rosemary's Baby ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Krzysztof Komeda, features the vocals of "Rosemary Woodhouse" herself: actress Mia Farrow. This creepy, haunting theme opens the equally creepy, haunting 1968 horror film, directed by Roman Polanski and produced by William Castle. The film is based on the 1967 novel by Ira Levin, among whose influences was Ayn Rand. Rand loved his first novel, A Kiss Before Dying, but went ballistic over this horror classic, viewing it as an embodiment of the Middle Age's obscene "spirit." Rand may not have been a fan of horror movies, but this film is one of the most intense psychological thrillers of its era. "All of them witches!" [31 January 2018]
'Round Midnight, music by jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, with lyrics later provided by Bernie Hanighen (though others further embellished the tune over time), was published in 1944, but it is thought that Monk had written the song in the mid-1930s. In keeping with the theme of this list, "My Favorite Songs," this one is not just my favorite Monk song, but, perhaps, one of my all-time favorites in the history of jazz. There are so many recorded performances of this wonderful jazz standard (perhaps the most recorded song written specifically by a jazz composer): the first version ever recorded, by Trumpeter and Big Band leader Cootie Williams (with a youthful Bud Powell on piano), the original rendering by Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald (with Oscar Peterson on piano), and Carmen McRae (of course) [YouTube links]. Among other performances: from the Oscar-winning soundtrack of the 1986 film with Best Actor-nominee, saxman Dexter Gordon, "Round Midnight," featuring Bobby McFerrin's "instrumental" vocal and Herbie Hancock's impeccable piano [YouTube link], the Miles Davis-John Coltrane masterpiece [YouTube link] from the 1957 Davis album ("'Round About Midnight"), and an utterly brilliant acoustic jazz guitar solo performance by the incomparable Joe Pass [YouTube link]. The list goes on and on, but I should note that among my favorite versions, there are two that stand out: the first, by the "Divine" jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, recorded live from her "In Performance at Wolf Trap" (presented on PBS TV on 28 October 1974) [mp3 link; her "Scattin' the Blues" is from the same concert, and don't forget another one of her live versions of "'Round Midnight", in which Sassy scatted, alongside be-bop trumpeter extraordinaire Dizzy Gillespie in 1987 [YouTube link]), and the second, by the often overlooked, but never underappreciated, trailblazing jazz guitarist Chuck Wayne, whose rendition appears on his classic 1963 album "Tapestry" [mp3 link]. Chuck was a family friend, and his style of "consecutive-alternate picking" had a deep impact on my own brother, Carl Barry, who is, of course, my all-time favorite guitarist. Chuck even played at my brother's wedding to Joanne, my sister-in-law, who just so happens to be one of the best jazz singers on earth. Chuck's version [mp3 link] of this Monk classic is probably my favorite instrumental interpretation. We are two years away from the Monk Centenary; I'm glad to have brought more attention to his work in this mini-tribute on the occasion of the 98th anniversary of his birth. Long live Monk! [14 October 2014].
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks, has a fascinating history as a modern holiday classic. It is also the title track, sung by Burl Ives, to one of my favorite annual animated holiday specials, which, tonight, celebrates its 40th anniversary in a CBS television network showing. (The track was, of course, first recorded by Gene Autry in 1949.) Just a prelude to some of my favorite holiday songs, featured later this month. Check out the audio clips to the soundtrack here. And happy birthday to my red-haired friend Cameron! [1 December 2004]
Ruby Gentry ("Ruby") features the theme song od Heinz Eric Roemheld of the classic 1952 King Vidor-directed film, starring Jennifer Jones, Charlton Heston, and Karl Malden. There have been so many instrumental versions of this song: one featuring the sterling harmonica work of Richard Hayman in 1953 (though I was first introduced to the song during Hayman's apppearance on the Boston Pops Orchestra show on PBS; Arthur Fiedler was a long-time mentor to Hayman; check out the original single on YouTube). Other famous instrumental versions include the one recorded by Les Baxter ]YouTube link], also released in 1953, with Danny Welton on harmonica), and a vocal arrangement, with lyrics added by Mitchell Parrish, for the legendary Ray Charles [YouTube link]. [14 February 2014]
Ruby My Dear, composed by Thelonious Monk, is another jazz standard that emerged from the work of this celebrated pianist. It was named after Monk's first love, Rubie Richardson. Check out Monk's solo piano version of this tune, Monk with John Coltrane, and Monk with Coleman Hawkins [YouTube links]. And, once again, one of the finest jazz vocalist interpreters, Carmen McRae, provides us with another wonderful take on a Monk song, from her album "Carmen Sings Monk," with lyrics by Sally Swisher, renamed "Dear Ruby" [YouTube link]. [12 October 2015]
Rumour Has It
features the words and music of Giorgio Moroder,
Pete
Bellotte, and singer Donna Summer,
who performs the song. At the height of her
Disco Diva status,
Summer belted this one with
gusto. A classic
Moroder production, it first appeared on the album, "Once
Upon a Time" (audio clip at that link). [6
August 2005]
Runaway Baby,
words and music by Bruno Mars
and Brody Brown, is
featured on "Doo-Wops
and Hooligans," the debut album of the talented
Bruno Mars, who has dashes
of Little Richard,
Elvis Presley,
James Brown,
Marvin Gaye, and
Michael Jackson in
him. This song [YouTube
link] harks back to old time rock 'n roll. His performance of the song on
"The X Factor" [YouTube
link] and on the
2012 Grammy
Awards [YouTube link] show off his James Brown moves, his infectious energy,
and his indisputable charm. At the Grammy's, he also gave a shout-out
tribute to Whitney Houston. And he routinely tributes
Michael Jackson, another pop legend gone too soon; check out YouTube links
to his performances of "I
Want You Back," "Billie
Jean,i4.nyu.edu" "Beat
It," "The
Way You Make Me Feel," and "Dirty
Diana." [11 March
2012]
Runnin' is an instrumental track with scat-choral voicings composed by Maurice White, Larry Dunn, and Eddie delBarrio for the jazz-soul-funk masters of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Trumpeter Michael Harris takes a terrific solo. Listen to an audio clip here from the album "All 'n All." [18 May 2005]
Runnin' Wild, music by A. Harrington Gibbs, lyrics by Joe Gray and Leo Wood, is a 1922 tune that epitomizes the Roaring Twenties. It has been recorded by so many artists, including the great Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and his masterful jazz violinist partner Stephane Grappelli and their Quintet of the Hot Club of France [YouTube music clip]. And then there's a swinging version with Ella Fitzgerald [YouTube music clip]. But the most memorable cinematic take on this tune remains the one performed by Marilyn Monroe in the uproarious 1959 Billy Wilder comedic romp, "Some Like It Hot." The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for "Best Costume Design, Black and White," but it got swept aside in the 1959 "Ben-Hur" onslaught. The film starred Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon donning their best drag to join an all-girl band, in an attempt to escape incognito from "Spats" Columbo (played by George Raft) and the Chicago mob, seeking to silence them for having stumbled upon the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. There are so many classic moments to this incredible film including a memorable turn by Joe E. Brown. This film earned its rightful place at the top of AFI's 100 Years, 100 Laughs and is among my all-time favorite comedies. Check out this wonderful "Runnin' Wild" YouTube moment from the film. And so ends our Annual Tribute to Film Music. [28 February 2013]
features the music of Alex Chapman, Adam Novodor, Kevin Hickey, and Kaelyn Behr and the lyrics of Brett Leland McLaughlin and Australian singer and actor Troye Sivan. This song was the lead single from Sivan's third studio album, "Something to Give Each Other". Sivan came out publicly in 2013 and gave us an enjoyable performance in the 2022 coming-of-age comedy-drama, "Three Months." The film also starred Louis Gossett Jr. and Ellen Burstyn. Today is Sivan's 29th birthday and this dance track---in which the artist celebrates being "emboldened by a supportive family and supportive friends"---is a nice way to usher in Pride Month. Check out the official video as well as a chill live version [YouTube links]. [5 June 2024]The Russia House ("Katya"/"Alone in the World"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is featured in both instrumental and vocal versions on the soundtrack album. The vocal version is sung by Patti Austin (audio clips to instrumental and vocal originals at that link). Perfect for the night of the full snow moon lunar eclipse, this is a lush, romantic composition. Listen to audio clips of the love theme recorded by the Jazz at the Movies Band and a haunting version by my sister-in-law, jazz vocalist Joanne Barry (complete recording at that link). That vocal rendition is a highlight from the album "Embraceable You" (yes, that's my Blondie on the cover of the CD); Joanne is accompanied by jazz guitarists Carl Barry (my brother) and Jack Wilkins (guest soloist). [20 February 2008]
The Russia House ("Soundtrack Suite"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, ends our four-day salute (within our Film Music February tribute) to one of the greats of the "art of the score." This suite derives from the 1990 film based on the novel by John Le Carre (who died in December 2020), starring Sean Connery (who died in October 2020). Back in 2008, I highlighted the soaring love theme to this film ("Alone in the World" [mp3]---delivered with perfection by my sister-in-law, Joanne Barry, accompanied by jazz guitarists Jack Wilkins and my bro, Carl Barry). Interestingly, the main theme owed its origins to earlier work that Goldsmith had done for "Wall Street" (1987) and then, for "Alien Nation" (1988)---both times, rejected! This profoundly moving jazz-infused score, which features the virtuoso saxophonist Branford Marsalis throughout, is a testament to Goldsmith's genius. [12 February 2021]
Sabrina ("Opening Title") [YouTube link], composed by Friedrich Hollaender, opens this 1954 Billy Wilder rom-com, starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden. In 1995, the film was remade by director Sydney Pollack. The Wilder version received six Oscar nominations, winning only in the category of Best Costume Design, for Edith Head, who, in her lifetime, was nominated 35 times, winning 8 Oscars along the way. It is rumored, however, that Hepburn personally chose outfits created for her by Hubert de Givenchy. [25 February 2020]
Sabrina ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, puts the romance in this 1995 rom-com, directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond (in the title role). This is a remake of the 1954 film of the same name, directed by Billy Wilder. The lush Oscar-nominated score is one of the composer's underappreciated gems. (For this film, Williams also received an Oscar nomination for the song "Moonlight", with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, performed by Sting.) The suite also includes a snippet of "La Vie en Rose". [7 February 2024]
Salsation (YouTube clip at that link), written and performed by David Shire, is another classic instrumental dance cut, an integration of disco, jazz, and Latin influences, from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. Listen to an audio clip of this track here. [11 December 2007]
Salsoul Christmas Medley, produced, arranged, and conducted by Vincent Montana, Jr., is from the 1976 album, "Christmas Jollies," by the Salsoul Orchestra. The album actually hit the Top 40 on the R&B chart. It's a fun disco journey through carols and songs of the holiday season. And if you cringe over this ... that's part of the fun! Anyway, at 10:59 am (ET) today, it's the Winter Solstice ... which means, in the Northern Hemisphere, we begin our march toward the light! And only a few more days till Santa takes flight! [21 December 2021]
Saltburn ("Murder on the Dance Floor") features the words and music of Gregg Alexander and Sophie Ellis-Bexter, on whose 2001 album, "Read My Lips" this song first appeared. The dance track was used to dark comedic effect in the final scene of this lurid 2023 thriller, starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Check out the original music video or the closing scene, if you dare (spoiler alert: the cleverly placed 'heart' does not appear in the film) [YouTube links]. [12 February 2024]
Salt Peanuts includes composer credits for the great be-bop pioneers, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, and drummer Kenny Clarke. Many recordings of this be bop standard exist; it cannot be called lyrically dense, but it is a lot of fun. It was most famously recorded on this date by the great Dizzy Gillespie and his All Stars in New York for Guild Records in 1945 [YouTube link]. [11 May 2015]
Same Love, words and music by Ben Haggarty, Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lewis, is the fourth hit single from the album "The Heist," by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. A radical departure from within the world of hip hop, it is a tribute to sexual equality in the institution of marriage. For that alone, it deserves all the praise and attention it gets. The song is nominated for "Song of the Year," at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, which is on CBS tonight. Enjoy! [26 January 2014]
Same Old Lang Syne is a melancholy song, written and performed by Dan Fogelberg. The song features a saxophone solo by the great (and, sadly, ailing) Michael Brecker, who takes his cue from the classic anthem of old. Listen to an audio clip here. And a Happy New Year's Eve! [31 December 2005]
Same Script, Different Cast, words and music by Stacey "Dove" Daniels, Shae Jones, Anthony "Shep" Crawford, and Montell Jordan, is a supreme Diva Duet from "Whitney: The Greatest Hits" (2000), featuring Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox [nice link where Cox reminisces about Houston]. Sporting a Fur Elise sample is the original mix [YouTube link]; also check out the Jonathan Peters Vocal Club Mix, which helped to propel the track to #4 on the Billboard Dance Chart. [8 March 2012]
Samson and Delilah ("Main Title") [YouTube link], music by the legendary Golden Age film score composer, Victor Young, is the perfect main theme for this DeMille directed 1949 film; it captures the grandeur, the flaws, the love, and the devastation to come. Starring Victor Mature as Samson and Hedy Lamar as Delilah, it is one of those memorable Hollywood Biblical epics. And here's a point of trivia: it is the film's title that is on the marquis of the movie theater where the townspeople have gathered in the George Pal-produced 1953 sci-fi classic, "War of the Worlds," as they witness the first of many "meteors" falling in the Los Angeles area, as part of an invasion from Mars. [23 February 2014]
The Sand Pebbles ("Jake and Shirley"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is featured on the evocative soundtrack to this 1966 film, one of my favorite films. Check out the lovely theme with clips of Steve McQueen and Candice Bergen and pianist Mark Northam's version as well. Back in 1969, all of 9 years old, I went to see "Che!" but "The Sand Pebbles" was the first film on a double-feature bill; so deeply affected were we by the Robert Wise-directed epic that we never stayed for the main feature. This theme was later gifted with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse ("And We Were Lovers"); it has been recorded by countless artists, all indexed with full track presentations at this phenomenal page (of particular note on that page: a tender vocal version by Jack Jones and a lovely instrumental treatment by the late, great Bud Shank). And check out The Sand Pebbles Motion Picture Website in all its glory. [15 February 2012]
The Sand Pebbles ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, for this epic Robert Wise-directed 1966 war film, starring Steve McQueen. The Oscar-nominated score is an emotive backdrop to the film's love, violence, and heartbreak. Goldsmith won only one Oscar (for "The Omen"), despite 18 lifetime nominations. This is one of his best. Today, Turner Classic Movies begins its "31 Days of Oscar", and many films scored by Goldsmith will be featured over the next month. [9 February 2024]
Sanford and Son ("The Streetbeater") [YouTube link], composed by the great Quincy Jones, first appeared on the artist's album, "You've Got it Bad Girl". It features some really fine musicians: keyboardist George Duke, saxophonists Phil Woods and Ernie Watts, and harmonica player Tommy Morgan. It is most famous, however, for its use as the theme song to "Sanford and Son", the NBC sitcom that ran from 1972 to 1976. Check out the opening credits as well as an extended version [YouTube links]. As the Autumnal Equinox approaches in the wee hours of tomorrow morning, this Eighth Annual Summer Music Festival (TV Edition)---celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Emmy Awards (postponed to January 15, 2024)---concludes! [22 September 2023]
Santa Baby, music and lyrics by Joan Javits, Philip Springer, and Tony Springer, was a huge hit for Eartha Kitt, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81. Check out a few YouTube moments with Kylie Minogue, Madonna, and Eartha Kitt herself! [26 December 2008]
Santa Claus is Coming to Town, words and music by Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots, is a famous Christmas standard. It has been recorded by popular artists such as Bruce Springsteen, the Crystals, and the Jackson Five, and jazz artists such as Bill Evans, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall. And it's Christmas Eve... so you better be good, for goodness sake! Track Santa's global adventures here! [24 December 2006]
Satan Takes a Holiday is a 1917 song composed by Larry Clinton. It was recorded in a jazzy rendition by the Tommy Dorsey orchestra. Jazz was often condemned as the Devil's Music, after all. I loved hearing my Uncle Sam play this one on violin when I was a kid. Just in time for Halloween, listen to an audio clip of this spooky favorite here. And a Happy Halloween to one and all. [31 October 2005]
Satin Doll, music by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with later added lyrics by Johnny Mercer, is another one of those famous Duke tunes that has been recorded by many artists. Duke performed the tune at his 1969 All-Star White House Tribute in front of President Richard Nixon. Listen to a clip of that live version here. I also love another live version by Carmen McRae, featuring guitar soloist Joe Pass. Listen to an audio clip of that version here. My brother Carl Barry also recorded the song for his first album. [9 December 2005]
Satisfaction, composed by Benny Benassi and his cousin Alle, is a "hypnotech" minimalist, dare I say ... monotonous ... dance track, which has burned up the dance floors since its release in 2003. For my long-time DJ sensibilities, it provides many creative electro, techno and house remix possibilities. Listen to, and view, the pulsating "soft core" video here. (I doubt this video would ever be used as an ad for, say, Home Depot, but it might fuel sales in some quarters.) [12 November 2005]
Saturday in the Park, words and music by Robert Lamm, appears on "Chicago V", the 1972 album by Chicago---one of the finest popular fusion bands of its day. With its crisp instrumental arrangement and jazzy bridge, the song became a Top Ten Hit. Lamm was inspired to write this song after walking through NYC's Central Park, seeing "people dancing, people laughing" on Saturday, July 4, 1970. The song opens with the lyric, "Saturday in the park, I think it was the fourth of July!" Well, it is the Fourth of July and it is the dancing, laughing spirit of human freedom that I celebrate on this Independence Day. And since it is the Fourth, I've uploaded the Fourth installment of my "I Love Brooklyn" series, a slideshow tribute to Marine Park, Brooklyn's largest park at 798 acres, set to this Chicago classic [YouTube link]. [4 July 2024]
Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night of the Week), music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, was a Columbia hit single for Ol' Blue Eyes in 1944. It provides just the slightest indication of the swinging ways to come. This one can be found on Disc 1 of "Ultimate Sinatra," arranged by Alex Stordahl. What other song would have been a better choice on ... a Saturday!? Check it out on YouTube. And let's not forget that guys like New York-based Jonathan Schwartz have been hosting variations on "Saturday Night with Sinatra" radio shows on various channels and streaming services for umpteen years now; for Philly-based radio disc jockey Sid Mark, it's the syndicated "Sounds of Sinatra," heard usually the morning after "the loneliest night of the week." [28 November 2015]
Saturday Night Live ("Theme") [YouTube link], composed by the legendary Howard Shore and performed by the SNL Band, opens one of the longest running comedy shows on American television. And tonight, the voice of its 96-year old announcer, TV Hall of Famer Don Pardo, who has held the job for 38 seasons, has been silenced. His sad passing doesn't take away any of the joy that he brought to one of the funniest gigs on TV. In tribute to Pardo, and kicking off my annual tribute to TV themes in anticipation of the Emmy Awards (to be broadcast on August 25th), enjoy the music! [YouTube link]. [19 August 2014]
Saving All My Love For You, music and lyrics by Michael Masser and Brooklyn Technical High School-graduate Gerry Goffin, was performed marvelously by Whitney Houston. It's got an ol' time romantic feel and a classic arrangement. Listen to an audio clip here. [28 January 2005]
Say it Right (lyrics and YouTube clip at that link), words and music by Nelly Furtado, Tim "Timbaland" Mosley, and Nate Hills, has a killer sleaze beat hook. Listen to an audio clip of this track from the album "Loose." [5 December 2007]
Say, Say, Say, words and music by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, appears on McCartney's "Pipes of Peace" album, and spent six weeks at number 1, stretching from 1983 to 1984. Produced by long-time Beatles producer, George Martin, it was the seventh top ten hit for MJ within the "Thriller"-dominated year of 1983. Check out the Bob Giraldi-directed video, the 12" Jellybean Benitez remix, and a 2015 re-release by McCartney, in which the vocal roles of the duet partners are reversed [YouTube links]. (And speaking of collaborations, check out this really rare video of a spontaneous "collaboration" with James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Prince on the same stage!). Today, would have been Michael Jackson's 58th birthday. Though he is no longer with us, we can still "remember the time." [YouTube video flashback]. And we can also revel in the fact that he has left us with music open to such diverse interpretation--from the rock sounds of Chris Cornell and the jazz tribute album, "Swingin' to Michael Jackson," to a wonderful "Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson," and the classically-trained "2 Cellos" and Hungarian pianist Bence Peter [YouTube links]. [29 August 2016]
Say Something features the words and music of Larrance Dopson, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake, who recorded this duet for JT's newly released album, "Man of the Woods." We interrupt our Film Music February tribute briefly only because JT will be doing the Half-Time show for Super Bowl Sunday. There should be no "wardrobe malfunctions" [YouTube link] this time around! Check out the official video to this electro-country-rock tune. Stapleton and Timberlake are no strangers to one another, having performed a duet melody at the Country Music Awards in 2015 [YouTube link]. And then check out today's game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. Ugh. What's a New York football fan to do with that match up?! So, go JT! [Ed.: Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles on their First Super Bowl Win and to JT for Killin' It during Half-Time!] [4 February 2018b]
Scattin' the Blues was performed by The Divine One, Sarah Vaughan, on so many of her live concert dates. One version of it can be found in a performance with Bill Mays on piano, Bob Magnusson on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums, live at the 1971 Monterey Jazz Festival [YouTube link]. But my all-time favorite version, by far, made its television debut on the New York-area PBS affiliate, WNET-TV, on this very date in 1974, "In Performance at Wolf Trap" [mp3 link]. When I was 14 years old, I actually recorded this performance right off my television with an old Panasonic portable cassette recorder, but it is preserved in high quality audio by the absolutely indispensable Archival Television Audio, which presents the whole magnificent PBS show from Wolf Trap, starring drummer Buddy Rich and his great band doing a hard-swinging medley from "West Side Story" [check out an alternative take on YouTube, introduced by Frank Sinatra], and Sarah Vaughan, with a great trio featuring a blazing Carl Schroeder on piano (no relation to that Schroeder), a terrific bow-solo by fine bassist Frank DeLaRosa, and the combustive Jimmy Cobb on drums. For me, Sassy's pyrotechnic scatting on this performance is as good as it gets. [28 October 2012]
Scheherazade is a symphonic suite based on "A Thousand and One Arabian Nights" by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Listen here to audio clips from the suite recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Joakim Svenheden. [27 November 2005]
Schindler's List ("Main Theme") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, is from the shattering 1993 Oscar-winning score for Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning film. To mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, this track features the magnificent violinist Itzhak Perlman. Take a look at a fantastic YouTube video clip of Perlman, with John Williams. And check out the other John Williams (the great classical guitarist) playing John Williams. [1 May 2008]
Schindler's List ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, offers some of the most heart-wrenching themes ever written by the maestro. The score for the 1993 Steven Spielberg-directed film, starring Liam Neeson, features the great Itzhak Perlman on violin. It was reported that when Williams first saw a rough cut of the film, he was so choked up that he told the director,"I really think you need a better composer than I am for this film." Spielberg replied: "I know, but they're all dead." Given that tonight is the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, it should be noted that this Williams score won the Grammy Award for "Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media". Williams has received 73 Grammy nominations over his illustrious career, winning 25. [5 February 2023]
Scoob! ("Summer Feelings"), words and music by Lennon Stella, Charlie Puth, Invincible (Producer), Alexander Izquierdo, Charles Brown, Simon Wilcox and Lowell, can be found on the soundtrack to the 2020 animated flick "Scoob!" (short for Scooby Doo). This duet, featuring Lennon Stella and the deeply jazz-influenced Charlie Puth, is a precursor to our Fifth Annual Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition). This year has been a transformative one in so many ways and on so many levels; I've seen things that I could never have even remotely predicted when I toasted the New Year as the ball dropped in Times Square. I have refused to stay silent and have spoken out about so many issues over these many months; so I don't want to be accused of being a modern-day Nero, fiddling while our own Rome burned. This song has little to do with jazz, but everything to do with those "summer feelings"---and I can think of fewer ways to express such feelings than by celebrating one of the most significant cultural gifts bestowed upon world music, emergent from the African American experience, and taking a distinctive form through the blending of African and European idioms. This was something I planned long before the events of the day. But before we start the newest installment in our annual Summer Music Festival, on June 20th, indulge those "summer feelings": check out the original studio recording of this song, the official video, the Quarantine Video Version, the Bassboosted Remix, and the Nightcore Whore Remix [YouTube links]. [18 June 2020]
Scrapple from the Apple (Dexter Gordon audio clip at that link), composed by Charlie "Yardbird" Parker, is one of those classic bop tunes that has been recorded by countless jazz musicians. Listen to a "Bird" audio clip here and to a clip of one of my favorites: a Jim Hall live rendition here. [11 August 2005]
Scream features the words and music of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and siblings Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, whose recording of this duet was released in May 1995. The critically acclaimed video would go on to win three MTV Video Music Awards (for "Best Dance Video," "Best Choreography," and "Best Art Direction"), as well as a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. Check out the original video single, the Flyte Tyme Remix and the Naughty Remix (featuring a rap by Treach of Naughty by Nature) [YouTube links]. On this day, nine years ago, MJ was "gone too soon." This song gave his sister a chance to provide a touching tribute to her brother at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards [YouTube link], as Janet matched the choreographic moves of MJ live on stage, with the video to this #1 Dance Club Song as her background. And for an extra treat, check out a classic Disconet medley of some of MJ's hits put to a fine video edit [YouTube]---giving us a glimpse of why he was one of the finest "song and dance men" of his generation. [25 June 2018]
Seasons of Love, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is from the Broadway musical, "Rent" (and the 2005 film too). The original Broadway cast album also includes a soulful rendition featuring Stevie Wonder. Listen to that clip here from Disc #2 of a 2-disc collection. [6 June 2005]
Second Time Around, music and lyrics by L. Sylvers and W. Shelby, performed by the group Shalamar, has a nice groove and hook. Listen to an audio clip here. [26 July 2005]
Second Hand Rose, music by James F. Hanley, lyrics by Grant Clarke, was introduced with comic musicality by Fanny Brice in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1921. In 1968, it was featured in the Brice biopic, sung to comic perfection by "Funny Girl" Barbra Streisand, who shared her Oscar that year in a rare tie with another actress, Katharine Hepburn, for her strong performance in "The Lion in Winter." (The tie was announced on the Oscar broadcast by yet another great Oscar-winning actress: Ingrid Bergman [YouTube link]. Hepburn [YouTube link] appeared on only one Oscar broadcast: on 2 April 1974, the year of the streaker, to present the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.) [15 February 2014]
Secret Agent Man, words and music by P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri, was performed by Johnny Rivers, whose version hit #3 in 1966. Today kicks off the 2007 mini-tribute to TV Themes. Listen to audio clips from Johnny Rivers and The Ventures. [12 September 2007]
The Secret of Christmas, words and music by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy van Heusen, was written for Bing Crosby, who performed this song in the 1959 film, "Say One for Me". Check out the film's rendition, by Bing, with assistance from Debbie Reynolds and Robert Wagner [YouTube link]. The song has been covered by many artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Julie Andrews, and violinist Joshua Bell, whose recording with singer Michael Feinstein is lovely. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, especially among my friends and family. The spirit of the holiday, however, is universal, with its message of "Peace on earth, Goodwill toward all." [25 December 2023]
Secrets Beneath the Floorboards ("Kiss Me") [link], composed by my friend Michael Gordon Shapiro, can be heard in this 2023 Lifetime movie thriller (its original title was "House of Lies"). The suspenseful film and score keep you on the edge. This cue provides tender relief. [16 February 2024]
See The USA in Your Chevrolet, words and music by Leon Corday and Leon Carr, is one of the most memorable commercial jingles, highlighted today on the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet, a classic American car. Check out the equally classic Dinah Shore commercial! [3 November 2011]
See You in September, music by Sherman Edwards, lyrics by Sid Wayne, was recorded originally by The Tempos (audio clip at that link). But my favorite version is by The Happenings (audio clip at that link). It's the classic return-to-school song: "See you in September, when the summer's through..." The "danger in the summer moon above" has now come to pass. Listen to another audio clip of this melancholy song here. [23 September 2005]
Self-Control, words and music by Giancarlo Bigazzi, Raffaele Riefoli and Steve Piccolo, was the biggest international hit in the career of singer Laura Branigan, who was born on this date in 1952. Tragically, she died at the age of 52 from a brain aneurysm in August 2004. This was the title track to her third album, hitting #4 on the 1984 Billboard Hot 100, and peaking at #2 on the Hot Dance Club Chart. Check out the extended 12" remix and the video single [YouTube links], which was directed by William Friedkin (director of such films as "The French Connection" and "The Exorcist"). The song was also used for a key opening scene to "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace" [YouTube link], with Darren Criss giving an award-worthy unsettling performance as spree killer Andrew Cunanan. [3 July 2018]
Self-Image [YouTube link], composed by jazz trumpeter David Allan, is featured on one of the landmark jazz guitar albums in jazz history: Sounds of Synanon, an album which was released on this date in 1962. We may be in the middle of a Summer Dance Party---in which case, get close to a partner and feel this music in a jazzy slow jam. As Downbeat writer John Tynan tells us in the liner notes to the album from which it came: "There are times in the ironic drama of Life when happiness and fulfillment bloom out of misery and despair." Tynan explains that "the seeds of [this] music were planted in seven individuals whose lives had been blighted by drug addiction." Among them were pianist Arnold Ross, baritone horn player Greg Dykes, bassist Ronald Clark, drummer Bill Crawford, bongo player Candy Latson, trumpeter Dave Allan, and the man whose career soared to the legendary heights of jazz genius: guitarist Joe Pass. This marked the first vinyl album on which Pass was ever featured, and jazz historian Leonard Feather would say, with no apprehension, in his July 1962 Downbeat review that the Pacific Jazz label had "discovered a major jazz talent" in Joe Pass. In this selection, each of the players reveals a depth of emotion that is deeply touching. Of course, Pass shines, but it is Dave Allan, who composed the piece, who truly provides us with a poignant, heart-breaking "self-image" that will stay with you long after you've listened to it. Check it out on the link above or at this YouTube link as well. [1 July 2018]
See Love [lyric and song link], words and music by Jodi Arlyn, appears on the artist's 2012 album, "Stars Up On the Ceiling." I've known Jodi for umpteen years as both a colleague and friend at NYU. I had no clue that she had another life beyond the university! What a sweet discovery! Check it out! [9 December 2020]
Send One Your Love, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is a precious selection from a score he wrote for a 1979 documentary film entitled "The Secret Life of Plants." The album was entitled "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants"; this song was also a highlight from his "Original Musiquarium I" hits package (audio clip at that link). [20 May 2006]
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, is featured on the Journey album Frontiers. Listen to the full-length version of one of my favorite Journey songs on YouTube. [19 August 2011]
September, words and music by Maurice White, Al McKay and Allee Willis, was performed by the funky and fabulous Earth, Wind, and Fire. "Do you remember the 21st night of September?" Well, my brother and sister-in-law do! Happy anniversary, with much love! Listen to an audio clip here. [21 September 2005]
September of My Years, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is the title track of an album released in late 1965, to coincide with Sinatra's 50th birthday. The festivities led to a surge of popularity, or, what might be termed a resurrgence of interest in one of America's great talents. The singer received the Grammy Awards for Album of the Year in two successive years: with this album and the 1967 album, "A Man and His Music" (he holds the record for having won this award three times, tied with Stevie Wonder, and several other artists; "Come Dance with Me" was Sinatra's first win in this category). Yes, in the rock-and-roll era of the 1960s, non-rock artists (like Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, and Astrud Gilberto) still had a chance in hell to win Album of the Year. The title tune from Sinatra's album offers just one moment from a blockbuster collection of music, jam-packed with reflections on the "autumn" of his life. It includes one of my absolutely all-time favorite Sinatra recordings: "It Was a Very Good Year" [YouTube link], for which he won a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, Male. This was the same year that Sinatra was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (previously awarded only once before, in 1962, to one of those who had a great impact on our Centenary birthday boy: Bing Crosby). This album was arranged and conducted by the great Gordon Jenkins. This song is also found on Disc 4 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Listen to it on YouTube. Throughout this Centenary tribute, I've mentioned several times that Sinatra made an impact on jazz, just as jazz made an impact on Sinatra; but people have wondered whether it is proper to call him a "jazz singer." In truth, Sinatra defied strict categorization, but the great musician and composer, Billy May, who was one of the seminal arrangers and conductors of some of the finest songs in the Sinatra Songbook, once said: "If your definition of a jazz singer is someone who can approach [a song] like an instrumentalist and get [the written melody] across but still have a feeling of improvisation, a freshness to it, and do it a little bit differently every time, then I would agree that Frank is." [10 December 2015]
Sesame Street ("Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street"), composed by Joe Raposo, originally featured the ever-recognizable harmonica of the late, great jazz musician Toots Thielemans [YouTube link]. A vocal version often opened the series (and check out the Jimmy Fallon-Roots version as well) [YouTube links], while Thielemans closed it out in a strictly instrumental rendering. I just learned of the death of this jazz giant, who passed away at the age of 94 on August 22, 2016. He was one of my all-time favorite musicians. Now, while this theme closes our mini-tribute to TV themes for 2016, it also opens a two-day tribute to Toots. I first heard his talents on display when he whistled in unison with his melodic and inventive improvisational guitar playing, so deeply influenced by Django Reinhardt, on an original Toots composition [a .pdf file], which became his signature tune: "Bluesette" [YouTube link]. So when I was later introduced to his harmonica playing, I was utterly floored by what I heard. (In fact, he played a harmonica rendition of that classic composition in a live harmonica duet with Stevie Wonder [YouTube link]). Whether he was enriching the sounds of a film score ("Midnight Cowboy," "Sugarland Express" [YouTube links]), accompanying such artists as Vanessa Williams and Sting on "Sister Moon" [YouTube link], or conjoining his musical talents with the incomparable Michel Legrand for a lovely rendition of the main theme from the Oscar-winning 1971 Legrand film score for "The Summer of '42" [YouTube link], Toots could play that small instrument with all the dexterity of a jazz saxophonist. Check out his jazz work on such tunes as "Au Privave" [YouTube link] (a live recording with guitarist Joe Pass and pianist Oscar Peterson), "The Days of Wine and Roses" [YouTube link] (with jazz pianist Bill Evans), and "Manha de Carnaval" [YouTube link], from the first of a two-volume collection of melodic, lyrical Brazilian classics. [19 September 2016]
Seven Come Eleven (audio clip at that link and here too) is a classic swing tune performed by the guys who composed it: clarinetist Benny Goodman and guitarist Charlie Christian. I saw Goodman perform this with George Benson too in a great TV jazz concert. Check out another audio clip of fine jazz guitar masters at work: Herb Ellis & Joe Pass. [1 October 2005]
7 Rings features a host of writing credits, but the most important ones are Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Ariana Grande, who took this song to #1 in its first week of release on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent eight non-consecutive weeks (her longest running #1 single to date). The song, featured on her 2019 album, "Thank U, Next," interpolates the classic "Sound of Music" song, "My Favorite Things." If for nothing else, I give kudos to Grande for truly standing on the shoulders of giants in crafting this mega-hit. I'm sure many of her fans don't even know who Rodgers and Hammerstein are (and the Rodgers and Hammerstein estates are getting 90% of the royalties for the song)! And yet, the song is currently the subject of a lawsuit. Rapper DOT (Josh Stone) claims the hook was stolen from his song "I Got It" [YouTube links]. However that turns out, I like the song! Check out the video single, a remixed version featuring rapper 2 Chainz, the Workout Remix and the DJ Linuxis Deep House Remix. The song is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, which takes place tonight. Tune in! [26 January 2019]
Seven Years in Tibet ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, features the melodic cello of Yo Yo Ma. Written for the 1997 film starring Brad Pitt, the score is a sweeping orchestral testament to the composer's remarkable legacy. [5 February 2024]
Sexyback, words and music by Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Nate Hills, and Justin Timberlake, who, with Timbaland, took this song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. From the album "Futuresex/Love Sounds," the hot track merges elements of electronica, dance, R&B, and hip hop. Listen to an audio clip here. Take 'em to the bridge! Take 'em to the chorus! [29 September 2006]
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ("When I'm Sixty-Four"), originally written by Paul McCartney when he was a teenager, first appeared on The Beatles' celebrated 1967 album. It was also featured in the 1978 film of the same name. Check out the original version and the Frankie Howerd film version [YouTube links]. Yesterday, I actually turned 64! I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to all those who sent their well wishes. Much love to my family, friends, and colleagues! Clearly, I know the answer to the questions posed in the lyrics to today’s Song of the Day: "Will you still need me? Will you still feed me? When I’m 64?" Yes! Yes! Yes! And I plan to stick around a lot longer, so stay tuned! [18 February 2024]
The Shadow of Your Smile. This love theme from the film, "The Sandpiper," with haunting music by the great Johnny Mandel and expressive lyrics by P. F. Webster, also has a melodic intro not featured on the soundtrack album. It is sung, beautifully, by Tony Bennett. The film score is pure brilliance: an exercise in melodic voicings and endless permutations of the central theme. Mandel was inspired by the jazz colorings of the great Gil Evans-Miles Davis collaboration, "Sketches of Spain." (A bit of trivia: Mandel arranged for, and played in, the Henry Jerome Orchestra, "where he shared the stand with saxophonists/future Washington power-brokers Alan Greenspan and Leonard Garment—'Lenny was pretty good; Alan is a wonderful guy, but probably the best thing he did in that band was the payroll!'," Mandel once said.) [3 September 2004]
Shadows in the Rain, music and lyrics by Sting, was first performed by Sting and The Police on the album "Zenyatta Mondatta" (audio clip at that link). It was also re-recorded in jazz-fusion style by Sting for his solo album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" (audio clip at that link), with an awesome band that included saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the late pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Daryl Jones, and drummer Omar Hakim. [17 January 2005]
Shake it Off features the words and music of Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift, who recorded this song for her critically acclaimed 2014 best-selling album, "1989." Check out the official video single, the Crysis Remix, Baasik Remix, ARVFZ Remix, Neon NiteClub Remix, and the Electro Remix. What's a Prideful Dance Weekend without a little throwdown between Katy Perry and Taylor Swift? Especially since these two may have finally buried the hatchet---and not in each other's heads! [24 June 2017b]
Shake, Rattle and Roll was composed by Jesse Stone (a.k.a. Charles E. Calhoun) and was recorded first by Big Joe Turner. But it was in 1954 that Bill Haley and His Comets were the first to score a Top Ten Billboard hit with this all-time classic white hot and bluesy track. Check out YouTube for renditions by Big Joe Turner, Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, a live Fats Domino, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Today, NYC was shakin', rattlin', and rollin' in the wake of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake whose epicenter was near Richmond, Virginia. I felt it for sure ... but figured I was having some sort of dizzy spell. [23 August 2011]
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), words and music by Randy Jackson and Michael Jackson, is from a classic Jacksons album, "Destiny." But the "Special Disco Version" remixed by John Luongo (who also remixed "Walk Right Now") as a 1978 12" vinyl release is still, by far, the definitive version of this great dance track. Listen to an audio clip of that remix version here and the original album version here. [3 November 2005]
Shake Your Groove Thing, words and music by Dino Fekaris and Freddie Perren, was a 1978-79 Peaches and Herb hit that made the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Disco chart. This song has made its impact on popular culture, featured in various film and television shows throughout the years. Check out the single version, the album version, and the original 12" remix [YouTube links]. We're beginning an extended "Song of the Day" run that will take us right through July 4th. So no excuses: Shake your groove thing! [29 June 2018]
Shame, words and music by John H. Fitch, Jr. and Reuben Cross, was a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100, R&B, and Dance Club hit for Evelyn "Champagne" King. From her 1977 album, "Smooth Talk," the track became one of her all-time signature songs. Other renditions of the song were recorded, first for the 1994 soundtrack to "A Low Down Dirty Shame," by the soul duo Zhane and then by Kim Wilde in a more faithful-to-the-original 1996 version [YouTube links]. But neither version tops the original, in my view. Check out the original 12" vinyl version of this classic from the Disco era [YouTube link]. [2 September 2018]
Shangri-La, words and music by Carl Sigman, Matty Malneck (an old family friend) and harpist Robert Maxwell, who performs the original instrumental track. Listen to an audio clip of the Maxwell hit, as well as vocal versions by the Four Coins, The Lettermen and The Vogues (hat tip, JR!). [8 May 2006]
, with words and music by Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Kevin Briggs, and Ed Sheeran, who released this as the first song off his 2017 album, "Divide." This song, with its super sensuous lyrics, was #1 for 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, but also reached #1 on 5 other Billboard charts, including its Dance/Club Songs and its Dance/Mix Show Airplay Charts. I've loved this guy's music since the very beginning. But he really impressed me at the Stevie Wonder Tribute Grammy Salute to "Songs in the Key of Life" [YouTube Full Show Clip]. Sheeran did a wonderful take on Stevie's "I Was Made to Love Her" [YouTube link]. And he follows in Stevie's footsteps; he's a talented artist who has mastered the musical technology of the day all in service to the art form. This song starts with the lyric: "The club isn't the best place to find a lover." But club remixers sure have fallen in love with this song, as surely as Sheeran as "fallen in love with your body." Listen to the Galantis Remix, Major Lazer Remix, Decoy! Remix, Joe Maz Remix, DJ Asher Remix, BKAYE remix, Latin Remix (featuring Zion y Lennox), and bvd kult remix. And don't forget the official video, the version featuring Stormzy, the Jimmy Fallon Classroom Instruments Version (with Sheeran and the Roots), and the bare basic crystal-clear acoustic version. [9 July 2017]Sharky's Machine ("High Energy") [YouTube link] was composed by Bob Florence for the jazz-infused soundtrack to this 1981 thriller, directed by and starring Burt Reynolds. Reynolds is sure to be among those mentioned in the "In Memoriam" segment of tomorrow night's broadcast of the Academy Awards. This particular track from the film is performed with blazing heat by the Doc Severinsen Band. [23 February 2019]
Sharky's Machine ("Love Theme"), words and music by Cliff Crofford, John Durrill, Snuff Garrett, and Bobby Troup, appears on the wonderful jazz soundtrack to this action-packed 1981 thriller, directed by and starring Burt Reynolds (in the title role). Reynolds passed away today at the age of 82. The song is delivered in Sassy fashion by Sarah Vaughan. Check out the Divine One on YouTube. RIP, Burt. [6 September 2018]
The Shawshank Redemption ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Thomas Newman of the Newman Movie Music Dynasty. It is derived from one of the most successful film scores of its era. The 1994 film, starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, is an intense, well-crafted, finely acted, and inspiring adaptation of a 1982 Stephen King novella. And it's got the score to match. [25 February 2023]
Sherry, words and music by Bob Gaudio, was recorded by The Four Seasons and became a #1 Hit on this date in 1962 (it was a #1 R&B hit too). And so begins our 10-day tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, which, of course, will also coincide with a change from one season to another. Listen here to an audio clip of this nostalgic hit. Having seen the Tony-winning Best Musical of 2006, "Jersey Boys," I can say that the moments leading up to the performance of this song in that production, and the performance itself, moved me to tears. It's a wonderful pop song in a wonderfully entertaining and poignant musical. [15 September 2006]
She Loves Me ("She Loves Me"), music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, is from the 1963 Broadway musical, which was the third adaptation of the 1937 play, "Parfumerie", following the 1940 film, "The Shop Around the Corner" and the 1949 film musical, "In the Good Old Summertime". The stage musical was revived in 2016 and became the first Broadway show ever to be live-streamed. Tomorrow is the 77th Annual Tony Awards celebrating Broadway excellence. Check out the original Broadway rendition of this song (performed by David Massey), the 2016 revival (performed by Zachary Levi) as well as a popular cover by Jack Jones [YouTube links]. [15 June 2024]
She Works Hard for the Money, words and music by Donna Summer and Michael Omartian, is the title track to Summer's eleventh studio album and her biggest hit in the 1980s. It was also a #1 R&B hit, a huge pop hit in heavy rotation at the birth of New York FM Top 40 station, WHTZ (Z-100), and in heavy music video rotation on the relatively young MTV network. Check out the famed video, the album version, and an Eddie Baez remix [YouTube links]. [21 May 2012]
