Winning Westenra rejects 'tart' image
A story in the Christchurch Press told us that New Zealander Hayley Westenra recently won the "classical performer of the year" award at the Variety Club's annual showbusiness awards in London, and had the opportunity in talking to the Telegraph in London to claim that her record company had tried to pressure her into dressing like a “tart”.
She said, "Occasionally, I have had to stand my ground on image issues. I am not a tarty person and I don't wear those clothes when I am out, so I don't wear them to perform or for interviews either."
I remember Shona Laing having a change of look
and thinking some 'image advisor' has got to you and it is not working (for me anyway). Although the photos on the sergent website doesn’t show any of those sloppy floppy images.
You Tube is marvelous in showing old clips of performers of earlier times and it is interesting to see some singers obviously under ‘advice’ on how to ‘jazz up’ their visual performance as per this clip of Kay Starr doing Wheel Of Fortune.
Consider too, Brook Benton having to cope with the producer’s concept of the visual aspect for the song Mother Nature, Father Time
All good for a laugh - as in you can't take it seriously.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from Monday 17 November 2008
The tease for Monday 17 November
Tonight, a song that was UK#1 when the first heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa on 3 December 1967.
The song also had a claim to fame in being one of the few occasions when song writers have ousted another of their songs from the top. Tony McAuley and John McLeod had written the charts previous #1 by The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You.
The tease for Tuesday 18 November
Tonight a UK#1(2) from 17 November, US#1, 10 December 1966 and NZ#1(2) from 12 January 1967. For a few months, in the UK at least, this group were bracketed with the Beatles as progressive music innovators, and their main songwriter was ranked with Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter of genius.
The tease for Wednesday 19 November
Tonight a US#1(1), 5 November 1966 and a Monster Hit in N.Z.
The group's first million seller written by Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart (as was a lot of their material). Their TV show was partly inspired by The Beatles 'Hard Day's Night film and this track was considered a knock-off of the Beatles' "Paperback Writer"
The tease for Thursday 20 November
US#1, 28 November 1964, a UK#11 in early 1965 and a HUGE HIT in N.Z. The song charted again in the UK in 1972, with a #2 peak.
This group comprised two sets of sisters, one set being twins, who got together at High School in Queens, New York. This second global million seller was written by George (Shadow) Morton, (who wrote their first million seller) along with Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. “The song is a heartbreaking cha-cha number about a girl in love” with a rebel and her parents disapproval.
The tease for Friday 21 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from *23 November 1963 (*the day after JFK assassination)
Two 19 years olds, updated a 1957 song which sold a million for them globally. The two had sung in local Baton Rouge Louisiana bistros for several years before teaming up. It was at this producer’s studio where they met and did an impromptu session –impressing the producer with their version of this song and it became a local success in the southern states before becoming a national then international hit.
And the songs for this week
Monday Long John Baldry – Let The Heartaches Begin
Tuesday The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
Wednesday The Monkees – The Last Train To Clarksville
Thursday Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack
Friday Dale & Grace – I'm Leaving It Up To You
Tonight, a song that was UK#1 when the first heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa on 3 December 1967.
The song also had a claim to fame in being one of the few occasions when song writers have ousted another of their songs from the top. Tony McAuley and John McLeod had written the charts previous #1 by The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You.
The tease for Tuesday 18 November
Tonight a UK#1(2) from 17 November, US#1, 10 December 1966 and NZ#1(2) from 12 January 1967. For a few months, in the UK at least, this group were bracketed with the Beatles as progressive music innovators, and their main songwriter was ranked with Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter of genius.
The tease for Wednesday 19 November
Tonight a US#1(1), 5 November 1966 and a Monster Hit in N.Z.
The group's first million seller written by Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart (as was a lot of their material). Their TV show was partly inspired by The Beatles 'Hard Day's Night film and this track was considered a knock-off of the Beatles' "Paperback Writer"
The tease for Thursday 20 November
US#1, 28 November 1964, a UK#11 in early 1965 and a HUGE HIT in N.Z. The song charted again in the UK in 1972, with a #2 peak.
