Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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?
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 guy singing in the scene is Ross Bagdasarian, who, under the name David Seville, created Alvin and the Chipmunks. The song is reprised as the film scene continues here, where "Animal" finally gets to dance with "Betty Grable". "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?
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 out 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: Blues in Hoss' Flat, composed by musician Frank Foster, is one of those infectious perennial 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.
Song of the Day: 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 stupendous 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 the duo's equally incomparable version of Kaper's "Invitation" [YouTube clip at that link].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 Wlliam Stromberg and the Golden State Pops Orchestra [YouTube link].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 #1Billboard 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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)!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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, and the cast from "Glee".
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
The new issue of The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies will be on its way to subscribers within the next couple of weeks. And with it comes an announcement of a major breakthrough for the journal and for Rand scholarship as well.
First, let's take a look at the new issue, which is coming out in the thick of the U.S. Presidential campaign, and which includes a few essays that try to make sense of contemporary politics:
Preface - The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies: The Best is Yet to Come - Chris Matthew Sciabarra
The Logic of Liberty: Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and the Logical Structure of the Political Spectrum - Roger E. Bissell
Ayn Rand Shrugged: The Gap Between Ethical Egoism and Global Capitalism - Andre Santos Campos
A Defense of Rothbardian Ethics via a Mediation of Hoppe and Rand - Cade Share
Ayn Rand and Deducing ‘Ought’ from ‘Is’ - Lachlan Doughney
The Childs-Peikoff Hypothesis - Dennis C. Hardin
The JARS website features both abstracts and contributor biographies.
In keeping with our current policy of archiving back issues, fully accessible and free of charge to all those who visit our website, today marks the online debut of Volume 11, Number 1 (PDFs for each of the essays in that issue can be found at that link). That issue, dedicated to the memory of one of our founding Advisory Board members, philosopher John Hospers, features provocative essays by James Montmarquet, Samuel Bostaph, Robert Hartford, Walter Block, Robert L. Campbell, and Fred Seddon.
Our online publication of any issue lags behind the current issue by a full volume (about a year). Which means that those who wish to read the new JARS need to subscribe today!
The new issue includes a Preface, written by me, announcing a major breakthrough for the journal: a trailblazing partnership with Pennsylvania State University Press that will greatly expand the journal's scholarly reach. Here is what I have to say in the Preface (a PDF link to the full Preface can be found here):
In the Fall of 1999, the first issue of The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies (JARS) was published, beginning a biannual scholarly discussion of Ayn Rand: her work, her life, her impact, and her legacy. Since then, we have published over 250 essays, written by over 130 authors, working across many disciplines and specialties. Our essays have covered subjects in aesthetics, anthropology, biography, business ethics, computer science, cultural studies, economics, epistemology, ethics, feminist studies, history, intellectual history, law, literary craft, literature, metaphysics, methodology, ontology, pedagogy, philosophical biology, philosophical psychology, general philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, political economy, political philosophy, political theory, psychology, and sociology. We have featured symposia on Rand’s ethics and on Rand’s aesthetics, on Nietzsche and Rand, on Rand and Progressive Rock, on Rand’s literary and cultural impact and on “Rand Among the Austrians” (that is, the Austrian school of economics, which includes such thinkers as Ludwig von Mises, F. A. Hayek, Murray Rothbard, etc.). Our content is now abstracted and indexed, in whole or in part, by nearly two dozen abstracting and indexing services, expanding our scholarly and institutional visibility.
Moreover, the journal has built a unique scholarly forum that welcomes those working from remarkably diverse interpretive and critical perspectives. Just a cursory look through our back catalogue reveals essays by such writers as the late libertarian philosopher John Hospers, laissez-faire economist George Reisman, and market anarchist Sheldon Richman, on the one hand, and the writings of American literary critic Gene Bell-Villada, philosopher Bill Martin (a self-described Maoist), and radical leftist Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek, on the other hand [names linked to JARS essays].
This new issue of our periodical begins our twelfth year of publication with the announcement of a major breakthrough that has the potential to enhance the quality of this publication and increase its scholarly reach. It will also guarantee the long-term historical preservation of our entire catalogue of back issues for the benefit of future generations of scholars.
