National Carry A Tune Week

It is open to anyone living in the USA or a foreign country.

Any tune chosen must have been written by American composers or songwriters at least five years ago.

How did it begin?

The idea for this week came about from Tune Lovers Society founder, Roger Hall, as a way to remember those lost in the terrible tragedies of September 11, 2001. That year there were special songs of remembrance chosen.

This annual free event has been sponsored by The Tune Lovers Society to encourage people to recall tunes from their past and carry them as fond memories, like treasured old photographs.  

You don't need to be a musician to participate.

The tunes you select may be carried by studying them at a public or private school or a university; singing them at a house of worship; or playing them at home, at the office, or in your car.  Musicians are encouraged to select at least one tune for their concert that week.

National Carry A Tune Week is held annually near the birthday of America's first tune composer, William Billings, born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 7, 1746.  To read more about him, go to:  Past American Composers

For those old enough to remember, October 7 was also the date that the popular program, YOUR HIT PARADE, was premiered on national TV in 1950.  The program had been on radio for many years.  Each week the TV program went through the top songs of the week, with a few older songs included in the program. It ended after rock n'roll took over as the dominant force on the music scene.

One other event for October 7... that's the birthday of songwriter Ralph Rainger (1901-1942). He wrote mostly film songs, including "Love in Bloom" (1934). This song was first recorded by Bing Crosby but later became Jack Benny's theme song.  Rainger, and his lyricist co-writer, Leo Robin, also wrote the Oscar winning song, "Thanks for the Memory" - sung in THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1938 by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross.  It later became Bob Hope's theme song.  One of the co-stars in that 1938 film was Grace Bradley, wife of popular western film star, William Boyd, who played Hopalong Cassidy in 66 movies, the longest running film series with the same fictional character.

What makes it a tune?

Here is a definition of tune -

(a) a pleasing succession of musical tones: MELODY

(b) a dominant theme.

---from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.

          Carry A Tune Week

Eighth Annual:  October 5 - 11, 2008

Seventh Annual:  October 7 - 13, 2007

 Sixth Annual:  October 1 - 7, 2006

Fifth Annual:  October 2 - 8, 2005

Fourth Annual:  October 3 - 9, 2004

Third Annual:   October 6 - 12, 2003

Second Annual:  October 7 - 13, 2002

First Annual:  October 7 - 13, 2001

This is a free event sponsored by The Tune Lovers Society.

You can read about the event in Chase's Calendar of Events 2007.  

  Tune Listings

Carry A Tune Week Lists for 2005, 2006 and 2007 are listed at this website:

American Music Preservation

All previous years (2001-2004) are listed below on this page.

     Tune Sources

Reference Guides:

A Guide to Film Music: Songs amd Score (3rd updated edition, 2007)

A Guide to George Gershwin (2nd updated edition, 2004)

Remembering Radio: Great Songwriters and Singers (2005)

Historical Recordings:

America in Song, Vol. I: American Revolution to World War I

America in Song, Vol. II: The Civil War to The Cold War

American Choral Sampler

Find out what composers and songwriters have been chosen to the

Tunemaker Hall of Fame

Tune Totals (2001-2005):  

Patriotic Music = 15

Folk Songs and Religious Music = 30

Popular Songs =  62

Classical Music = 16

Film Score Themes and Movie Songs = 39

Total Tunes (2001 - 2005) = 162

Fifth Annual Carry A Tune Week (2005)

The tune listings for this year have moved to this website:

American Music Preservation

You can read about this week in Chase's Calendar of Events 2005.  Look under the date of October 2, 2005.

This year's event is dedicated to those who have suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina.

Also, this year marks the centennial births of five major songwriters and singers.

To read who they are, click on this link:

American Songwriters (Anniversaries)

Tunemaker Hall of Fame

Selected by Roger Hall

Each year 10 names are added to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame.  

These composers and songwriters are selected because of their great skill in writing memorable themes or songs.  

To read all the names on the Tunemaker Hall of Fame, go to:

Tune Lovers Society

For additional information, click on these links:

American Composers

American Songwriters and Songs

Film Composer Tributes

TLS Membership

What are your favorite American tunes?

For ideas, take a look at these links...

Big Band music

Country & Western

Early Americana

Elvis Presley  

Shaker music

Patriotic

Songs from Old-Time Radio

Tin Pan Alley

Or maybe you prefer...