This group comprised two sets of sisters, one set being twins, who got together at High School in Queens, New York. This second global million seller was written by George (Shadow) Morton, (who wrote their first million seller) along with Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. “The song is a heartbreaking cha-cha number about a girl in love” with a rebel and her parents disapproval.
The tease for Friday 21 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from *23 November 1963 (*the day after JFK assassination)
Two 19 years olds, updated a 1957 song which sold a million for them globally. The two had sung in local Baton Rouge Louisiana bistros for several years before teaming up. It was at this producer’s studio where they met and did an impromptu session –impressing the producer with their version of this song and it became a local success in the southern states before becoming a national then international hit.
And the songs for this week
Monday Long John Baldry – Let The Heartaches Begin
Tuesday The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
Wednesday The Monkees – The Last Train To Clarksville
Thursday Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack
Friday Dale & Grace – I'm Leaving It Up To You
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from Monday 10 November 2008
The tease for Monday 10 November
Tonight a UK#1(6) from 28 November 1970, NZ#3 and US#4 from early 1971. Tonight’s artist first tasted chart success as a member of the Cardiff-based trio ‘Love Sculpture’, with their version of Khachaturyan’s “Sabre Dance”. One of his first productions from his own Rockfield studios in South Wales, was his remake of a 1955 soul hit which for tonight’s artist, entered the chart at #16 and vaulted to UK#1.
The tease for Tuesday 11 November
Tonight’s group was created for a popular TV show in the US, as were the Monkees. The show described the humorous adventures of a widow and her five children and proved to be a top-rating TV series. The star of the series, an actress on stage and in film, was the real life step-mother of the lead singer. A US#1(3) from 21 November 1970 with R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award by December.
The tease for Wednesday 12 November
This lovely soft song by Laura Nyro not only made US#1 (with 15 weeks in the Top 100) but sold a million by 5 December 1969 with Gold Disc award from R.I.A.A. and was a Monster Hit in N.Z.
The tease for Thursday 13 November
Tonight, a UK#1, 6 November 1968 and NZ#12 in early 1969. This Ex gas fitter had formed his first band, an R&B outfit called Vance Arnold & The Avengers, 1963. The following year he cut his first single, a Beatles song, “I’ll Cry Instead” using his current stage name. Working with numerous musicians he became well known on the London club circuit, gaining the attention of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Having a mildly successful single under his belt our artist decided to record a stage favourite, and turned this singalong track into a souful ballad.”
The tease for Friday 14 November
Tonight, a US#1, 25 November 1967 and Monster Hit in N.Z. from this jazz-rock sextet that was a combination of two successful Southern California bands who had been together less than a year when this song hit the US charts.
And the songs for this week
Monday Dave Edmunds – I Hear You Knocking
Tuesday The Partridge Family – I Think I Love You
Wednesday The 5th Dimension – Wedding Bell Blues
Thursday Joe Cocker – With A Little Help From My Friends
Friday Strawberry Alarm Clock – Incense And Peppermints
Tonight a UK#1(6) from 28 November 1970, NZ#3 and US#4 from early 1971. Tonight’s artist first tasted chart success as a member of the Cardiff-based trio ‘Love Sculpture’, with their version of Khachaturyan’s “Sabre Dance”. One of his first productions from his own Rockfield studios in South Wales, was his remake of a 1955 soul hit which for tonight’s artist, entered the chart at #16 and vaulted to UK#1.
The tease for Tuesday 11 November
Tonight’s group was created for a popular TV show in the US, as were the Monkees. The show described the humorous adventures of a widow and her five children and proved to be a top-rating TV series. The star of the series, an actress on stage and in film, was the real life step-mother of the lead singer. A US#1(3) from 21 November 1970 with R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award by December.