Shine features the words and music of James ("Jimmy Jam") Harris III and Terry Lewis, with a sample taken from the Chic hit, "My Forbidden Lover," by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The song was recorded by Luther Vandross some years ago, but was not released until recently as part of "The Ultimate Luther Vandross: Special Collector's Edition" (audio clips at that link). While the original mix is good, nothing beats the Freemasons Mix on the Bonus Disc, which weds the Velvet Vandross Voice to a sexy dance beat (audio clip here). This production is Classic Luther. Hearing him in this setting reminds me that he wasn't just a balladeer; his voice jazzed up some of the greatest R&B dance tracks of the past quarter century. Shine on, Luther! [1 December 2006]
Show Girl ("Liza, All the Clouds'll Roll Away"), music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and Gus Kahn, debuted in the 1929 Ziegfeld musical by Ruby Keeler (of later "42nd Street" fame), with stage accompaniment provided by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Keeler's husband, Al Jolson [YouTube link] recorded the song, and is said to have freqently serenaded Ruby with it. And for a trip down memory lane, check out this wonderful instrumental version [YouTube link] by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, featuring the great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and the legendary gyspy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. [9 June 2017]
Show Me Love, words and music by Allan George and Fred McFarlane, was a #1 hit on the Billboard Dance chart for Robin S in 1993. Listen to an audio clip of this house music favorite here. [12 April 2006]
Sicilienne, Op. 78, composed by Gabriel Faure, was written originally as an orchestral piece in 1893, before going through several iterations culminating as part of a suite for full orchestra. Check out the piano and cello duet by Gautier Capucon and Michel Dalberto [YouTube link]. This "Song of the Day" is a preview of what's to come on Notablog. Starting on January 1, 2023, I will begin a month-long tribute to the music of the "Breaking Bad" franchise on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the debut of "Breaking Bad", which premiered on January 20, 2008. This composition is heard in Season 2, Episode 2 ("Cobbler") of BB's triumphant spin-off series, "Better Call Saul". That episode begins with Jimmy's brother Chuck McGill, sitting at the piano, attempting to play this piece [YouTube link]. A month from today, I'll post the first of 31 musical highlights from "Breaking Bad", "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie," and "Better Call Saul". Stay tuned ... [1 December 2022]
Sidewalks of New York, words and music by Charles B. Lawlor and James W. Blake, is one of the great "New York songs" (audio clip at that link). It's particularly fitting today, on the occasion of the running of the New York City Marathon. It's my tribute to all the runners and all the spectators cheering from the "sidewalks of New York." Listen to a Mel Torme audio clip of this classic city song. [6 November 2005]
Sign O' the Times, words and music by Prince, is the title track of his 1987 album. The song sure showed that Prince had his fingers not only on the frets of the guitar, but on the fret of social ills that plague us till this day. Check out the official video on YouTube [3 June 2016]
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours features the words and music of Lee Garrett, Syreeta Wright, Lula Hardaway, and her son, Stevie Wonder, who is today's birthday boy. Listen to an audio clip here, and join us for the next "Twelve Days of Stevie," which will highlight some of my favorite songs from one of my all-time favorite artists. [13 May 2006]
Signs, produced by The Neptunes, sports an abundance of writing credits: C. Broadus, P. Williams, C. Hugo, L. Simmons, R. Taylor, and Charlie Wilson, from the Gap Band, whose vocals are unmistakable on the track. It can be found on Snoop Dogg's album, "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece," and it also includes some Old Skool-influenced falsetto from Justin Timberlake. All in all, it's a funky throwback. Listen to an audio clip here. [3 September 2005]
Silent Night, written originally with German lyrics by Josef Mohr and music by Franz Xaver Gruber, was translated into English by John Freeman Young. It is one of those simple but lovely carols of the season. Take a listen to various versions of the carol here, and then listen to audio clips by Gene Autry, Josh Grobin, and Barbra Streisand. Merry Christmas to Notablog Readers. [25 December 2008]
Silent Running, music and lyrics by Michael Rutherford (formerly of Genesis) and B. A. Robertson, was performed by Mike and the Mechanics. It was featured in the 1986 film "On Dangerous Ground" (also known as "Choke Canyon"). Its stirring lyrics are delivered effectively by lead vocalist Paul Carrack. Listen to an audio clip here. [3 May 2005]
Silver Bells, words and music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, was first heard in the 1951 film, "The Lemon Drop Kid," where it was performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Perry Como, Andy Williams, Stevie Wonder, and the rich, multi-part harmonies of Take 6. [20 December 2006]
Since You Went Away ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Max Steiner, opens the 1944 film, which centers on the American home front during World War II, with a stellar cast that includes Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, and Shirley Temple. The "Golden Age" composer would go on to win the Oscar at the 17th Annual Academy Awards for "Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture" in a field of twenty nominees! Tonight, another composer will win an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards. Tune in and find out who gets the Oscar statuette. [9 February 2020]
Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Cello, Op. 29, composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of the maestro's finest concert works. Listen to audio clips from renditions featuring the great violinist Jascha Heifetz, cellist Richard Bock and violinist Igor Gruppman with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Hungarica. [22 April 2006]
Sing ("Faith"), words and music by Francis Farewell Starlite, Benny Blanco, Ryan Tedder, and Ariana Grande and Stevie Wonder, who duet on this original rockin' jam from the soundtrack to the 2016 animated motion picture, "Sing". Check out the studio version, the music video, and a live performance of this sizzling, gospel-influenced song [YouTube links]. [6 February 2020]
Singin' in the Rain, music by Nacio Herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed, was first heard in the "Hollywood Revue of 1929," but was immortalized in the 1952 film by Gene Kelly. That film, with its classic screenplay by the late great Betty Comden and Adolph Green, is one of Hollywood's grand musicals. Listen to an audio clip from the film here. [19 February 2007]
Singin' in the Rain ("Good Morning"), music by Nacio Herb Brown, lyrics by Arthur Freed, made its debut in the 1939 film "Babes in Arms." But it was made super-famous by the wonderful singing-and-dancing trio of Donald O'Connor, Gene Kelly, and Debbie Reynolds in the great 1952 movie musical "Singin' in the Rain" (and while you're at it, check out the original Garland-Rooney "Babes in Arms" performance) [YouTube links]. Yesterday, I posted a tribute to Carrie Fisher, who died at the age of 60. I have just learned of the death of her 84-year old mom. To have to post, a day later, a tribute to Reynolds, whose many movies and television appearances I so loved (from "The Debbie Reynolds Show" to "Will and Grace," where Reynolds debuted the "Told Ya So" dance [YouTube link]), just goes beyond tragedy. It is almost literally unbelievable to see within a few days, the deaths of celebrities such as Zsa Zsa Gabor, George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and now, Debbie Reynolds. I am greatly saddened. For me, Debbie Reynolds was as "unsinkable" as Molly Brown. RIP, Debbie. [28 December 2016]
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) features the words and music of Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The Dream" Nash, Thaddis Harrell, and Beyonce Knowles, who was born on this date in 1981. The song, from the artist's 2008 album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club chart, spent 7 weeks atop the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and 4 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to win Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song, becoming one of the biggest selling singles of all time. Its black-and-white video won the MTV-VMA Video of the Year, as well as the awards for Best Choreography and Best Editing (that was the year that Kanye West swiped a VMA from Taylor Swift to give it to Beyonce for Best Female Video). It also won Video of the Year honors from BET and the MTV Europe Music Awards, among others. Check out the original video single, the Dave Aude Remix, and several hilarious paradoies: the first by Joe Jonas, another by Charlie Puth, but by far, the best was an absolutely insane SNL skit [Vimeo link], featuring Beyonce with Justin Timberlake, Adam Samberg, Bobby Moynihan, Darryl Hammond, and host Paul Rudd. [4 September 2018]
Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing), perhaps the quintessential Swing-era anthem, has been choreographed on the Broadway stage in wildly different, though equally effective, sensually exquisite, nay, sexy versions, in such musicals as "Contact," "Fosse," and "Swing." And I once heard Maureen McGovern sing it. But there is simply no substitute for the original Benny Goodman 8+ minute instrumental recording of this classic, which featured terrific solos by tenor saxophonist Vido Musso, blazing hot trumpeter Harry James, and the ever-melodic Goodman on clarinet (at the trailblazing 1938 Carnegie Hall concert, pianist Jess Stacy also soloed). Penned by the immortal Louis Prima, and combined, in the Goodman version, with the equally immortal Fletcher Henderson's "Christopher Columbus" (hence my highlighting of it today), this track was powered by the propulsive pulsing drums of Gene Krupa. [11 October 2004a]
Sir Duke, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is a tribute to birthday boy Duke Ellington. Today also happens to be the birthday of my brother, jazz guitarist Carl Barry, who would sometimes perform this little nugget, with my jazz vocalist sister-in-law Joanne, on club dates. Happy Birthday! [29 April 2006]
Sister Moon, written and recorded by Sting, is a sequel of sorts to "Moon Over Bourbon Street." It is another moon song with a nice bluesy feel. Listen to audio clips of Sting solo, a jazzier version featuring Sting with Herbie Hancock, and a sultry take by Vanessa Williams with Sting on background vocals and Toots Thielemans on harmonica. [13 February 2006]
Situation features the words and music of vocalist Alison Moyet and synth player Vince Clarke (who went on to Erasure fame). This duo constituted the Electro pop group Yazoo (or Yaz, as it was known in the US). Listen to an audio clip from the album "Upstairs at Eric's" (at that link) and a sample of the original Francois Kevorkian 12" remix at this link. [29 July 2005]
16/16 [YouTube link], composed by David Grisman, is featured on the 1978 album "Hot Dawg", with a stellar line-up of musicians, including Grisman on lead mandolin, Mike Marshall on rhythm mandolin, Tony Rice on guitar, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Stephane Grappelli on violin. Lilting, melodic, and just sweet ... [4 May 2022]
The Skaters' Waltz (Op. 183), composed by Emile Waldteufel, offers a lovely, graceful theme. Listen to audio clips here and here. [28 October 2005]
Skeletons, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is a funk-filled jam that I dedicate to this season's crop of lying politicians, many of whom have "skeletons in [their] closet, itchin' to come outside." Happy Election Day! Listen to an audio clip here. [8 November 2005]
Skyfall ("Main Title"), words and music by Paul Epworth and Adele Adkins, who performs the song at the opening of this 2012 film, one of the best Bond songs in one of the best Bond films ever. It boasts a fine Oscar-nominated score by Thomas Newman. It has all those sexy, ominous Bond chord changes underlying its melody. And while Daniel Craig is no Sean Connery, he still is Daniel Craig, and, as 007, he faces off with a classic Bond villain in Javier Bardem. And Judi Dench is still wonderful as M and we even have a new Q in Ben Whishaw and a Moneypenny and an Aston Martin. This is a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise, which has its share of Oscar nominations. This song is also nominated in the Best Original Song category. Enjoy the Oscars. And enjoy the song [YouTube link]. [24 February 2013]
Skylark, a Hoagy Carmichael-Johnny Mercer composition, has been sung by Linda Ronstadt, Rosemary Clooney, Diane Reeves, and many others (check out artist-links for sample clips). I also love an instrumental rendition by jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. [28 November 2004]
Skyscraper Blues, music by Gordon Jenkins, lyrics by Tom Adair, is from the 1959 Bennett album, "Hometown, My Town," featuring reflections in song on the city of his birth. The orchestrations of Ralph Burns are wonderful; the big band featuring such jazz artists as tenor saxman Al Cohn, guitarist Al Caiola, and trombonist Billy Byers.Thie more than 7-minute track plays almost like a symphony of changing sounds, moods, and hues, encapsulating the lonely blues and swinging ways that Bennett's New York City can evoke in any individual who might become almost overwhelmed by the greatest skyline, the greatest sights, and the greatest sounds of the greatest city on earth. Check it out on YouTube. [1 August 2016]
Sleigh Ride features the music of Leroy Anderson and the lyrics of Mitchell Parish. Listen to audio clips from various renditions: one of my favorite versions by the Ronettes, and also those by Karen Carpenter, Johnny Mathis, the Ventures, and Leroy Anderson himself. [27 December 2006]
Sleuth ("Theme") [YouTube link], composed by John Addison, opens up the 1972 mystery, the last film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, a dangerous game of daring wits played to perfection by strong Oscar-nominated performances for Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine (both of whom lost to Marlon Brando, who played Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather"). The theme almost sounds circus-like, but it is precisely a circus we watch, albeit the kind that includes the thrilling task of walking a tightrope without a net. [21 February 2014]
Slow it Down is credited to a host of contributors, and when I first heard it, I said to myself that it sounded like a Hall and Oates composition; my musical instincts were spot on, as among its writers, in addition to Charlie Puth, are Daryl Hall, John Oates, and Sara Allen---of "Sara Smile" fame [YouTube link]. The song actually contains an interpolation of the Hall & Oates hit, "I Can't Go For That" [YouTube link]. Check out the album version of this song [YouTube link]. [15 July 2018]
Smash ("Let Me Be Your Star"), words and music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, is the central melodic motif of the NBC show, "Smash." I truly enjoyed Season One (its songs and soundtrack too) and look forward to the next season. This song was heard throughout the series, but was performed in a smashing duet in the pilot episode by Megan Hilty (as character Ivy Lynn) and Katharine McPhee (as character Karen Cartwright). Check out the single from the "Smash" cast album and a version performed by Megan Hilty on New Year's Eve with Carson Daly. The show has already received a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Best Choreography (beating another of my favorite shows: "So You Think You Can Dance") and this song is nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Music and Lyrics. Tonight is a night full of stars on the Primetime Emmy Awards. [23 September 2012]Smash ("Touch Me"), words and music by Ryan Tedder and Brent Kutzle (of OneRepublic), Bonnie McKee and Noel Zancanella, graced "The Coup," one of the episodes from NBC's fine musical series, "Smash." This song, sung by "American Idol" alumnus Katharine McPhee, is a really good dance track. Check out the full song, the Jody Den Broeder Radio Edit, Jump Smokers Extended Mix, and the version seen on the show. [22 September 2012]
Smooth Criminal, words and music by Michael Jackson, was a featured selection on his album, "Bad." The video was cool too. As a DJ back in the '80s, I used to create my own dance-floor packin' house remix of this song by interlacing the "a capella mix" with the Inner City hit, "Big Fun." Listen to an audio clip of the original recording here. [8 September 2006]
Snow, words and music by Irving Berlin, was originally written for the Broadway musical, "Call Me Madam," with the title "Free," but it was eventually dropped, and resurrected with some new lyrics for the 1954 film, "White Christmas." In the film, it is sung by Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen [YouTube link]. My gut instincts tell me that New York City is going to have a lot of that white stuff this winter. But nothing warms the heart more than a little dusting on Christmas Eve, the silence of the night brightened with twinkling Christmas decorations. Right now, it looks like New York City is going to have a mixture of a Wet and slightly White Christmas this year; but that doesn't mean we can't track Santa on NORAD in his global travels! [24 December 2017]
Sober is credited to a host of writers, including The Futuristics, Charlie Puth and rapper G-Eazy, on whose fourth studio album, "The Beautiful & Damned," this portrait in darkness appears. This is not the first rap track on which Puth has been featured; his collaboration with Wiz Khalifa for "See You Again" (from the 2015 film, "Furious 7"), a poignant tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, remains among the most streamed videos of all time (over 3.45 billion streams!). Check out today's unsettling offical video and a dance remix of the track [YouTube links]. [12 July 2018]
The Social Network ("In Motion") [YouTube link] is a dark ambient track composed by Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails fame) and Atticus Ross. It can be heard on the Golden Globe-winning soundtrack for this provocative 2010 film. The soundtrack has also been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score. Check out the 83rd Annual Academy Awards tonight to see all the winners. And so concludes this year's tribute to Movie Music! [27 February 2011]
So Danco Samba (I Only Dance Samba), an Antonio Carlos Jobim-Vinicius De Moraes composition, as sung by Joao Gilberto and played by the remarkable tenor saxophonist Stan Getz. This is lyrical, melodic, swinging bossa nova at its best. Another magnificent track from Getz/Gilberto. [25 October 2004]
Sodom and Gomorrah ("Intermezzo") (audio clip at that link) is a bold cinematic theme written by Miklos Rozsa. Check out the new 100th anniversary special 2-CD edition of this soundtrack! [16 April 2007]
Sodom and Gomorrah ("Lot's Mission" / "Epilogue") (audio clip at that link), composed by Miklos Rozsa, is featured on the soundtrack to the 1962 film. Check out an additional clip from the soundtrack here. [17 April 2006]
So Emotional, words and music by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, was a #1 dance hit from Whitney Houston's second album. Check out the official music video, the original 12" extended remix, the David Morales Club Mix, the mammoth 11+ minute David Morales Emotional Club Mix (from "Whitney: The Unreleased Mixes") and a mash-up with "Black or White," by the late Michael Jackson. This was a memorable track that I mixed and remixed at weddings, engagement parties, bar mitzvahs and class reunions, when I was a mobile DJ, or, uh, "Dr. DJ," as they used to call me. "Ain't it shocking what love can do." [2 March 2012]
Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, music by Sigmund Romberg, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, debuted as part of the 1928 Broadway musical, "The New Moon." It has been performed by many artists, including Mario Lanza and Angelique Beauvance (listen to audio clips at the links), and, my favorite version, by jazz guitarist Chuck Wayne on his magnificent album, "Tapestry." [10 June 2005]
Soldier in the Rain ("Love Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, is one of the maestro's most beautifully orchestrated film themes. It can be heard in this 1960 film starring Jackie Gleason and Steve McQueen, an unlikely pair, indeed. Adapted from the William Goldman novel by Blake Edwards and Maurice Richlin, the film has a lot to say about the special bonds of friendship that can be forged between folks who often march to a different beat. Today begins a two-day appreciation for Mancini's melodic movie music. [12 February 2019]
Solitude, words and music by Eddie DeLange and Duke Ellington, has a title perfectly matching its melody. Listen to audio clips (at artist links) of versions by the Duke, the Duke with Charles Mingus and Max Roach, Ella and Joe Pass (a 1976 Grammy winner), Stephane Grappelli, classical pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and a midtempo treatment by pianist McCoy Tyner. [7 December 2005]
So Many Stars, words and music by Sergio Mendes and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is a lovely ballad featured on the Brasil 66 album, "Look Around" (audio clip at that link). [19 June 2006]
So Many Tears, words and music by Z. Mark and O. Oestricher, originally appeared on Regina Belle's album "All By Myself" (audio clip at that link). Listen also to an alternative audio clip of this R&B track here, featuring a jazzy saxophone in its opening bars. [20 June 2006]
Somebody Told Me features the music, lyrics, and performance of The Killers. Post-punk, retro new wave... whatever you call it, this combination of guitar, synths, and beats is irresistible. Go here to listen to an audio clip and to watch a video clip. Check out too the audio clip featured for the album "Hot Fuss." [19 September 2005]
Someone to Light Up My Life (Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Voce), words and music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gene Lees, Vinicius De Moraes, has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips of versions by Sinatra and Jobim and Nancy Ames with guitarist Laurindo Almeida. [27 April 2006]
Somebody to Love, composed by Darby Slick, was performed by Jefferson Airplane. It is one of my favorite 60s-era rock tracks. Listen to the sounds of lead singer Grace Slick in an audio clip here. [3 May 2005]
Somebody to Love, composed by Heather Bright, The Stereotypes, and Justin Bieber, was recorded by Bieber for his album, My World 2.0. My favorite version of the pop dance hit is the "remix," performed by Bieber, with a great assist from his mentor, Usher. The "official video" is on YouTube (and JB gets 2.0 points for wearing a Yankees cap in the video). [11 August 2011]
Somebody Up There Likes Me ("Title Track"), music by Bronsilau Kaper
, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, opens this 1956 film about the life of Brooklyn-born middleweight boxer, Rocky Graziano, played by Paul Newman. This is the first of two back-to-back years that Paul Newman starred in films directed by Robert Wise, with a title song whose lyrics were written by Sammy Cahn! (We'll check out the second of these collaborations tomorrow!) Perry Como sings this song over the opening and closing credits to the film [YouTube links]. [27 February 2020]Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ("Someday My Prince Will Come"), words by Larry Morey, music by Frank Churchill, was first heard in this classic Walt Disney 1937 film. The original version featured in the film is sung by Adriana Caselotti [YouTube link]. While this movie and a promised 2025 reboot have had their share of controversy, this timeless song has become a part of the Great American Songbook. It has been covered by scores of artists, including Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea, among jazz instrumentalists, and singers as varied as Barbra Streisand and Sinead O'Connor (in a duet with Andy Rourke) [YouTube links]. Today marks the beginning of my 20th consecutive year celebrating cinematic music in all its hues. I'll be featuring a few additional songs from the Disney library, along with other original or adapted songs and themes from memorable film soundtracks and scores. [1 February 2024]
Some Like It Hot ("I'm Through with Love") is a 1931 gem with music by Matty Malnek (a long-time family friend back in the day) and Joseph "Fud" Livingston, lyrics by Gus Kahn, but it was popularized by Marilyn Monroe, who was terrific in this Billy Wilder 1959 classic comedy. The film featured Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon running around in drag, to escape the Mob, for having witnessed the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre (speaking of Valentine's Day!). The mobster, "Spats" Colombo, is played to the hilt by George Raft. It is just one of the funniest comedies to have ever been committed to celluloid (#1 on the AFI list). This song is delivered with memorable heartbreak by Marilyn [YouTube film link]. [16 February 2015]
Someone to Watch Over Me, music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, respectively, was written for the Broadway musical, "Oh, Kay!" One of my favorite renditions of this great American standard is by Barbra Streisand from her album "My Name is Barbra." Listen to an audio clip here. [20 April 2005]
Somethin' Stupid, words and music by C. Carson Parks, is a duet with Frank and his daughter Nancy Sinatra. It appears on the 1967 album, "The World We Knew." It is also featured on Disc 4 of "Ultimate Sinatra." This song sung between two lovers hit Number One on the Bilboard Hot 100 singles chart, a near-miraculous occurrence in the rock era, perhaps helped a bit by Top 40 DJs who insisted on calling it "The Incest Song." But in truth, Sinatra scored 209 hits on Billboard's pop singles chart; 127 of these made the Top 20, 70 of these made the Top 10, and 10 of them peaked at Number One. As I pointed out back in July 2015, Sinatra actually was featured on the first #1 single ever recorded for the first national Billboard chart in 1940. He hit #1 again with "There Are Such Things" in 1942; "In the Blue of the Evening" in 1943; "All or Nothing at All" in 1944; "Five Minutes More" in 1946; and "Mam'sele" [YouTube links] (from the 1947 film, "The Razor's Edge"). But only two additional Number Ones came to Sinatra in the post-1958 "rock era" of the Hot 100 chart: "Strangers in the Night" in 1966 and this sweet duet in 1967 [YouTube link]. [9 December 2015]
Something's Gotta Give, words and music by Johnny Mercer, was first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1955 musical "Daddy Long Legs." Among the many other renditions of this song is Frank Sinatra's, which can be found on his 1959 album, "Come Dance with Me!" (and also on Disc 3 of "Ultimate Sinatra"). The 1959 album, which spent two-and-a-half years on the Billboard chart, is the second of a trilogy of Capitol albums arranged by Billy May, preceded by the iconic "Come Fly with Me" (1958) and followed by "Come Swing with Me!". Mercer's lyrics are just wonderful, but Sinatra's ad-libbed, "Awe, let's tear it up," at the end -- just classic Blue Eyes Magic. This Sinatra rendition was later featured in the 37 minutes of film of the same name that survived, but was abandoned when its star, Marilyn Monroe, passed away, tragically. Check out Sinatra, with that fabulous Billy May arrangement [YouTube link]. In the light of yesterday's tragic shootings in San Bernadino, California, not too far from where members of my family live and work, I prefaced todays' "Song of the Day" announcement on Facebook, with the following message: "So much is going on in the world around us that is tragic. And yet, I move forward with today's Sinatra Centenary "Song of the Day": "Something's Gotta Give." It's an idiomatic expression that there is just no 'give-and-take' between an "irresistible force" and an "immovable object," bless Johnny Mercer. Well, folks, Sinatra sings this one with joy and swagger; Billy May's arrangment is pure swinging bliss. But if I May, at some point, in this world of tragedies, indeed, "Something's Gotta Give." The day we stop enjoying music, and its cathartic grace, is the day we stop enjoying life. In that spirit, celebrate life and enjoy the music." [3 December 2015]
Somewhere in Time, a poignant John Barry-penned theme (with lyrics), from the film of the same name. I add this extra song in memory of "Superman" Christopher Reeve, who starred in the film with Jane Seymour, and who passed away yesterday at the age of 52. [11 October 2004b]
Somewhere in Time ("Super Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Barry, concludes our mini-Barry tribute, while kicking off a double-dose of romantic film scores en route to Valentine's Day. This lush, achingly beautiful soundtrack suite for the 1980 film, starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer, remains one of Barry's finest achievements. [13 February 2022]
Song for My Father, written and performed by hard-bop pianist Horace Silver, is perfectly appropriate for all the fathers out there, to whom I wish a Happy Father's Day. And listen here to an audio clip of this ever-quotable track (hope you enjoy this one, Peri!). [18 June 2006]
A Song for You, words and music by Leon Russell, has been recorded by countless artists. Listen to audio clips from renditions by Leon Russell himself, Carmen McRae, the Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, the Temptations, Donny Hathaway (Elliot Yamin sure was influenced by him), and, my favorite recent recording, by Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock. [17 December 2007]
The Song is You, music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is from the 1932 Broadway musical, "Music in the Air." It was also featured in the 1934 film version with Gloria Swanson. It has been recorded by vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey and guitarist Chuck Wayne, whose fleet-of-finger jazz version I like best (audio clips at those links). [15 July 2005]
The Song of Bernadette ("Prelude"), composed by Alfred Newman, opens the reverential 1943 film, starring Jennifer Jones, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Bernadette Soubirous, who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. The opening theme has hints of Newman's later theme for "The Robe." Check out the film on YouTube, especially the opening minute or so, where this lovely theme is first heard. Newman won the Oscar for Best Original Score for this soundtrack. [27 December 2012]
Song of India, composed by Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov, with English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, has been recorded in countless versions. Though a lovely orchestral piece, it was also a hit for Mario Lanza and became a great Big Band hit for Tommy Dorsey (audio clips at those links). [3 April 2006]
So Nice (Summer Samba) features the music of Marcos Valle and the lyrics of Paulo Sergio Valle (audio clip of the original Portuguese lyrics at that link) and Norman Gimbel (writer of the English lyrics). So nice to hear this on the day of the Summer Solstice, which arrives this morning. Listen to audio clips of this lovely tune by Nancy Ames and a famous organ rendering by Walter Wanderley. [21 June 2006]
Son of Frankenstein ("Main Title"), composed by Frank Skinner, is from the third film in the Universal Studios Series of Frankenstein films. The first two, "Frankenstein" (1931) and "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935), directed by James Whale, were followed by this 1939 film, the last in which Boris Karloff played the role of the Monster---and the first to feature the character Ygor, played by Bela Lugosi (famous, of course, for his "Dracula" role in both the 1927 Broadway adaptation and 1931 film versions of the Bram Stoker novel). Skinner had a wide range of scores to his credit, from "Saboteur" to the Douglas Sirk classics, "All that Heaven Allows" and "Imitation of Life," but he is especially noted for contributing to the definitive soundtracks for several Universal Monster Movies, including "The Wolf Man," "The Invisible Man Returns," and that ultimate horror-comedic hybrid, "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein." [18 February 2017]
Son of Kong ("Runaway Blues"), music and orchestrations by Max Steiner, William T. Stromberg, and John Morgan, and lyrics by the uncredited Edward Eliscu, is sung by Helen Mack, in a hilarious scene in this 1933 sequel to the iconic Great Ape film, "King Kong." Carl Denham (played by Robert Armstrong) and Captain Englehorn (played by Frank Reicher) ship off from New York City to avoid the onslaught of lawsuits being readied to cash-in on the destruction wrought by King Kong, shot down from atop the Empire State Building. Denam tells Englehorn that Nils Helstrom, from whom he got the map of the prehistoric Skull Island, hinted that there was a treasure on the island. While en route, Denam and Englehorn stop off in the Dutch port of Dakang, and check out the local show, featuring performing monkeys and Hilda, who sings this song. "She's got something," Denam says to Englehorn. "Well it certainly isn't a voice." You be the judge; check it out on YouTube, along with this expanded version, which includes three variations (though the film here has been colorized! For shame!). The film has an awfully unnecessarily tragic ending, but cannot be overlooked due to the superb Steiner score, which expands on many of the themes first established by Steiner in "King Kong" (and let's not forget that Steiner scored the 1949 film version of The Fountainhead). The film features great stop motion animation by the legendary Willis O'Brien. This is the only film I could think of that encapsulates two of the chief themes of the day: "Runaway Blues," the perennial song of the Groundhog who can't wait to run back into his burrow, less he face the blues of six more weeks of winter (and it's official: for Puncsutwaney Phil, "There is no shadow to be cast, an early spring is my forecast"; and Staten Island Chuck, who once took a chunk out of former Mayor Bloomberg's finger, and who remains the champ of correct forecasting, agrees with Phil completely: Expect an early spring.) All the better if you want to see The City clearly from atop the Empire State Building. In that grand Art Deco masterpiece of a building, there was once housed the Nathaniel Branden Institute, which, for years, had been publishing and disseminating the philosophy of Ayn Rand, who was born on this date in 1905. [2 February 2015]
Sophie's Choice ("Love Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Marvin Hamlisch, is a soft, loving theme that cushions the blow of an utterly devastating film. I only saw this film about a year ago, and was deeply affected by the horrors it depicts during the years of the Nazi holocaust. Without referring to the "choice" that Sophie must make in the film, I can say that it reminded me of Ayn Rand's novel, We the Living, which depicts the horrors of Soviet communism, in one important sense: the insanity of totalitarian political systems that allow no choices except among forms of death and decay. It is all the more fitting to remember that nightmare on this day, which is a "day of remembrance" for those who were the subject of Executive Order 9066, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, allowing the deportation of Japanese Americans to internment camps within the United States during World War II. Ironically, it was film that first made me aware of those camps, when I first saw "Hell to Eternity," as a child, a 1960 movie with Jeffrey Hunter (who played Christ in the 1961 film, "King of Kings") and David Janssen (who was "The Fugitive" in that remarkable television series of the 1960s). Those camps certainly were not extermination camps, but they are a symbol of what happens during wartime, when individual rights are abrogated both at home and abroad. In any event, the 1982 film gave Meryl Streep a much-deserved Oscar award for Best Actress, and Hamlisch received a much-deserved nomination for Best Original Score, losing out to the iconic John Williams score for "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." It is difficult to find a moment of joy or laughter in films of this nature, but I will never forget Sophie's admiration of Stingo's seersucker jacket [YouTube link]. The film's house was situated in Brooklyn, New York, and it stands still on Rugby Road in Flatbush. [19 February 2016]
Sophisticated Lady features the words and music of Mitchell Parish, Irving Mills, and Duke Ellington. The Duke recorded this classic song many times; listen to audio clips here and here. Touching and tender, it has also been recorded by countless vocalists. Listen to audio clips from Ella and Sassy. And for jazz guitar fans, check out clips from Johnny Smith and Joe Pass. [5 December 2005]
S.O.S., Fire in the Sky [audio clip at that link], music by Rick Suchow, lyrics by Suchow and Alan Palanker, is one of my favorite 80s dance tracks. It is featured on Deodato's "Motion" album, but I love a superior extended Disconet mix by Victor Flores (on volume 7) that jammed the dance floors back in the day when I was doing mobile DJ work. A lot of fun. [2 March 2005]
SOS (Rescue Me) features the words and music of Jonathan Rotem, E. Kidd Bogart, and Ed Cobb, whose "Tainted Love" is generously sampled. Listen to an audio clip of this huge dance-pop hit for Rihanna. [10 July 2006]
The "S.O.S. III" SOLAR Disconet Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Robert F. Gregory, Fernando Fernandez, and Jose Crep Nunez, features the soulful "Sound of Los Angeles" (from which the SOLAR record label created its acronym). This medley offers some of the best R&B dance music of its era from such groups as Shalamar, Dynasty, The Whispers, Lakeside, and Midnight Star. I digitized this one from my own vinyl copy and posted it on YouTube, uploaded for the sole purpose of entertainment with no copyright infringement intended. The featured songs are among some of my---and my sister's---all-time favorites ... and it's in her honor that I post this medley today. A happy and a healthy birthday to My Sister, My Friend---and many more to come! Despite some health setbacks this past year, my sister ("Ms. Ski" to all her former students!) still has that fascinating rhythm, and she'll be back on that dancefloor in no time! (And another Tip o' the Hat to our dear Ryan Neugebauer for his YouTube Tech Tips in getting this medley up!) [2 September 2021]
The Sorrows of Young Apollo, music and lyrics by Karen Michalson and Bill Michalson, is performed by Point of Ares. My dear friend Karen provides the vocals for this post-prog title, the beginning of a hard-edged rock odyssey. Listen to an all-too brief audio clip here. [24 April 2005]
Soul ("Born to Play") [YouTube link], composed by Jon Batiste, is just one of the many swinging tracks from this 2020 Disney-Pixar animated film. The original motion picture soundtrack features ambient, new age selections by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails fame. "Music From and Inspired by Soul," on which this piece can be found, was released on vinyl, with jazz compositions and arrangements by Batiste. It's a fun film with a kaleidoscope of musical sounds. [15 February 2021]
The Sound of Music ("Do-Re-Mi"), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, truly "start[s] at the very beginning," as Maria teaches the basic building blocks of music to the Von Trapp kids in the wonderful 1965 film. Check out the full version of this delightful song from the beloved film on YouTube. [3 March 2015]
The Sound of Music ("Edelweiss"), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is the one song in this splended film that sounds as if it is a genuine folk song. It is sung by Captain von Trapp toward the close of the film, near the end of a concert sequence that unites the audience through Austrian cultural solidarity, in the ominous shadows of the Anschluss, the Nazi annexation of Austria. The Captain is to be forcibly enlisted into the naval ranks of the Third Reich. So this song is performed by actor Christopher Plummer with both poignance and defiance. He nearly loses his voice as he chokes back tears, but the Von Trapp Family Singers join him, for they are planning to escape to freedom at the conclusion of the Salzburg Festival talent competition. Still, this song, named after the white flower found in the Austrian Alps, has all the sound of a folk culture that the Nazis must crush. At the young age of five years old, I initially resisted seeing this movie that everybody was talking about. Who wants to go see some silly musical event with a mob? Even then, I was exhibiting an individualistic interest in history and politics, rather than Broadway show tunes! But I went to the Highway Theater in Brooklyn, grudgingly, and the songs and performances slowly carressed me. Entertainment morphed into an historical narrative of the growing Nazi threat, on the precipice of World War II. I was hooked. I've been in love with this film, and this song, ever since. Check it out on YouTube. [5 March 2015]So What? (audio clip at that link), composed and recorded by Miles Davis for the great "Kind of Blue" album, is my tribute to his induction, next week, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf Astoria. Yes, he had his influential forays into jazz-rock fusion; but, for me, this classic track and the album on which it appears are among his most timeless recordings. [9 March 2006]
So What the Fuss?, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is from his newly released album: "A Time 2 Love" (audio clip at that link). I've been waiting for this album for a long time. Funky and socially conscious, this song has that Stevie sound, along with Prince on guitar and En Vogue providing background vocals. [18 October 2005]
Spain is a Chick Corea composition that, in its introduction, makes use of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez. Aside from the famous Return to Forever version (from the album "Light as a Feather," audio clip at that link), Corea has recorded the song many times, including a version with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring his group Origin, and in separate duets with Bobby McFerrin and Gonzalo Rubalcaba on "Rendezvous in New York" (audio clips at that link). Listen to an audio clip of that Grammy-winning instrumental arrangement for "Sextet and Orchestra" here. Today is Chick's birthday. No better time than now to kick off a few days of favorite Chick tracks. Happy birthday, Chick! [12 June 2005]
Spank, words and music by Ronald L. Smith, was recorded by Jimmy "Bo" Horne. It was one of a multitude of classic dance tracks mixed to perfection during the XX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Torino, Italy last night. Leave it to my Italian paisans to stage a "Parade of Nations" as if it were one huge disco party. And many of the featured songs can be found on my list of favorites, including today's pick, a huge dance hit from 1979. Listen to audio clips of the irresistible original version and a remixed version as well. [11 February 2006]
Spartacus ("Hopeful Preparations"/"Vesuvius Camp") [audio clip at that link] is featured in the Alex North soundtrack masterpiece from the inspiring and thrilling 1960 film, starring Kirk Douglas in the title role. This particular track is part of a new and absolutely stupendous deluxe CD soundtrack released by Varese Sarabande, in centenary celebration of North (who was born on 4 December 1910). The deluxe set also includes a poignant CD featuring timeless interpretations of the classic love theme, with artists as diverse as Bill Evans and Carlos Santana. [20 February 2011]
Spartacus ("Love Theme"), composed by Alex North, kicks off what I call "Film Music February," in honor of the upcoming Academy Awards. This haunting theme was featured in the 1960 sword-and-sandals epic film. Listen to audio clips: here, from the soundtrack; here, performed sensitively by jazz pianist Bill Evans; here, performed by French classical pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet (in a tribute album, "Conversations with Bill Evans"); and here, where you can download the full track of a version by jazz violinist Joe Venuti. [1 February 2005]
Spartacus ("Overture") [YouTube link], composed by Alex North, is featured on this day, the 100th birthday of the very much alive actor, Kirk Douglas. From his starring roles in such movies as "Champion," Lust for Life," and "The Bad and the Beautiful" (all for which he received Oscar nominations in the category of Best Actor) to "Paths of Glory" and his seven films with Burt Lancaster (including "Seven Days in May"), Douglas has been Hollywood royalty for decades. He was awarded an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement [YouTube link]. But there are few films that capture his grit at its most heroic than the Stanley Kubrick-directed 1960 blockbuster, "Spartacus." Happy birthday to the "Young Man with a Horn." And instead of singing Happy Birthday, I'd like to stand up and say: "I'm Spartacus." [YouTube link]. [9 December 2016]
Speak Low (When You Speak Love), music by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ogden Nash, was featured in the original 1943 Broadway musical, "One Touch of Venus" (listen here to an audio clip from the original cast album, starring Mary Martin). The theme was omnipresent in the hilarious 1948 film version, starring Ava Gardner. Listen to an audio clip of a Barbra Streisand rendition here. [5 June 2005]
Speed, words and music by Billy Idol and Steve Stevens, is the title theme of a 1994 thriller, starring Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, and Sandra Bullock. This hard-rocking song is classic Idol, a perfect match for a hard-rocking film. Check out the official video (featuring some scenes from the film) as we kick Film Music February into high gear! [1 February 2018]
Speed Demon features the words and music of Michael Jackson, who was born sixty years ago on this date in 1958. This track from Jackson's 1987 album, "Bad," was never released as a single, but it is memorable for its funk-rock music video, featured on the artist's "Moonwalker" 1988 video anthology. Check out the album version, the fun video with its cool animation, the Extended Alternate Mix, the Dilemmachine Edit, the DMC Remix, and the Nero Remix included on the 25th anniversary edition of "Bad" [YouTube links]. The song has even been covered by British heavy metal band Xerath [YouTube link]. [29 August 2018]
Spellbound ("Concerto"), music by Miklos Rozsa, is among the composer's finest film noir contributions, written for the 1945 Hitchcock film, starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman, and featuring Salvador Dali sets for its famous dream sequence. Rozsa's original theme is stated in the film by the theremin; an alternative audio clip is from the piano concerto. [24 February 2005]
Spice of Life features the words and music of Derek Bremble and Rod Temperton, who has had many hits with Michael Jackson. Recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, this song was a Top 40 hit on both the pop and R&B charts, from the group's 1983 album "Bodies and Souls." It features a sweet harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. Check out the track on YouTube. Today is a day of many spices giving life to so many wonderful foods on the plates of so many family members and friends who survived Hurricane Sandy in the tri-state area. We embrace our countless blessings on this robust Thanksgiving especially, a celebration of the spice of life. [22 November 2012]
Spider-Man (audio clip at that link), composed by F. Harris, S. Phillips, and D. Kapross, was one of my favorite themes, comics, and cartoons when I was a kid. I really love the jazzy Michael Buble version too, which was heard over the closing credits of the hit 2004 film, "Spider-Man 2." But the only version I can find on the web is an audio clip of a hot Ralphi Rosario "Black Widow" Unreleased Mix. [29 August 2006]
Spinning Wheel was written by the Canadian lead vocalist David Clayton-Thomas of that quintessential jazz-rock hybrid band, Blood, Sweat, & Tears. The song's studio version peaked at #2 in 1969 [YouTube link]; it was from the group's eponymous album "Blood, Sweat, & Tears," which won the 1970 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. They stretched out in their performance of the song at the Woodstock Festival [YouTube link] in the wee hours of this very day, fifty years ago. [18 August 2019]
Spirit, music, lyrics, and performance by Bauhaus, first appeared on the album, "The Sky's Gone Out" (audio clip at that link). A music video of the song is included on the video compilation, "Shadow of Light" (video clip on YouTube). But my favorite renditions, capped by the energetic performances of Peter Murphy, are those featured on "Gotham" (audio clip at that link) and the guitar-laced, percussive version from 1982 at the Old Vic, in London, featured under the title of "We Love Our Audience" on "Archive" (video clip on YouTube). "Shadow of Light" and "Archive" were coupled as a 2005 DVD release. "Strip your feet of lead my friend ... Lift your heart with soaring song ... Change the lows to highs ..." Happy anniversary, Sweetie! [ 5 July 2007]
Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, music by Thomas J. Wolf, Jr., lyrics by Frances Landesman, has been performed elegantly by Ella Fitzgerald (audio clip at that link) and so many other singers. [21 March 2005]
Spring is Here, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is from the 1938 Broadway show, "I Married An Angel." A season of hope gives way to such despair in song. Check out audio clips from the cast recording, and heartbreaking renditions as well from Frank Sinatra and Carly Simon. And listen to this audio clip featuring cabaret performer Bobby Short, who passed away the other day, with the arrival of Spring. [23 March 2005]
The Spy Who Loved Me ("Nobody Does It Better," Main Title), music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, was recorded by Carly Simon and was the theme song for the 1977 Roger Moore Bond flick. Check out the YouTube clip featuring the opening credit sequence. [8 February 2011]
Square Biz was written by Allen McGrier and R&B singer Teena Marie, the "ivory queen of soul," who passed away on 26 December 2010. Check out this funky gem on YouTube. [14 January 2011]
Stairway to the Stars, music by violinist Matty Malneck and pianist Frank Signorelli (a friend of my family), lyrics by Mitchell Parish, was originally composed for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra for a larger work entitled "Park Avenue Fantasy." Parish's lyrics were added later and sung by such greats as Dinah Washington (audio clip featured on the soundtrack for the Steven Spielberg miniseries, "Taken") and Ella Fitzgerald. The theme is also featured as background music for the romantic scenes between Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis (who does his best Cary Grant imitation) in the riotous Billy Wilder-directed 1959 film, "Some Like It Hot." [8 March 2005]
I introduced this song and essay on
Facebook with the following preface: Whatever your social, religious,
philosophical, or
cultural views, if you embrace the basic principles embodied in this country's
"Declaration of Independence"---and its enunciation of the individual's rights
to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness---then it is time to take a
"Stand" for
Stonewall on its Fiftieth Anniversary. Indeed, as the
lyrics to today's song of the day state: "Stand! You've been sitting much too
long. There's a permanent crease in your right and wrong." Check it out:
Stand!, words and music by
Sly Stone, was recorded by
Sly and the
Family Stone in 1969. This was the
title song to the
group's fourth studio album
and was the last song they played on their set list at
Woodstock---this
year's first bona fide
Woodstock Golden Anniversary
moment,
the theme of our 2019 Summer Music Festival. It was also a song that was featured on
the jukebox of the
Stonewall Inn, which
in the wee hours of this very day,
fifty years ago, was
raided for the
umpteenth time by the New York City Police Department. Perhaps the police didn't get
the payola they expected from the Mafia-owners of the bar, since bars that
served alcohol to people engaging in "disorderly conduct" (code for
simply being gay) would be
denied a liquor license in New York City. But this time, the patrons
had had enough; they were, indeed, 'mad as hell and not going
to take this anymore' [YouTube link]. They pushed back, rioted, and fought
for six days in a siege against political oppression---giving birth to the
modern gay liberation
movement.
