There was a couple of political references in yesterday’s offering, and I’m keeping them going today.
While I was doing a little bit of research in respect of today’s song, I came across this:-
“Saturday Night Live closed its first episode of the Trump administration with a musical farewell to President Obama. Under a portrait of the 44th President, cast member Cecily Strong sang the perfect song to say goodbye to the outgoing POTUS, the title song to the 1967 film To Sir, With Love.
The parallels were apparent to anyone familiar with the British flick. Sidney Poitier had the starring role as an unemployed black engineer who takes a job teaching an unruly class of white students in London’s East End. By the end of the film he has won over the undisciplined youngsters and has taught them to have self-respect.”
But this wasn’t the first time that this song had been used as part of a tribute to an American president.
The events around the inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1993 encompassed a few unusual happenings, not least a gig at the Washington Convention Center. The youth vote had come out for Clinton and MTV felt the occasion should be marked appropriately. In the end, the MTV Inaugural Ball was added to the official list of such events in the city – there were 11 in total, some of which were very traditional – all in honour of the president, vice-president and their families.
The cast list included Don Henley, En Vogue, Boyz II Men, 10,000 Maniacs and Automatic Baby; the last named comprised Michael Stipe and Mike Mills of R.E.M. and Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 and took its name from the two band’s most recent albums Automatic for the People and Achtung Baby.
10,000 Maniacs made use of Stipe’s participation in the event, inviting him to sing on a few numbers, including a cover of the song that had been a #1 hit ion the States back in 1967:-
mp3 : 10,000 Maniacs (feat Michael Stipe) – To Sir, With Love
Stipe and Merchant had performed together previously on a number of occasions, including when they joined Billy Bragg and Cara Tivey to end his set as part of The Big Day in Glasgow in June 1990. Here’s some footage:-
They do make some lovely harmonies don’t they?????
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
Yes, mate: make assurance double sure!
Not sure if it is my browser, or your blog software that is having a bit if of a fit but ever paragraph appears to be appearing in double. Do love the 10000 Maniacs though
Thanks Dirk and junos boots. I’ve no idea what caused that glitch today. Rather worrying. Will check other upcoming posts to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Stipe, Merchant and Bragg performing one of John Prine’s best songs – Wow! Thank you for that.
The Big Day was a surreal moment in time. I recall looking around the attendees and most of the faces seemed to have the same expression as me – disbelief. I was there to see REM, Natalie Merchant and Maria McKee.
Stipe and Merchant have voices that are meant to be together. A magnificent version of To Sir, With Love – I experienced shivers listening to this! It’s been a while. Only this and The Trashcan Sinatras version get me in a state.