Singer Tells Story of 1972 #1 Hit That Entices ALL Generations | Professor of Rock
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- čas přidán 4. 04. 2021
- Up next the story behind one of the bonafide classic songs of the 1970s Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) straight from the singer and songwriter of Looking Glass, Elliot Lurie, including an acoustic performance. This song has attracted every generation since it’s release and conquered pop culture through it’s use in Guardians of the Galaxy. You won’t want to miss this one...
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#70s #Vinyl #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 70s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community. If you long for the good old days of buying an album the day it came out and listening to it from side 1 to side 2, you’ll love this community , subscribe below right now so you never miss an episode of our daily features. Check our Patreon link to be a part of curating this history.
It’s time for another edition of Revelation where iconic artist share the inside details behind their biggest songs and this is a special edition of this series. We have the in depth story behind the 1972 yacht rock classic. Brandy You’re a find girl as told by Looking Glass lead singer and songwriter Elliot Lurie. This is one of the most interesting stories behind a song that i’ve experienced and he performs an acoustic version. As we go into this interview I want thank our Sponsor Zenni Eyewear the glass I jam every day. at Zenni.com you are able to Shop according to the shape of YOUR face. Which guarantees that you always have a variety of exceptional and distinctive eyewear that will always looks great on you. Shop at Zenni.com today. Here is Elliot with the story. - Zábava
Children take notice a real musician singing a real song with his real voice……what a legend
I was literally named for this song. It was my father's favorite song when I was born. Growing up, people always sang it to me and I felt like it was not a very nice story to be named after (from the barmaid's perspective), so it was pretty annoying. But when I was pregnant with my own daughter and began researching names and meanings, I learned that Brandy, in addition to being burnt wine of course, was also a term that British sailors used for lighthouses, as a feminine form of "brandt"- a flaming torch. The name can also mean mean guiding light, burning hill, or sword. When considering the poetic connotations of Brandy as a metaphor for the stability of the land instead of the name of a specific person, and the sailor being torn between the safe harbor and oceanic expanse, I appreciated it much more as a beautiful song and poetic genius. That metaphor even works when using the term brandy to mean burnt wine. Then the tension is between the illusion of freedom that is attained by drinking alcohol to loosen one's mind while persisting in situations that are otherwise tedious or burdensome vs. the genuine freedom that comes from letting go of all security and leaving the harbor to traverse the seas. And of course, it's also a catchy tune. Over time I was happy have the connection to the song. It is undoubtedly a timeless classic. Funny to learn in this interview that the meanings of the name Brandy were never even part of the conscious development of the song but rather just something that worked phonically. Sometimes art and poetry just happen best on the unconscious levels as the pieces naturally fall into place, so I guess this is one of those instances.
Thanks for this perspective. I am also named for this song but my mother who worked as bar maid when I was a kid was killed by a drunk driver on her way home from work. In my 20s I decided it my name meant “what a good wife”.
Thank you. I learned so much from reading it
Hey ! That was good 😀
Professor brings the backstories , 💕⭐️😎
@@bjmartin3077 I am so sorry about what happened to your mother. What an interesting spin that puts on the song for you then.
I agree with Kurt Russell, possibly the greatest ever. I heard it as kid with my dad and told him I wanted to be a sailor. Did 8 years in the navy and played this song as soon as we got back to our homeport. Great memories and every time I hear it, I smile ear to ear. It takes me right back.
That is really cool!!! my Dad was Navy also!!!!
I have always had the firm belief that the greatest music came from the 70s
What a great interview - he is such a gracious guy and really engaged and told interesting stories. I got the impression he had no arrogance or ego about him.
I like that the people being interviewed seem so happy to share their stories, like they never really were able. Pop/rock music is so important to so many.
@@rikkousa Perhaps you meant to write "This gratitude was SINCERE..." rather than "This gratitude was INsincere...".
(Great comment BTW.)
When he talks he sounds just like he sings. Unlike Phillip Bailey.
I really seems to be very appreciative. I made a nice comment on his CZcams channel, one of thousands, and he commented back, thanking me for my support. Very cool.
Funny you mention ego, because it's the character "Ego" in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 who gives a little lecture about this song.
Oh my GAWD! Elliot sounded great singing Brandy on this video. Forever one of my favorite 70's songs.
Not very many 70-somethings can still sing their hits. I agree -- this was awesome.
