DEAR JERRY: At one point in the film "The Accidental Tourist," actress Geena Davis sings a song about Santa Claus.
Though not known for her singing, she actually does a decent job on this cute little tune.
I don't know the title, but I am hoping you can research this catchy song for me. Was it written especially for the movie, or was it a hit at one time by another singer? Could it be that it's on CD by someone?
Victoria Lawson, Scottsdale, Ariz.
DEAR VICTORIA: No and Yes.
Titled "I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus," the song first came out in 1956, by "Little" Brenda Lee (Decca 88215).
Because this is not one of Brenda Lee's big hits, having it turn up in a film 32 years later is in itself a surprise. Geena's live film version not lip synched is nearly identical in style to Brenda's recording.
You can easily obtain "I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus" on CD. One that comes to mind is "Hillbilly Holiday" (Rhino 70195).
Did you know that Geena Davis won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Accidental Tourist"?
DEAR JERRY: I know Ike & Tina Turner were backed by a girl vocal group named The Ikettes.
Were they the same Ikettes who recorded "I'm Blue" and "Peaches and Cream"?
It doesn't seem that another group would also call themselves The Ikettes.
Natalie Adams, Westerville, Ohio
DEAR NATALIE: The original trio, who backed Ike and Tina Turner and recorded "I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" (Atco 6212), were: Delores Johnson, Jo "Joshie" Armsted, and Eloise Hester.
In late 1964, a new trio recorded as the Ikettes as the group began the first of six singles for Modern: "Camel Walk" (Modern 1003) "Peaches 'N' Cream" (Modern 1005), "(He's Gonna Be) Fine, Fine, Fine" (Modern 1008), "I'm So Thankful" (Modern 1011), "(Never More) Lonely For You" (Modern 1015), and "Not That I Recall" (Modern 1024).
The line-up on Modern were: Jessica Smith, Robbie Montgomery, and Venetta Fields.
In early 1968, Jessica, Robbie, and Venetta recorded "In the Midnight Hour" (Revue 11004), using the name the Mirettes.