Tag Archives: Rosemary Clooney

Music Monday: May 22, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate three more milestones, the first involving one of my all time favorite shows. It is still an obsession of mine despite the fact that it concluded its six season run 13 years ago. “Lost” ended on May 23, 2010 and I have not been the same since. It changed me in ways I cannot explain except to say a part of me is still on the island with the characters I adore (and even the ones I don’t). I watched it again a few times in the decade after it ended. But during lockdown, I became more passionate than ever about this phenomenal series. If you never watched it and failed to binge it during the pandemic, do it now.

In the broadest reference possible, and at its very core, “Lost” is like “The Island Of Misfit People” who find where they belong. And who they belong with. One of the things the series focused on was the importance of certain numbers, 23 being one of them. So if you have never been to the island, you must-MUST-afford yourself this beautiful experience and make 2023 your year to get “Lost”. You will not regret it. The first of today’s three songs was used in a S3 episode which helped turn it into one of the best scenes ever in a television series. There is no way to watch it and not be moved.

Shambala

Lost anniversary 2

Lost 2

Three memorable moments from “Lost”: Top: A montage of the glorious van ride in S3. Middle: A scene from S1’s finale, “Exodus”. Bottom: Vincent the dog joins Jack (Matthew Fox) in the jungle in the series finale. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney was born 95 years ago on May 23, 1928 in Maysville, KY. The incomprable vocalist with the velvet & satin sound enjoyed a long career as a big band singer, jazz artist, actress and author. From her less than stable childhood she became a teenage radio singer as one half of the “The Clooney Sisters”. That led to a stint performing with bandleader Tony Pastor. When her sister, Betty, left the act in 1949, Rosemary was on her own in NYC and signed to Columbia Records. There she met Mitch Miller who persuaded her to record, “Come On-A My House”. With that, Rosemary Clooney the star was born.

The song I chose by her ties in with four other women I adore. The incredibly talented Bea Arthur, who was born 101 years ago on May 13, 1922, and the rest of “The Golden Girls” who ended their seven season run 31 years ago on May 9, 1992 (days before Arthur’s 70th birthday). She performed Clooney’s pick as Dorothy Zbornak in S7 E19, “Journey to the Center of Attention”. And talk about timeless-this song was written 100 years ago by the one and only Irving Berlin. I would be remiss not to add that Rosemary’s nephew, the dashing George Clooney, appeared in a GG episode, too: S2 E24, “To Catch A Neighbor”.

Rosemary Clooney mic

Dorothy 1

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George GG 2

Top: Rosemary Clooney at a Columbia Records recording studio circa the 1950’s. Middle 1: Bea Arthur as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls”. Middle 2: The four GG’s: Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White) and Sophia (Estelle Getty). Bottom (L-R): Another famous Clooney, George. appeared in a S2 episode of The GG along with Joseph Campanella, pictured with McClanahan & White. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stephanie Lynn Nicks will celebrate birthday #75 this week. She was born May 26, 1948 in Phoenix, AZ. She started her recording career in 1973 as part of a duo with Lindsey Buckingham before he was recruited by Mick Fleetwood to join his band. But Nicks’ boyfriend at the time would not go without her, so they both joined Fleetwood Mac. In 1975 the band’s self-titled album and its first with Nicks, included one of today’s songs and what has arguably become her most beloved track, “Landslide”.

From the group’s #1 iconic Rumours record, Nicks’ song, “Dreams”, became the band’s only #1 single. She started a successful solo career in 1981 with the release of her debut record, “Bella Donna“. That led to her becoming the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice as a performer-first with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and then in 2019 for her solo work. Nicks is currently on a U.S. tour with dates into 2024.

Stevie circa 1978

Top: Nicks circa 1977 (Image found online. Original source unknown). Bottom: Photo taken by me 9/4/2011 in Wantagh, NY. 

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Three Dog Night: “Shambala” (1973, lead vocal by Cory Wells (February 5, 1941 – October 20, 2015), written by Daniel Moore. Featured in Lost S3 E10, “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead”).

