MY FAVORITE SONGS

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 audio 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]

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]

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]

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]

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 (from the album "New Vintage").  My brother, guitarist Carl Barry, has brought people to their feet when he's performed this hard bop evergreen in concert.  Just terrific.  [19 January 2005]

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]

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 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 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]

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]

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]

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]

An Affair to Remember, a 1957 Academy Award nominated song, music by Harry Warren, words by Harold Adamson and Leo McCarey, 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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.  [14 September 2006]

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]

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]

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 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]

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 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-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 ("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 ("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 ("Homecoming"), composed by the great Miklos Rozsa, opens my annual film music 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 ("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 ("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 ("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 ("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]

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]

Bewitched (various versions of the memorable theme archived at that link) was composed by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, for one of TV's classic comedies.  [26 August 2006]

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 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]

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]

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 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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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 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