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Many of you out there must think that "Save The Last Dance For Me" sang by Fubuki Koshiji (a very popular female Japanese singer 1924-1980) is a French chanson. This is because Darida sang it to the title of "Garde-moi la derniere dance" in French, which became a great hit. In Japan, Tokiko Iwatani translated this. This actually was written by Doc Pomus - a white blues singer, rare at that time, turned song writer- together with pianist Mort Shuman. This duo has written many hit songs for Elvis Presley
including "Viva Las Vegas". |
In the US, The Drifters sang "Save The Last Dance For Me" that was a big hit. Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and many chorus groups have also sang this song. Doc Pomus worked very hard to bring back Jimmy Scott, who had fallen upon hard times, to the center stage, but, unfortunately, he died of lung cancer before he could complete his mission. He had left the message, "When I die, will you sing Gershwin's 'Someone To Watch Over Me' for me," to Jimmy. Jimmy sang the song of his lifetime to the accompaniment of a church pipe organ for Doc. It must have been unbearable and moving for everyone. The record company of Warner Brothers, Sire Record's CEO Seymour Stein was present, and was very impressed. Jimmy Scott made his comeback in his late 60s. We are able to now hear Jimmy Scott's songs live because of an angel called Doc Pomus. Trans. by Sanae |
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