But first: Who are the Music Moves Me bloggers? We ride on a weekly train of music and this is who we are:
The Head of this Train (Engineer) is XmasDolly. Her co-conductors are: ♥Callie of JAmerican Spice♥, (who right now is doing on and off visits) and ♥Stacy of Stacy Uncorked♥ Also, ♥Cathy from Curious as a Cathy♥ And, finally, last but not least - little ol' me. And, for the next few months, we will also have guest conductors.
So let's rock!
Today would have been my mother's 100th birthday. Happy birthday in heaven, Mom.
My theme choice is "Crossover" Songs done by a group/singer known primarily for one type of music, but in another type. Example: country singer has a rock hit, or vice-versa.
When I started to dig, I found many artists who had crossed over with one hit, but even more who had changed genres midstream altogether, for example beginning as rockers and moving over to country- so many that I was surprised. Then there was Katy Perry, who started as a Christian artist, and Elvis who topped the charts in rock, country and gospel. After all if you love music, why stop with one genre?
For my selections, here goes:
My first song is in honor of my mother. She loved various artists, including rock's Everly Brothers. One of the 78 records she owned was a song called Wake Up, Little Susie.
Little did I ever realize it was a crossover hit by two rockers, reaching #1 on country music charts.
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, cross over from Latin to "let's get up and dance" music.
Country's Johnny Cash had a big rock crossover hit with "A Boy Named Sue".
Actually, there has been a lot of country-rock crossover. Here's another one - Roger Miller's King of the Road.
My spouse, who generally is not a fan of country music, adores this song - The Devil Went Down to Georgia, by the Charlie Daniels Band - adored it so much that he bought the album.
As for me, an office worker for years, I also get into "Nine to Five" by Dolly Parton.
Elvis. I'm choosing my favorite Elvis song here - Suspicious Minds, because - well, because I love it.
Last but not least, perhaps not a true crossover, I can't help but post "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, which has to have set some kind of record for number of genres it covered - maybe not country, but probably everything else.
What music pleases you today, on what would have been my mother's 100th birthday?
Alana,
ReplyDeleteYou came up with some seriously fantastic songs for this theme. Incidentally, you did a fabulous job pick the theme, too. I love Gloria Estevan from her Miami Sound Machine days. She really had the hits. Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 is an excellent country to rock crossover. She's such a delightful soul! I'd love to meet her someday. Charlie Daniels Band "Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a classic. Who cares if Pharrell Williams' song "Happy" isn't a true crossover. I just love that song!! It not only makes me feel good but it makes me get up and dance. Thanks for putting the boogie in my move this morning. ;)
Cathy, thank you! (and thank you for introducing me to 4M, while I am at it). I'm glad put he boogie in your day today!
DeleteInteresting choices. And, the Everly Brothers were among my earliest favorites. (Especially Wake Up Little Susie- whose modern version would probably be Meghan Trainor's "WalkAShame".)
ReplyDeleteI don't get much into Meghan Trainor so I will have to check that song out. Yup, Wake Up Little Susie is somewhat dated...
DeleteI like all of the selections! There is a soulful quality to Elvis, Johnny, Dolly and Gloria that I think transcends several music genres.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed my offerings, Haralee. Music is a wonderful, healing thing.
DeleteBeautiful songs. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteSame to you, fellow music lover.
DeleteGood morning, Alana; This is an interesting theme with so much to choose from! ☺ I've noticed a lot of country/rock marriages that sound good. Charlie Daniels, for sure!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Debbie. I'm happy to see you back blogging and need to visit you - thank you for stopping by my musical offering.
DeleteGreat songs. I loved the Gloria Estefan number. Although I've never liked country, I've always like Charlie Daniels. He has a special something.
ReplyDeleteI am not a country fan but I was amazed to find how many crossover hits I love. Charlie Daniels, I would see in concert, I think.
DeleteI really liked that Miami Sound Machine song which I'd never heard before. Thanks for picking such a great theme for this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy - there were so many to choose from. Have a week that's the cat's meow!
DeleteNice list! The Everlys and the Bryants (songwriters Felice and Boudleau) were a great team. I think most of their stuff was hits on both the Pop and Country charts.
ReplyDeleteThere are a metric ton of rock-country crossovers, none of which I listed: Bobbie Gentry's "Ode To Billie Joe," Marty Robbins's "A White Sportcoat and a Pink Carnation," Jerry Reed's "Amos Moses" and "When You're Hot, You're Hot," practically anything by Dolly Parton and/or Kenny Rogers from the late 70's, etc. You got the big ones, though. The first time I heard "A Boy Named Sue," WLS had bleeped out "son of a bitch" with a 1000 Hz tone, and I thought the Emergency Broadcast System was taking over...
Gloria Estefan recorded an album of rock covers in 1994, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," that was really excellent. It's the only one of her albums I have.
This was a great theme!
John, especially coming from you, that's great praise. I'm honored! And I have to admit, I forgot all about Jerry Reed - I guess I'll have to do another crossover post one of these days because I love both of his crossover hits. And now, I'm thinking Tennessee Ernie Ford and 16 Tons...oh no, you got me started....
DeleteI'm not sure if I chose my songs correctly either, but I'll take Happy anyway! lol It's hard not to dance to that song and it put Pharrell on my radar ever since I heard it. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHEY GIRLFRIEND!!! First of all sorry my Post did not go up today until we got home from our trip. I just finished now and commented on everyone's post except my Stacy, but she's next... You really did your homework didn't you! GREAT JOB... AND I'D love to sit and chat, but I'm bushed and I still have to unpack! YOU ROCKED THE HOUSE & GREAT THEME... hugs... oh I sent you an email too!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Alana,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great theme. I really enjoyed working on putting together a post of crossover artists and songs. I learned so much while doing it and that's always fun, so thank you!
You have some fabulous songs here, three of which are favorites of mine: one which happens to be your Mom's favorite too: The Everly Brothers "Wake Up Little Susie" -- I remember that one so fondly from childhood. Two others that came from "back then" that I'm especially fond of: "King of the Road" -- I LOVE that song!
And Elvis' "Suspicious Minds" -- I could listen to that song over and over and over again!
Thanks for including those. I'll be coming back to listen to each of them again.
"A Boy Named Sue" is always good for some good memories too.
Love me some "9 to 5" -- great song and terrific movie. Love Dolly Parton: I saw her live at the Austin Aqua Fest concert one year and was absolutely captivated by her warmth with the audience and her fans. She's amazing in concert.
Ending your post with Pharrel Williams "Happy" is perfect...a great way to wish your Mom a "Happy Birthday". I'm sure she was here in spirit celebrating her special day with you all...
Thanks again for coming up with this very cool theme Alana!
Have a great week,
Michele at Angels Bark
My Dad loved the Everly Brothers too. I always think of Bonnie Raitt when someone mentions cross-over artists. Just saw on PBS that Ken Burns is working on a country music movie.
ReplyDeleteAlana, you have knocked the theme out of the park! Nice song selections, as usual! Thanks for the brilliant theme - and thanks for being an awesome co-conductor! :)
ReplyDelete