Monthly Archives: December 2020

1950s, 1960s, 1970s, Blog

PICK 3 From Elvis Presley

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This should be one of the most difficult assignments ever, but somehow I did this one relatively easily. Having said that I would expect there to be hundreds of dissenters with their own three picks since he had so many great recordings. Anyway, here goes…

My first pick is Suspicious Mind. Elvis demonstrates his vocal talent and super showmanship with this piece of work. This song also adds in the haunting sounds from the backup singers. This is clearly an Elvis classic.

My second pick is The Wonder of You. Enjoy this video, note the smirk, note the smile, note the voice… There’s only one KING and Elvis is HE!

I am cheating a little with my third pick. I am going with If I Can Dream. HOWEVER, I want to use the video from AMERICAN IDOL that features a duet with Elvis and Celine. I love the use of technology to accomplish this video and the outcome is simply spectacular. Suspend you disbelief and just enjoy the experience.

HERE’S TO THE KING… THE ONE AND ONLY KING!

Since it is Christmas time, here’s a present for you. What could be more fun than this??? Watch Elvis sing with Martina.

Thank me later!!!

1960s, Blog

Pick 3 From Peter & Gordon

Pick 3 from Peter and Gordon

Peter Asher and Gordon Waller had a very unique beginning… Paul McCartney was dating Peter’s sister Jane, when because of unfortunate experiences, Paul had to move into the Asher household for two years. During that time, he became friendly with Peter, who asked Paul to write him a song so he could reocrd it. Paul gave them, “A World Without Love”, which became a hit and launched their career. Paul subsequently gave them “Nobody I know”, “I Don’t Want to See You Again” and then “Woman”. Paul wanted to see if they could score a hit without his name on it so for Woman he credited it to “A. Smith”. His talent is clear regardless of the name he uses… Woman was a smash hit for P&G. P&G also recorded “I Go To Pieces”, written by Lou Christie and of course, my favorite of their recordings, written by Buddy Holley, “True Love Ways”.

Peter continued in the music business and was mega successful, producing Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor among many others. Sadly, Gordon died from a heart attack in 2009.

This video shows Peter and Gordon at their very best… singing my favorite of their recordings, Buddy Holley’s True Love Ways

My second favorite is “I Go To Pieces” written by the great Del Shannon. This is a classic heartbroken song. Speaking of heartbroken, Del Shannon took his own life in 1991. He was a terrific song writer and is best known for his hit “Runaway”.

My final choice for this segment is “Woman”. Listen to this tune and it will remind you of the incredible harmony these guys could pull off.