Some tunes have a way of grabbing us. They are in a language we don't speak or one in which we only know a few words, like how to count to ten. In all these languages I know a few phrases because I have been to all these countries. But, I really have no clue what the words to the song mean. Is it the melody, the chorus, the instruments or the voice(s) ?
Probably a combo of these things but all I know is, I like them!
Édith Piaf, was a French entertainer best known for performing songs in the cabaret and modern chanson genres. She is widely regarded as France's greatest popular singer and one of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century. Piaf's music was often autobiographical, and she specialized in chanson réaliste and torch ballads about love, loss and sorrow. Her most widely known songs include "La Vie en rose" (1946). I love her voice!
Domenico Modugno was an Italian singer, actor and, later in life, a member of the Italian Parliament. He is known for his 1958 international hit song "Nel blu dipinto di blu", for which he received the first Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. He is considered the first Italian cantautore. I was 14 when this came out.
Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers called The Singing Nun in English-speaking countries, was a Belgian Catholic singer-songwriter and former member of the Dominican Order as Sister Luc Gabriel. She acquired widespread fame in 1963 with the release of the Belgian French song "Dominique". It topped the US Billboard Hot 100. Owing partially to confusion over the terms of her contract, she was eventually reduced to poverty. Too common an occurrence for many recording artists and song writers.
Hisashi "Kyu" Sakamoto was a Japanese singer and actor. He was best known outside Japan for his international hit song "Ue o Muite Arukō", which was sung in Japanese and sold over 13 million copies. My father was stationed in Japan after the Korean War and we lived in Yokohama for nearly three years. I am not sure why but I always liked this song. Titled “Sukiyaki” for Americans. Easier to pronounce.
José María De León Hernández known professionally as Little Joe, is an American tejano performer who was born and raised in Temple, Texas. Little Joe is of Mexican descent. He told the Stockton Record in 2015 that he was born "in a three-wall, dirt-floor garage on a cold stormy night," the seventh of 13 children. His father, Salvador, was known as "La Cotorra" (the parakeet) and was a troubadour. His mother, Amelia DeLeon, was a trained pianist. "My dad and aunts all played instruments and sang," he said in 2015. "We'd go to parties that would last until three in the morning."
I only understand a few words but I absolutely love this one. Look up Little Joe singing with Willie Nelson too. It is a beautiful ballad. Flaco really adds to this one.
Gipsy Kings are a musical group founded in 1979 in Arles, France. The band, whose members have Catalan heritage, play a blend of Catalan rumba, flamenco, salsa, and pop. They perform mostly in Spanish but also mix in Catalan and languages of southern France, such as Occitan. I have one of their early CD’s which includes this song. For me it’s the rhythms and the voice quality. Dig it!!
Music is universal. The language doesn’t matter. If it moves us or is entertaining we like it. Music is a language all it’s own with many dialects. Because listening to music is an enjoyable activity, it can activate the release of endorphins, which creates a general feeling of well-being. So, listen to music often and enjoy!!
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Doug
Thanks for the great review of foreign songs. Edith has always been a favorite of ours with our love of anything French. Another great song of hers is Non, je ne regette rien or Padam, padam. Also let’s not forget Richie Valens and La Bamba. As with you, I was an Army brat who lived in Germany for 3 years prior to Galileo, however I was unable to think of a good German song unless you want to count Danke Schoen by Wayne Newton, who I see is still performing at 82.
Take care
Steve W