For those who are
uncomfortable with this whole subject, as if it
were some "leftist" expression of "identity
politics," we need
to make one thing perfectly clear (a phrase often attributed to President
Richard Nixon, who
took the White House fifty years ago this year): Both "liberals" (going
all the way back to the policies of FDR) and "conservatives" (of both the
McCarthyite and
religious right variety) have played a part in crafting repressive laws in
the United States aimed at crushing homosexuality. It is neither our job nor our responsibility to
change the minds of those who find "alternative lifestyles" repugnant or
who believe that
same-sex relationships are a sign of "sickness" or "sin". Whatever one's cultural,
religious, philosophical, or political
views, it all comes down to liberty. If one values human liberty, one must recognize that state-sponsored
terrorism against individuals---simply because of who they love or how they love---continues to
this day across the world. Seventy countries still maintain laws that make it
illegal to engage in same-sex sexual activity, and so-called "leftist" regimes
have been among the most repressive, in this regard. Whether in the name of
politics or religion, these countries have used imprisonment, flogging, and
torture to punish those who are different, and
in ten countries,
execution---by stoning, hanging, beheading, or being thrown off buildings---is government policy,
legitimized by various states' interpretations of
Islamic law. The
battle cry of
Stonewall is as prescient today as it was fifty years ago. Indeed, "eternal
vigilance is the price of liberty." And those who
value liberty need to embrace a future in which the
Rainbow Railroad [CBS News link] is no longer required to save those who are
being persecuted in other countries for their sexual orientation.
In the United States, there were heroes in the battle for individual rights
prior to Stonewall, who fought government entrapment and discrimination
against "the
love that dare not speak its name"---going all the way back to the 1920s,
with the
Society for Human Rights and into the 1950s, with organizations such as the
Daughters of
Bilitis, the
Mattachine Society, and, among individuals, the courageous
Frank Kameny, who
challenged "The Lavender
Scare" [PBS video link].
But the significance
of the Stonewall Uprising by a group of individuals who were too often
marginalized and brutalized by the police, the courts, and the culture-at-large is that, in its
fundamental premises, it was based upon a sacrosanct libertarian
principle: that every human being, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, race,
or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection under the law, a right to
life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, without infringement by
the coercive, oppressive tools used by municipal, state, and federal
governmental institutions. This month, New York City's
Police Commissioner James O'Neill apologized for the NYPD's actions fifty years
ago at
the Stonewall. This was no mere nod to "political correctness." The
commissioner recognized that "[t]he actions taken by the NYPD were wrong, plain
and simple. The actions were discriminatory and oppressive and for that I
apologize."
Even the New York Yankees unveiled a plaque in Monument Park to
commemorate this date in history.
We can listen to the lyrics
of today's song as an expression of the libertarian spirit of the
Stonewall Rebellion: "Stand! There's a cross for you to bear. Things
to go through if you're going anywhere. Stand! For the things you know are
right. It's the truth that the truth makes them so uptight. ... Stand! You've been
sitting much too long. There's a permanent crease in your right and wrong. ...
Stand! They will try to make you crawl. And they know what you're saying makes
sense and all. Stand! Don't you know that you are free. Well at least in your
mind if you want to be. ... Stand! Stand! Stand!" I stand in solidarity
with those brave men and women who fought for
their rights half-a-century ago on this day. Check out
the album version of this
song and its energetic
performance by the group at Woodstock [YouTube
link]. [Ed.:
Justin Raimondo, Outlaw, RIP. Justin lost his battle with lung cancer and
has died at the age of 67. I knew JR from way back when---going all the way back
to when he wrote that monograph for
Students for a Libertarian Society, "In
Praise of Outlaws: Rebuilding Gay Liberation," which saw Stonewall and the
rise of the gay liberation movement as a distinctively libertarian event. And he
was right. A lightening rod for many people,
antiwar.com was his passion, and though we had our disagreements through the
years, he was always fighting against the policy of "perpetual war for perpetual
peace." For additional comments on this entry, see
Notablog.] [28 June 2019]
Stand Back was written and recorded by Stevie Nicks for her second solo studio album, "The Wild Heart" (1983). In 1998, she entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. This year, she is honored for her solo work. Check out the song's official video and its "Disco Purrfection Version" [YouTube links]. [25 March 2019]
Stardust, a 1920s-era gem, lyrics by Mitchell Parish, music by Hoagy Carmichael, is one of the most recorded songs in music history. Even a 1940 film took its title. Written at a time when introductions to songs were as melodic and inspiring as the songs themselves, this one charted for decades in many terrific versions. But I still have a soft spot in my heart for a 1957 take by Billy Ward and The Dominoes. [15 September 2004]
Stars and Stripes Forever (audio clips at that link), composed by the "March King," John Philip Sousa, is one of those rousing compositions that one hears on Independence Day. I can't think of this day without fireworks and this American staple. Have a safe and happy holiday! [4 July 2006]
The Star-Spangled Banner features lyrics taken from an 1814 poem by Francis Scott Key, "Defence of Fort M'Henry," written during the War of 1812, with music based on a popular British drinking song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a men's social club for amateur musicians. In truth, my personal all-time favorite "patriotic" song remains "America the Beautiful" (especially as delivered by the great Ray Charles [YouTube link]). Quite apart from the controversies that have surrounded the U.S. national anthem over the years (and to all my 'anarchist' friends, chill a moment!)---from those who claim that one of its rarely sung stanzas expresses racist content to those who have taken to kneeling during its presentation prior to sports events---I have marvelled at the way it has been performed by some of the most diverse artists through the years, including Yankee stadium stalwart, the late opera singer Robert Merrill, the late Whitney Houston [YouTube links], who delivered a heartfelt rendition at the 1991 Super Bowl XXV, and the "controversial" Latin-tinged, acoustic version performed in Detroit in Game 5 of the 1968 World Series by Jose Feliciano [YouTube link]. His version became the first recorded rendition of the anthem that ever charted on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at #50; Whitney's version peaked at #20). But in keeping with the theme of our 2019 Summer Music Festival, there remains one truly electrifying instrumental rendition of the anthem by rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who performed as the last artist to appear at Woodstock [YouTube link]. To some, this performance was a sacrilege; to others, it was a sign of the turbulent and violent era to which it spoke. Hendrix actually plays a couple of notes from 'Taps' to drive home the point of a nation at war abroad---and at home. Nearly all the critical commentators on the event have viewed this as the most iconic performance of the four-day festival. It reflects both the fireworks of its time and, in a twist of irony, the fireworks set off on this day in 1776 when American rebels, whatever their own flaws, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, in declaring their independence from the British Empire. A Happy and Safe Independence Day to all! [Ed. from Facebook: Context: I'm a native Brooklynite and a lover of film scores.Having been on the Brooklyn Promenade back in 1983, when there was a fireworks display to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, I thought I'd never see a better fireworks display. But the Macy's Fireworks display tonight, which focused its attention on NYC's East River and the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the world's great, iconic spans, against the backdrop of some of the greatest film themes ever written (by everyone from Alfred Newman and Max Steiner to Elmer Bernstein and John Williams) was one of the best I've ever seen. If the program hasn't reached your time zone yet, I'm sure it will be on YouTube or the NBC site soon. But definitely check it out! You won't be disappointed. Truly wonderful. (Yes, and they even included the love theme from "The Godfather" :). Here is a link on YouTube, starts about 16 seconds in, from the national anthem to Alfred Newman's Fox Fanfare to Casablanca (Steiner), and so forth. Somebody on the YouTube thread objected to "The Godfather" being included. But what's America without the Family? ;) And don't miss Jennifer Hudson's wonderful rendition of "Over the Rainbow," which includes the rarely heard opening verse or that absolutely spectacular John Williams segment. At 55 mins., the fireworks display is shown again, with an introduction by historian David McCllough, discussing the Brooklyn Bridge---built by immigrants---completed in May 1883. One reader objected that it looked like they were destroying the bridge. To which I replied: Maybe you need a high-definition television. :) I mean, they were by no means "covering" the bridge. They were cascading off the bridge like waterfalls; they were shooting straight out of the cathedral towers of the bridge. And they were---believe it or not---in complete sync with the magnificent film score medley; even during the love theme to "The Godfather" there were red, heart-like shapes forming over the bridge; rainbow colors accompanied "Over the Rainbow", and "celestial" shapes accompanied the John Williams segment, and so forth. .... I was there when the Grucci Familyh celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge; here is a link to that fireworks display [YouTube link]. Macy's actually adapted the same "waterfall" and cathedral firework effects from that celebration, as a paean to the Centennial display. Why on earth are we debating the display as if it were a symbol of celebration of nihilism? Inquiring minds want to know... [The reader responded that there was a difference between the 1983 display and anything that happens after 2001. I replied: Well I appreciate that; but I truly am not interpreting this as some kind of expression of post-9/11 terrorism. Remember that part of the glory of fireworks on the Fourth of July is that despite all the explosives, the iconic image still stands (whether it be the flag in "The Star-Spangled Banner" or the Brooklyn Bridge). To me, the effects highlighted the Bridge and its glory; to you, it is destruction. I just think we should agree to disagree. You're no less a Brooklynite if you despised the display then or now. Cheers! [4 July 2019]
Star Trek ("Main Title"), composed by Alexander Courage, opened up every episode of the classic sci-fi series. Listen to an audio clip of this theme here. I also like a version by the Maynard Ferguson Big Band (audio clip at that link). [William Shatner performed this theme on the 2005 Emmy Awards telecast with opera star Frederica von Stade.] [8 September 2005]
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Leonard Rosenman who was nominated for Best Original Score for this 1986 film. This theme takes its first cue from the original television theme, as provided by composer Alexander Courage, and then takes us back to old civilizations (1980s America) in search of the extinct species of humpback whales, whose calls will reply to an alien signal that threatens life as we know it. I don't think there is a more joyous, more enduring "Star Trek" film in the whole film franchise, and some of the credit rests on the great shoulders of Leonard Nimoy, whose Mr. Spock has become an institution of Americana. Sadly, Nimoy passed away today, but Spock will go on and on: Live Long and Prosper, indeed. [27 February 2014]
Star Walkin' (League of Legends World Anthem) features the words and music of a host of writers, including Lil Nas X. The artist's song was released last month for the esport 2022 League of Legends World Championship, but its been played during baseball's postseason on ESPN as well. I hear hints of "Turn the Beat Around" [YouTube link] in the melodic line, and I love the spirit of the lyric: "Don't ever say it's over if I'm breathin', Racin' to the moonlight and I'm speedin', I'm headed to the stars, ready to go far. I'm star walkin'." Check out the animated video on YouTube. [8 October 2022]
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace ("Duel of the Fates") was composed by New York-born John Williams, who turns 88 today---the number of people in the choir accompanying the London Symphony Orchestra in this recording. This composition is one of the most brilliant, rousing symphonic pieces in the Williams repertoire. With Sanskrit lyrics based on "Cad Goddeu," an archaic Welsh poem, the track actually charted on MTV's "Total Request Live" for eleven days after its release as a single! The composer just won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Symphonic Suite" [YouTube link], a piece inspired by the Disney Themed Land dedicated to the "Star Wars" film franchise, which opened in the summer of 2019. Williams, who has won twenty-four Grammy Awards and five Oscar Awards (out of 52 nominations, second only to Walt Disney), has also created the music for the entire nine episodes of the central "Star Wars" franchise, including its 2019 finale, the J. J. Abrams-directed "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker," for which he has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score this year. This is the fourth "Star Wars" soundtrack that has earned Williams an Oscar nomination---the others being the original 1977 Oscar-winning soundtrack for "Star Wars: Episode III - A New Hope" (for which he also won both Golden Globe and Saturn Awards); the 2015 soundtrack to "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" (for which he also won a Saturn Award); and the 2017 soundtrack to "Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi". Identified as one of the greatest symphonic composers for the cinema, Williams remains a global treasure. Happy birthday, John! Check out the soundtrack album version, the official music video, and the action-packed scene (spoiler alert!) [YouTube links] in the 1999 film in which this triumphant theme is heard. [8 February 2020]
Star Wars ("Main Theme"), composed by John Williams, is from the classic soundtrack k that won the 1977 Oscar for Best Original Score. Listen to an audio clip of this famous theme here. [20 February 2007]
Star Wars: A New Hope ("Princess Leia's Theme") [YouTube link], composed by the great John Williams, was first heard in "Episode Four," which for those who have been living under a galactic rock for 40 years, is actually the first film in the "Star Wars" franchise, which began in 1977. It is fitting to feature this theme in remembrance of the sad passing of the woman who first brought Princess Leia to life: Carrie Fisher, who died today at the age of 60. Daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds, she was a gifted talent, who achieved many wonderful accomplishments in her life. But she will forever be identified with this role, which she also played in "The Empire Strikes Back" (Episode Five, 1980), "Return of the Jedi" (Episode Six, 1983), and "The Force Awakens" (Episode Seven, 2015). The setting of this epic space opera may have begun "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," but Fisher's force will be with us for light years to come. RIP, Carrie Fisher. [27 December 2016]
Star Wars: A New Hope ("Throne Room / End Title") [YouTube link], composed by the legendary John Williams, was part of the Oscar-winning soundtrack to the 1977 first installment (later known as "Episode 4") in the "Star Wars" franchise. On this date, forty years ago, the film made its debut, and the most epic space opera in cinema history was born. It is no secret that Williams's "Star Wars" scores have been among the most majestic achievements in his repertoire and so important to the success of this franchise. So Happy 40th Birthday to the first film. And May the Force Be With You! [25 May 2017]
Star Wars: A New Hope ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link] was the first of the nine scores composed by John Williams for the trilogy of trilogies that constitute the "Skywalker Saga". This suite derives from the soundtrack to the original 1977 film and includes many of the central themes that would enter the orchestral musical vernacular of a generation. [7 February 2023]
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, introduces "The Imperial March", and its menacing Darth Vader motif. For that theme, Williams drew inspiration from Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor and Gustav Holst's "Mars, the Bringer of War". [6 February 2024]
Star Wars: The Last Jedi ("A New Alliance") [YouTube link], composed by John Williams, constitutes proof that a Jedi master composer can continue to provide new thematic content to a long-time Star Wars franchise with which he has been associated since 1977. In this cue from one of this year's Oscar-nominated scores to the latest installment of the franchise, we hear a familiar theme, but The Maestro takes us in other directions, transporting us into a galaxy, far, far away, as our annual film music tribute comes to a conclusion. At 86 years old, Williams earns his 51st Oscar nomination with this score; he is only four years younger than the Academy Awards. So, until next year's Film Score February, enjoy the 90th Annual Academy Awards, hosted for the second consecutive year by Jimmy Kimmel. And May the Force Be With You! [4 March 2018]
Stayin' Alive, written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, was a huge #1 hit for them, as the Bee Gees. It was the opening theme of a movie that encapsulated so much about the disco era: "Saturday Night Fever." When I first saw the film on the big screen in 1977, I found it a bit depressing in its depiction of the tragic lives of so many of its characters. The film and even its Broadway incarnation provided more than a few moments of both reflection ... and entertainment. And while I've mentioned other cuts from the famous soundtrack, including "Open Sesame," "Night on Disco Mountain," and "A Fifth of Beethoven," none is more identified with the film than this one. It even shows up again in the film's sequel of the same title. And it has been spoofed countless times ("Now you can tell by the way I wear my pants / that I am a man / Can't take no chance"...). Today begins a 9-day tribute to the soundtrack of "Saturday Night Fever," still one of the biggest-selling, and most influential, albums of all time. The film celebrates the 30th anniversary of its debut on December 14, 2007. Many covers of this song have been recorded, but it's always best to begin at the beginning. Listen to an audio clip of this track by the Bee Gees. [6 December 2007]
Stay with Me Tonight, words and music by recently deceased Brooklyn Technical High School graduate Raymond E. Jones, was a huge R&B hit for the talented musician Jeffrey Osborne, the title track of his terrific 1983 solo album. Check out this smooth and funky track on YouTube and the extended remix as well. [13 March 2012]
Stella By Starlight, written by Ned Washington and Victor Young, was heard in the fine 1944 ghost tale The Uninvited, and has become one of the great jazz standards. [19 September 2004]
Steps Beach features words and music by Britanny Foushee, Steve Lacy, and Donald Glover---who recorded this song as Childish Gambino for his fifth studio album, which was released on July 19, 2024: "Bando Stone and the New World". The album serves as the soundtrack to Glover's forthcoming film of the same name. "Steps Beach" can be found on Nantucket Island, which is about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. The song begins with the lyric: "Summer's always comin' / Things are ever changin'"---setting a pensive tone for a sweet, rhythmic acoustic ballad. Check it out here [YouTube link]. [29 July 2024]
Stevie Wonder 80s Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Chris Matthew Sciabarra (yes, me!), includes some of Stevie's best music from the 1980s (with one throwback added at the end!). The medley features "That Girl", "Love Light in Flight", "I Love You Too Much", "Do I Do", "The Woman in Red", "Go Home", "Get It" (a duet with Michael Jackson), "Dark 'n' Lovely", and "Another Star"---from Stevie's 1976 Grammy-winning masterpiece, "Songs in the Key of Life". (H/T to Ryan Neugebauer, again, for the YouTube tech tips!) [10 September 2021]
Stevie Wonder "Stars on 45" Medley [YouTube link] includes "My Cherie Amour" [YouTube link to the original], a song featured on the jukebox on the night that police raided the Stonewall Inn in the wee hours of this date in 1969. The patrons fought back against brutality, in a cry of liberation for the right to live their own lives and pursue their own happiness. That Stonewall storm left a Rainbow of Pride in its wake that illuminates the dancefloor for all those who lovingly embrace the singular authenticity of the music inside them. [28 June 2021]
Stitches, words and music by Danny Parker, Teddy Geiger, and Daniel Kyriakides, was a top 5 Billboard hit for Canadian singer, Shawn Mendes, for his 2015 debut album, "Handwritten." As I watched the 70th Annual Tony Awards last night, I thought of this song [YouTube link], for the Awards show opened with a tribute to the 50 known dead, murdered in an Orlando, Florida gay dance club, Pulse, which has also left more than 50 people injured, many of them critically. I've wanted to post this song for a long time, for the young singer seems to capture the pain of someone who has lost his love; but today, when I read some of the songs lyrics, I cannot help but think of this terrible tragedy, the worst mass killing in U.S. history (not counting the obscenity of 9/11). "You watch me bleed until I can't breathe," Mendes sings. "Shaking, falling onto my knees; And now that I'm without your kisses; I'll be needing stitches; Tripping over myself; Aching, begging you to come help; And now that I'm without your kisses; I'll be needing stitches..." No stitches will bring back the loved ones who were massacred in that club. For the LGBT movement, living in a country that until recently didn't even recognize their civil right to marriage--"civil right" has never implied that religious institutions be forced to perform gay marriage ceremonies--this is truly a horrific tragedy. This community opened the doors of a dance club peacefully, joyfully, welcoming people of all lifestyles, to celebrate a Gay Pride month that marks the anniversary of that day in libertarian history when the gay rights movement was born at the Stonewall Inn, when drag queens were sick and tired of being harassed and arrested, and having their clubs routinely raided by the tormenting forces of law. It took decades for that community to get certain civil rights recognized under the constitution as applicable to all people. But it wasn't just the opposition of the police and the law that the LGBT movement faced. The process of "coming out," after all, is something that is intensely personal; many gay men and women have also dealt painfully with the rejection of their parents of various faiths, who have viewed homosexuality as a sin, punishabsle by everything from excommunication to prison, and in some tribalist cultures, even death by stoning. They say that this terrorist act was committed by an ISIS-motivated gay-hating whackjob; but there was a time in this country that the death of 50 people, most of them probably gay, would have been a party event for those on the Christian Right, who, like Fred Phelps, showed up at the funeral of the murdered, martyred Matthew Shepard, with placards declaring "God hates fags" and that the young gay man was now condemned to eternal damnation in hell because he had not repented. And let's not let the left off the hook either, for communist societies have been known for their gay gulags, many of them adhering to the Marxist mantra that homosexuality was simply a sign of the decadence of capitalism. Let me be clear: This is not a fight simply of doctrinal religious differences or political differences. It is a fight that goes to the deepest core of a society's cultural values. Until a time comes when people can simply live their lives free of coercion or of coercing others, there is not an individual alive in this country who will be safe from the culture of hate, a culture that simmers when stoked by rejecting parents, holier-than-thou religious leaders, and prejudiced politicians. A few years ago, the U.S. government invaded a country in the Middle East, and partially justified the insanity as an exercise in "nation-building"--in a section of the world that still has no conception of what a nation is or what kinds of nonbarbaric cultural values any human society must embrace in order to sustain itself: values such as the rule of law, the sanctity of individual rights, and the pursuit of justice. The apocalypse that has resulted is the kind of blowback that people of good will warned against at the time. Today, however, this is not just a fight for your right to liberty and or your right to justly-acquired property, but a fight for your very right to life, your very right to exist, whatever sexual orientation you are. This is a country and a world that will not, and cannot, be held together in "stitches." Every person of any orientation must be able to find the courage, the "eternal vigilance" that it takes to preserve life and liberty. Those who kill in the name of a hateful God are truly of the godless; and if there is a hell, it is not the innocent dead in that club who will be consumed by its inferno, but the killers themselves who will burn on the very ninth circle they wish to create on earth. [13 June 2016]
St. Louis Blues, words and music by W. C. Handy, is one of the great American classics. So many renditions to choose from, but I love a two-part version by Billy Eckstine. Check out also versions by Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman. And also check out an audio clip of a small band version featuring vibes player Johnny Lytle (thanks Jeff!) [11 January 2006]
Stomp!, written by Louis Johnson, George Johnson, Valerie Johnson, and Rod Temperton, was a #1 Dance Hit in 1980 for the Brothers Johnson. The funky track was heard everywhere, on the radio, on television, in film, and even on the original Jane Fonda's Workout Record. Listen to the original 12" dance single. And Stomp your way into a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! [1 January 2012]
Stormy Weather, words and music by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler debuted in 1933 at the Cotton Club in Harlem by Ethel Waters [YouTube link]. But one of its most famous versions was recorded by the Tony- and Grammy-award winning singer and actress Lena Horne, who died on 9 May 2010, at the age of 92. Lena sang this timeless tune in the 1943 movie of the same name. Check out Lena's film rendition and her 1943 single, which went to #21 on the U.S. Pop chart [YouTube links]. In honor of the centenary of her birth on 30 June 1917, I celebrate the gift that was Lena. [30 June 2017]
Stowaway ("Goodnight My Love"), music by Mack Gordon, lyrics by Harry Revel, is a truly memorable song, performed by both the young Shirley Temple [YouTube link] and Alice Faye [YouTube link] from this 20th Century Fox 1936 film. Temple also sang it as part of a medley in the 1938 film, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." The song also got the royal treatment by two of the greatest vocalists in the jazz pantheon: the 1936 classic recording with Ella Fitzgerald and the Benny Goodman Orchestra (the 80th anniversary of its recording will be marked on November 5, 2016) and Sarah Vaughan. [13 February 2016]
Straight, No Chaser, composed by Thelonious Monk, with lyrics provided by Sally Swisher, has become one of the great jazz standards of the Monk legacy. Check out Monk's original 1951 recording (and that's Milt Jackson on vibes), and versions by Miles Davis, with Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, and, of course, Carmen McRae [YouTube links] [13 October 2015]
Strange Fruit features the words and music of Abel Meeropol (though credited under the pseudonym, "Lewis Allan," because Meeropol was a member of the American Communist Party at the time). It was recorded on this date in 1939 by the great Billie Holiday (who was born on the 7th of this month in 1915). This song is at the center of the plot to the 2021 film, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday," which shows how the FBI and other political authorities persecuted the singer (played brilliantly by the Oscar-nominated Andra Day), as a means of stopping her from performing this powerful protest against the lynching of African Americans. It remains what jazz musician and historian Leonard Feather once called "the first unmuted cry against racism," as important on this day as it was over 80 years ago. Check out the original 1939 Holiday recording, and renditions by Diana Ross (from her 1972 Oscar-nominated performance in "Lady Sings the Blues"), Nina Simone, and, from the 2021 film, Andra Day [YouTube links]. I'll be featuring two more selections from film music this coming Oscar weekend. [On Notablog, I added this Preface: A fortuitous "Song of the Day" in light of today's verdict in the Chauvin trial.] [20 April 2021]
Stranger in My House, words and music by Shep Crawford and Shae Jones, was recorded by Tamia, who took the song to the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Song chart in 2001. The song was featured on the artist's second studio album, "A Nu Day" and became a Top Ten hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip Hop Singles charts. Check out the original ballad album version, and then its titanic transformation into a dance classic with remixes by Thunderpuss, Maurice, and Hex Hector [YouTube links]. [18 September 2018]
Strangers in the Night features the English lyrics of Charles Singleton and Eddie Snyder,and the music of Bert Kaemfert, who actually composed the instrumental as part of the score for the 1966 film, "A Man Could Get Killed." The Sinatra recording is the title track of his 1966 album (also featured on Disc 4 of "Ultimate Sinatra"), and was one of only two singles of his in the rock era to go to #1. It reached #1 on both the Hot 100 and the Easy Listening charts. The album became Sinatra's most commercially successful release among the many he released throughout his career. And in 1967, though he won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for "A Man and His Music," he received two additional Grammys recognizing this song: Record of the Year (his first win in this category despite seven nominations) and Best Male Vocal Performance. Over the years, this was never one of my all-time Sinatra favorites (and it is said that it wasn't one of Sinatra's own all-time favorites either). It was akin to the case of Stevie Wonder, an artist who has given us such brilliant albums as "Innervisions" and "Songs in the Key of Life," and an array of wonderful compositions, from "Superstition" to "All in Love is Fair" to "Another Star." And then he receives an Oscar for Best Original Song and a matching Golden Globe for "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (from the 1984 film, "The Woman in Red"). Like Sinatra's "Strangers," Wonder's tune became his most commercially successful single, going to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts. As I said, Wonder's song was really never one of my favorites (and the critics were not kind to it either). But then, it grew on me. And that was primarily due to the fact that I watched the 1999 Kennedy Center Honors, where Stevie was one of the honorees. One tribute vocalist Diane Schurr, who spoke authentically about how she, as a blind woman, received such inspiration from Stevie. What followed was a completely altered jazz-infused rendition of the song; if you have never seen or heard it, check out this musical magic on YouTube, and you'll find out why it eventually became an entry on "My Favorite Songs." But "Strangers" is another matter entirely. It was difficult to like, and became increasingly difficult to embrace as the culture grabbed onto it, satirized it, and butchered it countless times to the point of sacrilege. It was even the title of a gay porn film (and the lyrics lend themselves to the chance meetings of people in forbidden places), and then came a Teddy and Darell 1966 gay parody [YouTube link] that is now considered part of Queer Music History 101. In any event, I gave in because something in that song just grew on me over time, particularly because of its fade out, when we hear that utterly famous Sinatra-ism. All together now: "Do-Be-Do-Be-Do." It became one of those phrases that has been eternally incorporated into the American Zeitgeist from Sinatra's repertoire (another being "Ring-a-Ding-Ding!", the title track from Sinatra's 1961 album). It just endears the song to me on another level entirely. In the 1970s, I used to wear a T-Shirt that said, on successive lines: "To Be is To Do" - Socrates; "To Do is to Be" - Sartre; "Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra. A Centenary Tribute to Sinatra without this would just not be complete. Listen to the original #1 Hit by Frank Sinatra on YouTube. Stay tuned for a double "Song of the Day" today. [11 December 2015a]
Stranger Things ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band, Survive, opens this show, which began its Netflix run in 2016. The music is an homage to the synth-heavy 1980s scores of John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, and Vangelis. The series is one of my favorites and I'm looking forward to its final season. Check out the extended mix as well [YouTube link]. [29 August 2023]
Strawberry Fields Forever is considered part of the Lennon-McCartney Songbook, but John Lennon was its composer. In the wake of his tragic death, a section of New York City's Central Park was declared Strawberry Fields, where his ashes were scattered by Yoko Ono in 1981. The song, recorded by The Beatles, was released as a double-A side single (along with "Penny Lane") in 1967. It had a huge impact on the development of the emerging psychedlic genre and is credited as a pioneering work in music video. Check out that video, as well as a really cool jazzy rendition by the Nick Grondin Group and a Latin-tinged rendition by vocalist Karen Souza [YouTube links]. [25 July 2022]
A Streetcar Named Desire ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Alex North, was one of the first jazz-infused film scores ever heard on the big screen. It reflects the compelling psychological dynamics of the characters in this 1951 film adaptation of the Tennessee Williams Pulitzer Prize-winning play. [3 February 2023]
Street Life, music by Joe Sample, words by Oscar-winning lyricist Will Jennings, was performed by The Crusaders, with Randy Crawford as guest vocalist. The song has been heard on several soundtracks as well, including for the films "Sharky's Machine" and "Jackie Brown." Listen to audio clips here and here. [22 July 2005]
Street of Dreams, words and music by Sam Lewis and Victor Young, was recorded by Tony Bennett, with his long-time piano accompanist, Ralph Sharon. Listen to an audio clip of their collaboration here. Listen to additional audio clips from several other renditions of this American standard by Lee Wiley, Cannonball Adderley, Chet Baker, the Ink Spots, and Sarah Vaughan. [21 August 2006]
Stuck with U features the words and music of a host of writers, including the two who duet on this tune: Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. The song debuts at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart this week. It's got a retro doo-wop feel, and an adorable video that is a sign of the times [YouTube link]. All the proceeds from the song are being donated to the First Responders Children's Foundation. [20 May 2020]
Stuffy Turkey, composed by jazz pianist Thelonious Monk is actually an extension of saxophonist Coleman Hawkins's composition, "Stuffy" [YouTube link]. As a paean to Hawk, it is a standout track from Monk's sixth album, "It's Monk's Time." The album features Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. The title may not please the vegans among us, but it is a jazz nod to today's Thanksgiving holiday. To say that 2020 has been a year of challenges and heartache is an understatement of unfathomable proportions. I acknowledge the feelings of loss and grief that have dominated this year and my heart goes out to so many folks who have shared in these struggles. But speaking for myself, I can only say that I count my blessings that I am here to feel weary, to feel apprehensive, to feel loss, to feel grief---and to feel that with life, all things remain possible. On that "note," I wish my friends and family a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. Swing on Monk [YouTube link]. [26 November 2020]
Stupid Love, words and music by a host of writers including Max Martin and Lady Gaga, is the lead single to Gaga's forthcoming album, "Chromatica". Along with Dua Lipa, JT and SZA, and others, Lady Gaga contributes to "Disco's Radio Revival" as Gary Trust puts it in a recent Billboard article. Check out the official video version [YouTube link]. Okay, my Happy Dancing Days are over for this week ... gotta rest these tired dogs! ;) [12 March 2020]
Subway features the music and lyrics (with a bow to Petula Clark) of Paul Statham and Peter Murphy, who greatly influenced so-called "Goth Rock." Murphy moved from Bauhaus to a complex solo career; he has recorded this song several times. My favorite version is a live rendition, captured on the album "Alive Just for Love" (audio clip at that link), which includes a soaring electric violin solo by Hugh Marsh. Happy Anniversary, Sweetie. [5 July 2006]
Sucker is credited to six writers, three of whom constitute the group that recorded it in 2019: The Jonas Brothers. Today happens to be Nick Jonas's birthday; he turns 27, the baby of the bunch. (His brother Kevin Jonas is 31 and his brother Joe Jonas turned 30 on August 15, the date that Woodstock turned 50!) This is the first song recorded by the brothers in six years---and it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2019. Check out the music video and a few dance remixes by: DJ Lacqua, Fraze, and the Barry Harris Sweet Dreams & Andy Ajar Video Club Mix [YouTube links] and a jazzy rendition by the brothers [Billboard link] and a jazzy rendition by Romina Manzano [YouTube link]. [16 September 2019]
Suffer features the words and music of Breyan Isaac and Charlie Puth, who recorded this song for his debut album, "Nine Track Mind." Check out the album version, the extended video single, and then check out how well Charlie tickles the ivories on some bluesy, jazzy live versions from Radio City Music Hall, the Live Nation-recorded stop in Saint Paul, Minnesota (at 1:00 exactly) and the Vince Staples/AndreaLo Remix video [YouTube links]. I put this song up tonight in honor of the New York Yankee fans... who had to "suffer" the loss of their division series to the Boston Red Sox, who now move on to face the Houston Astros for the American League Pennant. All 100-game winning teams, but only the ones who win in these short series get to move toward a World Series ring. I'm not bitter. But "Go Houston!" And wait till next year! [10 October 2018]
The Sugarland Express ("Main Theme") [YouTube clip at that link] marked the first of many fruitful collaborations between composer John Williams and director Steven Spielberg. This was Spielberg's first feature film. The main theme for this 1974 film, starring Goldie Hawn, features the superb harmonica work of the stupendous Toots Thielemans. Check out a suite from the soundtrack on YouTube. [5 February 2013]
Suit & Tie features the words and music of Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, Jerome "J-Rod" Harmon, James Fauntleroy, Terence Stubbs, Johnny Wilson, Charles Still, Sean "Jay Z" Carter (who raps) and Justin Timberlake (who sings). This is the lead single to JT's newest album, "The 20/20 Experience," which is released today. The track is a sweet Old School throwback, with touches of MJ, Curtis Mayfield and the great Solar group, The Whispers. JT is in all his R&B glory, effortlessly moving through rhythmic ticks and melodic riffs, modal voicings and a killer falsetto. And Jay Z glides characteristically with Sinatra-esque ease above and behind the beat. Check out the full video on YouTube [video link] and a sizzling remix [video link] by resident 92.3 FM NYC DJ Jay Dabhi and Chachi [music link]. [19 March 2013]
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, composed by Stephen Stills, appeared on the 1969 debut album of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (Neil Young performed with them at Woodstock, but only as part of their "Electric Set"). The song is literally constructed as a suite, but it is also a play on the phrase "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes," which refers to Stills's former girlfriend, singer/songwriter, Judy Collins. Check out the album version and their acoustic performance at Woodstock [YouTube links], both ending with that absolutely infectious "doo-doo-doo-da-doo" heard in the suite's coda. [30 August 2019]
Sully ("Sully Reflects") [YouTube link] is credited to a musical collaboration between director Clint Eastwood, Christian Jacob, and the Tierney Sutton Band. It has that jazzy feel that one associates with all things Eastwood. This 2016 film tells the story of the Miracle on the Hudson in very personal terms. Tom Hanks gives us a measured, steady performance in the role of pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. At a time when the sight of any plane flying low over Manhattan Island would elicit a post-9/11 traumatic reaction, this is the story of a genuinely heroic Hudson River landing in which not a single person lost their life. [6 February 2018]
Summer, music and lyrics by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, appears on the artist's 2014 album, "Motion". For a song that has been dissed as boring, bland, and lacking in emotion or complexity, its video has had over 1.6 billion streams on YouTube. It is what it is! A foot tapping ode to a summer love found---and lost. Check out this Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 hit [YouTube link]. [6 September 2024]
