Saturday 9: I've Got Your Number

Saturday 9: I've Got Your Number (1965)

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

Chosen in memory of Tony Bennett, who passed away on July 21, 2023.
 
1) In this song, Tony sings that he recognizes his lover's insecurities because she's a lot like him. Are you unsure in social situations? Or do you meet new people easily?

A. I'm not a social butterfly by any stretch of the imagination.
 
2) While singing was his livelihood, painting was Tony Bennett's passion. What hobby do you participate in with the greatest enthusiasm?

A. Probably video games, although music would be a close second.

3) Tony was a proud son of New Jersey. Many singers hail from The Garden State, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra. What heroes, heroines or celebrities hail from your home state?

A. 8 US presidents, Sandra Bullock, Wayne Newton, Rob Lowe, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Matthews Band, Katie Couric, Pharrell Williams, Arthur Ashe, Wanda Sykes, Patsy Cline, June Carter Cash, David Baldacci, etc.

4) Though Tony dreamed of becoming a commercial artist, he had to drop out of school in his teens to help support his family. Looking back on your teen years, what did you want to do for a living? Is that what you ended up doing?

A. While at various times I wanted to be an archeologist or a geologist (mostly in my preteen years), I also always wanted to be a writer. That is what I ended up doing. As a teenager, though, I made my spending money by playing guitar.

5) During WWII, Tony served in Germany. The first time his voice was broadcast was during an aircheck for Armed Forced Radio. For the occasion he sang "St. James Infirmary." That was Tony's first. Let's contrast it with your last. What's the most recent song you sang?

A. Sheryl Crow's Weather Channel.

6) After the War, Bob Hope saw him perform under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. Hope told him that, no matter how great his talent, his name would hold him back because it was too long for a marquee. And so, Tony Bennett was born. Tell us about a marquee in your town. Is it announcing a movie, play, or concert performance?

A. There's one announcing a walk to raise money for something along the highway. It's not exactly a marquee, it's more like a LED sign. We don't exactly have marquees out here, at least, not where I see them.
 
7) In 2006, he recorded his Duets album, partnering with a variety of singers he admired. Tony said he enjoyed working with Paul McCartney at London's Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles created their classic recordings. If you vacationed in London, what would you be sure to visit?

A. Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and my email friend Inga, although she doesn't live in London.
 
8) "I've Got Your Number" was performed by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show. According to Dick, they were so believable as a married couple that he received glares from a hotel clerk while checking in with his real-life wife, Margie. What TV or movie couple do you feel had "chemistry?"

A. Shrek and Fiona from Shrek.

9) Special summertime random question: Would you have more fun at a pro baseball game or an art museum exhibit?

A. Art museum. I really like air conditioning.

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