Wow! I have received quite a few comments with lots of suggestions for our song-about-the-rain challenge, and I promise I will post all those songs on this blog in an orderly fashion.
I was really surprised to get a comment from Cristina, an EFL teacher from Madrid who was very kind about this blog, and the song she contributed is called ‘Banana Pancakes’, by Hawaiian song-writer Jack Johnson, whom I didn’t know until now. It is a beautiful song indeed, which I’m sure you will enjoy.
No-one can deny that Janis Joplin is one of the greatest rock icons of the 60s. Whenever she is mentioned on any radio or TV show, her drug and alcohol problems are always highlighted, but I would rather remember her as one of the most powerful and passionate female singers in the history of popular music.
She started singing as a teenager and was early influenced by blues singers such as Big Mama Thornton. She had a short but intense career. From 1966 to 1968 she was the leading vocalist of Big Brother and The Holding Company, during which period she gained her reputation as “the most staggering leading woman in rock”.
The last two years in her career and life were marked by constant highs and lows. She changed bands a couple of times and although she had some clean spells with no drug abuse, she relapsed again and died of a drug overdose at the age of 27.
Janis Joplin has left us some unforgettable songs and one of my favourites is “Cry Baby”, from her album “Pearl”, which she recorded with the Full Tilt Boogie Band . She covered this song in her characteristic bluesy style.
Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 - December 11, 1964) was a popular and influential American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Musicians and critics today recognize him as one of the founders of soul music, and as one of the most important singers in soul music history.He has been called “the king of soul” by many, and while some may dispute this title, Sam Cooke’s legacy is an extensive one and his impact on soul music is undeniable. He had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1965. He is therefore seen by many as “the creator” of the genre. Major hits like “You Send Me”, “Chain Gang”, “Wonderful World” and “Bring It on Home to Me” are some of his most popular songs.
Cooke was also among the first modern black performers and composers to attend to the business side of his musical career. He founded both a record label and a publishing company as an extension of his careers as a singer and composer. He also took an active part in the Civil Rights Movement, using his musical ability to bridge gaps between black and white audiences. (From Wikipedia)
It is very hard indeed to choose only one song out of Sam Cooke’s vast repertoire of big hits. Who has not heard for instance “Wonderful World”, a song that will be forever associated with a romantic scene in “Witness”, starring Harrison Ford and kelly McGillis?. Anyway, “Cupid” has been on my mind for the last couple of days, and even though it is not February 14th, I hope you enjoy it all the same. You can also do some listening practice here.