The JARS Foundation and the Pennsylvania State University Press (PSUP) have entered into a formal collaborative agreement, commencing with the publication in 2013 of Volume 13, Number 1 (Issue 25), covering five years—and beyond.
Our Editorial Board will continue to solicit new articles and attract new writers, working closely with authors and peer readers toward the publication of essays of the finest quality and capacity for intellectual provocation. PSUP will take over the business end of the journal, while the Editorial Board will focus exclusively on the intellectual side of our project. PSUP will manage all aspects of distribution and subscription fulfillment in both print and online journal editions. Our arrangement with PSUP will also provide a more systematic framework for quality control, which will structure our workflow for the submission, double-blind peer review, and tracking of articles as they make their way to publication. And once our editorial work is done, we will submit approved, completed essays to the PSUP production department, which will provide a second level of copyediting and the typesetting of all content.
PSUP will set all institutional and individual pricing, which includes print-only, online-only, or print-and-online subscriptions, inside and outside the United States. There will be options for article downloads on a newly developed website. Indeed, a robust online edition of the journal will have the added, indispensable features and services on which the scholarly community relies, including XML codes on all files, which will be used to produce printable PDFs, as well as PDFs and html files for the web, all fully searchable.
PSUP has partnered with Project Muse and with JSTOR (both its Current Scholarship Program and back issue archive), making possible the extensive digital dissemination of PSUP journals. JARS will be potentially available to thousands of new readers from private and public, domestic and international institutions, corporations, and agencies.
The most important aspect of our collaboration, however, is our plan for the preservation of the journal and its trailblazing content. PSUP participates in CrossRef and all of its journals are now archived at Stanford’s CLOCKSS (Controlled Lots of Copies Keeps Stuff Safe). In essence, JARS, including all of its back issues dating from its 1999 inception, will be a part of the dark archive at Stanford that will preserve its content for the use of scholars and historians in perpetuity.
The good news for subscribers is that there will be only a modest rise in subscription rates. Our domestic rates have been the same since our very first issue in 1999, and JARS will remain affordable for all those whose support we have valued deeply.
We will always be profoundly indebted to those who made this journal possible, especially to the late Bill Bradford [PDF link], whose vision continues to inspire us. We know that our new partnership with PSUP will vastly increase our exposure in the international community of scholars, providing a means for preserving all of the contributions of our authors, and a context for the ever-growing electronic dissemination of our content.
Taking a page from the songbook of Ol' Blue Eyes, I know that, for The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies, "The Best is Yet to Come."
Announcement also posted on the Liberty & Power Group Blog.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: Workin' Day and Night, words and music by Michael Jackson, is a popular track from the artist's breakthrough 1979 solo album, "Off the Wall." On this date in 2009, MJ passed away. For millions of fans,the music lives on. Check out the album cut and an energetic 1992 live concert performance from Bucharest. RIP, MJ. We're still dancin' day and night to your music.
Song of the Day: 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. 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: The Sound of Music, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is the title track from the 1959 Broadway musical and the 1965 Oscar-winning Best Picture. Ranked as #10 in the AFI Top 100 Songs in American Cinema, this memorable theme was performed by Mary Martin in the first Broadway production, Rebecca Luker in the Broadway revival, and Julie Andrews in the film version [YouTube links]. Check out Mary Martin's acceptance speech, upon winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. I wasn't around when the Broadway production debuted, but I did see the wonderful 1998 Broadway revival (and a terrific off-Broadway production too). And the film remains one of my all-time favorite musicals (featuring at least two other favorite songs). Amazingly, the original production is the only musical to have ever won in a tie (with "Fiorello!") for the "Best Musical" Tony category.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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").
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.)
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!"
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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".
Song of the Day: 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!!!
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 . . ."
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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," "Beat It," "The Way You Make Me Feel," and "Dirty Diana."
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.'
Song of the Day: 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.)
Song of the Day: 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.)
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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].
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.)
