Gonna Take . . .

No, not a sentimental journey, but a short blog break because of a special event which will be shared in future posts when it's ended.

Even though I won't be actively posting for awhile, I'll be following your blog posts and commenting as time allows.

And, since I usually almost always like to include a back story in many posts, here's some information about a popular 1944 song, Sentimental Journey.

The song describes someone set to take a train to a place to where there's a great emotional attachment and mounting anticipation in wondering why he/she roamed. The music was written by Les Brown and Ben Homer; lyrics were written by Bud Green. If you know the tune, go ahead and sing out loud (no one will hear). Here's the lyrics. 

Gonna take a sentimental journey

Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories

I got my bag, I got my reservation
Spent each dime i could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
I long to hear that: "all aboard!"

Seven, that's the time we leave - at seven
I'll be waiting up for heaven
Counting every mile of railroad track - that moves me back

I never though my heart could be so yearny

Why did I decide to roam
Gotta take a sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home

Bandleader Les Brown and His Band of Renown had been performing the song, but were unable to record it because of a 1942–44 musicians' strike. When the strike ended, the band, and 20-year old vocalist Doris Day, had a hit record with the song in 1945. It was Day's first #1 hit. (Over the next two decades, Day made 40 movies and became the top female box-office star in Hollywood history, with a No. 1 ranking in 1960, 1962, 1963 and 1964. She was top box office over contemporaries including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. With her blond good look and girl-next-door appeal, Day projected a wholesome public image and was dubbed America's Sweetheart.)

The song's release coincided with the end of WW II in Europe and became the unofficial homecoming theme for many veterans. The record first reached the Billboard charts on March 29, 1945 and stayed 23 weeks on the chart, peaking at #1. Day's vocals have been described as “honey with a dash of pepper, that would make anyone to pack a bag and join her on that journey home,” what many GIs wanted to do when it debuted in 1944.

Sentimental Journey became a standard with jazz artists and was recorded by many others, some of whom surprised me. Ella Fitzgerald released a version in 1947. Conway Twitty did a rock 'n roll version in his 1959 album. Frank Sinatra recorded his version in 1961. The Platters covered it in 1963. In 1965, Harry James recorded a version in New Versions of Down Beat Favorites. Booker T. & the MG's performed an instrumental version on their 1966 album, And Now! In 1994, Les Brown and His Band of Renown teamed up with Barry Manilow on a version of the song for Manilow's album Singin' With The Big Bands. Rosemary Clooney issued a 2001 album Sentimental Journey which included the song. 

The song was featured in a popular 1978 episode of M*A*S*H episode titled, Your Hit Parade. Commanding officer, Col. Sherman T. Potter, a long-time fan of Doris Day, had the song played over the camp P.A. system several times during the day. 

Now, for your enjoyment (hopefully) here's a sentimental trip back in time with Doris Day. The video was "borrowed" online from YouTube. It features photos of Ms. Day, plus a few commercials (sorry)

Hope you enjoyed the trip. See you soon.