“Hallelujah” is a rare song. There is no doubt that one listen will change you. Maybe you will hear it in a movie or TV show. Maybe driving in your car alone. You may think that you have heard it before, even though you haven’t. This mix of religious chanting and sensual imagery may be found in many Prince songs, like “Controversy”, which features “The Lord’s Prayer” recited over the funky beats. However, this song has circumnavigated the Billboard charts and pop radio to find you, just as you were looking for it.
The original “ Hallelujah ” is performed by its composer, the legendary Canadian songwriter, Leonard Cohen.
The classic version is performed by the late Jeff Buckley.
Think of how many road-tested artists have launched their careers with just one monumental hit song on their debut album. For example, Elton John: “Your Song” or Billy Joel: “Piano Man”. Both stars released a few albums between the massive debut and the hit records that made them legends. Was this a major performer on the verge of stardom? Gone too soon at age 30.
The song’s first line let’s you know that this is an extraordinary performance. “I hear there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord”.
You Tube Video - Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley .
LastFM - Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley (Better audio than YouTube, listen as you read the song’s story, you will see a black box in the upper right corner of LastFM.com)
1966.
Jeff Buckley is born in Anaheim, California.
(b. November 17, 1966 – d. May 29, 1997, age, 30.)
1975.
Jeff Buckley met his father only once at age 8, according to Rolling Stone Encyclopedia Of Rock and Roll. Musician TIM BUCKLEY (Jeff’s father), died of a drug overdose at age 28 in 1975. His 9 studio albums and 7 live albums define his folk & jazz direction on vinyl.
Although, the name on his birth certificate was Jeff Buckley, he was named Scott (Scotty) Moorhead by his mother and his step-father Ron Moorhead. The California native also had a half-brother, Corey.
1984.
Leonard Cohen, composer of “Hallelujah”. “Various Positions”, CD released.
1985.
Jeff Buckley’s early career.
1985-1991, Los Angeles. Finding work, performing.
1991 New York City. Finding work, performing.
1992 Performing regularly at Manhattan’s East Village club called, Sin-e. Recording some performances. Sought after by record label executives.
1992 Jeff Buckley signs with Columbia Records
1991.
CD : “I’m Your Fan”, a Leonard Cohen tribute.
This album title is word play with one of Cohen’s songs called, “I’m Your Man”. Song # 18 on this recording is “Hallelujah” performed by John Cale. Cale was a founding member of the Velvet Underground. One of his bandmates was the legendary Lou Reed.
**(Not to be confused with J.J. Cale who wrote “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” that were made famous by Eric Clapton.)
All songs written by Leonard Cohen.
Song #9 and # 14 are co-written by Phil Spector.
“Who by Fire” - The House of Love
“Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” - Ian McCulloch
“I Can’t Forget” - Pixies
“Stories of the Street” - That Petrol Emotion
“Bird on the Wire” - The Lilac Time
“Suzanne” - Geoffrey Oryema
“So Long, Marianne” - James
“Avalanche IV” - Jean-Louis Murat
“Don’t Go Home With Your Hard-On”
David McComb&Adam Peters
“First We Take Manhattan” – R. E. M.
“Chelsea Hotel” - Lloyd Cole
“Tower of Song” - Robert Forster
“Take This Longing” - Peter Astor
“True Love Leaves No Traces” - Dead Famous People
“I’m Your Man” - Bill Pritchard
“A Singer Must Die” - Fatima Mansions
“Tower of Song” - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Hallelujah” -John Cale
1993.
Buckley records “Grace” LP sessions.
1993-94.
Buckley tours to support “Live at Sin-e” CD.
1994.
Jeff Buckley, “Grace” CD released. Includes “ Hallelujah”.
1994.
Buckley tours internationally. London, Paris, Australia, Japan etc.
1995.
“Tower Of Song”, a superstar tribute to Leonard Cohen.
Song # 4 , Bono (U2) singing his version of “Hallelujah”.
