It's unique, easy and always free. (And we don't sell anything.)
Just drop us your question and a team of Southern California music experts will e-mail the answer to you ... the next day, in a few hours, or a few minutes! We can't answer them all, but we do our best. First, check below for the pop answers to most commonly asked questions, then ... just ...Click here and ask away!
Batch of musical riddles we've
solved ...
Samples of recent questions and answers. Each answer is e-mailed
directly to the questioner.
Check
out the archive of previous Qs&As
Angel of the Morning (times 3)
Who was the original singer of the song "Angel of the Morning"? Was it Stevie Nicks...Joan Jett... Carly Simon? This has been driving me nuts!
The original of "Angel of the Morning" was done by EVIE SANDS, but it never took off. The firstpopular version was done byMERRILEE RUSH AND THE TURNABOUTS in 1968 -- got to Number 7 on the charts. A female singer named JUICE NEWTON did a popular remake in 1981. That's the version a lot of people remember now. It made it up to Number 4. Coincidentally, the tune was written by CHIP TAYLOR, the brother of actor JON VOIGHT.
Rainy-day pina colada anyone?
Who sings the Pina Colada Song that came out in the 70s. The one that goes, “I like Pina Coladas and and getting caught in the rain ...”
RUPERT HOLMES wrote and sang the original version of “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).” He also wrote the song, "Timothy" (see below).
When no one else will help ...
I am a recording artist just finishing up my first project. I have recorded a version of "Love is Alive,” originally recorded by Gary Wright on his "Dreamweaver" LP, and I'm having a bear of a time trying to find the proper publisher. Do you know who actually wrote this song? I have the cassette, but it does not have an insert with acknowledgements. I've even tried the song searches on BMI and ASCAP websites, and have e-mailed Warner Bros., but, no dice.
All the songs on the disc (except for two -- “Let it Out” and “Feel For Me”) were written by GARY WRIGHT The publisher on all songs was High Wave Music Inc./ASCAP ... "
Quarterflash in the pan
Please, please help me with the artist/band that did “Harden My Heart” (female vocals, good sax) in the early 1980s. It is driving me crazy! Has been for a week. Only thing I can come up with is Little River Band but that does not seem right.
“Harden My Heart” was done by QUARTERFLASH.
World Wide Webb
For 30+ years I've had a part of a song going through my head. It was from the early '70s and it may have been called “P.F. Sloan.” Not sure of the spelling. Part of the lyrics go “I have been thinking P. F. Sloan, but no one knows where he has gone..." and ends up with "don't sing this song--it belongs to P.F. Sloan." NO ONE I talk to has heard of this. Am I going nuts?
You’re not nuts. The song “P.F. Sloan” is by Jimmy Webb (prolific songwriter of such tunes as “Wichita Lineman” and “MacArthur Park”) and is on one of his early '70s albums. We sent back the lyrics.
CSN gets religion
I don’t know the name of the group or the band but I remember the first couple of lines. And remember it may have to do with a man’s multiple lives. It goes like this ... "I’m flying in Winchester cathedral, all religion has to have its day.” Does that ring any bells to you guys? Thanks.
The song is called "Cathedral" and it's by CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH (1977). Graham Nash in the lead singer on the tune.
Allow us to now be Petty
We’re having an argument about Tom Petty’s first band. Can you settle it for us?
His first band out of high school was the Sundowners, which became the Epics. But the first band he was in of note, i.e., that recorded, was Mudcrutch. They had a local single in Florida (on the Pepper label, we think) and then he got a deal with Shelter out here in LA. They put out another single as Mudcrutch on Shelter in 1975.
Buddy Holly's glasses
I’m a history professor and heard something about Buddy Holly's glasses being found about a year ago. Would you please give me the scoop on that for my history class?