The tease for Wednesday 12 November
This lovely soft song by Laura Nyro not only made US#1 (with 15 weeks in the Top 100) but sold a million by 5 December 1969 with Gold Disc award from R.I.A.A. and was a Monster Hit in N.Z.
The tease for Thursday 13 November
Tonight, a UK#1, 6 November 1968 and NZ#12 in early 1969. This Ex gas fitter had formed his first band, an R&B outfit called Vance Arnold & The Avengers, 1963. The following year he cut his first single, a Beatles song, “I’ll Cry Instead” using his current stage name. Working with numerous musicians he became well known on the London club circuit, gaining the attention of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Having a mildly successful single under his belt our artist decided to record a stage favourite, and turned this singalong track into a souful ballad.”
The tease for Friday 14 November
Tonight, a US#1, 25 November 1967 and Monster Hit in N.Z. from this jazz-rock sextet that was a combination of two successful Southern California bands who had been together less than a year when this song hit the US charts.
And the songs for this week
Monday Dave Edmunds – I Hear You Knocking
Tuesday The Partridge Family – I Think I Love You
Wednesday The 5th Dimension – Wedding Bell Blues
Thursday Joe Cocker – With A Little Help From My Friends
Friday Strawberry Alarm Clock – Incense And Peppermints
Friday, November 7, 2008
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from Monday 3 November 2008
The tease for Monday 3 November
Tonight a US#1(3) from 1 November 1975. From the artist’s 10th million selling (platinum) album which was certified gold on the day of its release. The single also made UK#12, making 1975 a fantastic year for the artist and his lyricist.
The tease for Tuesday 4 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 23 November 1974 and NZ#1(4) from 6 February 1975. Tonight's artist's role in the music industry was, originally, largely invisible. His first big break was in 1962 when Clyde McPhatter had a Top 10 hit with one of his songs. He produced Tony Joe White's hit "Polk Salad Annie" before signing with Monument Records, which resulted in his first album including his one main Rockabilly hit that we are hearing tonight.
The tease for Wednesday 5 November
Tonight a UK#1(2) from 11 November 1972. This song was not an obvious love story but was inspired by the young daughter of the artist’s manager, for whom he babysat. The angle gave the song a wider audience than it would have received had it been a traditional romance.
The tease for Thursday 6 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 20 November and UK#4 (In Top 20 from 4 December) 1971. This theme from a film soundtrack passed the million and half in the US and in Britain sold over 250,000. It won the Oscar for Best Film Song of 1971 and Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement and for Best Engineered Recording in 1971.
The tease for Friday 7 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 6 November 1971. Written by Bob Stone (or Wikipedia suggests it was, Shel Silverstein) and released in the US September and in Britain in November 1971, where it peaked at #3 and spent 12 weeks in the UK Top 50. It was the first big hit as a solo artist for tonight’s singer, with a million sale in the US, earning the R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award, 19 November 1971. It sold 250,000 in the UK. After her divorce in 1974 our artist started a solo career with Kapp Records, and became a fashion queen working for Vogue etc.
And the songs for this week
Monday Elton John – Island Girl
Tuesday Billy Swan – I Can Help. For more information, click Here
Wednesday Gilbert O’Sullivan – Clair.
Thursday Isaac Hayes – Theme from ‘Shaft’.
Friday Cher - Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves. For more information, click Here
Tonight a US#1(3) from 1 November 1975. From the artist’s 10th million selling (platinum) album which was certified gold on the day of its release. The single also made UK#12, making 1975 a fantastic year for the artist and his lyricist.
The tease for Tuesday 4 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 23 November 1974 and NZ#1(4) from 6 February 1975. Tonight's artist's role in the music industry was, originally, largely invisible. His first big break was in 1962 when Clyde McPhatter had a Top 10 hit with one of his songs. He produced Tony Joe White's hit "Polk Salad Annie" before signing with Monument Records, which resulted in his first album including his one main Rockabilly hit that we are hearing tonight.