The bridge is always the part that strikes me the hardest.
Yeah, Brandy used to watch his eyes
When he told his sailor's story
She could feel the ocean fall and rise
She saw its ragin' glory
But he had always told the truth, Lord, he was an honest man
And Brandy does her best to understand
I envision an adoring Brandy leaning slightly forward intently listening to every tale of adventure. With each, he doesn't see behind her eyes her heart breaking a little more with each story.
"At night, when the bars close down
Brandy walks through a silent town
And loves a Man who's not around..."
DOO-doo-doo, DOO-doo-doo,
DOO-doo-doo, DOOT DOOT DOOT!
I always saw those lines as their horizontal personal time.
@@willmfrank 😢😢😢
Thank you for your description. You did it justice.
When he started singing the verse in that register I thought, "Oh, no, what is he going to do at the chorus? Drop down a key? That would be awful. What a shame..." Then he nails those high notes. Not easy for a man that age. Wow. He has kept his pipes clean. Fantastic.
I would say that Professor of Rock is the Rolling Stone magazine of the internet age, but Adam doesn't have the snide condescension that that rag had and an infinitely more engaging style. Part of that is the immediacy of this medium as opposed to print but more than that is the love Adam can devote to each story and interview he does which does come through.
Totally agree! Better
Not the rolling stone. He and his voice reminds me of what he really is. The Casey Kasem of the internet age
@@thomasmendez2816 Fair enough but Kasem was more a disc jockey than a journalist/interviewer.
So very well said. As a Former subscriber to RS (81 -85?) All I can say is:. WORD.
@@thomasmendez2816 Agree 💯😀
I gotta say professor, I can tell these legends love you and it’s no surprise. The background knowledge, great questions, genuine enthusiasm you bring to an interview makes them feel really good about themselves. Elliot was positively glowing by the end of that session. Best interviewer in the genre by far.
Totally agree. Adam’s one of the best in the biz! He keeps it all about the music, too.
Thank you very much!
Well said… I’m still waiting for POR to hit 1M subs. Keep ‘em coming POR, (thank you)…We’re loosing these legends, too fast, anymore. 🍻
Agree 100%!!! Great job Adam!!!!
Looking Glass played my high school prom, “The Gambol”, in 1976. Paul D. Schreiber HS in Port Washington, Nassau County, Long Island, New York. They played “Brandy” more than once.
One of the most beautiful songs ever created. Whenever I hear it playing on the radio, it feels like a much needed warm hug. Thanks Professor Rock for an awesome interview.
Elliott has that special voice that makes this song great.
Unmistakable....
I so agree!
This song is such a staple on Yacht Rock on SiriusXM Radio. Love this song!
@@LegalEagleGurl Yacht rock?
That just strikes me as funny 😹!
Cool!
@@loganmpe7559 It’s an actual genre of music that encompasses the early 70s to the early 80s Soft Rock music.
This guy is cooler than every modern musician combined
Most are
Your average dude on the street is way cooler than the no-talent buffoons that call themselves musicians today.
do pop "artists" today play instruments?
@@bigtechisbigbrother8690 I agree man!
@@shack8110 Jason Isbell, James McCurty, (Rachel), Tyler Childs, ( Long Violent History).
I’m glad I grew up with radio and all these hits of the 70s and 80s. This one really evoked a mood with the story.
Me too!
This song represents the freedom we all felt in the 70s. Definitely a part of America's musical soundtrack. Always a joy to sing and reminisce.
One of the smoothest-sounding pop songs ever! 😍👍
Definitely
Like a good smooth scotch, it just gets better with age.
I’ve always viewed this song and “Dancin’ in the Moonlight” as two stars orbiting one another. That slick 70’s production gives me goosebumps from the opening notes. Plus, this guy seems like a real stand up guy. Love this channel!
Brandy had a good production, good vocal, good playing, well written and over all a perfect rock song. It was a perfectly done song.
The only problem was it doesn't match any of the bands other music.
I tell you this Adam. I’m a 58 y.o. man. Whenever Brandy comes on, no matter what I’m doing, it stops me dead! I just stop and listen. The song is lively enough to make you exuberant and joyous, yet melancholy enough to break your heart at the same time. It is Elliot Lurie’s little piece of magic! Thank you for this fine tribute Adam. ❤️
This episode does put a smile on my face. 🤌
@@tryithere much of which is really better than Brandy
@@kate1r Apparently not since it's forgotten.
