Για τέταρτη συνεχόμενη χρονιά, τα ταξί του Λονδίνου επελέγησαν ως «τα καλύτερα ταξί του κόσμου», σύμφωνα με την ετήσια έρευνα που πραγματοποιεί ο ιστότοπος ξενοδοχειακών κρατήσεων Hotels.com, τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας δόθηκαν χθες στη δημοσιότητα.
Σύμφωνα με την έρευνα αυτή, το Λονδίνο καταλαμβάνει την πρώτη θέση της κατάταξης με μεγάλη διαφορά από τις άλλες πόλεις, καθώς συγκέντρωσε ποσοστό 28% σε διάφορες ερωτήσεις που κυμαίνονταν από την ασφάλεια ως την φιλικότητα των οδηγών ταξί και την καλή γνώση της περιοχής.
Τη δεύτερη θέση στον κατάλογο των 10 πρώτων πόλεων όσον αφορά την εξυπηρέτηση των ταξί, κατέλαβε η Νέα Υόρκη με ποσοστό 9%, ενώ την τρίτη θέση κατέλαβαν από κοινού το Χονγκ Κονγκ και το Τόκιο με 7%.
Η έρευνα αυτή έγινε από τις 8 ως τις 16 Αυγούστου σε δείγμα 4.831 ανθρώπων που ρωτήθηκαν σε 23 χώρες.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
ΙΤ'S A GREAT FEELING
It's a Great Feeling
Warner Bros., 1949, Color, 85 minutes, ***
Released August, 1949
The stars are out in this musical comedy set on the Warner Bros. lot in Hollywood. Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson (as themselves) play actors whose clashing egos result in funny feuding and hilarious double-crossing, and Doris Day is the waitress whom each man promises to make a star. Cameos include Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Edward G. Robinson and many others. Score by Jules Styne and Sammy Cahn includes "Give Me a Song With a Beautiful Melody," "At the Cafe Rendezvous," and the title tune.
This has to be Doris Day's funniest movie. It will keep you laughing out loud from one end to the other!
Produced by: Alex Gottlieb
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play by: Jack Rose and Mel Shavelson
From a story by I. A. L. Diamond
Music by: Jule Styne
Lyrics by: Sammy Cahn
Musical Direction: Ray Heindorf
Musical Number Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Stanley Fleischer
Set Decorator: Lyle B. Reifsnider
Wardrobe by: Milo Anderson
Makeup Artist: Perc Westmore
Sound by: Dolph Thomas and David Forrest
Special Effects by: William McGann, H. F. Koenekamp
Director of Photography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Assosiate: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra
Cast: Dennis Morgan [Himself], Doris Day [Judy Adams], Jack Carson [Himself], Bill Goodwin [Arthur Trent], Irving Bacon [Information Clerk], Claire Carleton [Grace], Harlan Warde [Publicity Man], Jacqueline de Wit [Trent's Secretary], The Mazzone-Abbott Dancers [Themselves], Wilfred Lucas [Mr. Adams], Pat Flaherty [Gate Guard], Wendy Lee [Manicurist], Lois Austin [Saleslady], Tom Dugan [Wrestling Fan in Bar], James Holden [Soda Jerk], Jean Andren [Headwaitress], Dudley Dickerson [Porter], Sandra Gould [Train Passenger in Upper Berth], Shirley Ballard [Beautiful Girl on Bike], Errol Flynn [Jeffrey Bushfinkle], Sue Casey, Nita Talbot, Eve Whitney, Carol Brewster, Joan Vohs [Models], Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Sydney Greenstreet, Ray Heindorf, Danny Kaye, Patricia Neal, Eleanor Parker, Ronald Reagan, Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, David Butler, Michael Curtiz, King Vidor, Raoul Walsh [Guest Cameos]
Musical Program: [0:00] It's a Great Feeling (sung by Doris Day and Chorus behind titles); [0:07] Give Me a Song with a Beautiful Melody (sung by Dennis Morgan); [0:39] Blame My Absent-Minded Heart (sung by Dennis Morgan and Doris Day); [0:46] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Doris Day); [0:48] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Jack Carson immitating Maurice Chevalier); [0:52] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Doris Day lip-syncing to Jack Carson's prerecording); [0:52] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Dennis Morgan lip-syncing to Doris Day's prerecording); [1:00] Fiddle Dee Dee (sung by unidentified singing group); [1:04] At the Cafe Rendezvous (sung by Doris Day as Yvonne Amour); [1:14] Judy's Dream Sequence: There's Nothin' Rougher Than Love (sung and danced by Doris Day, Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson and Ensemble); [1:18] Blame My Absent-Minded Heart (sung by Doris Day); [1:24] It's a Great Feeling (reprised by Doris Day and Chorus at end of film)
Warner Bros., 1949, Color, 85 minutes, ***
Released August, 1949
The stars are out in this musical comedy set on the Warner Bros. lot in Hollywood. Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson (as themselves) play actors whose clashing egos result in funny feuding and hilarious double-crossing, and Doris Day is the waitress whom each man promises to make a star. Cameos include Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Edward G. Robinson and many others. Score by Jules Styne and Sammy Cahn includes "Give Me a Song With a Beautiful Melody," "At the Cafe Rendezvous," and the title tune.
This has to be Doris Day's funniest movie. It will keep you laughing out loud from one end to the other!
