Sounds for Gollden People

There was a time when a dark cloud hung over my community. Out of the blue, a song arrived on our shores and suddenly it was heard everywhere. It came as a much needed inspiration. It was "A Little Love and Understanding" by Gilbert Becaud. PLAY

South Africa is a rugby mad country. We were one of the first to ever play the game internationally. Already in 1906, our national team was given the name "bokke" taken from our nationsl animal, the springbok. In 1995, we hosted the World Rugby Cup and we were deeply concerned. We seemed to have no chance against the mighty English, French, New Zealanders and the Australians.
A remarkable local impressario, Leon Shuster, converted a well known Mexican song into "Hier kom die Bokke". Whenever the Bokke ran onto the field, this music would blare out and the masses would begin to sing. The effect was mindboggling. We won the cup against all odds. Thank you Mexico. PLAY

I'm lucky enough to own a number of old records and CD's. Recently I found a re-mastered version of one of my most precious records. I regard Yma Sumac as one of the singers of the century. I've never heard any singer who could take her voice from the lowest register to the highest with such perfect control.
Here Yma Sumac sings Karibe Taki. PLAY

I am very fond of yodel music. Usually the yodel melodies are of a lighthearted happy nature. In this case, a poignancy strikes deep into one's soul.
The Crown Prince was sent by Napoleon to become the Emporer of Mexico. He did not want to go. It was not long before he was shot as he was standing in front of an open window listening to someone singing La Paloma.
In the background one can hear the farewell yodel mingled with the sounds of castenets. Listen to Freddy Beck. PLAY