English: Sarah Vaughan, possibly Cafe Society, NYC, ca. August 1946. Photography by William P. Gottlieb. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is a great day to be swept away by a singer with exceptional talent. The late great Sarah Vaughan was such a singer. This track was taped in 1958 and is Sarah’s version of “Lover Man”. A standard jazz song that has also been recorded by such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James. Norah Jones, Billie Holiday and, strangely enough, Michael Jackson. The song was written for Billie Holiday in 1941 by Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez and James Sherman. The original by Billie was inducted to Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989.
The first album to feature the group’s name change from “The Miracles” to “Smokey Robinson & The Miracles” was 1965’s Top 10 album Going To A Go-Go.Clockwise from top left: Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ron White, Smokey Robinson.(not shown: Claudette Robinson, Marv Tarplin) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Shop Around” by The Miracles. The song was recorded and released in 1960. This was before they were known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The artist on this classic was credited as The Miracles (featuring Bill “Smokey” Robinson”.
Shop Around
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We had no winner on this one, so Rebecca’s stupendous award has, once again, been forced to wait on it’s introduction to the world.
Today’s question will leave Motown and move on to Blackburn, Lancashire.
Q: In the song “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles, there is a line referring to a particular place. What is Blackburn, Lancashire and why does it have 4,000 holes in it?
Marvin Gaye. Not much to say about one of the greats. Terrific singer, smooth R&B guy who is missed to this day. It is hard to believe he died in 1984, holy crap. I heard this song on my way to work the other day and was blown away….again.
Recorded in 1959, Money reached number 2 on the charts. Beatle fans will instantly recognize this song as they did a cover version in 1962 with Peter Best on drums.
Money – The Beatles
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Interestingly, Berry Gordy, Motown’s driving force and owner, wrote this song, which helped turned Motown into the hit factory it was known for in the 1960’s and beyond.
No one guessed the answer, so I am unable to bestow my newly minted award on anyone. Thanks to Rebecca for designing the award.
Today’s question, and we will continue in Motown mode is:
My trivia question on George Harrison’s cover version of “Got My Mind Set On You” set me to thinking. Hmmm, George, Beatles, great songs, covers. Made me want to hear a Beatles song, but not by the Beatles, and not a cover that was well-known. I settled on one of my favourite songs by them, “Come Together” and remembered this version done by The Meters. These guys were a New Orleans funk band that were together in the 60’s and 70’s. They did not have much mainstream success but were held in high regard by many in the know. They backed up a lot of people, names like Dr. John and Robert Palmer. This cover has a great edge to it, as edgy as the original I would venture. As a special add-on, Ii have also included an all time funk classic. Enjoy.
I am trying to create an official award logo for this series. I am having a blast finding these, then finding the videos to go with the answers. Having said that, I don’t want to wear out the fun so will be changing up a bit on the presentation. How?? I have no flipping idea. I’m sure I’ll have an epiphany at some point.
Anyway on to the answers and a new question.
The previous question was:
Who did the original version of Soft Cell‘s classic “Tainted Love“. Yes. it is a cover. For bonus points, who wrote it.
First the cover version. I kind of shudder when I hear this song as all I can think of is hair, lots of hair, and really goofy pants.
Tainted Love – Soft Cell
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And now the winner. Rebecca2000 guessed correctly that it was Gloria Jones. She receives 17 bajillion points cause she is new to the blog and I kind of like her. I will be emailing you the prize catalogue from which you can choose to spend your points. You need only pay shipping and handling.
English: This is Gloria Jones performing with T.Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No one guessed that it was written by Ed Cobb so no bonus points awarded.
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Gloria Jones – The Original
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And now a new question for you to ponder. This question is very subjective, and there might be more than one right answer. Who is (or might be) the most disgusting act in music today. This one is for no points and no prizes, just curious to see if you find anything more ridiculous than the one I have chosen.
WikiProject Crowded House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Peter Jones, drummer with Crowded House from 1994 to 1996, passed away on May 18. He was 49. He also played with Harem Scarem, Tinpan Orange and Deadstar.
In My Command – Crowded House
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He was with Harem Scarem from 1985 to 1989. Here is a song from them.
Miracle Mile
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He joined Deathstar after his stint with Crowded House.
Stuart Sutcliffe and Harrison (right) in Hamburg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
First things first. I completely forgot to congratulate Zapple100 for answering the previous question on who originally performed Respect. Congrats to the Zap for guessing correctly.
George Harrison, everyone’s favourite Beatle recorded this song in 1987 and was one of his 3 number one songs in the USA. That would be a trivia question on its own. Wait, what’s that sound. You mean he’s not the favourite Beatle. Well, he is mine, no idea why, just seemed more down to earth than the others. At any rate, here’s his version.
Got My Mind Set On You
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The answer is James Ray, the bonus answer Rudy Clark. The closest answer came from John The Aussie, sort of. He asked the question while speaking to 100 miners and someone out there said James Raymond. Close enough John, you take the title away from North America to the land of Oz, Australia. Please congratulate John for being the current and reigning Lord of Music Trivia.
James Ray Original
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And the new brain teaser is..
Q: Who did the original version of Soft Cell’s classic “Tainted Love”. Yes. it is a cover. For bonus points, who wrote it.
On May 16, the Father of Go-Go, Chuck Brown passed away at the age of 75. The Father of Go-Go. Why? The man was a DC legend, defining and perfecting his take on the genre. He died as the acknowledged leader in this form of music. Another great player who helped shape our musical world in a fairly anonymous way.
If you are a Washington Nationals fan, you will recognize this one. Bustin’ Loose is played when the Nats hit a home run.
Chuck’s legacy includes stints with Jerry Butler, and with the Soul Searchers. He also recorded an album “The Other Side“, with one of my favourites, Eva Cassidy in 1992. This record is a keeper. Eva could sing the phone book. Here is a tune off it.
The answer though is, Otis Redding. He wrote and recorded this in 1965. You can find it on his album “Otis Blue“. The song was not released as a single. When Otis heard Aretha’s version, his comment was “That little girl stole my song”.
Here is Otis singing his song.
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Now for a new trivia question to ponder until I pop in again with a new one.
Q:Everyone knows the George Harrison song “Got My Mind Set On You”. Who originally recorded it. For bonus points, who wrote it.