Song of the Day: 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 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!!!)
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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)!
Song of the Day: 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 spun 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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 The Revolution, but I say: Viva Life (in fact, some characters/actors will move to "General Hospital")!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: West Side Story ("Dance at the Gym"), music by the incomparable Leonard Bernstein, can be heard in the score to the Oscar-wnning 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.
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
I figured that it was about time for a "station-break," so that I could note the appearance today of "Song of the Day #1000."
Seven years ago on this date, September 1, 2004, I began a list called "My Favorite Songs." I had no clue how long I'd keep up such a list, or how many possible songs I could name among my "favorites." As I explained:
Today, I thought I'd share with my readers a new feature for "Notablog" and a new page on my site. I have been promising readers to inaugurate additional "My Favorite Things" pages, pointing to such things as favorite books, favorite albums, and even favorite songs. Why my personal aesthetic views are so interesting is beyond me... but the Favorite Things page is consistently one of the most popular pages on my "Dialectics and Liberty" website. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I provide lots of entertaining links on such pages for your enjoyment. So, I'm starting a new page today: My Favorite Songs. Rather than come up with a full list on a single day, I'll make it a regular (daily?) feature here at "Notablog." (The songs will also be added to the "Favorite Songs" list . . . alphabetically, with date of addition in [brackets]) There isn't a waking hour of any day where I don't have a song on my mind. (I suspect there are quite a few songs playing in my mind during non-waking hours as well!) Music is such an integral part of my life, that I could not for a moment imagine life without it. And the songs I love come from a variety of genres, as readers will soon find out.
Indeed, the list has evolved to encompass both vocal and instrumental music compositions, gems both seasonal and universal, from the concert hall and the opera house, from theater, film, radio, and TV, and from all genres, moving effortlessly from the classical canon, jazz, R&B, disco, and rock to pop novelties and commercial advertising ditties. And it's one of those wide-open-ended things. Music is created every day by artists the world over; so it's especially satisfying to be introduced to new material from artists I never knew existed, and to find myself exploring an astonishingly new musical universe.
And that's how I got to a thousand "favorites." Day by day. Month by month. Year by year.
But let's be real: A thousand songs? I mean they can't all be "favorites."
If everything is a favorite, then nothing is a favorite.
A few thoughts about this truism: Everything has a context. In the end, it is my deeply personal context (how dialectical!), a life's worth of experience, both sensual and spiritual, that shapes the contours of my aesthetic response. And sometimes I even surprise myself by the positive responses I give to certain compositions by certain artists whose work I would never have given the time of day to, except for the one song I ended up really liking!
And then there's always that little experiential detail that I often leave out of my "Song of the Day" entry: A particular song may be so ingrained in the memory of concrete circumstances so as to be positively Hayekian in its implications. That is, the song (or the performance of it) is one that I respond to because it relates to my very personal "knowledge of the particular circumstances of time and place," as Friedrich Hayek said in his classic essay, "The Use of Knowledge in Society." The music may remind me of a person, place, or thing that makes me smile, or moves me to tears (in a good way). That's why it winds up becoming one of my favorite songs. When a reader sends me a note that voices "disagreement" with my highlighting of a certain song, my ultimate reply is: "Okay, your disagreement is noted. So start working on your own list!"
I should emphasize here that this list is not, and was never intended to be, a ranking (though the first song posted is still probably #1 in my heart for it's utterly romantic character). It would be an interesting exercise to create a few "Top Ten" song lists, by category or sub-category, drawn from that ever-growing "Favorite Songs" list.
But the truth is that among those "favorite songs" are songs that are not necessarily among my favorites. Let me explain.
A particular song may have been chosen precisely because of how it was performed by a particular artist. Indeed, there are some songs I haven't much cared for, until they were shaped by the remarkable talents of an extraordinary artist, who helped me to discover meaning where before there may have been indifference.
There are a few musicians who have so consistently captured me with their artistry that almost anything they touch turns to melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic gold. For example, the great jazz pianist Bill Evans could have played even "The Chicken Dance" (see below), and it might have found its way into "My Favorite Songs" (admittedly, a very big stretch, but it helps to make the point. Fortunately, there are no known recordings of Evans playing said song.)
