I only met Fran once, at your wedding in NC, but was immediately aware of how significant she was in your father’s life, and yours. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please send my condolences to your dad, as well.
I too get the meaning of your Dells find. Interestingly, playing the song (I have never heard it, even living in Chi-town), it was immediately followed by Lou Rawls singing “She’s Gone.” Rubbing in the feelings of loss, which, as you probably know, still persist for me.
Beautiful story, with a sweet, soulful tribute not only to the Dells, but your beloved firefly of a stepmother. This is akin to hitting for the cycle and throwing out a guy with a laser from right field as he tries to tie the game in the 9th inning.
Nicely done, my dude! And guess what – I am one of those music–loving pals who had never heard this one before! I don’t know how I missed it; I’m a huge “love is blue“ fan… Cheers!
Sorry for your loss Dan, Fran sounds like a fun person to have in your life. When I read your hunt for I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love is Blue, I thought “I remember that from the radio!” And I rememberThe Dells, but living in England, I was half expecting it to be a reworking by another group, but I listened to your YT link, and it was pretty much what I remembered. The of thing is, The Dells (who’s name I recognised immediately) had their only UK chart hit with I can Sing a Rainbow, apparently it got to #15! Thanks Dan, another musical memory from my youth (yeah, I’m that old!).
Had my own experiences like this, yours is especially beautiful. Naturally it sent me off listening to the song and your description of it is perfect - like a soul singer from the vibrant late 60s stormed on stage to chase the retro 50s vocal harmony group off. Surprised I could not recall hearing it myself before this. Great writing.
She was to me a galaxy of rainbows, but in my hands sits only
midnight blue.
Dan,
I only met Fran once, at your wedding in NC, but was immediately aware of how significant she was in your father’s life, and yours. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please send my condolences to your dad, as well.
I too get the meaning of your Dells find. Interestingly, playing the song (I have never heard it, even living in Chi-town), it was immediately followed by Lou Rawls singing “She’s Gone.” Rubbing in the feelings of loss, which, as you probably know, still persist for me.
John Cecilia
Sorry for your loss, Dan. Good read.
What a phenomenal piece of writing, Dan. Your eulogy was gorgeous.
Beautiful story, with a sweet, soulful tribute not only to the Dells, but your beloved firefly of a stepmother. This is akin to hitting for the cycle and throwing out a guy with a laser from right field as he tries to tie the game in the 9th inning.
Nicely done, my dude! And guess what – I am one of those music–loving pals who had never heard this one before! I don’t know how I missed it; I’m a huge “love is blue“ fan… Cheers!
Right on!
Nice tribute to Fran. Thanks for turning me on to this stunning vocal performance & helping me to remember Gregory Way from the days of my youth!
Sorry for your loss Dan, Fran sounds like a fun person to have in your life. When I read your hunt for I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love is Blue, I thought “I remember that from the radio!” And I rememberThe Dells, but living in England, I was half expecting it to be a reworking by another group, but I listened to your YT link, and it was pretty much what I remembered. The of thing is, The Dells (who’s name I recognised immediately) had their only UK chart hit with I can Sing a Rainbow, apparently it got to #15! Thanks Dan, another musical memory from my youth (yeah, I’m that old!).
Had my own experiences like this, yours is especially beautiful. Naturally it sent me off listening to the song and your description of it is perfect - like a soul singer from the vibrant late 60s stormed on stage to chase the retro 50s vocal harmony group off. Surprised I could not recall hearing it myself before this. Great writing.