Film score themes or movie songs

Classical themes  

When you join the society you can participate in the "Talking Tunes" messageboard and ask questions, make comments or announcements.

Why not lend an ear and  join this society now?

To join, go here:

Tune Lovers Society

Go here for the results of a web poll:

Top Ten Favorite American Composers

How many of these do you know?

Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century

Are you a performer, teacher, or reader interested in books and collections on American music?  

If so, look at

Music Titles from PineTree Press

Fourth Annual Carry A Tune Week (October 3 - 9, 2004)

Note:  You can read about this week in the 2004 edition of Chase's Calendar of Events, available in many large bookstores or libraries.  Look under the date of October 3, 2004.

This year's CATW is dedicated to three musicians (J. Dorsey, G. Miller, F. Waller) born 100 years ago....

"Tangerine" - Jimmy Dorsey

born: February 29, 1904, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania

This well known Big Band musician and band leader was at one time in the 1930s teamed up with his brother Tommy, but they formed their own Big Bands during the 1940s.  Both of the Dorsey Brothers were featured in 1940s musicals.  

One of his biggest hit recordings for Jimmy Dorsey, with vocal by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly was "Tangerine"(Victor Schertzinger-Johnny Mercer) from THE FLEET'S IN (1942).  Even though the song was one of the year's biggest hits, it wasn't Oscar nominated. He was also in the lackluster film: THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (1947), which is only worth watching for good music by Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey and other musicians.

An excellent compilation CD of Dorsey Brothers music is:  Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey: Swingin' in Hollywood.

During the mid-1950s, both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey hosted a TV program known as "Stage Show," produced by Jackie Gleason as a filler for his Saturday night show, "The Honeymooners."  On the night of January 28, 1956, a young singer from Memphis made the first of six appearances on the Dorsey Brothers TV show.  The singer's name was -- Elvis Presley.

Jimmy Dorsey died of Cancer in New York, NY on June 12, 1957.  His brother, Tommy, had died the year before on November 26, 1956.

For a complete biography, go to:

The Great American Big Bands

"Moonlight Serenade" - (Alton) Glenn Miller

born: Clarinda, Iowa, March 1, 1904

Glenn Miller was a highly accomplished trombonist but he is probably best remembered for leading several outstanding Big Bands and recording a series of some of the biggest hits of the Big Band Era.  Here are a few of them: "Little Brown Jug"; "Tuxedo Junction"; "Chattanooga Choo Choo;" "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo"; "Pennsylvania 6-5000." He also wrote a few memorable songs, especially his haunting theme:  "Moonlight Serenade."  Miller reportedly wrote part of this theme as early as 1936 while studying with Dr. Joseph Schillinger.  A few years later, Miller needed a B-side for his A-side song, "Sunrise Serenade," a Robbins Music manager, Abe Olman, suggested the B-side be called: "Moonlight Serenade." The record was recorded on April 4, 1939 and went on to become one of Miller's first big hits. Miller reportedly later said: "Moonlight is my baby and still my favorite in the book.  There simply aren't enough 'o's in 'smooth' to describe it." This information from notes by Colin Escott in this excellent 2-CD set:

The Essential Glenn Miller (RCA)

In 1993, I hosted a four hour nightly radio show titled:  IN THE MOOD

There are several CDRs available of excerpts from this show.  

One of these is "Top Ten Big Band Themes." Can you guess what the number one theme was on that survey?

The answer:  Glenn Miller's beautiful theme, "Moonlight Serenade." 

To see the playlists for that radio show, go to:

IN THE MOOD

The theme I chose for my radio show was naturally by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, but not the 1939 hit version.  

Instead, I played the longer version used in the first movie featuring Glenn and his Orchestra, titled: SUN VALLEY SERENADE, 1941.  You can read about the two movies featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra at:

Film Music Review

Tragically, the plane that was carrying Glenn Miller to Paris was lost at sea over the English Channel on December 15, 1944.  But during his relatively short life, he created a style of music that still resonates with those who love Big Band music today.