Rosemary Clooney: “What’ll I Do” (2002, written by Irving Berlin).

Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

Stay safe & well.

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25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 7

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 7 2022

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

There is no denying that George Clooney is a huge movie star & celebrity. But he was not the first member of his family to achieve stardom. His aunt, the transcendent and beautiful Rosemary Clooney, defined musical excellence as a vocalist first as part of a duo with her sister, Betty, in 1945 and then as a professional singer recording music in 1947.

Her own TV show and movies followed (including 1954’s “White Christmas” also starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen) and numerous hits and albums leading to her place as the premier “girl singer” for six decades. Her influence & reverence shine through fans like Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Linda Ronstadt, Diana Krall and many others. But Clooney described her role rather succinctly in her second biography, Girl Singer: “I’d call myself a sweet singer with a big band sensibility”. The rest of us described her with one word: great.

“Rosie” as she was affectionatelt dubbed, married three times, twice to actor José Ferrer with whom she had five children: actor Miguel Ferrer (1955-2017), Maria, Gabriel, Monsita, and Rafael. Today’s song is from Clooney’s 1996 Christmas album, named for her most famous & well known movie. But anything this woman sings is perfection, making her holiday music one of the best parts of this season.

“Frosted window panes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa’s on his way“. 

Rosemary Clooney circa 1954. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)


Rosemary Clooney: “Christmas Waltz” (1996, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 2

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

card

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Anything Rosemary Clooney sang was so beautiful, but there was such an elegance to the holiday tunes she recorded. I think today’s song is probably her best. Judy Garland’s original is wonderful, too, but Clooney’s take just gives me such joy.

“Through the years
We’ll always be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough“.

rosemary

Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1996, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 433

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May blog 2021

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today we remember one of the finest female big band singers of all time. Rosemary Clooney was born 93 years ago on May 23,1928 in Kentucky. She started performing with her sister, Betty, and in 1945 they won a radio contest that awarded them a singing spot on a Cincinnati radio station. A year later Rosemary was singing with The Tony Pastor Band. By 1951 she had her first hit, “Come On-A My House”, produced by Mitch Miller. More hits and acting parts followed including her role in “White Christmas” opposite Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye.

She spent many years fighting addiction & mental health issues until she was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1968. She fought her way back to the career she loved as a “…a sweet singer with a big band sensibility…” which is how she described herself in her second autobiography, 1999’s “Girl Singer: An Autobiography”.

A year after Clooney’s death in 2002, Bette Midler released a tribute album, Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook, produced by Barry Manilow. In 2005 Clooney’s daughter-in-law, Debby Boone, released her own salute with Reflections of Rosemary.

Today’s song is from the musical “The Pajama Game” & was a #1 song for Clooney in 1954. Sam Cooke did a glorious cover of this track in 1960 and it is probably my favorite male version of this tune. But Clooney’s is the absolute best there is. As was she.

“Won’t you take this advice I hand you like a mother
Or are you not seeing things too clear
Are you too much in love to hear
Is it all going in one ear and out the other“.

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Rosemary Clooney circa 1952. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “Hey There” (1954, written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 348

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Feb 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I swore off musical documentaries a while back, but in November I stumbled upon “Janis: Little Girl Blue” on Hulu. I decided to watch it despite only liking a few of Janis Joplin’s songs as I found others a bit too overpowering for me. The film was well done and I learned a few things I did not know about her life, mostly that she did not fit in with her peers, especially at school. She seemed to be a bit of a loner even after music became what drew people to her and vice versa.

Fifty years ago today-February 27, 1971-her second & final solo album Pearl hit the #1 spot on the albums chart for the first of nine weeks. Today’s track is from her debut record released in 1969. The film ended with this song and man, I was in awe. It is gorgeous. The arrangement, especially the guitar & the strings, combined with Joplin’s interpretation of the lyrics, is just heartbreaking and entrancing at the same time. Had I decided not to watch the film I probably never would have discovered this diamond of a tune. It is a Rogers & Hart song that dates back to 1935 from the musical, “Jumbo”. This track has been recorded dozens of times by a variety of artists from Rosemary Clooney to Sam Cooke to The Carpenters and more. But only one person sang it with the feeling and intensity Joplin did.

