Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, "they" say. But, how about parody and satire? We answer to no one here, so please feel free to be the judge! Is it funny? Respectful? Spot-on accurate?
This was so much fun! I personally think that it’s actually a compliment when someone does an impression of you, especially between established artists.
I am not familiar with some of these names, but Joel doing Jagger was hilarious!
While not in the rock genre, Ariana Grande does fabulous impressions of other female artists (many of whom she actually admires).
Thanks, Andy…..for the rave, as well as the links! It ain’t about the rock, it’s about the talent! As you can see from my article, we had country, MOR, pop, as well as rock…..so, therein lies the funny…..everywhere!
I look forward digging into Ariana’s impressions! If I get enough of these, I can see a Part 2!
Yes, absolutely. Different genres make it even funnier as there are specific mannerisms one can generally attribute to a specific style. When artists impersonate others across genres, it’s an even greater sign of their talent!
I felt it was worth caveating the Ariana impressions before I brought them into the equation so your readers know what to expect and/or in case anyone is not too familiar with some of these artists or songs. But yes, absolutely: the more, the merrier!
Great point…….I’m also thinking so many “hidden” impersonations may be lurking on so many talk shows and concert footage, as many artists wouldn’t think to put those particular talents on their own records, understandably so!
Can't be missin' the mission! I'm anxious to see what folks can dig up in this arena! My exposure to and memory of Flo & Eddie's, Stevens', and Martin Mull's past exploits got me started past Paul's inspirational Cummings track! For the others, I just spun the Magic Google Wheel!
Those were great! Ariana needs to be given a show like Tracey Ullman's '80s show....acting in skits, plus able to have musical moments and guest spots. If I was her manager, I'd try to wrangle a network for a variety show gig! Assuming she'd want to, that is....I have no idea where she is in her career, or wants to go. But, what an ear and what a talent!
I wondered what her beginning was! I wasn't sure if she did a singing show, like The Voice or American Idol or some such. But, hitting the boards with theatre like that will give her a character work-out for sure! The good news is she's been eager to appear on shows that can allow her to show off her skills (SNL, chat shows, et al)!
One of my favorite examples is the weird Rick Springfield track "Bruce," which he recorded early in his career and then it was eventually released in 1984 once "Jessie's Girl" became a hit. In the song, he complains that people are always confusing him with Bruce Springsteen. It turned out to be a modest hit, reaching #27 on the Billboard Top 40.
Thanks, Rick.....I'll add it to the pile. I'd only vaguely heard about this existing, but don't think I ever heard it! 1984 was smack dab in the middle of my infamous pop culture "black hole," as I call it....completely consumed with my return to college as a 29-year-old sophomore, making my radical career change into education! I love joking..."Mad Donna? Who's she?" "Michael WHO?" "Duran WHAT??"
Yep, Fred's pretty amazing! He learned drums as a kid, and played in a band or two as a drummer....the rest came later, but to have his comedic gift, too, to end up on SNL, is certainly a bonus talent!
What a rollicking romp that was! So much fun!! The Cummings doing Lightfoot doing Maggie May and Ray Stevens riffing on Manilow were excellent. But Fred Armison was next level incredible! What a wonderful way to start my day this morning, thanks for the laugh!!
It was certainly a fun trip putting it together, Mark.....thanks! Mad props to Paul for the Burton does Gordon doing Rod! That kicked us off! The Stevens, Flo & Eddie, and Martin Mull were all things I just pulled from my memory, having had those records when they came out! Armisen is quite the multi-talented dude! I'm glad you had fun with this one, Mark....we'll be looking for material for a possible Part 2!
Not that I'm a country expert, but I never knew he could do such spot-on impersonations! Again, how much do we miss variety shows?! And, to have Buck'n'Johnny walk in on Merle...of course, he knew they'd do that, but fun on-camera!
I think the impersonations were a standard part of at least some of his shows (I've seen some others on old TV shows or YT) - he was known for it.
Merle is probably my favorite country singer, overall - I did see him live once in his later years, it was good but I don't recall any impersonations. But he was so talented, and a force of nature - singing and songwriting on equal levels of excellence, and a real artist - always true to himself. And always quick to credit his influences too - he did great tribute albums to Jimmie Rodgers and (my favorite) Bob Wills. Not impersonating them, just glorifying their legacies with great versions of their tunes.
If anyone is looking to improve their country expertise, I highly recommend a podcast called "Cocaine & Rhinestones" by Tyler Mahan Coe (son of David Allen Coe) - great stuff on Merle, Buck Owens, George Jones - all of those guys.
Gotta give him credit for the attempt, but late -'70s' "Pink Lady & Jeff" may have been the last gasp for the format! But, Wayne's many talents would fit so beautifully in that format.....good on him for finding a game show ("Let's Make a Deal"), anyway, where he could pull out a couple of his talents on a regular basis.
You're right about classic variety shows and impersonations! When they said variety, they meant it.....The June Taylor Dancers, chorus singers, singing stars acting, actors singing, and always the well-rehearsed duet with the star of the show! The rehearsal time for the entertainment for these weekly shows was insane!
Thanks for all that Merle info...glad you got to see him. I didn't know Coe had a kid, much less one who had a podcast...wonder if he sings like Daddy!
