How in the world could I do my last post about a song and NOT talk about the songwriters? Let's put that right this minute!
"Whispering Grass" was written by Fred Fisher and his daughter, Doris Fisher! That might seem unusual but Fred Fisher was a songwriter and he and his wife had two sons and a daughter, and ALL of his children became songwriters. Isn't that astonishing?
Fred Fisher was born in Cologne, Germany in 1875. (Name of Alfred Breitenbach). He immigrated to America in 1900 and founded the Fred Fischer Music Company in 1907! (He changed his name to the spelling of "Fisher" during WWI.) How many songs did Fred Fisher write? So many!
Here is a list of some that you might know:
"Come Josephine, In My Flying Machine"
"Peg O' My Heart"
"Chicago"
"I'd Rather Be Blue" (Please tell me this reminds you of Barbra Streisand skating and singing in the film "Funny Girl"! I love that!)
"That's When Your Heartaches Begin" (You must know this from The Inkspots! And Elvis also recorded it! Love this song!)
"Whispering Grass" (You already know this one, Fred Fisher wrote the words and his daughter, Doris Fisher wrote the music. It was written in 1940 for The Inkspots!)
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Doris Fisher! Wow, what an extraordinary life story! Besides being a songwriter writing both lyrics and music, she was also a singer during the 1930's and 1940's. She was the lead singer in the group...and you got to love this..."Penny Wise and Her Wise Guys"!
You already know she wrote "Whispering Grass" with her father. Here is a list of just some of the songs that she co-wrote with others:
"You Always Hurt The One You Love"
"Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall"
"That Ole Devil Called Love"
"Put The Blame On Mame"
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She married in 1947 and had two children. Doris Fisher began collecting antique American furniture and became well known for interior design. In the early 1960's, President Kennedy and First Lady, Jackie Kennedy consulted her for the interior design at the White House. Wasn't she an interesting woman? Don't you think that someone should make a film about this whole Fisher family? Of course, someone should!
Now, to leave you with another FANTASTIC vocal of this song, how about Sir Tom Jones? And this was just from the end of this past year. Apparently, the British are lucky enough to have Jools Holland on New Year's Eve with his "Jools Holland Hootenanny".
So, this is Jools Holland on piano and Sir Tom Jones singing...(at age of 80!) Enjoy!
Hey seeing if works. Blog problems.
ReplyDeleteI think I can comment!
ReplyDeleteChris G. told me he had to go to separate page to comment. Anybody tell me what I've done or neglected to do about comments?
ReplyDeleteCan't see anything different here about comments, Kay. Sometimes blogger acts up and then sorts itself out again - much like a temperamental teenager ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Fishers: You are right, it is amazing that their lives have not been turned into a film yet, or at least a book!
And Tom Jones is one of my heroes when it comes to singing! He was scheduled to appear live in concert in my area not that long ago, and I wanted to give my Mum two tickets (for herself and myself) for her birthday. Good job I asked her beforehands; she said it was a sweet idea but she rather not face the crowds that no doubt would have turned up. Now that he is 80 years old and we have all the restrictions in place, I doubt I will ever get to see him live.
Seems okay now, thanks. I seem to go straight to panic these days. Such a shame that you both couldn't see Tom Jones but I also understand your Mom's reasoning, I don't want to be around small crowds, let alone large ones! Perhaps I could try to talk my son into writing a screenplay about the Fisher family, working all those songs into it! That would be my kind of film!
DeleteTalent does run in families and the Fishers were particularly talented!
ReplyDeleteSo, when you hum or sing that song, the tune was written by a woman! I love knowing that although that won't mean a thing to hardly anyone else !😊
DeleteThanks for a most interesting post, Kay. Some good old songs there.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a fan of Tom Jones...but I know thousands of others have been and still are....individual likes and dislikes... :)
Take good care. I hope all is well up your way. :)
What? You don't like Tom Jones? But he has such a great voice! I saw him in concert in the 1970's and I was so surprised at all the ladies underwear thrown up on stage. So weird! Hey! I don't really like Frank Sinatra but that's just me! Take care down under, Lee!!
DeleteI love Sinatra...but hey, that's just me! :)
DeleteWe each have our individual likes and dislikes. :)
Oh dear, just typed a reply and it disappeared! For you Lee, I might just give Ol'Blue Eyes a second chance. He has millions of admirers so he might get one more!😊
DeleteSuch a talented family is good to hear.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to know, isn't it? I keep out finding bits of info about folks and wonder why I am just hearing about them. Songwriters! I need to write a book about them!
DeleteTom Jones still sounds good at 80! Hard to believe he's that age. I still think of him like I used to back in the '70s! Now I guess his fans would have to toss their depends on stage! (sorry, couldn't resist!)
ReplyDeleteYes, and he should collect them all and give them to nursing homes. And he's so nice and funny, he just might do that!!His voice sounds good though, don't you think?
DeleteI always enjoy watching Tom Jones :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Hi Jan! Thanks very much for your comment! Tom Jones can sing for me anytime! Take care. x
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