Episode 39: Tears

Theme Time Radio Hour Archive

It’s night time in the big city
Three homeless men share a bottle around a trash can inferno
A rock goes through a window on 12th St.

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The Singers and Songs

• ? and The Mysterians: 96 Tears

“Not all songs about crying are necessarily sad. This one at least sounds happy…Led by Rudy Martinez, who actually changed his name to ? …(he) never appears in public without his sunglasses; I gotta admit, they did make him look pretty cool.”

• Anita O’Day: And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine
• Bobby Charles: Big Boys Cry

“He was more successful as a songwriter than as a singer, and that’s a sin ‘cause he’s a hell of a singer. He’s got one of the most melodious voices ever transferred to a piece of vinyl… The boy could sing like a bird, he still does as a matter of fact.”

• Solomon Burke: Cry To Me

“Here’s a mighty, mighty man, a mammoth talent…He’s the father of 14 daughters and 7 sons…He has 64 grandchildren, and 8 great-grand children. No wonder he’s singing this song!”

• Hank Williams: I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
• Julie London: Cry Me A River

“Here’s one of the sexiest, most sultry records ever recorded. A deserved smash.”

• Jimmy Nelson: I Sat And Cried
• The Marvelettes: No More Tear Stained Makeup

“Maybe the most pop-oriented of Motown’s major female acts.”

• Charlie Rich: Tears A Go-Go
• J. Geils Band: Cry One More Time For You
• Roy Brown: Laughing But Crying

“Part of the great tradition of rhythm and blues songs where the singer breaks down in tears.”

• Billy Ward & His Dominoes: The Bells
• Alton Ellis and The Flames: Cry Tough

“Alton was deservedly inducted into the international reggae and world music hall of fame. Congratulations to all concerned.”

• Lula Reed: Drown In My Own Tears

“Here she is, a heavenly singer with a voice like Gabriel’s trumpet…Oh, if trumpet players could only play like she sings!”

• Mose Allison: Everybody’s Crying Mercy

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(Complete episode Notes available at The Bob Dylan Fan Club)

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