“Everybody Knows” - Don Henley
“Coming Back to You”- Trisha Yearwood
“Sisters of Mercy” - Sting with The Chieftains
“Hallelujah” - Bono
“Famous Blue Raincoat” - Tori Amos
“Ain’t No Cure for Love” - Aaron Neville
“I’m Your Man” - Elton John
“Bird on a Wire” - Willie Nelson
“Suzanne” - Peter Gabriel
“Light as the Breeze”- Billy Joel
“If It Be Your Will” - Jann Arden
“Story of Isaac” - Suzanne Vega
“Coming Back to You” - Martin Gore
U2 has not recorded “ Hallelujah” but, the 1988 B-side of “Desire” was ” Hallelujah (Here She Comes)” , a different song.
During the massive Pop Mart World Tour from 1997-98, U2 did include “ Hallelujah” (Cohen’s) on their set list. (see henrywagner.org, U2 set lists Pop Mart)
1995.
MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best New Artist in a Video for “Last Goodbye”.
1995.
“Live In Chicago” Jeff Buckley, (DVD) includes “Hallelujah”
1996.
-Tom Verlaine (Television, see 1977 LP, “Marquee Moon”) agrees to produce upcoming album. Verlaine had also worked with Patti Smith.
-Drummer Matt Johnson leaves the group and band goes on hiatus.
1996.
Various Positions: A Life of Leonard Cohen. Biography written by Ira B. Nadel (re-released 2007)
1997.
January 1997, Buckley holds New York City appearances.
Februay 1997, Buckley moves to Memphis, Tennessee to rehearse and record new material. He also performs for about 4 months in one local bar to work out his latest songs.
1997.
May 29, 1997. Jeff Buckley, 30, drowns.
Buckley’s band returns from NYC from a brief recording session. Buckley had remained in Memphis. Buckley and roadie Keith Foti decide to go night-swimming in one of the Mississippi’s tributaries called Wolf River, where they have gone swimming before. Even at 9:00 pm, it was a very hot summer’s night in Memphis. As Buckley jumped in the Wolf River Harbor, Foti briefly went back to the car. He returned to the river’s edge finding that Buckley had disappeared. After an immediate search, his body was not found.
June 4, 1997. Seven days later, Buckley’s body was discovered in the river. He drowned fully-clothed and with his boots still on. Drugs were not found in his system.
Much of this information about Jeff Buckley, including his death, comes from “Dream Brother” by David Browne (published 2001).
1998.
Released posthumously, Buckley’s second studio album called, “Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk”. It is a 2-CD, 20-song collection of recordings from 1996-97.
1998.
Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You”.
2001.
“Dream Brother” (The Life and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley) by David Browne. The definitive story of their lives. (see HarperCollins.com for some segments)
2005.
“The Independent” interview. Bob Dylan meets Cohen and they discuss the writing of “ Hallelujah”. Cohen is “embarrassed” that it took so long to write. Dylan performs “ Hallelujah” in a 1988 Montreal Forum concert. Cohen reveals that there were 80 verses and uses only 36 of them! Dry wit serves Cohen well. (The Independent, a British newspaper 12-8-05)
2006.
Willie Nelson records “ Hallelujah” on his Songbird CD. He includes a strange version of “Amazing Grace”, too.
2006.
K.D. Lang performs “Hallelujah” in several appearances including Cohen’s induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Several emotional clips on You Tube. Both Lang and Cohen are Canadian.
2007.
Bon Jovi performs “ Hallelujah” live during “Stripped”. (see You Tube)
2007.
John Cale, on piano, singing with string quartet in live studio setting (see You Tube, March 14, 2007)
2008.
The Rock and Rock Hall Of Fame inducts Leonard Cohen.
Cohen’s career spanning video includes Bono’s lauding the song and songwriter. Cohen is inducted with affection and profound praise by Lou Reed. Damien Rice sings “ Hallelujah” during his induction. Cohen enchants the music industry’s elite by quoting verses from his song, “Tower Of Song”. (see You Tube, 10 min.)
2008.
Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs chart lists Jeff Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” as the Number One song on March 7. This chart is mainly the i-Tunes tabulation of instant computer downloads. This surge was due to the exposure from “American Idol”. The modern-day, amateur hour featured, unknown Jason Castro performing “Hallelujah”.
2008.
