Category: Sixties

Name That Tune, Sixties

NAME THAT TUNE (June 4, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Greetings and welcome back to another edition of Name That Tune.

I’ve got five clues for you to read and ponder; let’s see if you can guess the name of the song and the artist(s) who made it a hit.

Get those musical thinking caps on and let’s have at it! Here we go:

  1. This song from 1965 tells the story of a very short lived extramarital affair. It’s been insinuated that the song is about a man hooking up with a prostitute but it’s actually about a one night stand that ended very poorly.
  2. This track features a sitar which marked the first appearance of the Indian stringed instrument on a Western rock recording.
  3. The song, recorded by a prominent U.K. quartet, helped elevate Indian classical music, particularly Ravi Shankar, to mainstream popularity in the West.
  4. The name of today’s song is an ironic reference to the cheap pine paneling which was in vogue in London at that time. The lyrics also suggest the woman’s house in which the affair took place was sparsely furnished with just one bed and no chairs!
  5. One member of the group who recorded the song had this to say: β€œThe guy woke up to find the bird had flown, leaving him alone, and he felt the burning need to have some sort of final destructive revenge.”

There you have all the clues; do you think you know the name of the song and the group? Which clue did it for you? Let’s scroll down beyond the spinning record to find out the answer.

Did you guess β€œNorwegian Wood” by The Beatles? If you did, you are correct. Let’s listen to that iconic and very interesting song right now.

George Harrison learned to play the sitar in India with Ravi Shankar as his teacher. He mastered the instrument in a relatively short period of time; his proficient playing is obvious in this recording.

I wonder how many of you knew the full title of this song is β€œNorwegian Wood” (This Bird Has Flown). This is one of those songs that has spurred many a debate and continues to do so 58 years after its release.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of Name That Tune. I hope you enjoyed the post and the video.

Stay tuned tomorrow when Pete will bring us another great cover in Breaktime Whodunnit.

This bird is ready to fly!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (June 1, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

β€œRaindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and recorded by B.J. Thomas for the 1969 film β€œButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”.

Based loosely on fact, the film tells the story of Wild West outlaws β€œButch Cassidy” (Paul Newman) and his partner, the β€œSundance Kid” (Robert Redford). The duo are on the run from a US posse after a string of train robberies. The pair, along with Sundance’s lover, Etta Place (played by Katharine Ross), flee to Bolivia to escape the posse.

Here’s the lilting and uplifting voice of B. J. Thomas singing β€œRaindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”:

Robert Redford and Paul Newman made a great team; their good looks and charismatic personalities were perfect for these types of β€œpartners-in-crime” movies.

Here’s your question of the day:

What other wonderfully entertaining movie with exceptional music, including Scott Joplin’s ragtime compositions, costarred Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two card-playing grifters?

The answer is given on the bottom of the page.

Nick is back tomorrow Breaking Boundaries; something tells me it’s going to be an exceptional post. Don’t forget to stop by and check it out.

That’s a wrap, kids. Join me next week for another installment of At The Movies.

See you on the flip side.

I’m the Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

And the answer to today’s question is ….. The Sting.

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (May 18, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

In 1967, a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols made its debut. The film tells the story of 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life. Benjamin is seduced by an older woman named Mrs. Robinson, portrayed by Anne Bancroft, but then falls for her daughter Elaine, played by Katherine Ross.

The film is β€œThe Graduate”, a critical and commercial success, and the eternally beloved song written for the movie by Simon & Garfunkel is β€œMrs. Robinson”. It’s difficult to name a duo today with the rich, sweet tones of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The movie grossed $104.9 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 1967. I can still hear Benjamin saying (hopefully) β€œMrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me ….. aren’t you?”

Here now are the incomparable Simon & Garfunkel performing their hit, β€œMrs. Robinson”.

Like I said – rich sweet tones from the duo and a very cool guitar by Paul Simon. Still a great song!