The tease for Wednesday 5 November
Tonight a UK#1(2) from 11 November 1972. This song was not an obvious love story but was inspired by the young daughter of the artist’s manager, for whom he babysat. The angle gave the song a wider audience than it would have received had it been a traditional romance.
The tease for Thursday 6 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 20 November and UK#4 (In Top 20 from 4 December) 1971. This theme from a film soundtrack passed the million and half in the US and in Britain sold over 250,000. It won the Oscar for Best Film Song of 1971 and Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement and for Best Engineered Recording in 1971.
The tease for Friday 7 November
Tonight a US#1(2) from 6 November 1971. Written by Bob Stone (or Wikipedia suggests it was, Shel Silverstein) and released in the US September and in Britain in November 1971, where it peaked at #3 and spent 12 weeks in the UK Top 50. It was the first big hit as a solo artist for tonight’s singer, with a million sale in the US, earning the R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award, 19 November 1971. It sold 250,000 in the UK. After her divorce in 1974 our artist started a solo career with Kapp Records, and became a fashion queen working for Vogue etc.
And the songs for this week
Monday Elton John – Island Girl
Tuesday Billy Swan – I Can Help. For more information, click Here
Wednesday Gilbert O’Sullivan – Clair.
Thursday Isaac Hayes – Theme from ‘Shaft’.
Friday Cher - Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves. For more information, click Here
Friday, October 31, 2008
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from Tuesday 28 October
The tease for Tuesday 28 October (Labour Monday the day before)
Tonight a US#1, 14 October 1972, NZ#12 from August and UK#7 from December 1972. Title song from the movie about a trained rat starring Joseph Campenella and tonight's artist’s 3rd million seller on his own.
The tease for Wednesday 29 October
US#1(2) from 6 October & NZ#1, 8 November 1973. Also a #1 in Canada, the song did not chart in the UK.
An ethnic lament, written by Mary Dean and Al Capps, that became the second US#1 and second million seller for tonight’s artist (The first on her new label - MCA).
The tease for Thursday 30 October
Tonight a US#1, 19 October 1974 that received the R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award on 16 October. Tonight’s artist “sings this in virtually a jazz style, and includes some very fine piano inserts and a fine rhythm and orchestra section. A worthy million-seller for this experienced artist.”
The tease for Friday 31 October
UK#1, 19 October 1974. like Showaddywaddy before them, this Manchester-based 8 man outfit, of four vocalists and four musicians, were winners of the ITV talent show ‘New Faces’. One of the panel of judges was Tony Hatch, who took the group under his wing to produce his seventh UK No. 1.
And the songs for this week
Tuesday, Michael Jackson – Ben. For more information, click Here
Wednesday, Cher – Half Breed. For more information, click Here
Thursday, Billy Preston – Nothing From Nothing. For more information, click Here
Friday, Sweet Sensation – Sad Sweet Dreamer. For more information, click Here
Tonight a US#1, 14 October 1972, NZ#12 from August and UK#7 from December 1972. Title song from the movie about a trained rat starring Joseph Campenella and tonight's artist’s 3rd million seller on his own.
The tease for Wednesday 29 October
US#1(2) from 6 October & NZ#1, 8 November 1973. Also a #1 in Canada, the song did not chart in the UK.
An ethnic lament, written by Mary Dean and Al Capps, that became the second US#1 and second million seller for tonight’s artist (The first on her new label - MCA).
The tease for Thursday 30 October
Tonight a US#1, 19 October 1974 that received the R.I.A.A. Gold Disc award on 16 October. Tonight’s artist “sings this in virtually a jazz style, and includes some very fine piano inserts and a fine rhythm and orchestra section. A worthy million-seller for this experienced artist.”
The tease for Friday 31 October
UK#1, 19 October 1974. like Showaddywaddy before them, this Manchester-based 8 man outfit, of four vocalists and four musicians, were winners of the ITV talent show ‘New Faces’. One of the panel of judges was Tony Hatch, who took the group under his wing to produce his seventh UK No. 1.