One of the best summations is this one:  

"Glenn Miller's life cannot be summed up in a few words. He put more in his short life of 40 years than most people do in a longer lifetime."  This quote is from an excellent web site: The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society:

www.glennmiller.org

Believe it or not, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra under the musical direction of Larry O'Brien is still playing an average of 300 dates a year. To read about them, look at:

www.glennmillerorchestra.com

Here are a few of the original Glenn Miller hits worth ordering:

Glenn Miller - Greatest Hits (RCA)

The Essential Glenn Miller (RCA - 2 CDs)

Platinum Glenn Miller (RCA)

The Golden Years, 1938-1942 (Proper Box - 4 CDs) - great value!

"Ain't Misbehavin'" - Thomas Wright ("Fats") Waller

born: May 21, 1904, New York, New York

Like Jimmy Dorsey and Glenn Miller, Fats Waller was both a very talented musician and a good orchestra leader.  Fats Waller was known mostly for his terrific piano playing and his bubbly personality reflected in his singing.  He also played organ, led his own band, and wrote many popular songs, such as: "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose."  Both songs had lyrics by the ably talented Andy Razaf.  Other memorable songs by Waller and Razaf include these: "Stompin' at the Savoy"; "Memories of You";  and the incredibly moving song: "(What Did I Do To Be So) Black and Blue."  

Like Glenn Miller, Fats had a very short life perhaps made possible by his high living of whiskey, women and partying.  

He died of pneumonia on December 15, 1943, while returning by train from the West Coast after stopping at Kansas City, Missouri.  

Ironically, Glenn Miller died on the very same day, one year later.

Here are a few recommended Fats Waller CDs:

The Very Best of Fats Waller (RCA)

The Very Best of Fats Waller (Collector's Choice)

The Definitive Fats Waller, Vol. 1: His Piano, His Rhythm (Jazz Classics)

A Handful of Keys (Live)(Buddha/BMG)

Carry A Tune Week List for 2004

The 2004 Carry A Tune Week summary of 40 favorite tunes is broken down as follows:

Tune Categories:  

Patriotic Tunes = 3

Folk Songs = 3

Popular Songs = 13

Classical Themes/ Vocal Music = 3

Film Score Themes/ Movie Songs = 18

Tune Dates:  

18th century  = 1 / 19th century = 6 / 20th century = 33

"America (My Country! 'Tis of Thee)" (words by Samuel Francis Smith, 1831/ music attributed to Henry Carey) - This patriotic song isn't heard enough these days and should be sung more often. -- Gail from Massachusetts

"Bonnie Blue Flag" (words by Harry Macarthey, 1862/tune: Irish folk air) - Song of the Confederate states that originated there, unlike "Dixie" which came from a northern minstrel group. -- Larry from New Jersey

"Independence" (words & music by William Billings, 1778) - A marvelous early patriotic anthem by America's first important composer ends with an allegiance to a higher ruler than England's King George:

Loudly sing that God is the King, May His reign be glorious, America victorious, And may the earth acknowledge God is the King. Amen.  

This anthem is also the joyous conclusion of an unjustly neglected cantata by Robert Russell Bennett.  It was commissioned by The National Symphony Orchestra and first performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in 1976. This enjoyable cantata, titled "The Fun & Faith of William Billings, American"should be performed more often. -- Roger (TLS)

Folk Music:

"Come Life, Shaker Life" (music & lyrics by Elder Issachar Bates, 1835) - This is one of the best known Shaker dance songs.  Amazingly, it was written when Elder Issachar was in his late 70s.  I have written a booklet about his life and music which is described at:  American Shaker Music. -- Roger (TLS)

"Going Down the Valley" (words by Jessie H. Brown/ music by J.H. Fillmore, 1890) - Appeared in a 1901 hymnal as "We Are Going Down the Valley."  Music altered slightly via folk tradition.  It might be classified as "White Gospel"-- Jim from Massachusetts

"Midnight Special" (traditional 20th century) - Huddie Ledbetter (Leadbelly) with the Golden Gate Quartet brought it new popularity and it was later recorded by the Weavers and Johnny Rivers to name a couple -- Larry from New Jersey

Popular Music:

"All The Things You Are" (lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II/ music by Jerome Kern) from the Broadway show, VERY WARM FOR MAY (1939) - I think this is my favorite vintage popular song because it speaks so eloquently about undying love and the tune is heartbreakingly beautiful if it is performed simply.  I recall film composer David Raksin, who died this year at 92, talking about his influences in a documentary on "The Hollywood Sound" and commenting about the greatness of this particular song by Hammerstein and Kern. Apparently the song is also a favorite of another film composer, John Williams, who has recorded it with the Boston Pops.  I guess I'm in good company with these two great film composers -- Roger (TLS)  

[Note: Jerome Kern has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2004].

