Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2002

DEAR JERRY: Since September 11, 2001, one often repeated phrase is “United We Stand.”

Hearing or seeing it brings to mind a very popular '70s song, which I believe bears that title.

I cannot recall who sang it, or any of the other details (year, etc.). What do you know about it?
—Mike Richardt, Winthrop Harbor, Ill.

DEAR MIKE: You are correct, there is a big hit with that title — recorded by the Brotherhood of Man (Deram 85059). “United We Stand” made the nation's Top 15 in the spring of 1970.

Coincidentally, the envelope right next to yours in my stack of mail from the Chicago area, has a red, white, and blue “America — United We Stand” sticker on the front. It is from Jerry Bogaczyk, a Viet Nam vet.

Having now brought it up, I guess we'd better answer Jerry's question.

DEAR JERRY: While watching the film “Red Scorpion,” a song by Little Richard played over the ending credits.

The title is “All Around the World,” and I am wondering if it can be found on any of Little Richard's CDs.
—Jerry Bogaczyk, Justice, Ill.

DEAR JERRY: “All Around the World,” is one side of Little Richard's first hit single of 1957. On the flip is “The Girl Can't Help It” (Specialty 591).

“All Around the World” is available, dare I say, all around the world! You can choose from several easily available “Best of,” or “All-Time Greatest Hits” type CD collections.


DEAR JERRY: In the spring or early summer of 1962, I heard a song called “Lovers' Beach." This is an instrumental with vocal backgrounds, the sound of waves, and more. This may have been a regional hit in just the southern part of the country.

I have learned that Billboard magazine knows nothing about “Lovers' Beach.” Who is the artist? Can you provide any details?
— Veronica Fannaly, Ponchatoula, La.

DEAR VERONICA: Since I can only find one single in 1962 titled “Lovers' Beach,” and since it did come out in April, it has to be your mystery tune.

“Lovers' Beach,” backed with “A Thousand Violins,” is by Linda Leigh (Reprise 20078).

While researching this record for you, I found another single from early '62 with a slightly similar title, but clearly minus the cool, refreshing waves.

By country star Merle Kilgore, this one is “Lovers' Hell” (Mercury 71918).

It's always nice when lovers have travel options.

DEAR JERRY: One of my favorite singers of recent years is Ronnie Milsap. Not only is he a great vocalist with all styles of music, but he is also a very talented musician. Being born blind certainly didn't hold him back.

I have many of his records, but would like to find a good CD. Since I can't find such a thing, I am hoping you can help me.
—Regina Jackson, Franklin Park, Ill.

DEAR REGINA: The best of the many Milsap CDs is probably “40 No. 1 Hits,” a 2000 release from Virgin Music. The title is slightly misleading on two fronts.

First, this two-disc set really has 43 tracks — the 40 hits plus three bonus songs.

Second, nitpickers may note that only 35 of the other 40 actually reached No. 1 on Billboard, though each of those five peaked very close to the top spot.

Depending on where you shop, this fine CD set can be found from $20 to $50.

Hopefully this information will also be of interest to Brian Fleeman (Auburndale, Fla.), who also wrote about Ronnie Milsap CDs.

IZ ZAT SO? Between “Why Don't You Spend the Night” (1980) and “Inside” (1982), Ronnie Milsap had 10 consecutive No. 1 hits.

Only six C&W artists rank ahead of Milsap in the consecutive No. 1 hits department: Alabama (21); Sonny James (16); Earl Thomas Conley (16); Buck Owens (15); Conway Twitty (11); and George Strait (11).






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