Category: Music

Chanson du Jour: “Parlez-moi de lui”

Originally written in 1960 by Jack Diéval with French lyrics by Michel Rivgauche the song that would bcome “Parlez-moi de lui” was first introduced as ‘J’ai le mal de toi’.

In June 1965 the English rendering was retitled to “The Way of Love” and was issued in the UK as a single by Kathy Kirby.

“The Way of Love” failed to reach the UK Top 50 but became a regional hit in the United States reaching #88 nationally.

In 1966 a new French version, also by lyricist Michel Rivgauche, was recorded by Dalida as “Parlez-moi de lui” (“Tell me about him”). This rendition slightly alters the original melody. This adaptation was covered by Françoise Hardy on her 1968 album Françoise Hardy .

The most well-known version of “The Way of Love” was recorded by Cher. Her version spent three weeks within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak of number 7 and ultimately selling almost one million copies. Billboard ranked it as the No. 62 song for 1972.

Chanson du Jour: “Mon Homme”

American audiences will remember this tune as “My Man” – memorably featured in the film Funny Girl and performed by Barbara Streisand. Jazz legend Billie Holiday also a recorded a classic version. The original was sung by chanteuse Mistinguett, who at one time was at one time the highest-paid female entertainer in the world. A performer at the legendary Moulin Rouge, Mistinguett’s legs were insured for 500,000 francs in 1919. Though her well-insured gams were easy on the eyes, Jean Cocteau said her voice was “slightly off-key, (like) that of the Parisian street hawkers—the husky, trailing voice of the Paris people.”

Monsieur Pas de Merde is partial to this 1951 recording by Henriette Ragon, aka “Patachou,” whose legs were not insured but whose name derived from “pâte-à-choux” meaning cream puff dough. So, voila.

Sometimes when performing, Patachou would collect half-ties (she would snip the neckties of customers reluctant to join in sing-alongs). Thomas Dewey and Errol Flynn were among her victims.

Watch the tribute celebrating John Prine

An online celebration of the life of John Prine. Produced by the Prine family and Oh Boy Records, featuring musicians, actors and friends remembering our beloved JP.

The tribute will feature memories and songs as well as rare and never-before-seen footage of John himself, while raising money for three organizations: NAMI, Alive Hospice and Make the Road New YorkAfter the credits please stick around for “I Remember Everything” which was John Prine’s last recording. The song was written by John and his long-time friend and collaborator Pat McLaughlin. This recording took place in John’s living room with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb. Available Now.

NAMI: https://donate.nami.org/JohnPrine
Make the Road New York: bit.ly/DonateMaketheRoad
Alive Hospice:https://www.alivehospice.org/johnprine