Christmas Movies (My All-Time Best) DJ Mr Ed

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MY REALLY BIG LIST OF THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIES BY
DJ MR ED MULLEN

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
-1965, cartoon, Charles M. Schulz, writer and animator. First Charlie Brown comic strip in 1950. Cast over the years includes: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and Lucy Van Pelt, Schroeder (piano player), Violet, Sally Brown (Charlie’s sister), Peppermint Patty, Marcie (who called PP “sir”), Franklin and Pig-Pen. School teacher with the unintelligible voice.
Group sings “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” while around the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
The Beethoven song that Schroeder plays is “Fur Elise”.

Music Bonus: The most familiar song in this show is called, “Linus and Lucy”. Jazz piano player and composer, Vince Guaraldi hit the musical jackpot with the 1963 Grammy Award for “Cast Your Fate To The Wind”. It was a b-side of the 45 rpm, “Samba de Orpheus”. It was discovered by local jazz DJ’s. This hip San Franciscan beatnik had become a busy but, unknown session player, to a Grammy winning pianist to Schroeder’s best friend in just 2 years. Schulz lived in a small town called Sebastopol is a California town just 50 miles north of San Francisco. (Schulz lived there from 1958-1969, then Schulz moved to Santa Rosa CA for he rest of his career) Guaraldi was the toast of the SF Bay jazz scene, so their paths connected.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by CHARLES DICKENS.
EBENEZER SCROOGE, main character. Published in 1843.
See rare movie shorts of this classic (1908 AND 1910).
1935, Seymour Hicks
1938, Reginald Owen
1949, Taylor Holmes (Narrated by Vincent Price)
1951, ALASTAIR SIM ( **. My Favorite! .** )
1962, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (Jim Backus, voice.
See “Yes, Virginia” -below-)
1970, Albert Finney
1983, Mickey Mouse’s Christmas Carol
1984, George C. Scott
1988, Bill Murray. “SCROOGED”
1992, Muppets Christmas Carol, Michael Caine as Scrooge
1999, Patrick Stewart
2009, Jim Carrey

A CHRISTMAS STORY
-1983, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon and Peter Billingslay as Ralphie.
Quick info: The Parker’s hometown is set in Hammond, Indiana but is shot in Cleveland, Ohio… but, they live on Cleveland Street. There were some Ontario, Canada sets. The secret decoder ring that Ralphie got from the Little Orphan Annie show was used to reveal his secret message which was an unsatisfying,
“Be sure to drink your Ovaltine”.
However, Ralphie’s most-wished for Christmas gift is the Red Ryder BB gun.
Go ahead, say the parental excuse for not having one.
“You’ll put your eye out”.

-The first 24-hour marathon was in 1988 on TNT (now shown on TBS). This helped place the film into the top shelf of American Christmas movie traditions. Its high ratings now make it a commercial success, too.
-Most of the film is shot in Cleveland and Toronto. Filmmakers tried to find a city, in 1983, that closely resembled a city in the 1940’s.
-The “snow” used in many of the scenes were soap flakes which made it (intentionally) slippery to walk on.
-The 1940 radio show that offered the secret decoder was “Little Orphan Annie” (1931 to 1942). In 1977, the story was revived on Broadway with the smash, ” Annie”.

DJ MR ED MULLEN :
My favorite all-time Christmas Movie is “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

1Q-What did Lucy, as psychiatrist, diagnose Charlie Brown with?
2Q-Who won a Christmas decoration contest?
3Q-Charlie Brown complimented and criticized Pigpen by saying what?
4Q-Lucy self-appointed herself to what holiday royalty?
5Q-What gospel writer is quoted often by the Peanuts?
6Q-What two songs are played by Schroeder, in rehearsal. One difficult/one easy.
7Q-How does Lucy motivate Linus to learn his lines.
8Q-Who kisses Lucy?
9Q-What traditional Christmas carol is sung by the whole cast in the finale?
10Q-Who is the Peanuts legendary cartoonist?
11Q-Who is the jazz pianist that plays the famous Charlie Brown theme music.

1A-Lucy said that Charlie Brown may have “pantophobia”, the fear of everything.
2A-Snoopy won a best “Christmas light decoration” contest that steamed Charlie Brown.
3A-Pigpen is the only person who can raise a cloud of dust in a snow storm, says Charlie Brown.
4A-Lucy appointed herself the ‘Christmas Queen’
5A-The gospel that is referenced by the Peanuts was the Gospel of Luke.
6A-Piano-playing Schroeder played “Fur Elise” by Beethoven and one other slightly easier Christmas song, Jingle Bells
7A-Lucy told Linus to learn his lines for the play. Here is five good reasons. She counts her fingers as she makes a fist.
8A-Lucy is kissed by Snoopy. Cue Lucy for her ‘dog germ’ fit!
9A-“Hark The Herald Angels Sing”, the finale.
10A-Charles Schultz, cartoonist
11A-Vince Guaraldi, jazz pianist.

ELF
-2003, Will Farrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner as Santa.

FESTIVUS
-1997 (Seinfeld episode). Frank Costanza celebrates Festivus, for the rest of us. This holiday includes an undecorated Festivus Pole, the “Airing of Grievences” and the “Feats of Strength”. Laughing? I hope.

