Lesley Gore… Thanks for the songs of my youth.

 

Cancer sadly took another victim Feb 16th, Gore only 68 years old.

I was almost six when “It’s My Party” blasted the radio airways and went to #1 in 63′ but out of all her hits from the early-mid 60s, the song playing would ultimately become my favorite. “You Don’t Own Me” was released just 8 months later and really showcased her vocals. Only 10 years older than me at 16 her career took off.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “I Love Paris” ~ Michel Legrand & His Orchestra.

What more befitting music and album for this particular Sunday, Legrand’s first and a masterpiece.

Sad though it is in homage of the horrific tragedy that took place in France this week.

Today we all walk, mourn and rally with Parisians, anything but silenced.

God Speed to the families of all the victims in both locations and all of France.

Sunday Sleep In ~ “All I Have to Do Is Dream” ~ In Memory of Phil Everly – The Everly Bothers

If only one word could define the Everly Brothers it would be: HARMONY

For it would influence so many other musical/vocal groups that would follow them. In 1958 All I Have to Do Is Dream was the only single ever to be #1 on all of Billboard’s singles charts at the same time. In the UK it remain #1 for 6 weeks, 21 weeks on the singles chart. #1 R&B & Country.

Friday At The Fillmore ~ “Mother Earth” ~ Laura Nyro

Wednesday When It Was Music ~ “Hello Stranger” ~ Barbara Lewis

I was 6 when this song came out in 63′, seems like yesterday.

Barbara Lewis born in Salem, Mi. wrote every single song on her debut album with Hello Stranger that shot to #3 on Billboard 100 and #1 on R&B for two weeks.

She should have been bigger with the voice she had, songs didn’t seem to be flying at her like the other Atlantic label singers. They were reluctant to even release this instant hit. Ollie McLaughlin a small time Ann Arbor DJ produced Hello Stranger had gotten The Dells to back Lewis’s lead vocals. It was recorded at Chess Records but they needed Atlantic to get it released nationally.

Then in 65′ Bert Berns produced back to back hits for her within 3 months of each other “Baby I’m Yours” (June) and “Make Me Your Baby” (Sept.) both going to #11 on Billboard and then sadly she would never again have a major hit.

Eydie Gormé 1928-2013 … What a Voice.

 

Very sad to have heard this grand talent died yesterday. Eydie Gormé and husband Steve Lawrence defined what it is to have Class.

Both blessed with fabulous pipes but Eydie performed like a stick of dynamite. Her vocal chords absolutely exploded along with the rest of the cream of the crop of her era. She could belt out songs so powerful she left the host of any show she was on in awe.

Wednesday When It Was Music ~ “Canto Triste” ~ Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66

I could have selected so many songs from this group with obvious titles that people instantaneously associated with Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66. Notably “Mas Que Nada” from their first album and their very successful 68′ version of “The Look Of Love” (Janis Hansen – vocals) off the third. But it would be this beautifully arranged and orchestrated conducted piece by Dave Grusin.

Sunday Sinatra ~ “Summer Wind”

Hot 87°F Sunny Beautiful Day In Detroit.

And what better song could best describe it. So enjoy it while it lasts.

Frank Sinatra could make any song shine but he swooned this one out like aged fine wine. Absolutely Bellisimo!

 

Wednesday When It Was Music ~ “It Must Be Him” ~ Vikki Carr

 

Written by Music: Gilbert Bécaud, Lyrics: originally in French, Title: “Seul Sur Son Étoile” by Maurice Vidalin.
New English lyrics and title by were written by Mack David.

Carr scored number 3 on the Billboard 100 and #2 in the UK & AUS with this single in 1966.

Saturday Sinatra ~ I’ve Got You Under My Skin

Composer – Cole Porter
Arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle

Aired Live At New York’s Madison Square Garden October 12, 1974.

Frank Sinatra – Vocals
Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd
Jeff Brillinger – Drums
Bill Miller – Conductor

And what a “Main Event” it was. I remember watching this on TV when I was 17 (i believe there’s another song here somewhere lol) with my parents. And oh yes when they bought the album I stole it! Literally.

Wednesday When It Was Music ~ Walk On By ~ Dionne Warwick

In reality the video itself tells the story of the magic that was created with Composer Burt Bacharach, Co-Writing Lyricist partner Hal David and Singer Dionne Warwick.

It was the time of an era that spoke to you through the muse, words and vocals like none other. And it was the beginning of one of the best combinations of Music Ever.

Something today that nobody seems to have anymore. A collaboration that lasts because it’s that good.

“Walk On By” was just one of multitudes of hits she would sing with Bacharach & David who wrote over a 100 songs together in the early sixties alone with a good portion of them with Warwick in mind.

Over a 20-year period, beginning in the early 1960s, Warwick charted 38 singles co-written or produced by Bacharach and David, including 22 Top-40, 12 Top-20, and nine Top-10 hits on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Wednesday When It Was Music ~ “Downtown” ~ Petula Clark

I cannot listen today what the record companies call music anymore when it’s anything but. In fact I haven’t been able to listen to it for years. From this trash called Rap and these so-called singers of the last 20 years who all sound alike. With some sort of blocked nasal cavity sound. People who can sing do so, they let it all out with every dynamic of their vocal chords.

What we heard when I was coming up in the sixties was precision. Total precise lyrics, the singers total capabilities, the arrangement of all the music, every lead, background, harmony, instrument played down to every single break, beat, chord, horn section, strings. Everything combined and composed and it all came out like a masterpiece.

You can hear it all with this song released in 1964 by Petula Clark.