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Gerry Goffin R.I.P.

by Steven Wagenheim
6 replies
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My favorite.

  • Profile picture of the author ThomM
    I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know who he was.
    Turns out he was responsible for many of my favorite songs from my youth. Like this one.

    A little side note. The first time I heard that song on the radio I was riding in the car with my parents through Pleasant Valley NY.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Thom, as a kid and a songwriting nut myself, I always used to look at the composers of all my 45s. You would be stunned at who wrote some of the stuff you used to listen to and the monopoly that some of them had in certain genres.

      For example, Motown. Holland-Dozier-Holland had to have written at least 50 or so hits for various Motown acts including the Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson Five and others.

      Neil Diamond wrote the Monkees "I'm A Believer."

      In fact, here's Neil's own version of the song, which I like even more than the Monkees version.


      Yeah, the stuff that some people wrote for others would stun the crap out of most of us.
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        I did know that about Diamond, but not the others.
        I've always focused on the percussion in a song.
        Sometimes I'll really listen to the lyrics, but not often.
        That's why I've never been into folk music.
        I have a lot of respect for songwriters though, without them there wouldn't be many songs around
        Back to the percussion for a min. It doesn't have to be all that fancy. The record version of this Dixie Cups cover of a Mardi Gras song was done while they where taking a break in a recording studio. The girls started tapping on an aluminum chair, an ashtray, and a coke bottle with drum sticks. The engineer was smart enough to record it
        The actual drums you hear where added later.
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        Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
        Getting old ain't for sissy's
        As you are I was, as I am you will be
        You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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        • Profile picture of the author Kurt
          Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

          I did know that about Diamond, but not the others.
          I've always focused on the percussion in a song.
          Sometimes I'll really listen to the lyrics, but not often.
          That's why I've never been into folk music.
          I have a lot of respect for songwriters though, without them there wouldn't be many songs around
          Back to the percussion for a min. It doesn't have to be all that fancy. The record version of this Dixie Cups cover of a Mardi Gras song was done while they where taking a break in a recording studio. The girls started tapping on an aluminum chair, an ashtray, and a coke bottle with drum sticks. The engineer was smart enough to record it
          Iko, Iko - the Dixie Cups - YouTube
          The actual drums you hear where added later.
          John Lee Hooker's trademark was the tapping of his foot when he played. In the old days, they'd record him in a studio with him on a piece of plywood and put a mic on his foot. You can hear it in this Hooker classic:

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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    Yes Steven,
    we lost a great composer. A lot of the youthful musical memories can be attributed to him and his songwriting partners.

    Taking the side road about percussion, I doubt I am even close is talent to Thom,but it has always been a joy and passion in my life.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by KimW View Post

      Yes Steven,
      we lost a great composer. A lot of the youthful musical memories can be attributed to him and his songwriting partners.

      Taking the side road about percussion, I doubt I am even close is talent to Thom,but it has always been a joy and passion in my life.
      One thing I've always loved about drums is you don't need any to play.
      Technique and "book learnin" are good to have,but as Mick Fleetwood would say "You have to play with Passion!".
      Signature

      Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
      Getting old ain't for sissy's
      As you are I was, as I am you will be
      You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9295617].message }}

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