I love Maureen O'Hara who was not only beautiful, strong and vivacious but had a great voice. She loved her birth place, Ireland, and sang many songs that made her think of her beloved home. I thought I would share some with you...
1. IRISH MEDLEY WITH O'HARA, PERRY COMO AND THE MCGUIRE SISTERS
Isn't this great? Well, I think so with a nice group of traditional Irish songs. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral is one of my favourites as I heard it sung by Bing Crosby in the film, "Going My Way." It was composed in 1913 (Happy Birthday daddy-March 14, 1913) by James Royce Shannon for Tin Pan Alley musical, "Shameen Dhu." "Dear Old Donegal" was made popular by Bing Crosby, again, and was written by Steve Graham back in 1942. "When Irish Eyes Were Smiling" is a popular tune for sure sung by Der Bingle and many others. It was written in 1912 with lyrics by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jnr. and music by Ernest Ball. Finally, we have "Did Your Mother Come From Ireland" written in 1936 by Michael Carr & Jimmy Kennedy first performed by...guess? Yup Bing baby.
2. DANNY BOY-1913
I had this song, sung by her, on previously but how can one not choose "Danny Boy. I had to showcase this song again with Maureen singing it because she was such a huge Irish patriot (and loved her second country -U.S.A.). This was written by Frederic Weatherly and it was set to the music of Londonderry Air.
3. THE NEXT MARKET DAY FROM 1961
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteIt was kind of you to once again mention your daddy as you mark his birthday the same week that we celebrate St. Paddy's Day.
Thanks for posting these great song performances by Maureen O'Hara. The first video, the three song medley, was nicely executed by all of the performers. My mother loved Perry Como and The McGuires. I have made this observation countless times before, but it struck me again as I watched the first video. Perry, Bing, The McGuires and other singing stars of the period had a soothing, calming effect on the audience. They didn't scowl, howl, growl, eat fire, spit blood or destroy musical instruments on stage. No wonder my mother couldn't tolerate rock when it came along. She found the music I loved disconcerting and absolutely couldn't relate to it. So, even at the end of the medley, the up tempo portion with everyone dancing and spinning their partners, you got the sense that calm would soon be restored. The whole point of entertaining people was to leave them feeling happy and optimistic, with a sense that everything's going to be alright in the end. That attitude toward the audience or listener changed drastically in the years that followed when angry protests and raps were set to music. I appreciate all of it, the old and the new.
Maureen really had a beautiful voice, and I love to listen to her Irish accent as she sings. I remember "Danny Boy" as the theme of The Danny Thomas Show. It was even used recently in a TV commercial for Progressive Insurance.
"The Next Market Day" is indeed a very pretty song. I never heard it before. Maureen was blessed with a long life. She was 95 when she passed away just before Halloween in 2015.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful Irish songs by Maureen O'Hara. The song that immediately popped into my mind is "The Unicorn," the 1968 top 10 novelty hit single by a group you should know, The Irish Rovers of Toronto, Canada, an act named after the traditional song "The Irish Rover."
Have a happy Wednesday, dear friend BB, and I'll see you tamale in the balcony - "At The Movies!"
You appreciate that more than me as I am not one for that heavy metal stuff. I'm glad you enjoyed listening to her music. Yes, The Irish Rovers are big here in my land.
DeleteThat voice! Wow. And that red, red hair. She's gorgeous (as a brunette too).
ReplyDeleteLuck o' the Irish to you, Birgit.
She is one of the most beautiful
DeleteOMG, until I read your post, I forgot it was St. Patrick's Day!
ReplyDeletehahaaa..yes, it can go right on by
DeleteA current Irish singer we like is Paul Brady. He often plays in Glasgow.
ReplyDeleteI am listening to Paul Brady while writing my comments. He is quite good.
DeleteI'm with you. I love Maureen O'Hara. I don't think she ever made a bad movie. Thanks for sharing these songs. I didn't realize she sang. Thoroughly enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed listening to her. I don't think she ever made a bad movie. Some mare better than others but all are good.
DeleteI didn’t know she sang, too. Her voice is rich and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is and such a shame she didn't do a musical.
DeleteMaureen O'Hara was such a lovely lady. I always enjoyed her in the film, "The Parent Trap". That was a fun movie. Thanks for the St. Patty's Day song picks.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was good in that film and glad you liked the songs
DeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day. I hadn't heard any of these songs, so I was thrilled you shared these with us on this day of wearing the green.
ReplyDeleteHave to celebrate somehow:)
DeleteHi Birgit - St Patrick's Day passed me by ... but the Irish have wonderful lilting voices ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYes, it is gone until next year but still lovely to listen to.
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