Now for the question of the day; this is a conceptual question so there is no right or wrong answer.

Of all the songs written and recorded by Simon & Garfunkel, which one is your favorite? Please share your answers and if you’d like, post a video.

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow to see what Nick has planned for us in Breaking Boundaries. It’s bound to be great!

Time now to head on out. Catch you next week right here At The Movies.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

Name That Tune, Sixties

NAME THAT TUNE (May 7, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Hey! I’m back with another round of Name That Tune. Are you ready to rumble?

Let’s see how you do this week. And your clues are:

  1. This tune, released in April of 1965, is a cover performed by a quintet based in Los Angeles. Though the group underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, their bespectacled frontman never changed.
  2. The original song was composed and recorded by a 24-year-old from Minnesota with a very recognizable voice; he has since gone on to become a huge persona in the music industry.
  3. The composer claims he wrote this song on a road trip he took with some friends from New York to San Francisco. They smoked lots of weed along the way, replenishing their stash at post offices where they had mailed pot and picked it up while on the road. Very enterprising.
  4. Both the group and the songwriter made the harmonica and tambourine look cool.
  5. The group had another big hit in 1965 with a tune based on verses from the Bible. This was a cover of a 1959 song written by an American activist and environmentalist.

Do you know the name of the song and the group who had a hit with this cover? How about the name of the composer? I wonder where you arrived at your β€˜aha!” moment.

Scroll down for the big reveal.

Ok, are you ready for the answers?

The LA-based quintet is The Byrds and the song in question is β€œMr. Tambourine Man” written by Bob Dylan.  

Now let’s hear that famous song.

I hope you had fun today playing Name That Tune; don’t forget to check in next week to see what I’ve got planned.

Pete’s up again tomorrow with another installment of Breaktime Whodunnit. I wonder what he’s got cooking.

Enjoy the upcoming week and stay safe and well.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (May 4, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

If you need a little boost getting your engine running, I’ve got the perfect number for you today.

“Easy Rider” is a 1969 American independent roaddrama film written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern, produced by Fonda and directed by Hopper. Fonda and Hopper play two bikers who travel through the American South and Southwest carrying the proceeds from a cocaine deal. 

Released shortly after the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., “Easy Rider” marked a significant change in American filmmaking. Never before had a low-budget, offbeat movie made such an impact on young audiences. Reflecting a chaotic time in a country that was deeply divided in its values, the film’s frank treatment of alternative lifestyles, sexual freedom and drug and alcohol use struck a deep nerve.

If you think back to Tuesday’s In The Groove, you may remember I mentioned “Easy Rider” in my post. I see some of you nodding your heads in agreement. Then you’ll remember the kick-ass power-song from the movie that I also talked about – β€œBorn to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf.

As I said on Tuesday, this song is sometimes described as the first heavy metal song ever written. I do not agree with that but I’m going to let you decide for yourselves. If you’d like a refresher on some heavy metal music, please refer back to Tuesday’s post.

Turn up the volume and strap yourselves in. This is Steppenwolf and they were “Born To Be Wild”!

Vroom chaka laka! That is definitely a rockin’ song!

Now here’s the question of the day, a fairly easy one if you’re familiar with the movie (and you were paying attention to the video):

We already know the stars of β€œEasy Rider” were Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. There was a third guy who tagged along for part of the movie. Who is the big name Hollywood star who had his first big acting break appearing along Fonda and Hopper in the movie?

I’ll have the answer for you next week.

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow with Nick for another great edition of Breaking Boundaries.

Are we having fun yet? I hope to meet up with you again next week At The Movies where we can catch our breath and mellow out. I’ll save you a seat!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

In The Groove, Sixties

IN THE GROOVE Β (May 2, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

We’re going deep today In The Groove. Hang onto your knickers, kids; it’s time for some heavy metal! And I have more than one video for you. Please do not dismiss this post out of hand; I give you my word – no blood will be shed, no eardrums shattered.