Produced by: Alex Gottlieb
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play by: Jack Rose and Mel Shavelson
From a story by I. A. L. Diamond
Music by: Jule Styne
Lyrics by: Sammy Cahn
Musical Direction: Ray Heindorf
Musical Number Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Stanley Fleischer
Set Decorator: Lyle B. Reifsnider
Wardrobe by: Milo Anderson
Makeup Artist: Perc Westmore
Sound by: Dolph Thomas and David Forrest
Special Effects by: William McGann, H. F. Koenekamp
Director of Photography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Assosiate: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra
Cast: Dennis Morgan [Himself], Doris Day [Judy Adams], Jack Carson [Himself], Bill Goodwin [Arthur Trent], Irving Bacon [Information Clerk], Claire Carleton [Grace], Harlan Warde [Publicity Man], Jacqueline de Wit [Trent's Secretary], The Mazzone-Abbott Dancers [Themselves], Wilfred Lucas [Mr. Adams], Pat Flaherty [Gate Guard], Wendy Lee [Manicurist], Lois Austin [Saleslady], Tom Dugan [Wrestling Fan in Bar], James Holden [Soda Jerk], Jean Andren [Headwaitress], Dudley Dickerson [Porter], Sandra Gould [Train Passenger in Upper Berth], Shirley Ballard [Beautiful Girl on Bike], Errol Flynn [Jeffrey Bushfinkle], Sue Casey, Nita Talbot, Eve Whitney, Carol Brewster, Joan Vohs [Models], Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Sydney Greenstreet, Ray Heindorf, Danny Kaye, Patricia Neal, Eleanor Parker, Ronald Reagan, Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, David Butler, Michael Curtiz, King Vidor, Raoul Walsh [Guest Cameos]
Musical Program: [0:00] It's a Great Feeling (sung by Doris Day and Chorus behind titles); [0:07] Give Me a Song with a Beautiful Melody (sung by Dennis Morgan); [0:39] Blame My Absent-Minded Heart (sung by Dennis Morgan and Doris Day); [0:46] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Doris Day); [0:48] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Jack Carson immitating Maurice Chevalier); [0:52] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Doris Day lip-syncing to Jack Carson's prerecording); [0:52] That Was a Big Fat Lie (sung by Dennis Morgan lip-syncing to Doris Day's prerecording); [1:00] Fiddle Dee Dee (sung by unidentified singing group); [1:04] At the Cafe Rendezvous (sung by Doris Day as Yvonne Amour); [1:14] Judy's Dream Sequence: There's Nothin' Rougher Than Love (sung and danced by Doris Day, Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson and Ensemble); [1:18] Blame My Absent-Minded Heart (sung by Doris Day); [1:24] It's a Great Feeling (reprised by Doris Day and Chorus at end of film)
ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ
σήμερα
Πεμ 25 Αυγ 11
Βαρθολομαίος, Τίτος, Τίτης, Τίτα, Τίτη
αύριο
Παρ 26 Αυγ 11
Αδριανή, Αδριάνα, Αντριάνα, Ανδριάννα, Ανδριαννή, Αδριανός, Ναταλία, Ναταλίνα, Ναταλή, Νάταλι
μεθαύριο
Σαβ 27 Αυγ 11
Αρκαδία, Αρκάδα, Αρκάδιος, Αρκάδης, Λυμπέρης, Λιμπέρης, Λιμπέριος, Λιβέριος, Λιβέρης, Φανούριος, Φανούρης, Φάνης, Φανή, Φανουρία, Νούρης, Οσιος, Οσία
Πεμ 25 Αυγ 11
Βαρθολομαίος, Τίτος, Τίτης, Τίτα, Τίτη
αύριο
Παρ 26 Αυγ 11
Αδριανή, Αδριάνα, Αντριάνα, Ανδριάννα, Ανδριαννή, Αδριανός, Ναταλία, Ναταλίνα, Ναταλή, Νάταλι
μεθαύριο
Σαβ 27 Αυγ 11
Αρκαδία, Αρκάδα, Αρκάδιος, Αρκάδης, Λυμπέρης, Λιμπέρης, Λιμπέριος, Λιβέριος, Λιβέρης, Φανούριος, Φανούρης, Φάνης, Φανή, Φανουρία, Νούρης, Οσιος, Οσία
ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ-25 ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ
1609: Ο Γαλιλαίος επιδεικνύει το πρώτο τηλεσκόπιο σε βενετούς συγκλητικούς.
1914: Παραιτείται από την πρωθυπουργία ο Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος. Διχασμός στην Ελλάδα.
1949: Στις 5:30 το πρωί ο στρατός εξαπολύει την τελική επίθεσή του στον Γράμμο κατά των ανταρτών.
Γεννησεις
1930: Τόμας Σον Κόνερι, σκωτσέζος ηθοποιός.
1934: Γιάννης Βογιατζής, τραγουδιστής και ηθοποιός.
1954: Έλβις Κοστέλο, καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο του Ντέκλαν Πάτρικ Μακ Μάνους, βρετανός ρόκερ.
1970: Κλόντια Σίφερ, γερμανίδα μοντέλα.
Θανατοι
1900: Φρίντριχ Νίτσε, γερμανός φιλόσοφος.
2002: Γιάννης Γκιωνάκης, ηθοποιός.
1914: Παραιτείται από την πρωθυπουργία ο Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος. Διχασμός στην Ελλάδα.
1949: Στις 5:30 το πρωί ο στρατός εξαπολύει την τελική επίθεσή του στον Γράμμο κατά των ανταρτών.
Γεννησεις
1930: Τόμας Σον Κόνερι, σκωτσέζος ηθοποιός.
1934: Γιάννης Βογιατζής, τραγουδιστής και ηθοποιός.
1954: Έλβις Κοστέλο, καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο του Ντέκλαν Πάτρικ Μακ Μάνους, βρετανός ρόκερ.
1970: Κλόντια Σίφερ, γερμανίδα μοντέλα.
Θανατοι
1900: Φρίντριχ Νίτσε, γερμανός φιλόσοφος.
2002: Γιάννης Γκιωνάκης, ηθοποιός.
ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ
1957: Ο Πολ Άνκα ανεβαίνει στο Νο1 του αγγλικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το τραγούδι «Diana».
1960: Οι Shadows ανεβαίνουν στο No1 του αγγλικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το τραγούδι «Apache».
1975: Κυκλοφορεί το άλμπουμ του Μπρους Σπρίνγκστιν «Born to run».
1979: Οι Knack ανεβαίνουν στο Νο1 του αμερικάνικου πίνακα επιτυχιών με τη μοναδική τους επιτυχία «My Sharona».
1981: Ο δολοφόνος του Τζον Λένον, Μαρκ Τσάπμαν, καταδικάζεται σε φυλάκιση 20 ετών.
ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΙΣ
1950: Γουίλι ΝτεΒιλ, αμερικανός ρόκερ, μέλος του συγκροτήματος Mink DeVille. (Θαν. 6/8/2009)
1954: Έλβις Κοστέλο, καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο του Ντέκλαν Πάτρικ Μακ Μάνους, βρετανός ρόκερ.
ΘΑΝΑΤΟΙ
2000: Τζακ Νίτζε, αμερικανός συνθέτης, ενορχηστρωτής και παραγωγός. (Γεν. 22/4/1937)
1960: Οι Shadows ανεβαίνουν στο No1 του αγγλικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το τραγούδι «Apache».
1975: Κυκλοφορεί το άλμπουμ του Μπρους Σπρίνγκστιν «Born to run».
1979: Οι Knack ανεβαίνουν στο Νο1 του αμερικάνικου πίνακα επιτυχιών με τη μοναδική τους επιτυχία «My Sharona».
1981: Ο δολοφόνος του Τζον Λένον, Μαρκ Τσάπμαν, καταδικάζεται σε φυλάκιση 20 ετών.
ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΙΣ
1950: Γουίλι ΝτεΒιλ, αμερικανός ρόκερ, μέλος του συγκροτήματος Mink DeVille. (Θαν. 6/8/2009)
1954: Έλβις Κοστέλο, καλλιτεχνικό ψευδώνυμο του Ντέκλαν Πάτρικ Μακ Μάνους, βρετανός ρόκερ.
ΘΑΝΑΤΟΙ
2000: Τζακ Νίτζε, αμερικανός συνθέτης, ενορχηστρωτής και παραγωγός. (Γεν. 22/4/1937)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
TETARTH 24 AYGOYSTOY 2011
* «Ανφας και προφιλ» ηταν το τελευταιο CD του Τωνη Βαβατσικου-παραγωγη 2002.Περιλαμβανει την «Ιουλιετα»,σε ντουετο με τον Αμερικανο Shawn Elliot,και το
If I were a rich man με το συγκροτημα Γιαννη Σπαρτακου.