"Don't Fence Me In" (music & lyrics by Cole Porter, 1944/ based on a poem by Robert Fletcher) - Although a good singer, Roy Rogers had what could be considered a limited range as a solo artist. Some of his better work was with The Sons of the Pioneers -- Bob from Louisiana

[Note: Cole Porter has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"The Last Round-up" (lyrics & music by Billy Hill, 1933) - as sung by Gene Autry -- Bob from Louisiana

"Mama Don't Allow It" (words & music by Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport, 1927) - A riffed version by Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon (1933) established the thematic verses and Smiley Burnette's 1935 version standardized the tune as a showcase for instrumentalists ("No banjo, piano, harmonica, etc. in here") -- Larry from New Jersey

"Mary's Boy Child" (words & music by Jester Hairston, 1956) - A beautiful Christmas song sung by Harry Belafonte -- Gail from Massachusetts

"Saving Myself For You" (lyrics by Sammy Cahn/ music by Saul Chaplin, 1938) - Artie Shaw's Grammercy Five feat. Johnny Guarneri on harpsichord is the favorite here over another recording by Benny Goodman. --Larry from New Jersey

"Skylark" (lyrics by Johnny Mercer/ music by Hoagy Carmichael, 1942) - I have at least three recordings to play at home, performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day and Dinah Shore. Clint Eastwood's daughter sang it well during the opening credits for MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL. -- Jim from Massachusetts

[Note: Hoagy Carmichael has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2004]

"Someone To Watch Over Me" from Broadway show, OH, KAY! (lyrics by Ira Gershwin/music by George George, 1926) - Jim from Massachusetts

[Note: George Gershwin has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"Stop Time Rag" (music by Scott Joplin) - A delightful rag that allows the listener to provide the missing notes while tapping or snapping their fingers -- Larry from New Jersey

[Note: Scott Joplin has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2004]

"The Sweetest Sounds I Ever Heard" from the Broadway musical, NO STRINGS (words & music by Richard Rodgers, 1962) -- Jim from Massachusetts

[Note: Richard Rodgers has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"The Vacant Chair" (words & music by George F. Root, 1862) - A Civil War song sung in the film IN OLD MONTEREY (1939) which I later saw on TV.  This particular song is one I remember quite well, as well as the plot of the feature -- Bob from Louisiana

"What'll I Do?" (Irving Berlin, 1924) -- Jim from Massachusetts

[Note: Irving Berlin has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher" - lyrics & music by Gary L. Jackson, Raynard Minor, Carl Smith, 1967 - A hit by Jackie Wilson and later recorded by Bette Midler. -- Larry from New Jersey

Classical  Music:

"I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" from the folk opera, PORGY AND BESS (words by Ira Gershwin & DuBose Heyward/ music by George Gershwin, 1935) -- Gail from Massachusetts

Piano Variations on a Shaker Marching Tune (1970) - I wrote these variations on a wordless Shaker tune to demonstrate different compositional styles including Classical, Late Romantic, Impressionistic, Modal, and Twelve -Tone.  It was premiered in a concert by pianist David Hagan and is available on CDR  -- Roger (TLS)

"Blessing and Glory" (music by Edwin Arthur Jones, 1874) - I first discovered this choral fugue amongst the manuscript music of E.A. Jones.  He's a composer now almost totally forgotten.  Yet he composed some wonderful music.  He wrote "Blessing and Glory" in 1874 while he was the Director of the Dartmouth College Glee Club.  I edited the fugue and in 1986 it was given its first modern day performance by The Old Stoughton Musical Society, America's oldest choral society -- Roger (TLS)

Film Score Themes and Movie Songs:

Three major film composers have died this year: Elmer Bernstein, Jerry Goldsmith, David Raksin. Some of their scores are included in this list.  For tributes to all three composers, go to:  Film Music Review

THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL  - Main Title (music by David Raksin, 1952) -- Craig from California

"Blue Shadows On The Trail" from Disney film, MELODY TIME (lyrics by Johnny Lange/ music by Elliott Daniel, 1948)  - sung by Roy Rogers and The Sons of the Pioneers -- Larry from New Jersey