“And I know how you feel
And I know you ain’t got no reason to go on
And I know you feel that you must be through
Oh honey, go on and sit right back down“.

Janis-Joplin

Janis Joplin circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Janis Joplin: “Little Girl Blue” (1969, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 136

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Thoreau music quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I honored a lot of music birthdays this month so it is only fair I give my TV obsession equal time.  July 25 marked the 97th birth anniversary of one of my favorite ladies to ever walk the planet, Estelle Getty, the woman who brought Sophia Petrillo to life on “The Golden Girls”.  She and her three co-stars have been my surrogate mothers since their show premiered nearly 35 years ago.  I am still obsessed with their antics, their advice, their fights, their good deeds, their dates, their love for each other and everything else about them.

I have too many favorite episodes to list here so I will spotlight the show that featured one of my beloved Irving Berlin songs.  In the episode “Journey To The Center Of Attention” (season 7, episode 19), Dorothy sang today’s song and it was absolutely lovely.  It also kick-started an unexpected rivalry between her & Blanche when the latter felt threatened by the popularity Dorothy gained after the performance at a local bar Blanche frequented.  The show ended with Blanche telling Dorothy she was jealous of her because “when you sing you light up the room.  You do.  You positively glow.  You’re beautiful”.  And Dorothy acknowledged that it was “the nicest thing that you have ever said to me” and admitted to “being jealous everyday of her life” of  Blanche.  After seven seasons of her making fun of Dorothy’s looks, lack of a love life, height and bossiness, Blanche finally realized Dorothy had her own charm.  It was by far one of the sweetest scenes in the series.

Another golden girl, one of song, recorded my favorite version of today’s tune.  Here’s to hoping we all spend many years with women who are funny, feisty, sexy, smart, strong, beautiful and who revere great music!!!

“Golden Girls” Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy (L) and Rue McClanahan as Blanche (M) circa 1992 and Rosemary Clooney (R) circa 1955.  (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney:  “What’ll I Do” ( 1984, written by Irving Berlin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 20

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I used to love watching old movies with my grandmother.  It was how I was introduced to such stars as Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Rosemary Clooney.  The first time I ever heard her sing was during the film “White Christmas”.  The first scene I saw was when she sang “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and I was completely captivated.  Not only was her voice beautiful, but so was she.  And so elegant in her black sweetheart neck gown, white gloves and big dangly earrings which seemed to match the applique on the back of her dress.  She was perfection in every sense of the word.  After that I listened to practically every record she ever recorded and fell in love with every one.  But today’s song has always been my favorite.

R Clooney

Rosemary Clooney circa 1950 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney:  “Tenderly” (1951, written by Jack Lawrence and Walter Gross).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 1

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Happy December, everybody!!!

December

(Original source unknown.)

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving however you spent it.  I started mine in the usual way-by watching the parade.  I was absolutely thrilled to see Snoopy the Astronaut as the first balloon!!!  What an honor!!!

So now that we are officially in the Christmas season (and it really feels that way today here in New England because we are getting our first snowfall of the year…….YAY!!!) it is time for my 25 Days of Christmas music countdown!!!

Let’s begin with a classic by a classic.  Other than “White Christmas”, no other song defines the season like this one.  And this man’s version is the quintessential one at that.  He actually recorded this song a few times (1946, 1953) before, but the stereo version from 1961 is the one most of us know and love.  For a singer who began his career in jazz, it was his pop songs that turned him into a massive success that led to him starring in his own TV show beginning in 1956.

Nat King Cole.jpg Nat King Cole circa 1950’s (original source unknown).

Nat King Cole:  “The Christmas Song” (1961, written by Robert Wells & Mel Torme in 1945).

For an outstanding female take on this song, my pick is by a woman who became famous during the big band era.  Her smooth velvet-like voice was simply gorgeous and her take on the standards was like no one before her or since.  She recorded several Christmas classics, but this one is just magic to me.  And the fact that she is related to George Clooney only makes her more lovable (not to mention unbelievably lucky!!!)

Clooney

Rosemary Clooney circa 1950’s & in 1994 with nephew George Clooney on the set of ER. 
(KOBAL/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; ALAMY)

Rosemary Clooney:  “The Christmas Song” (1978 and 1996, written by Robert Wells & Mel Torme in 1945).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

 

25 Days Of Christmas Songs: Day 6

Posted in Christmas, Music by

 

Hi, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown!!!

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I have been a fan of this woman’s since I was a kid.  After Aretha Franklin, she is my favorite female singer.  From the first time I heard “You’re No Good” I was hooked and never looked back.  After that came album after album of original music and covers of songs written by the likes of Warren Zevon (“Poor Poor Pitiful Me”), Smokey Robinson (“The Tracks of My Tears”), Chuck Berry (“Back In The USA”). Holland-Dozier-Holland (“Heatwave”), Eric Kaz & Libby Titus (“Love Has No Pride“-my absolute favorite version of this song), Phil Everly (“When Will I Be Loved”), Mick Jagger & Keith Richards (“Tumbling Dice”) and many others.

Despite being called “The Queen of Rock”, she has sung practically every type of music imaginable-rock, pop, country (I adore her “Trio” albums with Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris), jazz, big band/standards (with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra) and Mexican.  She was also in one of my favorite movies ever (“FM”) and on Broadway (in “The Pirates of Penzance”).

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THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Linda Ronstadt, 1983, (c)Universal

She retired in 2011 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.  She did not appear at the ceremony due to her announcement a year earlier that she could no longer sing as a result of Parkinson’s Disease.  Such a sad ending to her unbelievably powerful voice, enormous talent and incredibly lustrous career that earned her 11 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 2 Academy of Country music Awards and many other accolades.

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Linda Ronstadt circa 1975 (original source unknown).

Before her HOF induction, Rhino Records put together a collection of duets with some of her previous collaborators and influences, many of whom happen to be some of the top female voices in history and several more of my favorites.  Two of the songs are covers from the movie “White Christmas.  I already love her solo version of  “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas“, but now I have added the two movie songs to my list.  One has nothing to do with Christmas, but since it was in the movie, I believe it qualifies for the countdown.

Linda Ronstadt and Rosemary Clooney:  “White Christmas”

Linda Ronstadt and Bette Midler:  “Sisters“.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

 

Christmas Song Of The Day #9

Posted in Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Here we are one week away from Christmas!!!  Hope you are all taking time for yourselves in the midst of all the hustle and bustle.  Let me help that cause with another fabulous Christmas tune!!!

Shiny-Brite-Tree[1]

Source:  goldenglow.org

It’s no secret I love most types of music, and as much as I love rock & roll from the 1950’s, the big band singers of that era and earlier literally make me swoon.  One sound of this woman’s voice and I picture myself in the kitchen in a pretty dress complete with apron and pearls making dinner for my husband, a man who never leaves the house without his hat or his pipe.   🙂

Pick any one of her songs and I dare you not to fall in love with an era gone by-one that was romantic,  innocent and free of the computer tricks used today to push product over purpose.  Whether it is “Tenderly“, “When October Goes“, “Come On-A My House“, “Mambo Italiano” or “Sisters” (from the “White Christmas” movie), one listen to any of these classics and it is clear who the voice is behind these gems:  Rosemary “Rosie” Clooney.

My favorite Christmas song by her is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.  I do love Judy Garland’s version too, but it is Clooney’s voice that immediately transports me to a time I never knew but adore.

Let us also not forget that this woman got to hold, kiss and cuddle her nephew George Clooney as an infant.  Maybe she even powdered his baby tush!!!  Not even Amal can say that!!!  🙂

Rosemary_Clooney[1]

Source:  vintageradioclassics.com

I do not own the rights to anything, I am just sharing some of my favorite music with you.

Enjoy!!!