Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia
Who is the ‘Steve’ mentioned in ‘Soul Man?’
by John Robinson
Q: In the song “Soul Man,” who is the “Steve” that someone shouts out “play it, Steve?”
A: That would be guitarist Steve Cropper, who plays guitar on both versions: Sam & Dave in 1967 and the Blues Brothers in 1979. Cropper also was a member of Booker T. & The M.G.’s. “Soul Man” was written by Isaac Hayes and David (Sam & Dave) Porter. It first appeared on Sam & Dave’s 1967 album “Soul Men.” The song won a Grammy for Sam & Dave in ’67 for Best R&B Group, Vocal or Instrumental. Ted Nugent occasionally performs “Soul Man” during his concerts.
Q: I feel stupid for asking, but what do the initials in LL Cool J stand for?
A: LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James,” the stage name for singer/rapper/vocalist James Todd Smith III. Smith was born on Jan. 14, 1968, in Queens, New York. As a child, he sang in the church choir, was a Boy Scout and a paperboy. James has grown into a fine actor and currently lives with his wife, Simone, and four kids.
Q: How many versions of “Go Away Little Girl” have there been and who did it first?
A: There have been three hit versions of “Go Away Little Girl.” Donny Osmond took it to No. 1 in 1971, The Happenings’ version charted at No. 12 in 1966, and the first rendering was a No. 1 hit in 1963 by Steve Lawrence. Steve married Eydie Gorme’ in 1957 in Las Vegas and they were fixtures there ever since, opening often for Frank Sinatra. They also made the variety show circuit throughout their career. Steve’s son, David Nessim Lawrence, is the man who composed the soundtrack for the highly successful “High School Musical.” “Go Away Little Girl” was the first rock ‘n’ roll song to reach No. 1 twice in two different versions by two different artists. It was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, with the intention of being a Bobby Vee record.
Q: Bobby Vee’s song “Come Back When You Grow Up” lists it as by “Bobby Vee & The Strangers.” Is this the same group he had when he stepped in for Buddy Holly?
A: Nope. When Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens died in that tragic plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959, 15-year-old Robert Velline (aka Bobby Vee) was asked to step in. He threw together a group of high school guys from Fargo, North Dakota, and called themselves “Bobby Vee & The Shadows.” This was the event that started Vee’s pop career. “Come Back When You Grow Up” was a huge hit in 1967 for Vee (with The Strangers, not The Shadows). The song was originally recorded by Shadden & The King Lears. It was written by Martha Sharp, who also wrote the Sandy Posey hits “Born A Woman” and “Single Girl.”
Q: Are the kids who sing on Ray Stevens’ song “Everything Is Beautiful” the same kids who played in “The Brady Bunch?”
A: Nah. “Everything Is Beautiful” was a No. 1 single for Ray in 1970. The backing vocals include Ray’s two daughters and the second grade class of Oak Hill Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee.
John Robinson grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1969. He’s been an author, TV host, columnist, actor, producer, emcee and radio broadcaster. Robinson’s favorite music of all time includes surf, psychedelia, garage bands, Motown and just plain ol’ good-time rock ‘n’ roll. To read more rock ‘n’ roll trivia, “Paranormal Michigan” stories, and lots more, check out Robinson’s books on his author page at facebook.com/johnrobinsonauthor.
