Saturday 9: Money

Saturday 9: Money (That's What I Want) 1959

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This lyrics mention "the birds and bees." Who told you about the facts of life?

A. I really don't remember. I don't recall having a conversation with my mother. It may have been my grandmother, and then just whatever I learned in school. 

 

2) Barrett Strong sings that love won't pay the bills. How do you handle bill paying? Do you set aside one day a month to take care of all your bills, or do you pay each one as it comes in? What's your system?

A. I usually pay them twice a month. When the bills come in, I write the date they are due on the outside of the envelope and put them in a special mail holder so I can see them. When I have several due before the 15th, I pay them. Then I pay the ones due at the end of the month. By the way, I can remember when I had 30 days to pay my electric bill. Now they give you two weeks. I suspect that was a deregulation change.

 

3) He refers to dollar bills as "lean greens." Can you think of any other euphemisms for money?

A. Greenbacks. Cash. Moolah.

4) April is tax time, so money is top-of-mind for us all. Do you do your own taxes, or do you seek the help of a professional?

A. I do an elaborate accounting of everything and then take that to the professional.

5) On this week's song, Barrett does a solid job on the vocals, and he handles the keyboards well. In addition to performing, he was a talented songwriter. One of his most popular compositions was "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," a song about a lover who listened to gossip and got some useful information. Have you ever been the subject of gossip? If yes, was there any truth to the rumor?

A. I imagine have been the subject of gossip many times. But I cannot think of anything specific at the moment. However, as a semi-public figure when I was a news reporter, I suspect I was fair game for various things.

 

6) He worked with Motown and its sister label, Tamla, for years, but when they moved their offices from Detroit to LA, he quit. Have you ever relocated for your career?

A. I have never relocated for my career.

7) In 1959, when "Money" was popular, Huckleberry Hound was a hit with young TV viewers in 1959. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?

A. I loved Bugs Bunny. But I also liked Scooby Doo, Johnny Quest, and many others.

8) While children were enjoying daytime cartoons, their parents were discovering The Twilight Zone, which also premiered in 1959. Decades later, it's still being rerun on cable and streaming services. Are you a fan?

A. I watch it when I catch it on, which is infrequently. I doubt I have seen every episode.

 

9) Random question: Right now, would you prefer to grab a snack or take a nap?

A. Right now, I would probably prefer a snack.

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