Monday, August 14, 2017

Songs With Men's Names - Music Moves Me

Tunes with men's names in them would normally not be much of a challenge to any participant in the weekly music meme "Music Moves Me".  But this isn't just any week.

On August 8, Glen Campbell finally succumbed to Alzheimer's at the age of 81.

Born in Arkansas, the 7th son of a 7th son, Campbell was an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and  an actor.

I loved some of his greatest hits - Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, and more.   I decided to take today's theme and try to work in a little tribute to Glen as a bonus.  So, please consider this a two-part post today.  The first part, a tribute to Glen Campbell, using some of his songs with men's names in them.

William Tell Overture

Jesus and Me (as "Jesus" is used as a male name in certain cultures) - one of many Christian songs Campbell did.

Bonaparte's Retreat (yes, it's rare, but "Bonaparte" has been used as a first name) - a 1949 song by Pee Wee King, released in 1950, covered by many artists including, in 1974, Glen Campbell, reaching #3 on the country music charts.

Turning to other artists, here is the remainder of my "men mentioned in songs" post.

Sue Thompson - Norman. Why? Because I am experiencing this as an earworm.

Ben - Michael Jackson.  This was the theme song of a 1972 horror movie about a boy who befriended a rat named Ben.  Michael Jackson's song was performed over the closing credits of the movie.

Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

Sloop John B - Beach Boys

And finally, "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?", a 1993 song by R.E.M. inspired by (but not a retelling of) a true story of the newscaster Dan Rather being assaulted on the streets of Manhattan in October of 1986 by two men near his home.  One ma screamed "Kenneth, what's the frequency?" as he beat Rather.  The crime was not solved until 1994, after a bizarre murder.

Join this #MusicMovesMe blog hop every Monday - here are the conductors of this musical train:
X mas Dolly is the Conductor of this train, and the other Conductors are her fellow bloggers Callie of JAmerican Spice, ♥Stacy of Stacy Uncorked♥  and Cathy from Curious as a Cathy !

Rock on!

12 comments:

  1. Alana,

    I was saddened to learn of Glen Campbell's passing last week. He really had a golden voice and was a fantastic guitarist. A young Michael Jackson singing a song I totally forgot about - good choice! You did a find job coming up with tunes for this week's prompt. Thanks for sharing and for boogieing with the 4M gals, my friend. Have a good week! ;)

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  2. Great songs. Anytime you have REM in a playlist is makes it a great playlist. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I knew all the songs but one- and I'm sure you can guess which one that was...

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  4. Fun songs and I forgot how much I enjoy the voice of Glen Campbell. Young Michael Jackson! Never knew the story about Dan Rather and the song. The things you learn on a Monday morning!

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  5. Glen Campbell. *sob*
    And all the others bring back such great memories. Thank you so much!

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  6. Loved REM! Have to dig them back out and play them...

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  7. Excellent post, Alana!

    Thank you for the tribute to Glen Campbell. It's sad to see him go, but I am happy that he no longer suffers from his Alzheimer's. I've got a post about him going out on Aug 24. I hope you'll stop by to check it out.

    ~Mary

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  8. Some great songs here. People remember Glen for all his hits, but forget he recorded a bunch of other music to go along with it.

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  9. Oooooooooooooooooo Weeeeeeeeeee BEACH BOYS & ME! LUV EM'!!! lOOK at all the Glen Campbell it's a wonderful tribute sorta too isn't it? It's such a shame he had Alzheimers. He was a good showman. Love you picks today girlfriend. You rocked the house. Big Hugs!

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  10. Super list with some great songs!

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  11. Alana! I finally made it here! Great post. Such a nice tribute to Glen Campbell and fitting in perfectly with the theme. So sad that he had to suffer that terrible disease. I always liked his music. RIP Glen!
    What an odd story behind R.E.M.'s "What's the Frequency Kenneth?" I wasn't aware of any of it and so glad you included a link to the story. Was fun to see Dan Rather on stage with REM singing the song. Would've loved to hear what David Letterman's comment was: you know it had to be something snarky!

    I remember Michael Jackson's "Ben" and that was one creepy movie! I remember it well!

    How on earth did "Norman" become an earworm for you?! Lol. That's funny. I never heard it before or heard of Sue Thompson.

    Loved hearing the Beach Boys song. I always enjoy their music and it always makes me smile.

    I'm skipping out on this coming Monday's 4M so I can get caught up on a bunch of stuff but I'll be back the following week. Enjoy your weekend!

    Michele at Angels Bark

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