Yes, there are songs on my list that could withstand the assault of even the most irritating instrument, even one made of outstretched rubber-bands (I call such timeless tunes, "rubber-band songs"; they'd sound good when played even by rubber-bands!). And there are also songs that I may never have particularly liked, but ended up loving because an artist performed an arrangement of it that provided a different spin or fresh interpretation of the lyric, which blew me away.
I should also note that while my list highlights songs that have touched my soul in some way, it also highlights those that might have just touched my, uh, booty. That is, they just make me want to move. Or they may have unbelievably infectious melodies that, once heard on a radio, stay with me for days on end.
A thousand songs chosen from the broad sweep of musical history is hardly a dent, of course; millions of musical compositions exist, and they are not listed among my favorites. Indeed, if you want to learn about compositions I absolutely and utterly despise, well, don't get me started! When I was in college, I DJ'ed many parties to make a few extra bucks, and still boast a vinyl record collection that would make some vinyl collectors spontaneously orgasm. But I was forced, practically at gun-point, to play tracks that I cringed over. To paraphrase Jack Nicholson from "Terms of Endearment": I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than be forced to play some of those songs ever again. I could easily come up with a list of those that might rival the current thousand titles! One that immediately comes to mind is "The Chicken Dance" (in the absence of said Evans version; not even a cute chicken acquits it). UGH. UGH. UGH. I cringed even looking at various YouTube videos to make the point. UGH. UGH. UGH.
Anyway.
The real point of "My Favorite Songs" is not to focus on the negative, but on the positive. It's fun because it's my list. And it's a list that will keep on growing as long as it remains fun to add to it.
Thanks to all those readers and artists who have sent me kind regards, suggestions, and feedback. And hearing, out of the clear blue, from some of the composers and artists whose work I have highlighted has been among the biggest thrills I've ever gotten from authoring "My Favorite Songs."
We all know what happened to Anne, after the thousand days. Well, I'm not about to lose my head over this! On to the next thousand ... and beyond!
Song of the Day: 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)!
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
I'm a great fan of "So You Think You Can Dance," and am absolutely elated to see that Melanie Moore has been named "America's Favorite Dancer."
She was my favorite too! From the start of the season! Brava! (And three cheers to the show's creator, executive producer, and regular judge, Nigel Lythgoe, for telling some of these folks where to go!)
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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 [Amazon.com sample]) 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.
Song of the Day: 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! ;)
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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 science fiction film was remarkable for its revolutionary use of the theremin. Viva Herrmann!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!)
Song of the Day: 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)!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day #965: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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"), 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).
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!)
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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..."
This has been a tough week for those of us boomers who grew up and came into our own in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. First, it was reported that Ed McMahon passed away. His presence on late night TV with Johnny Carson and on annual MDA Telethons was always a source of joy.
Then, word came early today that Farrah Fawcett had lost her battle with cancer. From "Charlie's Angels" to "The Burning Bed," Fawcett showed versatility, and acting chops. And even I bought that famous poster and Playboy issue.
This morning, I repeated to a friend of mine one of those old adages: "They say that famous people die in threes. Ed, Farrah... jeez... guess we should expect another one."
Late this afternoon, I found out that Michael Jackson passed away.
I can't even begin to communicate how stunned and saddened I was to hear this. We were roughly the same age, and I grew up on his music, from his early Motown years with the Jackson Five to his remarkable solo career; I danced to his beats, marvelled at his raw talent, and was fortunate enough to see him three times in concert: once on the Victory Tour, in the wake of his unbelievably successful album, Thriller (one of my favorite albums of all time); a second time on the Bad World Tour; and finally, on the Dangerous World Tour. Soft spoken in interviews, the man became a moonwalking lion on stage. I've never seen anyone like him in live performance ... before or since.
Unfortunately, in later years, so much of this magnificent talent was overshadowed by tabloid stories, sordid scandals, trials, and tribulations. None of it erased, in my mind, the talent of this entertainer, or the happiness his music, groundbreaking videos, and electrifying performances brought me.
