Was introduced to music and singing very very early in life. I probably "began to sing before I could talk."
This blog puts music into every aspect of life - with a generous dose of nostalgia.
Check out my website at www.sunilpintoentertains.com
Today India celebrates Raksha Bandhan (रक्षा बन्धन) - the festival celebrating brothers and sisters. For those of you who've never lived in India, the sister ties a sacred thread (Rakhi) on her brother's wrist as a symbol of her love and prayers for her brother, while the brother promises to protect her always.
Presenting the most popular song ever on this theme from a film released in the year I was born.
Mandarin is the world's largest spoken native language. Which is the second?
Na, not Hindi.... The answer is el español. That's Spanish for Spanish. Spanish is also a major language of music. I remember singing 'Una Paloma Blanca' at age 5 and my cousin Glen - who sang a lot of the funny songs (I'll give you a list of those some other time) had us rotf (rolling on the floor) with this song about Spain - Y Viva Espana.
Though I cannot understand a word of Spanish, I (and I'm sure you too) have a lot of Spanish songs in the list of my favorites - with 'Volare' and 'La Bamba' at the top.
I'm not a big fan of Bollywood, but I've enjoyed a couple of globe-trotting movies of this genre in recent years including English Vinglish (इंग्लिश विंग्लिश) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ज़िन्दगी न मिलेगी दुबारा) While the former had classic Marathi in the soundtrack, we all enjoyed the Spanish music in the latter with the very popular 'Senorita'.
Are you wondering, why I'm going on and on about Spain and Spanish? That's because today is La Tomatina Festival and the theme of the Google Doodle. While travelling through Spain, the movie gave us glimpse of some great tourism events there including a glimpse of the Tomatina Festival in a song.
So let's Paint It Red as the title of the song suggests - I've painted my website. As for all the other colours, we'll wait for Spring and Holi. As for today, make sure you eat a tomato. Don't throw them - cause if you do, they too may get as pricey as the onions.
One from the American country, the other from the heart of the Kingdom. One started in the 70s, the other in the 90s. But they have something in common.......
When I started singing in the band in 1992, our Rock n Roll (Jive) set would invariably start with this rocking tune from a country singer.
Billy Ray Cyrus hit the top of the charts in May 1992 with 'Achy Breaky Heart'. Yes, the song won many many hearts indeed... and is a favorite for 'Line Dancing' which has been catching up across the world...including the suburb of Chembur - where I spent my growing years. I remember having a cassette of Billy Ray Cyrus and listening to it on the walkman on the way to work. The other song I liked on that album was a sad song about relationships - She's Not Crying Anymore.
Moving on in life...over to the Middle East, got married, had kids and worked hard to make ends meet - quite often even the short weekends,,, Then one day, I was listening to a collection from Billy Ray Cyrus, that brought me back to earth.
What's so special about Billy Ray Cyrus today? It's his birthday today (25th August) and also the birthday of my darling wife. Another singer who shares the same birthday singing this wonderful tribute to 'the Woman' that was first sung around the year she was born - SHE.
The 'knight in shining armor' and a shimmering beard. He's served us Chicken in his restaurant, taken us in trains to bars (and even a courtroom) across the American Country. He's fallen in love (and sometimes out of it) many times.
That's Kenny Rogers...and it's his birthday today. 77 and still going strong.
The first time I recall hearing this legendary voice was way back in 1983 listening to some music on the cassette player (some of you may not know what that is). The collection titled "Greatest Hits" started of with "Lady" and went on to tell some interesting tales from out there in the country - about that boy who was called the "Coward of the County" or travelling with "The Gambler" or sitting in the bar with "Lucille" or the stern judge in "Long Arm of the Law". I remember singing "Lucille" for a competition.
Besides a storyteller, Kenny Rogers' songs have also been dedications of love. I've sung them in the band or spun them as the DJ or played them on the radio with anniversary wish requests - "You Decorated My Life" or "Through The Years"
While I've enjoyed his music, I've loved the chicken at "Kenny Rogers Roasters" the few times I got to, before the franchise left the Middle East. Unfortunately, they aren't around in Mumbai either.