Rather than choosing just one song, I wanted to do something unique by offering three songs representative of three different time periods. The release date of each video is separated by approximately 25-27 years; I spaced them out this way for you to listen for musical changes over the years which will assist in setting up the question of the day.

There’s heavy metal and then there’s HEAVY METAL; what you’re about to hear falls into the first category. You will never hear “death metal”, “black metal”, “doom metal” or “metalcore” on any of my posts; I am not a fan and I choose not to play them.

Are you ready? Then let’s start with a song by a group that may surprise you. Considered by many in the music industry to be the first heavy metal song in history, here is β€œHelter Skelter” released by The Beatles in 1968.*

Next up is the American group Anthrax with their 1993 song β€œI’m Alive”.

And finally from Norway here is JΓΈrn with β€œOver the Horizon Radar” from 2022.

Are you still with me? I tried my best to bring you heavy metal that wouldn’t chase you out of the room. Hopefully, I was successful.

Here now is the question of the day; it is fully conceptual and there is no right or wrong answer:

Keeping in mind that there is a span of 54 years of heavy metal music represented here, which of these three songs did you enjoy the most and why? How do these pieces differ for you?

Here was last week’s question:

Who was the performer who originally sang β€œMe and Mrs. Jones” in 1972?

And the answer is … Billy Paul. Did you get it right? A shout-out to our very own Pete and also to John Holton from The Sound of One Hand Typing right here on WP who both knew the answer.

Thanks for hanging out with me today; I know heavy metal isn’t for everyone. Think of it as a way of broadening your musical horizons!

Speaking of horizons, where in the world could Deb be taking us next? Tune in tomorrow to find out where her magic carpet will land.

That’s it for me, friends.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

*Some may argue that “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf was the first heavy metal song; that is only because of the second verse lyric “I like smoke and lightnin’/Heavy metal thunder/Racing with the wind/And the feeling that I’m under“. That is the first time the phrase “heavy metal” was used in a rock music song but it is not describing the music; “Heavy metal thunder” is a reference to motorcycles. Remember the bikes in “Easy Rider”? Now that’s metal! The music genre of the song “Born To Be Wild” is categorized as “hard rock”, not “heavy metal”. The three songs above have all been categorized as “heavy metal”. 🏍️

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (April 27, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Well, I think I’ve held back long enough; it’s time to break out some Beatles!

I was listening to a radio show recently on SiriusXM; the host and his guest were having a discussion about songs that are famous for their opening chord. The first song I think of in that category is β€œA Hard Day’s Night”, written by The Beatles for their movie of the same name. This 1964 film was a financial and critical success and was nominated for two Academy Awards. Forty years after its release, Time magazine rated it as one of the 100 all-time great films.

People have asked “Just what exactly does the term ‘a hard day’s night’ mean?”. Well, the answer goes something like this: the movie’s working title was “The Beatles,” then “Beatlemania“. After a particularly grueling rehearsal, everyone was tired, frustrated and still undecided about the movie’s name. At one point Ringo, who was exhausted after the long day, blurted out that it was “a hard day’s night” for him. The phrase “struck a chord” and was accepted by the studio.

Here is “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles; listen for that famous first chord.

Boy, it sure was hard keeping up with those four – in the movie and in real life!

Now it’s time for the question of the day but the pressure’s off because there’s no right or wrong answer:

Which song pops into your head as having the most recognizable opening chord?

Feel free to give an answer, share a video or just think about your song and enjoy the memories.

As a reminder, here’s the question from last week:

Marlon Brando is famous for a lot of movies; however, this 1972 multi-award-winning blockbuster is his most famous. Name the movie and his character.

And, of course, the answer is “The Godfather”; Brando’s famous character was “Vito Corleone”.

