Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2002

DEAR JERRY: When I listen to “I Can't Begin to Tell You,” by Bing Crosby, I always wonder who the pianist accompanying him is.

His playing is simply sensational! Could it be Liberace, before he became famous? I know that other pianists, such as Barry Manilow, worked as studio musicians for many different artists.
—Fred D. Roberts

DEAR FRED: Since the identity of the pianist is not a mystery to me, when I listen to “I Can't Begin to Tell You,” it is crystal clear why Dean Martin credits Bing as his greatest inspiration. This tune is s-o-o-o-o Deanish!

The keyboard whiz heard here is famous bandleader Carmen Cavallaro, who is also the arranger on the August 7, 1945 session that produced “I Can't Begin to Tell You.” The record came out in October and quickly took over the No. 1 spot on the charts.

Worth noting too is that the 1945 film, “The Dolly Sisters,” starring Betty Grable and John Payne, features “I Can't Begin to Tell You.”

DEAR JERRY: Between 1969 and 1973, while living in Seminole County Florida, I heard a song that is based on some sort of confrontation between a teenager and his parents.

The issues between them are typical '60s stuff, like the kids' way of dressing, where they go, who they are with, etc.

I would love to know the title, artist, and other information about this mystery song.
—Teresa C. McGill, Evansville, Ind.

DEAR TERESA: First issued in 1971, the title of your mystery tune is “Once You Understand” (Laurie 3583), made by a group called Think.

Strangely, Big Tree records reissued “Once You Understand” (#15000) a mere two years later. This time it again received scattered air play, but the track didn't become nearly as popular as the 1971 original.


DEAR JERRY: Between 1969 and 1973, while living in Seminole County Florida, I heard a song that is based on some sort of confrontation between a teenager and his parents.

The issues between them are typical '60s stuff, like the kids' way of dressing, where they go, who they are with, etc.

I would love to know the title, artist, and other information about this mystery song.
—Teresa C. McGill, Evansville, Ind.

DEAR TERESA: First issued in 1971, the title of your mystery tune is “Once You Understand” (Laurie 3583), made by a group called Think.

Strangely, Big Tree records reissued “Once You Understand” (#15000) a mere two years later. This time it again received scattered air play, but the track didn't become nearly as popular as the 1971 original.

DEAR JERRY: “Norma Rae” is a film I have watched many times, partly because it is outstanding, but mostly because I never tire of hearing Jennifer Warnes sing “Child of a Working Man.” I am, in fact, a child of a working man.

However, I have tried everywhere to find this song, but it does not appear on any of Jennifer's records.
—Darlene Simpson-Brown, Buckley, Wash.

DEAR DARLENE: If the song you seek has the verse “Ah, bless the child of a working man, she knows too soon who she is. And bless the hands of a working man, oh, he knows his soul is his,” then your search is over.

“Child of a working man” is merely one of lines in “It Goes Like It Goes (Theme from Norma Rae),” which just happens to be the Academy Award winner for 1979 in the Best Original Song category.

You will find this song on “The Best of Jennifer Warnes,” which is easily available.

IZ ZAT SO? The incredibly gifted Liberace is one of a handful of superstars — like Nana Mouskouri, who we recently wrote about in this regard — to fashion extremely successful careers without the benefit of charted hits.

From 1955 forward, Liberace's name does not appear even once on any of the singles or albums charts. Asked about it once, he wryly replied: “I cry … all the way to the bank.”






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