Ed, Farrah, and Michael. All gone too soon.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
I haven't written on the 2009 "American Idol" season, but I've been watching, and look forward to the final installments tonight and tomorrow. Here's an interesting piece by Stephen Holden in today's Times.
One of the all-time great film score composers, Maurice Jarre, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2009. His memorable scoring (most notably, for me, his magnificent work on "Lawrence of Arabia") lives on.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: Independence Day ("Firestorm") [audio clip at that link], composed by David Arnold, is a dramatic selection from one of my favorite sci-fi films.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: (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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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, 2008; 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!
Song of the Day: 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").
Song of the Day: Dragnet is credited to Miklos Rozsa (from whom the "dum-de-dum-dum" theme 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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").
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: Shaft ("Theme from") features the music and lyrics of Isaac Hayes, who passed away on August 10, 2008. Written for the 1971 film of the same name, the song won an Oscar for Hayes, a soul music pioneer. One of the most hilarious moments in Oscar history, was seeing, or not seeing, Isaac Hayes, during a 2000 Academy Awards performance, in which the dry ice effect covered him in smoke. Host Billy Crystal quipped: "How do you lose Isaac Hayes?" Check out a YouTube "Shaft" video clip, and additional audio clips from this classic soundtrack album.
Song of the Day: Teach Me Tonight features the music of Gene de Paul and the lyrics of Sammy Cahn. Listen to a trio of audio clips by Count Basie ... with Joe Williams, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joe Williams and Sarah Vaughan (Sassy also did a version with Oscar Peterson and Joe Pass). Then, check out clips by Al Jarreau, Amy Winehouse, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, and Chaka Khan. And, finally, listen to an audio clip of the 1954 chart hit by Jo Stafford, who, sadly, passed away yesterday at the age of 90.
Song of the Day: Your Face, music and lyrics by Peter Murphy, is from his elegant, exotic solo album, "Dust." To have seen Peter perform this live on stage in a mesmerizing encore at the Blender Theater was a transcendent experience; I'm so glad it was with you. Happy anniversary, sweetie! Check out a full-length clip at YouTube.
Song of the Day: (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, words and music by Bobby Troup, is one of those songs that gives us a classic tour of (part of) America in song. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Perry Como, Mel Torme, The Manhattan Transfer, with pianist Oscar Peterson and guitarist Herb Ellis, Natalie Cole, and, her dad, my favorite, Nat King Cole. Happy Independence Day!
Song of the Day: This is My Life, words and music by Bruno Canfora and Antonio Amurri, with English lyrics by Norman Newell, was a huge hit for Shirley Bassey. (It was also recorded by Joanne Barry for her debut album, "This is Me.") The Bassey rendition has been on the lips of many a lip-syncing drag queen for eons. And it was also a perennial favorite on the jukebox at the Stonewall Inn, the bar that was raided by police on this date in 1969, leading to a series of violent reactions from its patrons. And so was born the modern gay liberation movement. Check out the site of the STONEWALL Veterans' Association. And then visit YouTube for a Bassey performance clip and the ever-classic disco version.
Song of the Day: Afternoon (full-length mp3 at that link) features the music of Philip Verdi and the lyrics of singer Joanne Barry, who provides the jazzy melodic vocals on this summery samba. This opening track to the album, "Holding On," which features a scintillating solo by guitarist Carl Barry, asks: "Can you feel summer's coming soon?" It sure is! It will be here at 7:59 pm EDT. Happy Summer Solstice!