Though I don't spend time in bars, this song of his sounds very different from the rest. And has a catchy beat of sorts.
For all the music we've enjoyed, we wish Kenny Rogers, a very happy birthday and many more years of great music. May he always be filled with love to 'lift him' higher.
What's your favorite Kenny Rogers' song?
Tell me which other singers and musicians you like.. we could talk about them.
"I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes" - Matthew 11:25-27
I thank thee for Daddy who 'Raised Me Up" with fun, encouragement, entertainment, and loads of good advice. And I need a lot of help to be as good a Dad to my boys.
The last year has been a year of great change for me - and for every challenge that comes my way, there seems to be a solution waiting. That's because I know that there is a Father up there making the way.
Everytime I sing "God Will Make A Way" at OLPS Church Chembur, I am approached by a minimum of 3 to 4 people who tell me, "That was your Dad's favorite hymn".
Whenever I sang in Hindi or any Indian regional language, I'd see a strange smile on the faces of the audience, especially close friends - thanks to my non-Hindi accent.
Many years later, I think I have improved in my Hindi and Marathi but my wife still has a laugh when I venture with Konkani.
Today on Independence Day, I wish all my fellow Indians a very Happy Independence Day. Also to all those who have been born in India and now living and contributing to global economies.
Let's all stand and revere India with this rendition of the Indian National Anthem from the nations of the world.
Seventy five years ago today, was born a very happy man.
He taught us to sing. He taught us to play. He taught us to smile, and better still, made us all laugh.
Our childhood parties were incomplete without his jokes and his music. Here are a couple of the songs I've heard him sing on this day in the years gone by. I'm sure they will have you rolling in laughter... like they did to everyone who heard him.
Had a long day yesterday, but a Happy Day nevertheless.
Met up with some old friends, made some new ones. Taught some and learnt from others.
Every day is a wonderful gift for us to cherish. And be thankful for.
Trust you liked the song. Talent like this is not just found on screens. It's found everywhere. I'm really happy to have been in choirs through the years, and been part of making music. I'm even happier for the opportunities to train younger musicians, and keep the music alive for longer. A big hello to all my young friends from Sharjah...Keep singing.
Among the many hats I wear, is that of a Catechist at my parish. Having responded to the calling in 2008, sharing inspired words has given me a great satisfaction, every Friday morning in Sharjah and continues to do so on Sunday mornings here in Mumbai. The beauty of teaching is that you need to learn first. And I must admit that over the years, I've learnt a lot more than I could have ever taught. At the retreat for youth that I attended last year, a young and inspired Redemptorist - who grew up in Abu Dhabi - showcased this famous video in his session.
If you've been clapping, or snapping your fingers, or dancing...that's great. That's just what we all need to do all day today.... and everyday.
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do
On this Monday morning (or evening, if you're in some other part of the globe)... the good word is HAPPY. Have a wonderful day.
Wishing all my friends - new and old, from near and far - a Very Happy Friendship Day. Just thought I'd share a few of my favorite songs dedicated to friends.
You've Got A Friend
Heard this one on the radio as a little kid. This song is as young as me. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call.
That's What Friends Are For
Keep smiling, keep shining Knowing you can always count on me, for sure That's what friends are for. In good times and bad times I'll be on your side forever more. That's what friends are for.
You've Got A Friend In Me
Theme from Disney favorite "Toy Story". This song was on a list of consideration at the competition for which I trained the boys of Our Own English High School, Sharjah to a winning performance a couple of years ago. A wonderful song, that touches the soul. We'll stick together, we can see it through Cause you've got a friend in me.
On Friendship Day, we should take the time to recall the friends we have had over the years.
Starting with Mom and Dad, our brothers and sisters, neighbours, batchmates, workmates, choir members, band mates or just anybody that we have encountered in a group or just bumped into on the bus or train or the mall and started chatting with. Facebook and WhatsApp helps connect us to recent friends as well as old friends. Twitter helps us reach out to new friends and communities. i take this opportunity to personally thank each one of you for the difference you make in my life. But more than that, I pray that you may be forever blessed with lots and lots of great friends.
