This week In Singing Ladies 01/52

1 . Nina Simone . My Father

Nina Simone’s “My Father” is a poignant track featured on her 1978 album “Baltimore,” which marked her return to studio recordings after a four-year hiatus.

The album was produced by Creed Taylor and released under the CTI Records label.

Although the album overall did not achieve significant commercial success in terms of chart positions, it has often been noted for its eclectic mix of styles, blending jazz, blues, reggae, and folk influences.

“My Father” was penned by Judy Collins, and its inclusion added a reflective and narrative depth to the album’s diverse tracklist.

Recorded during Simone’s time living in Barbados, the creation of the album involved session musicians such as guitarist Eric Gale and drummer Steve Gadd, who both contributed to its distinctive sound.

While “My Father” itself was not released as a single, the album includes the track “Baltimore,” a reggae-infused Baltimore anthem that became better recognized over time.

The song and album reflect Simone’s broader trajectory as an artist who explored storytelling and cultural themes through her music.

Lifted from : Nina Simone records ‘Baltimore,’ an album for CTI (1978)

2 . Sarah Vaughan . So Many Stars

Sarah Vaughan’s rendition of “So Many Stars” was featured on her 1969 album “Sarah Vaughan with Michel Legrand,” a collaborative effort with the legendary French composer, conductor, and arranger Michel Legrand.

The song, written by Sergio Mendes, Marilyn Bergman, and Alan Bergman, is a standout track from this critically lauded project, which showcased Vaughan’s vocal versatility paired with Legrand’s lush orchestrations.

“So Many Stars” was originally recorded by Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 in 1968 before being revisited by Vaughan, whose interpretation is often noted for its intricate phrasing and dynamic range, though the recording itself did not chart on major U.S.

music charts.

The album marked Vaughan’s continued exploration of contemporary composers, a departure from her earlier jazz standards-oriented discography.

While no known awards are directly associated with this recording, “Sarah Vaughan with Michel Legrand” remains a notable entry in her extensive catalog, highlighting her partnership with Legrand, who was a three-time Oscar-winning composer by that time.

The album includes other prominent songs such as “The Windmills of Your Mind,” also written by the Bergmans and Legrand.

Lifted from : Sarah Vaughan records her last album . ‘Brazilian Romance’ produced by Sérgio Mendes (1987)

3 . Céline Dion . To Love You More

Released as a single in October 1995, “To Love You More” by Céline Dion was originally written by David Foster and Junior Miles and featured on the Japanese compilation album “The Colour of My Love Concert.” The track gained significant attention in Japan, where it was created as a theme for the television drama series “Koibito Yo” (translated as “My Dear Lover”).

Performed alongside the Taro Hakase Strings, the violin arrangement by Taro Hakase is one of its most notable features.

“To Love You More” achieved commercial success, topping the Oricon Singles Chart in Japan for five consecutive weeks and selling over 1.5 million copies in the country, making it one of Dion’s most successful releases in Asia.

It also appeared on her 1999 greatest hits album “All the Way… A Decade of Song.” The song’s live performances were included in televised events like the CBS special “An Evening with Céline Dion” and her historic concerts at Tokyo Dome.

Although not released widely as a single in North America, “To Love You More” charted on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks, peaking at number one and staying atop the chart for eight weeks.

It received critical acclaim and has been performed frequently in Dion’s concert residencies, including “A New Day…” in Las Vegas.

The official music video for the song, featuring staged concert footage, highlights her collaboration with Hakase and the emotional delivery associated with the composition.

Lifted from : Céline Dion resides in Las Vegas (2018)

4 . Peggy Lee . I Don’t Know Enough About You

Peggy Lee’s “I Don’t Know Enough About You” was co-written by Lee herself alongside her first husband, guitarist Dave Barbour, and originally released in 1946.

The song debuted as a single under Capitol Records and was included in Lee’s 1946 album “The Peggy Lee Collection.” The track became one of her early hits, peaking at No.7 on the Billboard Best Seller chart, showcasing her characteristic blend of jazz and pop stylings.

The piece highlighted Barbour’s guitar work, marking one of their notable musical collaborations during their marriage.

Its popularity led to numerous covers by artists including Diana Krall and Rosemary Clooney over the years.

Lee performed the song on several iconic radio programs of the era, such as “The Chesterfield Supper Club,” and it played a role in cementing her status as a leading female vocalist of the 1940s.

The single has since continued to appear on various Peggy Lee compilation albums, including the comprehensive 1998 box set “Lady and the Tramp / The Classic Years.”