There are TWO pairs of Holly's glasses known to be in existence. One was found at the crash site. It was stored in a brown manila envelope in some police building until a couple of years ago when an officer, curious about the old package, apparently opened it. That pair was auctioned off to either the Hard Rock Cafe chain or the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame (we haven't determined which). Apparently the glasses just had been stored in the envelope since the crash. After the snow melted (plane crashed in winter), they also found Buddy Holly's watch. Not sure what happened to that. The other pair of glasses is a pair Holly's family had, and that was auctioned as well, through Sotheby's we believe, and they are now owned by a private collector. These were ones that Holly (who had horrible eyesight, 20-800 in both eyes), had made in Mexico while on his honeymoon.
Who shot the sheriff?
Question from Brussels, Belgium: Who's the author of "I Shot the Sheriff"? Bob Marley or Eric Clapton? Your answer can bring me a lot of money -- OK, Belgian Francs ... better than nothing.
Bob Marley
Things'll get brighter
I was wondering about this song I heard on the radio. The lyrics go ... “Ooooh child, things are gonna get easier, oooh child things will look brighter...” If you could tell me the artist and name of this song, I will be very grateful 'cause everyone I talk to has no clue.
It’s called "O-h-h Child," and it was performed by the Five Stairsteps. The song, a hit in the summer of 1970, was performed by a band made up of five members of the Burke family.
Proud John
Who recorded “Proud Mary” first? Ike and Tina Turner or Creedence? A steak dinner is riding on this!
"Proud Mary" was written by John Fogerty, the lead singer/guitarist/front man of Creedence Clearwater Revival. They peaked with the hit in February 1969. It wasn't until two years later, in February 1971, that Ike and Tina Turner had the hit with it.
I've heard it too but I ain't never been to Spain
I am hoping you can tell me the title and artist of a song. I usually hear it on movie soundtracks and occasionally the radio. It goes something like this: "Well, I ain’t never been to Spain. But I sure do like the music. Ain't gonna abuse it ... never gonna lose it ... what does it matter." I know that's rough to go by, but it's about all that I know of the song.
It’s called "Never Been to Spain," and it was performed by Three Dog Night, a big hit in 1972.
Little history on Little River Band
Can you tell me who the founding members of the Little River Band were?
It’s a little tricky, but here goes: Graham Goble, Beeb Birtles (real name = Gerard Birtlekamp), Derek Pellicci, Glenn Shorrock and Glenn Wheatley formed the first version of the band, with Wheatley as manager. Before their debut album, they added Rick Formosa (guitar) and Roger McLachlan (bass) to the band. That was the group for the first record under the name Little River Band. Then Formosa and McLachlan quit, and were replaced by David Briggs and George McArdle.
Everybody's askin'
Who wrote and recorded the song with the lyrics “Everybody’s talking at me ... I can't hear a word they’re saying ...”
It’s "Everybody's Talkin',"and it was made popular by Nilsson(also known as Harry Nilsson) ... from the movie "Midnight Cowboy." It was written by Fred Neil (and also recorded by him as well).
Last word on "Last Song"
Hope you can ease my mind even though the information I’m about to give will probably the worst you ever had. I have no clue about the artist, the year or the decade, just that it’s by a male. It goes ... "It’s the last song I’ll ever write for you. It’s the last time that I’ll tell you just how much I really care.”
It’s "Last Song" and it was performed by a group named Edward Bear -- that's a group's name, not a guy ... there were three guys in the band, including Larry Evoy, who wrote that song.
Try Chris Rea-something
All I know is a part of this song that goes: “Fool if you think it's over, cause he said goodbye. Fool if you think it's over, tell you why.” I think his name might be Christopher something ...
It’s called "Fool If You Think It's Over," was done by Chris Rea.
All in a Day
What are the lyrics in the song “Rockin’ Robin” (Bobby Day) where he meets (the following lyrics are my question) ... “a cute little raven at the bird's nest dance / she taught him how to do the bop and it / they outbopped the raven and the oriole”?
As we could find them, the lyrics are “The pretty little raven at the bird’s nest dance / Taught him how to do the bop and it was grand / He started goin' steady and "bless my soul” / He out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole
That was easy
Who sings with Phil Collins in the song "Easy Lover"?
Phillip Bailey, former lead singer of Earth, Wind and Fire.
