All is Ephemeral

Just Walkin’ in the Rain is a song of regret with the narrator being the one alone and walking in the rain.

Many film lovers will be familiar with the sight of Gene Kelly dancing in the streets, umbrella in hand, and singing his heart out.

Le Gorille comes from Georges Brassens and is, to put it mildly, a rather unusual song and in its day a rather controversial one as well.

Amália Rodrigues certainly had an impressive voice. She was considered key in helping revitalise fado and take it to a worldwide audience.

Dust My Broom has been interpreted by some analysts as a euphemism, something of a sexual nature, but this remains open to debate.

The song is one of heartbreak with Fred Astaire singing of someone special that has been taken away from him.

Listening to Lord Kitchener sing of the warm welcome he has had in London and the open arms of the British brought a smile to my face.

Mary Ford’s vocals convey the sadness implicit in the lyrics but the highlight is without question the phenomenal guitar playing of Les Paul.

In Cry, Johnnie Ray sings of a lost sweetheart and insists that crying is not only okay but that it might even help.

The origins of Rocket 88 and the dispute over writing credits somewhat overshadow what has been an influential song in Rock and Roll.

Perez Prado was born in Cuba but ended up moving to Mexico to form a band where he later became known as the King of Mambo.

In Goodnight, Irene, the narrator has been married to a woman called Irene but it sounds like the marriage has come to an end.

Considered one of the best versions of Summertime is this cover by jazz singer, Sarah Vaughan, who brought a new dimension to the song.

First up for our new decade is Jo Stafford, known as GI Jo for she was adored by soldiers during the Second World War.

A prolific songwriter and popular entertainer in his day, Hank Williams seemingly had it all but he would sadly die aged only 29.

This is an epic song with a multitude of verses sandwiching the chorus. Louis Jordan takes us on an action-packed & somewhat comedic evening.

eden ahbez wrote the song after spending time with Nature Boys, followers of German philosophy that stipulated a diet of fruit & vegetables.

In Good Rockin’ Tonight Brown sings of how he has heard about the good rockin’ of the title and he beseeches a woman to join him.

Written by Irving Berlin, White Christmas is an essential festive song on any compilation you have on repeat throughout December

Charles Trenet opted for a simple subject in his celebration of the sea but it is one that gave him great acclaim and deserve it he did.