Lifted from : Peggy Lee records ‘Miss Wonderful,’ an album arranged and conducted by Sy Oliver (1956)

5 . Tori Amos . Silent All These Years

“Silent All These Years” is a track from Tori Amos’s debut solo studio album, “Little Earthquakes,” released on January 13, 1992, in the UK and February 25, 1992, in the US.

The song, co-produced by Amos and Davitt Sigerson, was inspired in part by a conversation with collaborator Eric Rosse, who also contributed to the album’s production.

The single initially peaked at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart upon its first release in 1991, later reaching number 26 after a reissue in 1992.

In the US, it garnered significant attention on alternative radio, helping the album gain traction.

Its music video, directed by Cindy Palmano, received heavy rotation on MTV and features Amos performing against a minimalist backdrop emphasizing her connection to the piano.

The song has been used in campaigns for organizations such as RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), which Amos co-founded in 1994, due to its themes of empowerment and voice reclamation.

Amos performed the song live multiple times, including during her 1992 debut appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman.” The track remains a staple of her live performances and has appeared in several compilation albums showcasing her career.

Lifted from : Tori Amos releases her debut album . ‘Little Earthquakes’ featuring ‘Silent All These Years’, ‘China’, ‘Winter’ and ‘Crucify’ (1992)

6 . Regina Spektor . Grand Hotel

Released as part of Regina Spektor’s seventh studio album, “What We Saw from the Cheap Seats” in 2012, “Grand Hotel” is a storytelling-driven track showcasing Spektor’s distinctive narrative songwriting style.

The album reached No.3 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Mike Elizondo, whose previous collaborations include Maroon 5 and Eminem.

“Grand Hotel” has not been released as a standalone single and therefore did not chart independently, but the album itself was well-received globally, with particular commercial success in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

“What We Saw from the Cheap Seats” was promoted through televised appearances, including performances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in May 2012.

The album also became a part of Spektor’s setlist during her extensive global tour in 2012, which included notable venues such as Radio City Music Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London.

No known official music video exists for “Grand Hotel,” but the track has regularly been applauded for its use of imaginative lyrics and arrangements.

The song features prominent classical and baroque influences, common across Spektor’s discography, achieved through her signature use of piano-led instrumentation.

Lifted from : On radio today, Regina Spektor at KEXP (2016)

7 . Björk . Jóga

Björk’s “Jóga,” released on September 15, 1997, is a single from her third studio album “Homogenic.” The song, co-written with Icelandic musician Sjón and produced by Mark Bell, is named after Björk’s close friend Jóhanna “Jóga” Jóhannsdóttir.

It blends electronic beats with orchestral string arrangements, emblematic of the album’s fusion of nature and technology.

Upon release, “Jóga” peaked at number 191 on the UK Singles Chart, an unconventional position as it was released in a limited format.

The accompanying music video, directed by Michel Gondry, features computer-generated landscapes of Iceland that shift and break apart in synchronization with the music, highlighting Björk’s Icelandic heritage.

The track was prominently featured during Björk’s performances on the “Homogenic Tour,” which spanned 1997 to 1999, and reappeared in her live albums, including “Homogenic Live” (2004) and “Vespertine Live” (2002).

“Jóga” has also been used in films, such as in the 2000 independent movie “The 24 Hour Woman.” The song has become notable for its innovative string arrangements, crafted with composer Eumir Deodato.

Lifted from : Björk performs at home (1999)

8 . Joni Mitchell . Just Like This Train

“Just Like This Train” by Joni Mitchell appears on her 1974 album “Court and Spark,” which became her most commercially successful album, peaking at No.2 on the Billboard 200 chart and certified Double Platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

The song reflects Mitchell’s jazz-influenced style during this era, showcasing her collaboration with notable session musicians like Tom Scott and members of the L.A.

Express, who played on the album and toured with her in 1974.

“Court and Spark” generated critical acclaim and included hit singles such as “Help Me,” which reached No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While “Just Like This Train” was not released as a single, it remains a fan-favorite for its sophisticated arrangements and lyrical introspection.

Tracks from the album, including “Just Like This Train,” were performed live during her 1974 tour, which is documented in concert recordings and TV appearances like her set on “The Dick Cavett Show.” The album also earned Mitchell four Grammy nominations in 1975, winning Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for another track, “Down to You.” The song exemplifies Mitchell’s progression into more intricate arrangements and collaborations that marked a transition in her musical style during this phase of her career.

