Wednesday, August 11, 2010

True Love Ways...

My friend Lulu invited me over for dinner tonight, and she showed me an old vintage LP of Buddy Holly's that a friend had given her, called The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. 2. It had some beautiful songs on it, but my favorite was "True Love Ways". I love trivia, and I love six degrees of separation, and that song has both. Buddy Holly recorded the song with the Ray Ellis orchestra, and if you listen, there's a fabulous tenor saxophone solo by Abraham "Boomie" Richman, who played in the original recording of the iconic theme for The Godfather. "True Love Ways" was also successfully recorded by Mickey Gilley, whose cousins are Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

Ray Ellis used several pseudonyms as a composer, and composed the music for television shows and cartoon shows, including Spiderman and The Archie Show, and even the original theme for NBC's Today Show. He was also the backup orchestra for several singers, from Billie Holiday to Barbra Streisand. Now, if anyone should ever ask you how to connect The Archie Show or The Godfather to Buddy Holly, Barbra Streisand and Jimmy Swaggart, you can tell them. Interesting bit of trivia, hey?

Here is one of Buddy Holly's prettiest songs.  Listen for the wonderful saxophone. It's beautiful.

19 comments:

KathyB. said...

This is a beautiful song, I remember my parents playing Buddy Holly on the record player. His songs bring back many childhood memories.

All of life seems to be interconnected in some way, doesn't it?

DJan said...

I remember playing Buddy Holly on MY record player when I was young. Kathy must be a generation or two younger than me.

I also like that six degrees of separation idea and how interconnected we really are to each other. I enjoyed our phone conversation yesterday, too. Meeting a new friend is always exciting, and you are one I know so much about, too, because of your wonderful blog.

Alissa Grosso said...

That is a pretty song, and thanks for the music trivia. I may have to use it to stump my know-it-all father.

Charles Gramlich said...

I definitely think Holly was very talented. Such a loss that he died so young.

Katy said...

I think this song is almost better now that I have learned the six degrees of seperation. I think in this case it just highlighted for me how these musicians are just people who are working... moving from one project from the next. Somehow that makes it all more human.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Love this song and I have been sitting here in my office playing it over and over. Th young pool goers are looking all around to see where it is coming from. It has occured to me that I am easily entertained!

Marguerite said...

Love Buddy Holly and this song, but my favorite is "Raining in My Heart". Very interesting trivia, too!

The Bug said...

Beautiful!

Jennifer said...

How beautiful and relaxing. I client of mine just put me over the edge, and now I am smoothly sliding back to me. Thank you. BTW I love your new photo.

TC said...

I love Buddy, I think he died a bit before my time but he's such a big influence....

Laurie said...

One of my absolute favorite songs...and I think I like Mickey Gilley's version best. Thanks for sharing this!

Vijay said...

hi, thanks fo visiting and supporting my blog

Pls do add my blog link in your blog lists...In favour let me add yours

And if you have any views about Love pls dont forgot to drop some comments in your views in my article LOVE IN INDIA..

And see I following yur blog..

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Buddy Holly was marvelous! And this is such an interesting post, Jo. I always learn something when I come here - I knew about Ray Ellis, but did not know that Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart were related.

mrsnesbitt said...

Hubby is a big 50's fan! Great stuff Jo!

Russell said...

The beauty of this song is its simplicity. More often than not, simple is best.

I always laugh at people who use big fancy phrases such as "so... did the suspect in question exit the proported crime scene in said vehicle of previously mentioned description?"

In other words, "did the man leave in a yellow car?" Heh!

CHummelKornell said...

Gosh, I was pretty young at the time, but I did listen to and love Buddy Holly. So many great talents seemed to live and die in the late 50's early 60's. Perhaps had the lived longer their individuality would have been lost in an attempt to stay abreast of the changing music. That would have been sad indeed. Love the mixture of the big band era with rock-a-billy performers. I'm sure it's my age, but I miss the music of the 50's and 60's. Thanks for a great post, Jo.

richelle jean said...

i love buddy holly. :)

RiverPoet said...

Buddy Holly was awesome. It's such a shame he died so young....Peace - D

Whitney Lee said...

Buddy Holly always makes me think of my uncle. Peggy Sue was his favorite and he'd always get up and dance when he heard it. Even if I weren't a fan I would appreciate Holly for those memories.

Actually, it's been awhile since I've listened to him. I think I'll turn on my iPod...By the way, I think 'Everyday' may be my favorite. It always makes me smile.