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
-1969, cartoon, Jimmy Durante (narrator), Jackie Vernon (Frosty).

Q1- What are Frosty’s first words?

A1-As that hat is placed upon his head his first words are: “Happy Birthday”.

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS
-1966, cartoon. written by DR. SEUSS
(a.k.a. Theodore Geisel from Springfield Massachusetts)
The dog’s name was Max. The town was Whoville.
Narrated by Boris Karloff (the most famous horror movie actor)
The theme song is sung by baritone, Thurl Ravenscroft. Ravenscroft was a singer whose career began in the 1940’s and sang many Disney classic’s like “Everybody Wants To Be A Cat” from ‘The AristoCats”.
Voice of Tony The Tiger (Frosted Flakes, cereal) beginning in 1952. “They’re Great!”.
(see www.allthingsthurl.com)

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS
-2003, Jim Carrey. Ron Howard-Director.

HOLIDAY INN
-1942, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire.
This movie features the debut of the song “White Christmas”.
The film’s sequel is released in 1954, it is called “White Christmas”.

HOME ALONE
-1990. Macauley Culkin. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
Written/Produced by John Hughes (prolific writer, director, producer).
1992, Part 2
1997, Part 3
2002, Part 4

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
(Is this the greatest Christmas Movie of all-time?)
-1946, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore (his grand-daughter is Drew Barrymore).
Director – Frank Kapra
American Film Institute ranks it: #11 of the century’s best.
Internet Movie Data Base ranks it #29 (users of IMDB.com, a.k.a. avid movie lovers) and top Christmas film.

Q1-What is Zuzu’s famous quote when she hears a bell ring?
Q2-How many Academy Awards did the film/actors win? It was nominated in 5 categories.
Q3-Name the town.
Q4-Name Jimmy Stewart’s (George) guardian angel.
Q5-Name the local police officers. These first names later appear on Sesame Street.
Q6-How much money did Uncle Billy misplace?

A1-Zuzu says: “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings”.
A2-The film did not win any Oscars.
A3-Bedford Falls
A4-Clarence
A5-Bert and Ernie (when asked, Jim Henson denies it as coincidence)
A6-The lost deposit was $8000.00

JOYEUX NOEL
-2006, The topic is the 1914 Christmas Eve Truce in World War I France. Based on a real story, German and British soldiers briefly stop their trench war.

Johnny Marks (The greatest Christmas pop songwriter?)
(1909-1985) born in Mt. Vernon, New York. Inducted onto the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1981.

-Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer sung by Gene Autry in 1949.
-I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (Marks put his 1956 music to the 1863 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).
-Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry in 1958.
-Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree in 1958 by Brenda Lee.

The 1964 “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” TV Special included :
-A Holly Jolly Christmas
-Jingle, Jingle, Jingle
-The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
-Silver And Gold
-We Are Santa’s Elves
-There’s Always Tomorrow
-The Island Of Misfit Toys
-We’re A Couple Of Misfits.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
-1947, Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn (Kris Kringle) and the 9-year old, Natalie Wood

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
-1989, Chevy Chase. Written by prolific John Hughes (see “Home Alone” above)

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
-1993, Stop motion, cartoon musical. Tim Burton, co-written/co-produced. Also, Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, 1994. Music/words by Danny Elfman.
-2006, (re-released original in 3-D)

THE NUTCRACKER , (1892) Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written by E.T.A. Hoffman.
In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet. Also, in May 1891 Carnegie Hall opened featuring Tchaikovsky, himself, as conductor. (Originally called “Music Hall”). (www.nytimes.com , “The Artifacts of Tchaikovsky’s Visit”)
In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930’s and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. (www.nutcrackerballet.org)

-The Nutcracker Suite (Opus 71a) contains several classical pieces that the non-classical music lover knows. The Nutcracker’s Overture, the March, the Waltz of the Flowers, the Russian Dance, the Dance of the Reed Pipes and the Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy are easily recognized by many even though the titles may seem mysterious.
It is ironic that the Russian Tchaikovsky plays such a big part of the American musical spectrum. The beloved Nutcracker has been an American staple since its debut in the 1940’s. But no Fourth Of July celebration would be complete without Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, just ask the Boston Pops.

THE POLAR EXPRESS
-2004, C G I cartoon. Tom Hanks, voice. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) sings, ” Rocking On Top Of The World”.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER
-1964, Stop-Action figures in a cartoon setting. Stop-motion aninamtion. Burl Ives.
Characters: Sam the Snowman (narrator), Rudolph, Hermy, Yukon Cornelius, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Clarice, Donner (Clarise’ father), Charlie In The Box.
Sponsor: Norelco Electric Shavers.

Music Bonus: Johnny Marks wrote the original music:
“Jingle Jingle Jingle”, “We Are Santa’s Elves”, “There’s Always Tomorrow”,
“We’re A Couple of Misfits”, “Fame and Fortune”, “Silver and Gold”,
“The Most Wonderful Day of the Year”, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”.
In 1949, Gene Autry hit Number One with “Rudolph”.
In 1958, Marks also co-wrote “Run Rudolph Run” performed by Chuck Berry.