Lifted from : Asylum publish Joni Mitchell’s sixth album . ‘Court and Spark’ featuring ‘Help Me’ (1974)

9 . Beth Gibbons . Only You (w/ Portishead)

The song “Only You” by Beth Gibbons, performed with the trip-hop band Portishead, is a track from their second studio album titled “Portishead,” released on September 29, 1997.

The album peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and reached number 21 on the US Billboard 200.

“Only You” was co-written by Beth Gibbons, Geoff Barrow, and Adrian Utley, the core members of Portishead, and features the band’s signature blend of haunting vocals, moody atmospherics, and hip-hop-inspired production.

The music video for “Only You,” directed by renowned filmmaker Chris Cunningham, uses innovative underwater filming techniques, creating an eerie visual backdrop that complemented the song’s melancholic tone.

Cunningham achieved this by filming Beth Gibbons underwater in a specially-set indoor pool, a fact often highlighted in discussions of the video.

Portishead promoted the “Portishead” album, including “Only You,” during their live performances and television appearances, including their critically acclaimed set at Roseland Ballroom in New York City in 1997, captured in the subsequent “Roseland NYC Live” album.

While “Only You” did not chart as a single, its music video and inclusion on the album contributed to Portishead’s peak-era influence on the trip-hop genre.

Lifted from : As we wish Beth Gibbons . Happy Birthday, let’s have . ‘Portishead at their Bests’ post

10 . Eva Cassidy . Time After Time

Eva Cassidy’s rendition of “Time After Time,” originally written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, was featured on her posthumous compilation album “Time After Time,” released in 2000.

The album, which includes a mix of studio recordings and live performances, was produced by Chris Biondo, Cassidy’s longtime collaborator and bassist.

While no official music video accompanied her version of the song, Cassidy’s performance showcases her distinctive vocal style and musical variations.

Though Cassidy passed away in 1996, her recording of “Time After Time” contributed to the growing posthumous recognition of her work, particularly in Europe, where her albums found significant chart success.

For instance, her compilation album “Songbird,” which featured other tracks, reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart in 2001 and maintained a prominent presence in charts thereafter, amplifying interest in her earlier works like “Time After Time.” Clips from her live performances, including the “Live at Blues Alley” recordings, have been widely circulated, further sustaining her artistic legacy.

Lifted from : Eva Cassidy sings in DC (1996)

11 . Annie Lennox . I Could Give You A Mirror (w/ Eurythmics)

“I Could Give You a Mirror” is a track by Eurythmics, featuring Annie Lennox as the lead vocalist and Dave Stewart as co-creator and instrumentalist, from their 1983 album “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” The album, released on RCA Records, achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No.3 on the UK Albums Chart and reaching No.15 on the US Billboard 200.

While “I Could Give You a Mirror” was not released as a single, the album’s breakout single, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” reached No.2 on the UK Singles Chart and No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, significantly elevating Eurythmics’ international profile.

The album earned Platinum certification in both the UK and the US.

The track features a driving synth-pop arrangement typical of Eurythmics’ early 1980s electronic sound and showcases Lennox’s emotive vocal delivery.

In live performances of the album, including their 1983 appearance on the TV show “Top of the Pops” for “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” tracks like “I Could Give You a Mirror” were performed to critical acclaim.

The album also contributed to the duo’s nomination at the 1984 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, marking a pivotal moment in their early career.

Lifted from : Eurythmics release their second album . ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ featuring ‘Love Is . Stranger’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’ (1983)

12 . Chrissie Hynde . Up The Neck (w/ The Pretenders)

“Up The Neck” is a track by Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders from their self-titled debut album, “The Pretenders,” released on January 7, 1980, through Real Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.

The album, produced by Chris Thomas, reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart and No.9 on the Billboard 200 in the US.

Hynde, who wrote the song, drew inspiration from themes of intense relationships, with the album being praised for its new wave and punk-rock elements.

“Up The Neck” stands out as a vivid narrative in the album’s tracklist but was not released as a single, unlike “Brass in Pocket” and “Kid.” The Pretenders’ early lineup included guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers, who collectively contributed to the band’s distinctive sound.

Chrissie Hynde performed the song during their 1980 European tour, where they gained significant attention for their live presence.

Though not charting individually, “Up The Neck” is considered a key track in Hynde’s extensive songwriting catalog and has been covered by other artists in tribute performances, showcasing its influence within the rock genre.

Lifted from : ‘Pretenders’ is their debut eponymous album featuring ‘Stop Your Sobbing’ and ‘Brass in Pocket’ (1980)