British version of “Idol” called, X Factor had a similar effect on the UK charts. Unknown Alexandia Burke recorded “ Hallelujah” and hit Number One in the 2008 (UK) Singles chart and Number One in the Christmas (UK) chart. By the way, Burke won the competition.
However, the devoted fans of Jeff Buckley were outraged that their anthem would be remember by an unknown pop singer. So, through several social networking internet sites, a grass-roots, non-industry campaign, led by Buckley fanatic, Lucy Powell, sent Buckley’s version up the charts to try to overtake the X Factor’s Burke’s version.
Due to this movement, Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” reached #2 without a new CD or a new film soundtrack release. A rare achievement.
*******
The 2008 Christmas (UK) chart was a Hallelujah Triple Play.
Burke’s version at # 1, Buckley’s version at #2 and Cohen’s version at # 36.
**********
2008.
Michael McDonald released “Soul Speak” CD, includes “Hallelujah”
2009.
The Canadian Tenors released self-titled CD, includes “Hallelujah”
2009.
The group, Paramore, records a song called “ Hallelujah”. Not Cohen’s song.
2009.
“My Sister’s Keeper” (starring Cameron Diaz). The soundtrack includes one Jeff Buckley song. His version of Elton John’s “We All Fall In Love Sometimes”. Originally included on his 1975 classic “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”, Buckley gives this song a similar vibe as “ Hallelujah”.
2009.
“Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah”, a biography by Tom Footman
2010.
K.D. Lang belts out “Hallejulah” to open the Winter Olympics hosted by Canada. Her stunning performance enraptures the jam-packed arena and the world-wide TV audience. The hand-held lights and the a spectaular light show enhanced lang’s moment. Lang and Cohen are Canadian.
Go to NBC Olympics.com to see this performance.
2009.
See www.JeffBuckley.com . A very complete, up-to-date website that covers most aspects of his career and legacy.
There is a fan website called www.JeffBuckleyCommunity.com . This blog includes strange topics like Leonard Cohen “begging his peers to stop recording (so many) versions of his anthem, Hallelujah.” Interesting.
——————————————————————–
Some Uses of “ Hallelujah ” in Films / TV
2001-Scrubs (TV soundtrack) (John Cale version)
2001-“Shrek” (Rufus Wainwright version)
2001-The West Wing
2002-Crossing Jordan
2003-Without A Trace
2004-“The Edukators” (Cannes Film Festival)
2005-“Lord Of War” (starring Nicolas Cage)
2006-Criminal Minds
2006-House (Rufus Wainwright version)
2006-Grey’s Anatomy
2006-The O.C.
2006-Cold Case
2007-”Feast of Love”
2007-CSI:NY
2008-One Tree Hill (Kate Voegele version)
2009-”Watchmen”
More ?
Media information (TV/Film) from www.imdb.com , search “Leonard Cohen” filmography.
—————————————————————–
Recognition By The Media.
Rolling Stone magazine honors:
“Grace” was ranked #303 of the 500 Greatest Albums, in 2003.
Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah” was ranked #259 of the 500 Greatest Songs, in 2004.
Buckley ranked #39 in its 2008 list: The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Australia: On the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009. The Australian entertainment powerhouse includes radio, TV, internet and magazine. Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” was voted in 3rd place.
Other Jeff Buckley songs were “Last Goodbye” was 7th, Lover, “You Should’ve Come Over” was 56th and “Grace” came in 69th. Over 13, 000 votes were tabulated for this poll.
Australia’s Q Magazine (est. 1986) specializing in music lists.
Greatest Rock Songs Of All-Time, # 86 (2006)
Best Rock CD, “In Our Lifetime”, 1986 to 2001, # 14 (2001)
Readers All-Time Top 100 CD’s, “Grace”, # 75 (1998)
Readers All-Time Top Albums, “Grace” # 25 (2003)
—————————————————————-
Compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen.
Information from websites, JeffBuckley.com , JeffBuckleyCommunity.com, TunesOnTheTube.com, SkyNews.com, LastFM.com, the Internet Movie Data Base, You Tube, HarperCollins.com and songfacts.com . Also, Billboard magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Amazon.com and wiki-pedia.
Please comment, see right column.
Posted 10 months ago at 3:59 pm. Add a comment
“What A Wonderful World”, a classic wedding song.
