I suppose I can be thankful that 1954 was the year of the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gull Wing
and the Fender Stratocaster (Mark Knopfler toured with an original 1954 "Jurassic Strat".)
Popular Music, however, was a depressing mix of Do-Wop, Soppy Ballads and novelty records. As I was breathing my first breaths as a newborn, nearly 52 years ago, the young voices of the Obernkirchen Children's Choir floated through the bars of my baby bed: Val da Ree, Val da Ra - "The Happy Wanderer". Doris Day was singing "Secret Love" and "The Crew Cuts" were do-wopping through "Sh Boom" (a pale white-boy version of the hipper, R&B original by The Chords)
Meanwhile there were some good movies; "Bad Day at Black Rock", Spencer Tracy as a one-armed war hero in a town that "you'll never leave". Bogart was acting his socks off as Captain Queeg in "The Caine Mutiny". There was Henri-George Cluzot's "Diabolique", It was Marlon Brando's year with "On the Waterfront" and "The Wild One".
The Bilderberg Group, a favourite with conspiracy theorists, had their first meeting at the Bilderberg Hotel in Arnhem in 1954.
Great Democrat Politician, Adlai Stevenson (birthday 5th Feb) wrote "Call to Greatness", in which he wrote:
Throughout its history, America has given hope, comfort and inspiration to freedom's cause in all lands. The reservoir of good will and respect for America was not built up by American arms or intrigue; it was built upon our deep dedication to the cause of human liberty and human welfare.
Not surprisingly, the Republicans hated him.
1 comment:
I have some CD collections of original Doo-Wop tracks, and mighty fine they are too. Basically all the groups were named after birds or cars. My favourite is Someone's Knockin On My Back Door by (I think) The Orioles.
Moo-ahhh!
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