Monday, June 13, 2005

A musical tribute.

Or maybe “attribute.” Or maybe a musical tribute to your attribute?

Whatever.

I’m a know fan of oldies. No, not people, SONGS. Maybe that’s because I am an oldie. Not song, person.

This is getting out of hand. What I intend to try is to ascribe a 60s or 70’s song (title or lyrics) to significant people in my life, and to my blogroll friends.

1. To Carol, my wonderful wife, and the MOST important person in my life: The Four Tops, “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got.” (Should be self-explanatory.)

2. To my older daughter, Christina (who I gave away in marriage in a wedding chapel in Las Vegas): Dixie Cups, “Chapel of Love.”
("Because we're, goin’ to the chapel, and we're,
Gonna get mar-ar-ar-ied...”)

3. To Christina’s husband, Johnny Conch (his stage name): Bobby Vee, “Take Good Care of my Baby.”

4. To Elizabeth, my younger daughter: The Turtles, “Happy Together.” (Double reference: she loves anything to do with turtles—always has—and she and her hubby will always be Happy Together.)

5. To her husband Tom: Elvis Presley, “Stuck on You.”

6. To my sister in Maryland: Judy Rodman, “Girls Ride Horses Too.” (I know, that was an 80s country song. But it fits.

7. To Robin, (you understand, right Robin?): Dusty Springfield, “Son of a Preacher Man.”

8. To Nicole (in reference to PQAL): The Temptations, “My Girl.”

9. To Tina: Jorgen Ingeman, “Apache” (a guitar instrumental).

10. To Brenda: The Beatles, “Paperback Writer.”

11. To Hamel, Lulu, “To Sir, With Love.” (If you haven’t seen the movie, find it and rent it.)

12. To Bill, Barry Sadler, “The Green Berets” (I know, the Green Berets are wimps to a real Marine, but it seemed to fit.)

13. To Peg, The Serendipity Singers, “Don’t Let the Rain Come Down.” (Washington State, natch).

14. To Joe Cool, Barry Manilow, “I Write the Songs.”

15. To Michele, The Beatles, “Michelle.” (Different spelling, but hey...)

16. To Monica, The Shirelles, “Soldier Boy.”

17. To Abi, Dion, “The Wanderer.”

18, To Candace, Mary Wells, “My Guy.” (Reference to Tomcat.)

19. To Jennifer, Jewel Aikens, “The Birds and the Bees.” (Let me tell ya ‘bout ‘em...)

20. To Viki, The Four Tops, “I can’t Help Myself.” (I get that feeling about her when I read her posts.)

21. To Karyn, Tommy James and the Shondells, “Hanky Panky.” Or maybe, The Trogs, “Wild Thing.” Or maybe, The Rebels, “Wild Weekend.” (After Freaky Friday?)

22. To Michelle, (The African Goddess), Paul Anka, “Diana.” (That song came out when I was really into the Greek and Roman mythology. I always related Diana to the Roman goddess of the moon and the hunt. So when I think “goddess,” I think “Diana.”)

23. To Tisha, Jeannie C. Riley, “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (A southern gal’s tale of the South.)

24. And finally, to yours truly? Well, I’d have start with Gene Chandler’s “Duke of Earl,” since it inspired my name. Next would be The Association and “Cherish” since it won over my wife, the love of my life (you GOTTA read my book!). Lots more, like The Capitols and “Cool Jerk.” (The "cool" part is questionable.)

That’s enough for today. If any of you would like to propose your own defining 60s or 70s song, let me know.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

60's music right up my alley (oop)-
I like your idea of attributing songs to friends (might have to steal it sometime - though I would mention where it came from and link to your site - not very accomplished at plagarism, I guess)
-My blogs are mostly of satire and parody ilk (some say they are funny) - but I did post one you might like: "Name That Tune" it is nbr 53 in my Feb.'05 archives. I wrote a short article in which I incorporated 51 song titles as part of the text, challenging readers to find all of them. Most of the songs are from the 60's and were a part of my experiences. If needed posting nbr 52 is the answers in order of appearance in the article. My site? http://pointmeister.blogspot.com
-Mike (Hale McKay)

VikiBabbles said...

What a great idea this was! Are you making up memes now?

I'm honored that I was included in your list, and yes, I think you were spot on.

Also, this was a very nice way to call attention to those in your blogroll.

You're such a nice guy.

Karyn Lyndon said...

Wild Thing was and is one of my favorite songs...I mean how can you NOT love a song that has the word "groovy" in it???

I guess if I had to pick a song to describe myself it would be...uh...My Karyona? No...How about the BeeGees:

Oh, girl I've known you very well
I've seen you growing everyday
I never really looked before
but now you take my breath away.

Suddenly you're in my life
part of everything I do
you got me working day and night
just trying to keep a hold on you.

Here in your arms I found my paradise
my only chance for happiness
and if I lose you now I think I would die.

Oh say you'll always be my baby
we can make it shine, we can take forever
just a minute at a time.

More than a woman, more than a woman to me...

There are stories old and true
of people so in love like you and me
and I can see myself
let history repeat itself.

Reflecting how I feel for you
thinking about those people then
I know that in a thousand years
I'd fall in love with you again.

This is the only way that we should fly
this is the only way to go
and if I lose your love I know I would die.

Oh say you'll always be my baby
we can make it shine, we can take forever
just a minute at a time.

More than a woman, more than a woman to me...

(They were actually singing very lovely lyrics...)

Bill said...

Thanks, John, for the attribute. I've only heard that song a couple of times, but I really liked it.

Robin said...

Of course I understand! I think it is sweet that you did this for your blog friends! :)

Anonymous said...

For me, I'd have to say "Born to be Wild" or "Spirit in the Sky" and for Johnny, bob Seger's "Turn the Page". interesting post - if I had time to really dig up the songs, I could probably come up- with some better ones, and some for you as well!!!

Candace said...

What a faaaaaaaaabulous idea, John! Thank you!

Duke_of_Earle said...

Christina: Yeah, I could have done better with more time. It was a more ambitious project than I realized when I started. I was working on that thing till nearly bed time.

Some were a bit lame, but others were 'bout as good as I could have come up with. It was a fun litle project, since I like the music so much.

Born to be Wild? YOU? You're all domestic now with your new son! I can see "Spirit in the Sky" with reference to your skydiving days. Maybe "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" with reference to our friend Mr. Queen.

the many Bs said...

Hey John, Pretty clever idea. and I'm honored to be mentioned. anything to do with rain works for Seattle ("I'm singin' in the rain"). Another good one for my blog is "hit the road jack, and don't cha come back no more, no more, no more, no more, hit the road jack, and don't cha come back no more..." ("raindrops keep fallin' in my head") -peg

Michele said...

Thank you for including me in your list!

What a wonderful idea, and because it is such a glorious post I will NOT tell you my opinion of the "Michelle" song.

Now, I think I might have to link to you and perhaps encourage a few of my blogfriends to do a similar post.

Again, thank you!

Anonymous said...

WOW, you brought a tear to my eye.

Anonymous said...

*lol*

A stroke of genius! And I'm so flattered to be included. :-)

Am a weeeee bit curious about your selection for me, although I *think* I get it. Care to expound?

I've got that song completely wedged in my grey matter, now, I'll have you know.

Anonymous said...

I loved this post - it made me imagine everyone according their titles. I think you may have started a meme here *wink*