Song of the Day: Everything's Coming Up Roses, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is one of the highlights of "Gypsy," suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. This is one of the great American musicals and Patti LuPone as Mama Rose gives the performance of a lifetime in today's Broadway revival, for which she won a much-deserved Tony Award last night (and brought down Radio City too with a terrific performance of this song!). Listen to an audio clip of LuPone, as well as renditions by Ethel Merman from the original 1959 Broadway production, Annie Ross, Rosalind Russell from the 1962 film version, Angela Lansbury from the 1970s revival,Tyne Daly from the 1989 Broadway revival, Bette Midler from the 1993 TV production, and Bernadette Peters from the 2003 revival.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: Dark Eyes derives from the poetry of Yevhen Hrebinka and the "Valse Hommage" of Florian Hermann. It has been performed by so many artists in so many settings (from Joe Venuti to Itzhak Perlman, audio clips at those links). But today we throw the spotlight on that remarkable innovator Les Paul, who celebrates his 93rd birthday. Having worshiped at the altar of the great gypsy jazz guitarist, Django Reinhardt, he is truly an "American Master." Check out the birthday boy at Iridium on Monday nights in New York City! Listen to an audio clip of Paul and take a look at YouTube (with some comic relief).
Song of the Day: The Andy Griffith Show ("The Fishin' Hole") (audio clip at that link) was composed by the late great Earle Hagen, who passed away at the age of 88 on May 26, 2008. It's a charming TV theme written by a guy who gave us such great tunes as "Harlem Nocturne." Listen also to an audio clip featuring Andy Griffith himself!
As a follow-up to my last post, check out two different views of the "American Idol" finale, one from Stephen Holden at the NY Times and the other from Jim Farber at the NY Daily News.
As most observers know, both contestants end up "winning" in the end. As Chris Daughtry has shown, one does not have to be the actual winner in order to win big... in award-winning albums and sales. Both Davids have the promise of wonderful careers ahead of them. But congratulations to David Cook, who won the 97-million vote finale by 12 million votes over David Archuleta.
Now that the competition is over, I'm turning my attention to the next Fox competition, one of my favorites: So You Think You Can Dance.
Don't ask me; I have no clue who will win tonight's "American Idol" finale. But it's David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Cook's take on "Billie Jean" remains, for me, the most memorable of the performances among either finalist. But I think Archuleta's young teen following might just put him in the winner's circle. We'll soon see!
Song of the Day: Secret Love, music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul-Francis Webster, was a #1 Oscar-winning Best Song from the 1953 novie "Calamity Jane," in which it was performed by Doris Day (audio clip at that link). Listen also to audio clips from renditions by Connie Francis, Tommy Edwards, Nancy Wilson, Billy Stewart, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass and Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, pianists Brad Mehldau and Dave McKenna, Mel Martin and the Benny Carter Quintet, and the Jack Cortner New York Big Band with a super Marvin Stramm on trumpet. Finally, check out an audio clip of Frank Sinatra with Nelson Riddle (and a YouTube video too); Sinatra passed away ten years ago on this date. My love of Francis Albert is not so secret: he was and still is the Chairman of the Board.
Song of the Day: 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.
Back on April 29, 2005, my "Song of the Day" entry was Wayne Shorter's classic "Footprints." I highlighted one of Shorter's fine versions therein, but my favorite version, a jazz guitar tour de force by my brother Carl Barry, was not online at the time. I'm pleased to link to that version today (full-length audio clip here), which happens to be Carl's birthday! The track, from the album "Holding On," features the fine bass player Steve La Spina and the terrific drummer John Clay. Enjoy! And Happy Birthday, Bro!
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: Pushit 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
The Top 12 on "American Idol" begin their live competitions tonight on Fox.
I have a few early favorites, myself... but thought this article in the NY Times was an interesting summation of the pop phenomenon (Hat Tip, Aeon!).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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...
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: Hearts Take Time, words and music by Janis Ian and Kye Fleming, has been recorded by Diane Schuur (no audio clip available), and my sister-in-law Joanne Barry (audio clips at that link). A Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards were televised last night, and I was delighted to see Herbie Hancock take "Best Album of the Year" for "River:The Joni Letters" (he also won in the "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" category). The last jazz album to win in this category was among my favorite albums of all time: "Getz/Gilberto" (1965) (though jazz-influenced albums have won many times since then, including projects by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones).