I've loved this song for almost 50 years. It can still make my eyes get misty when I least expect it.
1972 was a magical year for music!
Rather than become stale _Brandy_ is like an old friend whenever it comes on the radio. It is not only an exceptional song but is a Life Lesson in loyalty, faith and finding peace with life as it is rather than how you wish it had been...
Tonight I shall listen to Brandy and sip some bourbon.
yes, it's like a fine wine, or brandy, gets better and more mellow with age.
Well put!
Don I like what you said about the lesson from"Brandi".
That happens to be exactly how I approached by building relationship with my wife and we had 36 years of the most perfect love for each other that I could ever have imagined !
Really nice sentiment sir, my salute to you!
@@ChristinaHills I also appreciate the way he said that very well.
That exact approach worked fantastically for me in building a perfect relationship with my wife when I had no clue at 25 how to nurture love properly but we had 36 years, of the better love than I imagined was possible.
There are way worse ways to go through life than to have your résumé read “Wrote ‘Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)’”.
Elliott is so underrated as a musician and as a songwriter. You combine Elliotts incredible voice, with a story that everyone can relate to, and you have a masterpiece, called Brandy.
Incredible voice, to this day. And so recognizable.
What a great interview. He seems like a really interesting guy. I really like how “The Professor” does extensive homework on the the song and the group prior to the interview. Great job!!
"Brandy" ages well just like, well just like brandy 😉😊
So, he wrote some of the worst songs ever.
Great interview and a favorite song
I hope you are correct about the song....
But...In Real Life??? Mother Nature is a Real B*tch when it comes to aging well...I'm just sayin'...*wink evil grin
@@brandiwill6693 Well, I guess you can say the song is "b*tchin" **wink, wink
@@joelspringman7748 and.....what songs have you written that are better ?
This song is one of a very few, that every time I hear it my mind is immediately transported back to the very first time I ever heard it. A simpler time with great music.
I am riding my three speed bicycle complete with a banana seat and sissy bar with my transistor radio hooked over the handlebars.
Kevin Patke same here, exactly! 😊
I find music from this era to be great for insomnia. Not that it puts me to sleep, just that it calms my nerves and gives me a general sense of well-being.
I’m sorry you struggle with insomnia. It is a difficult situation to navigate. If you manage to fall asleep you wake up shortly after and you are tired all day! It becomes exhausting !!!!! I’m going to try your tip, I generally listen to documentaries but the music would likely be more relaxing! Best wishes
@@brandywine4000 Thanks!
I agree! My husband puts on his headphones and listens to 70’s music every time he gets a chance.
Loved it loved it loved it. I grew up in the 70's and this song is one of my all time favorites from that era with the energy and sincerity in which it is sung. The harmonies are killer. I'm so glad the band stood their ground and did not use studio musicians (no offense). It was played and sung like they meant it. Great interview! Period!
Probably the best part of your job must be just having a back and forth with the guys who made these great classic songs. Brandy was a real classic. I was 15 when that song was popular.
Wouldn't you love to be his assistant?
Brandy takes me back to the summer of 1972 and sophomore year in college. Such wonderful memories. I do anything to travel back!
He's such a cool guy and that song is just timeless. I really enjoyed the interview.
An absolutely in-depth, fascinating interview! The evolution of this song with everything from demo recording to the highly-polished masterpiece is magnificent. It's interviews like this that knock me out cold.
Adam, thank you for this. Mr. Lurie, thank you for taking the time to tell us this exceptional story. Much Love and Great Respect....
I have to say that not only have I been a fan of Looking Glass, as Brandy was one of the many hits of my generation, but Elliot has been gracious enough to correspond with me when I made inquiries (I was not trying to correspond personally, he just responded to my inquiry about a documentary). What a legendary voice and songwriter and humble guy! Much respect.
Thanks for confirming the good vibe I have About Elliott
Any documentary to be seen soon?
Look at all the number one hits from 1972. So many classics from that year. Almost an embarrassment to compare what was number one then and the number one hits now. WAP? Gimme Brandy any day
72 was a classic year for sure. Thanks for watching Michael!
Yes yes yes
whats wrong with wap are you gay?
‘72 was such a ZENITH year for music, but without sounding redundant, basically the entire ’70’s was a continuum of musical hits that just kept coming…as well as, standing the test of time and still staying!
