Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 28, 2003

DEAR JERRY: While browsing through the archives of your past columns I ran across one where you discussed some of the geographical references in popular music.

This gives me reason to believe you may know of some songs — any songs, hits or otherwise — that mention the home towns of both my husband and me.

I say that you can do it, but hubby is convinced that you cannot come up with a song that includes either one of the cities, much less both.

It's tough with these two towns. He was born in Prescott, Arizona and I am from Duluth, Minnesota.

Whoever is wrong has to do all the cooking one night soon. Help me out here!
—Imogene Quillan, Evansville, Ind.

DEAR IMOGENE: Your confidence in me shall be rewarded, and you will soon be the guest of honor at dinner.

Marty Robbins includes Prescott — specifically Arizona and not Wisconsin or elsewhere — in his 1960 hit single “Ride, Cowboy Ride” (Columbia 41771).

As for Duluth, your city is one of the areas singled out by Teresa Brewer in “The Hula Hoop Song” (Coral 62033). In this 1958 Top 40 hit, Duluth is mentioned as a hula hoop hot spot. If you were a young girl and living there at the time, I'll bet you had one a-twirling.


DEAR JERRY: Years ago I heard that the Monkees “Headquarters” is the only album to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Top 100 LP chart that does not contain a song that, as a 45 rpm single, made their Top 100 survey.

Is this true?
—Phil Conley, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

DEAR PHIL: Nope, not at all.

It may surprise you to learn that the second rock and roll album ever to reach No. 1, “Elvis,” does not contain any charted 45 rpm singles. Four tracks from this 1956 LP charted in the EP format, but none as singles.

Otherwise, most of the soundtrack and original cast albums that topped the charts did so without a boost from anything issued on singles.

The same can be said about the numerous jazz, religious, instrumental, live concert, and comedy albums that reached No. 1 — all before “Headquarters” in the summer of '67.

DEAR JERRY: Judging from “American Pie,” it seems Don McLean must have been a fan of Buddy Holly's.

I also know he had hit recordings of songs that were popular by, and paid tribute to, stars like Roy Orbison (“Crying”), Fred Astaire (“Wonderful Baby”), and the Skyliners (“Since I Don't Have You”).

All of which raises the question, did he ever actually record any of Buddy Holly's songs?
—Dell Quinn, York, Pa.

DEAR DELL: Though none became as popular as the three you mention, Don did record a few of Buddy's tunes.

At least four come immediately to mind: “Everyday; It Doesn't Matter Anymore;” Raining in My Heart;” and “Fool's Paradise.”

Another of Don's favorite singers, and one also referenced in “American Pie,” is Marty Robbins. McLean even has a CD full of Marty's music, appropriately titled “Don McLean Sings Marty Robbins.”

DEAR JERRY: This is in response to the question about the Legendary Stardust Cowboy, asked in April, by Teresa Dunbar of York, Pa.

The Legendary one is alive and well here in San Jose, California. In fact, I released his latest album, “Tokyo” (Cracked Piston Recordings).

Fans can now write to him at this address: Legendary Stardust Cowboy, PO Box 36305, San Jose, Ca. 95158.
—Myke Destiny, Sunnyvale, Calif.

DEAR MYKE: We appreciate the update and invitation to write. I am certain you will be hearing from some of those in the studio audience.

IZ ZAT SO? Noteworthy about “Headquarters” is that it is one of their '60s albums on which the Monkees themselves play all the primary instruments.

For most of their other sessions, studio musicians are used.






Return to "Mr. Music" Home Page