Among the other multiple award winners: Amy Winehouse (5), Kanye West (4), Justin Timberlake (2) for "Love Stoned" (Best Dance Recording) and "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Male Pop Vocal Performance); Chaka Khan (2), and the late Michael Brecker (2). Even Barak Obama won a Grammy ("Best Spoken Word Album"). So we have a couple of Grammy winners now vying for the Democratic nomination (Hillary Clinton won previously in the same category for "It Takes a Village").
Some of the performance highlights of the night: Ol' Blue Eyes (who appeared miraculously) alongside Alicia Keys in the opening number; Rihanna doing "Don't Stop the Music" during a reunion of The Time; an impromptu "That Old Black Magic" duet with Kid Rock and Keely Smith; Herbie Hancock and classical pianist Lang Lang doing "Rhapsody in Blue"; tributes to Luciano Pavarotti and the Beatles (the expected Michael Jackson tribute didn't happen); and an absolutely sizzling, tear-the-roof-off-the-house "Proud Mary" duet with Tina Turner and Beyonce.
I truly enjoyed the pairings of "old" and "new" throughout the broadcast.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
"American Idol" began last night with a 2-hour premiere ... at an advantage in the TV ratings game, because the Writers' Strike has kept so many shows off the air.
It was a typical "AI" beginning: some good talent, some nightmares, lots of fun, as always. Looking forward to an entertaining season ...
It was one of my favorite songs, and now there's a nice article telling us about the real "Girl from Ipanema." Check out "'Ipanema' & The Sands of Time," by Dominick A. Merle from this past Sunday's New York Daily News.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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—some sweet, some swing—by Nat King Cole, Michael Buble, and Bobby Darin.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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'...
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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'm 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.
Song of the Day: 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."
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Robert Goulet has shown up a number of times in my "Song of the Day" entries, including "If Ever I Would Leave You" and "Call Me Irresponsible."
Goulet passed away yesterday, awaiting a lung transplant, at the age of 73. My condolences to his family.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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 hmself. And Happy Summer!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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!
On April 18, 1907, composer Miklos Rozsa was born in Budapest, Hungary. Today, April 18, 2007, I celebrate the Centennial of the maestro's birth.
As readers may know, I have often featured Rozsa's music in my "Song of the Day" entries. But I officially kicked off the Centennial Celebration back in April 2006 with this entry. I concluded my tribute over the past week, beginning here and ending here (though, for sure, there will be many more Rozsa entries to come in my music diary).
Rozsa was not only the composer of nearly 100 film scores; he was also the composer of truly wonderful concert works. For those who have not explored the maestro's corpus, let me recommend a few links and books. First, readers should acquaint themselves with the work of the Miklos Rozsa Society, whose founder and director John Fitzpatrick has done a great job throughout the years, exploring and extending our appreciation of Rozsa's life and music.
Second, let me recommend two books and an article: The first book is Rozsa's own Double Life (New York, Wynwood Press, 1982; 1989), which is truly "a Spellbinding Autobiography of Success and Survival in the Golden Age of Hollywood." The book includes a foreword by Antal Dorati, and a preface by Andre Previn. It is out of print now, but can be found in many used book venues.
The second book is Jeffrey Dane's new one: A Composer's Notes: Remembering Miklos Rozsa, which includes a foreword by Leonard Pennario. It is published by iUniverse (Lincoln, Nebraska: 2006).
There is also my introductory article, first published in The Free Radical. It is available online, and also as a PDF.
And, of course, let me recommend that readers listen to Rozsa's soundtracks and concert works, which are available on CD.
Finally, let me remind readers that Turner Classic Movies begins a wonderful centennial tribute to the composer tonight, at 8 pm, Eastern time. The "special event" showcases four films that Rozsa scored. It starts with a showing of "The Killers" (1946), and continues with "Brute Force" (1947), "Ben-Hur" (1959), and "The Lost Weekend" (1945).
Rozsa was nominated 17 times for Oscars, and was a three-time winner. From his film noir scoring contributions to his scores for grand epics to his wonderful concert works, he remains, in my view, one of the finest composers of the twentieth century.
Cited at Liberty and Power Group Blog and at The Rozsa Forum.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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!
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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.
Song of the Day: 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).
Song of the Day: 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.)
Song of the Day: 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!