Howdy, folks! Since I missed Ms. Patti LaBelle last weekend, I decided I'd better not also skip out on Ms. Patsy Cline, here. Who among us can not hear "I go walkin'... after midnight..." the moment they see her name, and that title? Show yourselves!
I'm up in the middle of the night (it's 3:30 am right now) nursing an upset tum, so I figured now's as good a chance as any to get to do my S9! If you're joining us, link up here. Let's go then, shall we?
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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?
Well, whether you mean Thursday night or Friday night, my answer's the same: home in bed.
2) She's sure she hears the night winds whispering to her. Is it windy, breezy, or still outdoors right now?
We're getting residual rain and wind gusts from Hurricane Nicole, so you could say it's quite breezy!
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?
We're all sick with some tenacious bug. I've actually been sick straight through since the end of August, but this is nothing new for me. I have several inherited immunodeficiencies, which I passed down to my kid, Chloë, so the poor thing has also been quite sick. It has not been a kind Autumn to us!
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?
Yes, multiple times. One way: I was named to the President's 100 list as a Senior at the University of Miami, and I was assigned a rather large group of incoming Freshman in marine sciences to take under my wing, show the ropes to, and help them sort out the ways and whys of working through their first year in that field of study and beyond while living the college life. It was challenging but rewarding. Wait, that's what they all say, right?
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.
It's hard for me to stand up for myself. I tend to be a doormat. But do something shady against one of my kids, and this Mama Bear's claws come out and I'm thirsty for blood!
6) Patsy became the first female country star to headline at a Las Vegas showroom. Who is your favorite country performer?
I don't even really like country. I'm supposed to pick a favorite?
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?
Not currently, embroidered or otherwise. Once, as a teenager, I was friends with a Scottish lass who embroidered me a hankie, but I've long since misplaced that. It had pretty purple flowers in the corners. And after I graduated high school, that summer, I befriended a Japanese neighbor who made another one for me, which I've also misplaced. Grr at myself!
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 can think of two: Cher. Madonna.
9) Random question: What's the most embarrassing story your parents (or siblings) tell about you?
Don't know. Don't care.
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Listen, y'all have a splendid weekend, and I hope to continue to visit at least a few of y'all before my newly-diagnosed ADHD brain forgets what it was doing! With or without me, forge on.
Fin.
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