Thursday, May 18, 2006

Winner of the Camp Quiz Circa 1940-50: John Curry.

Lawyer and brilliant Republican strategist Curry supplied all three answers: first the line in “Ac-cent-tschu-ate the Positive” —“don’t mess with mister in-Between”…second supplying the word “witchcraft” for the song “That Old Black Magic”…and third supplying the phrase “and one more for the road” from “One for My Baby.” Curry further informs us that he was born in 1953, making him fifty-three, barely the shaving age in the Over-the-Hill club to which I belong. He must have absorbed those songs when he was 10 or 12! Frank Nofsinger came in second at 12:18 p.m. with the correct answers, as well, supplying the fact that he is 69 years old, hardly allowed to take the car keys from this senior citizen writer. At 77 going on 78 I’m looking for a contemporary! Also, the youngest contributor. Anyhow, congratulations to all!

1 comment:

  1. Tom, I appreciate the kind words. As to the source of my appreciation for music made when I was an infant, it is all due to my father.

    My father, born and raised in Ireland, learned music at an early age. But while neighbor kids were learning to play the tin whistle, bodhran, and uillean pipes, my father learned to play the saxophone! He soon played big band music throughout the West of Ireland. When he emigrated to the U.S. in 1947, he soon joined the local big band scene and eventually led his own Irish-community dance band, often playing weddings and parties at the old Graemere Hotel near Garfield Park. One big band pal of his from the 50's was Mike Douglas, who went off to LA to win fame as a TV host and personality. My dad's music career became permanently part time in 1955 when his dance hall on the west side folded. It coincided with the collapse of the big band era, when several famous big bands dissolved, all in the wake of the explosive rise of Elvis and rock-n-roll.

    Anyway, due to my dad's influence, I was buying Glenn Miller records in high school when my pals were buying Beatles and Stones. American popular music of the 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's is a great national treasure. Count me in as one who wants to help keep it alive.

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