Saturday 9: Don't Get Around Much

Saturday 9: Don't Get Around Much Anymore (1942)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, our lonely Romeo shares how he amuses himself these days. Which of the activities that he mentions have you most recently enjoyed: playing solitaire, reading a book, or listening to the radio?

A. I read a book.

2) The lead singer is tenor Bill Kenny. Which range is your voice: soprano, alto, tenor or bass?

A. I think it's soprano except when it's alto. Or something. I should know this but I don't.

3) When Bill was on vacation in Atlantic City, he entered a series of talent contests and won 21 of 22. This led to his first professional booking. Tell us about a vacation of yours that took an unexpected turn.

A. One summer my parents went to the beach, and instead of staying in the water or in the sand, I spent all of my time in the pavilion playing . . . Bingo. I think I was about 15. No one, including me, expected me to spend my vacation time playing Bingo.

4) This song was composed by Duke Ellington. He received many honors, including a coin struck in his honor. In 2009, he graced the District of Columbia's commemorative quarter. Do you save coins in a jar or piggy bank?

A. We have a bank that is shaped like a bear in a firefighter's costume.

5) In 1976, Stevie Wonder recorded a tribute to Ellington called "Sir Duke." What's your favorite Stevie Wonder song?

A. Superstition.

6) The lyrics were written by Bob Russell. When he began his career, he shared an apartment with future novelist and TV screenwriter Sidney Sheldon. Have you ever tried your hand at writing lyrics, a novel or a screenplay?

A. Yes. I've written lyrics and recorded them. Here is one of those songs that I wrote both the lyrics and music to. (And maybe someone can tell me if that's soprano or alto. I think it's the former.) I have parts of novels stuffed in drawers or lost on computer hard drives some place. The lyrics to this song are at this blog post.

7) In 1942, when this record was released, the federal government established a rationing system to conserve crucial supplies for our troops. Sugar was the first food to be rationed, followed by coffee and then meat. If you were around back then, which of those items do you think you'd miss the most?

A. Sugar. I don't drink coffee and I don't eat much meat.

8) Also in 1942, actor/singer Peter Tork was born. Without looking it up, do you know why Peter Tork was famous?

A. He was a member of the Monkees, wasn't he?

9) Random question -- Have you ever deliberately lost a game?

A. Yes. I've grown bored with games and lost them simply to move on to something else.

______________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.