Music Blog

Friends & Family Friday 5.17

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Today for the first time I am featuring the “friends” aspect of Friends & Family Friday.

The story starts on May 4, 1968, on the British television talent show “Opportunity Knocks,” where a talented 17-year-old Mary Hopkin began performing, going on to win six episodes in a row. Mary had no way of knowing that the iconic British model Twiggy was watching one of those performances on her television at home. That weekend Twiggy was talking to a friend about Mary’s performance on the program, a friend who was soon to establish a record label with his band. That friend was Paul McCartney. Just two days later, Mary received a telegram asking her to call Apple Corps. Hesitant at first, she was persuaded by her mother to call the number on the telegram.

“So I rang up and was put through to this guy with a Liverpool accent” Mary later recalled. It was, of course, Paul McCartney and the next day Mary was on her way to London to sign a contract. The young Welsh singer was one of the first to sign with the Beatles’ Apple label. Mary’s stint with Apple resulted in two albums – Post Card and Earth Song/Ocean Song, a slew of well-crafted singles and an EP released in Indonesia. Mary later admitted her association with Apple ended mainly because of Paul McCartney’s micro-management of her career.

One of Mary Hopkin’s songs on the Apple label is the exquisite “Martha” written by Harvey Andrews – a song about a lonely woman who sits by her phone waiting for someone to call. Martha listens in on her neighbors’ conversations, feeding on their despair. She appears to be a nosy, manipulative and unhappy person who is consumed with the lives of others while neglecting her own. Her behavior is likely the result of a broken heart and a shattered life. The song paints a sad and eerie picture of a woman who has lost her way and is happy only in the misery of others.

This is Mary Hopkin with the hauntingly stunning “Martha”.

Thanks for stopping by and catching some tunes with me.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

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21 thoughts on “Friends & Family Friday 5.17”

    1. It’s possible, Willow. When I checked comments this morning, there were 23 in spam; I’ve never had that many before. I don’t recall this one but it’s here now and I thank you for re-sharing it with me. It’s very important to keep this message going.

      Thank you!

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  5. I had the album “Earth Song/Ocean Song” way back, wore down those grooves, so deep.

    Remember it was Apple Records, but didn’t know the rest. The instrumentation, with her unique voice, is pretty amazing!

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    1. Ah, I was wondering if I should have mentioned that she was the one who had a huge hit with Those Were The Days, My Friends” and another called “Goodbye”. Do those ring any bells?

      It took me a while to become a fan; female voices in the higher range usually do not appeal to me. I like her very much on this song.

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      1. That song (“Those Were…”), I know! Then again… I wouldn’t have known who sang it!

        Yeah, I know what you mean… It’s why I just can’t do Heart anymore!!

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  9. Nice choice for topic. 🙂
    She was more of a ‘folk’ singer, wasn’t she? Probably not the sugary, commercial act McCartney and Apple wanted her to be .. though I do have to say I still like ‘Knock, Knock, Who’s There?’ probably because Eurovision was big deal when I was kid and this was the competition runner-up.

    🙂

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    1. “Knock, Knock” is very catchy, isn’t it? I like it a lot. This song is somewhat new to me. It came on my car radio and I took a photo of the display so I’d remember the name later in the day!

      Yes, she is folksy but I’m sure the way she talked about McCartney had nothing to do with that. He’s known for having things his way!

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  10. Mary Hopkins had and has a wonderful voice and she’s still working she released her last album Two Hearts last year on her birthday. Two hearts mad with her dad Jessica .

    .

    Here is a link to her playlist from the album

    Its a good job she was strong enough as a young woman to get away from Macartney. She’s a lovely lady 💜💜💜

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