Valentines and Birthdays

Browsing through Facebook, saw a host of pics taken at malls all geared up for Valentine's Day. And my browse through today's birthdays revealed some very interesting singers born today. So I thought I'd focus on the love around Valentine. Let's open the book... The Book Of Love.

From the soundtrack of 'Shall We Dance', a romantic movie I really enjoyed watching. One of the most sober songs on his repertoire. Any eighties music fan would love Peter Gabriel for his funky music videos like Sledgehammer, Steam, Solsbury Hill among others.

Another Peter who celebrates a special #MusicBDay today is Peter Tork from the Monkees. He's 75 today.

What do you do When Love Come Knocking (At Your Door). Just don't do Something Stupid.

Possibly the most popular of the birthday musicians today is Robbie Williams. This song has special memories for me being the first song that my wife and I had worked out as newlyweds. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

They're Playing His Songs...

A few days ago, Going Places had a list of songs about cities... But there is this one song about the 'City of Love' that stands the test of all time... I Love Paris.

Everybody loves Paris, and every jazz singer and musician love the composer and lyricist who has written the song and many many others. Cole Porter - who was born today in 1891 (125 years ago) was a truly amazing songwriter having composed more than 1200 songs for the stage and screen. Most active from the 20s to the 50s, his songs have been sung by singers of all generations. Frank Sinatra above sang many of his songs... and Ella Fitzgerald sang his entire songbook in the 50s. Staying with the Francais, C'est Magnifique.

The 70s and 80s saw Cole Porter transcend across music genres - including Country and Spanish Pop...

Country Singer Crystal Gayle's version of It's Alright With Me was adapted to a jingle for Eastern Airlines.

Spanish singer (and footballer) Julio Iglesias had a popular version of Begin The Beguine.

In 2004, coinciding with 40 years of his death, saw the release of a biopic entitled De-Lovely, based on Cole Porter's life and career. The film starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd has a wide collection of Cole Porter's music - including the title song It's De-Lovely performed by Robbie Williams.

Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love - an interesting list of people, birds, insects and animals that fall in love - was sung on the soundtrack by 'Ironic' Alanis Morissette.

Cole Porter will never go old... the list of people who've covered his songs include the flamboyant Lady Gaga who pairs up with the ageless Tony Bennett for Anything Goes.

Anything Jazz would be incomplete without a mention of the modern King of Swing Michael Buble, here with I've Got You Under My Skin.

I'm sure you've heard most of these songs... but not known the connection. Do tell me how you like my blog... and feel free to add your suggestions.  

Apple Tree Day

Hi...Today is Apple Tree Day...

There are songs about other fruit trees: "Underneath the Mango Tree"  and "Lemon Tree"... but I can't think of one about the Apple Tree. 

Here however are my favorite apple songs...

Little Green Apples

A sixties song sung by many including Frank Sinatra, B J Thomas, O C Simpson, Roger Miller...to name a few. Here's the latest version I know of...by Robbie Williams feat. Kelly Clarkson. 

And for those of you who like the Cha Cha or Mambo... 

Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White

This one's from 1955.

Anyway... Have a wonderful Apple Tree Day... Eat an apple if you can... as you well know... "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"