@@ProfessorofRock I'll never forget that year or the great songs of 1972 the year I graduated from High school and moved out on my own at 17 years old!
Elliot's a terrific guy - thanks for the interview and insights. I loved "Brandy" as a 15 year old kid - today at 63, it's a still a hoot to play the electric piano and sing the harmonies with my bandmates. Every age group digs it.
Musical genius; ever notice that the chord progression in the chorus >> rises and falls
I remember buying the single as a kid. I think it was a dollar back then. I would let the record player play it over and over. The 70's were a great time in my life. I would go back today if I could.
As a retired sailor who’s been in a few ports, I love the metaphor he speaks about.
@Busta Speeker 😉
@Busta Speeker You do know that Sailors can be single, right?
@Busta Speeker Gotcha! I don’t see the initial reply I did, so apologize if this is done again.
czcams.com/video/4V8KdGqUfek/video.html
Busta Speeker
You forgot the “naughty bits.” Loved the MP reference, though.
Had this 45 in my record collection as a kid, was a great song then and is a great song now! Hard to believe this song is almost 50 yrs old........... where does the time go?!
One of the greatest songs of all time. The mood, the imagery, Thank you for creating this.
Been one of my favorites since it came out. There's a "back-of-the-throat" quality to his voice that gives it a smooth richness, like caramel on vanilla ice cream (hey, I'm hungry... give me a break!)
His voice combined with the other voices and the instruments really paint a good picture. I really feel like I am near the ocean watching the ships go in and out as I’m listening to the song.
You must like Dock of the Bay as well
I played this song on my trumpet for the 4 years in my high school band. It was used for the dancers and the flag corps. I can't count the times I played it. This one and "Smoke on the Water," and " I Found my Thrill on Blueberry Hill," each one, etched into my mind forever.
I was in band
1979- 1982.
Remember that one time, at band camp?
@@lawdogwales5921 What does come to mind is the FIRST time I am hearing "Stairway" I am at band camp.
I am on the dance floor with someone I don't know and yes, it starts rocking.
It was a quick transition from slow dancing to fast dancing.
So worth it.
@@AbleBodied Nice!
It’s amazing how Elliot was able to elevate this one hit and essentially transform the success of it into a very long and successful career in the music industry in Hollywood.
As a fan of old school radio and television shows like Casey Casum, American Bandstand and all that, I needed this channel in my life. Just found it existed, and my soul feels warmer for it.
Don't forget sooooooooul train
@@markkar4663 a classic
@@zentatonic yes sir, and the Midnight Special
I love this song! This guy has a wonderful voice, both singing and speaking. He is so real and down to earth. No rock star ego at all.
Great interview, great song, great channel!
God I teared up on this one. This song brings back memories deluxe.
I was 10 years old in ‘72 and just starting to discover music on my own. Brandy was one of the first songs I remember listening to as I discovered my first radio stations (WFIL in Philly). Every time I hear the intro of that song I still get excited.
love this song. i always picture brandy serving whisky and wine and then walking home after everything's closed for the evening. i visualize every part of the song. i was also one of the people who thought it was a large black guy singing. funny how he mentions that.
It's very cinematic for sure.
Such a big, kinda raspy, bass voice for a little guy too.
Same for me. It has always been o visual tune for me as well.
I always hoped she was safe walking home at night when the bars closed down.
Totally agree with you on this. This song is a fantastic favorite of mine and will always be! What a great interview with Elliott as well
Such a great song. Definitely a part of childhood. No matter how many times I hear it, it never gets old. Elliot is great! Another great interview, Adam.
Brandy is my favourite song of the 70's, bar none. I never never tire of it... I sing along at the top of my lungs... it's like an old friend to me.
Even if we didn't know it, many of us have been searching for Brandy for the last 49 years.
Probably in my Top 5 favorite Songs of all time. I love me some singer-songwriters of the 70s.
Looking Glass was a band, and this was very much a band effort, as Lurie makes very clear when telling about the backing vocals and the band playing their own instruments on the record. Singer-songwriter is universally understood as a term for a solo artist.
The amount of travel you must be doing to get all these interviews is really something. Amazing enthusiasm and dedication.
This song is so epic. Released 8 months into my life. I have been lost in the sea of life ever since. An integral part of my childhood soundtrack. Wow you got to see him play it 3 feet from you. So precious to see him smile and play that legendary tune right in front of you. That's something you will never forget Professor. Elliot is now 74 and still jammin from what I can tell.
