Courage
I Started Karaoke at Age 72 — See What Happened
First time was about what I expected, but the second certainly wasn’t!
Synopsis
I used to sing with the car radio and nowhere else, not even in the shower. Then at age 72 I decided to try karaoke on a real stage. I didn’t care what anybody else thought, but I hoped to get to the end of the song.
I did, and the next week tried it again. It was certainly different. I was far more comfortable and not worried about anything. I could look around instead of watching the screen with the lyrics. That way I connected some with the audience, which made a big difference. Now, I rarely glance at the lyrics.
Then I noticed that they ran a second or third round where people got to sing again. So, I added another song. And another.
I never dreamed I would do two songs, let alone have a playlist! Now, I have 12 songs. I was surprised that I kept it up and added so many songs. I have tried a few more but am limited by wind and range. This is my current list:
First song
The Shirelles: Will U Still Love Me Tomorrow (1961)
This was my favorite song in high school.
GO-TO songs
Harve Presnell They call the Wind Maria (1951)
Lyrics written by Alan J. Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe for their 1951 Broadway musical, Paint Your Wagon. The link is to the movie version.
My easiest song.
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds (1962)
Written by Ian Tyson and recorded in 1962 by the Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia.
Ian and Sylvia were popular at Rose-Hulman in the late 60’s. A Canadian in the audience said that it was his favorite song and he never dreamed that he would hear it at karaoke in Florida.
Favorites (secondary GO-TO songs)
The Seekers : A World Of Our Own (1965)
My second song.
I changed a couple of words. It’s supposed to be a romantic night at home, but they “light the lights.” I “douse the lights.” Then I “yearned for you” instead of “cried for you.”
The Seekers: I’ll Never Find Another You (1964)
Somewhat personal.
I really like The Seekers, but I will never do Georgie Girl.
Del Shannon: Runaway (1961)
Easy for me to do.
Others
I like these songs, but they are harder for me to do, mainly because of wind restrictions. Surprisingly, slower songs are harder for me. These are in no particular order.
Elvis Presley: Pretty Blue Eyes (1959 by Steve Lawrence, later recorded by Elvis)
I will do this one tonight. Follow-up: Worked great, very comfortable. It could be another backup song.
Peter, Paul and Mary: Blowin’ In the Wind (1962)
Written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and it made him famous. Peter, Paul and Mary released their version in 1963. The single sold over 300,000 in the first week.
Peter, Paul and Mary: Early Morning Rain (1966)
Johnny Cash: Ghost Riders In the Sky (with Lyrics) (1948, Johnny Cash 1979)
The Everly Brothers: Let It Be Me (with Lyrics) (French, 1955. Everly Brothers 1959)
Andy Williams: Almost There ( with lyrics ) (1964)
My own version
Frankie Lane: R A W H I D E Opening Theme (1959)
I wrote my own lyrics for the tune (© lyrics William Myers). Here is the first stanza:
Freezin, Freezin, Freezin All through winter season I am always freezing Rawhiiiiiiide…
I need to create the video with lyrics before I can do it regularly as karaoke. I have done it once to plain music.
Future
Darius Rucker : Wagon Wheel (with Lyrics) (2004)
I should have no problem with this with its medium pace since I can insert pauses for a breath.
Frankie Valli: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (1967)
Message is important.
Doris Day: Secret Love (with lyrics) (1953)
Slow, may be too difficult.
Attempts
I was always able to finish, but the song had problems or it didn’t sound good to me. I may try some of them again.
The Seekers: The Water Is Wide (Modern lyrics 1906 combined from 1600’s and 1700’s, Seekers version, 2013)
Slow, difficult.
Gogi Grant: The Wayward Wind (1956)
Slow, difficult.
References
My own lyrics for the tune RAWHIDE - Opening Theme of the TV show. © lyrics William Myers Nov 28, 2019
- Most performances at City Fire at Sumpter Landing in The Villages with Alan Ross running the show
- He uses a second screen to show the lyrics to the audience
- Karaoke every Wednesday at Sumter Landing in the Villages