SANTA CLAUS, the creation of his modern image.

– c.300 A.D. – ST. NICHOLAS of Myra. (Now Demre, Turkey; then Myra, Greece) Patron saint of children in the Western Hemisphere. Patron saint of sailors and ships in Europe, Africa and Asia.
– 1844 – Professor CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE published “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” (1822 published anonymously)
– 1863 – Caricaturist THOMAS NAST (Harper’s Weekly) portrayed “Santa” in his artwork.
( www.history.com
See www.History.com (A&E) “The History Of Christmas”, 4 min. video)

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN
1970, cartoon. Fred Astaire (narrator), Mickey Rooney (Kris Kringle)

SNOOPY.
On Christmas Eve 1914, World War I battlefield soldiers declared a Christmas truce depicted in many movie such as Joyeux Noël (2006). Snoopy and the Red Baron depict this touching Christmas moment in cartoon fashion. (see also www.1914-1918.net)

What special did Snoopy fight the Red Baron in?
1 – “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is probably the one most people remember. It has a sequence where Snoopy gets on his Sopwith Camel (his doghouse), fights the Red Baron, is shot down behind enemy lines, escapes through no-man’s land, and eventually reappears at Violet’s Halloween party.
2 – The movie “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” has a very similar scene to “Great Pumpkin” of Snoopy imagining he’s in a dogfight, but it’s shorter and doesn’t have the crawl through No Man’s Land.
3 – “He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown” also has an extended World War I flying ace theme; Snoopy fights the Red Baron in the beginning, and later imagines he’s on leave in Paris, is a prisoner of war, and throws a grenade.The above Q+A (One Q and three answers) from www.fivecentsplease.org www.fivecentsplease.org .

Music Bonus: In 1966, THE ROYAL GUARDSMEN had hit records called, “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” and “Snoopy’s Christmas” that loosely deal with WWI, the 1914 Christmas truce, the real Baron Von Richthofen and Snoopy. Note at 1:45 the funky break, recalls the McCoys hit, “Hang On Sloopy” (funny, not Snoopy).
The record’s chorus:
“Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty or more,
the bloody Red Baron was rollin’ up the score.
Eighty died tryin’ to end that spree,
to stop the bloody Red Baron of Germany”.
(You Tube video: {www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxzg_iM-T4E}

THE SANTA CLAUSE
-1994, Tim Allen.
-2002, Part 2.
-2006, Part 3. (The Escape Clause).

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
-1823 – The poem is published anonymously in the Trenton Sentinal (NY).
Its title was : A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS. (Was Major Henry Livingston the real author?)
-1844 – The poem appears in a collection by CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE. There are 4 hand-written copies in existance. Moore was an American of Dutch descent and was inspired by Washington Irving’s “Knickerbocker History” and “The Children’s Friend”.
(www.reasontobelieve.com and urban legends in www.about.com)

A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS
-1988, The Brady Bunch (all original characters, except CINDY) Original show 1969-74.

WHITE CHRISTMAS (sequel to “Holiday Inn”)
-1954, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney.

A YEAR WITHOUT SANTA CLAUS
-1974, Stop Action cartoon. Shirley Booth (Mrs Claus), Mickey Rooney (Santa), Dick Shawn (Snow-mizer) and George Irving (Heat-mizer)

YES VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
-1974, Jim Backus (see Gilligan’s Island:Thurston Howell III, voice of cartoon: Mr. Magoo)
-1991, Richard Thomas

Most movie information is collected from the Internet Movie Data Base
(www.imdb.com )

Please comment. See right column.

Written by DJ Mr Ed Mullen (2009)

“Hallelujah” MusicNotes by Ed Mullen

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“Hallelujah” is a rare song. There is no doubt that one listen will change you. Maybe you will hear it in a movie or TV show. Maybe driving in your car alone. You may think that you have heard it before, even though you haven’t. This mix of religious chanting and sensual imagery may be found in many Prince songs, like “Controversy”, which features “The Lord’s Prayer” recited over the funky beats. However, this song has circumnavigated the Billboard charts and pop radio to find you, just as you were looking for it.

The original “ Hallelujah ” is performed by its composer, the legendary Canadian songwriter, Leonard Cohen.
The classic version is performed by the late Jeff Buckley.
Think of how many road-tested artists have launched their careers with just one monumental hit song on their debut album. For example, Elton John: “Your Song” or Billy Joel: “Piano Man”. Both stars released a few albums between the massive debut and the hit records that made them legends. Was this a major performer on the verge of stardom? Gone too soon at age 30.

The song’s first line let’s you know that this is an extraordinary performance. “I hear there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord”.
You Tube Video – Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley .
LastFM – Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Better audio than YouTube, listen as you read the song’s story, you will see a black box in the upper right corner of LastFM.com)

1966.
Jeff Buckley is born in Anaheim, California.
(b. November 17, 1966 – d. May 29, 1997, age, 30.)

1975.
Jeff Buckley met his father only once at age 8, according to Rolling Stone Encyclopedia Of Rock and Roll. Musician TIM BUCKLEY (Jeff’s father), died of a drug overdose at age 28 in 1975. His 9 studio albums and 7 live albums define his folk & jazz direction on vinyl.

Although, the name on his birth certificate was Jeff Buckley, he was named Scott (Scotty) Moorhead by his mother and his step-father Ron Moorhead. The California native also had a half-brother, Corey.

1984.
Leonard Cohen, composer of “Hallelujah”. “Various Positions”, CD released.

1985.
Jeff Buckley’s early career.
1985-1991, Los Angeles. Finding work, performing.
1991 New York City. Finding work, performing.
1992 Performing regularly at Manhattan’s East Village club called, Sin-e. Recording some performances. Sought after by record label executives.
1992 Jeff Buckley signs with Columbia Records

1991.
CD : “I’m Your Fan”, a Leonard Cohen tribute.
This album title is word play with one of Cohen’s songs called, “I’m Your Man”. Song # 18 on this recording is “Hallelujah” performed by John Cale. Cale was a founding member of the Velvet Underground. One of his bandmates was the legendary Lou Reed.
**(Not to be confused with J.J. Cale who wrote “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” that were made famous by Eric Clapton.)

All songs written by Leonard Cohen.
Song #9 and # 14 are co-written by Phil Spector.

“Who by Fire” – The House of Love
“Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” – Ian McCulloch
“I Can’t Forget” – Pixies
“Stories of the Street” – That Petrol Emotion
“Bird on the Wire” – The Lilac Time
“Suzanne” – Geoffrey Oryema
“So Long, Marianne” – James
“Avalanche IV” – Jean-Louis Murat
“Don’t Go Home With Your Hard-On”
David McComb&Adam Peters
“First We Take Manhattan” – R. E. M.
“Chelsea Hotel” – Lloyd Cole
“Tower of Song” – Robert Forster
“Take This Longing” – Peter Astor
“True Love Leaves No Traces” – Dead Famous People
“I’m Your Man” – Bill Pritchard
“A Singer Must Die” – Fatima Mansions
“Tower of Song” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Hallelujah” -John Cale

1993.
Buckley records “Grace” LP sessions.

1993-94.
Buckley tours to support “Live at Sin-e” CD.

1994.
Jeff Buckley, “Grace” CD released. Includes “ Hallelujah”.

1994.
Buckley tours internationally. London, Paris, Australia, Japan etc.

1995.
“Tower Of Song”, a superstar tribute to Leonard Cohen.
Song # 4 , Bono (U2) singing his version of “Hallelujah”.

“Everybody Knows” – Don Henley
“Coming Back to You”- Trisha Yearwood
“Sisters of Mercy” – Sting with The Chieftains
“Hallelujah” – Bono
“Famous Blue Raincoat” – Tori Amos
“Ain’t No Cure for Love” – Aaron Neville
“I’m Your Man” – Elton John
“Bird on a Wire” – Willie Nelson
“Suzanne” – Peter Gabriel
“Light as the Breeze”- Billy Joel
“If It Be Your Will” – Jann Arden
“Story of Isaac” – Suzanne Vega
“Coming Back to You” – Martin Gore

U2 has not recorded “ Hallelujah” but, the 1988 B-side of “Desire” was ” Hallelujah (Here She Comes)” , a different song.

During the massive Pop Mart World Tour from 1997-98, U2 did include “ Hallelujah” (Cohen’s) on their set list. (see henrywagner.org, U2 set lists Pop Mart)

1995.
MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best New Artist in a Video for “Last Goodbye”.

1995.
“Live In Chicago” Jeff Buckley, (DVD) includes “Hallelujah”

1996.
-Tom Verlaine (Television, see 1977 LP, “Marquee Moon”) agrees to produce upcoming album. Verlaine had also worked with Patti Smith.
-Drummer Matt Johnson leaves the group and band goes on hiatus.

1996.
Various Positions: A Life of Leonard Cohen. Biography written by Ira B. Nadel (re-released 2007)

1997.
January 1997, Buckley holds New York City appearances.
Februay 1997, Buckley moves to Memphis, Tennessee to rehearse and record new material. He also performs for about 4 months in one local bar to work out his latest songs.

1997.
May 29, 1997. Jeff Buckley, 30, drowns.

Buckley’s band returns from NYC from a brief recording session. Buckley had remained in Memphis. Buckley and roadie Keith Foti decide to go night-swimming in one of the Mississippi’s tributaries called Wolf River, where they have gone swimming before. Even at 9:00 pm, it was a very hot summer’s night in Memphis. As Buckley jumped in the Wolf River Harbor, Foti briefly went back to the car. He returned to the river’s edge finding that Buckley had disappeared. After an immediate search, his body was not found.
June 4, 1997. Seven days later, Buckley’s body was discovered in the river. He drowned fully-clothed and with his boots still on. Drugs were not found in his system.

Much of this information about Jeff Buckley, including his death, comes from “Dream Brother” by David Browne (published 2001).

1998.
Released posthumously, Buckley’s second studio album called, “Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk”. It is a 2-CD, 20-song collection of recordings from 1996-97.

1998.
Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You”.

2001.
“Dream Brother” (The Life and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley) by David Browne. The definitive story of their lives. (see HarperCollins.com for some segments)

2005.
“The Independent” interview. Bob Dylan meets Cohen and they discuss the writing of “ Hallelujah”. Cohen is “embarrassed” that it took so long to write. Dylan performs “ Hallelujah” in a 1988 Montreal Forum concert. Cohen reveals that there were 80 verses and uses only 36 of them! Dry wit serves Cohen well. (The Independent, a British newspaper 12-8-05)

2006.
Willie Nelson records “ Hallelujah” on his Songbird CD. He includes a strange version of “Amazing Grace”, too.

2006.
K.D. Lang performs “Hallelujah” in several appearances including Cohen’s induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Several emotional clips on You Tube. Both Lang and Cohen are Canadian.

2007.
Bon Jovi performs “ Hallelujah” live during “Stripped”. (see You Tube)

2007.
John Cale, on piano, singing with string quartet in live studio setting (see You Tube, March 14, 2007)

2008.
The Rock and Rock Hall Of Fame inducts Leonard Cohen.
Cohen’s career spanning video includes Bono’s lauding the song and songwriter. Cohen is inducted with affection and profound praise by Lou Reed. Damien Rice sings “ Hallelujah” during his induction. Cohen enchants the music industry’s elite by quoting verses from his song, “Tower Of Song”. (see You Tube, 10 min.)

2008.
Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs chart lists Jeff Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” as the Number One song on March 7. This chart is mainly the i-Tunes tabulation of instant computer downloads. This surge was due to the exposure from “American Idol”. The modern-day, amateur hour featured, unknown Jason Castro performing “Hallelujah”.

2008.
British version of “Idol” called, X Factor had a similar effect on the UK charts. Unknown Alexandia Burke recorded “ Hallelujah” and hit Number One in the 2008 (UK) Singles chart and Number One in the Christmas (UK) chart. By the way, Burke won the competition.

However, the devoted fans of Jeff Buckley were outraged that their anthem would be remember by an unknown pop singer. So, through several social networking internet sites, a grass-roots, non-industry campaign, led by Buckley fanatic, Lucy Powell, sent Buckley’s version up the charts to try to overtake the X Factor’s Burke’s version.

Due to this movement, Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” reached #2 without a new CD or a new film soundtrack release. A rare achievement.

*******
The 2008 Christmas (UK) chart was a Hallelujah Triple Play.
Burke’s version at # 1, Buckley’s version at #2 and Cohen’s version at # 36.
**********

2008.
Michael McDonald released “Soul Speak” CD, includes “Hallelujah”

2009.
The Canadian Tenors released self-titled CD, includes “Hallelujah”

2009.
The group, Paramore, records a song called “ Hallelujah”. Not Cohen’s song.

2009.
“My Sister’s Keeper” (starring Cameron Diaz). The soundtrack includes one Jeff Buckley song. His version of Elton John’s “We All Fall In Love Sometimes”. Originally included on his 1975 classic “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”, Buckley gives this song a similar vibe as “ Hallelujah”.

2009.
“Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah”, a biography by Tom Footman
2010.
K.D. Lang belts out “Hallejulah” to open the Winter Olympics hosted by Canada. Her stunning performance enraptures the jam-packed arena and the world-wide TV audience. The hand-held lights and the a spectaular light show enhanced lang’s moment. Lang and Cohen are Canadian.
Go to NBC Olympics.com to see this performance.

2009.
See www.JeffBuckley.com . A very complete, up-to-date website that covers most aspects of his career and legacy.

2011.
Rufus Wainwright and partner and ‘deputy dad’ Jorn Weisbrodt. The child’s mother, Lorca Cohen, is daughter of Leonard Cohen.

“Gay singer has child with Leonard Cohen’s daughter, while partner is ‘deputy dad’ to baby with three parents” -The Guardian” Feb 21.2011. Story here: www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/feb/21/rufus-wainwright-cohen-viva-katherine

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There is a fan website called www.JeffBuckleyCommunity.com . This blog includes strange topics like Leonard Cohen “begging his peers to stop recording (so many) versions of his anthem, Hallelujah.” Interesting.

——————————————————————–
Some Uses of “ Hallelujah ” in Films / TV
2001-Scrubs (TV soundtrack) (John Cale version)
2001-“Shrek” (Rufus Wainwright version)
2001-The West Wing
2002-Crossing Jordan
2003-Without A Trace
2004-“The Edukators” (Cannes Film Festival)
2005-“Lord Of War” (starring Nicolas Cage)
2006-Criminal Minds
2006-House (Rufus Wainwright version)
2006-Grey’s Anatomy
2006-The O.C.
2006-Cold Case
2007-“Feast of Love”
2007-CSI:NY
2008-One Tree Hill (Kate Voegele version)
2009-“Watchmen”
More ?
Media information (TV/Film) from www.imdb.com , search “Leonard Cohen” filmography.

—————————————————————–
Recognition By The Media.

