POP-A-LOOZA
Born on this day in 1953, in Los Angeles, California, actress Gloria DeHaven. DeHaven appeared with Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times (1936), with Frank Sinatra in Step Lively (1944), and opposite Myrna Loy and William Powell in The Thin Man Goes Home (1944).
Born on this day in 1940, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Nancy Sinatra. Her hit records include her signature hit, “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’“,”You Only Live Twice” and “Somethin’ Stupid,” a duet with her father, Frank Sinatra. She also starred in films opposite Elvis Presley and Peter Fonda.
Born on this day in 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, Dean Martin. Martin was a revered all-around entertainer, conquering stage, screen, television and music. Known as a member of The Rat Pack, Martin had two successful TV series, The Dean Martin Show and Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. He also starred alongside buddies Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. in the memorable Ocean’s 11. His hit songs include “That’s Amore” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime.”
Trini Lopez was born on this day in 1937, in Dallas, Texas. Lopez had hits with the songs If I Had A Hammer, Lemon Tree and Sally Was A Good Old Girl, and was signed to Reprise Records by none other than Frank Sinatra.
Chrissie Hynde & Valve
Bone Woe Ensemble
Valve Bone Woe (BMG)
This is the jazzy pop record that rocker Chrissie Hynde has always threatened to make. Focusing on the late 1950’s through the early 1960’s, it’s a pleasant record that isn’t overly fussy, which is welcome relief these days. An emotional voice lending its own beauty, as well as its own flaws.
The Kinks’ “No Return” sounds even more samba-like than the original, and Brian Wilson’s “Caroline, No” gets turned into a sultry torch song. Sinatra’s “I’m A Fool To Love You” takes on a whole new elegance in Hynde’s hands. This is a very special moment in a long and fascinating career.
By Dan Pavelich