Frank Sinatra--Strangers in the Night (1966)

     "Strangers in the Night" is proof that an artist isn't always the best judge of their work......

       The song was written by Bert Kampfert with English lyrics by Charles Singleton and Eddie Snyder for the 1966 movie, "A Man Could Get Killed" starring James Garner.

      To my knowledge, the movie didn't do much at the box office, although Kampfert won a Golden Globe award for "Best Original Song in a Motion Picture" in 1967.

      Sinatra recorded this song as the title track for his album released in 1966, and marked a bit of a musical comeback for him. It also was the last album he did with long time conductor Nelson Riddle. He received two Grammy's for the song, and it went to No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts AND the top 100. All of this despite the fact that he despised the song. Am not sure if he thought it would be a hit anyway...but just goes to show you that an artist doesn't always have to like the song....

     By the way...this album has one of my favorite Sinatra songs, "Summer Wind"....if you've never heard it....it's worth the listen. 

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Frank and Nancy Sinatra: Somethin' Stupid (1967)

    Deciding the subject for a blog depends on a couple of things. The first would be who's discography I'm studying at any particular moment, and the second is a combination of rock history (what happens on a certain date) and my own gut instinct. The last reason is probably why Nancy Sinatra is the first artist to get a second blog. If you look earlier (Feb. 17th to be exact) you can read about, "These Boots Are Made For Walkin". This time around she is paired with her dad as they sing, "Somethin Stupid". I"ve been waiting for a chance to write about the Chairman of the Board, and can promise you this will not be the last time either. On this day in 1967, they hit big with the only #1 song by a dad/daughter duo....

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In Praise Of: Paul Anka

The stories of those who were stars in the age before the British Invasion who became stars again in the 70's interest me because of their ability to adapt. A few weeks ago we briefly looked at Neil Sedaka...today a longer look at Paul Anka.

Anka's first go-round with stardom occurred during the time between 57-62. Starting with the song, "Diana", he was in top 20 often, with 1959 being his biggest year in terms of chart action with songs like, "Lonely Boy", Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "It's Time To Cry"....

Although it is certain that the British Invasion had effected it him like much of the hit makers of his day, his light on the charts began to dim by early 1963. He continued to have success during that time by writing for others. He wrote, "She's a Lady" for Tom Jones, and wrote the English lyrics to "My Way" made famous by Frank Sinatra. However, one of his more enduring compositions was this song that was written and recorded by Annette Funicello then later re written for the Johnny Carson Show...here is the song when it was called, "Toot Sweet"....

By the late 60's he was recording again, and for my money was the most fascinating part of his career. One could watch him struggle from one song to the next as he updated his sound for a new generation. One of those attempts was the song, "Jubilation" which was released in early 1972 and reached #65. It doesn't sound like anything he had ever done before....or would do later..I quite like it...but your mileage might vary.

Finally in 1974 he struck paydirt with "(Your're) Having My Baby, which hit No. 1 in the fall of that year. This was the first of six top 20 hits in 74-75. He continued writing for the rest of the decade and into the early 80's, even composing some with Michael Jackson when MJ was at the height of his career. He continues to tour and record.....this last video was the final top 10 of his career, "Times of Your Life"....have a happy day everyone.

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Looking at 1954 (Pt. 2)

We continue to look at some of the happenings of 1954 (via You Tube). Remember that the Rock and Roll Omnibus hosts "The History of Rock and Pop" at 3pm, 10pm, and 6am and this weeks show focuses on the first quarter of that great year. So....let's get started.

First up we have our fashion segment featuring the ladies tonight....just absolutely fetching....

Before our feature film tonight....let's look at a trailer for future attractions....

Our feature film for the evening stars Gale Storm (gotta love the name) and her family as Chevy sponsors our movie, "How to Go Places". This riveting film tells about the do and don't of travel in a Chevy...either this will bring back memories (good or bad depending on the viewer), or just make you laugh out loud...or both.

We'll finish off with a hit  from Frank Sinatra.....good night all!

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