Tomorrow’s a big day here at The Rhythm Section. At long last we have a Friday post presented by the newest member of our musical family and it kicks off in 24 hours. I can’t wait to see it! Be sure to check it out; something tells me it’s gonna be smokin’! 😎

Hope you had fun today; catch you again soon At The Movies. Enjoy the rest of your week!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

In The Groove, Sixties

IN THE GROOVE (April 11, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Do you remember when I told you last week that we’d be going on a trip today? And do you remember when I used that old phrase β€œSmoke β€˜em if you got β€˜em!”? Well, there’s a whole lot of tripping going on here and they were definitely smoking!

β€œPurple Haze”. Yeah, baby! The name alone sounds trippy. This is the music I cut my teeth on.

There can’t be anyone reading this who hasn’t heard of Jimi Hendrix. Written in 1967 by Jimi, β€œPurple Haze” showcases his extraordinary talent and inventive guitar playing. Listeners interpret the song as referring to a psychedelic experience; Hendrix described it as a love song. Hmm, interesting.

Regardless of what people may think of this type of music, nothing can change the fact that β€œPurple Haze” launched not one but two revolutions: late-sixties psychedelia and the unprecedented genius of Jimi Hendrix. “Purple Haze” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been called one of the greatest guitar songs of all time.

You decide. Here is the Jimi Hendrix Experience and β€œPurple Haze”.

Smoke β€˜em if you got β€˜em!

Far out, man! His guitar fingering was amazing!

Ok, here’s the question of the day:

Jimi Hendrix is a member of an exclusive and extremely unique club. What is the name of that infamous club?

The answer will be given next week.

As a reminder, here’s the question from last week.

Can you name the doo-wop group who had a hit revival of “You Belong to Me” in 1962? 

A few of you got it right (you know who you are)! And the answer is … The Duprees.

Well, whaddaya say we score some snacks and meet At The Movies on Thursday? And don’t forget to check out Deb’s “trippy” post tomorrow!

‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (April 6, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome back to another installment of At The Movies.

To all my friends who observe Passover, I wish you a blessed celebration.

Today I bring you β€œExodus” as performed by the legendary piano duo of Ferrante and Teicher. This brilliant song was written for the 1960 award-winning movie of the same name. The epic historical drama was directed by Otto Preminger, screenplay adapted from the novel β€œExodus” by Leon Uris.

Please enjoy the amazing β€œgrand twins of the twin grands”!

Wow! That was terrific! I bet they didn’t miss many piano lessons! Now it’s time for the question of the day:

Remember the 1960’s TV show β€œRoute 66”? George Maharis, one of the actors in the movie β€œExodus”, was one of the costars of “Route 66”. Can you remember his character’s name on the show? Extra credit if you can name the other star of the show and the character he played?

This was the question from last week:

We already know that John Travolta was the star of the Saturday Night Fever. What was his character’s name?

And the answer is … Tony Manero. How many of you remembered?

Thanks for joining me once again At The Movies. Sunday is my turn to toss out the questions for Name That Tune; stop by and check out what I’ve got planned.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (March 23, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome back to another edition of At The Movies. The show is about to start so I won’t talk long.

β€œThe Windmills of Your Mind” was written by French composer Michel Legrand with English lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.  The song was introduced in the 1968 film β€œThe Thomas Crown Affair” and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. 

Here is English singer and actor Noel Harrison singing β€œThe Windmills of Your Mind”. Enjoy this one.

What a hauntingly beautiful song with absolutely amazing scenes from the movie. Steve McQueen was an extremely versatile actor portraying a suave jewel thief, a cowboy or a WWII POW In addition, he was an accomplished race car driver and motorcycle enthusiast who insisted on doing most of his own stunts.

Now it’s time for the question of the day:

Noel Harrison’s father was a very famous actor who starred in many different types of movies. Can you name this famous Englishman and a couple of the musical movies he made? (Answers will be given next Thursday.)

Here’s the question from last week; did you get it right?

