This week is theme week over at Monday Music Moves Me, and it is to find songs with “Short” in the title. The very first song I thought of is the Randy Newman song, “ Short People” which many used this week. My mom liked that song and said short people have issues and always feel they have to prove something and can be difficult. I looked at her and reminded her that she was only 5’2” tall, if that and she said “Yes” and continued on bringing up Napoleon as an example. I know I should have songs with “Short” in the title, but most have been used ( you should check it out, some great songs showcased), but I went with short singers with big voices…
1. EARTHA KITT SINGS SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES-1953
This is one of my all time favourite songs and has been sung by many people throughout the years. It was written by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Otto Harbach for the Broadway show, “Roberta” and was made into an Astaire/ Rogers movie of the same name. I thought Eartha, at only 5’2” tall, did a great version of this song.
2. JUDY GARLAND SINGS THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY-1954
We all know that Judy has a powerhouse of a voice, plus was a great dancer and actress but she was only 4’ 11 1/2” tall. I thought she was 5’ 4” but, nope. This is one of her iconic songs that she made her own in this film where she should have won the Oscar. This song was written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ira Gershwin which, also, should have won the Oscar ( over the dreaded, “Three Coins In The Fountain”).
3. EDITH PIAF SING LA VIE EN ROSE-1947
This 4’ 10” tall singer with a voice that could bring people to tears and who lived a life that was anything but boring wrote the lyrics to this song, written by Louiguy with Robert Chauvigny completing the music. This be me her signature song and she became known as the Little Sparrow.
Any songs you can think of with Short in the title or any singers who are short in stature but carry a big voice? I need to get rid of that Shorty Song sung by Fred Astaire that keeps running in my head.
I knew the first and last songs but Judy Garland in the middle song - yes, what a powerful voice. I had no idea of the heights of any of these singers. A nice throwback to earlier times today, and I liked your take on the theme.
ReplyDeleteSince I listen to metal, the late Ronnie James Dio comes to mind. I don't think he was more than five feet tall.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Google, he was 5'3".
DeleteFabulous direction you went with this week's theme, Birgit! What a creative approach and I love it!! 👏 Your mom probably was onto something. I'm 5'2", but never felt like I had to prove something. Her line of logic isn't off base, though. It seems the smaller something take those little ankle biters that yap at anything, mostly horse size dogs, bigger than them, have an attitude. I understand these characteristics in animals. They are designed to be naturally defensive and territorial. I guess humans aren't too far off in the way they think/feel about situations.
ReplyDelete5'2" is on the low end of the "normal or average" height spectrum for women but you know anytime I'm standing next to someone who is less than 5' tall then I feel like a giant. It's funny how your perspective changes when you stack yourself against another. I might not be tall but I'm really quite happy with my height, even if I can't always get something for myself.
Thanks for joining us on the 4M dance floor. By the way, I fixed your UrL It was going to your image at the top and not your post. ;) Have a boogietastic week, dearie. This is CAAC signing off! xo
Lovely photo of your mom, Birgit! ☺ Mine was also 5'2" and often proclaimed she was "Klein, aber Oho", meaning small, but formidable. (Yeah - too formidable! LOL) Such wonderful vocalists you have featured here! I didn't realize Judy Garland was that short. Alex mentioned Ronnie James Dio and I will add Angus Young of AC/DC. He's also 5'2".
ReplyDeleteOh, my mother *hated* "Short People". Hated Randy Newman after that song just generally. As she was short. Sigh.
ReplyDelete