In June 1952, Atlantic Records bought Ray Charles’s contract for $2,500 (US $24,070 in 2019 dollars)….when in his first recording session for Atlantic….songs like “The Midnight Hour”and “Roll with My Baby” took place in September 1952….although his last Swing Time release of “Misery in My Heart”/”The Snow Is Falling” wouldn’t appear until February 1953. In 1953, “Mess…
Details“Bridge over Troubled Water“ is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel….which was produced by the duo and Roy Halee….as the song was released as the follow-up single to “The Boxer” in January 1970….while the song is featured on their fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water in 1970. Composed by singer-songwriter Paul Simon….the song is performed on piano and…
Details“The Bells of St. Mary’s“ is a 1917 popular song…..with the music being written by A. Emmett Adams…and the lyrics by Douglas Furber….after a visit to St. Mary’s Church, Southampton, England. It was published by the London company Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew…..as the song was revived in 1945 in the film of the same name….while being sung by Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Due to the inclusion in the…
DetailsIn this 1978 excerpt from Saturday Night Live seen in this video herewith….legendary comedian Steve Martin plays Ramblin’ On The Banjo and Happy Banjo Songs…..which goes a long way in showing how gifted Martin was on the banjo….in addition to his comedic genius and acting prowess. Evidence of his banjo mastery came in May 2009….when the popular bluegrass band…
Details“One O’Clock Jump“ is a jazz standard, a 12-bar blues instrumental….which was written by Count Basie in 1937….as the melody derived from band members’ riffs….as Basie rarely wrote down musical ideas….so Eddie Durham and Buster Smith helped him crystallize his ideas. The original 1937 recording of the tune by Basie and his band is noted for the saxophone work of Herschel Evans and Lester Young….with trumpet by Buck…
DetailsDuring his distinguished career….Paul Simon has been the recipient of many honors and awards….which includes 12 Grammy Awards….while three of which….“Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Still Crazy After All These Years” and “Graceland”….were albums of the year. In 2003 he was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as half of the duo Simon…
DetailsIn 1968, after repeated encouragement from his peers, Johnny Gimble moved his family to Nashville, Tennessee…..and from then on, his steady work as a session musician included sessions with Merle Haggard and The Strangers on their Bob Wills tribute album….A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (or, My Salute to Bob Wills)…..along with Conway Twitty, Connie Smith, Loretta Lynn, Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price, Willie…
DetailsRandy Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer and pianist….who is known for his distinctive voice….his mordant (nd often satirical pop songs….and his film scores. Since the 1980’s, Newman has worked mostly as a film composer….in which his film scores include Ragtime, Awakenings, The Natural, Leatherheads, Pleasantville, Marriage Story, Meet the Parents, Cold Turkey and…
Details“Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone” is a song published in 1930….which was written by Sam H. Stept with lyrics by Sidney Clare….with the original publication also crediting singer Bee Palmer as co-composer. The lyrics are an admonishment between parting lovers….where the singer asks the other to either speak nicely of her, or not at all. Early hit versions in 1931…
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