United States Postal Service Full Service Approved
Friday morning at 12:04 am was the official beginning of the Summer season so, of course, I went in search of the perfect Summer Mail Music tune.
So many versions of this song out there. I really had a hard time deciding which to use but, mostly because of the hair and the extra fancy guitar licks, I went with this one.
I can only imagine the excitement when Eddie Cochran came out with this song and the devastation at his passing at only 21. If I ever go to London you can bet that I'll be visiting the spot at Rowden Hill, Chippenham where a plaque marks the spot where we lost him. His fiance at the time was Sharon Sheeley who was in the car at the time had a colorful history of her own, writing songs for Ricky Nelson, Glen Campbell, Brenda Lee and others. They say that when the accident happened he threw himself over her. He died but she survived.
I love music from many different generations, many different artists and of many different styles, but for some reason, I have a special affinity for those who were true rebels. Eddie Cochran was one of those and this version of “Summer Time Blues” from Brian Setzer is a tribute in that he was a true fan. I hope you enjoy this mail music tune and if you'd like to tell me about your favorite version of this song, I'd love to hear it.
Related Posts:
Paul McCartney's seventy-first birthday is June 18, 2013, and he still rocks a stage like no one else can. His appeal is part energy, part infectious grin. I mean the guy just looks like he's having a blast up there. Bonaroo 2013 just ended Sunday, June 16, and Paul played the festival with other music greats but, really? Of 'em all, Paul McCartney is the greatest.
The Beatles have provided me with whole lotta mail music (All My Lovin, P.S. I Love You, Please Mr. Postman cover, When I'm 64, and many more) but I was especially pleased to find this by Sir Paul himself. Maybe you know of a special gem I haven't uncovered yet? If you have a favorite Beatles mail music tune, let me know. Until then, happy birthday Sir Paul McCartney and thank you for continuing to rock our socks off.
P.S. I Love You
Related Posts:
How fortunate for me that one of my favorite Hollywood star's has a Mail Music Monday birthday this year and also sang a mail related song.
The back story makes it all the more special. According to wikipedia, “Judy Garland's number, “You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)” has been cited as her first great film success. The song was specially prepared by Roger Edens for Clark Gable‘s 36th birthday as a present, and Garland sang it at the party given by MGM. Producer Louis B. Mayer was so impressed he ordered that it be included in the next possible musical MGM was producing.[3]”
The “next possible musical MGM was producing” was Broadway Melody of 1938. It's said that this was Judy's big break and led to her winning the role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
In addition to singing this, there are other things that make Judy Garland a Mail Music Monday hit. She did a concept album in 1959 titled “The Letter” and, per this wikipedia article, ‘The original three-track stereo recording is exquisite, and upon its initial release, special copies of “the letter” were placed in envelopes and taped to the front of each record jacket”.'
Add to that the plot of MGM's movie musical The Havey Girls, in which Susan Bradley (Judy Garland), travels by rail to meet and marry the man whose beautiful letters she received after she answered a “lonely-hearts” ad, and we just have all kinds of mail related references. And, of course, her being a singer, she brings the music. And what sweet music she brings. Oh, Judy, you made me love you, I didn't wanna do it, I didn't wanna do it.
If you're a Mail Music Monday regular (and music fan in general) you might know of the connection between this week's mail music and last week's. It proves how music bridges generations. If you know what it is, it would be nice of you share it with those who are not as up on their musical factoids.