*Τι εγινε ο αλεξανδρος Περρος και οι Lone Stars;Ειχαμε μεινει στο ογδοο αλμπουμ τους Cruisin’ mean(2006) με παραγωγο τον Γιωργο Μανιο.Στο γκρουπ εκτος από τον Αλεξανδρο συμμετειχαν οι Κωστας Χασιωτης,τασος Οικονομου.
*Η βραβευμενη πιανιστα Aglaia Koras ειχε ως μεντορα την Ελληνιδα πιανιστα Gina Bachauer.
*Το αμερικανικο τραγουδι Chiquita banana ακουστηκε για πρωτη φορα το 1944.Ηταν διαφημιστικο και ειχε σκοπο να μαθει στους αμερικανους να τρωνε μπανανες,που ως τοτε ηταν εξωτικο φρουτο.Καποια στιγμη παιζοταν 376 φορες την ημερα από τους ραδιοφωνικους σταθμους των ΗΠΑ.Η μουσικη είναι του Len Mac Kenzie και οι αρχικοι στιχοι (που αρκετες φορες προσαρμοστηκαν) τουGarth Montgomery.Στην αρχικη ηχογραφηση ερμηνευτρια ηταν η Patti Clayton.
*Σε γιγαντοαφισες του Α103 προβαλλονται οι Γιαννης Λογοθετης,βαγγελης Παντελιδης,Μιχαλης Στρατακης.Ηταν τελος της δεκαετιας του 80.
*Star FM,μετεδωσε την συναυλια του Μαικλ Τζακσον από Βουκουρεστι,πριν από χρονια ζωντανη.
*Εφη και Μαρθα Θεοδωρου παρουσιαζαν τη «Νεανικη Σοφιtα» της ΕΤ 3.
*Λευκη Γεωργακη,Χρυσα Σαμου και Ρια Σκουρα ηταν οικοδεσποινες στο «Εδώ Θεσσαλονικη» της TV Μακεδονια.
*Οι «Πυροβατες»,που κερδισαν το γ΄βραβειο στο φεστιβαλ Θεσσαλονικης,ηταν οι Βασιλης Τσερελης,Πετρος Καραλης,Ορθοδοξος Ψαθας,Γιωργος Κοκκινιδης.
*Ο τραγουδιστης της Θεσσαλονικης Κωνσταντινος (Κατσαμουρης) γεννηθηκε στις 29 Οκτωβριου 1959.
*Κτηνιατρος η γυμναστρια ηθελε να γινει η Χριστινα Καλημερη της ΕΤ 3,που υπηρξε αθλητρια του στιβου.
*Διευθυντης ενημερωσης στο Ραδιο «Φωνη της Τουμπας» ηταν ο Βασιλης Λεβαντιδης.
*Τον Ιουλιο του 1964 ο Χρηστος Γαρεφης βγηκε πρωτος στον διαπλου Τορωναιου.
If I were a rich man με το συγκροτημα Γιαννη Σπαρτακου.
*Τι εγινε ο αλεξανδρος Περρος και οι Lone Stars;Ειχαμε μεινει στο ογδοο αλμπουμ τους Cruisin’ mean(2006) με παραγωγο τον Γιωργο Μανιο.Στο γκρουπ εκτος από τον Αλεξανδρο συμμετειχαν οι Κωστας Χασιωτης,τασος Οικονομου.
*Η βραβευμενη πιανιστα Aglaia Koras ειχε ως μεντορα την Ελληνιδα πιανιστα Gina Bachauer.
*Το αμερικανικο τραγουδι Chiquita banana ακουστηκε για πρωτη φορα το 1944.Ηταν διαφημιστικο και ειχε σκοπο να μαθει στους αμερικανους να τρωνε μπανανες,που ως τοτε ηταν εξωτικο φρουτο.Καποια στιγμη παιζοταν 376 φορες την ημερα από τους ραδιοφωνικους σταθμους των ΗΠΑ.Η μουσικη είναι του Len Mac Kenzie και οι αρχικοι στιχοι (που αρκετες φορες προσαρμοστηκαν) τουGarth Montgomery.Στην αρχικη ηχογραφηση ερμηνευτρια ηταν η Patti Clayton.
*Σε γιγαντοαφισες του Α103 προβαλλονται οι Γιαννης Λογοθετης,βαγγελης Παντελιδης,Μιχαλης Στρατακης.Ηταν τελος της δεκαετιας του 80.
*Star FM,μετεδωσε την συναυλια του Μαικλ Τζακσον από Βουκουρεστι,πριν από χρονια ζωντανη.
*Εφη και Μαρθα Θεοδωρου παρουσιαζαν τη «Νεανικη Σοφιtα» της ΕΤ 3.
*Λευκη Γεωργακη,Χρυσα Σαμου και Ρια Σκουρα ηταν οικοδεσποινες στο «Εδώ Θεσσαλονικη» της TV Μακεδονια.
*Οι «Πυροβατες»,που κερδισαν το γ΄βραβειο στο φεστιβαλ Θεσσαλονικης,ηταν οι Βασιλης Τσερελης,Πετρος Καραλης,Ορθοδοξος Ψαθας,Γιωργος Κοκκινιδης.
*Ο τραγουδιστης της Θεσσαλονικης Κωνσταντινος (Κατσαμουρης) γεννηθηκε στις 29 Οκτωβριου 1959.
*Κτηνιατρος η γυμναστρια ηθελε να γινει η Χριστινα Καλημερη της ΕΤ 3,που υπηρξε αθλητρια του στιβου.
*Διευθυντης ενημερωσης στο Ραδιο «Φωνη της Τουμπας» ηταν ο Βασιλης Λεβαντιδης.
*Τον Ιουλιο του 1964 ο Χρηστος Γαρεφης βγηκε πρωτος στον διαπλου Τορωναιου.
RICHARD BRANSON-GLAD TO BE ALIVE 1
It was a scene straight out of a Hollywood disaster movie, including real-life actress Kate Winslet, when Virgin mogul Richard Branson's private island residence erupted in flames in the middle of the night, leaving guests 15 minutes to escape before the home was reduced to rubble.
"It was something of a nightmare, reminded me of the film, 'Mandalay,'" Branson said today on "Good Morning America." "We're all glad to be well, glad to be alive, glad to have gotten through it."
Branson was staying with wife Joan and son Sam in one of the five smaller Balinese-style villas on his famous $70 million vacation property on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands when a fire broke out around 4:00 a.m. Monday in the compound's "Great House."
Branson's 20 guests, including actress Kate Winslet, were staying at the fourteen-bedroom complex.
"I was woken up by my son banging on my window," Branson recalled. "We stayed about 100 yards away from the 'Great House,' looked across ... and there were 200-foot flames billowing out of it."
Branson, 61, said he wasted no time, running "stark naked" from the villa up the hill toward the fire-ravaged house, nearly getting stuck in a catcus.
"We just ran stark naked towards the house. I went straight into a cacti bush," he said. "My son ran on and fortunately people had woken up inside and our nephews did ... a good evacuation."
Each of the 20 houseguests staying at the complex were able to leave the burning house in safety, Branson said.
