It Was A Very Good Year
When the Frank Sinatra version of this song was released in 1961, my Dad bought the album, and played it constantly. As he was a good singer, he also learned the lyrics, and would wander around singing it, over and over. I was only nine years old at the time, but could tell the song had all the hallmarks of a classic, even though I didn’t have any experience of the emotions expressed by the words.
Every now and then, I would hear the song on the radio, or some cover version on a TV show. Then we went as a family to see Sinatra perform in London, with the Buddy Rich orchestra. After belting out all his well-known favourites, he slowed down, and in a single spotlight, performed this song. He seemed to really get into it, and the venue was hushed as he was singing, the audience feeling it too.
Now I am old, and can really appreciate the sentiments of the song.
It took me a long time, but I finally got it.
Great song choice, Pete! Love his music.🎶📻🕪🎼🎧
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I was feeling a bit retro at the time, honey. 🙂 x
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I have those moments as well.😉 Retro is the way to go! Xoxo
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Holy crap! You saw Peak Sinatra live! Did he sing Strangers in the Night?
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Of course!
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One of my favourites so of course he hated it because he had to perform it all the time along with My Way. Also I was surprised to find out it was his biggest hit and in the middle of the 1960s when the British new wave rock’n’roll was in vogue. I like the idea that back then good talent didn’t go out of style. The market supported all whether it was trendy or established.
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Back at that time, (1963-1969) the top ten charts still reflected those singers popular before the arrival of Rock and Roll. You might find The Beatles at number one and two, Doris Day at five, Presley at six, Vic Damone at seven, then Max Bygraves at nine.. Adults still bought a lot of records, and the teenagers lapped up the Mersey Sound, and Soul Music arriving from America. At a family party, all different kinds of music would be played and enjoyed.
Cheers, Pete.
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Which I think is brilliant.
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Over twenty years ago, I made a road mix of songs to carry me on my many journeys. This and your Peggy Lee spotlight are both on that Mix that I still use.
Warmest regards
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Pleased to hear it, Theo. The good ones never get stale. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I wish I could have seen Frank croon in person. That would have been a real treat.
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From 1960, my Dad worked for the record company that distributed Reprise records in Britain, so often got free tickets to many famous people. In his job, he also got to go on the tours occasionally, so managed to hobnob with the stars more than once. I saw Sinatra twice in London, once with Buddy Rich, and once with a bigger orchestra. I cannot recall who that was though, as I was very young.
Best wishes, Pete.
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How fun, Pete.
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A great voice that never grows old…..chuq
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I always liked him singing this one, chuq.
Best wishes, Pete.
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One of his best…I enjoyed listening to it today.
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Thanks for listening, and leaving a comment. Glad you liked it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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There are things in life that we can only understand when we have grown old. This song is one of them.
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Very true, Peter. It is a song many of us can really identify with.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It takes you through the years Now, this one I am familiar with.
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I thought you might know this one, Arlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I often heard it before Pete.
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Love this song. Hauntingly poignant 🙂
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Thanks, Sandra. It reminded me of another one, so have just posted that too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That song really makes you take a look back on your own life!
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I think most of us who are getting to a ‘certain age’ can really identify with this one, GP. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great song, good choice.
AK
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Cheers mate. Glad you like this one.
Best wishes, Pete.
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My favourite by him.
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Thanks, FR. I’m not a huge Sinatra fan, but I do love this song.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Same here. 🙂
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