Rolling Stone magazine honors:
“Grace” was ranked #303 of the 500 Greatest Albums, in 2003.
Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah” was ranked #259 of the 500 Greatest Songs, in 2004.
Buckley ranked #39 in its 2008 list: The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Australia: On the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009. The Australian entertainment powerhouse includes radio, TV, internet and magazine. Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” was voted in 3rd place.
Other Jeff Buckley songs were “Last Goodbye” was 7th, Lover, “You Should’ve Come Over” was 56th and “Grace” came in 69th. Over 13, 000 votes were tabulated for this poll.

Australia’s Q Magazine (est. 1986) specializing in music lists.

Greatest Rock Songs Of All-Time, # 86 (2006)
Best Rock CD, “In Our Lifetime”, 1986 to 2001, # 14 (2001)
Readers All-Time Top 100 CD’s, “Grace”, # 75 (1998)
Readers All-Time Top Albums, “Grace” # 25 (2003)
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Compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen.
Information from websites, JeffBuckley.com , JeffBuckleyCommunity.com, TunesOnTheTube.com, SkyNews.com, LastFM.com, the Internet Movie Data Base, You Tube, HarperCollins.com and songfacts.com . Also, Billboard magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Amazon.com and wiki-pedia.

Please comment, see right column.

“What A Wonderful World” MusicNotes by Ed Mullen

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“What A Wonderful World”, a classic wedding song.

1961 – At Christmas 1961, Elvis Presley recorded George Weiss’ song “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”. Weiss also wrote “Oh, What It Seemed To Be” # 1 hit, Frankie Carle in 1945, then # 1 for Sinatra, “Wheel Of Fortune” {# 1 for Kay Starr, 3 other hits recordings in 1952}.
George Weiss is a member of the National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriter Hall Of Fame

1962 – “What a Wonderful World” written by George Weiss and Bob Theile.

1967 – Originally released as a hit single { vinyl 45 RPM }, then again in ’68. Available on several Louis Armstrong albums.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG (b.1901 – d.1971) Jazz innovator, unmatched skill, endless charm, as singer and with his instrument, the jazz trumpet. The premier jazz figure in music history. Louis Armstrong Biography – All Music Guide

1970’s – Anne Murray, Willie Nelson and Teresa Brewer charted versions of “What A Wonderful World”.
Not to be confused with Sam Cooke’s similar titled 1960 hit record which begins, “Don’t know much about…”. That song was recorded by Herman’s Hermits [1964] and Art Garfunkel [1978].

1987 – “Good Morning, Vietnam”, soundtrack, Charted Feb.1988. This soundtrack is filled with hit singles from the 60’s and Robin Williams comedy bits as the fast-talking star (real-life, US Air Force DJ named Adrian Cronauer) of the movie. Due to this movie’s exposure, the song becomes an American standard. Almost every wedding song collection features this song.
The song is succinct. The lyrics are a poem that reveal wisdom, nature and humanity.

1993 – It is recorded by the top native Hawaiian folk singer ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE,
on his CD called, “Facing The Future”. It is a medley with another classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. [His medley also appears on “Alone” CD, 2001]

1996 – The late Eva Cassidy performs the song on her “Live From Blues Alley” CD.

1998 – The Hawaiian’s soulful acoustic version was featured in films “Meet Joe Black” (1998). The song was featured in 1998 commercial for “ etoys.com”. This exposure introduces the American public to the Hawaiian folk singing legend. However, ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE died June 26, 1997, at age 38 from respiratory problems due to his massive overweight problem. He weighed over 750 pounds at death. Although beloved in the Hawaiian Islands, he never lived to see his mainland acclaim.

1999 – Kenny G, in a duet with Louis Armstrong’s recorded voice, makes it to Billboard. Similar innovation was used with Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole in the massive hit, ” Unforgettable”.

2000 – “Finding Forrester”, soundtrack includes ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version“What A Wonderful World”.

2002 – NBC’s “E R”, features ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version as Doctor Carter reads a note mailed from Dr. Corday that her husband, Dr. Mark Green has died. This exposure leads to a media explosion about the song and the Hawaiian folk singer

LYRICS:

I See Trees Of Green, Red Roses Too,
I Watch Them Bloom For Me And You;
And I Think To Myself…. What A Wonderful World!

I See Skies Of Blue, Clouds Of White,
The Bright Blessed Day,And The Dark Sacred Night;
And I Think To Myself… What A Wonderful World!

The Colors Of The Rainbow, So Pretty In The Sky,
Are Also On The Faces Of People Passing By.
I See Friends Shaking Hands Saying “How Do You Do”,
What They’re Really Saying, Is “I Love You”.

I Hear Babies Crying, I Watch Them Grow;
They’ll Learn Much More Than I’ll Never Know.
And I Think To Myself……What A Wonderful World!
Yes, I Think To Myself……. What A Wonderful World!

Information compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen
Armstrong biog – AllMusicGuide.com

Wedding Expo at the Westin Waterfront, Oct 2009

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My best advice for the brides and grooms at the Expo was keep you music list to about 1-2 pages or 100 songs. Unfortunately, time is so precious at the reception and all great songs cannot be played. I feel that the couple would enjoy the LIMITED SONGLIST, so you hear your favorites throughout the reception. A huge songlist leaves so many selections passed over. So, a limited, focused songlist creates better expectations.

