Yesterday, on my walk away from work, I heard a great, great, great song: Sing, Sing, Sing.
As usual, when I write a post for you, I learn something. Already, today, I’ve learned three new things about Sing, Sing, Sing:
- Sing, Sing, Sing was written by Louis Prima.
- The original title had three additional words: Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing).
- The song has lyrics.
Here’s a version I love of Sing, Sing, Sing, featuring
- Gary Burton on vibes,
- Eddie Daniels on clarinet, and
- Peter Erskine on drums.
(found here on YouTube)
Here’s a second — and the best-known — version of Sing, Sing, Sing, performed by Benny Goodman (and featuring the amazing Gene Krupa on drums).
(found here on YouTube)
Before I wrote this post, I assumed that Sing, Sing, Sing was written by Benny Goodman. Here’s the third version, performed by the composer (including the lyrics):
(found here on YouTube)
I really, really, really like the name Sing, Sing, Sing, especially since I’ve been writing (here, here, and here) about singing
- more publicly,
- with more confidence in my skills, and
- letting go of fear.
My goals, to do that, have included:
- Joining a chorus.
- Joining a local production of a musical, and
- Finding an Open Microphone singing venue.
I’ve done the first two on that list before, but that third type of performance would be new to me.
I hereby resolve — with my readers as my witness — that, this three-day weekend, I shall take the following steps to meet Goal #3:
- Google “singing open mics near Boston”
- Call one of the venues.
- I can’t think of a third thing that would help me do this. Can you?
As usual, I’d like to include some photos in this post. Since Gary Burton was my original inspiration for this post, I’ll show you three photos of him, in chronological order.
Here’s a photo of Gary Burton, in 1973:
(photo NOT found here, even though Google tells me so)
Here’s a photo of Gary Burton (center), three years before the above performance with the GRP All-Star Big Band, when he was the Dean of Curriculum of Berklee College of Music, in Boston:
And here’s Gary, these days, on the cover of his 2013 autobiography, Learning to Listen.
(photo found here)
I haven’t read that book yet (because when I do have time to read, it’s blogs, blogs, blogs), but “Learning to Listen” is a great three-word title, isn’t it?
In researching this post, I also googled “quotes about three,” and here are three of my favorites:
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
— BuddhaBy three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
— ConfuciusIn three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
— Robert Frost
Thanks to all!
Find that mic!
Enjoy your singing!
Post your video!
Okay! Okay! Okay!
The version with lyrics sounds so different from the instrumental “most well known” version! But it was neat to hear a “big band” version and more of a “jazz” version. (I only used quotation marks because it’s what I’m hearing and may not be an accurate description of what they really are!)
And now you have me explaining myself. I’ve obviously been reading your blog too long!
😀 😀 😀 Happy Friday!
You may have been reading my blog “too long,” Kate, but I hope hope hope you never stop!
love the Robert Frost quote.
love that (1) you loved it, (2) you read it here, and (3) you commented.
I didn’t know it had lyrics. The kids and I have bounced along to this song on many a road trip (the movie “Swing Kids” introduced it to them.) Thanks for sharing!
I love that image of the three of you bouncing along to that song, T.D. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiates 4.
Did you know Ann, that 3 is the number of completion? Loved this post!
Diana xo
Thanks for completing my day, Diana, with this triple-cool comment.
Ann xxxooo
I have 3 answers to your Question 3 (a third thing to help you with the Open Mic) – do it as soon as possible, don’t think about it too much beforehand, and sing from the heart. Good luck!
What a great triple play, Annabelle! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thanks for the Louis Prima version especially and for the great quotes. Please post a video of your performance.
!!! First I have to do the performance. But I will keep your request in mind …
Oh, the open mike, Ann. I witnessed many nights during my newspaper career. The nerves of the first-timers were always interesting to witness. The confidence that soon rushed in was a triumph! I hope you find yours this weekend, my friend.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Mark. When your words aren’t here, I miss them.
I try to always make it over, Ann. That Friday: No YLNJ yet pre-work, no time to read at lunch, walk Ellie B/leave for game after work, double OT game, go to bed. Made up for it yesterday, I hope. I wish you to sing, sing, sing.
No pressure, Mark. Just delight, delight, delight, whenever you get here.
I can’t sing at all. Can’t hold a tune. Can’t remember one. But I’ve singed up for a lyric writing class at university as part of my MFA and so I’ll be singing my heart out and recording it for all posterity, soon.
That makes my heart sing, to hear that.
My brother recorded Sing, Sing, Sing professionally several years ago when he was playing clarinet in a show. I tried to find it for you on Youtube but it doesn’t seem to be there.
I’m glad to hear about it (although it would have been great to see it on YouTube). That’s so cool that your brother plays jazz clarinet. I’m now curious about what kind of show that was.
Hope you can reach your 3rd singing goal this weekend.
That sounds like it would be fun!
Thanks to this comment, I am going to focus on the fun rather than on the fear!
Sing sing sing – Great one!! Now that reel is playing in my head, besides Singing in the Rain. The beat of Sing sing sing is great dance tune. And Ann – so proud of you joining a chorus. I did several times, but they kept MAKING me to attend the church services lol
Ann let us all know and hopefully someone will video your sing sing sing….. Oh Courageous one! ;D
Thank you for this musical and encouraging comment. I appreciate what you wrote, very much, Oh Helpful One!
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