Abandoned song
I'm trying to identify the exact song title and artist of a 70's song some of the lyrics are: "Sarah's off on a turn around, bringing gambling fools to the holy land Las Vegas" and "Sarah turn around.” Can you help?
It’s called "Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)" by Hall and Oates. Came out on their 1973 album, "Abandoned Luncheonette," also the same album as "She's Gone." It's also a rare good offering from the quiet one of the pair. John Oates wrote it.
None today, just yesterday
What is the title and artist who performed the song which contains the following lines ... "I love you more today than yesterday, but only half as much as tomorrow.”
It’s "More Today Than Yesterday" from 1969 ... by a group called Spiral Starecase -- note the odd spelling of Starecase. It was the group's only Top 40 hit.
Carlene = Sweetest Thing
I remember a beautiful 1970/1980 song, but only a few key words: "In the still light of the dawn / Our love is dead and gone / Remember me, when I close my eyes to cry / There is a look in your eye / Please remember me ... So sad, so beautiful, so moving. Any idea?
I think you're talking about "The Sweetest Thing" by Carlene Carter.Here are the exact words: In the stillness of the dawn / Our love is dead and gone / The sunrise warms my heart / With memories of you It's the sweetest thing -- remembering
Gets complicated. Take notes.
These questions require somewhat of a subjective answer. For a Black History performance we will tribute with dance African-American artists. Keeping in mind that the music should be "upbeat" if only one artist for each decade from 1920-2000 could be tributed, who would you pick. Which song title if only one could be picked. Basically who are the greats who shouldn't be missed? You can do two a decade if you want. Music from any and all genres ... Would love any song title suggestions that were written and sung by a black artist - rather than a cover of an originally white artist (although the reverse is most often true). Thanks for your input.
Here’s what we came up with:
1920s -- W.C. Handy, "St. Louis Blues" -- a 1925 version features Bessie Smith backed by Louis Armstrong. Don't think WC himself had hits with his own versions.
1930s -- Fats Waller -- "It's A Sin to Tell A Lie," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter," "Two Sleepy People," "Your Feet's Too Big"
1940s -- Duke Ellington -- "I've Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." Duke could pass for 1930s also.
1950s -- Chuck Berry, "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven" etc. (I personally think Chuck Berry is the clear choice for the 1950s because rock and roll would not have existed as it is without him. But I promised my disagreeable cohorts I would mention their pick too: Ray Charles -- "What'd I Say," "I Got a Woman")
1960s -- James Brown -- "I Feel Good," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Smokey Robinson -- "Tracks of My Tears," You Really Got a Hold On Me," "Shop Around," etc.
1970s -- Stevie Wonder -- "Superstition," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "You Haven't Done Nothing," "Sir Duke" etc.
1980s -- Michael Jackson - "Beat It" etc. Also, Prince - "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy," "1999" etc.
1990s -- We had a hard time coming up with someone. Maybe Babyface because he has written and produced so many memorable hits. Or Janet Jackson? I suspect it would be impossible to NOT include a rapper as the most influential black artist of the 1990s. Some sidenotes: Louis Armstrong had records starting in the 1920s on through, but not many written on his own. Other possibles: Muddy Waters (50s), Nat King Cole (40s/50s), Robert Johnson (30s), Fats Domino (50s).
Together they struck gold
What was the name of the 80s song that starts out "When the lights go down in the California town, people are in for the evening ...”
It’s "Gold" and itwas performed by JOHN STEWART and STEVIE NICKS in the version that became a hit in the early 1980s.
This answer may be self-evident
Help! I'm a fifth grade teacher looking for a song I remember singing in high school, 20-some years ago. I seem to recall it being done by The 5th Dimension, but I may be wrong. The song had the words of the Declaration of Independence. You know: "We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal." I would like to teach this song to my kids, but I don't know the title or the artist.
"The Americans." It was performed, so to speak, by a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, named GORDON SINCLAIR ... it was the only song/piece he ever recorded.
