FMM: Burnettes have more fun

As a kid, there was a song that was often featured in commercials. The most notable one was for a shampoo brand for kids, and there was a little girl having fun while the song in the background played.

The lyrics were "you're all ribbons and pearls, oh what a girl, eyes that sparkle and shine, you're 16, you're beautiful and you're mine."

Turns out that this song was a hit song from 1956 by a singer named Johnny Burnette. 

"You're sixteen, you're beautiful and you're mine" is such an iconic and fun song. It's so fun and iconic that it was later remade by a lot of artists, including Ringo Starr.

But like many songs, the original is often still the best.

FMM: Beguine here

Since we talked about Ella Fitzgerald during last week's Friday Magic Madness feature, let's continue the topic and talk about another one of her popular songs.

In 1956, she released an album entitled "Ella Fitzgerald sings the Cole Porter Song Book." 

Cole Porter was a popular songwriter in the 1930s, and one of his most famous hits was also popularized by Ella Fitzgerald.

"Begin the Beguine" has been sung and performed so many times through many decades by so many big artists. From Artie Shaw's instrumental version, to Perry Como's laid-back version, to Julio Iglesias' Spanish version.

But thanks to her voice and vocal styles, Ella Fitzgerald's version is still the best for me.

FMM: Harry Up!

Harry Belafonte.

That cassette tape was one of the most overplayed tapes at home.

After all, who wouldn't enjoy listening to his 1950s hit, "Day-O, the banana boat song."

This song is so iconic, we eventually used it in a commercial for Caltex Delo.

This song is so iconic, it deserves today's Friday Magic Madness slot.

It maybe almost 70 years old, but this song never grows old.

FMM: Never Forget

As we remember those who have gone before us, this Friday Magic Madness song came to mind.

"Unforgettable" is one of Nat King Cole's most iconic hits. Recorded in the 1950s, it's still relevant and heartfelt now as it was then.

The beautiful thing about this song is that there's a version with both Nat King Cole and his daughter, Natalie Cole doing a duet. It was done through the magic of videos since Natalie was just a teen when Nat passed away, and they never got to do the recording together.

But thanks to technology, this happened:

Just like this song, we'll never forget our Lolos, Lolas, Titos, Titas and all our loved ones that have gone to heaven. 

You're all unforgettable.

FMM: Fruits of the New Year

Today's Friday Magic Madness song goes back all the way to the 50s! Back to 1956, to be exact.

And it's inspired by two things:

One, my Christmas Wrapping theme that I wrote about yesterday.

Two, our boat of New Year fruits. All 13 of them! 

So, without further ado, here's Little Richard's hit, "Tutti Frutti!"

Have a fruitful 2021 everyone!

FMM: Gun for it!

Today's Friday Magic Madness was inspired by the fact that I saw Claire Danes on a movie that was being showed on television.

But I'll save that post for later. 

For now, let me share this very fun and well-written ditty from the 1950s film, "Annie Get Your Gun."

"Anything you can do, I can do better" is one of the iconic songs from the film, which was based on a musical. The melody, lyrics and the performance of Betty Hutton and Howard Keel were just a joy to watch.

I better watch this again. And again. And again.

FMM: Shall we?

It started with Bail Ling.

Then, it led to the film "Anna and the King."

Then, it led to the original film, "The King and I."

And this led to today's Friday Magic Madness song from the OG film with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. This seems to be the farthest we gone for FMM since this film was shown back in 1956.

From that film, of course, is this classic song:

"Shall We Dance" is a great song because there's a mix of innocence, tension and love, all in one song. And it's a tough feat, but this does it beautifully.

Shall we watch it again?

FMM: By George, Clooney

Nope, we’re not going to be that obvious. This Friday Magic Madness post isn’t about George Clooney.

It’s about another Clooney - one who’s lesser known, but just as cool. Literally.

Rosemary Clooney sang one of my favorite songs from way, way, way back. A chill and laid-back song entitled “In the Cool of the Evening.”

Actually, this song already had a lot of iterations, from its original Dean Martin version from the 50s. And as much as I like his version, Rosemary’s version is equally great.

It’s a cool Friday indeed.

FMM: Boom!

Since we're heading to Cebu this weekend, my Friday Magic Madness is the song that inspired the old "Cebu - Ceboom" tourism ditty.

Today, we're going back - way back to 1956 - with this classic from "The Crew Cuts." Presenting, Sh-boom!



See you in a bit, Cebu!

FMM: Hide(away) and Seek

Thanks to today's shoot, I recalled this very old song from a 1950s film entitled "Pajama Game."

The song is called "Hernando's Hideaway."



It's a song that a lot of people know, but most likely, they don't know the title. All they know is it's the "tango song."

Well folks, here's the actual title and the actual song. Now, you know.

And we have Friday Magic Madness to thank for.