1961 - At Christmas 1961, Elvis Presley recorded George Weiss’ song “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”. Weiss also wrote “Oh, What It Seemed To Be” # 1 hit, Frankie Carle in 1945, then # 1 for Sinatra, “Wheel Of Fortune” {# 1 for Kay Starr, 3 other hits recordings in 1952}.
George Weiss is a member of the National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriter Hall Of Fame
1962 - “What a Wonderful World” written by George Weiss and Bob Theile.
1967 - Originally released as a hit single { vinyl 45 RPM }, then again in ‘68. Available on several Louis Armstrong albums.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG (b.1901 – d.1971) Jazz innovator, unmatched skill, endless charm, as singer and with his instrument, the jazz trumpet. The premier jazz figure in music history. Louis Armstrong Biography - All Music Guide
1970’s - Anne Murray, Willie Nelson and Teresa Brewer charted versions of “What A Wonderful World”.
Not to be confused with Sam Cooke’s similar titled 1960 hit record which begins, “Don’t know much about…”. That song was recorded by Herman’s Hermits [1964] and Art Garfunkel [1978].
1987 - “Good Morning, Vietnam”, soundtrack, Charted Feb.1988. This soundtrack is filled with hit singles from the 60’s and Robin Williams comedy bits as the fast-talking star (real-life, US Air Force DJ named Adrian Cronauer) of the movie. Due to this movie’s exposure, the song becomes an American standard. Almost every wedding song collection features this song.
The song is succinct. The lyrics are a poem that reveal wisdom, nature and humanity.
1993 - It is recorded by the top native Hawaiian folk singer ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE,
on his CD called, “Facing The Future”. It is a medley with another classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. [His medley also appears on “Alone In IZ World” CD, 2001]
1996 - The late Eva Cassidy performs the song on her “Live From Blues Alley” CD.
1998 - The Hawaiian’s soulful acoustic version was featured in films “Meet Joe Black” (1998). The song was featured in 1998 commercial for “ etoys.com”. This exposure introduces the American public to the Hawaiian folk singing legend. However, ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE died June 26, 1997, at age 38 from respiratory problems due to his massive overweight problem. He weighed over 750 pounds at death. Although beloved in the Hawaiian Islands, he never lived to see his mainland acclaim.
1999 - Kenny G, in a duet with Louis Armstrong’s recorded voice, makes it to Billboard. Similar innovation was used with Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole in the massive hit, ” Unforgettable”.
2000 - “Finding Forrester”, soundtrack includes ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version“What A Wonderful World”.
2002 - NBC’s “E R”, features ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version as Doctor Carter reads a note mailed from Dr. Corday that her husband, Dr. Mark Green has died. This exposure leads to a media explosion about the song and the Hawaiian folk singer
LYRICS:
I See Trees Of Green, Red Roses Too,
I Watch Them Bloom For Me And You;
And I Think To Myself…. What A Wonderful World!
I See Skies Of Blue, Clouds Of White,
The Bright Blessed Day,And The Dark Sacred Night;
And I Think To Myself… What A Wonderful World!
The Colors Of The Rainbow, So Pretty In The Sky,
Are Also On The Faces Of People Passing By.
I See Friends Shaking Hands Saying “How Do You Do”,
What They’re Really Saying, Is “I Love You”.
I Hear Babies Crying, I Watch Them Grow;
They’ll Learn Much More Than I’ll Never Know.
And I Think To Myself……What A Wonderful World!
Yes, I Think To Myself……. What A Wonderful World!
Information compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen
Armstrong biog - AllMusicGuide.com
Posted 10 months ago at 10:11 am. 1 comment
Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole : Born May 20, 1959. Died June 26, 1997, at age 38.
Folk music legend: Nick names: “IZ”, Bruddah Iz, “The Gentle Giant”
Family: His wife, Marlene. Daughter, Ceslieanne “Wehi,” age 14 in 1997. His sister, Lydia Kauakahi. His brother, Skippy.
Weight problem: At times, he weighed over 750 pounds which caused his early death due to respiratory problems. He stood 6-foot 2 inches tall.
