4 June 2022
Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post
9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other
times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random
questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and
leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate
rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here is today's questions!
Saturday 9: Cinderella Rockefella (1968)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it
here.
1) This record and video were inspired by popular tunes of the 1920s. Looking
over your lifetime, which decade produced more of your favorite songs?
The 50s and early 60s.
2) "Cinderella Rockefella" topped the charts in England, yet barely broke
into the Billboard Hot 100 here in the States. Still, the number was known to
American audiences, performed as a duet on variety shows like The Smothers
Brothers Comedy Hour (Tommy and Kate Smith), This Is Tom Jones (Cher and Tom)
and The Dean Martin Show (Nancy Ames and Dean). Do you remember watching
musical-comedy programs? Did you have a favorite?
I did. We watched the Smothers Brothers and Dean Martin.
Also Perry Como, Andy Williams and especially Laugh-in. Does
Ed Sullivan count? Laugh-in would be my favorite.
3) It was written by Mason Williams, a prolific composer and comedy writer,
as well as a talented guitarist. He is best known for "Classical Gas," his 1968
instrumental. Do you enjoy instrumentals? Or does a piece of music need lyrics
to become one of your favorites?
I like both instrumentals and lyrics, though lyrics generally make me love a
piece of music quicker than an instrumental.
4) This week's featured artists, Esther & Abi Ofarim, were considered the
Sonny & Cher of Europe. A married couple, they had hits in the 1960s in both the
UK and Germany and were depicted in magazines as the perfect young husband and
wife. Fans were disappointed when, in 1969, they quit performing together and
divorced in 1970 after 12 years of marriage. Can you think of a couple you knew
in real life whose split shocked you? Or can you usually see it coming?
The divorce of Walt's old boss (and best friend) was a shock, though in looking
over the situation at the time, it made sense.
5) Comparisons to Sonny & Cher are apt because, as with the Bonos, the wife's
show business career fared better than the husband's, post-divorce. Esther's BBC
specials were "appointment TV" in the UK during the 1970s. Today, with the
advent of streaming and DVRs, viewers don't have to make sure they're in front
of the screen when their favorite show airs. Tell us about the last show you
watched. Was it live, streamed, on DVR or DVD/Blueray?
The last show I sat and watched was The Today Show, which I watch every
day. I also sort of watched Criminal Minds on Netflix, which puts
me to sleep every afternoon, for my afternoon nap.
6) She had a solo hit with Esther in Kinderland, a collection of children's
songs. Can you recall the lyrics of a favorite song from childhood? Where did
you learn it (home, church, Scouts ...)?
I'm sure there were lots more that I can't remember now, but the one I remember
most clearly is "You Are My Sunshine," which my cousin taught me so we could
sing soprano/alto.
7) Abi continued performing after the split, but more often worked behind the
scenes as a record producer and music publisher. Would you say you have a good
head for business?
I have a terrible head for business.
8) After they finished school, both Abi and Esther served in the Israeli
Army, and Abi saw combat. Have you served in our military? Did you ever consider
enlisting?
No, and no.
9) Random question: How many keys are on your key ring, and do you know what
each one is for?
I don't really have a key ring any more. My key ring had my car key and
the key to the house, but since I no longer drive, I'm always with someone who
has a key to the house, so I don't need a house key.
.