Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.
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“Breakfast At Tiffany’s” was released 65 years ago on October 6, 1961. As much as I loved watching the happenings in the life of Miss Holly Golightly and her fabulous wardrobe, I absolutely swooned over the film’s theme song, whether it was the version sung onscreen by Audrey Hepburn or the Henry Mancini score version playing randomly throughout the film. Over the years it has been covered by some of my favorite musical artists from Jerry Butler (1961) to Frank Sinatra (1964) to Rod Stewart (2010) to a collaboration between guitar masters Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck (2023). Classic songs, like classic movies, are always in style.
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Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
George Peppard (L) and Hepburn (R). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Don McLean released his second album, American Pie, 55 years ago in October 1971. The first single-the title track-was released a month later. It became an anthem for many including the generation still mourning the loss of three musical artists-Buddy Holly, Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson (a/k/a The Big Bopper) and Ritchie Valens, who died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959-which the song taglined as “the day the music died”. The track became a huge hit, reaching #1 on January 15, 1972 & staying in that spot for four consecutive weeks. The track has become iconic for its imagery, subject matter & length, with the album version clocking in at 8:33.
The album’s second single, released in February 1972, was inspired by artist Vincent Van Gogh, even referencing the name of one of his most famous paintings-The Starry Night-in the opening lyric (“Starry starry night, Paint your palette blue and grey”). One of his quotes always comes to mind this time of year: “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.”
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Burton Cummings released his debut self-titled solo album 50 years ago in October 1976. The first single became a Top Ten hit in early 1977. This came on the heels of his decade long tenure as the lead singer of The Guess Who from 1965-1975. He was born December 31, 1947 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He never finished high school because he wanted to pursue a career in music. By 1966 he joined Chad Allan & the Expressions which eventually became The Guess Who. Cummings became the lead singer and the primary songwriter along with guitarist Randy Bachman.
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The comedy “Amen” premiered 40 years ago on September 27, 1986 and ran for five seasons until May 1991. It starred Sherman Hemsley as Deacon (and miserly attorney) Ernest Frye, Anna Maria Horsford as his daughter, Thelma and Clifton Davis as the church’s newest member, Reverend Reuben Gregory, who instantly became the object of Thelma’s affection.
The series was created and produced by Emmy award winner Ed. Weinberger who was one of the original players at MTM Productions (the group that brought us “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” amongst others). He also co-created the series “Taxi”, “The Cosby Show”, “Dear John” and many others.
The cast of “Amen” (L-R): Jester Hairston, Anna Maria Horsford, Roz Ryan, Barbara Montgomery, Sherman Hemsley and Clifton Davis. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Audrey Hepburn: “Moon River” (1961, written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer).
Henry Mancini: “Moon River” (1961, written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer).
Elton John: “Moon River” (2003, recorded live in France. Written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer).
Don McLean: “American Pie” (1971, written by Don McLean).
Don McLean: “Vincent” (1971, written by Don McLean).
Don McLean: “Crossroads” (1971, written by Don McLean).
Burton Cummings: “Stand Tall” (1976, written by Burton Cummings).
Vanessa Bell Armstrong: “Shine On Me” (used as the theme song for thr TV series, “Amen”. 1986, written by Andraé Crouch).
Stay safe & well.