First Group: Together with his brother, Skippy, Iz forms the “Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau”. Beginning in 1976, the Makaha Sons record 9 CD’s throughout the 1980’s. His brother, Skippy dies (age 28) in 1982.
Forms His Own Record Label: Jon de Mello, Mountain Apple Records, suggested that “IZ” create his own label, “Big Boy” Records. Releasing CD’s with this new partnership of this Hawaiian-owned business, Iz gains full control of his music choices, production and distribution.
Ka Anoi [1990] Debut solo CD: Although a perennial group winner at the Hawaiian Music Awards (Called the “ HOKU ” Awards) since 1985. Iz wins his first solo honors.
Facing The Future [1993] 2nd CD: Introducing his classic medley,
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World “
RECOMMENDED by D.J. Mr. Ed
E Ala E [1995] 3rd CD: As his career progressed, Iz was known for promoting Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian Independence both through music (whose lyrics often stated the case for independence directly) and through his life. Also, Iz sings with his late brother, Skippy, through studio mixes.
N Dis Life [1996] 4th CD
Billboard magazine [1997]: IZ’ s “N Dis Life” dominates Billboard “World Music” charts throughout 1997.
T V Shows featuring some “Iz” music.
[c.1997] Party Of Five, Wind On The Water, Young Americans, Little Girls In Pretty Boxes, Birds In Paradise, Lani Loa, In God’s Hands.
1997: On June 26, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Dies.
Born May 20, 1959. Died June 26, 1997, at age 38.
-In and out of the hospital because of weight-related health issues, his body could not function normally. At over 750 pounds, Iz had breathing difficulty often. He died of weight-related respiratory illness on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38. The Hawaii state flag flew at half-mast throughout the day. Iz lay, in state, at the Honolulu’s Capitol Building, where over 10,000 came to pay their respects during the first day of mourning. His coffin was built by 50 close friends and relatives. It was made from wood from each of the Hawaiian Islands. His ashes were later scattered in the Pacific Ocean at Makua Beach.
Iz In Concert [1998] 5th CD: A complete live performance. “Iz In Concert: The Man And His Music”
EToys commercial [c.1998] Iz music featured in a “www. Etoys.com” commercial.
-“Meet Joe Black”, film [1998]
Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins. Soundtrack includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow /What A Wonderful World” medley.
-“From The Corner Of His Eye” [2000] , Dean Koontz, Iz featured in book,
- TV Guide, December 2 -8 , 2000 issue.
- Washington Post, [c. 2000 ] feature article
-“Finding Forrester”, film [2000] Sean Connery. Soundtrack includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” medley.
-Alone In Iz World [2001] 6th CD. Includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow “.
-“One Door Away From Heaven” [2001], Dean Koontz, Iz featured in book
- AOL : In 2001, America On-Line uses Iz’ s music on its “Welcome Page”.
-“ E R ”, [2002] NBC’s popular prime-time hospital drama.
Episode where Dr. Mark Green dies.
Monumental turning point for the Hawaiian singer and his classic medley becomes part of the American cultural pop landscape. At this point, the medley becomes one of the most requested wedding songs of the present generation. Disc Jockey Mr. Ed Mullen.
- People Magazine [2002] After “ER” episode
- Parade Magazine [2002] After “ER” episode
In 2002, “Facing The Future” CD [released in 1993] becomes first ever RIAA “Gold” record from Hawaii artist. That is 500,000 units sold. First ever “Hawaiian-owned” record company to produce a “Gold” CD . It won over a dozen career “HOKU” Awards.
- DVD: Hawaii tour [2002] “Island Music, Island Hearts” . Hawaiian islands tour with “I Z”
- DVD: Bio [2004] “I Z, The Man Behind The Music” “IZ” biography
- “IZ” music in these films, but not on their soundtracks.
“50 First Dates”, [2004] Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler.
“Three Kings” [1999] George Clooney.
“Made” [2001] Vince Vaughan, Jon Favreau.
Compiled by D.J. Mr. Ed Mullen, CD liner notes, Amazon.com info.