"Cheek to Cheek" from film musical, TOP HAT (music & lyrics by Irving Berlin, 1935) -- Craig from California

"Cortina" from THE PINK PANTHER (music by Henry Mancini, 1964) - A mellow flowing piece with fine accordion work accenting the lush resort of Cortina D'Ampezzo -- Larry from New Jersey

"Crucifixion" theme from BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (music by Franz Waxman, 1935) - No cross so not a crucifixion, but image is similar though monster is raised on a pole.  It almost seems to be an inversion of the Grand March from "Aida"--Larry from New Jersey

"Dust" from western film, UNDER WESTERN SKIES (words & music by Johnny Marvin, 1938) - This is an extremely poignant Depression era song sung by Roy Rogers.  This was the first western song ever nominated for an Oscar --Roger (TLS)

"Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin" from western film, HIGH NOON (lyrics by Ned Washington/ music by Dimitri Tiomkin, 1952) -- Bob from Louisiana

"Easy To Love" from film musical, BORN TO DANCE (music & lyrics by Cole Porter, 1936) - Diane from Florida

"A Foggy Day (in London Town)" from film musical, A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS (lyrics by Ira Gershwin/music by Geoge Gershwin, 1937) -- Craig from California

FOREVER AMBER - Main Title (music by David Raksin, 1947) -- A terrific opening theme and great score for a mediocre film -- Roger (TLS)

"The High and the Mighty" from film, THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY (lyrics by Ned Washington/ music by Dimitri Tiomkin, 1954) -- Craig from California

LAURA  - Main Title ( music by David Raksin, 1944) -- Craig from California

THE LIST OF ADRIAN MESSENGER - Main Theme (music by Jerry Goldsmith, 1963) -- Craig from California

"Over The Rainbow" from the film, THE WIZARD OF OZ (lyrics by E.Y. Harburg/music by Harold Arlen, 1939) -- Diane, a harpist from Florida

THE RIVER -  Main Theme (documentary film score by Virgil Thomson, 1937) - I think it deserves to be played more often -- Jim from Massachusetts

"Take Me Back To Those Wide Open Spaces" from Hopalong Cassidy western, TRAIL DUST (words & music by Harry Tobias and Jack Stern, 1936) -- Ed from Texas

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - Main Title (music by Elmer Bernstein, 1962) -- Craig from California

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - Main Theme (music by Elmer Bernstein, 1962) -- Craig in California

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 Third Annual Carry A Tune Week (October 6-12, 2003)

Bob Hope celebrated his 100th birthday on 29 May 2003 and died a short time later.

Bing Crosby was also born the same month and year.  Bing was born on 3 May 1903 and died in 1977.

The 30 tunes included in the Third Annual Carry A Tune Week summary are broken down as follows:

Tune Categories:  Patriotic = 2/ Folk = 6/ Popular = 11/ Classical = 3/ Film Music = 8

Tune Dates:  18th century = 2/ 19th century = 4/ 20th century or unknown = 24

Patriotic (2):

"Chester" (words & music by William Billings) - This is America's first patriotic song by a native born composer. "Yankee Doodle" was written earlier but the composer is unknown. "Chester" was published with only one verse in America's first original music collection in 1770, titled The New-England Psalm-Singer. That collection consisted of music by William Billings. In 1778, the second Billings collection titled, The Singing Master's Assistant, had five stanzas of text for "Chester" referring to the ongoing American Revolution.  Few people know--other than some music scholars--that there was a later text substituted for the ones written by Billings. Apparently the Southern colonists weren't too thrilled with the original first verse, which ends with: "New England's God forever reigns."  So it was deleted later on and a new text (not by Billings) was published which was more universal in theme.  I was unaware of the later version until joining The Old Stoughton Musical Society and learned they had been singing it for over a century! Billings was the favorite composer of the Old Stoughton chorus.  So whichever text is used, the Billings tune is an early American patriotic classic that should be sung more often, but especially on Independence Day. --Roger (TLS)

[Note: William Billings has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"Yankee Doodle" - unknown composer/ words attributed to Edward Bangs, 1776 -- Gail from Massachusetts

Folk (5):

Folk Song:  "Diamonds and Rust" - words & music by Joan Baez, 1975 - My mother used to play this on the guitar when I was young, and now I play it on the guitar-- Rex from Utah  

