HELLO DOLLY [Hello Dolly; 1963; music and lyrics by Jerry Herman] You might have expected this show-stopper to rank even higher on the list. Is there a more famous orContinue readingHELLO DOLLY
I Got Rhythm
In the 1920s, when George Gershwin completed the musical components of a new song, he’d pass the music along to his brother, Ira, for the lyrics. One particular song, though,Continue readingI Got Rhythm
SOMEWHERE
SOMEWHERE [West Side Story; 1957; music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim] The current Ivo van Hove WWS revival is too tattoo-cool to rely on what made this oneContinue readingSOMEWHERE
“What a Glorious Day That Will Be”
“What a glorious day that will be” is a hymn that was written by Jim Hill in the 1950s. Jim Hill says he wrote this hymn after visiting a gravelyContinue reading“What a Glorious Day That Will Be”
Pastures of Plenty
“Pastures of Plenty” is a 1941 composition by Woody Guthrie. Describing the travails and dignity of migrant workers in North America, it is evocative of the world described in JohnContinue readingPastures of Plenty
Going Down The Road Feeling Bad
“Going Down The Road Feeling Bad” (also known as the “Lonesome Road Blues”) is a traditional American folk song, “a white blues of universal appeal and uncertain origin”.The song wasContinue readingGoing Down The Road Feeling Bad
Riding in My Car(also called “Car Car” or “The Car Song”
“Riding in My Car” (also called “Car Car” or “The Car Song”) is a children’s song by Woody Guthrie. Guthrie wrote “Riding in My Car” during a productive period inContinue readingRiding in My Car(also called “Car Car” or “The Car Song”
The Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done
t’s not among Woody Guthrie’s most well-known songs, but it certainly deserves more recognition. “The Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done” was written during Guthrie’s stay in the Pacific Northwest.Continue readingThe Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done
“I Ain’t Got No Home
“I Ain’t Got No Home” is a song Woody wrote along with many other songs of the Dust Bowl, released on Victor Records in 1940 as Dust Bowl Ballads. It’sContinue reading“I Ain’t Got No Home
Ship in the Sky
Ship in the Sky is one of Woody Guthrie’s songs and lyrics published in 1946. This week I will do Woody’s songs. Many are already on the website (www.haroldsbanjo.com) WoodrowContinue readingShip in the Sky