Kate Winslet Plays Hero in House Fire
Branson credited Winslet with saving his 90-year old mother, Eve, from the fire. The Oscar-winning actress, who was a guest of Branson's at the luxury compound along with her daughter Mia, 10, and son Joe, 7, played the role of hero and carried Branson's mother to safety from the burning building.
"Of course, she was obviously desperate to get her children out and my mother was there so she whisked my mother up in her arms and took her down the steps and anyway, and all is well," Branson said on "GMA."
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a lightning storm caused by Hurricane Irene, with winds of about 80 mph.
The fire burned up Branson's paradise playground and 30-years of mementos and memories along with it. Still, the billionaire said he intends to stay on the island and rebuild the house as soon as possible to accommodate his daughter's wedding. Holly, 29, had planned to tie the knot at the getaway this winter.
"We're all determined that the wedding continues [on Necker Island] this December. We'll try to get as much rebuilt before the wedding as possible. ... If not, we'll put up some tents, but we definitely want the wedding to go ahead," he said.
"It's one of those stories that's ended up happily," he added. "We will rebuild the house and make it even better than it was before and we'll have many more wonderful memories of the future."
Necker Island Retreat Was Favorite for Celebrities, Royals
Branson has owned the idyllic property, located in the British Virgin Islands, since 1978. The previously uninhabited island has since been developed to include a number of private villas, in addition to a main house, which can accommodate up to 28 guests at a time.
The ultra-exclusive Caribbean retreat is a long-standing favorite of Hollywood starlets, rock icons and heiresses of every stripe.
"It was something of a nightmare, reminded me of the film, 'Mandalay,'" Branson said today on "Good Morning America." "We're all glad to be well, glad to be alive, glad to have gotten through it."
Branson was staying with wife Joan and son Sam in one of the five smaller Balinese-style villas on his famous $70 million vacation property on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands when a fire broke out around 4:00 a.m. Monday in the compound's "Great House."
Branson's 20 guests, including actress Kate Winslet, were staying at the fourteen-bedroom complex.
"I was woken up by my son banging on my window," Branson recalled. "We stayed about 100 yards away from the 'Great House,' looked across ... and there were 200-foot flames billowing out of it."
Branson, 61, said he wasted no time, running "stark naked" from the villa up the hill toward the fire-ravaged house, nearly getting stuck in a catcus.
"We just ran stark naked towards the house. I went straight into a cacti bush," he said. "My son ran on and fortunately people had woken up inside and our nephews did ... a good evacuation."
Each of the 20 houseguests staying at the complex were able to leave the burning house in safety, Branson said.
Kate Winslet Plays Hero in House Fire
Branson credited Winslet with saving his 90-year old mother, Eve, from the fire. The Oscar-winning actress, who was a guest of Branson's at the luxury compound along with her daughter Mia, 10, and son Joe, 7, played the role of hero and carried Branson's mother to safety from the burning building.
"Of course, she was obviously desperate to get her children out and my mother was there so she whisked my mother up in her arms and took her down the steps and anyway, and all is well," Branson said on "GMA."
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a lightning storm caused by Hurricane Irene, with winds of about 80 mph.
The fire burned up Branson's paradise playground and 30-years of mementos and memories along with it. Still, the billionaire said he intends to stay on the island and rebuild the house as soon as possible to accommodate his daughter's wedding. Holly, 29, had planned to tie the knot at the getaway this winter.
"We're all determined that the wedding continues [on Necker Island] this December. We'll try to get as much rebuilt before the wedding as possible. ... If not, we'll put up some tents, but we definitely want the wedding to go ahead," he said.
"It's one of those stories that's ended up happily," he added. "We will rebuild the house and make it even better than it was before and we'll have many more wonderful memories of the future."
Necker Island Retreat Was Favorite for Celebrities, Royals
Branson has owned the idyllic property, located in the British Virgin Islands, since 1978. The previously uninhabited island has since been developed to include a number of private villas, in addition to a main house, which can accommodate up to 28 guests at a time.
The ultra-exclusive Caribbean retreat is a long-standing favorite of Hollywood starlets, rock icons and heiresses of every stripe.
RICHARD BRANSON-GLAD TO BE ALIVE 2
Necker Island is also a favorite of the royals, said Ericka Souter, a staff writer at US Weekly. "It's a playground for royalty, and there are reports that Princess Diana and Sarah 'Fergie' Ferguson both enjoyed time on the island."
Royal expert Katie Nicholl said, "Diana would take William and Harry to Necker very regularly, largely because she knew they couldn't be spied on. That paparazzi couldn't get anywhere near."
Years later, Kate Middleton came to Necker during a brief split with now-husband Prince William.
The island oasis is a popular wedding destination. Larry Page, Google's co-founder, was married there in 2007 -- the same year as comedian Jimmy Fallon -- and newlyweds Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnilow recently celebrated their nuptials there as well.
Kate Winslet Saves Richard Branson's Mom in Fire Watch Video
East Coast Earthquake; Amy Winehouse Toxicology Results Watch Video
Kate Winslet's Stand Against Cosmetic Surgery Watch Video
The celebrity haven -- which was the locale of the 2010 Victoria's Secret catalogue shoot -- has also hosted Victoria and David Beckham (who reportedly celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on its private beaches), media magnate Oprah Winfrey, and leading men Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford, to name just a few.
A night at the resort can be had for about $47,000 a day, complete with access to the staff of 60 (more than two staff members for each guest), as well as endless food, drink and resort activities.
Regardless of the hefty price tag, "it's one of the most sought-after Hollywood destinations," US Weekly's Souter said. "It's not like going to Jamaica; it's secluded, it's beautiful and private. It really is the perfect experience for a celebrity who wants to enjoy the sunshine and seclusion."
Royal expert Katie Nicholl said, "Diana would take William and Harry to Necker very regularly, largely because she knew they couldn't be spied on. That paparazzi couldn't get anywhere near."
Years later, Kate Middleton came to Necker during a brief split with now-husband Prince William.
The island oasis is a popular wedding destination. Larry Page, Google's co-founder, was married there in 2007 -- the same year as comedian Jimmy Fallon -- and newlyweds Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnilow recently celebrated their nuptials there as well.
Kate Winslet Saves Richard Branson's Mom in Fire Watch Video
East Coast Earthquake; Amy Winehouse Toxicology Results Watch Video
Kate Winslet's Stand Against Cosmetic Surgery Watch Video
The celebrity haven -- which was the locale of the 2010 Victoria's Secret catalogue shoot -- has also hosted Victoria and David Beckham (who reportedly celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on its private beaches), media magnate Oprah Winfrey, and leading men Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford, to name just a few.
A night at the resort can be had for about $47,000 a day, complete with access to the staff of 60 (more than two staff members for each guest), as well as endless food, drink and resort activities.
Regardless of the hefty price tag, "it's one of the most sought-after Hollywood destinations," US Weekly's Souter said. "It's not like going to Jamaica; it's secluded, it's beautiful and private. It really is the perfect experience for a celebrity who wants to enjoy the sunshine and seclusion."
