Eddie Fisher dead at 82

Edwin Jack Fisher was born on 10 August 10, 1928, in Philadelphia so he was 82 at his death. I thought he was older. Taking the name of Eddie Fisher, his matinee-idol looks and big baritone voice made him one of the most popular singers of the 1950s. I for one always enjoyed his songs and have in addition to the one for today I have loaded some up previously - just use the search facility to find them.

He made headlines when in 1959 he divorced Debbie Reynolds to marry Elizabeth Taylor who in turn left him for Richard Burton. In those more puritan and less liberal days it was the kiss of death for his career.

So here today is Eddie Fisher with Dungaree Doll.

As a special I also have NZ's own Dinah Lee with New Orleans and Johnny.

(Expect no action here for a few weeks as we will be away)

Another mixture of oldies

Listen to these -

Willie Nelson - America the beautiful. And he is in full voice and just beautiful
Herb Alphert - America - from West Side Story
S & G - Bye bye love (live) - almost but not quite as good as the Everlys
Graham Bonnet - I''ll be your baby tonight
Delaney Bonnie and Friends - Never ending song of love. Interestingly Eric Clapton often used to perform with the group.
Joe Brown and the Bruvvers - A picture of you
Reg Lindsey of Australia with his version of the John Stewart favourite about the first man on the moon - Armstrong
Left Banke - Walk away Renee

Hank and Donna Marie Koopman

Hank and Donna Marie Koopman

I couldn't find out much about this couple. By surname sounded Dutch but I think they are Australian C & W singers. Listen to them here with Caribbean, Mr Fire Eyes, Round and Round, On the wings of a dove, Don't let the stars get in your eyes and Melodie da amour.

Their records are well worth hunting out and buying.

Kiwi

All Kiwi again here.

As an aside I see Mitch Miller died at age 99. His Sing-a-long stuff is not really my cup of tea, but he did do the theme to the River Kwai film (Colonel Bogey) and found several great artists such as Rosie Clooney (Georges Aunt), Guy Mitchell and Tony Bennett. He hated R 'n' R but did take it on board to a degree as he realised it was the way to go.

Back to NZ

Howard Morrison - How great thou art
John Grenell or Hore depending on your taste - I've been everywhere man - Kiwi version
Warratahs (Ozzie name but a Kiwi group)- Cruising on the Interislander
Prince Tui Teka - E Ipo
Unknown - Pokarekare ana

Hula Hoop

Today we go back to the Hula Hoop era with the Georgia Gibbs version.

Pussy Cats - Mississippi
Joanie Summers - Johnny get angry
Meat Loaf - You took the words right out of my mouth. This song has a great introduction.
Kathy Kirby - Secret love

MOSTLY COUNTRY

Mostly country with -

Jimmy Rodgers - not the man from the 1930's (who spelt his name Jimmie) but the 1950's version with Woman from Liberia
Gerry & the Pacemakers - Pretend
Johnny Cash - Oh lonesome me - the Don Gibson classic
George Jones - A good year for the roses
Everly's - Memories are made of this - the best version ever - even better than Dean Martins version

and the non-country - Johnny Keating Orchestra with the Theme from Z Cars. A great favourite TV show of mine. Stratford Johns and Frank Windsor were superb. Also starring were James Ellis and Brian Blessed who went on to fame as a writer with the Oscars (The British are coming rant).

Mostly odds

Some odds and others are here.

Brook Brothers (at one stage thought to be the UK's answer to the Everly Brothers but not good enough) - I wanna love my life away - Look for a star

Bernard Bresslaw - You need feet. His play on You need hands
Jo - Don't wanna be another good luck charm (an answer song)
Peter Posa - Gonk - NZ own guitar master.
Petula Clark & Bobby Darin - All I Have To Do Is Dream (Live)
Alma Cogan - In the middle of the house. Another version of this great comedy song.