The Story Behind 'Michelle' by the Beatles

From the Jan. 31, 2021, American Profile "Stories behind the songs" by Jim Farber.

"MICHELLE"

WRITERS:  Paul McCartney and John Lennon, 1967

Before the Beatles' "Michelle" took the prize, no rock band had ever won a Top Song Grammy.  In truth, "Michelle" couldn't have rocked less. -- it swayed to a lilting melody penned by McCartney to recall his days as a student taking in Parisian culture.

But, because McCartney didn't speak French, he reached out to a friend for an assist with the translated part.  He also got help from Lennon, who devised the "I love you, I love you, I love you" bridge of the song.

"Michelle" went on to become one of only two Top Song winners to feature non-English lyrics.  The other:  "Volare," the very first winner in the category in the Grammy's inaugural year, 1959.

--RoadDog

Gone in 2019, But Not Forgotten-- Part 2: "Eye of the Tiger"

SHE--  Monkees       Peter Tork   Died February 21.  Keyboardist and bass guitar.
SHADES OF GRAY--  Monkees

POOR MAN'S SON--  Survivor  Stephan Ellis, bassist. Died Feb. 28.   Joined in 1981
EYE OF THE TIGER--  Survivor  Well, big thanks to Sylvester Stallone here.

KICKS--  Paul Revere & the Raiders    Wrecking Crew session drummer Hal Blaine on these two.  Drummed on 150 Top Tens and 40 #1s.   Some other songs:  Johnny Angel, Ringo, Surf City, Mr. Tambourine Man,  Monday Monday,  Windy, Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water and I Think I Love You.   Played on most of Raiders and Beach Boys hits.
GOOD VIBRATIONS--  Beach Boys

MISERLOU--  Dick Dale    Died March 16   The King of the Surf Guitar.

RIGHT TIME, WRONG PLACE--  Dr. John    Died June 6  Born Malcom John Rebennack Jr.    Winner of six Grammy awards.  One of the Sounds of New Orleans.

I HEAR YOU KNOCKING--  Dave Edmunds      Dave Bartholomew  Died June 23     Two of New Orleans' best dying in the same month.  Wrote this song.  Wrote "Ain't That a Shame" and others for Fats Domino.
 
THE SUN AIN'T GONNA SHINE ANYMORE--  Walker Brothers   Scott Walker died March 23.  A trio who called themselves the Walker Brothers, but they weren't related.  Always reminds me of the Righteous Brothers.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Went Away And Left Me Long Time Ago."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"I Hear You Knocking"

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards

Ringo Starr got one.  Also scheduled to be honored are blues man Buddy Guy, the country duo  Louvin brothers.

Trustee awards to be given to non-performers composers Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and producer Richard Perry.

On Feb. 6th, Bob Dylan receives the Academy Music Cares Person of the Year for his charity work.

--RoadDog