It's Monday, and it's time for Music Moves Me.
First, let's introduce the Music Moves me bloggers: We blog about music each Sunday or Monday and if you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post may be removed, or may be labeled "No Music".) Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and, last but not least, ME.
Today, our theme is "Songs based on fictional/non fictional people, or historic events". Turns out, there are hundreds of these songs to choose from.
My first pick is a tribute to singer Melanie Safka, better known as Melanie, who was inducted into Rock and Roll Heaven on January 23, 2024 at the age of 76. She was one of only three solo singers to perform at the famed 1969 music festival Woodstock.
This hit, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) was based on the events of the Woodstock Festival. It was her breakthrough hit in the United States, reaching #6 on the Billboard charts in 1970.
Next is a song co-written by Bob Dylan and Jacques Levy, and sung by Bob Dylan. It's a long one but I think you'll like it. This is based on a real life boxer, Ruben "Hurricane" Carter, imprisoned for a murder he did not commit.
The song itself was controversial and had to be re-recorded twice because some lyrics had to be changed.
"Hurricane" Carter was released from prison in 1985, after almost 20 years in prison and ten years after the song was originally recorded. Carter died in 2014.
This is one of many songs connected with World War II - The Andrews Sisters and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy may be one of the best known. This song, from 1941, comes from the Abbott and Costello movie Buck Privates.
Finally, a song about a dethroned king - we don't know who he was, but historical or fictional, he once ruled the world. Many believe the song's king is based on King Louis XVI, deposed by the French Revolution and executed on January 21, 1793. Here is Coldplay with Viva la Vida from 2008.
And that's a historical wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
...Melanie RIP!
ReplyDeleteAlana,
ReplyDeleteI appreciated reading how these songs are connected to this week's theme. I had no clue about the history behind these songs. Oddly, I don't even remember the Simon & Garfunkel song. Great job on coming up with your music collection!
Cool that you used Bob Dylan's song since I spoke about the movie. Loved all these picks and didn't know about the last song being about the doomed French king. Loved these
ReplyDeleteViva La Vida .., tortured my daughters and their friends, trying to figure it out,
ReplyDeleteI remember all those songs, especially the Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel ones which had a significant impact on me. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great playlist here. RIP to Melanie.
ReplyDeleteWow. Great songs. Had never heard the Simon and Garfunkel song, very haunting and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat tunes!
ReplyDeleteLove them all, but really loved Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy the very best. I loved all the music from the big band era. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week. ♥
What a great singer Melanie was, I remember her so well in those years💗Great playlist Alana. Bob Dylan's Hurricane is one of our favourite songs of his. We haven't heard this song of Simon and Garfunkel ever before. Double Pawkisses for a Happy Day🐾😽💞
ReplyDelete