Liner Notes: In Memory of Hal David 1921-2012

What the World Needs Now is Love – Jackie DeShannon (1965)
Hal David started a songwriting partnership with Burt Bachrach in 1957 which produced some of the most enduring popular songs of the 20th century. The most frequent and visible benefactor of David’s lyrics and Bachrach’s music was Dionne Warwick, but they also worked with a wide variety of other top vocalists, as demonstrated by this track. David was recognized with an Oscar, multiple Grammys, Johnny Mercer Award, Ivor Novello Award (the first non-Briton to do so), and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he & Bachrach were the first collaborative team to earn the Gershwin Prize. Mr. David passed away Saturday at the age of 91.

Whatever Happened To… Swing Out Sister?

Am I the Same Girl? – Swing Out Sister (1992)
This English duo, comprised of Corrine Drewery & Andy Connell, first found international fame with their breakout single (no pun intended) in the mid-80’s. While this single and its album were their most recent chart entries in the US, they’ve continued to record and tour regularly to a devoted fan base, most notably in Japan. Their most recent studio album came out in 2008.

Somethin’ I Can Dance To: Jennifer Hudson

Spotlight (Moto Blanco Mix) – Jennifer Hudson (2008)
This American “double-threat” artist (Grammy-winning singer and Oscar-winning actress) first found fame in 2004 as contestant on American Idol, and then as a break-out actress in Dreamgirls. Hudson‘s recording career started out strong as well: Both of her studio albums reached #2 on the US chart.

Moto Blanco is an English DJ/production duo comprised of Danny Harrison (aka Bobby Blanco) & Arthur Smith (aka Miki Moto). They’ve been working together since 1989, but didn’t assume the Moto Blanco moniker, which has seen them focus on electronic/dance music, until 2003. Their mixes tend to be rhythmic, bouncy interpretations of house or electro-house music, as demonstrated by this track. Enjoy!