Posted April 2009. November 2009 comment by JON DE MELLO, Israel’s record producer.mountainapplecompany.com
Hawaii, Hawaiian singer, Hawaiian song. Somewhere Over The Rainbow, What A Wonderful World, Iz, Israel Kamakawiwo’ ole, Hawaiian version, favorite top wedding songs.
” Mahalo Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole !”
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago at 12:31 pm. 3 comments
1963 - Eva Cassidy. Born: Feb.2 1963. Died Nov 2. 1996 at age 33.
Born In Oxon Hill, Maryland. Grew up in Bowie, Maryland
1980 - Her father, Hugh Cassidy, created a family folk music act, with
Eva and her brother Danny. Eva also sang for a high school
band called “Stonehenge”.
1986 - Lifelong friend Dave Lourim asked Cassidy to record
some vocals at a recording session for his soft rock group,
Method Actor. (The results were eventually reissued in 2002.)
At the studio, Cassidy met D.C.-area producer Chris Biondo,
who agreed to help her put together a demo tape.
1988 – The versatile Cassidy sings back-up on E.U.’s 1988
album, “Livin’ Large”, including the hit single, “Da Butt”. The
massive “go-go” dance single was featured in Spike Lee’s
movie, “School Daze”. Written by bassist and producer,
Marcus Miller. The legendary Miller produced, wrote and was
that funky bass player for Luther Vandross, as well as,
hundreds of other sessions for artists such as Miles Davis,
Herbie Hancock Whitney Houston, George Benson, David
Sanborn and Frank Sinatra (1984). Miller played bass on Tom
Browne’s landmark anthem, “Funkin’ For Jamaica” from
Browne’s 1980 Love Approach album.
1992 - “The Other Side” CD released. Chuck Brown, a Washington
D.C.-area record funk producer, recorded a CD of blues and
jazz standards. The set called “The Other Side” was released
in 1992 and it includes her stunning version of “Somewhere
Over The Rainbow”, with Eva on guitar, keyboards and
vocals. A tour followed, with Chuck’s showmanship shielding
the spotlight from the shy Cassidy.
1993 - A cancerous mole was discovered and removed from her neck.
She broke up with boyfriend, Chris Biondo.
1994 - The Blue Note label paired Cassidy with a jazz-pop outfit from
Philadelphia called Pieces of a Dream; they recorded the
single “Goodbye Manhattan” together, and Cassidy toured with
them that summer. She returned to D.C. and began playing
more gigs on her own, though she still made the occasional
appearance with Chuck Brown. Cassidy won a Washington
Area Music Award for traditional jazz vocals, that year. Later,
her diverse song selections on her audition tapes caused
executives to pass on signing her to a major label.
1996 - “Live At Blues Alley” recorded. 13 songs from her January,
two-night appearance. Songwriters of her choice were Irving
Berlin, Paul Simon, Sting, Johnny Mercer, Fats Waller, Pete
Seeger and Al Green. Eva also included classics like (they call
it…) “Stormy Monday” and “What A Wonderful World”.
-This was her only solo CD released during her lifetime.
-At her July CD release performance, she needed a cane.
1996 - While working as an artist, painting murals at an elementary
school, Eva took her bothersome hip to the doctor’s office to
be examined. It was not only broken but, it revealed that
cancer had spread throughout her body.
1996 - A September benefit show, in her honor, was staged and
Cassidy found the strength to give her last performance,
singing a show-stopping version of “What A Wonderful World”
accompanied by her acoustic guitar.
1996 - Eva Cassidy died on November 2, 1996. Age 33.
1996 - Cassidy virtually swept the 1996 Washington Area Music
Awards. Eva was honored her as Best Female Vocalist in four
separate categories! Blues, Jazz-contemporary,
Jazz-traditional and Roots Rock - traditional R&B,
in addition to naming her Artist of the Year.
1997 - “Eva By Heart” CD released. Including “Time Is A Healer” and
Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”.
1998 - “Songbird” CD released. Washington D.C.-based, Celtic folk
singer Grace Griffith finally found someone interested in
releasing Cassidy’s music at the label she recorded for, BLIX
Street Records. 1998’s Songbird was a compilation from
Cassidy’s three previous releases, and when BBC Radio 2 Disc
Jockey, Terry Wogan started playing her version
of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” then “Songbird” started to
sell in the U.K.
