Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Walkin' After Midnight (1957)

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

 

1) The lyrics tell us Patsy Cline was out walking after midnight. Where were you at midnight last night? Watching Cry of the City. It's a 1948 film noir, and my movie group is discussing it Monday.

 

2) She's sure she hears the night winds whispering to her. Is it windy, breezy, or still outdoors right now? It's pretty quiet outside.

3) When she was 13, Patsy came down with a fever and throat infection so severe she ended up in the hospital. She believed the illness changed her vocal chords and enabled her to sing in a lower key. How are you doing this cold and flu season? I just got my flu shot and covid booster, so I'm ready!

4) Patsy is well remembered today not only for her voice but for her generous spirit. Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Barbara Mandrell all considered Patsy a trusted personal friend and professional mentor. Have you ever been a mentor? I tried to be a good mentor to Rita at my last job. I am pleased that she still feels comfortable turning to me, now that she has a new position at a different agency.

 

5) Patsy had a tough side, too. While traveling by bus and playing one-nighters, she found she and her band sometimes never got paid for their efforts. So she began demanding payment -- in cash -- before they would take the stage. She'd insist, "No dough, no show." Tell us about your tough side. When I was in advertising, I always made my due dates. Sometimes that meant I pushed those I worked with. I was heard to say, "If we don't make this date, Christmas will be cancelled and we're all going to die." Looking back, I don't regret any of it. Our clients we counting on us, and we were paid to be on time.

 

6) Patsy became the first female country star to headline at a Las Vegas showroom. Who is your favorite country performer? I am fond of Patsy, but my #1 is Garth Brooks. I really love this one.

 

 

7) In 1957, the year this song hit #2 on the charts, embroidered cotton handkerchiefs were a popular present for the ladies on your gift list. Do you own any handkerchiefs? Nope

 

8) 1957 was a banner year for Elvis. He released four hit records, two top box-office films, and his TV appearances topped the ratings. 65 years later, he is still recognized the world over by his first name alone. Can you think of another performer for whom one name is all that's required?

I grew up on Cher. May she go on forever!

9) Random question: What's the most embarrassing story your parents (or siblings) tell about you? Even as a child I was very verbal. I believe you should choose your words wisely and well. My mom annoyed young me with her word choices. She would scold me for "throwing" my jacket on the chair. I did not throw my jacket on the chair, I placed it there. Besides, if she wanted me to hang it up, why didn't she just tell me to do that? Similarly, in winter, she would admonish me to, "put something on your feet!" instead of telling me to wear my slippers. Once when she sent me back to my room to put "something" on my feet, I came out with gloves slipped onto my lower extremities. It cracked my grandmother up and she never let me forget it. She regularly gave me slippers and socks for my birthday after that. I was 39 when she died, and her last present to me was "something" to put on my feet. I was a brat, but Grandma thought I was adorable, as grandmothers will.