“Which dynamic duo from England wrote the music and lyrics for “Circle Of Life”?

And the answer is an easy one ….. Elton John and Tim Rice.

Thanks for hanging out with me here At The Movies. Have a great weekend! Let’s meet up again next Thursday.

I wonder what Mr. Bump’s got coming up next in The Culture Club.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

Name That Tune, Sixties

NAME THAT TUNE (March 19, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome back to another shot at Name That Tune! It’s my turn again and I have the clues; let’s see if you have the answers.

Ok, are you ready? Here are your questions:

  1. This 1965 novelty song by an English band was an instant hit, the 2nd for this group from Manchester.
  2. It’s a snappy little number with one verse repeated three times by the cheerful and likeable (not to mention β€˜toothy’) lead singer. That’s right: second verse same as the first!
  3. Known for their jaunty beat sound and the singer’s tongue-in-cheek vocal style, the group ranked as one of the most successful acts in the Beatles-led British Invasion.
  4. This sing-along, bouncy tune about a famous (or infamous) ruler had teenage girls jumping around and just about losing their heads.
  5. Although the name of this group may make you think otherwise, they were a happy bunch and not at all β€œcrabby”.

Do you think you know the answers? Well, scroll down for the big reveal.

Well, if you said β€œI’m Henry VII, I Am” by Herman’s Hermits … you’re right!

Let’s give a listen to that little song right now, and I do mean little; it’s only 1 minute, 50 seconds!

Well, that sure brought back memories!

Did you catch on and figure out the name of the song and the group that performed it? Which clue was the one that did it for you?

Of course we all know that “Herman” is actually singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and actor Peter Noone. Since SeptemberΒ 2019, Noone has been hosting a program on SiriusXM’s 60s Gold station titled “Something Good” after Herman’s Hermits’Β  hit song, “I’m Into Something Good”.

Thanks for playing along! Join us again next Sunday for another round of Name That Tune!

Don’t forget to catch Mr. Bump tomorrow as he brings us Breaktime Whodunnit.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

In The Groove, Sixties

IN THE GROOVE (March 14, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome back to In The Groove. Hope you’re all doing fine and are looking forward to another great song and video.

There really isn’t too much I can tell you about today’s performer that you don’t already know so I’m going to concentrate on the song.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1961 for his album β€œBlue Hawaii”; it is also featured in his movie of the same name.

This beautiful tune has been covered by many artists and was listed as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. According to a 2020 survey, the song is the most popular choice for couples as the first dance at their wedding.

Now’s the perfect time to take that special person in your life by the hand and dance to β€œCan’t Help Falling In Love”. Here is The King:

That certainly was beautiful and I’m taking bets that many of you might be able to guess the question of the day:

What was the first dance at your wedding? If you’re engaged, what song have you chosen for your first dance? Perhaps you’re neither married nor engaged; just name your favorite romantic song to dance to. Mine is β€œSomething” by George Harrison which was the first dance at my wedding.

Thanks for getting In The Groove with me; I hope you’ve been enjoying the songs and videos throughout The Rhythm Section.

Join us tomorrow for another musical journey with Deb. Have a great day!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

Name That Tune, Sixties

NAME THAT TUNE (MARCH 12, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome to another edition of Name That Tune; I’m Nancy, The Sicilian Storyteller and it’s my turn to toss out the questions.