-Then, the British music-TV show, “Top of the Pops” aired an
amateur video recording of a breath-taking Cassidy
performance of the Judy Garland classic, at the Blues Alley,
and were deluged with requests.
-“Songbird” became Number One in the U.K. and sold over a
million copies.
2000 - “Time After Time” CD released. Profiles of Cassidy began to
appear in American media, including segments on NPR’s
Morning Edition and ABC’s NightLine.
-“No Boundaries” CD was released despite family objections.
2002 - “Imagine” CD released. {10 songs} Includes John Lennon’s
classic title track, “Danny Boy”, Peggy Lee’s “Fever”, Gordon
Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” -and the “Tennessee Waltz”.
Eva - Recommendation by DJ MR.ED
Start with “Songbird”, but I know you will want more….
then…“Live From Blues Alley”
Music Notes compiled by D.J. Ed Mullen.
Eva’s CD liner notes, Steve Huey, William Cooper, James Gavin-Songbird liner notes, Bill Straw-Blix Street Records.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago at 1:50 pm. 1 comment
Etta James : Born in Los Angeles CA. Jan. 1938 (in 2009, age 71)
“At Last” by Etta James :
-Peak Top 40 Billboard Chart Position: # 47 in 1961
-Peak Billboard R+B Position: # 2 in 1961
-Etta James. 4-time Grammy winner.
-Inducted into 3 Halls Of Fame; Blues (Foundation), Grammy & Rock ‘n’ Roll.
-“CADILLAC RECORDS” (2008), the Etta James bio-pic, starring Beyonce Knowles.
AT LAST …
-Glenn Miller “1938-1942, The Popular Recordings” 3-CD set
(1989). Recommended.
-Ray Anthony (1952)
-Nat King Cole (1956)
-Around 1990, “At Last” becomes one of the most requested wedding songs of all-time. Disc Jockey Mr. Ed Mullen.
-Phoebe Snow. See CD: “New York Rock and Soul Revue” (1991).
Comprised of Donald Fagan (of Steely Dan) w/ Boz Scaggs /
Michael McDonald. It is a rocking live CD. Recommended.
-Eva Cassidy (2000) Time After Time. Recommended.
-Cyndi Lauper, Kenny G, Lou Rawls, etc. Stevie Nicks ‘98 AT+T CD
-On January 20th, 2009 Beyonce Knowles sings “At Last” at
President Obama’s Inaugural Ball.
-“At Last” recently heard on Jaguar commercials (c.2002)
-In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Etta James # 62 on their
list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
-Movies where “At Last” appears (recently).
“Rain Man” (1988),
“How to Make An American Quilt” (1995),
“Father Of The Bride II” (1995),
“Pleasantville” (1998),
“American Pie” (1999)
“It Had To Be You” (2000),
“Reindeer Games” (2000),
“See Spot Run” (2001),
“The Tuxedo” (2002),
“Phat Girlz” (2006),
“Little Manhattan” (2006),
“My Best Friend’s Girl” (2008).
Many TV shows, too.
Written by : Harry Warren and Mack Gordon
Harry Warren wrote hundreds of popular songs and show tunes, including three for which he received Oscars: “Lullaby of Broadway,” “On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe,” and “You’ll Never Know,” which was also his biggest seller in sheet music. Other well-known tunes penned by Warren include “I Only Have Eyes for You” (1934), “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” (1938), “Chattanooga Choo Choo” (1941), “That’s Amore,” His last chart hit came in 1957, “An Affair to Remember”.
Lyrics:
At Last, My Love Has Come Along
My Lonely Days Are Over, And Life Is Like A Song
Oh Yeah, Yeah. At Last, The Skies Above Are Blue
My Heart Was Wrapped Up In Clover, The Night I Looked At You
I Found A Dream That I Could Speak To, A Dream That I Can Call My Own
I Found A Thrill To Press My Cheek To, A Thrill That I Have Never Known
Oh Yeah . You Smiled, You Smiled, And Then The Spell Was Cast
And Here We Are In Heaven, For You Are Mine, At Last
Music Notes by DJ Mr Ed Mullen (2009)
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago at 5:41 pm. 3 comments