Shaker Song: "Gentle Words" - words & music by Polly M. Rupe, Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, about 1867--I found this song in a Shaker manuscript tunebook in 1973, while doing research at the Historical Society in Shaker Heights, Ohio.  Three years later, I arranged the song and it was included on the LP record: "Harp of Joy" performed by the Plymouth Church Choir of Shaker Heights, directed by John D. Herr. My arrangement of "Gentle Words" was combined with another Shaker song, "Love is Little." Both songs were first published by Music 70 and are now available from Warner Chappell - see Op. 7.  They are also available on CDRs. I'm pleased that this beautiful Shaker humility song has received other recordings in recent years. It is a song worthy of  reflection and concern for others and is just as relevant today as it was for the Shakers. -- Roger (TLS)  

Shaker Song:  "In Yonder Valley" - words & music by Father James Whittaker, 1787--The Shaker foundress, Mother Ann Lee, was an important influence in my spirituality as a young person, and it is said that Mother Ann went around singing in a beautiful, clear voice.  Her steadfast belief in "union" of hearts and lives in community is still a glowing inspiration to my faith and life.  The line, "The winter's past, and the spring appears/ The turtledove is in our land," sounds like a beautiful haiku and I never tire of singing this song, especially when I'm tired or discouraged, or in need of inspiration.-- Diane from Minnesota

Bluegrass Song: "Rank Strangers" - words & music by Ralph Stanley --The Stanley Brothers quickly made this a "standard" recorded by dozens of bluegrass and country singers and bands.  There's also a wonderful version of the song on the album, THE BRAMBLE AND THE ROSE, by Jim Ringer and Mary McCaslin-- Jim from Massachusetts.

Cowboy Ballad: "Streets of Laredo" (date unknown) --It reminds me of the best times in my childhood that I have all but forgotten-- Mike from Washington State.

Popular (11):

"Always" - words & music by Irving Berlin, 1925 -- In honor of my grandmother, Annabelle U. Kreidler, a dynamic lady who died in 1999 at age 94.  Her favorite song was "I'll Be Loving You, Always."  I still recall the shock of suddenly hearing her clear soprano voice at about age 83 singing in the darkness of a midnight bus in the rain, as the Welsh Choir (with me as harpist, and Grandma accompanying us just for fun) returned from a concert.-- Diane from Minnesota

[Note: Irving Berlin has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"Bermuda" - words & music by Cynthia Strother and Eugene R. Strother, 1952 -By my aunt Cynthia Strother. So many have written to my website to say they find this song haunting-- Rex from Utah

"Blue Moon" - words: Lorenz Hart/ music: Richard Rodgers, 1934 - Classy and romantic to me and can give me shivers when sung by the right artist-- Mike from Washington

[Note: Richard Rodgers has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?"  - words: E.Y. Harburg/ music: Jar Gorney, 1932--A song for someone who is now out of a job after 25 years-- Gail from Massahusetts

"Hard Times Come Again No More" - words & music by Stephen Foster, 1855--most of Stephen Foster are my heartfelt faves, besides "Hard Times" especially "Old Black Joe" and "Open Thy Lattice Love"-- Diane from Florida

[Note: Stephen Foster has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"It Was A Very Good Year" - words & music by Ervin Drake, 1961 - This song still amazes me. What a great story-- Rex from Utah

"Keep Me From Blowing Away" - words & music by Paul Craft - I heard the song first from The Seldom Scene (bluegrass group) in their 1973 album on Rebel called ACT TWO.  The following year, the song was recorded as almost a torch song by Linda Ronstadt in her HEART LIKE A WHEEL album-- Jim from Massachusetts

"Grandfather's Clock" -  words & music by Henry Clay Work (1876) -- Gail from Massachusetts

"The Soho Serenade" - words & music by Roger Hall - I was inspired to write this song after hearing an early British record, "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," by Tony Sheridan and the Beat Brothers (who later became known as The Beatles).  Later, I went to London where I visited the Soho district and completed my song.  A demo record was made in 1965 with Ethel Regan doing a great job of singing my song.  Unfortunately, the song was never released commercially.  But it's available with my other early songs on a CDR titled: "Songs of Survival: A Musical Scrapbook" --Roger (TLS)  

"They Can't Take That Away From Me" - words: Ira Gershwin/ music: George Gershwin, 1937 -- Michele from Massachusetts

