Saturday January 30, 2021 “California Nights” Leslie Gore
We left Arizona and made it to our end destination of California and since we were on route 66 let’s end our trip with a song that is from 1966.
Leslie Gore had her first hit “It’s My Party”, an international number one song produced by Quincy Jones in 1963, when she was only sixteen. Legend has it that Phil Spector had heard a demo of “It’s My Party” by the songwriters and recorded a version with his girl group The Chiffons and when Quincy Jones heard that he rushed copies of Leslie Gore’s version to radio stations in key markets around the country which began giving airplay to Jones/Gore version.
Leslie Gore would have several additional number one hits but may best be remembered for what would go on to be a feminist anthem, “You Don’t Own Me” written ironically by two men John Madara and David White. White was also the founder and songwriter of the early rock & roll group Danny & the Juniors (“At the Hop”).
Leslie Gore also notably co-wrote the soundtrack for the movie Fame with her brother Michael and received an Academy Award for the song “Out Here on My Own” from the film.
Stay safe and well...and maybe we’ll take the trip back east on a different route soon.