IT'S A DATE
It's a Date
Universal, 1940, B/W, 103 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1940
Pamela's (Deanna Durbin) mother (Kay Francis) is a big star in the theater, and Pamela is following in her mother's footsteps. Unbeknownst to Pamela, her mother is promised the lead in a new show being written by Carl Ober (S. Z. Sakall). Pamela forces herself on the unsuspecting Ober and convinces him that she should get a part in the show - at least a small part, like maybe the maid. But after a tryout Ober offers her the lead! Deanna is ecstatic!
Traveling to Hawaii to meet her mother, Pamela meets an older man (Walter Pidgeon) and falls in love with him. When she arrives in Hawaii, she introduces the man to her widowed mother, and they fall in love. So, Pamela and her mother are not only unwittingly competing for the same part in the new show, but they are also competing for the same man! Musical highlights include Deanna's rendition of "Musetta's Waltz" and her moving rendition of "Loch Lomond."
This film was remade in 1949 as Nancy Goes to Rio, starring Jane Powell and Ann Sothern.
Producer: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: William A. Seiter
Assistant Director: Frank Shaw
Screen Play: Norman Krasna
Original Story: Jane Hall, Frederick Kohner, Ralph Block
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Orchestrations: Frank Skinner
"Love Is All" by Pinky Tomlin and Harry Tobias
"It Happened in Kaloha" by Ralph Freed and Frank Skinner
"Rhythm of the Islands" by Eddie Cherkose, Jacques Press and Leon Beloasco
"Gypsy Lullaby" Lyrics by Ralph Freed
Song Score: various
Art Direction: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Bernard B. Brown Technician: Joseph Lapis
Director of Photography: Joseph Valentine
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton
Cast: Deanna Durbin [Pamela Drake], Kay Francis [Georgia Drake], Walter Pidgeon [John Arlen], Eugene Pallette [Governor Allen], Henry Stephenson [Captain Andrew], Cecilia Loftus [Sarah Frankenstein], Samuel S. Hinds [Sidney Simpson], Lewis Howard [Freddie Miller], S. Z. Sakall [Carl Ober], Fritz Feld [Headwaiter], Virginia Brissac [Miss Holden], Romaine Callender [Evans], Joseph King [First Mate Kelly], Mary Kelley [Governor's Wife], Eddie Polo [Quarter-Master], Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians [Themselves], Additional Cast: Charles Lane [Horner], John Arledge [Newcomer], Leon Belasco [Captain], Anna Demetrio [Cook], Eddie Acuff [Ship's Steward], John Day [Sleepy-Eyed Blonde], Fay McKenzie, Linda Deane, Phyllis Ruth, Virginia Engels [Young Girls], Mary Shannon [Wardrobe Mistress], Mark Anthony [Officer]
Musical Program: [0:02] Gypsy Lullaby (sung by Kay Francis and Chorus); [0:18] Love Is All (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:26] Loch Lomond (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:47] Sailor's Hornpipe (excerpt played by Orchestra as ship enters the harbor at Hawaii); [1:03] It Happened in Kaloha (played by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians, vocal by Randy Oness); [1:18] Rhythm of the Islands (played and sung by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians); [1:28] Musetta's Waltz (referred to as "Musetta's Street Song" in the film, from the opera LA BOHÉME, sung by Deanna Durbin at the Governor's luau); [1:40] Ave Maria (sung by Deanna Durbin and Chorus); Instrumental arrangements of Aloha Oe, Love Is All, Rhythm of the Islands and It Happened in Kaloha are used in the background scrore
Universal, 1940, B/W, 103 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1940
Pamela's (Deanna Durbin) mother (Kay Francis) is a big star in the theater, and Pamela is following in her mother's footsteps. Unbeknownst to Pamela, her mother is promised the lead in a new show being written by Carl Ober (S. Z. Sakall). Pamela forces herself on the unsuspecting Ober and convinces him that she should get a part in the show - at least a small part, like maybe the maid. But after a tryout Ober offers her the lead! Deanna is ecstatic!
Traveling to Hawaii to meet her mother, Pamela meets an older man (Walter Pidgeon) and falls in love with him. When she arrives in Hawaii, she introduces the man to her widowed mother, and they fall in love. So, Pamela and her mother are not only unwittingly competing for the same part in the new show, but they are also competing for the same man! Musical highlights include Deanna's rendition of "Musetta's Waltz" and her moving rendition of "Loch Lomond."
This film was remade in 1949 as Nancy Goes to Rio, starring Jane Powell and Ann Sothern.
Producer: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: William A. Seiter
Assistant Director: Frank Shaw
Screen Play: Norman Krasna
Original Story: Jane Hall, Frederick Kohner, Ralph Block
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Orchestrations: Frank Skinner
"Love Is All" by Pinky Tomlin and Harry Tobias
"It Happened in Kaloha" by Ralph Freed and Frank Skinner
"Rhythm of the Islands" by Eddie Cherkose, Jacques Press and Leon Beloasco
"Gypsy Lullaby" Lyrics by Ralph Freed
Song Score: various
Art Direction: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Bernard B. Brown Technician: Joseph Lapis
Director of Photography: Joseph Valentine
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton
Cast: Deanna Durbin [Pamela Drake], Kay Francis [Georgia Drake], Walter Pidgeon [John Arlen], Eugene Pallette [Governor Allen], Henry Stephenson [Captain Andrew], Cecilia Loftus [Sarah Frankenstein], Samuel S. Hinds [Sidney Simpson], Lewis Howard [Freddie Miller], S. Z. Sakall [Carl Ober], Fritz Feld [Headwaiter], Virginia Brissac [Miss Holden], Romaine Callender [Evans], Joseph King [First Mate Kelly], Mary Kelley [Governor's Wife], Eddie Polo [Quarter-Master], Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians [Themselves], Additional Cast: Charles Lane [Horner], John Arledge [Newcomer], Leon Belasco [Captain], Anna Demetrio [Cook], Eddie Acuff [Ship's Steward], John Day [Sleepy-Eyed Blonde], Fay McKenzie, Linda Deane, Phyllis Ruth, Virginia Engels [Young Girls], Mary Shannon [Wardrobe Mistress], Mark Anthony [Officer]
Musical Program: [0:02] Gypsy Lullaby (sung by Kay Francis and Chorus); [0:18] Love Is All (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:26] Loch Lomond (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:47] Sailor's Hornpipe (excerpt played by Orchestra as ship enters the harbor at Hawaii); [1:03] It Happened in Kaloha (played by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians, vocal by Randy Oness); [1:18] Rhythm of the Islands (played and sung by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians); [1:28] Musetta's Waltz (referred to as "Musetta's Street Song" in the film, from the opera LA BOHÉME, sung by Deanna Durbin at the Governor's luau); [1:40] Ave Maria (sung by Deanna Durbin and Chorus); Instrumental arrangements of Aloha Oe, Love Is All, Rhythm of the Islands and It Happened in Kaloha are used in the background scrore
ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ
σήμερα
Τετ 24 Αυγ 11
Αιτωλία, Ευτύχιος, Ευτύχης, Ευτυχία, Ευτυχούλα, Εφη
αύριο
Πεμ 25 Αυγ 11
Βαρθολομαίος, Τίτος, Τίτης, Τίτα, Τίτη
μεθαύριο
Παρ 26 Αυγ 11
Αδριανή, Αδριάνα, Αντριάνα, Ανδριάννα, Ανδριαννή, Αδριανός, Ναταλία, Ναταλίνα, Ναταλή, Νάταλι
Τετ 24 Αυγ 11
Αιτωλία, Ευτύχιος, Ευτύχης, Ευτυχία, Ευτυχούλα, Εφη
αύριο
Πεμ 25 Αυγ 11
Βαρθολομαίος, Τίτος, Τίτης, Τίτα, Τίτη
μεθαύριο
Παρ 26 Αυγ 11
Αδριανή, Αδριάνα, Αντριάνα, Ανδριάννα, Ανδριαννή, Αδριανός, Ναταλία, Ναταλίνα, Ναταλή, Νάταλι
ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ-24 ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ
79 π.Χ: Εκρήγνυται ο Βεζούβιος, θάβοντας κάτω από τη λάβα τις πόλεις Πομπηία και Ηράκλεια.