[Note: George Gershwin has been named to the Tunemaker Hall of Fame list in 2003]

"You Go To My Head" - Haven Gillespie/ music: J. Fred Coots, 1938 -- Mike from Washington

Classical (3):

"Creator God, We Give You Thanks"(1976) - words: Betty Anne J, Arner/music: Roger Hall - I wrote this hymn after meeting the distinguished American composer Randall Thompson and being inspired by his memorable choral music. One year later, I arranged it as a choir anthem, and then in 1993 I expanded it and dedicated the new version in memory of my friend and colleague, John D. Herr of Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights.  Both anthem versions are available on CDR at Music Compositions --Roger (TLS)

"Hosea" or "Come Back to Me"- written by Gregory Norbet in 1972 when he was a monk at Weston Priory--That song just came to me over and over, once I'd heard it, until I arranged it for harp.  I never tire of playing or singing it, and audiences request it constantly.  I included it on my third CD, "Harp of Hope"-- Diane from Minnesota

"Summertime" from the opera, PORGY AND BESS (1935) - lyrics: DuBose Heyward/ music: George Gershwin--To pick just one Gershwin tune among all the others is not helpful, but this one, when sung well, is among Gershwin's most sublime achievements-- Steve from Texas

[Note: This song is often listed as a popular song or Broadway song, but George Gershwin wrote it as an opera aria and that's why it's listed here.]

Film Music (8):

DUEL IN THE SUN (Main Title) from the film of same title (1946) - score by Dimitri Tiomkin -- Craig from California

"The Green Leaves of Summer" from film THE ALAM0 (1960) - words: Paul Francis Webster/ music: Dimitri Tiomkin -- Craig from California

"The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral" from the film of same title (1957) - music: Dimitri Tiomkin/lyrics: Ned Washington-- Craig from California

"Jingle, Jangle, Jingle" from film THE FOREST RANGERS (1942) - words: Frank Loesser/ music: Joseph J. Lilley --chosen by Mike from Washington.

[Note:  This song was a #1 hit song five times and was recorded by Tex Ritter, Gene Autry, The Merry Macs, and many others]

STAR WARS (Main Title) from film of same title (1977) - score by John Williams - A favorite of mine mostly because it was the music that first really sunk in as captivating orchestral music.  It led to a life long love of classical orchestral music and film music--Steve from Texas

VERTIGO (Love Theme) - from film of same title (1958) - score by Bernard Herrmann-- Steve from Texas

"What's New, Pussycat?" from film of same title (1965) - words: Hal David/ music: Burt Bacharach - I sing this song to my new puppy dog instead of a new pussycat -- Gail from Massachusetts

"Yankee Doodle Dandy" from the Hollywood musical of same title (1942) -- Craig from California

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    Second Annual Carry A Tune Week - 2002

The 16 tunes selected were by American songwriters and composers and written before 1977 (25 years ago) in these four categories:

(1) Patriotic

(2) Folk

(3) Popular

(4) Classical

Patriotic Tunes (2):

"Chester" (words & music by William Billings, 1778) -- Gail from Massachusetts

"America the Beautiful" (words: Katharine Lee Bates, 1895/music: Samuel A. Ward, 1882) - I've always loved this beautiful song.  I especially remember singing it in Russia on a choral tour in 1988.  The Russians thought it was our national anthem.--Roger  (TLS)

Folk Tunes (2):

Western Song:  "I Ride an Old Paint" - Gail from Massachusetts

Folk Song:    "Love is Little" (South Union, Kentucky, 1834) - I found this simple Shaker song in a library in Cleveland, Ohio.  The song was published in my music collection in 1976.  That same year I arranged the song for SATB chorus and it was recorded by a local choir.  It has remained a favorite of mine. -- Roger (TLS)

Popular Songs (10):

Stage & Screen:  "Alive and Kickin'" (words & music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane - used in Hollywood music, BEST FOOT FORWARD, in 1943)- A fun song that Nancy Walker (in her screen debut) and Harry James did --Unidentified person

Stage & Screen: "As Time Goes By" (words & music: Herman Hupfeld, 1931 - used in CASABLANCA film, 1942) -- For a long time I didn't know this song had been used in a stage play in 1931.  The version sung by Dooley Wilson in CASABLANCA was the one that became the standard.  Herman Hupfeld lived in Montclair, NJ while I lived in the neighboring town of Bloomfield. We were close neighbors who unfortunately never met. --Roger (TLS)