Whenever I hear this song I think of Otter Pops, afternoon swimming, and The Brady Bunch. Good times. Great tune
My folks had bought a '72 Ford Econoline van, bright red. They did it up with the shag carpet and porthole windows. I was about 10. My mom had this album on 8-track and CRANKED it driving her van around. I can still smell the Van interior...Thanks- Proff., for EVERYTHING you are doing. This is precious. You really scored with Mr. Elliot...
Awesome memory Johnathan!
@@aaronleehughes757 thanks I can remember stuff that happened in 1972 but I can't remember what I had for dinner LOL
It might interest you that there is a cover of "Brandy" on CZcams done by Reina del Cid where she is singing while actually driving a van with her guitarist on the back seat playing and doing backup vocals.
Reina's channel is well worth a look. Lovely voice, great musicianship, lots of 60's and 70's classics.
The 70s is the decade of the craft of songwriting. If you want to study songs that stand on their own with just a voice and a guitar, study the 70s.
Elliott Laurie is such a relaxed, smooth, informative storyteller. Thank You Professor! When this came out on the radio, remember radios 📻 with an antenna you had to play with to get the good reception and knobs you had to turn to tune in your favorite AM music station? I was on a beach near the ocean on the east cost. Every weekend I went to the beach and you would hear Brandy playing. And all the other Great songs coming out of the early 70s. What a time. No cell phones. No earbuds. No crowds. Just pick a spot and lay your blanket down. Open the cooler, grab a cold one. Turn on your transistor radio and listen to Songs like Brandy Rock & Rolling across the beach 🏖️.
the thing about this song that really grabs me is the smooth, interlacing vocals. a masterpiece.
SUCH A GREAT INTERVIEW!!!
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely a 70's classic, for sure!
Thank you for letting the Artist tell their stories...
I’m so glad you made this video because I’ve been wondering for a while how he got the idea to write the song. The fact that Elliot Lurie was only 21 when he wrote it is mind blowing to me. Absolutely love his distinct voice. This song brings back fond memories of when I was about nine years old living in rural Virginia listening to great 70s music on the radio. Enjoyed this video!
100 years from now this song will still be on everyone's list of favorites. It has everything anybody needs in a song and there's nothing to compare it to. Bravo.
It reached number 10 in the Australian charts, but I had no recollection of ever hearing it until Guardians of the Galaxy 2. And I'm 50. It must have fallen out of favour with Aussie radio stations. (Any Aussies here? Did you ever hear it played?)
Hi Tony; yeah grew up in Melbourne [born 1970], and it was a staple on 3KZ, 3AK, and all the other golden oldies stations, but rarely heard on FM radio in 80s & 90s.
Great interview! I’m a singer/songwriter and was a teenager in the 70’s when this song was popular. It’s a groove monster! One of my favorite songs to sit around and play. Love the chord progression and voicings. Amazing how a single song can have such a profound effect on a musician’s life. Bravo Elliot!
I really enjoy so many of these videos, but this interview was excellent. Just letting Elliot Lurie express himself and provide all the details was utterly fascinating.
Love this song. It just makes you feel good. Such an all-time classic.
While hearing the acoustic version I found myself taking the chorus parts ... I guess that is the legacy of a monster ‘ sing along’ song.
It is refreshing to see an artist that’s still embraces his creation! Elliot is not trying to divert the attention to himself - he is with us celebrating a timeless and continuing cultural “moment”
I hope you’re feeling better, Professor. Prayers coming your way.
Awesome interview. In 1972 i was a 10 year old just getting into popular music and Brandy was one of my first loves. To this day the nostalgia i feel with that sing is overwhelming
You've done it again Professor! The song of my childhood. Also loved Jimmy loves Maryanne! GET WELL SOON!
Josie Cotton covered that song
Jimmie loves Marianne is a highly underrated classic!
Elliot Lurie was amazing. Great memory and he has the ability to play guitar and carry on a conversation at the same time. Talent. (LOVE this song and I was hoping you would talk him into playing a few bars live for us. Genius.)
I grew up in the 60s and 70s and of course i believe it was the best time for great music. It never gets old. Thank you for your CZcams channel.
You can't imagine how many Brandy's were named since 1972. My best friend named his oldest Brandi. Because of this song..thx for us all.