He sang "She"
I'm looking for a specific song, I don't know the artist or the title, but I believe it was sung by either Andy Williams or Jack Jones, or someone similar. I know only a few lines, it goes like this: She may be the reason I survive, or She may be the reason I'm alive. that's all I know. I can hum the tune if I need to.
We're relatively certain the song you're talking about is called "She (Tous Les Visages de L'Amour)" performed by CHARLES AZNAVOUR and others.
Who's on first?
Can you tell me who sang first on "We are the World"? I'm in a quiz and I really need to win a camera.
The first voice is that of LIONEL RICHIE.
Blood, Sweat and Tears ... and the devil
I'm looking for a title and artist of the following lyrics: "I don't wanna go by the devil. I don't wanna go by the demon. I don't by devil. I don't wanna go uneasy."
It’s "And When I Die" and was made popular by BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS.
Two songs in one ... well, sorta
There's a song that a friend and I have been arguing about for a while. It's country-rock-ish and starts out "More than I can say..." something, then "Falling in and out of love" a few times, then turns into another song, "Amy, what you wanna do... I think I could stay with you..." What the heck is it called, and what are the lyrics? If it's called just "Amy,” I owe him a beer.
You're talking about two different songs, but things are a little tricky. The songs are by the PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE and they both appear on their album, "Bustin' Out." Side Two starts off with track one, "Falling In and Out Of Love.” Then comes track two, "Amie." (note the odd spelling of Amie). "Amie" is the one that has the line ... "Amie, whatchoo wanna do ... I think I could stay with you for a while maybe longer if I do ... etc." It was a hit. BUT ... the songs kind of bleed together (with a very tiny break between), and as you listen, it's obvious that the first song was meant to be sort of a curtain-raiser for "Amie." Sometimes DJs would play them together in the FM days of the 1970s. So that's why it sounds like one long song. But it's really two.
Who's helpin' ya now, baby?
Who sang 'I Can Help,” at least we think that is the name of the song. It starts, “If you got a problem I don't care what it is, if you got a problem I can assure you this, I can help."
"I Can Help" was performed by BILLY SWAN.
Argument ends with Badfinger
My friend Mark says that the Beatles recorded this song. We don't know the title, but it was from the late 60's or early 70's. “If you want it, here it is, come and get it -- but you better hurry cause it's going fast.” Winner gets a new CD.
"COME AND GET IT" was performed by BADFINGER -- not the Beatles. Hit #7 on the U.S. pop charts in 1970. The reasons it could be mistaken for the Beatles, I guess, is that Badfinger recorded on the same "Apple" label as the Beatles and Paul McCartney actually wrote the song and signed the band to his label.
OK, who really ate who?
I recently found the song “Timothy” by the BUOYS, and a friend said, “Oh yeah, that song about the soccer team that practiced cannibalism ...” Although I agree old Tim got eaten, I argued that it had nothing to do with the crash in the Andes Mountains. (The Buoys’ tune, written by Rupert Holmes, is a fictional tale about three boys who wander into a cave and resort to their darker side after it collapses on them. The two stronger boys begin to eye the weaker one, Timothy, as possible source of food. That’s followed by a “we all passed out” sequence, a rescue with “our stomachs full as they could be.” Ahem. It was on the charts in early 1971, and the plane crash involving the Uruguayan soccer team in the Andes didn’t occur until 1972. The song never actually confirms that Timothy -- “where on Earth have you gone?” -- gets eaten by the other two starving guys in the collapsed cave, but it certainly wants you to believe that he does. Poor Tim.)
Editor
Tony Tranfa
------------------------
Research and rescue
Sam Gnerre
------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Contributors, witnesses and bagmen
Johnny Nightshade of NYC, John K. of the South Bay, Tim and Phil of Runaway Bay, Stephanie W. and Dave Z. of the DB, and other assorted cohorts, friends and poseurs.Thanks to everyone who has sent in answers for the Graveyard page, especially the Mercenary Solver.
Special thanks, as always, to Rob at Off/Beat Music in Redondo Beach, Calif.
------------------------------------
@ Copyright 2002
All rights reserved
