After having Joy To The World reach gold in 1971, Three Dog Night released Never Been To Spain as the first track on their 7th album, "Harmony."
Three Dog Night was originally formed in 1968 by Danny Hutton. His vision for that band was one that would showcase lead singers who could also harmonize together. It turned out to be a formula for instant and enduring success.
Spanish Eyes is one of the 50 most-performed songs, and there are estimated to be about 500 different versions.
Composed originally as an instrumental titled Moon Over Naples by German composer Bert Kaempfert, lyrics were added by Charles Singleton and Eddie Snyder.
Though not particularly well-known in his own right, Kaempfert is one of the most successful songwriters of the last century.
He apparently also had an eye for talent.
Kaempfert produced the first two albums for a British band who sought success in Germany. A band for which the lead singer, Tony Sheridan, was replaced by bass player Paul McCartney. Some give the composer claim to fame for discovering The Beatles.
Kaempfert also has a history with Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra for whom he composed Strangers In The Night in "A Man Could Get Killed" and Wooden Heart in "G.I. Blues," respectively.
Bert Kaempfert died in 1993.
Known also as East Harlem or El Barrio, Spanish Harlem extends from First Avenue to Fifth Avenue and from East 96th Street to East 125th Street in New York City.
The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector and sung here by Ben E. King, formerly of The Drifters.
As a new vocal version of a previously released instrumental Spanish Two Step, New Spanish Two Step would top the country charts for 16 weeks in 1946.
In Turkey, Texas, Bob Wills Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April.
After suffering a stroke 18 months earlier, Bob Wills died in 1975.
Though his first few performances went without particular notice, Hank Snow, on an invitation from Ernest Tubb, performed at the Grand Ole Opry for 46 years.
Hank "The Singing Ranger" began playing guitar at age 12, listening to Jimmie Rodgers while at sea as a cabin boy. The influence of Jimmie Rodgers is apparent in the railroad songs, but it didn't take long for him to develop his own style.
In the early 1950s, Hank brought a young, new talent on as an opening act and later invited him to the Grand Ole Opry where he introduced him to "Colonel" Tom Parker. That young, new talent's name was Elvis Presley.
Hank took his last, long ride on December 20, 1999 at the age of 85.
MP3s reviewed and researched.
Not really "Of The Day" anymore, but it used to be.
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