WA2K Radio is now on the air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzh_IO0kSwg
Dr Michael Debakey has died. This song is dedicated to him

Thanks, firefly. I had no idea Romberg had written that one, and our Raggedy knows how much I love his music. (wonder where BillW is?)

edgar, thanks for that song by Rod, it's lovely, Texas. Wouldn't mind taking a stroll in the country myself.

Oops, Raggedy, I mean I still can't find the FILM from whence that lovely song came. Sorry, puppy. Also can't find the song, "My Desert is waiting, dear come there with me."

Ah, well, folks I did find an answer to Urs' Bangles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYe53YwErGM

Happy Birthday to Bill Cosby. For a change, let's listen to him make some music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYSZuiJSLRI

And, for the Mario Lanza fans, let's listen to him sing Hammerstein's lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHRj_nKwcJ0

firefly, I loved Bill Cosby when he was doing his stand up comedy. Later, however, he became a bit critical of Shirley and Mr. Bojangles. Thanks for the tribute to him on his birthday.

I must admit, folks, that Mario did that song beautifully. I think I came to admire him when he did The Great Caruso. Thanks, dear.

How about a tribute to Romberg then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqs-by5hi2E

That's a great clip, Letty.

Today is also Milton Berle's birthday. Uncle Miltie had many musical guests on his show, including this young fella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-jU_oOZhY4

and this flashy dude

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XnxuFgWb0

firefly, I had to remind myself of Milton Berle, and was I surprised to find that he made one huge mistake by calling Charlie Parker and Miles Davis "head hunters". Oops.

Also, folks, he was a Jew who was a Christian Scientist. Sounds like Thoreau's type of guy.

Marvelous clip of Elvis and Milton. It turned out to be quite a surprise and quite funny.

Well, when I heard Liberache play Gershwin, I also had to re evaluate.

Thanks, dear. This is going to be a great day on WA2K.

Looking at Elvis, I was reminded of how many movies he made set in Hawaii. Then I came across this Hawaiian piece. So soothing.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=876MtdZJ-Lo&feature=related

firefly, that was the essence of Hawaii. What a great voice had Israel. How very sad that "The Gentle Giant" died so young. I do wonder, folks, how he came to gain so much weight.

The national anthem of Hawaii, and a tribute to Queen Liliuokalani.

I know that aloha means both hello and goodbye.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DdfmV3J_w

I don't think we'll ever see "The Desert Song" on Youtube, Letty. I was going to play "One Alone" from that operetta, but when I got back here I got caught up in the lovely Hawaiian tunes. You know that I love Hawaii.

I'll let you know if Brahms ever shows up in one of the TCM classics.

Enjoy the day and the music and the pleasant company, you all.

My goodness, Raggedy. If we can get Al Jolson doing The Jazz Singer, surely The Desert Song can be found.

I was really surprised to find that Neil Diamond did a new version of the movie in 1980, so here is the theme from that movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrlNPWhZ7rQ&feature=related

Speaking of Hawaii, James Shigeta, who was born in Hawaii, starred in the movie, Flower Drum Song--another Hammerstein work. That musical never really received the attention of some of the others, but this song is cute,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjWn-ueeeLw

And, from someone who enjoys being a girl, to three guys who love 'em.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJl9V2dLT_A

Letty, I think I found The Desert Song for you.

You can listen to it here.

http://play.rhapsody.com/jussibjorling/collectionvol1/thedesertsongmydesertiswaiting

And you can watch a clip from the 1953 film version of Desert Song on U Tube .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVgwYvL-8j4

Is that it?

firefly, first allow me to acknowledge "I Enjoy Being a Girl" from Flower Drum Song. Love that and sang it once in a little theatre group. The lyrics have been altered a bit, but I can understand Nancy wanting to look her best for that handsome dude. WOW!

Also knew every single song that the male trio sang. Hmmm. Some were a bit demanding, no? Bobby, Robert, and Andy did a great job, however.

My God, firefly. That is IT! I tried to do the melody line on our studio piano and realized that it is unbelievably difficult because the verse is in a minor key and then it leaps to major in a key change that is almost all on the black keys.

Thank you, thank you, firefly; now I can gloat to my sister again.

Back later, all, with more of the same.

Folks, have you ever noticed that when you wash your car it rains?

Hey, Ros. We just had a frog strangler here.

Well, that occurrence led me to this Jim Croce song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1RvIiNymFM

So glad I found Desert Song for you, Letty.

State Fair was the only musical that Rogers and Hammerstein wrote directly for the screen. The 1945 film included this song, which won an Oscar for Best Song.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=UA4lIMjMLbs

firefly, you amaze me. I recall my friend, Bill, loved J.J. Johnson and that song is one lovely jazz piece. Had no idea that it was originally from State Fair. Never saw the movie. Thanks again.

Speaking of jazz, folks, here is one that I also love. Never much cared for Dinah Washington, but I just saw that she died when she was 39. What is it with musicians of an era that gets them in such trouble. It still continues today as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SN_qaW-ilI&feature=related

Time for me to say goodnight, and I have listened to The Desert Song over and over; however, I think I shall end the day with something by Stan and the Bird man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg1xlLufxIU&feature=related

Until tomorrow,

From Letty with love

Bravo Firefly.

So why couldn't we find "The Desert Song" at YouTube? I entered "Desert Song" in the search box at least four times.

I can't get the Bjoerling version of Desert Song because it's blocked on my computer. I love his voice. (have two of his CDs)

Sweet dreams, Letty.

My good night song is by Johnny Mathis
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IH0_XfxnXWI