A Summer Afternoon [YouTube link], composed by Eddie Sauter, can be found on the wondrous 1962 album, "Focus", which paired legendary tenor saxophonist Stan Getz with an orchestra conducted by Hershy Kay. What makes this album so wondrous is the fact that Sauter's orchestrations did not include any melody lines for Getz. Instead, the tenor sax great improvised over challenging orchestral foundations, a virtual suite in seven parts, creating a truly sublime listening experience for the ages. [19 July 2024]
Summer Breeze, music, lyrics, and performance by James Seals and Dash Crofts, is a quintessential "soft rock" classic. Makes me feel fine... Listen to an audio clip from a collection of Seals & Crofts Greatest Hits. [22 June 2005]
Summer (Estate), words and music by Bruno Brighetti, Bruno Martino and Joel E. Siegel, appears on the 1992 Shirley Horn album, "Here's to Life". This gorgeous, melodic song was a minor hit in Italy in 1960. It has become a jazz standard. It can be heard in the original Italian on the 1977 Joao Gilberto album, "Amoroso." Horn's recording features her piano accompaniment and the song's English lyrics. Check out the Gilberto and Horn renditions, as well as a rendition by Eliane Elias (with the legendary Toots Thielemans on harmonica) [YouTube links]. [7 August 2024]
Summer in the City, music and lyrics by Mark Sebastian, and John Sebastian and Steve Boone of The Lovin' Spoonful, hit #1 in the Summer of 1966. It's a wonderful way to kick off the start of Summer in New York City. Listen to the full length track here. [21 June 2005]
Summer Lovers, music and lyrics by Dennis Matkovsky and Michael Sembello, who performs this title track for the menage a trois 1982 film, starring Peter Gallagher. I like the 12" vinyl "long version" best. [25 June 2005]
Summer Me, Winter Me, music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, greets the Summer Solstice, which arrives at 2:06 p.m., Eastern time. And a belated happy birthday to the maestro, Michel Legrand, who is celebrating his 75th birthday year (and whose trailblazing "Legrand Jazz" was recorded in June 1958). I adore a Sarah Vaughan rendition of this lovely song (but can't find any audio clips of it online, except on Rhapsody). Listen to audio clips by Barbra Streisand, Ranee Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Legrand himself. And Happy Summer! [21 June 2007]
Summer of '42 ("Dance Scene") [YouTube link], composed by Michel Legrand, highlights the lush, romantic main theme from this 1971 movie, starring Jennifer O'Neill and Gary Grimes. Though I've highlighted other music from this Oscar-winning score, including a vocal rendition of "The Summer Knows," this particular cue, featuring a lead saxophone, complements this poignant scene from a lovely coming-of-age film. Twenty years ago today, I posted my first Song of the Day: "What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" by Michel Legrand and Alan & Marilyn Bergman. I can't think of a more fitting way to mark the Twentieth Anniversary of "My Favorite Songs" than to return to the music of the Grand Legrand. Here's to 20 more years and more! [1 September 2024]
Summer of '42 ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Michel Legrand, provides a glimpse of this deeply romantic Oscar-winning score for the 1971 tender coming-of-age film, starring Jennifer O'Neill and Gary Grimes. On this date, 90 years ago, in 1932, the Legendary Legrand was born. [24 February 2022]
Summer of '42 ("The Summer Knows"), music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is heard throughout the 1971 film, Summer of '42. It is bathed in minor chords and has been recorded by such vocalists as the incomparable Sarah Vaughan (a recording whose orchestrations were nominated for a Grammy award, only to lose out to Legrand's "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" from the same album!). Fine instrumental performances, orchestrated by Legrand, have also been recorded, including those by Phil Woods (featured on the album "Images") and by Stephane Grappelli. "One last caress, it's time to dress ... for fall." [20 September 2004]
Summer of '69 features the words and music of Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams, who recorded this song for his 1984 album, "Reckless". New York City celebrates the Summer Solstice, which comes to the Northern Hemisphere at 11:54 a.m. (EDT)---which means that Notablog begins its Fourth Annual Summer Music Festival (Woodstock Fiftieth Anniversary Edition). I'm not here to debate the moral underbelly of the "Apollonian" moon landing (which, as a child who grew up in awe of the space program, I will also celebrate in song) versus the "Dionysian" mudfest that was the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, as Ayn Rand once contrasted these events (though Jeff Riggenbach once called the Woodstock generation among "the disowned children of Ayn Rand"). This year's festival will run mostly on a weekly basis from the first to the last day of summer. It will place special emphasis on the participating Woodstock artists and the songs they recorded in that era. With some notable exceptions (marking a few birthdays, for example), Notablog will also mark the Golden Anniversary of some of the defining events of the Summer of '69. Our first song is not from that era, but its very title speaks to the year of our focus---when I was only nine years old---though Adams himself has long maintained that the number "69" in the title had less to do with the year and far more to do with a particular love-making position. This single went to the Top Five on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1985; check out the Bryan Adams recording [YouTube link]. As is customary, I will open and close our annual Music Festival with songs from the same artist, so don't forget Bryan since we'll be returning to him on the last day of summer (it was Chubby Checker who bookended the 2018 Notablog Summer Music Festival). [21 June 2019]
Summer Samba ("So Nice"), music by Brazilian composer Marcos Valle, with Portuguese lyrics by Paulo Sergio Valle, and English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, has been recorded by so many artists through the years, second, perhaps, only to the bossa nova anthem "Girl from Ipanema," to which Gisele Mundchen [video link] strutted her stuff in the Opening Ceremonies [video link] of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. We heard this song too during the Opening Ceremonies, and we have been treated throughout these last two weeks to so many entertaining musical interludes featuring this lyrical Brazilian bossa nova fusion of samba rhythms and jazz, each derived from both African and (North and South) American roots. But tonight the Torch is extinguished as the Summer Olympics come to a close. The games were "So Nice" to see and to root for some of our favorite international athletes. Check out renditions by the Walter Wanderly Trio, Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66, Nancy Ames, organist Walter Wanderly with vocalist Astrud Gilberto (who sang that great "Girl from Ipanema" [YouTube links] rendition on the Grammy-award winning album featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim and Stan Getz, called "Getz/Gilberto". Check out a TV performance of the Ipanema classic with Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz [YouTube link]). And yes, this repeats another song from my long list, so I've called it "Song of the Day #1381a." [21 August 2016]
Summer Song, words and music by Dave Brubeck and Iola Brubeck, first appeared on the 1957 album, "Jazz Impressions of the U.S.A.", featuring the Dave Brubeck Quartet, with alto saxophone great Paul Desmond. In the early 1960s, jazz icon Louis Armstrong recorded a vocal arrangement with Brubeck. Check out the original instrumental version and the vocal rendition, where Satchmo tells us: "Love to me, is like a summer day." [12 July 2024]
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical ("Heaven Knows") features the words and music of Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, and Donna Summer, whose recording of this 1978 song (with the background vocals of The Brooklyn Dreams and lead vocals by Joe "Bean" Esposito) reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Chart, and was a Top Ten R&B Hit. The song, from Summer's album "Live and More", is also featured in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," which boasts two Tony nominations for Leading Actress and Featured Actress in a Musical (LaChange and Ariana DeBose, respectively, who play Donna at different points in her life). Check out the original Summer single, an alternative take with Esposito singing the lead vocal, the original 12" single version, the 12" Purrfection Version, and finally, "The MacArthur Park Suite," of which this song was a part (13:26 in the suite) [YouTube links]. [9 June 2018]
Summertime features the music of George Gershwin and the lyrics of Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward. Heyward wrote the novel Porgy and the libretto for the folk opera in which this classic song is performed: "Porgy and Bess." The production made its debut in 1935; it has been revived many times and was even made into a very rarely seen 1959 film, which the Gershwin estate has disowned. I have enjoyed many vocal and instrumental performances of this song, including one by Miles Davis and Gil Evans (audio clip at that link). The 2004 "American Idol" winner, Fantasia, performed it in competition, and recorded it as well (listen to an audio clip here). I also possess a wonderful duet by Ray Charles and Cleo Lane, from their 1976 Grammy-nominated "Porgy and Bess" tribute. Mel Torme sang this song to open a medley from the musical; it was performed on the old Merv Griffin Show, in which Torme also sang with Sarah Vaughan. Just terrific. Torme was also featured on the 1956 studio cast album; Betty Roche sings the song on that album here. [23 June 2005]
Summertime, performed by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (aka, Will Smith), is one of those really laid-back rap tracks, a perfect groove for a lazy summer's day. The Grammy-winning track makes use of a sample from a Kool and the Gang song called "Summer Madness" (which is why the song's music and lyrics are credited to nearly a dozen people!). Listen to audio clips of "Summer Madness" and of "Summertime." [24 June 2005]
Summertime Magic, words and music by Donald Glover and Ludwig Goransson, was recorded by Childish Gambino (actual name: Donald Glover) for his 2018 EP "Summer Pack." Check out this slow summer jam, along with several remixes by FalconDap, Raspo, and P.A.F.F. [YouTube links]. [19 September 2018]
Summer Too Hot features the words and music of Toney Martinez, Major Myjeh, Nasri, and Chris Brown, on whose eleventh studio album, 11:11, this 2023 lead track appears. The mid-tempo R&B song boasts a carefree groove. Check out the official music video [YouTube link]. [23 August 2024]
The Summer Wind, written originally in German as "Der Sommerwind," with music by Heinz Meier, and lyrics by Hans Bradtke, got an English lyric from Johnny Mercer, and was first recorded by a number of American singers, but since we just completed our "Frank Sinatra Centenary Tribute," I thought it most appropriate to provide Sinatra's wonderful recording, my favorite version of this song (a Top 40 hit and #1 hit on the "Easy Listening Chart"), as we mark the Winter and Summer Solstice. It's the shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, while the Southern hemisphere is celebrating the arrival of Summer. Well, I was going to wait for the first day of summer in New York City to post this one, but since I got a request for this during the Centenary celebration, I figured, "Why not post it now?" I mean it's Summer some place... and in any event, temperatures are in the high 60s and will hit 73-75 in Brooklyn, New York, on Christmas Eve... and I'm still wearing shorts! So, here's to the March to the Light, as the Solstice arrives at 11:49 p.m. tonight, 21 December 2015 Eastern time. Here's the Chairman of the Board giving us a cool Nelson Riddle arrangement of the Summer Song of the day [YouTube link]. [21 December 2015]
Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams ("Main Theme"), music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is the title track to this 1973 film, which earned acting Oscar nominations for Joanne Woodward (in a leading role) and Sylvia Sydney (in a supporting role). Mandel, who died in 2020, wrote some of the most memorable scores in cinema history. Check out the opening instrumental theme to the film, and vocal renditions by Abbey Lincoln with Stan Getz and Sue Raney with Vic Lewis West Coast Jazz [YouTube links]. [26 February 2021]
Sunday in New York ("On Frantic Fifth") [YouTube link], music by the very jazzy Brooklyn-born Peter Nero, gets Our Annual Film Music February Off To A Flying Start. Nero even appears in the 1963 film showing off his piano chops. This cue captures some of the frenzy one might find even on a beautiful "Sunday in New York." I featured the title track to this film back in 2005, the year I kicked off my tribute to cinema music (though not with a link to the Mel Torme-performed song that can be heard in the opening credits or Joe Pass on12-string guitar [YouTube links]). So stay with us right up to 22 February 2015, the night that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards achievement in scoring and song. And if you're anywhere near the greatest city on earth, enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday in New York. [1 February 2015]
Sunday in New York ("Main Title"), music and lyrics by Peter Nero and Carroll Coates, is the Golden Globe-nominated title track from the 1963 film, in which it was performed by Mel Torme (listen to an audio clip from his "Songs of New York" collection). Bobby Darin does a nice swing arrangement here as well. But my favorite instrumental version of this song is by jazz guitarist Joe Pass, from his 12-string guitar tribute to "Great Motion Picture Themes." [29 May 2005]
Sunday in New York ("Taxi") [YouTube link], composed by Peter Nero, is another jazzy cue from the 1963 film, from whose soundtrack we began this year's February Film Music Tribute. We close this year's film music salute, and look forward to seeing this evening who will join the ranks of winners in Oscar music history. So on this "Sunday in New York," our eyes (and ears) turn toward Hollywood. Till next year... [22 February 2015]
Sundream, words and music credited to the alternative dance group, Rufus du Sol, is featured on their debut album, "Atlas". It is Labor Day today, which makes it all the more ironic that it was on this date in 1946 that Ayn Rand began writing a book she had initially entitled "The Strike"; it became Atlas Shrugged, which was published by Random House in 1957. (The December 2019 issue of The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies will feature a symposium on the novel, in honor of its 60+ year anniversary!) And this date shows up in the novel several times as well, which is why September 2nd has been called, in some circles, "Atlas Shrugged Day." This song, with an almost ambient dance groove, features a line reminiscent of the book as it tells us to "fall into the Atlas"---just one of the reasons I've highlighted it today. The album itself debuted at #1 on the Australian album chart on 19 August 2013, and this was the fourth single issued from it. Check out the official video, and several remixes: Claptone, Hayden James, X3SR, Classix, and Casino Gold. I know two people, including somebody very, very special to me, who are celebrating their birthdays today---and you know who you are! My love always ... [2 September 2019]
Sunflower ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, opens up the 1970 Italian film ("I Girosoli"), starring Sophia Loren. This is truly a Mancini Musical Moment, just another example of why he was one of the most melodic composers in the history of film scoring. The soundtrack received an Oscar nomination for "Best Original Score" but lost out to the score from "Love Story." [5 February 2018]
Sunny, words and music by Bobby Hebb, has been performed and recorded by hundreds of artists over the years. The song can be heard on an album that got mixed reviews, but it is nonetheless a meeting of giants: Sinatra and Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. The album, "Francis A. and Edward K," which was released in 1968, was to be orchestrated by Duke's longtime partner, the superb lyricist and arranger: Billy Strayhorn, born 100 years ago on this date. So we celebrate the centenary of another giant of the music world. Sadly, Strayhorn passed away before the sessions began, and the orchestrations and arrangements were left to long-time Sinatra collaborator, Billy May. This well-known song gets a fine treatment, with those patented opening trumpet figures by Cootie Williams; check it out on YouTube. [29 November 2015]
Sunset Driver, words and music by Michael Jackson, is an unreleased demo recorded during the "Off the Wall"-"Thriller" period, but never issued. It has that classic groove and vocal by MJ, who was born on this date in 1958. It can only be found on a box set entitled "The Ultimate Collection." Check it out on YouTube. (And check out the new video for a song previously highlighted here, "A Place with No Name.") [29 August 2015]
Sunshine of Your Love, words and music by Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Peter Brown, was a huge hit for Cream. Listen here to an audio clip of this steamy track with its classic rock guitar riff. And for a change of pace, check out an audio clip of a rendition by Ella Fitzgerald! [23 June 2006]
Super Chicken, words and music by Michael Renzi and Luis Santeiro, was the theme song to this cartoon, which was a segment of "George of the Jungle." Check out the original theme and yet another jazz rendition [YouTube links] from pianist Randy Waldman, featuring clarinetist Eddie Daniels, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, and trombonist Bob McChesney. And check out the Emmy Awards tonight! [20 September 2020]
Super Freak features the words and music of Alonzo Miller and Rick James, who brought this song to the top of the Dance chart on this weekend in 1981 (along with "Give it To Me Baby"). The song, from the James album, "Street Songs," features background vocals by the great Motown group, The Temptations. On this date in 2004, Rick James passed away. We remember him with the epic 12" extended remix of this dance classic. The song is also famous for having been sampled by M.C. Hammer in his hit, "U Can't Touch This" [YouTube link]. [6 August 2017]
Superman ("Prelude and Main Title March") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, is a rousing, heroic cinematic theme. It should be noted that Film Score Monthly has just issued an 8-CD Boxed Set of all the music from the various incarnations of the series. [23 February 2008]
Superstition, written and performed by Stevie Wonder, went to #1 on the Billboard chart in 1973. It's classic Stevie. Listen to an audio clip here. And listen also to an audio clip of a great Jeff Beck version (thanks Billy!). [9 February 2006]
Surviving: A Family in Crisis ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by the late, great James Horner, is heard sparingly over the opening credits and in variations throughout this painful, heartbreaking 1985 television movie on teenage suicide [YouTube link to film]. The film, which was later released in edited form on VHS as "Tragedy" (it remains unreleased on DVD), features a stellar cast that included Ellen Burstyn, Marsha Mason, Paul Sorvino, and a young River Phoenix. It centers on the tragic dual suicide of teenage characters, played by Zach Galligan and Molly Ringwald. Horner's score provides the perfect backdrop for this haunting film, which was originally shown on ABC. Tonight, television honors its best at the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on the NBC network. [17 September 2018]
Suspicion ("Main Title") [Amazon.com excerpt], music by Franz Waxman, is the first collaboration between the absolutely debonair Cary Grant and the master director, Alfred Hitchcock. This 1941 film also starred Joan Fontaine, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress. The estranged sister of Olivia de Havilland, the two of them are the only siblings to have won lead Oscar awards. Amazingly, she is also the only actor to win an Oscar under Hitchcock's direction. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 96 on 15 December 2013. She is survived by sister Olivia. The Waxman score is not the only one that the famed composer did with Hitchcock; he also composed the soundtracks to the 1940 film, "Rebecca," and the 1954 film "Rear Window." [4 February 2014]
Swan Lake ("Acts I & II Introductions" / "Waltz No. 13") are selections from the great Piotr Tchaikovsky ballet. While this is one stupendous organic whole, I particularly love the Act I and Act II introductions (I first heard the latter as a child in the opening credits of the 1931 Bela Lugosi film version of "Dracula") and the classic "Waltz No. 13." Listen to snippets from the entire ballet starting here. [3 October 2005]
Swearin' to God, words and music by Bob Crewe and Denny Randell, was a Top Ten hit for Frankie Valli; when it was released, I especially enjoyed the extended remix. Listen to an audio clip here. [20 September 2006]
Sweet Caroline, words and music by Neil Diamond, was a huge hit for the singer. Today, a few days after the horrific massacre at the Boston Marathon, the song takes on an even more poignant tone than its original intent as a paean to the young Caroline Kennedy. A perennial at Fenway Park, it was played after the 3rd inning on April 16, 2013 in Yankee Stadium, as the New York Yankees faithful sang along in solidarity [YouTube link] with those whose lives have been forever altered by the events in Boston. On a day when Yankees and Diamondback players all wore #42 in tribute to a famed Brooklyn Dodger, this was as sweet a gesture as one could find among great sports rivals, who put aside competition for a day, in remembrance. The Fenway Faithful did the same in the days after 9/11, when they sang along to "New York, New York." I watched the Stadium crowd rise to the occasion, and I now can't listen to the song with dry eyes. Stand tall. Check out the full Neil Diamond recording. [18 April 2013]
Sweet Cherry Wine, words and music by Richard Grasso and Tommy James, appeared on the 1969 psychedelic rock album "Cellophane Symphony," by Tommy James and the Shondells. This anti-Vietnam War protest song was among those included on the jukebox at the Stonewall Inn in the early morning hours of this day, when that gay bar was raided by police for the umpteenth time. But the patrons fought back, asserting the authenticity of their own lives and the right to pursue their own happiness. In looking back on the Stonewall riots, some commentators have cited an urban legend that views the June 27, 1969 funeral [YouTube link] of gay icon Judy Garland---who was born 100 years ago this month (on June 10, 1922)---as an emotional catalyst for the riots late that night. This view has been challenged by many, but there is a poetic irony that gay men of a different generation once referred to themselves euphemistically as "friends of Dorothy" and that Garland's most iconic song (and LGBTQ anthem), "Over the Rainbow" [YouTube link] (from the 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz") finds its symbolic expression in the rainbow flag of Pride (though its creator, Gilbert Baker, denies the connection). Be that as it may---today, I proudly salute the Stonewall Rebels. From the 1969 Stonewall jukebox, check out "Sweet Cherry Wine" [YouTube link]. [28 June 2022]
The Sweetest Sounds, music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers, was used in an updated version of Cinderella, which starred Brandy, who sang it in the title role, and Whitney Houston, as the Fairy Godmother. The song, however, was originally written for Rodgers' only solo Broadway score, the 1962 production "No Strings." Listen to a clip of this song of yearning and promise ... here. [3 November 2004]
Sweet Georgia Brown, music and lyrics by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey, is a 1925 gem that still sounds fresh today. Perhaps best known for its Brother Bones and His Shadows version, it became the theme song for the Harlem Globetrotters. It has been performed by countless artists, including the Quintet of the Hot Club of France (with Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli), Stephane Grappelli & David Grisman, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Johnny Mercer, and even in films, such as "Sweet and Lowdown" (audio clips at each link). The guitarist who recreates the ol' swing sound in that film is Howard Alden. But one of my favorite versions is by my pal, writer, trombonist, and Birthday Boy Roger Bissell (on "The Art of the Duo," audio clip here). Happy Birthday, Roger!!! [27 June 2005]
Sweet Home Alabama features the words and music of Ed King, Gary Rossington, and Ronnie Van Zant, of the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Listen to an audio clip of this Southern rock classic here. The group was inducted on March 13, 2006 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen also to an audio clip of a version by Jewel (sample at that link) from the soundtrack for the 2002 film of the same name. [25 March 2006]
Swept Away, words and music by Sara Allen and Daryl Hall (who provides the guitar solo), was a terrific #1 1984 dance track recorded by Diana Ross. So, the Detroit Tigers Swept Away the New York Yankees in 4 straight, and the San Francisco Giants (not the New York Football Giants, who barely swept away the Dallas Cowboys yesterday) did likewise to the Tigers, winning the World Series in 4 games. And here in the New York tri-state area, we dig in so as not to be Swept Away by Hurricane Sandy. Check out the Arthur Baker 12" club mix on YouTube. [29 October 2012]
Swinging on a Star, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke, won the 1944 Oscar for Best Song, from the film "Going My Way." The film starred Academy Award winner Bing Crosby as Father O'Malley; he would repeat that role in the 1945 sequel, another seasonal favorite, "The Bells of St. Mary's, which co-starred Ingrid Bergman. Crosby also received a Best Actor nomination for the sequel. Not strictly a holiday song, it's still one that I associate with the holidays, having seen one or two seasonal plays that have used this song in reference to a certain star of Biblical proportions. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, and bassist Ray Brown. [30 December 2006]
Swing 39, composed by jazz violin virtuoso Stephane Grappelli, was first performed with jazz guitar pioneer Django Reinhardt in their days with the Quintette du Hot Club de France. Check out the sweet 1939 original and a swinging 1972 rendition off Grappelli's album, "Homage to Django" [YouTube links]. I was privileged to see Grappelli in-person twice, with his own band and with David Grisman. Magnifique! On this date in 1908, Grappelli was born---and his musical legacy lives on. [26 January 2024]
Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, composed by Florence Beatrice Price, was first performed in 1933 by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Frederick Stock. It's a truly wonderful four-movement composition that won First Prize in the Rodman Wanamaker Competition. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price is noted as the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. Having witnessed the injustices of racial segregation in her home town, she eventually became part of the Chicago Black Renaissance. In this piece, especially in its third movement, classical motifs are intertwined with elements of Americana and the slapping rhythms of the African American juba dance. Today is the 135th annivesary of Price's birth, depending on whether her year of birth is marked as 1887 or 1888. But in any year, this is worth every minute of its near-40 minute length [YouTube link]. [9 April 2023]
Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90 is one of the greatest compositions of Johannes Brahms, today's birthday boy. I especially love the Third Movement. Listen here to an audio clip, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with Georg Solti conducting. [7 May 2006]
Symphony No. 4 in A Major (Op. 90, "Italian Symphony") is one of my favorite of Felix Mendelssohn's compositions. I especially enjoy listening to the rousing Fourth Movement. Listen to an audio clip recorded by the Berliner Philharmoniker. [13 November 2006]
Symphony No. 5 in C-Minor, Op. 67, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, can be identified instantaneously from its first four notes. Listen to audio clips of its various movements, as played by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The opening four-note hook has permeated so much of musical culture. It even shows up in disco on the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, in Walter Murphy's "A Fifth of Beethoven" (audio clip at that link). Celebrate the Fifth on the Fifth of the Fifth month. [5 May 2006]
Symphony No. 6 in F-major (Op. 68) was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, who was baptized on this date in Bonn, Germany, 150 years ago. The piece made its debut this very month in 1808 [22 December] at the Theater an der Wien. Also known as the "Pastoral Symphony or Recollections of Country Life," there have been so many performances of it through the history of recorded music. Among the most notable are those conducted by Otto Klemperer, Carlos Kleiber, Sir John Eliot Gardner, and Colin Davis [YouTube links]. The symphony has entered popular culture as well through two notable films: Disney's 1940 masterpiece, "Fantasia," conducted by Leopold Stokowski [YouTube link] and in an excerpt during a key scene with Edward G. Robinson [YouTube link; spoiler alert!] from the 1973 sci-fi film, "Soylent Green." We don't know the exact date of Beethoven's birth, but his enormous legacy remains among history's greatest musical achievements. [17 December 2020]
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, features one of the most familiar classical themes in its First Movement. Listen here to audio clips of all four movements, in a recording featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the great Leonard Bernstein. And Happy 250th Birthday to Mozart! [27 January 2006]
Symphony No. 94 in G Major, particularly the famous "Andante" or what has come to be known as the "Surprise Symphony," was written by Franz Joseph Haydn. It is one of my favorite Haydn pieces, and also one that I learned to mangle, er, "play," when I studied violin in elementary and junior high schools. It was funny to see the audience jump when the loud "surprise" was played. Listen to a clip here, conducted by Sir Colin Davis with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. And a happy birthday to my friend Michael, #1 Haydn fan. [14 March 2005]
The Syncopated Clock, composed by Leroy Anderson, was the theme song (as recorded by Percy Faith) for "The Late Show," a late-night ritual for generations of New York tri-state999TV watchers, which presented terrific movies nightly on WCBS television. Listen to the classic theme here in full and the shorter opening used for the TV incarnations. [15 September 2013]
Synchronicity I, words and music by Sting, is featured on the stupendous album "Synchronicity," recorded by The Police. Anyone who isn't bopping with this hard-driving track just doesn't have a pulse; check it out on YouTube. [27 March 2012]
Synchronicity II, words and music by Sting, is a companion piece to "Synchronicity I," from The Police album, "Synchronicity." The song includes everything from a Jungian motif to the Loch Ness Monster. Check out this driving rock gem on YouTube. [28 March 2012]
System of Survival, music and lyrics by Skylark, was performed with gusto by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Social commentary has rarely been so danceable: "A plastic face on satellite TV says 'Life is filled with give and take.' He's takin' and I'm givin'. So I dance. It's my system of survival." While the original version of this hit is good (audio clip here), I confess that the 12" house remix by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero burns. Check out the cover design of that classic vinyl release here. [30 June 2005]
Tabu (or "Taboo") features the music of Margarita Lecuona and the lyrics of Sidney Keith "Bob" Russell, with an additional writing credit for Al Stillman. It has been recorded by many artists, including the Kronos Quartet (audio clip at that link). But my favorite version is a melodic jazz instrumental featuring guitarist Johnny Smith and saxophonist Stan Getz. Listen to an audio clip of that version here. [17 November 2005]
Tainted Love (full-length Soft Cell audio clip at that link), words and music by Ed Cobb, has been recorded by many artists. Gloria Jones first recorded it in the 1960s, and even Marilyn Manson recorded it (audio clip at that link), but no version was a bigger hit than the one by Soft Cell (which paired the song with The Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go?"). [9 July 2006]
Take Five was composed by alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, who played this classic cool jazz tune with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. After all those 3/4 waltzes, we move to 5/4 time. It's one of the most recognizable riffs in jazz history. Listen to an audio clip of this stupendous track here. [1 November 2005]
Take it Easy, words and music by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, a member of the Eagles, who recorded the song with that group. It's one of those Eagles Essentials, their first single (released on May Day in 1972), a part of a greatest hits collection that, at 29 million sales, remains second only to "Thriller" (30x Platinum), for having the greatest domestic sales of any album in the history of the charts. It's hard to believe, given what I said the other day, but Glenn Frey, today, joins the growing choral group in the heavens. Check the song out on YouTube; thank you for all the wonderful music you've left behind for us to enjoy. [18 January 2015]
Take Me Out to the Ball Game, composed by Jack Norworth in 1908 (and re-fashioned in 1927), is a perennial baseball park favorite, and one of my all-time favorites too... because it reminds me of my favorite sport, played in my favorite ballpark, by my favorite team, which just so happens to be opening up the 2005 baseball season tonight. Go Yanks! Oh, and I loved a 1996 commercial version of this song by the Goo Goo Dolls. Listen to an audio clip of that version here. And read David Hinckley's essay on this "Great Baseball Song." [3 April 2005]
On Facebook, I opened this weekend's Summer Dance Party with the following
preface: This weekend we take a trip down memory lane to celebrate one of the
best groups and record labels of the Disco Era. The group: Shalamar. The label:
SOLAR. The Music: Divine.
Take That To the Bank, words and music by
Kevin Spencer and
Leon Sylvers III,
was recorded by the SOLAR-label
supergroup Shalamar, which
originally
featured Gerald
Brown, Jeffrey Daniel,
and Jody Watley. This
song has been
sampled many times in dance music history, and appeared on
Shalamar's second album, "Disco
Gardens" (1978). For a group that
released two of its
first three albums in August of their respective years, it's all the more
apropos to celebrate a Shalamar
disco weekend in August. We kick off a three-song arc with
this Old School dance club gem on
YouTube. [18
August 2017]
Take Me Home, words and music by Michelle Aller and Bob Etsy, was a Top Ten Pop and Dance track for Cher in 1979, making an impact as well on the Adult Contemporary and Hot Soul Singles charts. She turns 73 years old today! The title single from Cher's fifteenth solo studio album was pure unadulterated disco, just one of the many genres of popular music from Cher's long and remarkable career, celebrated even today on Broadway. A recent Kennedy Center Honoree, she was serenaded by Adam Lambert [YouTube link] at the induction ceremony, who sang "Believe"---the biggest song of Cher's long career---as a ballad. Check out the rare original video of today's song and the Casablanca 12" vinyl extended mix. Happy birthday to the Oscar-winning actress, Grammy-winning singer, and three-time Golden Globe Award winner! [20 May 2019]
Take My Breath features the words and music of a host of writers, including The Weeknd, whose music I'm highlighting this weekend. This song has a throwback 80s feel, and there's no doubt that the Weeknd, like so many others in his generation, has been deeply influenced by one of that decade's most important artists: Michael Jackson. Remixers have even done mashups of their tracks [YouTube link]. Even this track gets an MJ-Weeknd mashup [YouTube link]. Check out the quasi-autoerotic official video and an extended club remix [YouTube links]. [5 March 2022]
Take the A Train, music by Duke Ellington, lyrics by Billy Strayhorn, has been performed as a big band staple by Ellington's band, and as a vocal tour de force by Ella Fitzgerald. What else on the 100th anniversary of the New York City subway? [27 October 2004]
Taking a Chance on Love, music by Vernon Duke, lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, is a popular standard first published in 1940 and featured in the 1940 musical, "Cabin in the Sky," with an all-black cast, where it was sung by Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson [YouTube link] and in the 1943 film version, featuring Waters with Eddie "Rochester" Anderson [YouTube links]. It has been recorded by countless artists, but it is an especially poignant way of noting how much Bennett credits the African-American contributions to his own exploration of the jazz idiom. So, we end our tribute on an upnote with an uptune, from a magical 1959 Bennett album: "In Person!," featuring a very jazzy Bennett with the ever-jazzy Count Basie and His Orchestra; check it out on YouTube, and take it from one who knows: Always take a chance on love! For love, love of his music, his art, his fans, the special people in his life, is the driving force of Bennett's career. This may conclude our mini-tribute, but there's no doubt he'll appear again on my ever-expanding "favorite song" list. [5 August 2016]
The Talented Mr. Ripley (
Tangerine, music by Victor Schertzinger, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, was introduced to a broad audience in the 1942 film, "The Fleet's In," where it was performed by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Bob Eberle and Helen O'Connell [YouTube link]. It soon became a jazz standard. Check out instrumental renditions by Oscar Peterson, Jim Hall, The Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond, Chet Baker & Paul Desmond, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz & Bob Brookmeyer, Zoot Sims, Dexter Gordon, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass and vocal renditions by Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., Ilya Serov and Poncho Sanchez, and, of course, the Salsoul Orchestr[YouTube links]. Today, my sister turns 70, and judging by how many she's had over the years, I'd say the tangerine has got to be her Favorite Fruit! A happy and healthy birthday, dear sister, with my love always! [2 September 2022]
Tarkus is a classic progressive rock composition by Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, featuring several movements ("Eruption," "Stones of Years," "Iconoclast," "Mass," "Manticore," "Battlefield," and "Aquatarkus"). Listen to an audio clip from this energetic, jazz-inflected opus by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. [12 September 2006]
A Taste of Honey, words and music by Bobby Scott and Ric Marlow, was first heard in the 1960 Broadway version of the British play of the same name. A 1965 version by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass [YouTube link] would go on to score four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. Other notable instrumental versions of the song were recorded by Paul Desmond & Jim Hall, Harry James, Jackie Gleason, Chet Atkins, The Ventures, and Emily Remler [YouTube links]. The first vocal versions were recorded by Billy Dee Williams in 1961 and Lenny Welch in 1962, followed by renditions by The Beatles and Barbra Streisand [YouTube links]. But today's featured rendition is by the legendary Tony Bennett [YouTube link], who celebrates his 96th birthday. [3 August 2022]
Taxi Driver ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, concludes our 5-day mini tribute to this film score maestro. This was the composer's final film score before his death on Christmas Eve in 1975. He didn't live to see the film's debut on February 8, 1976. Directed by Martin Scorsese, and starring an unhinged Robert DeNiro, along with a terrific supporting cast that included Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, and Cybill Shepherd, this film sports another side to the Herrmann cinematic musical legacy. It's jazz-inflected hue explores alienation, melancholy, psychological trauma, and suspense, earning Herrmann his fifth Oscar nomination for Best Original Score (he won only once, for the score to the 1941 film, "The Devil and Daniel Webster"). [7 February 2022]
TCM Feature Presentation Theme [YouTube link], is a familiar and friendly instrumental, featuring a lovely clarinet, and an uncredited composer. For regular fans of Turner Classic Movies, it's just an indication that another genuinely classic movie is about to grace our television screens. [13 September 2016]
Tearin' Up My Heart, words and music by Max Martin and Kristian Lundin, was a 1998 Top 40 hit from the debut album of NSYNC, with lead vocals by J. C. Chasez and a young Justin Timberlake. It has the distinction of being among the Top 30 Hits of the 1990s, according to VH1. What's a summer dance tribute without at least one Boy Band hit? Check out the single version and the official video, before listening to the Hot Tracks Remix, Riprock and Alex G's Heart and Key Club Mix, the J.J. Flores Club Mix, Stone's Phat Swede Club Mix, and the Pentatonix NYSNC Medley. (And while you're at it, check out Pentatonix's really cool "Daft Punk" tribute.) [15 July 2017]
Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good To Be True), written by Michael Omartian, Bruce Sudano, and Jay Gruska, is a pop nugget with a churning bass groove. Recorded as a fine duet with Michael Jackson and his brother Jermaine Jackson, and also by the late Robert Palmer. [24 October 2004]
Tempted, music by Glenn Tilbrook, lyrics by Chris Difford, was performed by the alternative rock band, Squeeze. Co-produced by Elvis Costello, and sung by the band's lead singer Paul Carrack, the song is sexy, soulful, and seductive. Listen to an audio clip here. [16 May 2005]