410: Οι Βησιγότθοι υπό τον Αλάριχο καταλαμβάνουν τη Ρώμη, κλείνοντας το κεφάλαιο της Δυτικής Ρωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας.
1572: Η Νύχτα του Αγίου Βαρθολομαίου. 70.000 γάλλοι ουγενότοι (προτεστάντες) σφάζονται κατ' εντολή των καθολικών αρχών.
1949: Ιδρύεται το ΝΑΤΟ.
1975: Το Πενταμελές Εφετείο Αθηνών, με πρόεδρο τον Ιωάννη Ντεγιάννη, εκδίδει την απόφασή του στη δίκη των πρωταιτίων της 21ης Απριλίου. Θάνατος για τους Γεώργιο Παπαδόπουλο, Στυλιανό Παττακό και Νικόλαο Μακαρέζο. Οκτώ κατηγορούμενοι καταδικάζονται σε ισόβια, επτά σε ποινές προσκαίρου καθείρξεως και δύο αθωώνονται. Την ίδια μέρα, η κυβέρνηση Καραμανλή μετατρέπει τις θανατικές ποινές σε ισόβια.
1991: Ο Μιχαήλ Γκορμπατσόφ παραιτείται από την ηγεσία του ΚΚΣΕ.
Γεννησεις
1929: Γιάσερ Αραφάτ (Μουχάμαντ Αμπντ αλ Ραχμάν αρ Ραούφ αλ Κούντβα αλ Χουσαϊνί, το πραγματικό του όνομα), εμβληματική μορφή του παλαιστινιακού λαού. Σύμφωνα με άλλη εκδοχή, γεννήθηκε στις 4 Αυγούστου.
1947: Πάολο Κοέλιο, βραζιλιάνος συγγραφέας. («Ο Αλχημιστής»)
1948: Ζαν Μισέλ Ζαρ, γάλλος συνθέτης ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής.
Θανατοι
1779: Κοσμά ο Αιτωλός, ο μεγάλος δάσκαλος του Γένους. Εκτελέστηκε δι' απαγχονισμού.
ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ
1966: Οι Doors μπαίνουν στο στούντιο για να ηχογραφήσουν το πρώτο τους άλμπουμ.
1967: Ένας 17χρονος κιθαρίστας και τραγουδιστής, ονόματι Μπρους Σπρίνγκστιν, γίνεται μέλος του συγκροτήματος Earth.
1975: Οι Queen αρχίζουν τις ηχογραφήσεις του «Bohemian Rhapsody» σε στούντιο της Ουαλίας.
1981: Οι Rolling Stones κυκλοφορούν το επιτυχημένο άλμπουμ τους «Tattoo Υοu».
1981: Ο Μαρκ Ντέιβιντ Τσάπμαν καταδικάζεται σε 20 χρόνια φυλάκισης για το φόνο του Τζον Λένον.
1985: Οι Huey Lewis and the News ανεβαίνουν στο No1 του αμερικανικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το τραγούδι «The Power Of Love».
1990: Τα μέλη του χέβι μέταλ συγκροτήματος «Judas Priest» αθωώνονται από τις κατηγορίες ότι με τη μουσική τους προκάλεσαν την αυτοκτονία δύο αμερικανών εφήβων.
1990: Η Σινίντ Ο' Κόνορ αρνείται να δώσει συναυλία στο Νιου Τζέρσεϊ των ΗΠΑ, επειδή οι διοργανωτές απαιτούν να ερμηνεύσει τον Εθνικό Ύμνο, πριν από την έναρξη της συναυλίας, όπως συνηθίζεται.
1991: Οι Metallica ανεβαίνουν στο Νο1 του αγγλικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το ομώνυμο άλμπουμ.
ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΙΣ
1943: Τζον Τσιπολίνα, αμερικανός ρόκερ, μέλος του συγκροτήματος Quicksilver Messenger Service. (Θαν. 29/5/1989)
1967: Ένας 17χρονος κιθαρίστας και τραγουδιστής, ονόματι Μπρους Σπρίνγκστιν, γίνεται μέλος του συγκροτήματος Earth.
1975: Οι Queen αρχίζουν τις ηχογραφήσεις του «Bohemian Rhapsody» σε στούντιο της Ουαλίας.
1981: Οι Rolling Stones κυκλοφορούν το επιτυχημένο άλμπουμ τους «Tattoo Υοu».
1981: Ο Μαρκ Ντέιβιντ Τσάπμαν καταδικάζεται σε 20 χρόνια φυλάκισης για το φόνο του Τζον Λένον.
1985: Οι Huey Lewis and the News ανεβαίνουν στο No1 του αμερικανικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το τραγούδι «The Power Of Love».
1990: Τα μέλη του χέβι μέταλ συγκροτήματος «Judas Priest» αθωώνονται από τις κατηγορίες ότι με τη μουσική τους προκάλεσαν την αυτοκτονία δύο αμερικανών εφήβων.
1990: Η Σινίντ Ο' Κόνορ αρνείται να δώσει συναυλία στο Νιου Τζέρσεϊ των ΗΠΑ, επειδή οι διοργανωτές απαιτούν να ερμηνεύσει τον Εθνικό Ύμνο, πριν από την έναρξη της συναυλίας, όπως συνηθίζεται.
1991: Οι Metallica ανεβαίνουν στο Νο1 του αγγλικού πίνακα επιτυχιών με το ομώνυμο άλμπουμ.
ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΙΣ
1943: Τζον Τσιπολίνα, αμερικανός ρόκερ, μέλος του συγκροτήματος Quicksilver Messenger Service. (Θαν. 29/5/1989)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
SONGWRITER JERRY LEIBER DIES AT 78
Jerry Leiber, the songwriter who penned such classic rock and roll hits as Elvis Presley's Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, has died at the age of 78.
Leiber earned his reputation alongside co-writer Mike Stoller, penning tunes for The Drifters, The Coasters and Ben E King as well as Presley.