And with regards to REQUESTS, I show the inquisitive guest, your songlist , so the request comes from your own songlist. Clever. You should also have a couple of “do not play” songs. This is a great way to target the your expectations. By doing this, I can exceed those expectations.

Teamwork Trivia Event Hall Of Fame (at Dec 2009)

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This shows the “repeat” appeal of such an event. Here are some repeat customers for Teamwork Trivia:

2010 (11) Arlington Catholic H.S. (PTA)

2010 (4) Tewksbury Memorial H.S. Parents (PAC)

2010 (4) St. Jude’s, Waltham (PTA)

2009 (4) Norwood Recreation Department

2009 (3) Little School, North Reading (PTA)

2010 (3*) Pine Grove School, Rowley (PTA)

2010 (2) James Czehowski Tribute, Norwood

2009 (2) Abington H.S. Boosters (Parents)

2010 (2) Lincoln School, Brookline (PTA)

2009 (2) Medford Boat Club (members)

2009 (1) North Reading Football Club (Parents)

2010 (1*) Holy Family , Rockland (PTA)

2010 (1) Tobin School, Needham (Teachers)

* includes upcoming event
www.TeamworkTrivia.com

Teamwork Trivia quizzes the North Reading High School Football Club

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Fun night out for the parents of the North Reading Football Club. On October 2, 2009, the Wakefield Elks was the venue for the 150 parents to raise money for their kids sports programs. The energetic parent’s group were good sports as the questions were answered. The raffles, held in between rounds were a good value for the lucky ticket holders – local businesses were very generous. The 50-50 Raffle topped $300.00. The North Reading arranged this event by going to www.TeamworkTrivia.com

See the fun: teamwork trivia facebook

Michael Jackson : Collaborations MusicNotes by Ed Mullen

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MJ Notes:
-J5 sings back up in Stevie Wonder’s (1974, #1) “You Haven’t Done Nothin”
-Naughty By Nature (1991, #6) “O.P.P.” samples “ABC” by the J5.
-Rihanna’s (2007) “Don’t Stop The Music” uses the break from “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ”
-Two Paul McCartney duets. “The Girl Is Mine”(1982, #2) + “Say Say Say”(1983, #1).
-Two Stevie Wonder duets. “Just Good Friends” (1987, “Bad”) + “Get It” (1988, #80).
-Two Weird Al Yankovic classic parodies “Eat It” and “Fat”
-The Jackson’s “State Of Shock” (1984, #3) was a MJ duet w/ Mick Jagger
-Rockwell (“Somebody’s Watching Me”, 1984, #1) is Berry Gordy’s (Motown’s founder) son. MJ sings chorus.
-During 1987 tour, Sheryl Crow, on-stage, back-up, singer. (1994-first hit “Leaving Las Vegas”)
-Legendary Quincy Jones produced 3 MJ albums. Off The Wall,Thriller and Bad.
-Many studio musicians for theses three albums were from the band, “Toto” & “Boz Scaggs”, like Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, David Paich (multi-award winner) and Steve Porcaro.
-Steve Lukather – Toto, non-stop guitar session work includes “Talk To Ya Later:Tubes, “Physical”:Olivia Newton-John.
-Louis Johnson, bass player from “The Brothers Johnson” (also produced by Quincy Jones)
-David Foster (mega-star producer) as “Thriller” studio musician.

-Rock Guitarists in MJ Songs:
——“Beat It”- Eddie Van Halen (VH)
——“Dirty Diana”- Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
——“Black Or White”- Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses)

Variety Below. A Michael Jackson MIX of songs that he wrote, and some he never sang, hits others have covered and Jackson Five hits by others (familiar, rare and odd). DJMrEd.com Boston

Also enjoy,
Human Nature Miles Davis
Rock With You Fernanda Abreu – Um Barzinho Um Violão 4
Never Can Say Goodbye Gerald Albright-Sax, (vocals,Will Downing)
The Lady in My Life Stanley Jordan
Muscles Diana Ross {w/m MJ}
Never Can Say Goodbye Isaac Hayes
Good Life Kanye West
Centipede Rebbie Jackson {w/m MJ}
Billie Jean (Remix) Blackstreet
Right Here (Human Nature Mix) SWV
Never Can Say Goodbye Gloria Gaynor
I’ll Be There Mariah Carey/ Trey Lorenz
I Want You Back Graham Parker
Beat It Fall Out Boy
Smooth Criminal Alien Ant Farm
Quedate Mas (I Want You Back) Los Super Reyes
I Want You Back Discovery
Beat It Richard Cheese
Eat It Weird Al Yankovic

Michael Jackson Best Songs -Select- “What are your favorite MJ songs?”