Tempus Fugit (or as it is sometimes rendered, "Tempus Fugue-It," in contrast to "Tempus Fuggedabodit," as my pal Aeon Skoble would say) is a composition by be-bop pianist Bud Powell. Listen here to a Powell audio clip of this superior uptempo bop track, featuring bassist Ray Brown. Also check out a Chick Corea audio clip tribute to Powell. And I especially love a burning version by Stan Getz with a terrific ensemble that features pianist and NYU educator Jim McNeely (listen to an audio clip here). [16 July 2005]
The Ten Commandments ("The Exodus") [audio clip at that link], music by Elmer Bernstein, is from the 1956 Cecil B. DeMille epic film, starring Charlton Heston as Moses. Bernstein announces the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt with a sound like that of the ram's horn, and takes us on the adventure of liberation in a musical moment that DeMille hoped would echo "Onward Christian Soldiers." The score, said DeMille, captures "Wagner's concept that action, setting, language and music should all blend into one perfect pattern." And an organic whole, it certainly is. Exhilarating. [15 February 2005]
The Ten Commandments ("Go, Proclaim Liberty!") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, is featured in the final scene to the Cecil B. DeMille epic story of Moses (played by Charlton Heston). The 1956 film received Oscar accolades for its eye-popping special effects. Till this day, I have a tendency to call any epic visual effect a "Red Sea Moment" [YouTube link]. [3 February 2018]
The Ten Commandments ("The Red Sea") [YouTube link], composed by Elmer Bernstein, provides a musical backdrop for what remains one of the greatest cinematic moments in motion picture history: Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 film's rendering of the parting of the Red Sea [YouTube link]. The Jews are liberated after ten plagues, the last brought about by Pharoah's mocking of God, resulting in the death of the first born of Egypt, including Pharoah's own son. A vengeful Pharoah (played by Yul Brynner), chases the Jews through the desert. But Moses shows the power of God; as a pillar of fire blocks the Egyptians, he lifts his arms, allowing the Jews to escape through the midst of the waters, and subsequently destroying Pharoah's chariots in their pursuit after the pillar dissipates (celebrated on the seventh day of the Passover holiday). Charlton Heston plays Moses in the way that only Heston could play it; the film's screenplay is not the most contemporary, but its reverence is genuine. It is said that Heston was in the last film of the old Bibical epics, and the first film of the modern Biblical epics, "Ben-Hur," one which did not dispense with the intimacy of characterization, while retaining the cinematic grandeur that only Hollywood could deliver. To all my Jewish friends and colleagues, celebrating the last day of Passover, I wish health and happiness. [29 April 2016]
Tenderly, music by Walter Louis Gross and lyrics by Jack Lawrence, is one of the great popular standards. Listen to audio clips by vocalists Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, and Ella Fitzgerald and Satchmo, and instrumentalists Johnny Smith and Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson, Clifford Brown, Bill Evans and Don Elliott, and the Chet Baker Big Band. [6 March 2008]
Teri is an instrumental composition written by the wonderful jazz arranger, conductor, and bandleader Gerald Wilson. The sumptuous ballad appears on Wilson's "Moment of Truth" album, and it features the tender acoustic guitar sounds of Joe Pass. Check out the audio clip on "The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years," and a later version of it re-recorded by Wilson with New York area musicians: "New York, New Sound." Anthony Wilson is the guitar soloist on that recording (Anthony is Gerald's son). [13 January 2005]
Terms of Endearment ("End Credits") [YouTube link], composed by Michael Gore, is one of the most poignant themes from this 1983 Oscar winning "Best Picture", starring Debra Winger, and Oscar-winners Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson. I was fortunate enough to see many of the lovely locations in which this film was shot, from Houston to Galveston. [18 February 2023]
T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) was composed by legendary Philly soul producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who, this week, received the "Ahmet Ertegun Award," at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Recorded by M.F.S.B. (featuring the Three Degrees), this song was introduced as the theme to television's "Soul Train." Listen to an audio clip of this classic dance anthem here and take a ride on the Soul Train at YouTube. [13 March 2008]
Thankful features the words and music of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas, and Kelly Clarkson, who sings this song with a jolt of soul. It is the title track from Clarkson's 2003 debut album. This song expresses the kind of thanks you feel when you're blessed enough to have special people in your life---those who bring you joy,visibility, support, and love. Check out the album version here [YouTube link]. And a Happy Thanksgiving to All! [25 November 2021]
Thanks for the Memory, music by Ralph Rainger, lyrics by Leo Robin, is from the film "The Big Broadcast of 1938," where it was introduced by Shirley Ross and Bob Hope. Awarded the 1938 Academy Award for Best Song, it became the signature tune of Bob Hope. Listen to an audio clip of this classic song from its original film soundtrack here. And a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving to All! [24 November 2005]
That Girl, music, lyrics, and performance by Stevie Wonder, was first featured as a new track on one of his greatest hits collection: "The Original Musiquarium I" (audio clip at that link). From its soulful groove to its soaring harmonica solo, it's one of my favorite Wonder songs. [8 October 2005]
That Old Black Magic, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Johnny Mercer has been performed so many times by so many artists, including Glenn Miller (with vocalist Skip Nelson), Frank Sinatra (who swings it too), Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Marilyn Monroe (in the film "Bus Stop"), the ever evernescent Louis Prima and Keely Smith, and, in a Delirious Disco Spin, Sammy Davis, Jr. (YouTube moments at each of those links). It was also a 1942 hit for the recently deceased Margaret Whiting and the Freddie Slack Orchestra (YouTube link). [13 January 2011]
That's All, words and music by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes, is a standard of the Great American Songbook (and I especially love a version recorded by my sister-in-law, jazz singer Joanne Barry). Listen to audio clips of renditions by Nat King Cole, Michael Buble, and Bobby Darin. [18 December 2007]
That's Amore, music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Jack Brooks, was a huge hit as the signature tune of Dean Martin, who recorded his studio version of the song on this summer date in 1953. The song was first heard, however, in the Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis film, "The Caddy," which premiered on August 10, 1953. Receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, it is transformed into a comedic family affair in the film [YouTube link]. The song has also been featured in other films, such as "Rear Window" (1954), "Moonstruck" (1987), and "The Garfield Movie" (2024). With an opening lyric that says "When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore," how could I not showcase it as the musical backdrop to my newest "I Love Brooklyn" slideshow in honor of the famous Sicilian pizza and other goodies from L&B Spumoni Gardens!? Of course, L&B is great all year round. But it's even nicer when you can enjoy outdoor seating in the sunshine! Check out "I Love Brooklyn #5" in tribute to L&B! [YouTube link]. [13 August 2024]
That's Dancing! ("Invitation to Dance") features the words and music of Brian Fairweather, Dave Ellingson, Martin Page, and Kim Carnes, who sings the song over the closing credits to this wonderful choreographical retrospective, following in the footsteps of the MGM film-clip franchise "That's Entertainment," which recaptures the glory days of Hollywood musicals. The 1985 film focuses on the art of dance; it takes us from the silent era thru Busby Berkeley, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly, from "42nd Street" (1933) and "West Side Story" (1961) to Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" strut (1977) and the ensemble dance steps created by Michael Jackson and Michael Peters for "Beat It" (1983) [YouTube link], marking a definitive moment in the evolution of the music video. Given the reemergence of the classic Hollywood musical, in "La La Land," a 2016 film that could conceivably become the all-time Oscar champ tonight, with 14 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, it's fitting not to forget the significance of choreographer Mandy Moore, a favorite from television's "So You Think You Can Dance," for her contribution to the success of this film. Hence, it's all the more appropriate to highlight a selection from this 1985 cinematic celebration of dancers and choreographers throughout film history. Whoever takes home the Oscars, one thing is clear: Tonight, there should be lots of Oscar winners dancing in the aisles with their golden statuettes in hand. So, we conclude our annual Film Music February tribute with today's song [YouTube link] and with a reminder to watch the Oscar broadcast this evening! Till next year . . . [26 February 2017]
That's Entertainment, music by Arthur Schwartz, lyrics by Howard Dietz, was first featured in the 1953 movie musical, "The Band Wagon," and was also prominently heard in the 1974 MGM compilation film of the same name. As you get ready to watch the Oscars tonight, take a look at this wonderful Judy Garland YouTube tribute, spotlighting this iconic Hollywood song. So concludes our 2009 movie music tribute. [22 February 2009]
That's Jazz [YouTube link], an impromptu tune put together by Mel Torme and Ella Fitzgerald at the Grammy Awards, broadcast in February 1976. Sadly, Mel and Ella are no longer with us; but we are living in an era where jazz is almost never mentioned (or featured) as a category during the Grammy broadcast, so seeing something like this is like the discovery of a rare gem from some sort of paleolithic era in television history. Enjoy! [6 May 2014]
That's Life, words and music by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon, is one of my absolute all-time favorite Sinatra recordings, an album title track that went to the Top Five (a #4 singlehit) on the Billboard pop chart, smack in the middle of the rock-dominated Beatles era. It also hit #1 on the Easy Listening chart for three weeks (December 1966 to January 1967). It had been previously recorded by others, including O. C. Smith [YouTube link]. But unlike Smith's slower, bluesier version, Sinatra swaggers through it and makes the song his own. He first performed the song on his television special, "A Man and His Music, Part II." The TV version, however, takes a backseat to the recorded version [both YouTube links], which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and conducted by Ernie Freeman. Uplifting a glass, Francis Albert Sinatra offered this toast on more than one occasion: "May you live to be 100, and may the last voice you hear be mine." Sinatra passed away in 1998, at the age of 82. But if I were blessed to live to 100, the loveliness of his recorded performances gives me the opportunity to hear "The Voice" on my way to the Pearly Gates... or whetever warmer climates my Maker has in store for me. But today is not about obituaries; it is about births, rebirths, resurrections. For today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Francis Albert Sinatra. We conclude with One Hundred Toasts to a man who was indeed a poet, the so-called "poet laureate of loneliness," but no less a poet of joy. He was the recipient of Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys (and he has three stars on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," commemorating his work in film, television, and recording, respectively). I've tried to provide this tribute with a widescreen version that encompasses all of his artistry, but ultimately, I have always returned to song, for it is there that his magic conjoins the supreme method actor to the supreme musician. He could introduce the Grammy Awards [1963 video], and haul home a wagon full of them. He was a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner (1965), a Grammy Trustees Award winner (1979), and a Grammy Living Legend Award winner (1994; presented to him with style by U2's Bono) [Grammy video link]. He has five albums and eight singles inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Among his "Hall of Fame" albums are: "Come Fly with Me" (1958; inducted in 2004); "Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely" (1958; inducted 1999); "In the Wee Small Hours" (1955; inducted 1984); "September of My Years" (1965; inducted 1999); and "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" (1956; inducted 2000). Among his "Hall of Fame" singles: "The House I Live In" (1946; inducted in 1998); "I'll Never Smile Again" (1940, with Tommy Dorsey and the Pied Pipers; inducted in 1982); "I've Got the World on a String" (1953; inducted in 2004); "I've Got You Under My Skin" (1956; inducted in 1998); "My Way" (1969; inducted in 2000); "One for My Baby" (1958; inducted in 2005); "Strangers in the Night" (1966; inducted 2008); and the "Theme from 'New York, New York'" (1980; inducted 2013). I've got links to each of them on "My Favorite Songs." It took a bit of thought to come up with a musical finale best suited for the occasion. "My Way" could have played the part, but it is already among my ever-growing list, used thematically for a commercial by Hall-of-Fame-bound Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, to mark his retirement from professional baseball. Surely the lyrics, written by Paul Anka are even more appropriate for Francis Albert Sinatra, who retired several times along the way, only to come back to that music, which was hard-wired into his DNA. He sings of a life that's full, acknowledges the few regrets he's had along the way, and takes pride in the "charted course" he planned. He admits his doubts, his loves, his joy, his "share of losing." He concludes with the ultimate statement of individual integrity: "For what is a man, what has he got, if not himself, then he has naught to say the things he truly feels, and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows, I took the blows. And did it My Way." Alas, given my policy of never repeating a song, I can still appreciate its significance as one of Sinatra's signature pieces. But, for me, the very first words of the song provide an almost maudlin context ("And now, the end is near. And so I face the final curtain"). If this Centenary Sinatra Tribute has proven anything, it is that the end was not near, even when Sinatra passed away in 1998. When I think of Sinatra, so many themes come to mind, so many definitive renditions of songs from the Great American Songbook that were stamped by Sinatra in an almost autobiographical way. As appropriate a song as "My Way" was, for Sinatra, a statement of individual integrity, it is still sung when "the end was near," That end will never come as long as humans have ears to hear with and hearts and minds to feel and think with. I conclude this tribute with one of those quintessential Sinatra recordings, which expresses the guts of the kick-ass "I-ain't-beaten-yet" genre that Sinatra championed. This is the Sinatra for whom the end is never near and it certainly resonates with me and so many others, expressing a universal motif for people who have faced life head on, and who won't give in to anything or anyone who "get[s] their kicks, stompin' on a dream." When you focus on these lyrics, it is as if Sinatra could have written the song himself. He is the prizefighter personified who gets knocked down, bruised, battered, bloodied . . . but still, somehow, gets back on his feet and stays in the ring. He stands up because, and only because, this is a life worth living and fighting for: "That's life (that's life) that's what all the people say. You're ridin' high in April, shot down in May. But I know I'm gonna change that tune, when I'm back on top, back on top in June. I said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem, some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream. But I don't let it, let it get me down, 'cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' around. I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king. I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing: Each time I find myself flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race. That's life (that's life), I tell you, I can't deny it, I thought of quittin' baby, but my heart just ain't gonna buy it. And if I didn't think it was worth one single try, I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly. I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, and a king. I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing: Each time I find myself layin' flat on my face, I just pick myself up and get back in the race. That's life (that's life), that's life, and I can't deny it, many times I thought of cuttin' out, but my heart won't buy it. But if there's nothing shakin' come this here July, I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball a-and die. My, my!" Sinatra could understand and communicate a remarkable range of human emotion, for he lived it: as an actor, a singer, a concert performer, he could embody everything from grief to ecstasy, from defeat to defiance. We complete our tribute and commemorate his birthday as one of the greatest artists to have ever graced this world. Bravo, Ol' Blue Eyes. [12 December 2015]
That's My Desire, music by Helmy Kresa, lyrics by Carroll Loveday, was a huge hit for Frankie Laine, who passed away yesterday at the age of 93. His voice was one of those heard in the household of my youth; I will never forget some of his famous recordings. Listen to audio clips of this classic here and here. [7 February 2007]
That's the Way I've Always Heard it Should Be, music and lyrics by Jacob Brackman, was recorded by a melancholy Carly Simon. Listen to an audio clip of this plaintive track here. [23 July 2005]
That's the Way Love Goes features the words and music of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Charles Bobbit, and Janet Jackson, with samples credited to James Brown, Fred Wesley, and John "Jabo" Starks. This sensual Grammy-winning R&B downtempo song was the lead single from Jackson's fifth studio album, "Janet," topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks (the longest reign atop that chart of any Jackson family member!), and remains the only single in chart history to debut at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay Chart. Check out the music video and the soulful album version [YouTube links]. At the end of a weekend of Royal love, and with Justify now vying for a Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Royalty, tonight Janet ("Miss Jackson, If you're Nasty") will offer up a bit of American musical royalty with a medley of her hits as she receives the Icon Trophy on the Billboard Music Awards, televised on NBC. [20 May 2018]
That Sunday, That Summer, words and music by Joe Sherman and George David Weiss, was first recorded by Nat King Cole for his 1963 album, "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer," whose title track was featured on Friday, July 23. This swing ballad has been recorded by so many artists. Check out Cole's wonderful rendition and also a version by the great Dinah Washington [YouTube links]. [27 July 2024]
That's What Christmas Means To Me, words and music by Harry Revel, is heard in the heart-warming 1947 film, "It Happened on Fifth Avenue." The title of this tune might pertain to at least four different songs, but this rare soundtrack gem can be heard in a TCM film clip. The film received an Oscar nomination for "Best Original Story", but it actually lost out to another wonderful Christmas film: "Miracle on 34th Street." For an extra dose of good cheer and good will, check out another holiday classic by the wonderful USAF Band playing "Jingle Bells/Auld Lang Syne" [YouTube link]. It may have you dancing right into the New Year (a tip of the Santa hat to Roger Bissell for that wonderful video!). And a Happy Hanukka to all my Jewish friends! [25 December 2016]
That's What I Like, credited to an ensemble of writers, including Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, and Bruno Mars, is nominated for "Song of the Year," "Best R&B Song," and "Best R&B Performance," at this year's 60th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be televised tonight on CBS. Bruno is scheduled to perform on the show; whether he wins or not, he's obviously got a fan in me! Check out the album version, the video single, a remix featuring Ludacris and Gucci Mane, and a house remix by Lightstruck and Sir Eri. [28 January 2018]
Theme, Variations, and Finale (audio clips at that link) is one the finest orchestral compositions in the Miklos Rozsa canon. Today would have been the maestro's 99th birthday! Happy Birthday, Miklos! [18 April 2006]
Them There Eyes, words and music by Maceo Pinkard, William Tracy, and Doris Tauber, is a song that has been recorded many times over since its debut in the 1930s. Today, however, I spotlight an audio clip here of a rendition sung by one of my all-time favorite jazz singers, Anita O'Day, who passed away yesterday at the age of 87. [24 November 2006]
There But for the Grace of God Go I by the band Machine has one of the most oft-sampled riffs in dance music history. This 1979 dance floor-jamming classic may challenge those who think "disco" is a dirty word and that it was all cowbells and whistles with no socially conscious lyrics. [9 September 2004]
There'll Be Another Spring features the words and music of Hubie Wheeler and Peggy Lee, who sang this song famously with pianist George Shearing (see here too for another version) [YouTube links]. And check out jazz vocalist Diane Reeves [YouTube link], a version that appears on the soundtrack for the 2005 film, "Good Night, and Good Luck." A Happy Vernal Equinox to All; as of 1:14 a.m. EDT today, it's officially Spring for us Northern Hemisphere folks, though if you ask around New York City, most will tell you that we hardly had a winter. [20 March 2012]
There'll Be Some Changes Made, music by W. Benton Overstreet, lyrics by Billy Higgins, has been recorded by many artists since its debut in the Roaring '20s. Listen to audio clips of versions by Ethel Waters (who sings the rarely heard intro), Ted Lewis, Sophie Tucker, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Peggy Lee, and Tony Bennett. [28 May 2006]
There Must Be a Way, music by David Saxon, lyrics by Robert Cook and Sammy Gallop, was a big 1967 hit for Jimmy Roselli, who passed away on June 30, 2011. Check out the original Roselli 45 on YouTube, and also versions by Joni James, Louis Armstrong, and the Great One, Jackie Gleason. [18 August 2011]
There's No Business Like Show Business, words and music by Irving Berlin, is from the Broadway musical, "Annie Get Your Gun." In honor of the 63rd Annual Tony Awards, which is being broadcast tonight on CBS, I feature this classic song in a version by Ethel Merman (YouTube clip at that link), from the 1954 film of the same name. [7 June 2009]
There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back features the words and music of John T. Geiger II, Geoff Warburton, Scott Harris, and Shawn Mendes, whose 2017 recording of this song is included on the reissued version of his album, "Illuminate". It's already his third Top Ten hit on the Hot 100. Check out the single, the video single, and a few nice remixes: Friash Trap, NOTD, and for those who can't get enough of it, there's a one-hour version! [YouTube links]. [30 July 2017]
There's No You, music by Hal Hopper, lyrics by Tom Adair, was first published in 1944, but was covered on "Speak Love," the third of a series of albums that Ella recorded with jazz guitar great Joe Pass. There is a poignant rapport to the two artists as they "speak" to one another in this tender ballad. Check it out on YouTube. [24 April 2017]
There Will Never Be Another You, music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Mack Gordon, has been performed as a ballad and a swing tune by innumerable artists. So many to choose from: Listen to an "after hours" audio clip by pianist Andre Previn, guitarist Joe Pass, and bassist Ray Brown, a classic Art Tatum piano version, a straight-ahead Bud Powell piano interpretation, a sweet Stephane Grappelli violin version, a Stan Getz saxophone version, a Chet Baker trumpet rendition, and a lovely vocal version by Nat King Cole. [14 April 2005]
These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You), music by Jack Strachey and Harry Link, lyrics by Holt Marvell, has been recorded by Benny Goodman (and here with Charlie Christian too), Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart, and Bryan Ferry, among many others. Happy April Fool's Day! [1 April 2007]
They Don't Care About Us features the words and music of Michael Jackson who was born on this date in 1958. The song was a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales Chart in 1996, and was the fifth single from MJ's album, "HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I." This is the 1500th "Song of the Day" I have posted, in the wake of a Texas-sized catastrophe at home and continuing problems abroad. My heart goes out to all who are suffering. Though some of the lyrics from this twenty-plus year-old song come from mixed premises, MJ's message is certainly prescient: "They Don't Really Care About Us." Check out the video version, the more chill Love to Infinity's Walk in the Park Mix, and the house-heavy Love to Infinity Classic Paradise Remix. There is also a wonderful instrumental version by the 2Cellos [YouTube links]. Finally, check out this tribute and that one by Ricardo Walker's crew to MJ's dancing. [YouTube link]. [29 August 2017]
The Three Musketeers ("Themes") [TCM Trailer], music by Herbert Stothart (with some inspiration from the themes of Tchaikovsky), provides the rousing backdrop for what I believe is the best version of the Alexandre Dumas tale, starring Gene Kelly as d'Artagnan! Yes, the song and dance man had more than a few tricks up his sleeve when it came to choreographed sword play (indeed, the film's outstanding choreographed sword sequences have inspired a generation of contributors to the genre). The 1948 swashbuckling Technicolor film is just wonderful, action-packed entertainment with a score to match (and apparently almost impossible to find!). On the otherhand, the Grammy Awards are easy to find on the dial. Enjoy! [15 February 2016]
They All Laughed, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, was first heard in the 1937 film "Shall We Dance," where Ginger Rogers introduced it before joining her legendary dance partner Fred Astaire in a classic routine [YouTube links]. This standard from the Great American Songbook has been recorded by many wonderful jazz artists from Ella to Sassy [YouTube links]. In last night's PBS broadcast of "Tony Bennett: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song," a wealth of talent performed to honor Tony as the newest recipient of the award. As the first "interpretive singer" to be so honored, Tony opened up his own set with this standard. His rendition last night swung hard, but YouTube has a few versions at more moderate swing tempos, from "The Essential George Gershwin," a 1999 live version with Tony's long-time pianist Ralph Sharon, and in a peppy duet with Lady Gaga from their album, "Cheek to Cheek" [YouTube links]. [13 January 2018]
They Can't Take That Away From Me, music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, sung by Sinatra to a George Siravo-Nelson Riddle arrangement, from the "Songs for Young Lovers/Swing Easy" collection (listen to that audio clip) [19 December 2004]
The Thief of Baghdad ("Suite") [YouTube link] captures some of the interesting textures of Miklos Rozsa's soundtrack to this 1940 fantasy film with Sabu. Rozsa's compositions for film and the concert stage remain among the finest symphonic work of any twentieth-century composer. It has been said that Rozsa went through five distinct periods in his illustrious scoring career: what he characterized as the "oriental" or "exotic" period (featuring work on fantasy films with exotic locations, of which "The Thief of Baghdad" is one of the best examples); the "psychological" period (exploring complex psychological portraits, e.g., his Oscar-winning score for Hitchcock's film, "Spellbound"); the film noir period (with films such as "Double Indemnity" and his Oscar-winning score to "A Double Life"); the Historico-Biblical period (of which "Ben-Hur" yesterday is his crowning achievement); and his sci-fi phase (which includes films such as "Time After Time"). This particular suite shows the breadth of his first period, and the lovely violin interlude gives us just a hint of what he provides for the concert hall. The charming British technicolor film was a spectacle for special effects in its day, marking the first major use of film bluescreening. Produced by Alexander Korda, it won Oscars for Cinematography, Art Direction, Special Effects, and Rozsa's soundtrack was nominated for Best Original Score. [18 February 2016]
The Thing from Another World ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, opens this chilling 1951 sci-fi/horror film. There have been remakes [YouTube], but there is just nothing like the original. In truth, I first saw this film at the Sommer Highway Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, which, sadly, no longer exists. Today, it's a Walgreen's. When I was 5 years old, I went with my Uncle Sam and my sister Elizabeth to see this film in a double feature with the 1933 classic film, "King Kong." I'd never seen either film; it was just prior to their endless appearances on classic TV movie shows like Channel 2's (WCBS) "The Late, Late, Late Show," or, perhaps, Channel 7's (WABC) "The 4:30 Movie." or Channel 9's (WOR) "Million Dollar Movie" or, Channel 11's (WPIX) "Chiller Theatre." In any event, I attempted to see "King Kong" but "The Thing" was the first feature; then came Intermission (where, maybe, they'd show a cartoon or two). The theater was dark suddenly, and Kong was finally going to begin, but the crowd of kids was chanting with a single voice, rising in decibels with each passing second: "KONG! KONG! KONG! KONG!" Well, I didn't know what to expect when that curtain rose. And my uncle and sister definitely sensed that this 5-year old was getting a bit panicked. "Are you okay?," they asked. "Well," I explained, "it's a little noisy." I would not allow my apprehension to rise up to visible fear and I would not admit it to anybody, brave young 5-year old tough Brooklynite that I was. "Very loud," I said. "Well, maybe we should come back and see this some other time. It's okay," they both assured me. Relieved, to say the least, I said, "Okay. Sounds good." And we headed for the exits. So, though I later got to see the original Kong on the big screen, it was not to be on this day; but "The Thing" [full-length feature film link] was great '50s sci-fi, and Tiomkin's music provided just the right amount of rising tension throughout the film. [21 February 2016]
Things Just Ain't the Same, composed by A. Antoine, N. Harris, and A. Evans, has an R&B/dance edge that helps you cope with its heartbreaking lyrics. Strong vocals by one of My Friend Ray's favorite vocalists (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAY!): Deborah Cox (I'm a big fan too!). Cox stepped into the title role of "Aida" on Broadway on my birthday, earlier in 2004. [28 September 2004]
Thinking About You, words and music by Kashif and La La, was a Top Ten R&B radio hit (not released to pop radio), and the first song by Whitney Houston to score on the Billboard dance chart, peaking at #24. It was featured on the artist's self-titled debut album. Houston passed away last month, and many have paid tribute to her in the weeks since. Today begins my own 10-day tribute. These are some of my Whitney favorites, with a twist. The artist was very well known for her power ballads. But we'll be "thinking about you," Whitney (and your cast of producers and remixers), and some of the great dance music moments you gave us. Having done a lot of DJ'ing back in the day, I spun Whitney's tracks on my turntables regularly, packing many a dance floor. This particular track can be heard in its wonderfully rhythmic original album version, a Bruce Forest extended dance mix, Ricky Be's Hard House and Trance remix, and the M-phasis RMX. [1 March 2012]
The Third Man (Theme) [YouTube link] is a famous theme composed by Anton Karas through extensive use of the zither, a 40-string Middle European cousin to the guitar. This 1949 film noir classic, directed by Carol Reed, stars Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten (of "Love Letters" fame, a 1945 film whose screenplay was written by Ayn Rand), and Alida Valli (of "We the Living" fame, the Italian 1942 film version of the Rand novel, later restored by Duncan Scott and re-released with English subtitles in 1986). [1 March 2014]
This Can't Be Love is another great Lorenz Hart-Richard Rodgers collaboration. It debuted on the Broadway stage in the 1938 show, "The Boys from Syracuse," and was also featured in the 1962 film, "Jumbo" (audio clip at that link). Listen to audio clips of renditions by Jack Cassidy and Holly Harris (from the 1953 studio cast album), Dinah Washington, Shirley Horn, Stephane Grappelli, Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan, and a scatting Ella Fitzgerald. [6 November 2006]
This Christmas features the words and music of Nadine McKinnor and Donny Hathaway. Check out Donny Hathaway's very smooth rendition on YouTube. And a very Merry Christmas to all! [25 December 2010]
This Could Be the Start of Something Big, written by Steve Allen, originated as the theme song to a 1954 TV musical production of "The Bachelor" (not to be confused with the current "reality show"). It eventually opened up the show for which Allen was the first h ost: "The Tonight Show." Check out classic renditions by Ella, Steve and Eydie, Jack Jones, Bobby Darin, and a blazing big band instrumental treatment by the Count of Basie. What better way to celebrate television than with this swinging track. Tonight, check out the 67th Annual Emmy Awards on Fox. [20 September 2015]
This Guy's (Girl's) In Love with You features the words and music of Burt Bacharach (whose birthday was last weekend) and Hal David. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Herb Alpert, Harry Connick, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Petula Clark, and Dusty Springfield (audio clips at those links). [19 May 2007]
This House is Not a Home, words and music by Dee Robert and Peter Monk, was first recorded by Nicole J. McCloud (audio clip at that link). I adore the recent version by Deborah Cox, one of my favorite contemporary pop/dance/R&B singers. Listen to an audio clip of her version here (though my favorite mix is the Tony Moran Anthem remix). [21 January 2006]
This is All I Ask, words and music by Gordon Jenkins, is an appropriate way to say "Happy Birthday, Tony Bennett," for on this day in 1926, he was born. From Nat King Cole to Frank Sinatra [YouTube links], this standard has been recorded by many artists. And yet, there is a special resonance in the lyric, on this day more than any other, as Bennett sings: "As I approach the prime of my life, I find I have the time of my life, Learning to enjoy at my leisure all the simple pleasures. And so I happily concede, That this is all I ask, This is all I need . . . Take me to that strange, enchanted land grown-ups seldom understand. . . . And let the music play as long as there's a song to sing. And I will stay younger than Spring." For fans, Tony will always be "younger than Spring." This was the title track from Bennett's 1963 album, but first appeared in a different arrangement on his 1961 album, "Alone Together." Check out the 1961 version and the more intimate 1963 version [YouTube links], with the opening accompaniment of his pianist and long-time musical director, Ralph Sharon. He also recorded it in a duet with Josh Grobon [YouTube link] for his 2012 album, "Duets II," released in conjunction with his 85th birthday. Well, Tony is still going strong at 90, the "prime" of his life has been given a long extended remix for the benefit of generations of fans who still appreciate his boundless talent and energy. Happy birthday to a fellow New Yorker of Italian descent. Stick with us through Friday, when we conclude our mini-tribute to an American treasure. [3 August 2016]
This is My Affair ("I Hum a Waltz") [MySpace clip at that link], lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Revel, is introduced in this thoroughly entertaining 1937 susupense film by the amazingly talented Barbara Stanwyck, who co-starred with Robert Taylor. The movie also starred Victor McLaglen, Brian Donlevy, Frank Conroy as President William McKinley and Sidney Blackmer as President Theodore Roosevelt. I have to admit that this is the first, and may be the last, film I've ever seen in which President McKinley figures in an undercover government operation to foil bank robbers. I saw this rare gem (which has been screened with at least five different titles) on TCM not too long ago and was astounded that I hadn't seen it before. I loved it, and also found myself humming this tune for days. Check out the film here; the melody of this charming song is used in the "Main Title" at 00:38 and Stanwyck's turn can be heard at 01:36:44, and the theme rises again at the film's conclusion at 01:38:55. [22 February 2013]
This is My Night, words and music by David Frank and Mic Murphy, is a selection on the fifth solo album of the only Chaka Khan: "I Feel for You." Coming on the heels of the humongous title track hit from that album, this song went to #1 on the Hot Dance Club Play Billboard chart, 27 years ago this month. I loved remixing this track for the dance floor, and it remains one of my favorites from the enormous Chaka corpus. Listen to the original album version, the 12" remix. and the video version [YouTube links]. Back in 1953, on this date, Chaka Khan was born. So this is your night and your day, Chaka: Happy Birthday! [23 March 2012]
This is What You Came For, words and music by Calvin Harris and Nils Sjobera (aka Taylor Swift) is the #1 Dance single right now (a 2-week run that will be eclipsed next week by JT's "Can't Stop the Feeling"). Recorded by Harris, with featured vocalist Rihanna, the song has a great beat for a very Sweaty Summer Saturday Night Dance Party (and we are, right now, The Big Baked Apple in NYC). Check out a variety of great mixes on YouTube: the official video, the Crystal Knives and Heuse Remix, the R3Hab and Henry Fong Remix, and the really scalding summery Dillon Francis Remix (only an audio clip, darn!). [16 July 2016]
This Land is Your Land was given lyrics by Woody Guthrie over the melody of a Carter Family tune called "When the World's On Fire." Some folks have insisted this is some kind of "Marxist" response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Whatever its underlying politics, it was a song whose lyrics (all of them) we learned when I was in school, and has become a part of Americana. Check out the original Guthrie recording here [YouTube link]. A Happy and Safe Independence Day to All! [4 July 2021]
This Masquerade features the words and music of Leon Russell, who passed away today at the age of 74. Like "A Song for You," this song is one of my favorite Russell compositions. It first appeared on his 1972 "Carney" album, but became a Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 and R&B hit for jazz guitarist and vocalist George Benson. The recording was Benson's first single release, appearing on his signature 1976 album, "Breezin'", and it went on to receive the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Check out the Russell original and Benson's recording as well [YouTube links]. And check out a more recent version by the son of Barbra Streisand, Jason Gould. RIP, Leon Russell. [13 November 2016]
This Place Hotel is the actual name for a song that I've always called "Heartbreak Hotel." Composed by Michael Jackson, and performed by the Jacksons, the song's title was changed under threat of litigation, it seems, to differentiate it from Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel." Either way, this rhythmic track has a memorable melodic hook, and an interesting, jazzy arrangement. Check out the audio link, as featured on the superb album "Triumph." [13 March 2005]
This Swingin' Life (audio clip at that link) features the music and lyrics of Jeff Driskill and Don Miller. It was recorded by the Don Miller Orchestra, which was the house band for "Jerry Seinfeld Live on Broadway." I adore the trombone solo of my pal Roger Bissell. [27 July 2005]
This Time Baby, written by C. James and L. Bell, was originally an O-Jay's B-side. It was re-recorded by powerhouse R&B singer Jackie Moore and became one of the great dance classics of the '70s. Excerpts are available on amazon.com. [17 October 2004]
This Time I Know It's for Real features music and lyrics by Matthew James Aitken, Michael Stock, Peter Alan Waterman, and vocalist Donna Summer, who performs the song. Standing on the precipice of Summer, what better way to kick off the season than with a fine dance track by Summer. Listen to an audio clip here. [20 June 2005]
This Track is a
Planet Killer / Milky
[YouTube links] are two songs composed by
Soy. (to appear on their
upcoming album "Johnathan"), with my dear friend
Eric Fleischmann
on vocals. The starkly different tracks, which follow one another, are united as
part of a live performance that debuted on
2 January 2022
[YouTube link]. The first track is full of
punk fury; the second is
an ambient-alternative
instrumental. The full 50+ minute official video can be viewed
here. When
Eric
isn't protesting on campus or writing about
the work of Laurence Labadie
or subjects as varied as historical
materialism and the anarcho-punk
movement, he's busy wreaking havoc on stage with his bandmates:
Mose Hatcher (bass), Max Folan
(guitar, vocals), Noah Michalski (drums), Lex
Puckett (guitar), Shaan Dahar aka HHP (guitar, backing vocals). [8 June 2022]
The Thomas Crown Affair ("Chess Game")
[YouTube link], composed by
Michel Legrand,
is featured in
the
original 1968 version of the film, starring
Steve McQueen and
Faye Dunaway. In this
particular scene, the music augments the chemistry and sensuality between the stars. After
viewing this sexually charged scene, you'll never again look at the game of
chess the same. It's a nice way to celebrate those loving hormones
often generated by
Valentine's Day.