And the songs for this week
Tuesday, Michael Jackson – Ben. For more information, click Here
Wednesday, Cher – Half Breed. For more information, click Here
Thursday, Billy Preston – Nothing From Nothing. For more information, click Here
Friday, Sweet Sensation – Sad Sweet Dreamer. For more information, click Here
Monday, October 27, 2008
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from Monday 20 October
The tease for Monday 20 October 2008
Tonight another big hit for writers Norman Whitfield and Barret Strong, released 16 August 1969, this sold a million for this group that had also charted with songs done with Diana Ross & The Supremes around the same time. A US #1 in October 1969 and a UK#13 from January 1970.
The tease for Tuesday 21 October
With this song, from their musical ‘Promises Promises’ Bacharach and David achieved their sixth UK No. 1 composition, maintaining their third position in the league of most successful Number One songwriting partnerships.
The singer began playing piano at the age of seven, going on to study music at the Los Angeles Conservatory Of Music and by 1966 she was singing and writing songs for her own song and dance group.
She had approached Capitol Records with any eye to selling songs to other artists. Instead they asked her to sing them herself and her first big hit was her own composition.
The tease for Wednesday 22 October
Tonight a US#1(5) from 17 October 1970 from a quintet of brothers formed and managed by their father beginning in 1966 in Gary, Indiana. This fourth million for the group (all US#1 hits) was written by Berry Gordy Jr., B. West, W. Hutch and H. Davies. The quintet sold over 10 million singles in a nine month period from their first million seller.
The tease for Thursday 23 October
Tonight a UK#1(3) from 31 October 1970. Tonight's artist was born in Lincolnshire, England in June 1946. He left the folk-rock band he helped found, Fairport Convention in 1969, and his first solo album was released at the beginning of 1970. His band took the name of the album and this single was their only hit, making them at the time, the 15th member of that exclusive one-hit wonder group.
The tease for Friday 24 October
Tonight a US#1(2) from 21 October and UK#1(4) from 25 November 1972. Originally recorded by the artist as “My Tambourine” in 1966. The risqué novelty number was a surprise Anglo-American hit and in Britain aroused attack by Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, the ‘clean-up TV’ campaigner of the time.
And the songs for this week
Monday, Temptations – I Can’t Get Next To You
Tuesday, Bobbie Gentry – I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Wednesday, Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There
Thursday, Matthews Southern Comfort – Woodstock
Friday, Chuck Berry – My Ding-A-Ling
Tonight another big hit for writers Norman Whitfield and Barret Strong, released 16 August 1969, this sold a million for this group that had also charted with songs done with Diana Ross & The Supremes around the same time. A US #1 in October 1969 and a UK#13 from January 1970.
The tease for Tuesday 21 October
With this song, from their musical ‘Promises Promises’ Bacharach and David achieved their sixth UK No. 1 composition, maintaining their third position in the league of most successful Number One songwriting partnerships.
The singer began playing piano at the age of seven, going on to study music at the Los Angeles Conservatory Of Music and by 1966 she was singing and writing songs for her own song and dance group.
She had approached Capitol Records with any eye to selling songs to other artists. Instead they asked her to sing them herself and her first big hit was her own composition.
The tease for Wednesday 22 October
Tonight a US#1(5) from 17 October 1970 from a quintet of brothers formed and managed by their father beginning in 1966 in Gary, Indiana. This fourth million for the group (all US#1 hits) was written by Berry Gordy Jr., B. West, W. Hutch and H. Davies. The quintet sold over 10 million singles in a nine month period from their first million seller.
The tease for Thursday 23 October
Tonight a UK#1(3) from 31 October 1970. Tonight's artist was born in Lincolnshire, England in June 1946. He left the folk-rock band he helped found, Fairport Convention in 1969, and his first solo album was released at the beginning of 1970. His band took the name of the album and this single was their only hit, making them at the time, the 15th member of that exclusive one-hit wonder group.