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July 2009 – My Michael Jackson CD Collections – DJ MR ED – [email protected]

MJ PRIME 1

Dancing Machine Jackson 5
Blame It On The Boogie Jacksons
Shake Your Body Down Jacksons
Farewell My Summer Love Michael Jackson, 1973 Remix
Say Say Say Paul McCartney & MJ
Somebody’s Watching Me Rockwell [MJ, backing vocals]
Leave Me Alone Michael Jackson
State of Shock Jacksons/ Mick Jagger
Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson
Off The Wall Michael Jackson
Working Day And Night Michael Jackson
Rock With You Michael Jackson
Bad Michael Jackson
Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson
Black Or White Michael Jackson
We Are the World U.S.A. for Africa

MJ PRIME 2

ABC Jackson 5
Lovely One Jacksons
The Love You Save Jackson 5
You Rock My World Michael Jackson
The Way You Make Me Feel, MJ
Do It Again/Billie Jean Slingshot, 1983
Ben Michael Jackson
Can You Feel It Jacksons
Walk Right Now Jacksons
Got To Be There Jackson 5
I Want You Back Jackson 5
Torture Jacksons
Dynamite Jermaine Jackson
Let’s Get Serious Jermaine Jackson

MJ PRIME 3

Human Nature Miles Davis
Rock With You Fernanda Abreu
Never Can Say Goodbye Gerald Albright-Sax
The Lady in My Life Stanley Jordan
Muscles Diana Ross [w/m MJ ]
Never Can Say Goodbye Isaac Hayes
Good Life Kanye West
Centipede Rebbie Jackson [w/m MJ ]
Billie Jean (Remix) Blackstreet
Right Here (Human Mix) SWV
Never Can Say Goodbye Gloria Gaynor
I’ll Be There Mariah Carey/ Trey Lorenz
I Want You Back Graham Parker
Beat It Fall Out Boy / John Mayer

Smooth Criminal Alien Ant Farm
Quedate Mas Los Super Reyes
I Want You Back Discovery
Beat It Richard Cheese
Eat It Weird Al Yankovic

MJ PRIME 4 THRILLER PLUS

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ [w/m MJ ]
Baby Be Mine
The Girl Is Mine [w/m MJ ] vocals, McCartney
Thriller
Beat It [w/m MJ ]
Billie Jean [w/m MJ ]
Human Nature
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
The Lady In My Life .
Someone In The Dark Thriller Session
Carousel Thriller Session
Billie Jean (Long Version) [w/m MJ ]
Voice – Over Session Vincent Price
Thriller -orchestra- Henry Mancini
J5 sings back up in Stevie Wonder’s (1974)“You Haven’t Done Nothin”.
Naughty By Nature’s (1991) “O.P.P” samples “ABC” by J5.
Rihanna’s (2007) “Don’t Stop The Music” uses the break from “Wanna Be Startin Somethin”.

Boston’s One-Of-A-Kind Wedding Disc Jockey

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Thank you for finding my blog. Things have changed so quickly in the last few years. Records to CD’s, then Mini-Discs, then MP3’s on a portable digital hard drive. I never thought that I would be bringing a computer to play your wedding music, but now, I could not go without my PC-based, “ProDJpc” unit. Since I always strive for high quality in every catagory like “your timeline”, “your songlist”, my audio equipment and my tasteful presentation, I have launched this blog, so you may see comments from other clients of mine.

Blogs are the new scrapbook, so I invite all previous wedding couples of mine to post thier experiences on this site. Even if it has been a while, I would appreciate a few memories. Your can see some of my DJ highlights on Wedding Wire.com [ CLICK ] … or …my Facebook Page (CLICK).

– I suggest ending your post with: name, wedding date, your venue and your first dance song.
See “add a comment” to the right.

– D.J. Mr. Ed has been a professional D.J. in the Boston area since 1979. For years, clients have had the benefit of D.J. Mr. Ed’s skill and experience to make their events memorable. Whether you’re modern or traditional, D.J. Mr. Ed will customize the music selection for you.
Weddings, Special Events, and more. D.J. Mr. Ed individually plans the formalities of your event with you and coordinates them with your other wedding vendors like the caterer, photographer and venue manager .
– By using this blog, you can navigate your search for DJ Mr Ed’s wedding website, my LinkedIn page, my nationally-published Mobile Beat essay, DJ Mr Ed’s superior audio equipment and helpful songlist. You can email me directly from www.DJMrEd.com, just click on the (purple) wedding heading.

-Also, D.J. Mr.Ed has entertained at commitment ceremonies in the past, while planning today, for weddings in the future.
–www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com , member. Gay friendly wedding music service, not just in Boston. Gay and lesbian weddings used to be called commitment ceremonies, but now, Massachusetts leads our country in this positive direction. National.
–www.BayWindows.com , Bay Windows, New England’s largest GLBT newspaper. See “Marketplace”, wedding section. Local.

-2009, Music List, search “select music list” on this blog
-2009, Superior Sound Equipment, search “sound system” on this blog
-2006-2011, member of the prestigious, Boston Wedding Group.com .
-1979-2009 Experience. For more info click www.DJMrEd.com

Medford Boat Club: Teamwork Trivia Part 1+2

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August 2009 – Medford Boat Club had a great time with Teamwork Trivia and left time at the end of the night for dancing and partying.
September 2008 – Medford Boat Club enjoyed their September 2008 Teamwork Trivia Night so much, that it will return August 22, 2009. Committee and membership alike participated last year and are planning on another great night.
Medford Boat Club found me at www.TeamworkTrivia.com . Ed Mullen