Legrand lost the Oscar for
Best Original Score, but got one for
Best Original Song (along with lyricists
Alan and
Marilyn Bergman) for the film's classic tune, "The
Windmills of Your Mind" (sung by
Sting in the fine 1999 remake
[YouTube link]). [14 February 2018]
The Thomas Crown Affair ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Michel Legrand, is an indispensable extension of this 1968 heist film, starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Though the nominated score didn't win the Oscar that year, Legrand won an Oscar for Best Original Song, "The Windmills of Your Mind" (with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman). The song opens this suite, which also features so many of those jazzy inflections for which the maestro was famous. The Grand Legrand was born on this date in 1932. [24 February 2023]
The Thomas Crown Affair ("The Windmills of Your Mind"), music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, was featured in both film versions of "The Thomas Crown Affair": the Steve McQueen-Faye Dunaway 1968 romp and the 1999 flick starring Pierce Brosnan and a scalding Rene Russo, who shares a birthday with me. Winner of an Academy Award for "Best Song," it has been performed by Noel Harrison (for the original film), Sting (for the remake), Jack Jones, and Dusty Springfield (audio clips at each link). I also love an instrumental take on it by Phil Woods. [13 July 2005]
Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer, music by Hans Carste, English lyrics by Charles Tobias, was first recorded in German (with lyrics by Hans Bradtke) by Austrian singer Willy Hagara. It is the Top Ten hit by Nat King Cole---the title track to his 1963 album---that is most memorable. With this song's global roots, we mark the beginning of the XXXIII Olympiad, which opens today in Paris, France. Check out the original Hagara version and Cole's classic rendition [YouTube links]. [25 July 2024]
Thou Swell, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers, is a classic song, first heard in the 1927 Broadway musical, "A Connecticut Yankee." It was also heard in the 1943 revival (audio clip from that production here). The song has been recorded by many musicians and singers through the years, including Fats Waller, an early Bill Evans with Don Elliott, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Ray Bryant, Tony Bennett, The Supremes, and Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, each with a swingin' big band. [8 July 2006]
Three Little Pigs ("Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?"), words and music by Frank Churchill and Ann Ronell, made its screen debut in the 1933 Disney short, "Three Little Pigs", which won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. Check out the original version from the short, as well as very different renditions by Barbra Streisand and LL Cool J [YouTube links]. Though neither a pig nor a wolf, Punxsutawney Phil, the famous Groundhog, has predicted an early spring. His prediction has been confirmed by Staten Island Chuck, who has the added virtue of having scuffled with a couple of New York Mayors. Chuck also boasts an 80% accuracy rate, compared to Punxsutawney Phil's 39% accuracy rate. Either way, in two weeks, pitchers and catchers report to Spring training, and that's as sure a sign as any that the Vernal Equinox is just around the corner! [2 February 2024]
Three Little Words, music by Harry Ruby, lyrics by Bert Kalmar, was the title song from the 1950 Fred Astaire-Red Skelton film. But it has shown up on screen many times, going all the way back to the Amos 'n' Andy 1930 film "Check and Double Check," where the song is performed by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, with Bing Crosby on vocals. Listen to an audio clip of that version here. I adore a live swinging version by Carmen McRae; listen to an audio clip of that version here. [29 September 2005]
Thriller, written by Rod Temperton, produced by Quincy Jones, sung and performed (in my favorite music video of all time, directed by John Landis) by Michael Jackson. With a featured rap by the incomparable Vincent Price, this one is perfect for Halloween. [31 October 2004]
The Thriller Megamix [YouTube link], mixed by DJ Jason Nevins, highlights some of the hottest tracks from Michael Jackson's masterpiece. On this date in 1982, the "King of Pop" released the all-time global best-selling album, "Thriller". It would have an immeasurable impact on popular music and culture. It spent an unprecedented 37 nonconsecutive weeks at #1 (and is actually back in the Top Ten this week), was the first album to spawn 7 Top Ten Hits, and advanced the art of music video---from the sparkling "Billie Jean", the first video by a black artist to air in heavy rotation on MTV, to "Beat It", directed by Bob Giraldi, with its kick-ass Eddie van Halen guitar solo and its Michael Peters choreography, to the John Landis-directed iconic short film, "Thriller", a 14-minute music-and-horror dance extravaganza. Many of the songs on this all-time best seller are staged in "MJ: The Musical"---a wonderful "jukebox musical" that I saw on Broadway this past summer. This megamix highlights five key songs from MJ's 40-year old masterpiece, an unforgettable part of the soundtrack of my youth and of my years as a mobile DJ: the title track, "Billie Jean", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", and "Beat It". It is not without some poignant irony that this anniversary comes during the funeral week of my sister, Elizabeth "Ski" Sciabarra. She and I both saw MJ with his brothers on the 1984 Victory Tour and the 1988 Bad World Tour. We danced to his music anytime it echoed through a dance club. And every time she took one of her dance teams to a national competition, she looked forward to hearing an MJ track on the bus---as a sign of good luck. I miss her. But these memories live on ... [30 November 2022]
The Thrill of it All, words and music by Bryan Ferry, opens the 1974 Roxy Music album, "Country Life"---considered a milestone in the history of British art rock. Check out the 6+ minute album version [YouTube link]. Today is Opening Day for the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, and I can't think of a better phrase ("the thrill of it all") to sum up this baseball fan's enthusiasm about the upcoming season. [Ed.: Great Opening for New York: Mariano Rivera throws out ceremonial first pitch and the Yanks win at Home, 7-2 over the Orioles, and the Mets win on the road, with former Yankee Robinson Cano driving in 2 runs to give de Grom his first win, 2-0 over the Nationals!] [28 March 2018]
Throb features words and music by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Janet Jackson. Granted... there really aren't many lyrics and the song is minimalist. But it scorches the dance floor. From the album "Janet" (Miss Jackson, if you're nasty...), listen to an audio clip here. [28 August 2005]
Thunderball ("Main Title"), words by Don Black, music by five-time Oscar winner John Barry, is the title track to one of the classic James Bond films. In honor of the late, great John Barry, check out YouTube, featuring the powerful vocals of Tom Jones. No better time to kick off our Our Annual Movie Music Tribute Series than to feature this Barry gem. [1 February 2011]
Till There Was You, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, has been covered by so many artists... even The Beatles! It was sung by Tony-winning Barbara Cook in the original Broadway cast recording of "The Music Man," also starring Robert Preston (check out the audio clip here) and in the 1962 film version by Shirley Jones. [2 April 2005]
Till the World Ends, written by Dr. Luke, Alexander Kronlund, Max Martin and Kesha, was recorded by Britney Spears for her album "Femme Fatale." This sizzling, apocalyptic dance track shouldn't be taken too literally, especially for those of us in the Northeast who experienced an earthquake this week, and who are now facing Hurricane Irene. No fear. We'll just dance till the world ends . . . Take a look at the official video on YouTube. [27 August 2011]
The Tim Conway Show ("Main Theme") was composed by Dan and Lois Dalton, for the short-lived 1970 CBS-TV series that re-united Tim Conway and Joe Flynn (check out parts one and two of "Mail Contract") from their multi-year stint as part of the ensemble that made up "McHale's Navy," a TV show that I watched religiously from age 2 through age 6. It starred Oscar-winning actor Ernest Borgnine as Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale and introduced me to the hilariously funny Emmy-winning actor and writer Tim Conway, who played Ensign Parker [YouTube link]. Conway would go on to a comedic career that encompassed classic stints on "The Carol Burnett Show" [YouTube link to "Went with the Wind!"] to his own variety show [YouTube link]. Today, the funnyman died at the age of 85. RIP, Tim [YouTube links]. [14 May 2019]
Time After Time ("Time Machine Waltz"), composed by Miklos Rozsa, is one of the composer's most melodic screen waltzes. It is played by pianist Eric Parkin on the soundtrack album. [29 October 2005]
Time After Time, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn (both of whom knew a thing or two about writing songs that were Sinatra hits), was first introduced in the score to the 1947 MGM musical, "It Happened in Brooklyn," by Sinatra and also Kathryn Grayson. (The film also starred Peter Lawford, a future Rat Pack member.) It can also be found on Disc 1 of "Ultimate Sinatra." Recently, the Sinatra rendition of this song was heard in an episode of the summer TV series, "Aquarius," inspired by actual events, though mixed with a large dose of historical fiction. In the series, starring David Duchovny, we follow the early days of the infamous Manson family, responsible for the Tate-LaBianca murders in August 1969. You know you transcend "time" when your music is heard in a period piece in the years when psychedelic rock reached its peak. Sinatra never much cared for rock, even if he did a few covers of rock songs, without much success. His views of rock were probably on a par with those of the original "Tonight Show" host and comedian, Steve Allen, who saw the genre as eternally inferior to jazz, and regularly did "mock" poetry readings of the lyrics from the rock hits of the day. Allen once joked that rock and roll was based on three chords, and two of them were wrong. In any event, listen to Frank Sinatra's take on "Time After Time" [YouTube link] (not to be confused with rocker Cyndi Lauper's song of the same name [YouTube link], whose retro video actually opens with Lauper watching a scene from "The Garden of Allah," a 1936 film starring Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer). [27 November 2015]
A Time for Love, music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, was an Oscar-nominated song from the 1966 film, "An American Dream." It has been treated lovingly by many vocalists and instrumentalists alike, including singer Tony Bennett and pianist Bill Evans [YouTube links]. One of the most sensitive readings of the song, arranged by Sammy Nestico, was recorded by trombonist Bill Watrous [YouTube link]; it was the title song for his 1993 album in tribute to "The Music of Johnny Mandel." Today, I learned of the death of Bill Watrous, trombonist extraordinaire, whose effortless playing would leave you breathless. He was 79 years old. Whether he was playing a lush standard from the Great American Songbook, like "Body and Soul" [YouTube link] or performing a live rendition of "Spain" [YouTube link], with Chick Corea and an all-star 1976 Downbeat Awards Show line-up that included Hubert Laws (on flute), George Benson (on guitar), Stanley Clarke (bass) and Lenny White (drums), Watrous took us to musical heights for which he will be long remembered. [10 July 2018]
The Time is Now [YouTube link] was composed by jazz pianist David Hazeltine, who performs it with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster as the title track to his 2019 album. Enjoy this trio of ol' pros; they are so in sync with one another. [1 August 2020]
Time of the Season, composed by keyboard player, Rod Agent, is one of the featured tracks on the album, "Odessey and Oracle," by The Zombies, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The song was recorded in 1967 at the Abbey Road Studios, right after the Beatles finished recording "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Argent actually used the mellotron and piano left behind by John Lennon from the "Sgt. Pepper's" session. The album and the song have an unusual history. With the word "Odessey" misspelled on the psychedelic art cover designed by Terry Quirk, the album didn't do well in its 1968 release in Great Britain. It was Al Kooper, formerly of Blood, Sweat, and Tears, who urged producer Clive Davis at Columbia Records to release the album in the U.S. on a subsidiary label. This song caught on, first with a disc jockey in Boise, Idaho, and eventually throughout the United States, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. With lyrics that include a nod to Gershwin's "Summertime" and a bass line like that of "Stand by Me," the song eventually propelled the album to plantinum status, with over two million copies sold. It has been covered by artists as diverse as the Dave Matthews Band, and jazz artists Curt Elling and Cassandra Wilson. But nothing is as definitive as the Zombies' truly classic recording [YouTube links]. Thanks to my friend John F. Welsh for sharing all this wonderful trivia with me, as I prepared to honor this year's crop of R&R Hall of Famers. We'll have a chance to see the broadcast of this year's ceremonies on HBO in about a month. [29 March 2019]
Time Remembered [YouTube clip at that link] is a magnificent composition written and performed by the timeless jazz pianist Bill Evans. It is posted in remembrance, today, of two members of the New York Yankees family who passed away last week: "The Voice of God" Bob Sheppard and the Boss, George Steinbrenner. [18 July 2010]
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ("George Smiley") [YouTube link], composed by Alberto Iglesias, is the jazz-influenced main title to the 2011 film starring Gary Oldman as George Smiley. This is a pensive, chill track from the Oscar-nominated Iglesias score. Last night was anything but chill, though; Seth McFarlane had a hilarious debut as Oscar host, and the show featured wonderful tributes to movie music, including a lovely ode to Marvin Hamlisch by Barbra Streisand, a show-stopping performance of "Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey during a 007 celebration, and a performance by Adele, who took home a gold statuette for the newest Bond theme, "Skyfall." The 2013 Oscars are now history, but Film Music February continues till month's end. [25 February 2013]
Titanic: A New Musical ("In Every Age"), words and music by Maury Yeston, opened on Broadway in 1997 and went on to receive five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Check out the Broadway cast album version [YouTube link]. My favorite version of this song, however, is a jazz interpretation by guitarist Frank DiBussolo. It can be found on his really nice 1998 album, "Titanic: A New Musical" [the amazon.com link provides a small sample of the piece]. So many other Titanic music projects are available and worthy of attention: "Disasters! The Disaster Movie Music Album" and "Titanic: The Ultimate Collection," both of which offer selections from several Titanic-inspired films; the lovely Alberto Iglesias soundtrack to "La Camarera del Titanic"; and a stupendous 4-disc set, "Titanic: Collector's Anniversary Edition," featuring James Horner's magnificent Oscar-winning score to the Cameron-directed film, which includes remastered versions of the two previous "Titanic" soundtrack albums, and 2 extra discs of music from the period (not to mention great liner notes and Titanic-White Star replica luggage tickets). Tonight, ABC presents the first part of a new miniseries, "Titanic," written by Julian Fellowes, co-creator of "Downton Abbey." Another 12-part BBC miniseries is forthcoming: "Titanic: Blood and Steel." It was on this date, at 11:40 pm, UTC-3 ship's time, that Titanic struck an iceberg. In a little more than 2 hours, it would sink. [14 April 2012]
Titanic ("Main Title") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Lennie Niehaus, opens the 1996 4-hour CBS miniseries, starring Peter Gallagher, George C. Scott, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Eva Marie Saint. The theme manages to capture the grandiosity of the ship, while allowing us to reflect upon the ominous events yet to come. [12 April 2012]
Titanic ("Main Title") [YouTube link to the film trailer], composed by Sol Kaplan (under the musical direction of Lionel Newman), is from the 1953 American film drama starring Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck. The film won a single Oscar, for Best Writing, Original Screenplay. On April 11, 1912, one hundred years ago today, Titanic stopped in Queenstown, Ireland before embarking on its fateful voyage to America. This fine movie begins on YouTube here, and the "Main Title" is contained therein. [11 April 2012]
Titanic ("Death of Titanic") [audio clip at that link], music by James Horner, is from the 1997 blockbuster, directed by James Cameron. This selection is a superb accompaniment to the final moments of the ship as dramatized in the film. We experience the death of Titanic through music, in real time. An instrumental rendering of the love theme ("My Heart Will Go On") is heard throughout in a symphonic battle with the sounds of impending doom; Horner won't let us forget the romantic bond of the lead characters, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. By the time the ship is standing straight up, the nightmare of an inverted world is portrayed through the clever use of dissonance and atonality. A percussive hum, building momentum, takes us beneath the water. Horner uses strings to echo human voices in choral effect, crying out for life. A shattering musical moment to a shattering, epic scene. (Mentioned at SOLO HQ too.) [10 February 2005]
To Catch a Thief ("Main Title") [YouTube link], composed by Lyn Martin, provides a lively opening to this visually stunning 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. This was one of four films that Grant did with Hitchcock and one of three films that Kelly did with Hitchcock. The pairing of Grant and Kelly in a Hitchcock [YouTube "Dick Cavett" interview clip] film with the French Riviera as backdrop thrills audiences with romance, suspense, and literal fireworks [YouTube link]. Today is the 100th anniversary of my mother's birth; she passed away in 1995, but not even a five-year bout with lung cancer could dull the intensity of her love for Cary Grant (she would practically fall over from excitement, watching Cary run in Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" famous crop-duster scene! [YouTube link]). So this one's for Mom... and for Cary! [20 February 2019]
Toccata [YouTube link] is an adaptaion of the fourth movement of Albert Finastera's First Piano Concerto, in this instance featured on the classic progressive rock album, "Brain Salad Surgery," arranged by Keith Emerson (Carl Palmer did the percussion movement). Emerson tragically died on March 20th of an apparent suicide. Emerson, Lake,& Palmer were perhaps among the most significant keyboard-driven rock/classical/jazz fusion groups to grace the genre. They were often dismissed by critics as "pompous" and "pretentious" like most other bands in the genre, but there was always a touch of envy in that critique, for few rock keyboardists could integrate that fusion with the effectiveness of Keith Emerson. The piece has an almost cinematic feel to it, suited for the sci-fi screen. [12 March 2016]
To Each His Own ("Main Title"), composed by Victor Young, is from the 1946 film that won Olivia de Havilland her Academy Award for Best Actress, and today, on July 1st, we celebrate her 100th birthday. (She and her sister Joan Fontaine, with whom she had an estranged relationship, are the only sisters to share the distinction of having won a Best Actress Oscar each.) Ironically, there was a popular Livinston-Evans song released in that same year, but it was only "inspired" by this film. How can one go wrong, then, picking the main theme from the film that brought Olivia her Oscar, when the music was composed by the great Victor Young, in fine melodic form. Check out the lush opening credits on YouTube. [1 July 2016]
To Have and Have Not ("How Little We Know") features the words and music of Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael, who is the pianist accompanying Lauren Bacall in her smoldering 1944 screen debut in this film, loosely based on Ernest Hemingway's famous work. (It is "Lauren" who is mentioned among the smoldering celebrities rapped about by Madonna in her terrific dance single, "Vogue" [YouTube link].) Check out Lauren's performance of this song on YouTube. Still, Bacall's most famous words in the film had little to do with music, even if it was lyrically melodic to the ears of her co-star, and future husband, Humphrey Bogart. She tells him: "You know how to whistle, don't you Steve? You just put your lips together and blow" [YouTube link]. It left him whistling, indeed. Sadly, the accompished actress passed away yesterday at the age of 89. [13 August 2014]
The Thomas Crown Affair ("Chess Scene") [YouTube link], composed by Michel Legrand, is featured in the original 1968 version of the film, starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. In this particular scene, the music augments the chemistry and sensuality between the stars. After viewing this sexually charged scene, you'll never again look at the game of chess the same. It's a nice way to celebrate those loving hormones often generated by Valentine's Day. Legrand lost the Oscar for Best Original Score, but got one for Best Original Song (along with lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman) for the film's classic tune, "The Windmills of Your Mind" (sung by Sting in the fine 1999 remake [YouTube link]). [14 February 2018]
Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life, words and music by Donald Borzage and Johnny Mercer, is a song I discovered on a 1964 Nancy Wilson album, called "Today, Tomorrow, Forever." Where the hell have I been that I never heard this gem before? Beautiful song, and beautifully delivered by the always beautiful Nancy, with some nice guitar accompaniment by John Gray. Check it out on YouTube. What a nice way to begin a Vernal Equinox; after the lousy 2014-2015 winter (with more snow predicted today), the arrival of Spring tonight can last me all my life, indeed! Allergies included! [20 March 2015]
The Tonight Show, composed by Paul Anka and John William "Johnny" Carson, was heard nightly on Carson's show and performed with gusto from 1962, first by the Skitch Henderson Band, and then, from 1967, by the Doc Severinson Band. Listen to an audio clip of this theme that is truly among "Television's Greatest Hits." [30 August 2006]
Too Close for Comfort, words and music by George Weiss, Jerry Bock, and Lawrence Holofcener, is from the 1956 musical "Mr. Wonderful." It has been performed by many artists through the years. There have been many swinging versions of this song; for a sampling, listen to audio clips at the following links from Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald (here too), Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, and Sammy Davis, Jr. [6 September 2005]
Too Darn Hot, words and music by Cole Porter, was written for the 1948 musical, "Kiss Me, Kate." It's another one of those songs from Ella's Porter Songbook album, and is an appropriate conclusion to our Centenary Tribute to the Great Ella Fitzgerald, who will always be Too Darn Hot [YouTube link]. Happy 100th, Ella! [25 April 2017]
Too High, words and music by Stevie Wonder, is from the classic Grammy award-winning album, "Innervisions." Listen to an audio clip of this super fine song here. [15 May 2006]
Too Hot features music, lyrics, and performance by George "Funky" Brown and Kool and the Gang. It's a cliche but it's true: A "hot" song for a summer's day never sounded this cool. Listen to an audio clip of this mid-tempo classic here. [29 June 2005]
Too Late, words and music by Bob Carter and Junior Giscombe, is featured on Junior's first album, "Ji", which spawned the 1982 mega-hit, "Mama Used to Say." Both of these songs were Top 10 R&B hits. This artist was one of the first British R&B singers from the U.K. to climb the U.S. charts. Check out the album version of this song and the original 12" extended mix [YouTube links]. [15 September 2018]
Too Marvelous for Words, music by Richard Whiting, words by Johnny Mercer, made its debut in the 1937 film, "Ready, Willing and Able." Bobby Connolly was actually nominated for an Oscar for the "Best Dance Direction" for the production number surrounding this song. Having concluded my Ellington tribute, I celebrate the birthday boy, Francis Albert Sinatra who would have turned 90 today (and even Sinatra collaborated with Ellington on an album here; it was Sinatra who, in 1962, arranged a generous Reprise recording contract for Duke). Dubbed the "Chairman of the Board" by the great WNEW-AM New York radio personality, William B. Williams, Sinatra recorded this tune on his classic album, "Songs for Swingin' Lovers" (audio clip at that link). [12 December 2005]
Toothbrush features the words and music of Ilya Salmanzadeh, James Alan Ghaleb, Rickard Goransson, and Joe Jonas, who turns 29 years of age today. The song, with its rhythmic groove, was recorded by DNCE for their debut 2015 EP, "Swaay." Check out the single video version, Higher Self Remix, and Aldi Waani Remix [YouTube links]. [15 August 2018]
Too Turned On, words and music by Alexandra Forbes, is a hot sleaze-beat 1985 dance track recorded by Brooklyn-born Alisha. Listen to an audio clip here. [8 February 2006]
Torture, music and lyrics by Jackie Jackson and Kathy Wakefield, from the Jacksons' album Victory (check out that audio clip). It may have come as part of a reunion album at the end of the Thriller craze, and it may not be a part of the new MJ "Ultimate Collection" but it is slick dance pop at its best. [10 January 2005]
Touch, words and music by Pharrel Williams of the Neptunes, is performed to smoldering perfection by Omarion (video clip available at that site). I was first turned on to the track when I saw it performed, in dance, on the hot Summer 2005 Fox talent show, "So You Think You Can Dance," which gave its top award to its most versatile dancer: Nick Lazzarini. Listen to an audio clip of the song here. [28 November 2005]
Touch of Evil ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Henry Mancini for this 1958 film noir classic, directed by and starring Orson Welles. Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Marlene Dietrich round out the cast of this film, which critics regard as among the finest of its genre. Welles was aghast at how the studio edited his film---but this is Mancini at his classic, gritty best. A year later, Heston would win his Best Actor Oscar for "Ben-Hur" and two years later, Janet Leigh would meet a different fate in Hitchcock's "Psycho" [YouTube link]. But in this film, with its unforgettable, iconic uninterrupted opening tracking shot [iSpot.tv link], Welles delivers one of the last and best of this genre's genuine classics. [16 February 2020]
Touch of Evil ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, enhances this 1958 film noir, directed by and starring Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, and Marlene Dietrich. The Mancini score was deeply inspired by Welles's cinematic vision. Tomorrow, another Mancini soundtrack suite will be featured. [12 February 2023]
The Touch of Your Lips, words and music by Ray Noble, who wrote the song in 1936, has been recorded by many artists through the years, most notably and sensitively by jazz trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker (with some nice guitar work by Doug Raney) [YouTube link]. It was the title track from his 1979 album. But our birthday boy of the week also provides us with an unforgettable rendition, a magnificent collaboration with the immortal pianist Bill Evans, from their 1975 album, "The Tony Bennett - Bill Evans Album." Check out the two lyrical masters on YouTube. [2 August 2016]
The Towering Inferno ("Something for Susan") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by John Williams, is an encore to our 80th birthday notice. It is a reminder that before he was John Williams, he was "Johnny Williams," a jazz pianist working in clubs around New York City. His early jazz sensibility is still evident in this intimate cue from the blockbuster 1974 Irwin Allen disaster flick. Check out YouTube to see the romantic scene between Paul Newman and Faye Dunaway, caressed by the sweet music of the Maestro. [9 February 2012]
On Facebook I prefaced this "Song of the Day" entry with the following comment:
It is officially June 28, 2017; on this date in 1969,
in the wee small hours of the morning, the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn on
Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. With all the hoopla of this past
weekend's "Pride" events nationwide, some folks seem to forget that the parades
emerged initially to commemorate what happened in the early morning hours of
June 28, 1969. For despite the ritual nature of these police raids, it was on
this night that the patrons fought back on the basis of a crucially important
libertarian premise; they rioted and
rebelled in defense of their individual rights to live their own lives and to
pursue their own happiness in private, safe havens, away from the brutality and
harassment they faced on an almost daily basis. It is in this spirit that I add
another song to my Summer Dance series. From "To Wong Foo...", it's Chaka Khan
blowing a hole through the roof with:
To
Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar ("Free Yourself"), words and music by
Sami McKinney,
Denise
Rich, and Warren McRae, is given a scaldingly hot treatment by
Chaka Khan, whose
pipes tear the roof off the motha'. The song is featured on the soundtrack
to the 1995 comedy, "To Wong Foo,
Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar"
(and is also played over the end credits). I dedicate it today to those who
participated in the Stonewall Rebellion, which began in the wee hours of
June
28, 1969, in response to
yet another regular police raid on a gay bar, this one in NYC. It remains a symbolic event for those who have sought equality
before the law and the right to live their lives and to pursue their own
happiness, without the interference of government. It began on this date as a quintessentially
libertarian reaction against
state repression of establishments that catered to a clientele of gays,
lesbians and even their straight friends, who in their consensual social interactions just wanted to enjoy themselves
at
a
Christopher Street bar in Greenwich Village, a safe haven, away from
police and social brutality
(though it should be noted that such bars were typically "protected" by
Mafioso who traded in under-the-table police payoffs).
This track from the 1990s wasn't on the
Stonewall Inn's
famed 1969 jukebox, but it is an appropriate dance burner to mark the day,
in keeping with our Summer Dance Party. Check
it out on on YouTube. [28 June 2017]
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar ("Turn it Out"), words and music by Shep Pettibone and Steve Feldman, is sung by Labelle, led by the soaring pipes of Patti Labelle. This dance track was featured in the 1995 comedy, which starred gender-bending Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo. Shake that booty on YouTube. And then check out "The Bomb" 12-inch remix [YouTube link]. [22 February 2018]
Trapped, words and music by Marston Freeman and Colonel Abrams, topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart on this date in September 1985. Abrams, who died tragically in 2016 at the age of 67, was one of the luminaries of the "house music" trends of the 1980s. Check out the single version of his signature tune and the extended remix.
This is the first of two entries for a Colonel Abrams weekend! [7 September 2018]Tribute to Film Composers [YouTube link], arranged and conducted by John Williams, is a celebration of some of the greatest scores---and their composers---to have ever graced the silver screen. It includes wonderful cues from such composers as Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Alfred Newman, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Miklos Rozsa, James Horner, Henry Mancini, Ernest Gold, John Barry, Maurice Jarre, Malcolm Arnold, Jerry Goldsmith, Bill Conti, Elmer Bernstein, Randy Newman, Ennio Morricone (that "Cinema Paradiso" theme from yesterday), Nino Rota, and the maestro himself. The performance of this kaleidoscopic medley was a highlight of the 74th Academy Awards back in March 2002. Tonight, a new film score will take its place among those awarded over the last 93 years of Oscar. [In the title YouTube link, Harrison Ford tells us back then that Williams had only 45 Oscar nomination and 5 Oscars to his credit; he now has 52 Oscar nominations, second only to Walt Disney's 59 lifetime nominations! [25 April 2021]
A Tribute to Henry Mancini
(Medley) [YouTube link], music by
Henry Mancini,
arranged by
Calvin Custer,
features the
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by
Konstantin Dimitrov.
The medley includes “Baby
Elephant Walk” (from the 1962 film “Hatari!”),
“Charade”
(1963), “The
Pink Panther” (1963), “Days
of Wine and Roses” (1962), and
the
Peter Gunn Theme
(from the
1959-1961 television series).
On the
one hundredth anniversary of his
birth, we celebrate
Mancini’s wonderful musical legacy. [Note:
One hundred years ago on this date, the great
composer, conductor, and arranger Henry
Mancini was born. Winner of four
Academy Awards, a Golden
Globe, twenty Grammy Awards, and a posthumous Lifetime Grammy Achievement Award, Mancini composed some of the most memorable scores and
cinematic songs of the twentieth century—from his Peter
Gunn TV theme and his iconic “Pink Panther” theme to his Oscar-winning scores for “Breakfast
at Tiffany’s” and “Victor/Victoria,” from songs such as “Moon
River” and “Days of Wine and Roses” to “Charade” and “Two for the Road.” Countless Mancini songs have made
their impact on “My Favorite Songs” list over the years. Today, Turner Classic Movies is
running a 24-hour tribute to Mancini that began at 6 am (ET) with “Carol for Another Christmas” (a 1964 TV flick, which
features one of my favorite Christmas themes) and will end with “Wait Until Dark” (a 1967 thriller with the Oscar-nominated
Audrey Hepburn).
Triste, words and music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, is translated as "Sad" (one of my emotions on this day), but there is nothing sad about these lovely, lively audio clips featuring Jobim, Sinatra & Jobim and Brasil 66. [11 September 2006]
Tristeza (Goodbye Sadness) features the words and music of Haroldo Lobo and Niltinho, with English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. I love a version by Brasil 66 (who else?), from their album "Look Around" (audio clip at that link). [3 July 2006]
Trolls ("What U Workin' With?") features the words and music of Max Martin, Ilya, and Justin Timberlake, who joins Gwen Stefani in a duet from the soundtrack to this 2016 animated flick (which my pal Jeffrey Tucker likens to Atlas Shrugged in some of its basic themes). The soundtrack yielded a #1 single for Justin, whose "Can't Stop the Feeling!" received the People's Choice Award and has been nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar this year. It has also received a Grammy nomination for "Best Song Written for Visual Media." [Ed: He won!] Given that the Grammy Awards are being broadcast tonight, I think it's only fitting to highlight another song from the Justin-produced soundtrack, which also includes Justin's homage to "Earth, Wind & Fire" in a terrific rendition of their 1978 hit, "September" [YouTube link]. Justin and Gwen also provide the voices for two of the characters in the flick (Branch and DJ Suki, respectively). Check out the song on YouTube. And check out the Grammy Awards tonight on CBS television, hosted by James Corden, noted for his hilarious Carpool Karaoke stunts on his Late, Late Show! [12 February 2017]
Trolls World Tour ("The Other Side"), words and music by Sarah Aarons, Ludwig Goransson, Max Martin, Justin Timberlake and SZA, is featured on the soundtrack to this upcoming sequel to the 2016 animated flick "Trolls". This newly released song has a retro R&B dance feel. Justin continues to show the impact of Michael Jackson on his musical style and choreography, giving us that MJ toe stance on his kicks in his very first dance move in the video [YouTube links]. [10 March 2020]
Tubular Bells, written and performed by
Mike Oldfield, is a
composition that has been most identified with one of the spookiest movies ever
made: "The
Exorcist." Listen to an audio clip
here
(specifically Part One). And take a look at this
YouTube remix.
And then, pop "The Exorcist"
into your DVD player and have a
Scary, Happy Halloween. [31 October 2007]
Turn the Beat Around, words and music by
Gerald Jackson and
Peter Jackson, was recorded by
Vicki Sue Robinson
for her 1976 debut album "Never
Gonna Let You Go." A bona fide
Disco Classic with a raw percussive edge, this single went to #10 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and spent four weeks at #1 on the
Dance Club Chart. Check out the
original extended mix [YouTube link]. The
song was subsequently covered by
Laura Branigan and
Gloria Estefan
[YouTube links], whose version also went to #1 on the
Dance Club Chart in 1994. [22 June 2018]
Turn Your Love Around, words and music by Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, and Jerry Leiber, exhibits that foot tappin' jazz pizzazz in the performance of George Benson. Listen to an audio clip here. [29 August 2005]
Tutti Fruiti features the words and music of Dorothy LaBostrie and Little Richard (aka Richard Wayne Penniman), who died today at the age of 87. His flamboyant, charismatic showmanship combined the "sacred" shouts of gospel and the "profane" sounds of the blues. He would be dubbed "The Innovator, The Originator, and the Architect of Rock and Roll." His influence on American popular music has been felt across musical genres from rhythm and blues to rock, soul, funk, and hip hop. A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Little Richard opened this signature song with that classic cry of "A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-bom"---practically announcing, in 1955, that a new era had arrived. Ranked as #1 on Mojo's "Top 100 Records That Changed the World," the song was later included on the artist's 1957 debut album, "Here's Little Richard". Check out this rock and roll classic [YouTube link]. RIP, Little Richard. [9 May 2020]
Tuxedo Junction features the lyrics of Buddy Feyne and the music of Bill Johnson, Julian Dash, and Erskine Hawkins, who first recorded this song with his orchestra [YouTube link]. But its most famous rendition was the smooth, slow, finger snappin' version of the Glenn Miller Orchestra [YouTube link]. Check out other versions as well: the Harry James Orchestra, The Manhattan Transfer (turning it into their own theme song), and Joe Jackson. [31 March 2012]
The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of those traditional songs of the season that has been recorded countless times (and the cost of all its enumerated items has gone up considerably since the eighteenth century). So join me, starting today, for my annual holiday music tribute; I won't settle for 12 days, however. We've got 16 songs coming your way over the next 2+ weeks. Let's begin with some holiday cheer from Perry Como, Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, and Joan Sutherland and the Ambrosian Singers. [17 December 2006]
Twentieth Century Fox Fanfare (with CinemaScope Extension) [YouTube clip at that link] is one of the most recognizable, robust, and regal fanfares in all of cinema and it was written by the immortal Alfred Newman. There's no better way to provide a drum roll for tonight's 84th Academy Awards, hosted by the guy who has been my favorite host throughout the years: Billy Crystal. (Our Movie Music Month continues until Leap Year Day.) [26 February 2012]
25 or 6 to 4, music and lyrics by Robert Lamm for the jazz-infused rock band Chicago (or as they were once known, the Chicago Transit Authority). The original 1970 album version of this track (from Chicago II; listen to the audio clip) sported a terrific integration of vocals, brass, and guitar, making it a signature tune of a classic band. [4 December 2004]
24K Magic, words and music by Bruno Mars, Christopher "Brody" Brown, and Philip Lawrence, is the title track of Mars's third studio album, and a bona fide hit out of the box. Part retro funk, disco and R&B, with a dollop of "Rapper's Delight" thrown in for good measure, this one is the kind of throwback that Mars delivers effortlessly (like he did with "Uptown Funk"). Great beat to start a new week. Check out the official video and his performance of it on last night's "Saturday Night Live," where he killed it [YouTube links]! [Ed: And if he killed it on SNL, he absolutely slaughtered it on the 2016 American Music Awards (YouTube link).] [16 October 2016]
TheTwilight Zone boasted two distinct main titles and both were wonderful in that "other dimension" sort of way. The original "Main Title," which debuted in Season One, was composed by the great Bernard Herrmann; the alternate theme, which debuted in Season Two and became quite famous, was written by French avant-garde composer Marius Constant. That theme was actually an integration of two of Constant's compositions: "Etrange #3" and "Milieu #2." Episodes of this terrific Rod Serling show were scored by Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Nathan Van Cleave, Fred Steiner, Leonard Rosenman, Jeff Alexander, and Franz Waxman, among others. Listen to audio clips of the main titles and other themes here. [9 September 2005]
Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone features the music of Bernard Herrmann (whose immortal "Twilight Zone" theme is used to great effect) and the words and additional music of Jay Graydon and Alan Paul, a member of The Manhattan Transfer, which scored a disco hit for this jazz-influenced vocal group. The song appears on their album, "Extensions," which includes the jazz-vocalese gem, "Birdland." Check out the original promo 12" mix and the Disconet Mix [YouTube links]. [17 April 2012]
The Twist features the words and music of Hank Ballard and it was Hank Ballard and the Midnighters [YouTube link] who first recorded this song as a B-sided single in 1959. That original version peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. Later that year, along came a gentleman named Chubby Checker, whose cover version hit the top of the Hot 100 in September 1960 and again in January 1962, leading Billboard to declare it the "biggest hit" of the 1960s. "The Twist" was also the name of the dance that sparked a wordwide dance craze. Even at 2 years old, I was twisting and turning to the sounds of this mega-hit. In 2018, it was among six songs named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural class of singles recognized as having influenced the course of rock. With the summer solstice having arrived today in the Northern Hemisphere at 6:07 a.m. ET, this song kicks off our Third Annual Summer Dance Party, which unlike previous celebrations, will be highlighting dance hits from the 1950s through today, with special emphasis on the hits of yesteryear. Check out the original Chubby Checker #1 hit [YouTube link]. [21 June 2018]
Two for the Road, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, music by Henry Mancini, the title track of a sweet score from the 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. [1 November 2004]
Two for the Road ("Something for Audrey") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, is only one of the lush, romantic tracks from the utterly gorgeous score for this 1967 film, starring Audrey Hepburn, with whom Mancini had a musical love affair. Mancini received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Score, and long considered the title song [YouTube links] from the film his all-time favorite (and it's one of my all-time favorites too!). The film also stars the late Albert Finney, who passed away on February 7, 2019 at the age of 82 [YouTube links from one of Finney's best moments in "Erin Brockovich," for which he received one of his five Oscar nominations]. The Stanley Donen-directed flick was experimental for its day, since it told its story of a twelve-year marriage (the principals played by Hepburn and Finney) in a nonlinear fashion. This was Hepburn's third Donen-directed film (the others were "Funny Face" and "Charade," the latter featuring another great Mancini score [YouTube link]). Today's Film Music February entry is just preparing you for a romantic tomorrow. [13 February 2019]
Two for the Road ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Henry Mancini, is one of the highlights of this romantic 1967 film, starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. The central theme features the lyrics of Leslie Bricusse, who passed away in October 2021. "As long as love still wears a smile, I know that we'll be two for the road. And that's a long, long while." Happy Valentine's Day, with love... [14 February 2022]
Two O'Clock Jump is credited to Count Basie, Harry James, and Benny Goodman. It was a big hit for trumpeter Harry James; listen to audio clips here and here. [14 November 2005]
The Typewriter, composed by Leroy Anderson, is one of those twentieth-century orchestral pieces that brings a smile to one's face. Today, it's posted in honor of the birthday of a comedic genius, Jerry Lewis, who was born on this date in 1926. If part of comedy is timing, then here is Exhibit A on the wonder of exquisite timing: Jerry Lewis performing this piece, from the 1963 film "Who's Minding the Store?" and also on the Colgate Comedy Hour. Happy Birthday to one of the greats! [16 March 2012]
U Got the Look, words and music by Prince, was the highest charting single on the Sign O' the Times album, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also featured singer Sheena Easton. Check out the rhythmic track on YouTube. Prince wrote for many other artists, and was never intimidated in playing with the greats whom he idolized. Ironically, it is said that he truly idolized Michael Jackson, and was deeply saddened by MJ's passing ["We're always sad when we lose someone we love," he is quoted as saying]. Both men, born in 1958, are now gone; their rivalry, sometimes intense, prevented the two of them from ever recording a duet together. But that is now an asterisk in music history (though Prince did pay tribute to MJ in concert performances of "I Want You Back," "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," and "Shake Your Body"). Prince did have the chance to work with other musical giants; check out this wonderful collaboration between Prince and Miles Davis from a 1987concert. Though it's not yet his birthday, Prince will be celebrated all afternoon today in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration section, a party hosted by Spike Lee. [4 June 2016]
Un Bel Di, Vedremo is Giacomo Puccini's famous aria from the opera "Madama Butterfly." The first time I ever heard this was as a child, listening to an old 78 r.p.m record that featured the singing of Jeanette MacDonald. My Uncle Sam wasn't sure who it was and asked my mother: "Who is that? Tiny Tim?" We had a laugh, but not at the expense of this soaring aria. Listen to an audio clip of a magnificent rendition by Maria Callas here or here. And a happy and healthy birthday to a great Callas fan. You know who you are. [5 May 2005]
Unbreak My Heart, words and music by Diane Warren, was one of the most successful singles in the history of the Billboard charts. Produced by David Foster and recorded by Toni Braxton for her album "Secrets," she went on to win the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. As a power ballad, the song spent 11 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, 14 weeks at #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart, but in several dance remixes, it attained the #1 spot on the Dance Club Chart for four weeks. Check out the video ballad version, and then, get back on that dance floor with the Frankie Knuckles Radio edit, the full Frankie Knuckles 12" Remix, the Soul-Hex Vocal Anthem mix, and a live performance at the 1996 Billboard Music Awards that combined the ballad and dance sounds of an unforgettable hit. [23 June 2018]
Underdog, composed by W. Watts Biggers, is the theme to the celebrated TV cartoon, which I watched religiously as a kid. I have yet to see the 2007 movie version, but it looks very cute. Check out a YouTube clip with the full theme. [16 September 2008]
Under the Cherry Moon ("Kiss"), words and music by Prince, is heard in the 1986 film, which featured the first of many collaborations between the artist and jazz pianist Clare Fischer. The soundtrack to the film was marketed under the title of "Parade." This song was a huge hit; it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot 12" Singles Sales, Hot US Club Play, and Hot Black Singles. Check out the single (it's #11 at this link). The song has been covered by many artists, but among the most fun-filled recordings is the one by Tom Jones. And it's not unusual! [YouTube links]. I'm sure that today, Gisele Bundchen is not the only person wanting to Kiss Tom Brady, for leading the New England Patriots to an epic, comeback, overtime 34-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. [6 February 2017]
Unforgettable, words and music by Irving Gordon, was originally a truly unforgettable 1951 hit, arranged by the great Nelson Riddle, for Nat King Cole [YouTube link]. But for those of us from a later generation, remember it for reasons that, today, are especially poignant. On New Year's Eve, Natalie Cole, daughter of the great Nat King Cole, passed away at the age of 65. Natalie was a successful singer of pop music, but it was not until her remarkable album, "Unforgettable . . . With Love," that she truly embraced the niche that was so deeply engrained in her DNA. A talented, swinging, jazz vocalist, she walked away with the 1991 Grammy for Album of the Year, largely on the technological triumph of a title-track duet between Natalie and her dad. I'll never forget how, when the title song actually won a Grammy for Best Song, there being no statute of limitations for song-writing recogntion, the songwriter, Irving Gordon, still alive and genuinely kicking, 40 years after having written the song, took to the stage to accept the Grammy. There was no shutting up Mr. Gordon. It was just after Michael Bolton had performed his own Grammy Award-winning rendition (for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) of "When a Man Loves a Woman", and without missing a beat, Gordon celebrated the fact that it was still possible to win awards for songs such as his, while attacking songs that "scream, yell, and have a nervous breakdown," in which the singers performing them "have a hernia" delivering the lyric. "Unforgettable" was a new beginning for Natalie. Throughout the years, I've highlighted a number of her performances on "My Favorite Songs," including "Almost Like Being in Love," "Avalon," "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Jingle Bells," "The Music That Makes Me Dance" (a wonderful song from the Broadway musical that never made it to the film version of "Funny Girl"), "My Baby Just Cares For Me," "A Song for You," "Thou Swell," "Too Close for Comfort," and "What You Won't Do For Love." It seems only natural, then, that I choose a genuine favorite of mine, with which Natalie will forever be associated: the Grammy-winning title track, and Best Record, and Best Song, from her Grammy-winning album, which, through the miracle of modern technology, enabled her to sing an other-worldly duet with her immortal father: "Unforgettable" [YouTube link]. Like her father, Natalie's contributions to the world of music will remain unforgettable. I will miss her. [2 January 2016]
Unison, words and music by Andy Goldmark and Bruce Roberts, was first recorded in 1983 by Junior for the Tom Cruise film, "All the Right Moves." Laura Branigan and Lory Bianco also recorded versions before the song became the title track from the English-language debut album of Celine Dion. That album was released on this date in 1990. It is one of my favorite uptempo Celine Dion songs. Check out the various renditions: Junior [YouTube link], Laura Branigan [amazon.com sample], Lory Bianco, and the Celine album track, the Celine dance version (my favorite), and the Kevin Unger remix, featuring rapper Frankie Fudge [YouTube links]. [2 April 2012]
The Unsinkable Molly Brown ("I Ain't Down Yet"), words and music by Meredith Wilson, is featured in the 1960 Broadway musical, in which the lead character was played by Tammy Grimes, who won the 1961 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress. The 1964 cinematic adaptation garnered six Oscar nominations, including a Best Actress nomination for Debbie Reynolds who became the feisty Molly Brown on screen. Born Margaret, though her friends called her Maggie, she is known to history as Molly. A traveler on the Titanic, she was the quintessential strong woman and suffragist who, in Lifeboat No. 6, exhorted the crew to return to the waters of death, in search of survivors. On screen, so many have portrayed her, including: the independent, playful, and feisty Kathy Bates in the 1997 Cameron blockbuster; the ever-effervescent Thelma Ritter, who is named "Maude Young" but is clearly Molly, in the 1953 film, "Titanic"; and Cloris Leachman played her twice: as Maggie Brown in a 1950s dramatization for "Television Time" [YouTube link to that episode], and in the television movie, "S.O.S. Titanic". Molly Brown survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. No wonder the character sings this song as a celebration of The Unsinkable. No better day to note it than on Friday the 13th, which happens to be both Good Friday for the Eastern Orthodox and Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. Check out Tammy Grimes in the Broadway cast version [amazon.com sample] and, my favorite, Debbie Reynolds from the film version (and watch her inspire Titanic lifeboat survivors) [YouTube links]. You'll be singing: "Told Ya So! Told Ya So! Told Ya, Told Ya, Told Ya So!" [13 April 2012]
Until I Met You (aka "Corner Pocket"), music by rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, lyrics by Don Wolf, is presented in an understated, swinging arrangement by Tony Bennett (audio clip at that link). Also, listen here to an audio clip of a Manhattan Transfer rendition (which earned the group a Grammy for "Best Performance by a Duo or Group") and here to a clip of a Duke Ellington big band rendition. [23 August 2006]
Until They Sail ("Main Title"), music by David Raksin, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, is sung over the opening credits by Eydie Gorme. This 1957 Robert Wise-directed film includes an all-star cast of Jean Simmons, Paul Newman, Joan Fontaine, Piper Laurie, and Sandra Dee. Check out the Eydie Gorme single (which goes through 2 minutes and 42 seconds at that YouTube link). This is the second time in two consecutive years in which Paul Newman starred in a film directed by Robert Wise, with a main title featuring lyrics by Sammy Cahn! [28 February 2020]
The Untouchables ("Main Theme") [YouTube link], composed by the great Nelson Riddle, served as the theme for this ABC series that ran from 1959 to 1963. Based on the Eliot Ness memoir, it starred Robert Stack as Ness. I have highlighted before---and absolutely loved---the Ennio Morricone theme [YouTube link] to the suspenseful Brian De Palma-directed 1987 film version. Riddle's theme is a classic in its own right [YouTube link]. [23 August 2023]
The Untouchables ("Death Theme") [audio clip at that link], composed by Ennio Morricone, is a portrait of melancholy. Listen to an alternative audio clip from a wonderful tribute album by Yo Yo Ma. [21 February 2009]
The Untouchables ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Ennio Morricone, is one of the highlights to this 1987 prohibition-era crime film, directed by Brian De Palma, and starring Kevin Costner (as Eliot Ness), Robert De Niro (as Al Capone), Andy Garcia, and the Oscar-winning Sean Connery. America's pastime may or may not be on the horizon soon, but nobody wielded a bat like Capone. Base-ball, anyone? [YouTube link]. The Oscar-nominated score picked up a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. And that brings this year's 18th Annual Film Music February to an end. [28 February 2022]