Ok! Let’s see how you do this week with what I have prepared for you. And we’re off:

  1. The singer of today’s song was born on June 7, 1940 and is primarily of English descent. Hmmm. He received an OBE in 1998 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 for services to music.
  2. This campy 1965 tune was the singer’s second U.K. hit and is the theme song for a star-studded movie of the same name. The movie received mixed reviews and changed cast members several times before being released.
  3. Today’s wildly popular, hip-swiveling ‘sex-bomb‘ of a singer has the same name as a well-known period piece movie which was described as β€œbawdy as the British were bawdy when a wench had to wear five petticoats to barricade her virtue”. The singer’s manager encouraged him to use only his first and middle names to help exploit the popularity of the Academy Award-winning 1963 film …. a very ‘foxy’ move.
  4. Today’s song was written by an extremely prolific songwriting duo. When the singer was approached by the songwriters to record this song, his first reaction was: “Christ! What the bloody hell do they want me to sing this for?” but the composer explained he β€œwanted a big booming baritone voice to sing this bloody crazy song and make it a classic” …. which he did.
  5. Today’s featured singer has a long run of hit songs including one bearing the name of a woman from the Bible and another with a word that’s synonymous with a mushroom cloud. He was the host of a syndicated TV variety show in the U.S. which aired during the 1980-1981 season.

Did you guess the song and singer’s name? Scroll down for the big reveal.

It’s Tom Jones and here’s today’s featured song, “What’s New, Pussycat?”:

What a knockout voice on him!

So which clue did it for you? We love comments so please share your thoughts below.

Don’t forget to join Pete tomorrow as he eases us into another Monday with Breaktime Whodunnit.

Have a great Sunday and thanks for joining me today for another round of Name That Tune.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (March 9, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Hi and welcome back to At The Movies! I hope you had a great week and are looking forward to the song for today. I have chosen a fantastic tune β€“β€œAlfie” – by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

β€œAlfie” was written in 1966 to promote the movie of the same name. The film was about a young womanizing man in London who leads a self-centered, uncaring life as a handsome chauffeur. β€œAlfie” was nominated for the 1967 Academy Award in five top categories, one of which was best music. The movie starred the great British actor, Michael Caine.

While the song was originally recorded by British singer Cilla Black in 1966, I’m focusing on the 1967 version by Dionne Warwick, the most prolific interpreter of Bacharach/David compositions and the composers’ original choice for this song.

Warwick performed “Alfie” at the 1967 Academy Awards. In 2008, Warwick’s recording of “Alfie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Both Burt Bacharach and Hal David called this their favorite song; that’s quite a statement.

Ok, enough talking. Here now is β€œAlfie” by Dionne Warwick.

Well, that was rather lovely, wasn’t it?

And now for the question of the day:

Sadly, we lost Burt Bacharach just last month. Bacharach had a prolific catalog of hit songs, some of the most beautiful and difficult tunes to sing. If you had to pick just one of his songs to call your favorite, which one would it be?

Thanks for joining us today; I hope you had fun. Catch you next Tuesday At The Movies. Have a great week! 

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

In The Groove, Sixties

IN THE GROOVE (MARCH 7, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Hi, everyone, and welcome to my first post at In The Groove! This site is dedicated to all the great songs we’ve come to love, anything from Ella Fitzgerald to Led Zeppelin. Maybe you’ll come across an old favorite you haven’t heard in a long time or find a new tune that really turns you on. My hope is that whatever videos I play here, someone will say β€œYes! I love that song!” 

Anyone who knows me also knows I love The Beatles so it seemed only appropriate that I open this site with a Beatles song. Now, for those of you who don’t like The Beatles (a concept I cannot wrap my head around), don’t panic – this site is not devoted to them but I believe you’re going to like what I’ve chosen today.

As Mr. Bump said in his first post, we’re going to try to keep our blurbs short and sweet. I can do sweet but I’m a storyteller so short doesn’t come easy. I will try my best. Please bear with me because sometimes there are some songs/artists that are too great to skim over – like this one.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was written by George Harrison after his return from India where The Beatles had been studying Transcendental Meditation. The song appears on the 1968 double album The Beatles, also known as the White Album.

George Harrison said β€œThe Eastern concept is that whatever happens is what is meant to be; every little item that’s going down has a purpose. β€œWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps” was a simple study based on that theory. I picked up a book at random, opened it and saw β€œgently weeps”. I laid the book down and started writing the song.”

