April is done so it is time to move forward with, hopefully, no more snow. I miss my furbabes but they gave me such joy like any animal does..I mean, look at this horse! I thought about "Happy" and each person will try to describe it and we can agree with what you feel, experience, say but your version of happiness may not do it for us. Music can bring so much happiness but some love heavy metal which drives me around the bend especially when their voices twerk to a devilish sound. Here are 3 songs I thought of that make me happy..
1. COME ON, GET HAPPY SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND-1950
Judy Garland just came from a sanitarium to squelch her drug habit which she did. She gained weight but felt happy and content. MGM decided to make a film with Judy called "Summer Stock" starring Gene Kelly which, is not a great musical despite some memorable musical performances. When we first see Judy, she is sitting on a tractor singing blissfully in her overalls and one is shocked by her weight gain (shame on me for thinking that way). When the film was done, they placed Judy on a strict diet and, to deal with the stress, she went back to the pills. A few months later, she was quite svelte and, needing another number for this film, she did this one, which was written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ted Koehler back in 1930 and introduced by Ruth Etting. The funny thing is she lost quite a few pounds when she did this song only to have gained it back 4 minutes later. Gotta love the movies.
2. HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN SUNG BY BARBRA STREISAND-1963
I always remember when Barbra was on Judy Garland's show and they combined their 2 big hits together to create something special. I believe I showed it on my blog last year sometime. Anyway, this song was written by Milton Ager with lyrics by Jack Yellen in 1929. It became mega famous when FDR used this song for his campaign trail and it became his tune..thankfully he never sang it. Funny that this song was created the year the stock market crashed bringing in the Great Depression.
3. MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY SUNG BY JIMMY DURANTE-1964
I bet we have all heard this song before because it is used in many films and even commercials. I think Jimmy sings it best because he puts so much heart into it. It was actually created by the famous pair Adolph Green and Betty Comden with music by Jules Styne for the Broadway show Do-Re-Mi that came out in 1960.
Here is one more because...I can:).
You don't wabnt to like this song but you just can't help it.
What songs make you think "Happy".
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday, dear friend! Regarding the image at the top of your post - I did NOT give you permission to use a picture of me!
No heavy metal today, BB? Well, I think we can all agree that the next best thing is Judy Garland singing in a movie musical. :) Yessum, it seems like a "Jarring Juxtaposition" for Judy's weight and appearance to change significantly from scene to scene in Summer Stock. Perhaps the film should have been titled "Slimmer Stocky." (See what I did there?)
I prefer Barbra's style to that of Judy, and this performance of "Happy Days" is sublime. Barbra is fearless, calm and confident, her voice powerful yet refined, making this live performance one of the great moments in TV history. My singing in the shower simply cannot compare.
Yessum, I well remember Jimmy Durante's "Make Someone Happy." Jimmy's hoarse, gravelly singing voice was close to his hoarse, gravelly speaking voice, but the lack of range and refinement endeared Jimmy to audiences. He was real, relatable, an ordinary guy.
I also well remember the splash made by Pharrell Wms. with his "Happy" song. While not one of my favorites, it is essential for a "happy songs" list.
I'd like to add one more to that list. In 1979, Motown soul man Edwin Starr adapted to the changing times and made a comeback with a couple of Disco hits that included a song about his favorite station - "H.A.P.P.Y. Radio":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-BFZ4f38EM
Thank you for the music and good cheer, dear friend BB. Have a super day and I'll be waiting for you tamale in the balcony-- "At The Movies!"
I’m late but at least I am here and am glad you like that pic. Nope no heavy metal but am glad you like both even if you prefer Barbra over Judy. You are right about Jimmy Durante and he is loveable. Happy song does make one happy.
DeleteI enjoyed you suggestion very much and it made me happy.
Obviously, I've heard of all three musicians, but I have never seen any of these films. I DO know the songs, though. And that in itself makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteBUT, where is my heavy metal? Do you have something against Pink Floyd (grin)?
I love Pink Floyd which is not heavy metal to me:). I’m glad you know all these songs.
DeleteYou did good - I can't think of any songs with happy in the title outside of what you named.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed these
DeleteYou're fabulous at this. Funny that they all seem so joyful, except Barbs. She looks clinically depressed and enraged while singing about happy days. Or maybe I'm just projecting.
ReplyDeleteLove ya, Birgit.
Yeah, Babs does look a bit sad. Maybe it’s all that money she was making.
Deletethis is my favorite version of "Happy," with this running a close second.
ReplyDeleteI want to be happy. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ysN-tqZRI
ReplyDeleteThis is a great one.
DeleteI do rather like the movie Summer Stock. Not a fave, but it's a nice diversion.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I do like this scene above and the Kelly dance with newspapers as well as his dance with Judy.
DeleteYou've made some excellent picks. I'll add "Happy Talk" from South Pacific. That one used to brighten my daughters when I'd sing it to them.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
OMG! I totally forgot that one and what a great pick. I can here that actress now singing that tune
DeleteListening to "Make Someone Happy" for the first time, made me happy :)
ReplyDeleteSame here!
DeleteDon’t Worry, Be Happy is the first one to spring to mind (Bobby McFerrin?)
ReplyDeleteYes, that is a good song and I like the video with Robin Williams and that Broadway Star whose name has escaped me...bummer
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