It just feels like the whole world is having a heat wave with people sweltering, forest fires and once large rivers and lakes drying up....it’s just nuts and I hate it. I hate the dead of summer because I can’t breathe and have a hard time sweating. Call it a gift from my mom and her dad but I just have no idea what it feels like to have beads of sweat fall from my forehead. It’s weird but it’s true and I am so thankful for the air conditioning. That made me think about songs that are all about heat...not in heat although the songs might imply otherwise.
1. WE’RE HAVING A HEATWAVE SUNG BY ETHEL MERMAN-1938
This song is by Irving Berlin for the show “As Thousands Cheer” from 1933. I believe it was introduced by Ethel Waters but I like the way the other Ethel sings it. Marilyn Monroe made it famous again singing it in “ There’s No Business Like Show Business” which also stars Ethel Merman.
2. TOO DARN HOT SUNG BY ELLA FITZGERALD-1956
This is from another musical theatre hit called, “Kiss Me Kate” from 1948, made more famous by Ann Miller who sang the song in the film version and tap danced to it as well. I actually like the way Ella sings this song.
3. STEAM HEAT SUNG BY GEORGIA ENGEL -1976
Who knew sweet little Georgia could steam it up on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. When I saw this episode..um...when it came out back then, I was in Shock because you just don’t expect this from this gal, but she delivers. This song is also from a musical hit called “The Pajama Game” made famous by Carol Haney, in 1948, who also starred in the film version starring Doris Day and John Raitt ( Bonnie Raitt’s dad).
Which hot songs can you come up with?
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI'm back from hiatus and back in the blogging game, dear friend. It's great to see you again. I hope you are fully recovered now after chug-a-lugging 50 gallons of Janitor in a Drum and becoming ill in a failed attempt to prep for the Roto-Rooter man.
It was delightful to see and hear a young Ethel Merman fronting an orchestra and performing a familiar song from my youth, "We're Having a Heat Wave, a Tropical Heat Wave." Ethel was a lithe looker in the 30s, but intimidating as a Sherman Tank in 1963 when she played the hell on wheels mother-in-law in It's a Mad, Mad World.
I remember the musical Kiss Me Kate, but never saw it and don't remember the song "Too Darn Hot" by Ella Fitzgerald. However, I enjoyed it.
I also well remember The Pajama Game and (believe it or nuts) saw the 1957 film version as a boy. I believe it is the movie that ignited my interest in Doris Day and led me to become somewhat of a Doris "completist,' having seen just about all of her pictures by now plus her TV series. It was a pleasure to see Georgia Engel break character and deliver an authentic performance of "Steam Heat" on MTM. As you might know, Georgia took ill and died in 2019 at the too young age of 70.
My hot song Picks to Click include the Billy Idol biggie "Hot In The City" and two Shady Dell jukebox hits: "Summer In The City" by The Lovin' Spoonful, and the body heat song "98.6" by Keith.
Thanks for the morning music, dear friend BB. I'll be waiting for you tamale in the balcony-- "At The Movies!"
Hi Birgit - glad you've got air-con to see you through ... we've been hot over here - but thankfully cooler now. Some fun choices to listen to here - as too Shady's selections - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the first two songs, but the third one was new to me. Georgia did a great job, and look at those legs!
ReplyDeleteI did an art journal page using Summer in the City. I like this theme.
Yes, thank goodness for A/C, although I often go outside to warm up. ☺ You and I are opposites when it comes to weather, but both are health-related. C'est la vie! Love your song choices and I remember Georgia Engel's performance well. So unlike her shy character!
ReplyDeleteMy mother doesn't sweat, either. We always had to be careful in the hot months to make sure she didn't get heat stroke. Alas, I inherited my father's grandmother's sweat glands. It just gets a bit above the temp I like, and I'm a puddle. Any exertion, same.
ReplyDeleteThe U.K. had a heatwave, allegedly. We totally missed it by being on one of the Outer Hebrides and I am very glad!
ReplyDeleteSadly, everything I can think of is very cheesy. Summer Nights from Grease. Summer, the First Time by Bobby Goldsborough. In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry.