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December 31, 2020 8:19 am  #1


When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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!

 

December 31, 2020 8:59 am  #2


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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.

 

December 31, 2020 9:22 am  #3


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

There was also Bobby Darin's Christmas Auld Lang Syne, which got to #51 in 1960. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgdg53B-lDc

 

December 31, 2020 10:18 am  #4


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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.

 

January 2, 2021 5:11 am  #5


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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)

 

January 2, 2021 11:25 am  #6


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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.  

 

January 3, 2021 5:23 am  #7


Re: When Auld Lang Syne Hit The Pop Charts - Sort Of

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)

 

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