Day #6 of the new year and thus far I think the sun has shone for a total of an hour all year!  Dreary, cold … oh yeah, it’s winter, isn’t it?  At …

Trump Lit The Match …

I’ve played this one twice in the history of Filosofa’s Word, the last time being just over two years ago.  I’m working on a brand new music post per a suggestion from Keith, but I simply don’t have the energy tonight to pull it together, so … stay tuned!  Maybe tomorrow!  Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy some Gerry and the Pacemakers!

Gerry Marsden in the 1960s

Gerry Marsden in 2009

Gerry and the Pacemakers were an English beat group prominent in the 1960s. In common with the Beatles, they came from Liverpool, were managed by Brian Epstein, and were recorded by George Martin.  Gerry Marsden formed the group in 1959 with his brother Fred, Les Chadwick, and Arthur McMahon. They rivalled the Beatles early in their career, playing in the same areas of Hamburg and Liverpool.

This song was written by Gerry Marsden and released in late 1964 in the UK and in 1965 in the United States, becoming a hit in both countries, #8 in the UK and #6 in the U.S.

“Mersey” refers to the River Mersey in northwest England, a river that flows into the Irish Sea at Liverpool. The Mersey Ferry runs between Liverpool and Birkenhead and Seacombe on the Wirral.

Ferry Cross The Mersey
Gerry and the Pacemakers

Source: ♫ Ferry Cross The Mersey ♫ (Redux) | Filosofa’s Word

It always takes me a few days to get back in the groove after a weeklong artist series, but I thought I had today’s tune pegged.  Marrakesh Express has been stuck in a loop in my head for days now and I was so sure that would be my first music post after Don Henley Week.  But alas … I discovered that I just played it this past March, a mere 7 mnths ago, so definitely too soon for a redux.  So, I let my mind off the leash, let it run free, and it brought me this one that I last played in 2023!

Gerry & the Pacemakers were the second group to be signed by manager Brian Epstein (after The Beatles). They were part of the Merseybeat sound emanating from Liverpool, England.

In the UK, the group’s first three singles, all released in 1963, went to #1: How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone. In the U.S., Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying was their first hit. The group had a few more hits in 1964 and 1965, but their fortunes faded as The Beatles emerged.

This song was written by written by Gerry Marsden, Freddie Marsden, Les Chadwick and Les Maguire, the members of Gerry and the Pacemakers.   It was first recorded and issued as a single by Louise Cordet in February 1964. Shortly after Cordet’s version failed to chart, the song was recorded by Gerry and The Pacemakers themselves in April 1964.

This was produced by Beatles producer George Martin, and Gerry & the Pacemakers sang this when they made their US television debut on May 3, 1964 on The Ed Sullivan Show.

This song hit #4 in the U.S., #5 in Canada, and #6 in the UK.

Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying
Gerry and the Pacemaker

Source: ♫ Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying ♫ (Redux) | Filosofa’s Word

The song was released as a single, but was initially intended to be part of an album that was never completed.  It charted at #2 in the U.S. and #6 in Canada.  It was also covered in 1992 by The Beach Boys.

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Sly and the Family Stone

Source: ♫ Hot Fun In The Summertime ♫ | Filosofa’s Word

This charted at #6 in both Canada and the U.S., and #12 in the UK.

Come Dancing

Kinks

Source: ♫ Come Dancing ♫ | Filosofa’s Word

The song charted at #2 in the UK, #6 in the U.S., and #8 in Canada.

Rocket Man

Elton John

Source: ♫ Rocket Man ♫ | Filosofa’s Word

Midnight at the Oasis peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #21 in the UK Singles Chart in the spring of 1974.

Midnight at the Oasis
Maria Muldaur 

Source: ♫ Midnight At The Oasis ♫ | Filosofa’s Word

This one rose to #6 in Canada, #9 in the U.S., and did not chart in the UK.

Right Place, Wrong Time

Dr. John 

Source: ♫ Right Place, Wrong Time ♫ | Filosofa’s Word

Dusty recorded this in 1966, and then along came Elvis Presley, who covered it with an also-popular version both in the U.S. and UK in 1970.  I prefer Dusty’s, but Elvis’ isn’t bad, either.  So … you get both!  Dusty Springfield’s version went to #1 in the UK, and #4 in the U.S. and Canada.  Elvis’ version hit #9 in  the UK, #6 in Canada, and #11 in the U.S.

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
Dusty Springfield/Elvis Presley

Source: ♫ You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me ♫ (Redux) | Filosofa’s Word

This charted at #6 in the UK and #9 in the U.S., and as far as I can tell, did not chart in Canada.

Twistin’ The Night Away

Sam Cooke 

Source: ♫ Twistin’ The Night Away ♫ | Filosofa’s Word