Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 6, 1998

DEAR JERRY: I really need your help. I purchased a 45 rpm single long ago that had no label on either side, though it seems to be an early '60s sound by a black female group.

No one I know can identify either of these two songs, not even some serious record collectors that I have asked.

If you can identify these titles and artist, I would really appreciate it. From listening, the title on one side seems to be “He Really Loves Me.”

Side two is probably either “Someone,” or “There Must Be Someone.”
—Cynthia (clinberk@snet.net)

DEAR CYNTHIA: Thanks to your excellent clues this mystery is solved. It is indeed “He Really Loves Me” backed with “Someone,” a 1964 release by Debbie Rollins (Ascot 2148).

No you can create your own label!

DEAR JERRY: I am trying to identify a piece of music heard near the end of “Philadelphia,” the 1993 film starring Tom Hanks.

This is an opera selection, however, since I am not an opera fan I don't recognize it. Still, it is beautiful and I would like to hear it at home, apart from the film.
—Rachel Hauks, Lake Alfred, Fla.

DEAR RACHEL: I can't tell you exactly which of the following is the piece that interests you, but it is likely Maria Callas performing one of these four:

1. “La Mamma Morta,” from the opera “Andrea Chenier.” Composed by Umberto Giordano, performed by Maria Callas, with Tullio Serafin conducting The Philharmonic Orchestra.

2. “O Nume Tutelar,” from the opera “La Vestale.” Composed by Gasparo Spontini, performed by Maria Callas, with Tullio Serafin conducting the Teatro Alla Scala Orchestra.

3. “Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana,” from the opera “La Wally.” Composed by Alfredo Catalani, performed by Maria Callas, with Tullio Serafin conducting The Philharmonic Orchestra.

4. “Ecco: Respiro Appena,” from the opera “Adriana Lecouvreur.” Composed by Francesco Cilea, performed by Maria Callas, with Tullio Serafin conducting The Philharmonic Orchestra.

Give a listen to the “Philadelphia” soundtrack album. It's likely you will find the piece you seek there, ready to enjoy in your own home.

PS: This reply really challenged my spell-checker, whose Italian is shamefully weak.

DEAR JERRY: I wonder if those Madison Avenue types know how many good songs they have ruined by putting them in commercials that run over, and over, and over, etc.

For example, when “Like a Rock” was merely another Bob Seger song, I liked it. Now, thanks to the car ad, I hate this song so much. The instant it begins I leap to hit the mute button. I never hear their pitch 'cause the song makes me gag.

Thanks for letting me sound off. If just one ad agency takes heed it will have been worth it.

Just sign me,
—Teddy with the Mute Switch Ready, Southern, Conn.

DEAR REDDY TEDDY: Since nothing I buy is ever as a result of TV ads, I have been muting commercials for years.

However, from a recording artist's standpoint, there is significant money to be made by having one of your songs used in a long-running spot.

Most would likely risk offending some fans in exchange for the opportunity to cart a bushel of cash to the bank.

IZ ZAT SO? One of the most frequent asked questions recently is “since his death, have my Frank Sinatra collectibles skyrocketed in value.”

Unfortunately for those with dreams of overnight riches, there has been no noteworthy change in the market for Sinatra memorabilia.

Very, very rarely does a recording artist's death create the kind of buying frenzy that drives prices through the roof.






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