by bob_oganovic | Mar 8, 2020 | Popular Music
The Mavericks ~ Here Comes My Baby (1995) Mavericks lead singer and guitarist Raul Malo Written by Cat Stevens in 1967 this tune was quickly picked up by an English group called The Tremeloes. Decades later it was covered again by the group performing here, The...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 7, 2020 | Popular Music
Merle Haggard ~ Okie from Muskogee (1969) I first heard this tune performed at an outdoor concert by an all-Native American band. Since that concert — and given the zeitgeist of the time in which it was written — I had always wondered (and I know I’m...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 6, 2020 | Popular Music
Elton John ~ Philadelphia Freedom (1975) EJ and Billie Jean King EJ wrote the this tune and released it in 1976 as an anthem for Billie Jean King’s professional tennis team of the same name. This muscular performance at London’s Royal Opera House is much...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 2, 2020 | Popular Music
Bruce Springsteen ~ Dancing in the Dark (1984) Courtney Cox & Bruce Springsteen A handful of performers over the years have been given what might be called “honorary nicknames” that reflect their special place in the pantheon of performers. Elvis...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 2, 2020 | Popular Music
Beatles ~ Penny Lane (1967) ~ covered by Elvis Costello The Library of Congress each year awards the Gershwin Prize for lifetime contributions to popular music. This clip is from the White House ceremony in 2010 when Paul McCartney received the award (you’ll see...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 2, 2020 | Popular Music
Weezer ~ Buddy Holly (1994) Weezer Weezer is another group my son Teddy introduced me to. In this song, the very singable melody and nostalgic lyrics about Buddy Holly and Mary Tyler Moore made it instantly popular. However, the video took it to another level becoming...
by bob_oganovic | Mar 1, 2020 | Popular Music
Paul Simon ~ You Can Call Me Al (1986) Paul Simon withstood huge criticism from some quarters by virtue of opening up South African music to the world at the very time western countries were tightening anti-apartheid economic sanctions. I believe hindsight confirms...
by bob_oganovic | Feb 25, 2020 | Movies, Popular Music
Jersey Boys (soundtrack) ~ Oh, What a Night ~ (2005) The “original” Four Seasons This clip shows the “big finish” from the movie Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. This segment arguably deserves a special place in...
by bob_oganovic | Feb 24, 2020 | Popular Music
Billy Joel ~ Uptown Girl (1983) Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley I always found this tune reminiscent of The Four Seasons (posted elsewhere), and the video shown here is among my favorites. At that time Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley (shown above) were married so...
by bob_oganovic | Feb 22, 2020 | Popular Music
Chance The Rapper ~ Sunday Candy (2014) This Grammy award winner is ubiquitous, having performed on stages all over the world, on late night talk shows, and even at the White House. He has moved rap forward by writing lyrics that are thoughtful and even complex,...
by bob_oganovic | Feb 21, 2020 | Movies, Popular Music
Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire ~ (2009) “Bollywood” movies are being welcomed in the US, and among the most popular has been Slumdog. It opened my eyes to both the mystery, the promise and enigma that is India. The movie also took an unusual approach in...
by bob_oganovic | Feb 19, 2020 | Popular Music
Beach Boys ~ Fun, Fun, Fun (1964) These guys were solid on their instruments, and their vocals were amazingly complex — almost like barbershop quartet harmonies. The movie Love and Mercy portrays the relentless recording studio perfectionism of the...
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