Memphis In June
This one is taking us way back. First recorded in 1947 by Hoagy Carmichael, who wrote the lyrics.
When I first heard this, I was very young. I didn’t know where Memphis was then, and I had never tasted a blueberry, let alone a blueberry pie. I had no experience of sitting on a shady veranda under a Sunday blue sky, and also had no idea that Oleander was the name of a fragrant shrub.
But as I listened to Hoagy’s relaxed crooning, I could picture myself in that unknown location, smelling the fragrance of a plant I had never heard of, and anticipating the taste of cousin Miranda’s blueberry pie.
That’s what a great song does, it takes you into the experience. And you never forget it.
Memphis in June
A shady veranda under a Sunday blue sky
Memphis in June
And my cousin Miranda she’s making a blueberry pie
I can see the clock outside a ticking and a tocking
Everything so peaceful and dandy
I can see my grandmama ‘cross the street still a rocking
Watching all the neighbours go by oh my
Memphis in June
Sweet oleander blowing perfume in the air everywhere
Up jumps the moon to make it so much grander
It’s paradise honey take my advice honey
Cos there’s nothing like old Memphis in June
(In this version, it was changed to cousin Amanda, and she’s making a rhubarb pie. 🙂 )
I love your story about the song. And your new gravatar is great.
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Cheers mate, glad you liked it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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And the song is pretty great too.
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One of my lifetime favourites.
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I can sense that.
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This is great jazz, similar to what I heard as a child. There’s a little Sinatra in this song. I can tell. Good memories of the south.
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Thanks, Jennie. My Dad used to call it ‘crooning’. I like that description.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I do, too. Best to you.
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I always loved him. He and Gene Kelly were my dream men.
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Thanks, Elizabeth. Happy to know you are a fan of Hoagy.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great choices Pete! I enjoyex these!
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A good old tune is always worth listening to.
Thanks, Dani. x
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree. You’re welcome Pete😁
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Much appreciated, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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so smooth!
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They don’t make them like Hoagy anymore, Michele, that’s for sure.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It really does transport you doesn’t it? 🙂
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It always worked for me from a very young age, Susanne. And I have never been to America.
Best wishes, Pete.
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How was your first tasting experience of a Blueberry Pie? Though I have wanted to try a rhubarb one for some time. This song is ‘everything peaceful and dandy’ as Hoagy charmingly sings. The orchestra is wonderful. (My favourtie type of Jazz). The whimsical feeling that sets the vibe of people slow dancing or dining. A simple joy to listen to.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Sonea. I have never eaten a blueberry pie to this day, but I have had a rhubarb one. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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well I tried, but alas this one is not for me 😦
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Never mind. It was of a certain time, just not your time. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Beautiful pick Pete. You really do have great taste in music!
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Thanks, Kim. That’s an old one, but I have always loved it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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What a talent Hoagy Carmichael was. My favorite song that he composed is “Georgia on My Mind”. I often, usually when it’s rainy, listen to the Stardust Melody album on Spotify.
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Thanks, Ron. I love to hear his smooth sound, and also enjoy ‘Stardust’, Rocking Chair’, ‘Georgia’, and so many others.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Funny this … I’ve been listening to jazz piano this morning and had thought I should look for some Hoagy Carmichael on YouTube, just for a change, and then I received notice of your blog post. 🙂
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I have a couple of CD recordings of his biggest hits, Susan. I like to have a burst of Hoagy now and again. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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