The Untouchables ("The Strength of the Righteous") is the main title to the 1987 film, composed by Ennio Morricone, who will be honored this evening at the 79th Annual Academy Awards with a long overdue Lifetime Achievement Award. The score to this film was nominated for a 1987 Academy Award for Best Original Score. Listen to an audio clip here. And so comes to an end our 2007 Film Music Tribute. [25 February 2007]
Uptight features the words and music of Sylvia Moy, Henry Cosby, and Stevie Wonder, for whom it was was a big hit. Listen to audio clips of Stevie's version and Nancy Wilson (my favorite version). [4 September 2006]
Uptown Funk, features the words and music of Jeff Bhasker, Philip Lawrence, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, whose vocals are delivered with flair on Ronson's recording, a selection from his album, Uptown Special. The song just ended its 14-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its got a great throwback groove, with a touch of The Time and early Prince. Check out the hilarious official video on YouTube along with a live performance on SNL And check out the Norfork Police Department Funking it Up [YouTube links]. [23 April 2014]
Valley of the Dolls ("Theme") was composed by Andre Previn and Dory Previn for the 1967 film version of the Jacqueline Susann novel (Mr. Spock in "Star Trek: The Voyage Home" clearly understood "The Greats" of the twentieth century). The original recording of the song was to be sung by Judy Garland, who had been fired from the film. It was sung by Dionne Warwick. There is a John Williams arrangement of the song in the film; his arrangements were noted by the Academy, and became the first of his 49-to-date Oscar nominations, this one for "Best Score Adaptation." And then there is the single version from Warwick's album [YouTube link]). Listen to the Dory Previn version as well [YouTube link]. For all its kitsch and camp, the film depicts tragedy, and there are so many tragedies that go beyond the film; one need only remember that Sharon Tate was one of its stars. [19 February 2014]
Velas, composed by Ivan Lins and Vitor Martins, is played with lilting beauty by Toots Thielemans on this standout Quincy Jones-Johnny Mandel-arranged track from the 1981 Quincy Jones album, "The Dude." The album itself received twelve Grammy Award nominations, and this track won in the category of "Best Arrangement of an Instrumental Recording" (though losing in the category of "Best Pop Instrumental Recording"). Quincy went on to take top honors as Producer of the Year, for this utterly superb album, one of my all-time favorites. The Toots track only provides another touch of class to an already classy album. Check out the original album cut, and while you're at it, check out his rendition of another famous Q track, "Killer Joe" [YouTube link] (written by Benny Golson). RIP, dear Toots. [20 September 2016]
The Verdict ("The Bottom") [sample clip at that link], composed by Johnny Mandel, captures perfectly the mind-set of Frank Galvin, a seemingly washed-up attorney, who has one last chance to take on a big case, one last chance for personal redemption. The character is played by the Oscar-nominated Paul Newman, in what was, arguably, his greatest performance as an actor. The acclaimed director Sidney Lumet, who passed away in April 2011, said this of Newman's work in the 1982 film: "The slightest gesture, the slightest look, deep riches pour out." Amen. (Oh, and This Verdict Is In, and It's Not 'The Bottom' but the Very Top!: The New York Giants Win the Super Bowl!! Bravo!!!) [6 February 2012]
Versace on the Floor, words and music by an ensemble of writers (including some of the Hooligans), led by Bruno Mars, is a slow, sensuous gem from "24K Magic," which has garnered six Grammy nominations in various categories for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, to be broadcast this Sunday, January 28th, from Madison Square Garden in New York City. This artist has consciously integrated the diverse sounds of everything from doo wop to classic rock to hip hop in his music, richly influenced by an eclectic group of musical heroes, including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince (check out last year's Prince tribute with The Time at the Grammys on VIMEO), James Brown, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, whom he impersonated as a child. It is reflected in his compositions, singing, dancing, and live performances. I'll be featuring a few more tracks from this 2017 album, one of my favorites of the year, from one of my favorite artists and concert performers, leading up to the Grammys. Let's call it a mini-Bruno-fest to follow our mini-Django-fest. (And to answer those who asked the tacky question: No, this is not the "Main Title" to the new Ryan Murphy-produced series, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.") Check out the album version, the video version, a live performance at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, and a David Guetta remix [YouTube links]. [25 January 2017]
Vertigo ("Scene d'Amour") [audio clip at that link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, is a hypnotic theme, from the classic 1958 Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. [5 February 2005]
Vertigo ("Soundtrack Suite") [YouTube link], composed by Bernard Herrmann, is the second of our 5-day mini-tribute to one of the finest composers to touch cinematic history. The soundtrack to this film is one of his crowning achievements---yet another of his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, who directed this 1958 psychological thriller, starring James Stewart and Kim Novack. The central theme---Scene d'Amour---remains the most haunting highlight of this suite. [4 February 2022]
Vertigo/Relight My Fire, music, lyrics, and performance by the late Dan Hartman, is a classic dance track that also features the roaring vocals of Loleatta Holloway. Unrelated to "Light My Fire," it's a fiery R&B-laced disco extravaganza; listen to an audio clip of the instrumental "Vertigo" section here (unrelated to Herrmann's "Vertigo"). [24 May 2005]
The Very Thought of You, words and music by Ray Noble, has been sung by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Vaughn Monroe, and Rick Nelson (listen to audio clips at those links). [9 July 2005]
Vesti la Giubba, the great Pagliacci aria by composer and librettist Ruggero Leoncavallo, has been recorded in a devastating version by Mario Lanza. [8 October 2004]
Vienna Blood Waltz (Op. 354) (audio clip at that link) was composed by Johann Strauss, Jr., the Waltz King, who was born 180 years ago today. In honor of Strauss, I'll spend the next week focused on a few of my favorite waltzes. [25 October 2005]
The Vintner's Daughter (12 variations on a French folk song) (audio clips at that link), composed by Miklos Rozsa, is based on a poem by Juste Olivier, which was set to a French folk-song. It has an element of impressionism, which is captured as well by pianist Sara Davis Buecher (audio clips at that link). [13 April 2007]
Violin Concerto in D (Op. 77), composed by Johannes Brahms, is a wonderful orchestral piece. I especially love the Third Movement. Listen to an audio clip featuring the great Jascha Heifetz. [28 January 2006]
Violin Concerto in E Minor, composed by Felix Mendelssohn, has been one of my favorites ever since I saw a young girl named Lilit Gampel play it on television with the Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by Arthur Fiedler. Listen to these audio clips from a glorious version by Jascha Heifetz, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Munch. [11 July 2005]
Vivo Sonhando was written by one of my favorite composers of all time, Antonio Carlos Jobim, who is our birthday boy today. The song is a melodic highlight from one of my favorite albums of all time: "Getz/Gilberto" (audio clip at that link). [25 January 2006]
Vogue features the words and music of the remixer and producer Shep Pettibone and pop icon Madonna, who recorded the song. This dance track, bathed in a pop-house beat, captures the once-underground phenomenon of "voguing." In her "rap," Madonna mentions many great stars who "strike a pose ... on the cover of a magazine," including the Yankee Clipper, [Joe] DiMaggio, who was born on this day in 1914. Listen to audio clips of several versions of this song here. [25 November 2005]
Waiting for Tonight, words and music by Maria Christensen, Michael Garvin, and Phil Temple, and was originally recorded in 1997 by the "Girl Group" 3rd Party [YouTube link]. Two years later, it was recorded by Jennifer Lopez, today's birthday girl, who took the song to #1 on the Billboard Dance Club chart, her first chart-topper on that chart. From her album, "On the 6," the song received the MTV Video Award for Best Dance Video. The Latin House arranged-song was critically acclaimed by many as the best of J-Lo's career. Check out J-Lo video version of the song and the Hot Hex Hector extended remix [YouTube links]. [24 July 2018]
Walk, Don't Run, composed by the great jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, was also recorded by The Ventures, who were inducted last night into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Johnny Smith, The Ventures, Count Basie, and the Joshua Breakstone Quartet. [11 March 2008]
Waiting for the End of the World, words and music by Elvis Costello, appeared on the artist's 1977 debut album, "My Aim is True." He sings, "Dear Lord, I hope you're coming, 'cause you really started something!" Check out both live and studio recordings of this track from one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Just two more days till End of the World Election 2020. [1 November 2020]
Waiting to Dance [YouTube link], composed by guitarist Jim Hall, is featured on a spectacular guitar duet album with Hall and guitarist Pat Metheny. The 1999 album, "Jim Hall & Pat Metheny," features an intimate musical dialogue between two jazz guitar giants. [18 July 2020]
Wait Until Dark (vocal rendition), music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is sung by Sue Raney (performed by the artist live and from the soundtrack
[YouTube links]) over the end credits to this 1967 thriller (based on the 1966 play by Frederic Knott), starring Audrey Hepburn, who earned an Oscar nomination in the category of Best Actress. A lovely song that builds on the eerie themes of the main title [FSM mp3 link], in a much less sinister way than one would have anticipated. [21 February 2020]Walking on Sunshine features the words and music of Eddy Grant, and was the title song to his third studio album, released in 1979. In 1982, Rockers Revenge remade the song and it went to #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart. Check out the Grant original and the Rockers Revenge club hit [YouTube links]. [22 June 2024]
Walking on Sunshine, words and music by Kimberly Rew, was first released in 1983 for the eponymous debut album of Katrina and the Waves. Unrelated to the Eddy Grant song featured yesterday, this song was re-recorded for the group's 1985 self-titled album and became a Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 hit. Check out that 1985 version [YouTube link]. [23 June 2024]
Walk Right Now, music and lyrics by Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Randy Jackson, from The Jacksons' album "Triumph" (track not featured on the new MJ "Ultimate Collection"). The remix of this track on 12" vinyl (not the album version) is one of the most powerfully disco-charged danceable tracks in the entire Jackson repertoire. I've danced to this with my dear friend Gema, who also helped me run parties back in the day ... when I DJ'ed in college. Happy Birthday, Gema! And happy birthday to my pal, Stan, too! [2 December 2004]
Waltz in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 64, No. 2) (full length theme at that link) is from Movement 9 of "Les Sylphides" by Chopin. Listen also to another audio clip with pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. [27 October 2005a]
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', words and music by Michael Jackson, was the first track heard in the line-up on his best-selling album, "Thriller." This one combines a percolating rhythm, killer bass line, some social commentary, a line about "Billie Jean," and a few "Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa"s" along the way. Listen to an audio clip here. [26 November 2006]
The War of the Worlds ("Main Title" / Various) [excellent YouTube soundtrack montage at that link] features a dramatic score by Leith Stevens. The movie is without a doubt my all-time favorite aliens-invading-earth film from the 1950s. This George Pal production, which was released in February 1953, was directed by Byron Haskin, and starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, who provided cameos as Tom Cruise's in-laws in the Steven Spielberg version of the H. G. Wells story. Dramatizations of this classic story started with the phenomenal 1938 "Mercury Theatre on the Air" radio broadcast of Orson Welles and have continued up till the present day. Nominated for three Academy Awards, the sci-fi classic won a well-deserved Oscar for special visual effects. [25 February 2012]
War of the Worlds ("The Intersection Scene") [YouTube link], composed by birthday boy John Williams, encapsulates all the sounds of doom from a good sci-fi flick (though the 1953 film version is still my favorite). [8 February 2013]
Warsaw Concerto, composed by Richard Addinsell, was featured in the 1941 film "Dangerous Moonlight." I remember being a bit upset when somebody said of this piece that it was all "sound and fury" signifying nothing. Whatever. I loved it when I first heard it as a kid, and enjoyed it even more when I saw Richard Carpenter perform it on TV with the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1974. It was among the very first orchestral pieces I'd ever heard and it remains a sentimental favorite. Listen to an audio clip here of a recording by Jean-Yves Thibaudet. [30 November 2005]
Watch What Happens, music by Michel Legrand, English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, French lyrics by Jacques Demy, has been sung by many, including a fine version by Nancy Wilson. Like "I Will Wait for You," it is from the film soundtrack of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg." A favorite of a late aunt of mine (who must have collected three dozen versions of the song), and one of my own long-time favorites. [6 October 2004]
Watermelon Man, composed by Herbie Hancock, was first recorded in 1962 for the artist's bop album, "Takin' Off", with Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard. It was later funked-up by Hancock for his 1973 fusion album, "Head Hunters", and given a Latin twirl by Mongo Santamaria, a recording that was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Just as we started this festival off with "Watermelon Sugar", so we conclude it with "Watermelon Man". Check out Hancock's 1962 recording and his 1973 reimagining, as well as the 1962 rendition by Mongo Santamaria [YouTube links]. The Autumnal Equinox arrives in the Northern Hemisphere at 9:03 pm tonight. And so our Seventh Annual Summer Music Festival (Edible Edition) comes to an end. [22 September 2022]
Watermelon Sugar features the words and music of Mitch Rowland, Tyler Johnson, Thomas "Kid Harpoon" Hull, and Harry Styles, who took this song to the top of the Billboard charts in 2020. Inspired by the Richard Brautigan novel, "In Watermelon Sugar," this rhythmic, sultry song was the second release from Styles's 2019 album, "Fine Line", and would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. Watermelon has been called "summer's blessing", and so I start my Seventh Annual Summer Music Festival (Edible Edition) with a fruit we'll return to when this festival concludes in September. Check out the official video [YouTube link]. [21 June 2022]
The Watermelon Woman ("Another Day") [YouTube link] features the words and music of Ed Baden Powell, Kwame Kwaten, Sarah Webb, Steve Marston, and Kathy Sledge, who delivers this R&B track with gusto on the soundtrack to this 1996 landmark film in New Queer Cinema. Sledge, the youngest and founding member of Sister Sledge, can also be heard in this house-inflected Hands in the Air Remix of the song (not to be confused with the classic Stevie Wonder track, which Sledge has covered [YouTube links].) [19 February 2021]
Wave, an Antonio Carlos Jobim gem, is delivered in an irresistible manner by Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. At their height, Brasil 66 had one of the most melodic Brazilian sounds in music. [15 October 2004]
The Way He Makes Me Feel, music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is a gorgeous Academy Award-nominated song from the 1983 film "Yentl." Listen to two Barbra Streisand audio clips from the score here. [2 August 2005]
The Way I Am, words and music by Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Charlie Puth, is the opening track to "Voicenotes," where the artist showcases many influences (including even MJ!). This is the concluding track of our Puth survey, as he headlines tonight at Radio City Music Hall. His newest album's first single [YouTube link] "Attention" [YouTube Rolling Stone link] charted on no fewer than six Billboard charts, from the Adult Contemporary to Mainstream Top 40 and the Hot Dance Club Chart, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. (The song is covered by Pentatonix [YouTube link] on their new 2018 album, "PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol.1.") This "Voicenotes" song sums up Puth's path, sometimes bullied as a child for being different [YouTube interview with Larry King], working through self-doubt, aware of his anxieties [YouTube link], but still announcing: "Ima tell 'em all that you could either love me or hate me---but that's just the way I am." Indeed [YouTube link]. Check the album track, the official video to the song released on July 9th, and a host of remixes: Maylar & Beat Boy, STVCKS and Dim Wilder, IndianBoyz, and Phillip Maizza [YouTube links]. And for New Yorkers lucky enough to see our featured artist at Radio City [YouTube link]: Have a great time! [16 July 2018]
The Way I Are features the words and music of T. Mosley, N. Hills, B. Muhammad, C. Nelson, J. Maultsby, and Keri Hilson, who can be heard along with rapper D.O.E. and, of course, Timbaland, on vocals. Take a look at the YouTube video clip of this sizzling dance track. [3 December 2007]
The Way We Were, music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, was the winner of the 1973 Oscar for Best Song from the film of the same title. Listen to audio clips from versions by Barbra Streisand and Gladys Knight (in a medley with "Try to Remember"). [3 March 2006]
The Way You Look Tonight, music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, has been recorded by many performers, including The Lettermen, Anita O'Day, and Frank Sinatra (audio clips at artist links). This Oscar-winning song was first performed in the film "Swing Time," where Fred Astaire sings it to Ginger Rogers. Listen to an audio clip from the soundtrack here. I especially love a live instrumental version by jazz guitarist Jim Hall (audio clip here). [4 August 2005]
The Way You Make Me Feel features the words, music, and performance of Michael Jackson. Back in the day, when I was a DJ, I'd play this at a party, and have to play it a few times in a row because the crowd just wouldn't stop dancing to it. It grew on me. Listen to an audio clip of this finger-poppin' Jackson track here. [3 August 2005]
We Are Family, music and lyrics by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers, was a Number One 1979 R&B Hit for the group Sister Sledge. But it is eternally wedded to the hilarious 1996 comedy, "The Birdcage," which starred Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, who died yesterday from an apparent suicide. The Oscar-winning Williams was one of the most manic comedic geniuses I've ever seen in stand-up or on screen, and the grace with which he shared his talent with this world will be deeply missed. I loved him in this film, one of my favorite comedies. A remake of the 1978 film, "La Cage aux Folles," it also features great comedic turns by Gene Hackman and Hank Azaria. RIP, Robin Williams. Check out the Sister Sledge single, the 1979 Extended Dance Remix, and the scene in which it is used in the 1996 film. [12 August 2014]
We Are Santa's Elves, words and music by Johnny Marks, is performed by the Elf Orchestra (actually Videocraft Chorus) on the classic stop-motion animation Rankin-Bass TV special, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Check out the song scene on YouTube. And a Merry Christmas to one and all! [25 December 2011]
We are the World, words and music by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, was released on this date in 1985. A quintessential Quincy Jones production, the song raised millions of dollars to feed the hungry through USA for Africa. It brought together performers from every genre of music, everybody from Ray Charles, Billy Joel, and Cyndi Lauper to Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder. Its melodic hook brought it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. Today, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of an enduring musical collaboration. It took a lot of work and received four Grammys: Record of the Year; Song of the Year; Best Music Video, Short Form, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Check out the official video on YouTube. [7 March 2015]
We Don't Talk Anymore, words and music by Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Selena Gomez, and Charlie Puth, is from Puth's debut album, "Nine Track Mind." A child prodigy, Puth was introduced to classical music by his mother, who began teaching him how to play piano at age 4. He went on to study jazz by age 10, and was a participant in the Count Basie Theatre's Cool School summer youth jazz ensemble by age 12. Manhattan School of Music Pre-College and Berklee College of Music came later. His music embraces multiple genres [YouTube link]. In the liner notes to his debut album, Puth wrote: "I want to dedicate this record to my parents. In 2001, we couldn't afford a dining room table, and my mom and dad came up with the money to purchase a Korg Triton Studio Synthesizer for me. We ate dinner on the floor while my 11-year old self tried to figure out how to sequence 808s and make beats on this very complex piece of hardware. I learned how to produce records with this piano. So without that initial investment on their part, I probably wouldn't have been able to make this album in 2015. So Mom and Dad, here is the return on your investment. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me, and thank you for pushing me." In a culture that is sometimes at war with the gifted and talented, Puth's attitude is a breath of fresh air. In 2015, Charlie was somewhat famous for doing covers of other artist's hits (like this BBC cover of Calvin Harris's "How Deep is Your Love?" [YouTube link]). Tonight, Puth touches down at the Blue Hills Bank Pavillion in Boston, Massachusetts, with special guest Hailee Steinfeld, to perform his own hits. Check out this song's video single from that first album, as well as a live performance during Gomez's Revival Tour, a snippet of a live Manchester performance with a jazz curve ball thrown in to surprise the crowd, a Teen Choice solo live performance, and the Outamatic Remix [YouTube links]. [Ed: Also check out Puth's rendition of this song on "The Tonight Show" in the style of the Doobie Brothers [YouTube link at about 4 minutes in]. Hilarious!] [13 July 2018]
A Week and a Day, words and music by I Have No Clue, made its debut on the 19 December 2019 "Late Late Show with James Corden." A parody of 90s-era boy bands, the song was performed in a music video setting by "Boyz II Menorah," featuring Zach Braff, James Corden, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Josh Peck and Charlie Puth. For years, the only Hanukkah songs we could rely on were "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" [YouTube link] and, of course, Adam Sandler's "The Hanukkah Song" [YouTube link]. So check out this funny, good-natured celebration [YouTube link] of the Jewish festival of lights and a Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends! And a Happy Solstice, especially to all those who live in the Northern hemisphere, as we now march toward the light! [22 December 2019]
is a Christian hymn, derived from a Dutch poem, "Wilt heden Nu Treden," written by Adrianus Valerius, which celebrated the Dutch victory over the Spanish in the Battle of Turnhout in 1597. It was later wedded to an 1877 score arrangement of Eduard Kremser, with English lyrics provided by musicologist Theordore Baker in 1894. Recognized as an American hymnal in 1903 by the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, it was adopted by the Dutch Reformed Church in 1937 as its first non-psalm-related hymnal, but gradually made its way into the hymnals of many interdenominational institutions, especially on this holiday. Check out various renditions of this hymn from the Grace Community Church in California, the Joslin Grove Choral Society, and, finally, as a tribute to the late actor John Ingle (who played the character of Edward Quartermaine from 1996 to 2012 on "General Hospital") [YouTube links]. Whatever one's religious beliefs or nonbeliefs, I think of this hymnal on this Thanksgiving Day as a way of counting the many blessings I have. And I wish all my Notablog readers a "Happy Thanksgiving" as they gather together with family and friends to celebrate this holiday. [28 November 2019] The Weight of Love, music and lyrics by Peter Murphy and Paul Statham, is a highlight from the 2004 solo album, "Unshattered." Peter's velvet vocals cascade over an irresistible "sleaze-beat" bass line, infused with funk and soul. "Music fills the cracks," indeed, letting "love's spirit in." He's got a great new album, but this remains a golden oldie. Listen to the full-length version on YouTube. And happy anniversary! ;) [5 July 2011]Welcome Christmas, lyrics by Theodore Geisel, music by Albert Hague, is another great track from the Chuck Jones cartoon, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Listen to an audio clip from the animated version here. Merry Christmas! [25 December 2006]
We'll Be Together Again, words and music by Carl Fischer and singer Frankie Laine, was recorded by Tony Bennett and the great jazz pianist Bill Evans (audio clip at that link). This classic standard has also been recorded by Frankie Laine, Lena Horne, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley (that's Nat Adderley on trumpet), Sammy Davis Jr. (with guitarist Laurindo Almeida), Stan Getz and Chet Baker, Stephane Grappelli, Marian McPartland (with Bruce Hornsby), the Four Freshmen, and the Stan Kenton Orchestra (audio clips at those links). [22 August 2006]
We Need a Little Christmas, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, originated in the Broadway production of "Mame." "Right this very minute," check out an audio clip by Angela Landsbury (from the 1966 Original Broadway Cast recording), and YouTube moments with Lucille Ball, Johnny Mathis, and Percy Faith. [27 December 2008]
We
Shall Overcome is a gospel song descended from a 1900 hymn by
Charles Albert
Tindley and other African American spirituals. It was sung by many folk
singers, such as
Pete Seeger,
Frank Hamilton,
Joe Glazer, and others,
as a protest song during the civil rights era. But it was the
Staten Island-born
Joan Baez, who had first
met and befriended
Martin Luther
King, Jr. back in 1956, that would become most associated with this song. A
civil rights and antiwar activist, she sang it at the
1963 March on Washington, near the base of the
Lincoln Memorial,
in front of 300,000 people. During her set at
Woodstock, the visibly pregnant
Baez spoke eloquently
about how her husband at the time,
David Harris,
who
opposed conscription
[YouTube link to a
Johnny Carson interview with
Ayn Rand, who
opposed
both the draft and the Vietnam War],
was arrested, convicted, and imprisoned for draft evasion in July 1969. (He
would later be paroled in October 1970).
So it was no coincidence that
she'd close her own
Woodstock set with this song [YouTube link] in the wee hours of Saturday,
August 16, 1969.
[26 July 2019]
West Side Story
("A Boy Like That" / "I Have a Love"),
music by Leonard
Bernstein, lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim, is heard in one of the greatest musicals ever to grace the
Broadway stage, made
into a huge
hit
1961 film.
In the musical, the song is a
duet between Anita
(played by Chita Rivera) and Maria
(played by Carol Lawrence).
Check out the
original soundtrack recording on YouTube
here (set to "West
Side Pony"), and the wonderful film adaptation
here, in which Anita is
played by Rita Moreno
(who won the Oscar for
Best Supporting Actress) and Maria is played by
Natalie Wood (the voices
heard on the film recording are actually those of
Betty Wand and
Marni Nixon,
respectively. Tonight, enjoy the
Tony Awards. [9 June
2013]
West Side Story ("Cool"), music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is one of the highlights to the score of the Broadway musical and 1961 Oscar-winning film version of "West Side Story." Yesterday, the Grammys celebrated the contributions of the great Leonard Bernstein, in this, the year of his centenary (I will feature some classic Bernstein around the time of his 100th birthday on August 25th). The very talented Ben Platt---who won a Tony Award for "Dear Evan Hansen" and yesterday, as part of the cast, he was a winner in the Grammy category of "Best Musical Theater Album"---sang "Somewhere" [check out his tribute here from the famed score]. Three cheers to the Grammys for featuring music not confined to the pop charts and for providing us a smooth transition (albeit an early kick-off) to Film Music February, our annual tribute to film score music as we approach the 90th Academy Awards. Check out the film version of this song [YouTube link], with the lead sung by Tucker Smith as the "Jets" character "Ice," highlighted by the brilliant choreography of Jerome Robbins. Word has it that director Steven Spielberg has acquired the rights to remake this musical classic, which won 10 Academy Awards, the most of any movie musical. Spielberg is certainly one of my all-time favorite directors. And his relationship with composer John Williams has added such depth to even his most popcorn-friendly summer blockbusters. We've been assured that the remake will retain the Bernstein score, but the only question I have is: Why would anyone want to remake "West Side Story"? (On another topic, actually a postscript to our Bruno-fest, which concluded yesterday, Grammy Day: Mars won everything for which he was nominated in a clean sweep! Six Grammys, including "Song," "Record," and "Album" of the Year! Can I pick 'em, or what?) [29 January 2018]
West Side Story ("Dance at the Gym"), music by the incomparable Leonard Bernstein, can be heard in the score to the Oscar-winning blockbuster film adaptation of the great Broadway musical. The film was released to theaters 50 years ago today. This particular composition was a highlight from a stupendous New York Philharmonic performance of the grand soundtrack in sync with the grand film, which took place at Avery Fisher Hall last month. What a poetically appropriate tribute, since the movie's opening sequence was filmed on the streets where Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts now stands, and Bernstein himself was the Philharmonic's long-time music director. The film soundtrack, boasting Bernstein's music and the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, spent 54 weeks at #1. Enjoy this YouTube moment of this classic dance sequence, Latin rhythms and instrumentation conjoined to the steamy choreography of the great Jerome Robbins. [18 October 2011]
West Side Story ("Maria"), music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is a classic tune from the great Broadway and film musical, "West Side Story." Bernstein would have turned 90 on August 25, 1918; tonight, tonight, WNYC radio begins a 13-day tribute to the master. This timeless song has been performed by everybody from Maynard Ferguson to Johnny Mathis (YouTube clips at those links). Take a look also at this YouTube clip from the Oscar-winning 1961 film. Celebrate the Maestro! [24 September 2008]
West Side Story ("Somewhere"), music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, who celebrates his 75th birthday today, is from the Broadway musical, "West Side Story." Hope springs eternal despite the "Romeo and Juliet" tragedy of the story. Listen to an audio clip from the 1961 film version here. [22 March 2005]
West Side Story ("Symphonic Dances") [YouTube link], composed, arranged, and conducted for the concert stage by the great Leonard Bernstein, is derived from his score for the classic musical. Here, Bernstein lifts his baton to lead the New York Philharmonic Orchestra (for which he was the Musical Director from 1958 to 1969) at Lincoln Center, which was built over the very terrain on which the movie version of this classic Broadway musical was filmed. He actually made his debut conducting the Philharmonic on November 14, 1943 at Carnegie Hall, on a few hours notice, when conductor Bruno Walter came down with the flu. On that date, he led the orchestra in a challenging program that included Richard Strauss's "Don Quixote," along with works by Schumann, Wagner, and Miklos Rozsa---and was met with enthusiastic applause and critical acclaim. In this 1976 clip, the composer interweaves so many of the wonderful themes from the musical, illustrating his distinct ability to integrate elements of classical, jazz, Latin, and other idioms into his repertoire. So in keeping with our Summer Dance Party theme, this gives you dance of another kind entirely. Let us hail the Maestro, in a Centenary Tribute on the date of his birth, one hundred years ago today. [25 August 2018]
West Side Story ("Tonight"), music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, choreography by Jerome Robbins, from the classic Broadway musical and Oscar-winning movie, "West Side Story." The ensemble version of this song is a staggering montage of point-counterpoint in the film, and a vocal tour de force. With talks of a "rumble ... tonight," what better song to sing on Election Day? [2 November 2004]
We Three Kings (Of Orient Are), written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins III, is a classic Christmas carol. Check out a Claymation video of this song. [28 December 2008]
We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a simple, but joyous traditional song of the season (audio clips at those links). And enjoy another audio clip of a rousing rendition by Kiri Te Kenawa with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. [23 December 2006]
What a Fool Believes, words and music by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, won a 1979 Grammy Award for "Record of the Year" for The Doobie Brothers. The song was featured on their album "Minute By Minute" (their original drummer, Michael Hossack, passed away last month). Michael McDonald sings lead on that recording and one of the backup singers may have been Michael Jackson [YouTube link]. One of the few #1 non-disco hits of that year, it was remixed at the time by Jim Burgess for the dance floor [YouTube link] and has been remixed several times since [YouTube links]. But check out YouTube for the Grammy-winning original, a Kenny Loggins version (released on "Nightwatch," five months prior to the Doobie Brothers' rendition), a nice 1993 live duet by its songwriters featured on "Outside: From the Redwoods" and, finally, a rendition by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin [YouTube links]. Only a fool would believe that I would only post this particular song on this particular day. But it really is one of my favorites! [1 April 2012]
What a Little Moonlight Can Do, words and music by Harry M. Woods, appears as the first track on "The Centennial Collection," marking, today, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Billie Holiday, whose repertoire ran from swing to blues, and whose voice captured the depth of struggles both personal and societal. A life cut short by the long-term tragic effects of substance abuse, she was a trailblazer for so many singers who followed, from Frank Sinatra (whose centennial we celebrate later this year) to Janis Joplin to Cassandra Wilson (who issues a tribute album of her own this week). And for those who haven't seen the underappreciated, heart-wrenching 1972 bio-pic, "Lady Sings the Blues," do check out the Oscar-nominated performance of Diana Ross. I picked this tune (first performed by Violet Loraine in the 1934 film, "Road House"), for, despite her personal agony, Holiday could swing through the sadness. Listen to her on YouTube [music link] in 1935 with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra, in a recording that also features the King of Swing, Benny Goodman. Long Live Lady Day! [7April 2015]
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? features the words and music of Frank Loesser. It has been recorded by artists such as Clay Aiken, Diana Krall, and Ella Fitzgerald (audio clips at those links). Whatever you're doing tonight, have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve! [31 December 2006]
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Classic renditions by Barbra Streisand and Sarah Vaughn, especially. (Legrand got a 1973 Grammy award for "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist" on the Sarah Vaughan recording of this song.) Honorable mention also to a live version by Carmen McRae, featuring the accompaniment of jazz guitar great Joe Pass. And check out an audio clip for a Chris Botti-Sting version as well. Just one of the most romantic songs ever written. [1 September 2004]
What Do All the People Know? features the words and music of B. Monroe from the group, The Monroes. Listen to an audio clip of this rhythmic '80s new wave hit here. [1 August 2005]
What Do You Mean? features the words and music of Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Mason Levy and Justin Bieber, who recorded this smash dance hit that reached the Billboard Dance Single Summit at #1 on Halloween in October 2015. No, I haven't quite become a Bieleber, but this song is featured on a really fine Bieber album, "Purpose." Check out the original Bieber video, the official remix video with Ariana Grande (there's also a Grande solo edit), ELIAS Remix, the Jerome Price Remix, and the Alison Wonderland Remix [23 July 2016]
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (Vocal), composed by Frank DeVol and Bobby Helfer, was derived from one of the rock-oriented themes from the soundtrack to the 1962 thriller starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. This single was actually released, featuring both Debbie Burton (who dubbed the singing voice of the young Baby Jane Hudson in the film) and Bette Davis. The single can be heard here and here [YouTube links]. Susan Sarandon, playing Bette Davis, nails it in Episode 4 of the series, "Feud," a miniseries on the legendary feud between the two actresses. Check out Davis's performance of this on the Andy Williams show in 1962, as well as a "mashup" of the Davis and Sarandon versions [YouTube links]. [19 February 2018]
Whatever Lola Wants, music by Richard Adler, lyrics by Jerry Ross, is from the 1955 Tony Award-winning "Best Musical" on Broadway: "Damn Yankees." Performed by Gwen Verdon in the musical, with the choreography of Bob Fosse, the song is the ultimate seduction by the Devil's assistant, and a musical highlight. In tribute to that other New York baseball team, the New York Mets, Three Cheers to Johan Santana, for throwing, last night, the first no-hitter in the history of the franchise, in its 50th anniversary year! Hard to believe that for a team that has had 13 pitchers who have thrown no-hitters . . . once they left the team (including such All-Stars as Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone), it took 8,020 games into the history of the franchise to finally get one No-No all for themselves! And this is coming from a Damn Yankees fan! Bravo!!! The Mets finally Got What they Wanted! Just like Lola! Check out Gwen Verdon from the 1958 film version and two classic jazz-infused versions: Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. [2 June 2012]
What Goes Around Comes Around, words and music by birthday boy Justin Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, and Nate Hills, is from the fine album "FutureSex/LoveSounds." Listen to a full-length clip of this #1 pop hit at YouTube and a dance remix too. And check out the video with Scarlett Johannson and Shawn Hatosy. The original track features a nice groove and eclectic instrumentation, and Justin does a great job performing it in concert (yes, I saw him, and he was outstanding). Happy Birthday, Mr. Timberlake. And look out for his Pepsi commercial on Super Bowl Sunday. [31 January 2008]
What Have You Done for Me Lately?, words and music by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson, was the lead single from Janet's 1986 album, "Control." The album certainly highlighted Janet's determined vocals and its videos became a showcase for her glittering choreography. This song's video was choreographed by Paula Abdul. Check out the video single, its 12" mix, and its super-extended mix [YouTube links]. This week, Miss Jackson finally joins her famous brothers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [24 March 2019]
What I Did For Love, music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, is one of the highlights from Michael Bennett's "A Chorus Line," among my favorite Broadway productions. The musical, which made its debut in 1975, is nominated for a Tony Award for "Best Revival of a Musical." Before watching the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards this evening, listen to audio clips of renditions of this song from the original cast album, the revival, and artists as diverse as Grace Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. [10 June 2007]
What is this Thing Called Love?, words and music by the great Cole Porter, was featured in the 1929 Broadway musical "Wake Up and Dream," where it was introduced by Elsie Carlisle [YouTube link]. At 5:44 pm, today, the Northern hemisphere enters the Summer Solstice. And so begins the Fifth Annual Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition). This entire summer, I'll be spotlighting jazz recordings---from artists past and present. Ironically, long after my playlist was set in stone for the festival, I discovered that TCM has been running a wonderful series of "Jazz in Film" (Mondays and Thursdays in June). This festival was also planned long before recent events, but it is a celebration of a genre that owes so much to the African American experience---while transcending the divisions of social life through the universality of music. Fortunately, for today, I get to highlight one of the great contributions to the Great American Songbook. Though this is going to be a Jazz Summer, I won't be posting many jazz standards, since my ever-growing list of "Favorite Songs" has been featuring such standards for sixteen years! But today's song asks one of the most enduring questions of the human condition. Musicians from every walk of life---every race, every ethnicity, every gender---have explored their answers to that question in a variety of ways over the years, including stride pianist James P. Johnson, Fred Rich and his Orchestra (featuring jazz violinist Joe Venuti and both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey), twice by jazz guitar giant Django Reinhardt and legendary jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, the Artie Shaw Big Band, guitarist Les Paul, pianist Dave Brubeck and alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderly, soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet and trumpeter Charlie Shavers, jazz guitarist Joe Pass, tenor saxophonist Stan Getz and pianist Kenny Barron, trumpeter Clifford Brown, tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, and drummer Max Roach, jazz violinist Thomas Fraioli, New York Swing (with guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist John Bunch, bassist Jay Leonhart, and drummer Joe Cocuzzo), the McCoy Tyner Quartet (with tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Al Foster), and pianist Danny Zeitlin [YouTube links]. One of my favorite instrumental renditions comes from jazz pianist Bill Evans [YouTube link] from his 1960 album "Portrait in Jazz"---with its trailblazing interplay between a trio of co-equal improvisers, which included bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. The album was recorded eight months after Evans's collaboration with Miles Davis in creating the best-selling jazz album of all time, "Kind of Blue." That revolutionary album was largely based on the pianist's impressionistic, harmonic conceptions and modal approach, which led many to view Evans as "the principal creator of [the] album." There have also been some wonderful vocal renditions of this Porter classic by such artists as Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Keely Smith, and Bobby McFerrin (with Herbie Hancock on piano) [YouTube link]. [20 June 2020]
What Kind of Fool Am I? features the music of Lesley Bricusse and the lyrics of Anthony Newley, who performed it in the early 1960s musical, "Stop the World I Want to Get Off" (audio clip at that link). Listen to audio clips of other versions by Keely Smith and Sammy Davis Jr. And a Happy April Fool's Day to all! [1 April 2006]
What'll I Do?, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, was featured in the 1923 Broadway "Music Box Revue," and in the 1938 film, "Alexander's Ragtime Band." This poignant song can also be heard on Barbara Cook's Broadway; listen to an audio clip here. I also like a sensitive rendition recorded by trumpeter Chris Botti, with vocalist Paula Cole. Listen to an audio clip here. [6 March 2005]
What's Love Got to Do With It, words and music by Graham Lyle and Terry Britton, was the biggest selling single ever released by Tina Turner, who took it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. The song was also the title of a 1993 biopic, starring the Oscar-nominated Angela Bassett as Turner. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend died today at the age of 83. From the album "Private Dancer", check out the video [YouTube link]. RIP, Tina. [24 May 2023]
What's New?, music by bassist Bob Haggart, lyrics by Johnny Burke, is one of those wonderful standards from the Great American Songbook. It was a "signature theme" of trumpeter Billy Butterfield (with the Bob Crosby Orchestra), and has also been recorded by Bob's brother, Bing. Listen here to an audio clip of Linda Ronstadt singing this as the title track of her first foray (with Nelson Riddle) into American standards. [19 May 2005]
What's New Pussycat? ("Main Title"), words by Hal David, lyrics by Burt Bacharach, was the delightful theme to the 1965 comedy starring Peter Sellers, Peter O'Toole, and Woody Allen, in his film debut. The Academy Award title song has been covered by many artists, but my favorite remains the rendition provided by Tom Jones for the soundtrack [YouTube link]. [12 February 2013]
What the World Needs Now is Love, lyrics by Hal David, music by Burt Bacharach, first hit the charts in 1965, with a recording by Jackie DeShannon [YouTube link], who took the song into the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100. We started this Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition) asking the question, "What is This Thing Called Love?"; we end it with the acknowledgment that whatever love is, and however you express it, the world needs it now. This song was recorded by many popular artists through the years, including Dionne Warwick, the Supremes, Barbra Streisand, and Tom Clay [YouTube links], whose Top Ten version (a medley with "Abraham, Martin, and John"), filled with social commentary, decried bigotry, racism, and division. Broadway for Orlando [YouTube link] recorded an all-star charity rendition of this classic, in the wake of the 2016 attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 people were killed and 53 were injured. Jazz-inflected recordings of this song are plentiful, including renditions by Chicago, as well as by vocalists Sammy Davis, Jr. (with Buddy Rich), Jack Jones, Sarah Vaughan, Buddy Greco, Billy Eckstine (in a medley with "Just a Little Loving")---and instrumentalists Stan Getz, Bud Shank, Wes Montgomery, Stanley Turrentine, Cal Tjader, Doc Severinsen, George Shearing, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, Bill Frisell, McCoy Tyner, and David Hazeltine [YouTube links]. As we hang onto the last few hours of summer before the Autumnal Equinox arrives in the Northern hemisphere at 9:31 am, let the love in. We'll return next year with a new incarnation of our annual Summer Music Festival. [22 September 2020]
What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin')?, written and recorded in 1936 by Louis Prima, is a fun and jazzy song that encompasses the joy of the holiday season, and its message of peace on earth, goodwill to all. Cali (below) and the Sciabarra family wish folks a very Merry Christmas. As you can see, we have to create a large space for her under the tree, and in front of the creche and the village, because she demands to be the center of attention! But she's trying not to be naughty... and is tracking Santa on NORAD, awaiting her gifts! Check out this holiday favorite [YouTube link]! [25 December 2019]
What You Won't Do For Love, words and music by Bobby Caldwell and Alfons Kettner, has been performed by many artists, including a solo version by Michael Bolton, a duet by Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson, and a rap-vocal fusion with Tupac Shakur and Eric Williams (as "Do For Love") (audio clips at each of those links). But my favorite remains the original Bobby Caldwell performance. Listen to an audio clip here or here. [5 April 2005]
When I Fall in Love features the lyrics of Edward Heyman and the music of one of my favorite film score composers: Victor Young. It has been recorded by countless artists, from Doris Day to Rick Astley (audio clips at those links). Among my favorite versions is one by Nat King Cole (audio clip of that version here). [17 December 2005]
When I Look in Your Eyes is a memorable Leslie Bricusse song from the soundtrack to the movie musical "Doctor Doolittle." In the film, Rex Harrison delivered the oh-so-beautiful lyrics, in his own inimitable style, to a seal. Lots of other singers have interpreted the song too, including Diana Krall on her 1999 Grammy-winning album of the same title, and the great Jack Jones, on his fine album, "Our Song." [12 January 2005]
When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again has a history of varied origins, but was most likely written by Irish-American bandleader Patrick Gilmore during the American Civil War. The song was sung by people North and South who yearned for the return of their friends and relatives from the field of battle (though it was later used by Ulysses S. Grant as a campaign song with lyrics promising to leave the KKK "a-tremblin' in their shoes"). This staple of the Independence Day Songbook was even resurrected by later generations and immortalized in World War II films such as "Stalag 17" [YouTube link]. In keeping with our Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition), there are at least two notable renditions: a classic take by the Andrews Sisters and a swinging scorcher by jazz organist Jimmy Smith [YouTube links] (with Quentin Warren on guitar and Donald Bailey on drums). Americans mark this as the day on which the colonists---imperfect as they were---pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in declaring their independence from the British Empire. The project of this country's founding remains incomplete, but forever emancipatory. I yearn for the day when all the Johnnies, Janes, and everyone in-between come marching home again---in a world of peace and freedom. Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day [YouTube link]. [4 July 2020]
When October Goes is a unique song in many ways for its "evocation of life's twilight years." Barry Manilow actually wrote the music to poetry left behind by Johnny Mercer. It has been recorded by Rosemary Clooney and Nancy Wilson. But Manilow himself offers a most tender version, featured on his fine jazz-inspired album, 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe. [1 October 2004]
When Sunny Gets Blue has poetic words and melodic music by Jack Segal and Marvin Fisher, and has been sung by Johnny Mathis among others. [13 October 2004]
When You Wish Upon a Star (instrumental audio clip at that link), music by Leigh Harline, lyrics by Ned Washington, from the Disney film, "Pinocchio," won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Song. In the film, it was performed by Jiminy Cricket (the voice of Cliff Edwards, audio clip here). Listen also to audio clips by Linda Ronstadt and Bill Evans, with Freddie Hubbard and Jim Hall. [19 February 2006]
Where Am I Going?, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields (2005 marks the centenary year of her birth), is from the classic Broadway musical, "Sweet Charity." I was introduced to this terrific song when my sister-in-law Joanne Barry recorded it for her first album, "This is Me." It has also been recorded by Gwen Verdon (in the original musical), Shirley MacLaine (in the film version), and Barbra Streisand among others (audio clips at those links). [13 December 2005]
Where are U Now? features the words and music of a host of artists, including Skrillex (Sonny Moore), Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz), and Justin Bieber, who easily navigates the vocals on this 2015 electronic dance music (EDM) hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Chart, a product of the Skrillex-Diplo electronic duo, Jack U. It won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and the album on which it was first featured ("Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U") went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. The song also apppears on Bieber's album, "Purpose." Check out the official video and the Marshmello remix. [10 September 2016]
Where Eagles Dare ("Main Theme") [YouTube link] was composed by Ron Goodwin for this 1968 British World War II film. The military thematic content is accentuated here, a musical set-up for the story to come. The film starred an international cast, which included Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. From the screenplay based on the novel by Alistair Maclean to the stunt work of the legendary Yakima Cannutt (who plays no small role in tomorrow's entry in our series), this film bursts with talent. "Broadsword calling Danny Boy!" [YouTube link]. [16 February 2018]
Where is the Wonder?, words and music by Michael Barr and Dion McGregor, is featured in a sweet arrangement by Peter Matz from today's birthday girl Barbra Streisand's magnificent album, "My Name is Barbra" (audio clip at that link). It was also featured on Streisand's stupendous 1965 TV special of the same name. [24 April 2006]
Where Love Has Gone ("Main Title"), words and music by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, is the title track to the 1964 soaper, which starred Susan Hayward, Bette Davis, and Mike Connors (who went on to TV detective fame as "Mannix"). Walter Scharf composed the score, but this Cahn-Van Heusen song is performed over the opening credits by the great Jack Jones [YouTube link]. [27 February 2013]
Where the Boys Are ("Dialectic Jazz")
[YouTube film clip at that link], composed by the marvelous
Pete
Rugolo,
is featured in the 1960 film. The film includes a score by
George E. Stoll (check him out playing
a Venuti-like "cross-bow" jazz violin solo along with
a few other innovations!) and pop music
from
Neil Sedaka and
Howard Greenfield,
with a hit
title track sung
by
Connie Francis,
who was the star of the movie. There's even a tune ("Have
You Met Miss Fandango?") by
Victor Young and
Stella Unger.
Rugolo composed
music that was utterly sublime for one of
my
favorite
television shows of all time, one whose
50th anniversary I will
celebrate later this year: "The
Fugitive." This music, however, is played
to the hilarious hilt by
Frank Gorshin's "Dialectic Jazz Band"
in the film. (Gorshin
was one great Riddler on the campy 60s "Batman"
TV show.) With a title such as "Dialectic
Jazz," just
how on God's good earth could I possibly resist? [18 February
2013]
Whiskey Cavalier ("Love Me Again"), words and music by
Steve Booker
and John Newman,
was the main title to this 2019 sleek spy comedy-drama with
Scott Foley and
Lauren Cohan that
I actually
enjoyed in its 13-episode run on the ABC network---which meant, of course,
that
the show would be cancelled. The song was actually released by
John Newman in
2013 for the album, "Tribute."
It can be heard as part of the "Intro
Opening" to the show, and in its entirety in
this clip with scenes
from the series, as well as in its
original music video
[YouTube links]. Enjoy tonight's
Emmy Awards!