Brandy is a classic radio hit of the 70s. What are some other classics from the 70s that when they come on it takes you back?
"Feels So Good"- Chuck Mangione (instrumental hit, went to #4. Couldn't get away from it in 1978!)
"Nice To Be With You"- Gallery (One of my first 45's I had as a kid. I have no idea who bought it)
"I Go Crazy"- Paul Davis (My favorite song as a kid, and still one of the greatest songs ever recorded!!!)
"If I Can't Have You"- Yvonne Elliman (Originally written & recorded by the Bee Gees, but Yvonne has that extra heartfelt sound in her voice)
"You Needed Me"- Anne Murray (Another favorite from my childhood. I actually had a dream back then, which ended with this song. It was like a movie)
"Too Late to Turn Back Now" - Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose
"Precious and Few" - Climax
I love "Angie" by the Rolling Stones. This was such a great episode!
Bread - Everthing I Own
Ace - How Long
Climax - Precious and Few
Robbie Dupree - Steal Away
Exile - Kiss You All Over
Hamilton, Joe Frank, & Reynolds - Don't Pull Your Love Out
Orleans - Dance With Me
Pablo Cruise - Love Will Find a Way
Player - Baby Come Back
Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady
And many, many more...
Stephen Bishop - On and On
Eric Carmen - Boats Against The Current
War - Galaxy
10CC - I’m not in love
Peter Allen - Everything old is new again
Gordon Lightfoot - If you could read my mind
I always reach for the volume and crank it up for “Brandy”! It’s one song that I always remember the first time I ever heard it, too. Such a great song and brings back those good vibes from my youth!
Amazing to see him playing that same 🎸 I just love it.
50yrs later and he looks amazing.
One of the best pop songs ever. Great song. Great story. Great channel. Thank you, Elliot and thank you, Professor.
I can’t believe this song dates back to 72. I was 7 so this song has been in my life for almost 49 years. I love Brandi. She’s a fine girl and a fine fine song. I never turn it off when it comes on.
I was 7 in 1972 also
Everyone has an opinion, and mine is that his smoky voice really made that song. I was dying to hear his voice when you interviewed him. It did not disappoint!
I actually got teary as he sang. He has a version with an a cappella group that is brilliant, amazing and magical.
I found this gem on a "Hits of the 70's" cd about 10 years back and played it for my kids who loved it and played it for their friends and boom, Brandy became a go to song for them.
I was lucky to be there when the original was released and have loved this song and the pictures it drew in my head for almost 50 years.
Seems like a good person too.
Thanks for doing this one and
God Bless
@Busta Speeker Thanks man, "at night when the bars close down, Brandy walks through a silent town". I see her, the street in a sort of stillness or calm, where the only movement among the wooden sidewalks and storefronts, is Brandy. It's always been the same scene, just incredible to me how a song, that I am shocked to hear is made up, can be so real to me.
All the best.
Definitely part of the soundtrack of my childhood. I'm sure I danced (as a toddler- that would be just spinning in place) many times to it.
I attended a small high school in southern Wisconsin. This was the only song our marching band performed. To this day over 40 years later, my high school friends and I are still tied together by this song. I just sent this interview to two of my old friends. Thank you for this.
This may be my favorite interview / story you have done. The song takes me back to my teen years and nothing but positive memories. Thanks, Professor, keep up the good work.
YES! 70's classic for sure. I always *loved* this song. I have the piano sheet music for it and enjoy muddling through it for my own amusement. But I always loved the original Looking Glass version, it's the one I hear in my head. 🤗 ❤💛💙
Ahhh. Love the The Ocean Blue t-shirt. For me, Cerulean is a treasure and one the great unknown albums of 1991. Up there with Material Issue. Was a good year to be a senior in high school.
As an old lady now, I love it when songs I love from the 70s gain new, younger fans after being used in movies or TV series -- the Badfinger song "Baby Blue," played in the final episode of Breaking Bad" is just one example. And now, "Brandy" has been featured on the prequel, "Better Call Saul" -- when Gene sings it (sort of 😄) at a karaoke bar. Anyway, what an iconic song, and what an a fantastic interview!