Leiber and Stoller infused their songs with influences from their blues and jazz backgrounds.
Leiber died of cardiopulmonary failure in Los Angeles, a spokesman said.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog.
Then a rhythm and blues number, the track went to the top of the charts.
The song would later become an even more successful hit record for Presley, who reinvented it as a rock and roll standard.
The pair also crafted the enduring Ben E King hit Stand By Me, seen by critics as one of their most influential and enduring songs.
Leiber and Stoller's work as a songwriting duo earned them 15 number one hits and secured them both entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987.
"The music world lost today one of its greatest poet laureates," said Terry Stewart, president of the Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio.
"Jerry not only wrote the words that everyone was singing, he led the way in how we verbalised our feelings about the societal changes we were living with in post-World War II life.
"Appropriately, his vehicles of choice were the emerging populist musical genres of rhythm and blues and then rock and roll," he told the Associated Press.
Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy in the US, also paid tribute in a statement published on the organisation's website.
"With a career that spanned musicals to R&B and rock and roll, Leiber's lyrical talent along with Stoller's composing skill helped shape the music of the '50s and '60s," he said.
"Together, they were an extraordinary team that generated a rich and diverse musical catalogue that leaves an indelible imprint on our cultural history."
Leiber earned his reputation alongside co-writer Mike Stoller, penning tunes for The Drifters, The Coasters and Ben E King as well as Presley.
Leiber and Stoller infused their songs with influences from their blues and jazz backgrounds.
Leiber died of cardiopulmonary failure in Los Angeles, a spokesman said.
Leiber's career began in 1953 when Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton became the first artist to record Hound Dog.
Then a rhythm and blues number, the track went to the top of the charts.
The song would later become an even more successful hit record for Presley, who reinvented it as a rock and roll standard.
The pair also crafted the enduring Ben E King hit Stand By Me, seen by critics as one of their most influential and enduring songs.
Leiber and Stoller's work as a songwriting duo earned them 15 number one hits and secured them both entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987.
"The music world lost today one of its greatest poet laureates," said Terry Stewart, president of the Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio.
"Jerry not only wrote the words that everyone was singing, he led the way in how we verbalised our feelings about the societal changes we were living with in post-World War II life.
"Appropriately, his vehicles of choice were the emerging populist musical genres of rhythm and blues and then rock and roll," he told the Associated Press.
Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy in the US, also paid tribute in a statement published on the organisation's website.
"With a career that spanned musicals to R&B and rock and roll, Leiber's lyrical talent along with Stoller's composing skill helped shape the music of the '50s and '60s," he said.
"Together, they were an extraordinary team that generated a rich and diverse musical catalogue that leaves an indelible imprint on our cultural history."
NICK ASHFORD DIES AT AGE 70
Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford & Simpson also had success writing for themselves: Perhaps the best-known song they sang was the 1980s hit "Solid As A Rock."
"His music is unmatched in terms of great songwriting," Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire said after learning of his friend's death.
"They had magic and that's what creates those wonderful hits, that magic," White added. "Without those songs, those artists wouldn't have been able to go to the next level."
Others in the music industry also mourned the loss. On Twitter, Alicia Keys wrote, "I'm so sad that he's gone. ... So many of the greatests are going to a greater place ... what a legacy of infectious music ... man!"
Ashford and Simpson's relationship stretched more than four decades. They met in 1964 in a New York City church. Ashford, a South Carolina native, had come to the city to pursue a dance career. Simpson was a music student, and after connecting with her, they decided to start to write songs together.
"They were always comfortable with each other and they made all of us comfortable, because they were comfortable," White said.
Their first major success occurred when they came up with "Let's Go Get Stoned" for Ray Charles. The bluesy, gospel-tinged song became a huge hit for Charles, and soon, they came to the attention of Motown Records and began penning hits for their artists.
They started out writing soulful, romantic works for the duo of Gaye and Terrell that would become instant classics, like "Your Precious Love," and "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing." In fact, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was originally their hit, until Ross later rerecorded it with a new arrangement that had sweeping pop grandeur and made it her signature song.
Ross may have been their greatest muse: With her, they had some of their biggest songs and helped give her career-defining hits that would distinguish her solo career apart from The Supremes. Among the songs Ross made hits were "Reach Out and Touch," ''The Boss," ''My House," and "Missing You," a tribute to the late Gaye and others. They also composed some of the music for "The Wiz," the movie musical that starred Ross and Michael Jackson.
In an industry where marriages and partnerships are fleeting, Ashford and Simpson stood the test of time.
"The thing is they were married and working together, that was what was special about them. Everybody admired that," White said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford & Simpson also had success writing for themselves: Perhaps the best-known song they sang was the 1980s hit "Solid As A Rock."
"His music is unmatched in terms of great songwriting," Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire said after learning of his friend's death.
"They had magic and that's what creates those wonderful hits, that magic," White added. "Without those songs, those artists wouldn't have been able to go to the next level."
Others in the music industry also mourned the loss. On Twitter, Alicia Keys wrote, "I'm so sad that he's gone. ... So many of the greatests are going to a greater place ... what a legacy of infectious music ... man!"
Ashford and Simpson's relationship stretched more than four decades. They met in 1964 in a New York City church. Ashford, a South Carolina native, had come to the city to pursue a dance career. Simpson was a music student, and after connecting with her, they decided to start to write songs together.
"They were always comfortable with each other and they made all of us comfortable, because they were comfortable," White said.
Their first major success occurred when they came up with "Let's Go Get Stoned" for Ray Charles. The bluesy, gospel-tinged song became a huge hit for Charles, and soon, they came to the attention of Motown Records and began penning hits for their artists.
They started out writing soulful, romantic works for the duo of Gaye and Terrell that would become instant classics, like "Your Precious Love," and "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing." In fact, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was originally their hit, until Ross later rerecorded it with a new arrangement that had sweeping pop grandeur and made it her signature song.
Ross may have been their greatest muse: With her, they had some of their biggest songs and helped give her career-defining hits that would distinguish her solo career apart from The Supremes. Among the songs Ross made hits were "Reach Out and Touch," ''The Boss," ''My House," and "Missing You," a tribute to the late Gaye and others. They also composed some of the music for "The Wiz," the movie musical that starred Ross and Michael Jackson.
In an industry where marriages and partnerships are fleeting, Ashford and Simpson stood the test of time.
"The thing is they were married and working together, that was what was special about them. Everybody admired that," White said.
IT STARTED WITH EVE
It Started with Eve
Universal, 1941, B/W, 92 minutes, ***½
Released September, 1941
Jonathan Jr.'s (Bob Cummings) wealthy father (Charles Laughton) is terminally ill, and he wants to meet Junior's new fiancé before he passes on. But Gloria (Margaret Tallichet) is traveling abroad, and Jonathan Jr. is worried that his father will pass away before Gloria returns to New York. At a night club, Jonathan encounters a beautiful hat-check girl (Deanna Durbin) who is just getting off work. He offers to hire her to pose as his fiancé and meet his father, figuring that since his father is about to die it won't really matter. Deanna reluctantly goes along with the plan because she needs the money.
