Literally spent an hour this week trying to remember which movie I had seen that led me to add this week's tune to the pantheon of tunes that make up Friday Night Jukebox. It's Wikipedia entry lists American Graffiti and Three Men and a Baby as movies where it was featured (if you've seen the latter you probably won't forget its placement), but I haven't seen either in years. Eventually I gave up--my guess is a week from now it will pop into my mind. No matter, if nothing else it gave me an intro for this week's post....
The Spaniels formed in Gary, Indiana in 1952 at their high school in Gary, Indiana. They are considered the first successful doo-wop group to come out of the Midwest. As was the custom in their day, they were mostly a singles band that toured constantly on what was once known as the Chitlin Circuit. Unfortunately, their label, Vee-Jay, went bankrupt in 1966 and the band stopped performing. They reunited in 1969, had another hit, before parting again in 1970. The Spaniels had two competing incarnations for many years on the oldies circuit. Sadly, all of the original members have passed away.
Fun Fact: The Spaniels are considered pioneers in pop music by some because they were the first group to spotlight their frontman with his own microphone while the remaining members shared a second one.
"Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite" was released as a single in 1954. As it was in the day when albums were an afterthought, there was no album release, though it would be released on a number of hits packages and oldies collections through the years. The song hit #5 (with a bullet!) on the Billboard R & B Chart. A version by the much whiter McGuire Sisters hit # 8 on Billboard's then version of its current Hot 100.
It's a testament to the talents of the five men who made up the Spaniels how in just two short years since their beginning they made a record as wondrous as "Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite." The harmonies are as good as any I've ever heard, and the segues into the solo verses are as smooth as silk. The bass singer's intro (and add ons ) to the chorus, as well as the sweet but soft laments of an electric guitar are fine moments, as well. And when you add in lyrics about not wanting to say good night to your lovely lady...well, it's a doo wop dream.
Lyric Sheet: "I hate to leave you I really must say/Oh, good night sweetheart, good night..."
Enjoy:
Republican = Traitor
Peace,
emaycee
No comments:
Post a Comment