Wednesday December 8, 2021 “Uptown Funk” Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars (#5)
The number five Billboard Greatest hit of All Time is from Mick Ronson. And who is Mark Ronson? He's the awkward white guy who shows up occasionally in the video, and also the co-songwriter and song co-producer maybe best known for his collaborations with artists such as Duran Duran, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams, Miley Cyrus, Queens of the Stone Age, and others.
The song originated from a riff that Bruno Mars and his band had been playing on tour and they were looking for a lyric until someone came up with the opening phrase about Michelle Pfieffer...and why Ms.Pfeiffer...no one is quite sure., but it set the tone for the song.
Michelle Pfiefer, referenced in the song, has said, "I was incredibly flattered. It was very cool. It was a little embarrassing at times. You know, carpool with the kids and the song comes on and my son's like… [imitates him shrinking back into his seat]. Or I'm in exercise class, and the song comes on and [sighs with exasperation]. But yeah, I love the song."
With the exception of Argentina and Ecuador, “Uptown Funk” was number one in every civilized country that you might think of, and a couple of uncivilized ones as well and has sold over 41 million copies. At one point, the song broke its own streaming record three times in the United Kingdom, and it also broke the record for most streamed track in the United States and worldwide in one week, with 4.8 and 15 million streams, respectively.
“Uptown Funk” is so embedded in our cultural core that it proved almost inescapable and the video that you are about to watch has been viewed 4.3 billion times...that's with a "b"...and counting.
Stay safe and well...and if you don’t believe me just watch.