Anne finds Jonathan Sr. to be a perfectly charming man, and he is smitten by her as well. Not only that, but the old man has many contacts in the music world, and (of course) Anne is an aspiring opera star. The old man makes a sudden miraculous recovery and plans a party to introduce Anne to his musical friends. But now that his father has recovered, Jonathan Jr. wants Anne out of the house before his real fiancé shows up. Anne flirts with Jonathan in order to stay around and attend the party. In fact, she and Jonathan end up falling in love. Things get really complicated for Jonathan Jr. as he tries to keep Gloria, who is now back in New York, out of the way while he woos Anne. A funny film with lots of laughs, featuring a climax with Durbin and Laughton dancing La Conga - a classic moment in musical comedy!
Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Henry Koster
Assistant Director: Philip Karlstein
Screenplay: Norman Krasna, Leo Townsend
Based on the story "Almost an Angel" by Hans Kraly
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Musical Score: H. J. Salter
Vocal Coach: Andres de Segurola
Art Director: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Director: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joseph Lapis
Director of Photography: Rudolph Maté
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (Charles Previn and Hans J. Salter)
Cast: Deanna Durbin [Anne Terry], Charles Laughton [Jonathan Reynolds], Robert Cummings [J. Reynolds, Jr.], Guy Kibbee [Bishop], Margaret Tallichet [Gloria Pennington], Catharine Doucet [Mrs. Pennington], Walter Catlett [Doctor Harvey], Charles Coleman [Roberts], Leonard Elliott [Reverend Stebbins], Irving Bacon, Gus Schilling [Ravens], Wade Boteler [Newspaper Editor], Dorothea Kent [Jackie], Clara Blandick [Nurse]
Musical Program: [0:34] Sleeping Beauty Waltz (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano onscreen); [0:56] Clavelitos (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano onscreen); [1:06] unidentified instrumental (played by Orchestra); [1:15] Goin' Home (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano in her apartment); [1:24] La Conga (instrumental played by Orchestra, danced by Deanna Durbin and Charles Laughton at nightclub -- a classic moment in movie history); Several instrumental numbers are played at the nightclub
Universal, 1941, B/W, 92 minutes, ***½
Released September, 1941
Jonathan Jr.'s (Bob Cummings) wealthy father (Charles Laughton) is terminally ill, and he wants to meet Junior's new fiancé before he passes on. But Gloria (Margaret Tallichet) is traveling abroad, and Jonathan Jr. is worried that his father will pass away before Gloria returns to New York. At a night club, Jonathan encounters a beautiful hat-check girl (Deanna Durbin) who is just getting off work. He offers to hire her to pose as his fiancé and meet his father, figuring that since his father is about to die it won't really matter. Deanna reluctantly goes along with the plan because she needs the money.
Anne finds Jonathan Sr. to be a perfectly charming man, and he is smitten by her as well. Not only that, but the old man has many contacts in the music world, and (of course) Anne is an aspiring opera star. The old man makes a sudden miraculous recovery and plans a party to introduce Anne to his musical friends. But now that his father has recovered, Jonathan Jr. wants Anne out of the house before his real fiancé shows up. Anne flirts with Jonathan in order to stay around and attend the party. In fact, she and Jonathan end up falling in love. Things get really complicated for Jonathan Jr. as he tries to keep Gloria, who is now back in New York, out of the way while he woos Anne. A funny film with lots of laughs, featuring a climax with Durbin and Laughton dancing La Conga - a classic moment in musical comedy!
Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Henry Koster
Assistant Director: Philip Karlstein
Screenplay: Norman Krasna, Leo Townsend
Based on the story "Almost an Angel" by Hans Kraly
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Musical Score: H. J. Salter
Vocal Coach: Andres de Segurola
Art Director: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Director: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joseph Lapis
Director of Photography: Rudolph Maté
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (Charles Previn and Hans J. Salter)
Cast: Deanna Durbin [Anne Terry], Charles Laughton [Jonathan Reynolds], Robert Cummings [J. Reynolds, Jr.], Guy Kibbee [Bishop], Margaret Tallichet [Gloria Pennington], Catharine Doucet [Mrs. Pennington], Walter Catlett [Doctor Harvey], Charles Coleman [Roberts], Leonard Elliott [Reverend Stebbins], Irving Bacon, Gus Schilling [Ravens], Wade Boteler [Newspaper Editor], Dorothea Kent [Jackie], Clara Blandick [Nurse]
Musical Program: [0:34] Sleeping Beauty Waltz (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano onscreen); [0:56] Clavelitos (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano onscreen); [1:06] unidentified instrumental (played by Orchestra); [1:15] Goin' Home (sung by Deanna Durbin at the piano in her apartment); [1:24] La Conga (instrumental played by Orchestra, danced by Deanna Durbin and Charles Laughton at nightclub -- a classic moment in movie history); Several instrumental numbers are played at the nightclub
ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ-23 ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ
23 Αυγούστου: Παγκόσμια Ημέρα για την Υπενθύμιση του Δουλεμπορίου και της Κατάργησής του
1617: Ο πρώτος δρόμος μονής κατεύθυνσης δημιουργείται στο Λονδίνο.
1793: Η επαναστατική Γαλλία εισάγει για πρώτη φορά την υποχρεωτική στρατιωτική θητεία, καλώντας στα όπλα όλους του Γάλλους, ηλικίας 18 έως 25 ετών.
1979: Ο σοβιετικός χορευτής Αλεξάντερ Γκοντούνοφ αυτομολεί στη Δύση.
1982: Η Εθνική Αντίσταση αναγνωρίζεται με νόμο (Ν. 1285) που έφερε στη Βουλή η κυβέρνηση Ανδρέα Παπανδρέου.
2004: Η Αθανασία Τσουμελέκα κατακτά το χρυσό μετάλλιο στα 20.000 μ. βάδην, στους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες της Αθήνας. Την ίδια μέρα, η Χρυσοπηγή Δεβετζή στέφεται αργυρή ολυμπιονίκης στο τριπλούν.
Γεννησεις
1912: Τζιν Κέλι, αμερικανός χορευτής και τραγουδιστής. Πρωταγωνίστησε σε κλασσικές ταινίες, όπως «Τραγουδώντας στη Βροχή» και «Ένας Αμερικανός στο Παρίσι».
1949: Κατιάνα Μπαλανίκα, ηθοποιός και τραγουδίστρια.
1952: Γιώργος Μάγγας, βιρτουόζος του κλαρίνου.
Θανατοι
1305: Γουίλιαμ Γουάλας, σκοτσέζος πατριώτης. Αποκεφαλίστηκε από τους Άγγλους σε φυλακή του Λονδίνου.
1926: Ροντόλφο Βαλεντίνο, κατά κόσμον Ροντόλφο Αλφόνσο Ραφαέλο Πιέτρο Φιλιμπέρτο Γκουλιέλμι ντι Βαλεντίνα Ντ' Αντογουόλα, ιταλός ηθοποιός και είδωλο του βωβού κινηματογράφου.
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