This song connected me and my kids in a wonderful way. I was in 7th grade at Frelinghuysen Junior High in Morristown NJ when Brandy was a big hit. Decades later my 3 kids go to the same school and who is their Choral Music teacher.... Larry Gonsky, the keyboard player and chorus singer in the band. they didn't have to learn any Looking Glass songs, but they all knew he was a Rock Star! He retired in 2018 after more than 30 years bringing music to our kids. Good guy and a truly committed teacher. Thx Larry!
Beautiful all around. Love his earnest smile. He's more than earned it.
Elliot Lurie. What a genuine guy! True gentleman! Top song from the best year ever for music.
I just love the internet! To hear the story of how one of my FAVORITE 70’s songs came to be! I was 15 when “Brandy” came out. And there will forever be a smile on my face while I listen & sing along. Some of the greatest memories of my teenage years involve this song!!!🥰
Just found your channel. I love it. Been binge watching all afternoon. Then this episode came on. I'm crying because of good memories with this song. I was born and raised on Cape Cod in December 64, grew up at Clark's Cove, New Bedford, MA. My mom worked a lot, sole provider for her mom, my brother, baby sister and I. When we were able to have beach days with her, they were always special. Our family moved to northern CA about 30 years ago, myself in 2000. These last few years: devastating fires, Covid-19, more devastating fires. My Mom's health began to fail, but she fought through everything thrown her way. Until last summer. I had just moved in to be her caretaker after we all had Covid. Almost lost my Dad, my mom was mildly I'll. However she had long term effects. Last summer she spent hospitalized tryi g to save a leg that was inevitably amputated. While hospitalized, the Dixie Fire destroyed nearly one million acres, our town of Greenville, CA burned to the ground. We lost our house, everything my Mom and Dad worked their entire life for was destroyed. Mom came home from the amputation, was doing really well for about 2 weeks. And then it all hit her. She was so busy trying to get healthy and save her leg, she hadn't really thought about all that was loss. I saw her on a Thursday. On Friday she went back in the hospital, called me and said her organs were shutting down and she was going to die. I told her half the battle is in your mind and if you give up the fight for life mentally, your body will fail you. I never saw her again. She died within a week of organ failure. She had told me everything she had, everything she worked for, her garden, her town, her friends and her kids were all gone. She was too old to rebuild, and tired of fighting. She passed 11/20/21. I was watching this episode and when the song played, I had a vivid memory of sitting in her car, smelling like suntan oil. We (me, my brother, my baby sister & Mom) were hot, sandy, hungry and dehydrated from a fun rare and relaxing day playing in the waters of Clark's Cove, New Bedford, MA. As I sat here I could smell the suntan oil, salt water, the trees in the park where we had parked, laughter of people at the water and in the park. I couldn't have been very old, but the song brings me right back to that aummer. New Bedford is an old whaling and fishing town, the song made sense to me and could even imagine a girl bed Brandy working in one of the port bars. I had a great childhood growing up in New Bedford. Mom loved this song and she played it loud in the car. I can hear her laugh, she couldn't sing and neither can I. But she, and then us kids, always loved this song and associated it with summer. Thank you for returning a long lost memory of my Mom and siblings, and the smells and sounds of my childhood. If you talk to this man again, tell him thank you for such a great song that I have always held close to my heart. Sorry so long, this hit me in the feels.
I was 9 when this song was released. One of my all time favorites to this day. Great interview.
I’m almost 58 myself 🌈 classic era we grew in ⭐️
Brandy was the best song on my K-Tel Believe in Music LP. Don't forget the Raspberries' "Go all the Way," that was somewhere on side one, too, and I think that was in Guardians of the Galaxy as well. Some of the songs on there weren't my favourites at the time but have stood the test of time (long cool woman in a black dress). Those LP's were crazy, just jam -packed with radio edits of songs.
Believe In Music was the first LP I owned. Given to me with my Penncrest turntable on my birthday. Really a fantastic compilation.
I think Eric Carmen is one of the most underrated musicians of his time.
As a retired sailor, the tune reminds me of a bar in San Francisco call the Mauna Loa. Enough said.
Wow! The memories this song brings back! It is so great how at ease these artists feel when you bring the questions that appeal to them. You could see that Elliot really had a great time talking to you. You have an approach to your interviews that surpass the stiff, uncomfortable conversations that others bring to the table. What is great is that you ask the really important questions that people really do want to know about these awesome musicians that are now leaving us far too often. Thanks for preserving the music and showcasing the artists that have had the biggest influences on modern day music. You made my day with this one, keep up the good work.