[22 September 2019]
Whispering Waves, words and music by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellote, appears on the second studio album of Donna Summer: "Love to Love You Baby" (1977). What's a summer music festival without a song from Summer? This poignant track was an early indication that Summer had a lot more to offer than the orgasmic moans on the album's lead single, which was one of the first disco hits released in an extended mix. Indeed, she was the Queen of More Than Disco. Check out this lovely song [YouTube link]. [10 August 2024]
White Christmas is an Irving Berlin classic immortalized by Bing Crosby. It was featured first in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn," and later in the 1954 film "White Christmas," both starring Bu-Bu-Bu-Bu-Bing. Listen to an audio clip here. [3 January 2005]
With Plenty of Money and You features the words and music of Harry Warren and Alexander "Al" Dubin. Back in the sizzling summer, we celebrated a week-long tribute to the great Tony Bennett, who turned 90 on August 3rd. On that date, the singer was honored with an Empire State Building Light Show [YouTube link] and an all-star tribute concert that was recorded for a 2-hour primetime special to be broadcast tonight on NBC. This "song of the day" comes from an album originally titled "Basie Swings, Bennett Sings" but was also marketed as "Strike Up the Band." Either way, this song cooks. For music afficionados, see if you can hear a tiny lick of "Sweet Georgia Brown" in that burnin' Basie big band chart. Check out the swinging tune on YouTube. [20 December 2016]
White Rabbit, words and music by Grace Slick, was featured on the 1967 Jefferson Airplane album, "Surrealistic Pillow." The Top Ten song was actually first performed by Slick when she was with the Great Society, a San Francisco band. Check out that first recording, with its long instrumental introduction [YouTube link] (from "Live at the Matrix")and then the Jefferson Airplane version [YouTube link]. Jefferson Airplane appeared at Woodstock on Sunday morning, 17 August 1969, and this was the penultimate song in their set [YouTube link]. [24 August 2019]
Whitney Houston Disconet Medley [YouTube link], mixed by Mike Carroll, features many of Whitney's 80s' hits, including "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", "How Will I Know?", "So Emotional", and one of my all-time fave up-tempo Whitney tracks: "Love will Save the Day" (with that blazing vibes solo by Roy Ayers). Whitney is tragically gone nearly ten years now, but on this date in 1963, she was born. These tracks were from a happier time ... [9 August 2021]
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)?, words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, is from the Broadway musical, "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd." The song has been recorded by many fine artists, including our featured singer, Tony Bennett (audio clip at that link). Check out additional audio links to versions by Anthony Newley, Dionne Warwick, and Sammy Davis, Jr. [19 August 2006]
Who Is It? features the words and music of Michael Jackson, from the 1991 album, "Dangerous." On this day, ten years ago, the artist tragically died. As I note in today's Notablog essay, "Michael Jackson Ten Years After: Man or Monster in the Mirror," there are still reasons to celebrate the art of somebody, even if it should be discovered that they may have done something in their lives that was terribly destructive. This particular track went to #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club chart. Its various versions provide different hues of interpretation; check out the original David Fincher-directed music video and his beat box interpretation of the song in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, which became the basis of one of the song's remixes, and then hit the dance floor with the slammin' Brothers in Rhythm House Mix, the Brothers Cool Dub, Moby's Tribal Mix and Moby's Lakeside Dub [YouTube links]. RIP, MJ. [25 June 2019]
Who Loves You, words and music by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, gave the Four Seasons a dash of disco. I love the musical break-down heard at the mid-point. Listen to an audio clip here. [19 September 2006]
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ("Main Title") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by the great Alex North, opens the 1966 film featuring tour de force performances from each of its actors: Richard Burton, George Segal, Sandy Dennis (Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner), and Elizabeth Taylor, who won a much-deserved Best Actress Oscar, and who passed away today at the age of 79. [23 March 2011]
Who Will Buy?, words and music by Lionel Bart, is from the 1963 musical, "Oliver!," where it was performed by Bruce Prochnik (listen to an audio clip here). It was performed by Mark Lester in the 1968 film (audio clip here). I especially like a Russ Kassoff jazz arrangement of this song, performed by Catherine Dupuis (yeah, it has been one of those weeks for Dupuis... see here and here). Listen to this Dupuis audio clip. [15 October 2005]
Why Did I Choose You?, a Leonard and Martin song, which is one of my favorites, but also one of my sister's favorites, particularly Barbra Streisand's version from "My Name Is Barbra." Anyway, it's my sister Elizabeth's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!), so I figured this is a good song to highlight! [2 September 2004]
Why Try To Change Me Now?, music and lyrics by Cy Coleman and Joseph A. McCarthy, was recorded by Frank Sinatra for his 1959 Gordon Jenkins-arranged and conducted album, "No One Cares". The song was featured in Season 5, Episode 15 ("My Way") of "The Good Doctor", which first aired on April 18, 2022---a poignant story about Joan, an elderly if stubborn educator with an iron lung who is inspired to change her outlook on surgery when she hears a series of testimonials from her former students, whose lives have been changed for the better because of her. In the light of the recent passing of my sister, it's an episode that resonated with me---as did this track. On this date in 1915, Ol' Blue Eyes was born. This song is among the 1200+ songs he recorded in his lifetime (not counting multiple recordings of the same song). Check it out here [YouTube link]. [12 December 2022]
Wicked ("For Good"), music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is from one of the finest Broadway musicals I've ever seen. If ever there were a musical showing us a kind of "transvaluation of values" in such an entertaining way, I don't know of one. But it was terrific, precisely because of its clever inversions, twists and turns, fabulous music, and stirring performances (in the original run that I saw ten years ago, with standouts, Tony-nominated Kristin Chenowith and Adele Dazeem). Oops, I mean, Idina Menzel, who won the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical. The show endures. And so does Dazeem! This past week, the 68th Annual Tony Awards celebrated the tenth anniversary year of this charming musical, which actually opened on Broadway in October of 2013, with a performance of this song, one of the best. Check it out in its Chenowith-Menzel incarnation on YouTube. [11 June 2014]
Wild Thoughts is credited to nearly a dozen musicians, chief among them DJ Kaled, on whose 2017 album, "Grateful," it appears. The song features vocals by Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, with some heavy sampling from the legendary Santana's guitar riffs from the song "Maria Maria." Check out the official video, which is nominated for "Video of the Year" on tonight's MTV Video Music Awards. Also check out the Marco Tolo Remix, the Dancehall Remix, and the Deep House Remix. [27 August 2017]
[YouTube link] composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is a highlight from the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-nominated Best Original Score, from this 1975 film, starring Sean Connery and Candice Bergen. Tonight the Grammy AwardsThe Winds of War / War and Remembrance ("Main Title" / "Love Theme"), composed by Bob Cobert, was heard throughout the miniseries versions of the Herman Wouk novels. It is a melancholy, unforgettable theme that graces some of the most poignant, and most harrowing, scenes of these grand productions. Listen to audio clips from the soundtrack here and here. It is in keeping with our TV theme tribute, and appropriate too for a day of remembrance ... [11 September 2005]
The Wings of My Heart (lyrics can be found in the transcript of a linked 2003 episode of "Another World") features the words and music of the late Keith Diamond and James Ingram. Appearing on Ingram's album "Never Felt So Good," it is a passionate, melodic, lush ballad that has also been recorded by my sister-in-law, Joanne Barry (no audio clips online). Happy Birthday, Joanne! [5 September 2006]
Winky Dink and You ("Theme Song"), composed by John Marion Garth and John Redmond, was one of the most memorable TV shows of my youth. The CBS children's show was in syndicated revival by the time I was watching it. Hosted by Jack Barry (who joined Mae Questel on vocals), it is credited by Bill Gates as the first "interactive" TV show. It invited you to draw on the television screen (with protective covering, of course, though sometimes crayon marks seemed to make it onto the screen anyway). Check out the adorable track on YouTube. [23 August 2014]
Winston Tastes Good Like a Cigarette Should, ghost written by Margaret Johnson and her husband Travis Johnson, was performed by their Song Spinners group for one of the most recognizable cigarette commercials in TV history. You don't see these commercials anymore, but the jingles stay in your head, if you were among those situated in front of the TV from the 1950s through the 1970s. Our Emmy mini-tribute this year includes a couple of those jingles, as memorable as many of the TV show themes we all grew up listening to. Check out this unforgettable commercial jingle on YouTube. [14 September 2016]
Wintersong, composed by immortal alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, is based on the chord changes to the classic standard, "These Foolish Things." Listen to a sweet Paul Desmond-Gerry Mulligan version of this lovely seasonal ballad. [30 December 2008]
Winter Wonderland, music by Brooklynite Felix Bernard, lyrics by Richard B. Smith, has been performed famously by the Andrews Sisters and Perry Como, in addition to scores of other artists. Yet another cool song to mark our winter holiday season. Listen to a classic Andrews Sisters' audio clip from the 2004 film, "The Polar Express" (which is an extraordinary visual experience in 3D IMAX). [6 January 2005]
Witchcraft, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, was released as a Sinatra single in 1957, and spent 16 weeks on the Billboard singles chart, topping off at #20. This song was originally presented strictly as an instrumental in the musical revue, "Take Five." Sinatra actually recorded it on three separate occasions, but this one, featured on Disc 2 of "Ultimate Sinatra," is the 1957 single release [YouTube link]. It was also performed on a 1960 television special, "The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis," marking the return of Sargeant Elvis Presley from his military service in Germany. Presley became the King for a whole new generation of young rock and roll fans; Sinatra knew a bit about this kind of frenzied, wild fan response, given his regal reign during the bobby-soxer generation. Like Sinatra, Presley was a multifaceted entertainer, taking on stage, screen, and song. Check out the Sinatra-Presley TV special duet on YouTube, with Sinatra singing Presley's "Love Me Tender," and Presley taking on "Witchcraft." [30 November 2015]
With a Little Help From My Friends, words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is from "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which turns 40 today. A classic, this Beatles song has been recorded by many other artists as well, including Joe Cocker and Brasil 66 (audio clips at those links). [1 June 2007]
With a Song in My Heart (title track), music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, is sung in the 1952 film by Jane Froman, who is played by Golden Globe winner and Oscar-nominated Best Actress Susan Hayward. This biopic tells the story of Froman, who was crippled in an airplane crash on 22 February 1943, and who went on to entertain the troops in World War II, despite her serious injuries, which required nearly 40 surgical procedures in the years thereafter. The legendary Alfred Newman won the Oscar for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture, and the film also received nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Thelma Ritter), Best Costume Design, Best Color, and Best Sound Recording (Thomas T. Moulton). The title track [heard in this great overture, with Froman's vocals], of course, originated in the 1929 Rodgers and Hart Broadway musical, "Spring is Here", which, itself, is a great song. The title track in this film has also been featured in other films, including: the 1948 film, "Words and Music," where it gets a classic Perry Como treatment [YouTube link] and the terrific "Young Man with a Horn" (1950), featuring a loving performance by Doris Day and trumpeter Harry James [YouTube link]. Other definitive recordings by Ella Fitzgerald and The Supremes [YouTube links] illustrate just how deeply this standard has become a part of the Great American Songbook. [28 February 2014]
Wives and Lovers, a classic Burt Bacharach-Hal David hit, is one of the great "exploitation" songs in film history. Paramount Pictures asked the gents to write a promotional song that shared the title of the 1963 movie, even though the song is never actually heard in the film. Check out the great Grammy-winning waltz-time version by swinging, singing immortal Jack Jones (YouTube clip at that link) and the Jack Jones disco version with the sexy jazz sax solo, as well as wonderful versions by Nancy Wilson, Julie London, Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, jazz saxophone great Stan Getz, and one of my all-time favorite jazz guitar versions by the legendary Joe Pass playing a 12-stringer. [6 March 2010]
The Wizard of Oz ("Follow the Yellow Brick Road/We're Off to See the Wizard"), music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Yip Harburg, begins my seventeenth annual Film Music February. This song is a highlight of one of the most beloved films in cinema history: the 1939 version of "The Wizard of Oz," starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. This year, the 93rd Annual Academy Awards have been postponed till the Spring, but our Film Music February remains. Our tribute to cinema music will begin and end with a selection from this 1939 gem. Check out this classic selection from the film [YouTube link]. [1 February 2021]
The Wizard of Oz ("Ding Dong the Witch is Dead"), music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, is one of the highlights of this 1939 film classic. Check out the original film version [YouTube link], along with many other renditions: Ella Fitzgerald (and here too), Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney (with solos by Scott Hamilton on tenor sax, Ed Bickert on guitar, Dave McKenna on piano, Warren Vache, Jr. on trumpet), a swingin' Sammy Davis, Jr. with the Buddy Rich Band, Barbra Streisand with Harold Arlen himself and alternative versions by The Fifth Estate and Klaus Nomi. And with that, our Seventeenth Annual Film Music February comes to an end! Tonight is the airing of the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards, where some of the composers we've featured in this year's series are nominated. But we'll have to wait till Oscar weekend (24-25 April 2021)---at which time I'll feature a couple of additional Film Music tributes---to find out who takes home the prizes for the cinema music categories. Stay tuned! [28 February 2021]
WNEW (Theme Song), composed by Larry Green, is one of the most famous station-identification themes in radio history. I note it today in tribute to the late William B. Williams, on whose show one heard this theme music frequently. In 1958, Williams took over hosting duties for the "Make Believe Ballroom," a radio show created in 1935 by Martin Block for WNEW-AM, 1130 in New York. For his incredible work in radio, Williams was recently inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He was the man who nicknamed Francis Albert Sinatra, "The Chairman of The Board" (links to a two-part Williams interview of Sinatra). Growing up, I regularly heard Williams' wonderful, soothing voice introducing the Great American songbook to his listeners, day after day. And this theme song (which was even recorded in 1964 by Stan Getz and Bill Evans was omnipresent. Go to YouTube to listen to the original radio version and its countless variations, including this one and that one, and those inspired by holidays and seasons (Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer), and those done in the styles of Ray Anthony, Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Les Baxter, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Ray Conniff, Martin Denny, Les and Larry Elgart, Erroll Garner, Benny Goodman, Neil Hefti, Al Hirt, Jazz Piano, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Spike Jones, Stan Kenton, Guy Lombardo, Henry Mancini, Billy May, Glenn Miller, Gerry Mulligan, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Nat Pierce, Perez Prado, Andre Previn, Nelson Riddle, Pete Rugolo, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Felix Slatkin, Bob Thompson, and Kai Winding, and then check out our host with Nat King Cole and this specially-worded tribute to William B. Williams. [6 July 2011]
The Wolf Man ("Main Title" / Various) [YouTube clip at that link] features an uncredited soundtrack, which included contributions from Frank Skinner, Hans J. Salter, and Charles Previn (great-uncle of Andre). Skinner has written some of my favorite scores in this genre, which will make their way to this list before too long. The 1941 film stars Lon Chaney, Jr. as Larry Talbot, who becomes the Wolf Man, having been bitten by the werewolf, Bela. The actor playing that role was actually named Bela: Bela Lugosi! Benicio del Toro took on the Talbot role in the 2010 remake. For an extra thrill, check out Moscow Symphony Orchestra versions of the 1941 Main Title [YouTube] and The Kill [mp3]. [23 February 2012]
The Women ("Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"), words and music by Sam H. Stept, Sidney Clare, and Bee Palmer, was actually written in 1930, but it first made its way into film in this 1939 version of the Clare Booth Luce play, where its first line was sung by Norma Shearer (playing the character Mary Haines) to her lady friends at 00:19:08 into the movie [MovieZoot link]. The film sported an all-star cast, which included among others, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, and Joan Fontaine. It can also be heard in the 1949 film "House of Strangers," the 1951 film "Lullaby of Broadway" [check out the YouTube discussion], and the 1955 animated short "One Froggy Evening." The song became a jazz standard, and has been recorded by so many wonderful artists through the years, including Billie Holiday, Rat Packers Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, as well as Ella Fitzgerald with the Count Basie Orchestra [YouTube links]. [22 February 2017]
The Most Wonderful Day of the Year (aka "The Island of Misfit Toys"), words and music by Johnny Marks, is one of those melancholy songs that turns out fine in the end, because you know that Santa Claus swings by and picks them up and finds them homes, after all. It's been a particularly "misfit" year for the Sciabarra family; lots of family illness, an apartment fire that will take months from which to recover, but if this is not the time of year to be counting one's blessings I don't know a better time. It's Christmas Eve, so follow Santa on NORAD, and have a wonderful holiday. Listen to the version from the animated classic [YouTube here]. [24 December 2013]
Wonderful Christmastime features the lyrics and music of the best recorded version of this song by Paul McCartney in 1979 [YouTube link]. Members of McCartney's band, Wings, participated in the promotional video [YouTube link], but it is the Great Sir Paul that carries the sole credit. There have been covers of this song, but why try the rest when you've got The Best? It has become a seasonal staple. A Wonderful Christmastime to one and all! Now go and track Santa's progress on NORAD! [25 December 2014]
Work Bitch
is credited to a host of
writers, including
will.i.am and the woman who recorded it:
Britney Spears. The
song peaked at #3 on the
Billboard
Hot Dance / Electronic Songs chart and #2 on the
Billboard Hot
Dance Club chart. Check out
the steamy video of this
pulsating dance track,
the extended mix [YouTube links], and
Britney's recent energetic live Vegas performance of the song on
Dick Clark's 2018 New
Year's Rockin' Eve [YouTube link]. [6 July 2018]
Working My Way Back to You, words and music by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, was another big Four Seasons hit. Listen to audio clips of The Four Seasons rendition, and another one by The Spinners. [16 September 2006]
The World at War ("Main Theme") [YouTube clip at that link], composed by Carl Davis, opened every episode of one of my favorite TV documentary film series. The series was narrated by the great Laurence Olivier, and this music captures the sadness and struggle of war. In honor of the upcoming Emmy Awards, I begin my mini-tribute to music on television. [18 September 2012]
The World We Knew (Over and Over) features words and music credits given to Bert Kaempfert, Carl Sigman, and Herbert Rehbein. It is the title track of a 1967 studio album that gave Sinatra a few hits on the rock-dominated Billboard charts. This song hit #30 on the Hot 100, and #1 on the "Easy Listening" chart, while his duet with his daughter Nancy ("Somethin' Stupid", coming soon...) actually hit #1 on both charts. It is also featured on Disc 4 of "Ultimate Sinatra". This particular song is actually based on a German composition by Bert Kaempfert. A throwback of sorts, since Kaempfert served in the German army in World War II, which, back in 1941, at this precise time, was on the verge of joining its Axis allies (Japan and Italy) in a declaration of war against the United States. (Rehbein was actually conscripted into the German army in 1941, but was assigned to the Music Corps, stationed in Crete, becoming a POW in Belgrade, until the end of World War II.) Literally, the world everyone once knew was about to change forever. And it is on this date in 1941 that Pearl Harbor was devastated by a brutal Japanese "surprise" attack, which, in retrospect wasn't much of a surprise at all, since the tensions between the U.S. and Japan were severely strained for years. Well, here it comes... the Sinatra connection the reader is waiting for (our Sinatra version of "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"): it was in the 1953 film, "From Here to Eternity," which won eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Sinatra, that we follow the trials and tribulations of soldiers stationed in Hawaii in the months before that "date which will live in Infamy." Check out this song on YouTube. And while you're at it, check out a nice picture book from last night's CBS Grammy Special commemorating Sinatra 100. [7 December 2015]
The X-Files ("Materia Primoris," Main Title) (audio clip at that link), composed by Mark Snow, evokes all the mystery and tension of that show in its prime... one of my all-time favorites. Check out this midi too! And so today begins our Annual Tribute to TV Themes. [14 September 2008]
Yah Mo Be There features the words and music of Rod Temperton and Quincy Jones, and the two gents who first recorded this smooth track: Michael McDonald and James Ingram (audio clips at those artist links). [31 May 2006]
The Yankee Doodle Boy (also known as Yankee Doodle Dandy), composed by George M. Cohan, made its first splash in the 1904 Broadway musical, Little Johnny Jones. For me, nobody performs it like the magnificent James Cagney (who won a Best Actor Oscar for playing Cohan) from the great 1942 Hollywood musical, "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Take a look at YouTube, and Have a Great Independence Day! [4 July 2011]
Yeah, a hip hop hit featuring Usher, Lil' John, and Ludacris. A minimalist track with a killer hook and rapid-fire rapping, among the big winners at the 32nd Annual American Music Awards from the album "Confessions" (check for sample clip) by Usher, who, like Justin Timberlake, owes a thing or two to Michael Jackson. [16 November 2004]
Yentl ("Papa Can You Hear Me?") features the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman and the music of the late Michel Legrand, who would have turned 87 today. I still feel the sadness of his passing. How apropos then to conclude our Film Music February tribute on Oscar Day with a song from this man who died on January 26th, days before our annual tribute began. He gave so much to the art of the score throughout his illustrious career. This song comes from the 1983 film, directed by and starring Barbra Streisand, who became the first woman to win a Golden Globe Directing Award (for a Musical or Comedy), as the film itself took home Globe honors for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy). This particular song, along with "The Way He Makes Me Feel," was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song, but lost out to "Flashdance: What a Feeling." But Legrand and the Bergmans took home the Oscar for Best Original Score (Adaptation). Tonight, composers and lyricists will take home awards for scoring and songs at the 91st Annual Academy Awards. And we'll be back next year for another Film Music February tribute. For now, check out this song as heard in the 1983 film [YouTube link]. [24 February 2019]
Yes [YouTube link], composed by pianist Kait Dunton, is performed by trioKait on their 2015 eponymous album, with bassist Cooper Appelt and drummer Jake Reed. A sweet groove for a late summer's day. [12 September 2020]
Yesterday is credited to both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but was actually a McCartney solo in words, music, and performance. It was not included on the American release of the soundtrack for the movie "Help!" but was released as a single that spent 4 weeks at #1 on the Billboard pop chart. It has been recorded in many "cover" versions, making it the "most covered song in history," according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Probably because it's just a great song. (Oh, and a belated happy birthday to my pal Aeon!) [28 March 2005]
Yesterday I Heard the Rain, words and music by Gene Lees and Armando Manzanero, is the title song of Bennet's 1968 album, but can also be heard in a live version with Count Basie and a duet with Alejandro Sanz [YouTube links; this last (from Bennett's 2012 "Duets II" album]. Like Sinatra, Bennett could deliver a ballad and infuse it with the heartache he most certainly experienced at points in his life. That he has triumped over this heartache and remains with us, still performing at 90, is a milestone worth celebrating. Last night, the Empire State Building provided the native New Yorker with a lovely light show in honor of his 90th birthday. Check it out on YouTube. Tomorrow, we conclude our mini-tribute; after all--where there is heartache in losing a love (and Bennett felt that heartache), there is always the need to take a chance on love, no matter how young or old you may be. [4 August 2016]
Yesterdays, music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Otto Harbach, is a jazz standard that has been performed by many artists. It was featured originally in the 1933 Broadway show, "Roberta," which became a 1935 film with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and a 1952 film, "Lovely to Look At." Listen to an audio clip from Frank Sinatra and a jazz rendition by guitarist Tal Farlow. [29 March 2005]
You Are In My System features the words and music of David Frank and Mic Murphy, who founded the band, The System. This 1982 electro-funk track reached the Top Ten on both the R&B and Dance Club Play charts, and was remade into a Mainstream Rock hit by Robert Palmer a year later. Still, my favorite versions are the percolating original 7" (the video features Mic Murphy looking a little like MJ, if you ask me) and 12" extended mixes [YouTube links]. Check out Palmer's fun remake, extended version, and an Eric Kupper Def remix, and The System's Kerri Chandler House Mix and Atmospheric Spanish Vocal House Mix as well. [24 March 2012]
You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To, a classic Cole Porter song, has been sung by so many great singers, from Bobby Darin to Nina Simone to Frank Sinatra (who sings the rare intro!). With two movies devoted to Cole Porter's life—the largely fictional 1946 Cary Grant film, "Night and Day," and the more recent 2004 Kevin Kline film, "De-Lovely"—Porter's music lives on. This particular song, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1943 (from the film Something to Shout About), has been a staple of jazz instrumentalists as well. My favorite instrumental version appears on a phenomenal album called "Concierto." Jim Hall, the great jazz guitarist, is the featured player, and he is joined by the late Chet Baker on trumpet, the late Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, the late Roland Hanna on piano, and the very much alive Ron Carter on bass and Steve Gadd on drums. This group is the epitome of cool, and a testament to superb ensemble playing. ("Concierto" refers to a terrific jazz rendition of the great Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez," the main track on the album.) [14 September 2004]
You Can't Hurry Love was another #1 hit for the Holland-Dozzier-Holland songwriting team, recorded in 1966 by The Supremes for their album, "The Supremes A' Go-Go." Billboard magazine named this song #19 on their list of the 100 Greatest Girl Group songs of all time! In 1982, Phil Collins would take this song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 yet again. Check out Phil's memorable version and then take a listen to the original Motown hit by Diana Ross and the Supremes [YouTube links]. [28 July 2018]
You Give Love a Bad Name, words, music, and arrangement by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, a big hit for the rock band Bon Jovi, which, last night, won the AMA "Award of Merit." [15 November 2004]
You Go to My Head, a Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots standard, has been recorded by so many artists; I especially like a jazz-influenced rendition by the wonderful Dinah Washington. With lyrics like "you intoxicate my soul with your eyes" ... wow. [29 September 2004]
You Haven't Done Nothin' features the words and music of Stevie Wonder, who recorded this song with the Jackson 5. Listen to an audio clip of this pop-funk track here. [21 May 2006]
You Keep Me Hangin' On was composed by the Holland-Dozzier-Holland songwriting team for the supreme Motown "Girl Group": The Supremes. The group took the 1966 song (from the album, "The Supremes Sing Holland-Dozzier-Holland") to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was recorded by other acts who also charted successfully: Vanilla Fudge (whose version hit the Top Ten in 1967), Kim Wilde (who hit #1 with her version in 1987), and Reba McEntire (who took the Love to Infinity "Classic Paradise" remix of the song to #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club chart) [YouTube links]. But that truly classic Motown sound is still delivered by the original Supremes hit [YouTube link]. And what a nice way to start a Supremes Weekend! [27 July 2018]
(If You Can't Sing It) You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini), composed by Sam Coslow, is a signature Ella Fitzgerald tune (listen to an audio clip here). A nice Patti Austin tribute to Ella includes a version of this song too; listen to an audio clip here. Carmen Bradford gives us a terrific version as well; listen to an audio clip here. [16 November 2005]
You Make Me Feel Mighty Real features words and music by James "Tip" Wirrick and Sylvester, who performs the song like the diva he was. Listen to an audio clip of this rhythmic disco nugget here. And listen to audio clips of remakes by Jimmy Sommerville and Byron Stingily. [14 July 2005]
You Make Me Feel So Young, music by Josef Myrow, lyrics by Mack Gordon, performed by Sinatra to a finger poppin' Nelson Riddle arrangement, from the album "Songs for Swingin' Lovers" (listen to that audio clip) [20 December 2004]
You Must Believe in Spring (Le Chanson de Maxence), music by Michel Legrand, French lyrics by Jacques Demy, English lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is from the 1967 film "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort." Listen here for an audio clip of Legrand playing this sensitive song; here for a heartfelt audio clip of pianist Bill Evans, the title track of an album featuring Eddie Gomez on bass and Eliot Zigmund on drums; and here for a vocal version by Tony Bennett, featuring Evans on piano again. Also listen to an audio clip of a Jack Jones rendition. Cheers to the Vernal Equinox! Happy Spring, which arrives at 7:34 a.m., Eastern time! [20 March 2005]
You Need to Calm Down features the words and music of Joel Little and Taylor Swift, who released this as the second single off her new album, "Lover". Swift ties Ariana Grande with ten nominations each for tonight's MTV Video Music Awards. The truly bold video single [YouTube link] to this infectious song has more cameos than one can count and its message of tolerance (which extends even to her long-time feud with Katy Perry!) has led to over 100 million views on YouTube alone. Check out Swift's live "Prime Day" performance of the song as well [YouTube link]. And check out the Video Music Awards tonight! Missy Elliot will be the recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. In three days, we'll be marking the 61st anniversary of MJ's birth with a new song that has an interesting history. [26 August 2019]
You Never Know ("At Long Last Love") words and music by Cole Porter, written for the 1938 Broadway musical, where it was sung by Clifton Webb (yes, he of "Laura" fame!). It was also featured in the 1975 film, "At Long Last Love." It's become a standard of the Great American Songbook, and has been covered notably by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne (who provides the lovely introduction), Nancy Wilson, Jack Jones, and Carmen McRae (a lively live recording featuring Jimmy Rowles on piano and Joe Pass on guitar) [YouTube links]. Today begins my mini-Tony Awards tribute to music from the Broadway stage. The Tonys air on CBS this Sunday, June 11, 2017. [8 June 2017]
Young Man with a Horn ("Get Happy"), music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Ted Koehler, was introduced by Ruth Etting in the 1930 Broadway musical "The Nine-Fifteen Revue." It was performed by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by the great Harry James), who turns 102 today, in this 1950 film, based on the novel by Dororthy Baker, and inspired by the life of jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. Check out the film clip (with the legendary Hoagy Carmichael on piano) and vocal versions from Judy Garland (from the 1950 film "Summer Stock") and Ella Fitzgerald. [YouTube links]. And a Happy Birthday to one of the greats! [9 December 2018]
You Only Live Twice ("Main Title"), words by Leslie Bricusse, music by John Barry, is the title song, which manages to be both catchy and lush, featured in the fifth 007 franchise film. On YouTube, check out the original Nancy Sinatra version, and a few surprising covers by Bjork and Coldplay. [4 February 2011]
You're a Grand Old Flag features the music and lyrics of George M. Cohan. It was actually written for his 1906 stage musical, "George Washington Jr." All I know is that I came from an era when we were taught songs such as this in elementary school, and they made an indelible mark on my educational upbringing. I know the words backwards and forwards, and no matter how many Yahoos love it, there is a humble quality inherent in its lyric, for no matter how deeply it tributes the "free and the brave," it is "never a boast or a brag." Check out the wonderful version performed by James Cagney, the iconic gangster who won an Academy Award for Best Actor, playing one of the great song and dance men of all time, in the 1942 bio flick,"Yankee Doodle Dandy" on YouTube. And a Happy Independence Day. May the revolution that made every heart beat true for the "red, white, and blue" live forever! [4 July 2015]
You're All I Want for Christmas, words and music by Glen Moore and Seger Ellis, has been recorded by many artists through the years, including Bing Crosby (with the Andrews Sisters), Al Martino, and in a lush instrumental by Jackie Gleason [YouTube links] (with Pee Wee Erwin on trumpet). It's Christmas Eve, and you can be sure I'll put up another musical selection when Christmas arrives! Till then ... don't forget to Track Santa on NORAD! [24 December 2021]
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch features the lyrics of Theodore Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss") and the music of Albert Hague. On this date, forty years ago, the Ben Washam and Chuck Jones-directed animated version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" made its debut on CBS-TV. The cartoon (one of my favorites of all time) showcased the voice of the great Boris Karloff, and this song was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft. The song is also featured in the 2000 motion picture (audio clip at that link) and the 2006 Broadway production (audio clip at that link) of the classic Dr. Seuss story. Listen to an audio clip of the original version here. [18 December 2006]
You're Everything features the lyrics of Neville Potter and the music of Chick Corea, who first performed this song on his classic "Light as a Feather" album (audio clip at that link). Flora Purim provides the vocals on the original recording. I also really love a recorded version by Catherine Dupuis, from her album, "The Rules of the Road" (audio clip at that link). The Russ Kassoff arrangement takes us on a tour (de force) across the musical map. [13 October 2005]
You're Gonna Hear From Me, words and music by Dory Previn and Andre Previn, is from the 1965 film "Inside Daisy Clover." Listen to audio clips from renditions by Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and, my favorite, Nancy Wilson. [13 March 2007]
You're Looking Hot Tonight
features the words and music of
Barry Manilow, who
celebrates his
75th birthday today.
He opens his Vegas residency this weekend with
concerts at Westgate Las Vegas.
We've not officially started our
Third
Annual
Summer Dance
Party, but I figured it would be nice to post a rare 1983 dance track from
Manilow.Check out the
single version
and then listen to the superior dance remix offered by
Disconet
[YouTube links]. [17 June 2017]
You're My Magician,
words and music by
Denis and Denyse LePage,
went to #1 of a
double-sided #1 Dance Club Single (with "Your
Love" [YouTube link]) by
Lime in
April 1981. This group bridged the years of the classic disco of the 1970s and
the
electronic dance music of the 1980s. Check out the original
12" remix and then see
what happens to the track in the
French Club Remix. [3 July 2017]
You're No Good, words and music by Clint Ballard, Jr., was first recorded by Dee Dee Warwick [YouTube link] in 1963. Other renditions of this song by Betty Everett and The Swinging Blue Jeans [YouTube links] charted in 1963 and 1964, respectively. But it wasn't until 1975 that Linda Ronstadt [YouTube link] took this song to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the highlights on her #1 breakthrough fifth solo studio album, "Heart Like a Wheel." Last night, Ronstadt was among the honorees at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors, where Trisha Yearwood [YouTube link] delivered this song in tribute to the artist. Though retired since 2011 due to ill-health, Ronstadt was in attendance and clearly moved by the tribute to her remarkably diverse musical legacy [YouTube link]. Other honorees included Michael Tilson Thomas, Sally Field, Sesame Street (which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year), and Earth, Wind & Fire. A tribute to that seminal group served as the rousing finale to this year's festivities, with some wonderful performances by John Legend, Cynthia Erivo, Ne Yo, the Jonas Brothers, and an all-cast performance of "September," which brought down the house [YouTube links]. It was a really entertaining night. Bravo to all the recipients! But, note to the committee: I'm still waiting for Chick Corea to become a Kennedy Center Honoree! [16 December 2019]
Your Personal Touch (audio clip at that link), featuring the words and music of Allen George and F. McFarlane, is delivered with jazzy and funky flair by Evelyn Champagne King. (Wow, this marks the1000th entry on Notablog!) [30 April 2006]
You Rascal You was composed by Sam Theard in 1929, under the less diplomatic, original title, "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead". It has been recorded by many artists throughout the years, including Louis Armstrong [YouTube link]. Today, however, I feature an equally hilarious version by the late Louis Prima, who was born on this day in 1910, long before it was "a date which will live in infamy." Deeply influenced by Satchmo, Prima changes up the lyrics with Sicilian flair---with references to ravioli and meatballs! The track is a highlight of his album, "The Wildest!", with its eclectic mix of early rock and roll, jump blues, jazz, and off-the-wall humor. Check out this swinging version here, which features the birthday boy on vocals and trumpet, Sam Butera on tenor saxophone, and James Blount, Jr. on trombone. [7 December 2021]
You Say You Care, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Leo Robin, was featured in the 1949 Broadway musical, "Gentleman Prefer Blondes," that introduced Carol Channing to the world. It was sung in the musical as a duet by Yvonne Adair and Eric Brotherson [YouTube link]. It is also one of the highlights on a lovely duet album, "One on One," with jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. This marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release date of this classic album by two legendary jazz instrumentalists---no longer with us, but still very much alive in their recorded performances. Check out their inspired duet here [YouTube link]. [18 April 2020]
You Should Be Dancing, written and performed by the Bee Gees, features that soaring Barry Gibb falsetto. This song famously framed John Travolta's classic disco dance sequence (YouTube clip at that link) on the flashing floor of Brooklyn's 2001 Odyssey (which later became a famous gay dance club known as Spectrum). Yes, I'd been to that club, and had danced on that floor, long before the establishment closed for good. Ah, memories ... Listen to an audio clip of this track here. And so concludes our 9-day tribute to "Saturday Night Fever," which debuted on this date, 30 years ago. I'm goin' dancin' ... [14 December 2007]
You Stepped into My Life features the words and music of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, otherwise known as The Bee Gees, who recorded the song in 1976 for their album, "Children of the World" (it was also included on the "Bee Gees Greatest" hits package in 1979). Check out renditions by The Bee Gees, Wayne Newton (who, in October 1979, took the song to #90 on the Billboard Hot 100!!!), and, my favorite by far: Melba Moore (who, in February 1979, took the song to #47 on the Hot 100 and #5 on the dance chart) [YouTube links]. [4 April 2012]
You've Made Me So Very Happy features the words and music of Berry Gordy, Frank Wilson, Patrice Holloway, and Brenda Holloway, who recorded this song in 1967 [YouTube link]. The song barely cracked the Top 40 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B Singles Chart. But it was a featured selection on the jukebox of the Stonewall Inn, which, on this date, was subject to a police raid, something that was typically aimed at private establishments catering to same-sex clientele. Such bars were often denied liquor licenses or harassed simply because it was illegal for same-sex couples to hold hands, kiss, or dance together ("lewd behavior"). This particular bar was owned and "protected" by the Genovese crime family, which paid off police officers from the Sixth Precinct to look the other way. Corrupt cops would often get payola to tip off the bar if there were any impending raids. But no tip offs came on this night. The police entered the bar, roughed up employees and patrons, and even arrested people for not wearing "gender-appropriate clothing" (something that was actually against the law at the time). The patrons had had enough. They pushed back and touched off six nights of rioting, fighting for their very right to exist and to pursue their own happiness. Though there were many other precipitating events prior to 1969 involving many brave activists, Stonewall remains the singular "nodal point" that gave birth to Pride Day celebrations the world over (today, to the date, is, in fact, the fiftieth anniversary of the first Pride March in 1970 that marked the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising). In the end, however, this date celebrates the birthright of every human being to pursue their own vision of personal happiness, without fear of state or social oppression. In keeping with our Summer Music Festival (Jazz Edition), we mark this occasion with several jazz-infused versions of this song, chief among them the classic Blood, Sweat, and Tears jazz-rock rendition [YouTube link], released the same year as the Stonewall Rebellion, rising to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. And check out renditions by song stylist Nancy Wilson, pianist Ramsey Lewis, clarinet legend Benny Goodman, the Lasse Lindgren Big Constellation, and trumpeter Chet Baker [YouTube links] (from his very commercial album, with the clever title of "Blood, Chet and Tears"). [28 June 2020]
You Were There, words and music by Buz Kohan and Michael Jackson, was performed by Michael Jackson in 1989 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sammy Davis, Jr. in show business. Michael's performance received an Emmy Award nomination. Today, marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Sammy Davis Jr., an inner-circle member of Sinatra's Rat Pack. Check out Jackson's performance [YouTube]. Throughout my "Song of the Day" entries, the reader will find so many celebrations of Davis's artistic talents. He was one of the great "song-and-dance men" of any generation and was unafraid to tackle songs from any generation. Check out the highlighted songs from my own list. First and foremost on that list, of course, is Davis's own rendition of MJ's "Bad," [YouTube link], and then a dazzling Davis line-up, including: "Come Back To Me" (with a bit of "Birth of the Blues") recorded live with the slammin' swingin' Buddy Rich Orchestra jazzing up the Vegas strip at the Sands Copa Room [YouTube link]; with that same band and setting doing "I Know a Place" [You Tube link]; "MacArthur Park," with its lush orchestration [YouTube link]; "Me and My Shadow," performed with Sinatra and a little "Ring-a-ding-ding" charm [YouTube link]; "Once in a Lifetime," which Davis performed in a 1978 Broadway revival of "Stop the World: I Want to Get Off" [YouTube link]; a Disco-fied "That Old Black Magic" [YouTube link]; the jazzy "Too Close for Comfort" [YouTube link]; an absolutely lovely rendition of "We'll Be Together Again," performed with Brazilian classical and jazz guitarist Laurindo Almeida [YouTube link]; a definitively terrific version of "What Kind of Fool Am I?" [YouTube link]; and "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)?" [YouTube link]. Even though I feature "I've Got the World on a String," as part of the continuing Centenary Sinatra Tribute, I have added this MJ tribute song, where the "Six Degrees of Sinatra" work out quite well. After all, the young Michael Jackson once did a comedic Sinatra Tribute of sorts [YouTube link]. MJ was actually present for what Sinatra's son, Frank Jr., called his father's last great day in the studio. Quincy Jones, who had produced albums for both Sinatra and Jackson [one of those albums, "Thriller," was just certified 30X Platinum by the RIAA; it has been certified as having been the only album in recording history to sell 30 million units in the United States and 100 million units worldwide --Ed.], conducted the orchestra for that 1984 album, which would be Sinatra's last solo production: "L.A. is My Lady." During the sessions, Michael and Frank hung out together. Quincy said it was remarkable to see the two most dominant artists of their generation chatting, laughing, and taking photos together [YouTube links]. And they were certainly both united by their love of Sammy Davis, Jr., who would have turned 90 on this date. So here's to the unique bond between Sammy, Mikey, and Frankie. All of them gone too soon. [8 December 2015b]
Zanzibar, words and music by the prolific Billy Joel, is a selection from the #1 1979 Grammy Award winning Album of the Year, "52nd Street," a paean to that Manhattan Street known for its legendary mid-twentieth century jazz scene (including "Swing Street," between 5th and 6th Avenues). The recording features changing rhythms and hues, and scintillating solo work by the late, great jazz horn player, Freddie Hubbard. The second section of Hubbard's solo is faded out on the original album, but an "unfaded" version of the song is a highlight of the boxed set, "My Lives." Check out the original album version on YouTube, a "demo" version, and the "unfaded" version too, where Hubbard's extended solo is utterly stupendous. Whew! This is the first "Z" song to appear on "My Favorite Songs," and any tune that mentions "jazz guitar" gets extra points from me any time! [15 December 2011]
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