Easy Listening: "Day By Day" (words: Sammy Cahn/music: Axel Stordahl & Paul Weston, 1945) --Loretta from Texas

Screen: "Dearly Beloved" (words: Johnny Mercer/music: Jerome Kern - from movie musical, YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER, 1942) - Lovely song but disappointingly short.  Needs a third stanza. --Jim from Massachusetts

Stage & Screen: "Hello Young Lovers" (words: Oscar Hammerstein II/music: Richard Rodgers - from THE KING AND I, 1951 ) - Fits well into the show; also a good stand alone song.-- Jim from Massachusetts

Popular Song: "Lorena" (words: Rev. H.D.L. Webster/music: J.P. Webster) - "Another great Columbia LP by the Norman Luboff Choir, 'Songs of the South.'  This particular version of the Civil War era song was among my father's favorites."-- Jim from Massachusetts

Screen Song: "The Look of Love" (words: Hal David/music: Burt Bacharach, 1965 - from film CASINO ROYALE, 1967) --Gail from Massachusetts

Rock Song: "Morning Has Broken" (words: Eleanor Farjeon/ music: Cat Stevens, 1971) --Unidentified person

Easy Listening:  "Night and Day" (words & music: Cole Porter, 1932) --Jan

Western Song: "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (words & music: Bob Nolan, 1934) - From 'Songs of the West' LP by the Norman Luboff Choir.  One of the first Hi-Fi records owned in 1956.  Recorded in 1947 when the Luboff Choir included my high school choral teacher, Charles P. Sanders.-- Jim from Massachusetts

Classical Themes (2):

Choral Anthem: "Praise Ye The Lord" (music by E. A. Jones, 1874) - This anthem should be sung more often. -- Gail from Massachusetts

Orchestral: "Variations on a Shaker Melody" (music by Aaron Copland, 1967) - From the first time I heard these variations, I've been a fan of Copland and his Americana period during the 1930s and '40s.  Later I had the pleasure of interviewing Copland about his use of the Shaker tune. --Roger (TLS)

  First Annual Carry A Tune Week (October 7 -13, 2001)

In Memory of...

the thousands lost in the horrific attacks which took place on September 11, 2001 in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC and in tribute to those brave firefighters, police and volunteers who have worked so long and hard to find any survivors...

Thanks to those people who participated in the First National Carry A Tune Week on October 7-13, 2001.

Here are the 16 tunes chosen for 2001 in the 4 categories:

Patriotic Songs (4)

"America - the Dream Goes On" (words: Alan & Marilyn Bergman/music: John Williams, 1984)

"Lamentation Over Boston" (words&music: William Billings, 1778)

"God Bless America" (words & music: Irving Berlin, 1938)

"That's What's The Matter"  (words & music: Stephen Foster, 1862)

Folk Songs (3)

"The Emigrant Song" (words & music: Mary McCaslin)

"Our Town" (words & music:  Iris DeMent, 1992)

"Simple Gifts" (Shaker dance song by Elder Joseph Brackett, 1848)

Popular Songs (7)

"Ac-cent-tchuate the Positive"  (words: Johnny Mercer/music: Harold Arlen - from movie musical, HERE COMES THE WAVES, 1945)

"All The Things You Are" (words: Oscar Hammerstein II/music: Jerome Kern - from stage musical, VERY WARM FOR MAY, 1939)

"I've Got The Sun In The Morning" (words & music: Irving Berlin, - from stage musical, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 1946)

"I Whistle A Happy Tune" (words: Oscar Hammerstein II/music: Richard Rodgers - from stage musical, THE KING AND I, 1951)  

"Lost In The Stars" (words: Maxwell Anderson/ music: Kurt Weill - from stage musical LOST IN THE STARS, 1949)

"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" (words: Hal David/ music: Burt Bacharach - Oscar winning movie song from BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, 1969)

"A Shine On Your Shoes" (words: Howard Dietz/ music: Arthur Schwartz - from stage review, FLYING COLORS, 1932/also THE BAND WAGON - movie musical)

Classical Themes (2)

"Blues" from Interplay (ballet, 1945) by Morton Gould

"The Promise of Living" from The Tender Land (opera, 1954) by Aaron Copland

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