β€œA simple study”, he said. Ha!

New Yorker columnist Mark Hertsgaard said “While My Guitar Gently Weeps was the single most impressive song on the White Album”. 

Rolling Stone ranked George’s composition 136th on its list of β€œThe 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, seventh on the “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time”, and at number 10 on its list of “The Beatles’ 100 Greatest Songs”. At long last George was getting his due!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my post and a tribute to George Harrison. Now you’re really going to get your money’s worth here at In The Groove– not one but two versions of this incredible song. The first video features today’s song from the White Album and the second video is from β€œConcert for George”. (Look for a very young Dhani Harrison among the concert musicians; he is without a doubt his father’s son!)

Now let’s get this show on the road! 

On November 29, 2002, one year after George’s passing, Olivia Harrison and Eric Clapton organized a performance tribute to celebrate the life and music of George. Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the momentous β€œConcert for George” featured George’s songs and the music he loved performed by artists including Eric Clapton, Joe Brown, Dhani Harrison, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi & Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr and more.

Now for the question of the day:

If you were to pick the perfect band or perhaps a tribute concert for YOURSELF, which famous artists would be in the band and what song(s) would they play? OK, have at it! Let’s see what you got!

Thanks for tuning in; I hope you had as good a time as I did.

We have a brand new and totally different segment lined up next. I can’t wait to see what DA’s got planned for us!

Join me In The Groove next Tuesday. Have a great week!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023

At The Movies, Sixties

AT THE MOVIES (March 2, 2023)

Nancy's Notes πŸ–ŠοΈβ™¬

Welcome to “The Rhythm Section”, a new site shared between The Sicilian Storyteller in the U.S.A., Mr. Bump in the U.K. and DA Whittam in Australia. We are here to entertain you with great music videos, give you some super interesting information, exchange thoughts and comments about music but mostly we just want to have fun.

As you follow our new site you’ll see us take turns posting about themes of great interest to us individually and as a team. And as a little bonus feature, we will invite you to play along by tackling our question of the day at the end of each post.

Today I’m kicking things off with a very cool category – “At The Movies”. As you can undoubtedly guess by the name, this is all about songs from hit movies (and possibly a few bombs as well!) and let me tell you – there’s A LOT of movie music to choose from!

Who doesn’t enjoy going to the movie theater or watching a movie at home on TV? I know I love a good movie! How about you? Are you ready? Let’s get our popcorn and find a good seat for one of my favorite movie personas – James Bond.

While 007 fans may debate the best James Bond opening theme, many would likely point to Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” as an all-time classic. With booming orchestration and Bassey’s roaring voice, the song conveyed the cold nature of the eponymous villain. In 2013 Bassey performed the song at the Academy Awards, celebrating 50 years of James Bond films – that’s quite a run.

Thanks for joining us today; I hope you enjoy our new site. I’m The Sicilian Storyteller, and I’ll see you next Thursday “At The Movies”! πŸ“½οΈ

  • Released: 1964
  • Performer: Shirley Bassey
  • Songwriters: John Barry, Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley
  • Producer: George Martin
  • Columbia United Artists

Wow! What a set of pipes on her!

Now for our question of the day:

Of all the actors to portray James Bond, which one was your favorite: Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig?

Take a second and add a comment or a video of your own, if you wish. We can’t wait to see what you have to say and remember … it’s all about having fun!

Mr. Bump will be hosting on Saturday with a very special and unique post. You won’t want to miss what he’s got planned.

I’ll be here on Tuesday with a totally new segment of The Rhythm Section and again on Thursday talking about another great movie song.

Catch you next week and don’t forget your popcorn! Have a great weekend! 🍿

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR Β© 2023


– Music: John Barry
– Lyrics: Leslie BricusAnthony NewleyNow for the movie question of the day: Of all the actors who have portrayed James Bond, and there have been more than you think, who is your favoriteNAR Β© 2023