The tease for Friday 24 October
Tonight a US#1(2) from 21 October and UK#1(4) from 25 November 1972. Originally recorded by the artist as “My Tambourine” in 1966. The risqué novelty number was a surprise Anglo-American hit and in Britain aroused attack by Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, the ‘clean-up TV’ campaigner of the time.
And the songs for this week
Monday, Temptations – I Can’t Get Next To You
Tuesday, Bobbie Gentry – I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Wednesday, Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There
Thursday, Matthews Southern Comfort – Woodstock
Friday, Chuck Berry – My Ding-A-Ling
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Ray's Song Pick of the Day from 13 October 2008
The tease for Monday 13 October 2008
US#1(5) from 12 October 1963 and the 1st million-seller for tonight’s artist who began singing as a youngster in La Grange, Illinois. He studied piano for four years and in 1957 organised his own rock 'n' roll band before meeting up with this group at a recording studio. The group had already had some success on record and our man teamed up with them as singer and rhythm guitarist. Also a Au#1(2) from 12 December 1963 and Monster Hit in NZ
The tease for Tuesday 14 October
The original version of the Rolf Harris song we played before in our CD of the week giveaway.
The tease for Wednesday 15 October
Tonight a US#1, 2 October 1965. One of two versions that sold a million in 1965 (the other by Ramsey Lewis Trio) and the first release for this group.
The tease for Thursday 16 October
Tonight a Huge Hit in N.Z. and the first UK chart success for Peggy Lee with the title song from a musical starring Sammy Davis Jr.
The tease for Friday 17 October
A US#1(1), 29 October 1966 and a Big Hit in N.Z. for a Mexican / American quintet out of Detroit via Acapulco. The lead singer joined the group one night while they were playing at Michigan's Mount Holly Ski Lodge. At the time, not even other members of group knew his real name or anything about his past. Part of his image was to wear dark glasses all the time and to live alone.
And the songs;
Monday, Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs – Sugar Shack
Tuesday, Lucky Starr – I've Been Everywhere. For more information, click Here
Wednesday, The McCoys Hang On Sloopy
Thursday, Peggy Lee – Mr. Wonderful. For more information, click Here
Friday, Question Mark & The Mysterians - 96 Tears
US#1(5) from 12 October 1963 and the 1st million-seller for tonight’s artist who began singing as a youngster in La Grange, Illinois. He studied piano for four years and in 1957 organised his own rock 'n' roll band before meeting up with this group at a recording studio. The group had already had some success on record and our man teamed up with them as singer and rhythm guitarist. Also a Au#1(2) from 12 December 1963 and Monster Hit in NZ
The tease for Tuesday 14 October
The original version of the Rolf Harris song we played before in our CD of the week giveaway.
The tease for Wednesday 15 October
Tonight a US#1, 2 October 1965. One of two versions that sold a million in 1965 (the other by Ramsey Lewis Trio) and the first release for this group.
The tease for Thursday 16 October
Tonight a Huge Hit in N.Z. and the first UK chart success for Peggy Lee with the title song from a musical starring Sammy Davis Jr.
The tease for Friday 17 October
A US#1(1), 29 October 1966 and a Big Hit in N.Z. for a Mexican / American quintet out of Detroit via Acapulco. The lead singer joined the group one night while they were playing at Michigan's Mount Holly Ski Lodge. At the time, not even other members of group knew his real name or anything about his past. Part of his image was to wear dark glasses all the time and to live alone.
And the songs;
Monday, Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs – Sugar Shack
Tuesday, Lucky Starr – I've Been Everywhere. For more information, click Here
Wednesday, The McCoys Hang On Sloopy
Thursday, Peggy Lee – Mr. Wonderful. For more information, click Here
Friday, Question Mark & The Mysterians - 96 Tears
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