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A site called FYImusicnews has a great story on how the otherwise obscure Auld Lang Syne became a staple of New Year's Eve, especially when performed by Guy Lombardo. It traces the rise of that bandleader and how he wound up being a NYE tradition.
‘Rabbie’ Burns, Guy Lombardo and Days of ‘Auld Lang Syne’
I could be wrong (and if so, I'm sure there are plenty who will rush to correct me) but I think Auld Lang Syne reached the Top 40 charts just once in all these years - and it wasn't even the main tune. It was a song by a doo-wop group called The G-Clefs and was called "I Understand," done to the tune of the New Year's melody. It reached #9 back in 1961. It's pretty depressing so I understand (see what I did there?) why it's not a year-end staple.
But it seems like an appropriate song to play as the annus horribilis that was 2020 comes to an end.
I wish all the Oldies posters a Happy (or at least a better) 2021!
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It's coincidental, but I was listening to my favourite jazz/soul show on Sunday and they closed with Kenny G.'s version of Auld Lang Syne. I looked it up and it did have some chart success.
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Of course this is a different style, yet the sentiment and the familiar tune ends the song, but Dan Fogelberg;s "Same Old Lang Syne" came to mind...as did roger as I wrote this.
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Picked up a Dan Fogelberg Best Of CD a few months ago and thought of Roger. Must be a few years ago now he passed, , the years seem to fly by at turbo speed past a certain age. Time of year for thinking of people that have passed like Roger and Gator Rouge , Wes 50's and Ron Smith of course. Must say losing my wife a few months ago and also having my own close call last August has made me very reflective .
Last edited by Scotty (January 2, 2021 5:13 am)
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Thanks to both of you for your thoughtful posts, and for remembering people who used to post on the former board that we've lost over the years. And Scotty, I also think of your wife in that regard, because of the time that she posted on the board about your birthday -- resulting in a very nice surprise celebration for you there. My thoughts are with you during this holiday season, which I'm sure has been a difficult one for you. Another regular that we lost several years ago was Kris ... she was an excellent contributor to the board, and I also had the pleasure of getting to know her further by email and on Facebook.
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Thank you for the kind words Lorne. Yes it has been difficult , doubled by the fact it would have been her birthday this week, right on top of Christmas.
Last edited by Scotty (January 3, 2021 5:24 am)