Your piece on rock stars parodying each other is an absolute treat. “A Musical Monument to Barry’s Singular Recording Style” perfectly exemplifies your sharp yet affectionate commentary. The balance between humour and genuine admiration for the artists makes this a standout read. It was so well researched, and as ever, made me reflect on the music that makes up my life.
Thanks so much, Jon! Your kind words let me know I hit my goal.....rock'n'roll is fun, and can sometimes by funny, if we let it! If my words can help you (and others) reflect on their favorite music over the years, it's win-win!😁👍
Thanks, Dan! Good on ya for getting that 45 in the day! Without KNOWING, an educated guess....like yours with the "sounding too much like Barry" notice, would have the jocks (or daytime front office secretaries) not wanting to field all the calls wondering if that really was Barry, and then, spending all the time it would take to say, "no, it's just a guy who wanted to sound like him," ad infinitum!
It'd be fun to hear the rationale from Ray and his label, Warner Bros....somebody, if not everybody must've seen that dilemma happening on the radio end. But, in the label conference room, I can see a logical argument being made for rolling the dice, and maybe they'd luck into a hit!
As for Barry, isn't it cool to see a mega-superstar with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor, and able to chuckle at (and with) himself! That's why I had to include his "I Write the Songs" parody....and, I'm contractually bound, at this point (😁), to remind folks that longtime Beach Boy, Bruce Johnston, was the one who actually wrote "I Write the Songs." Which is one of the reasons Barry did that particular parody (with that hilarious ending)!
If you've got a sec....just curious: Had you heard Stevens' 45 on Chicago radio back in '79? If not, were you moved to buy it by the pic sleeve in a record store? Or, a curious Fanilow?
That's a good question. I don't know where I heard it first or what prompted me to buy it. I certainly knew who Ray Stevens was and maybe that was enough for me to buy it. I don't recall hearing it on the radio.
And, I think that's our only (and maybe the lone example in the enire Mock Rock pantheon) where a rock star is.....fine, imitating another, Lightfoot, in this case....but, singing another rocker's signature song! In other words, Cummings seemed to figure that doing "Maggie Mae" would bring out more of Lightfoot's vocal mannerisms than if he just ripped "Edmund Fitzgerald" or another Gordon hit!
But, your reaction, Lori, doubles-down on what an incredible Lightfoot impression that is by Cummings!! Nice!
I don't think I've shared any of this on the site, Jeremy....so, for you, a fellow Mull-ilow: I've been a fan since his first Capricorn/Warner Bros album in '72. I only found about his '70 country song (recorded by Jane Morgan), "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" a year or two later, reading about Mull in the rock press.
At about that same time of his debut album, Dad brought home a pair of Warner Bros promo Martin Mull socks! They were about shin-high and white, with the black silhouette of that debut's head-shot on the sides! And, wouldn't you know.....here they are: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115934106541
This is one of those many things (I've noticed) that no one would otherwise find if they didn't know they existed in the first place! Who'd Google "Martin Mull promo socks" simply out of the blue?!?
In the mid-'70s, Mull had a "centerfold" in CREEM Magazine. It was a two-page color shot of Mull butt-nekkid, but with his back to the camera. He was wearing a beret, and had a long loaf of French bread slung over one shoulder, as he looked back at the camera. I met him shortly thereafter (I actually forget where and for what), and took the poster for him to sign: "To Brad...I'm freezing!-Martin Mull"....this one's similar, of course, but I'm gonna stand by my French bread-beret memory! https://x.com/annkpowers/status/654340298500374528
Some funny Mull lines that may not have traveled across the decades from the '70s and into the 21st century: He is said to have written a Broadway musical: "Lincoln: The Man, The Car, The Tunnel".
As you know, he was a talented painter. He had an exhibition of his work, once, in the men's room of an art museum. The exhibit was called, "Flush Against the Walls, or I'll Be Art in a Minute." Such a talented man, singularly great in so many ways!
You betcha, Paul! I'm glad you shared the Burton tune! I'd never heard it before and it's bril! That had to kick of the piece, just as it warranted being the inspiration for this!
This was so much fun! I personally think that it’s actually a compliment when someone does an impression of you, especially between established artists.
I am not familiar with some of these names, but Joel doing Jagger was hilarious!
While not in the rock genre, Ariana Grande does fabulous impressions of other female artists (many of whom she actually admires).
Here she does it with Jimmy Fallon:
https://youtu.be/ss9ygQqqL2Q?si=c1puz2mhS_24CvKX
And here she acts in a sketch where she’s supposedly an intern trying to save streaming numbers (it’s hilarious):
https://youtu.be/qGtm_HpTlKw?si=V9DhIDwGyTMIDMxd
Her impression of Rihanna had me in stitches, and when she did Whitney, I was blown away!
Thanks, Andy…..for the rave, as well as the links! It ain’t about the rock, it’s about the talent! As you can see from my article, we had country, MOR, pop, as well as rock…..so, therein lies the funny…..everywhere!
I look forward digging into Ariana’s impressions! If I get enough of these, I can see a Part 2!
Yes, absolutely. Different genres make it even funnier as there are specific mannerisms one can generally attribute to a specific style. When artists impersonate others across genres, it’s an even greater sign of their talent!
I felt it was worth caveating the Ariana impressions before I brought them into the equation so your readers know what to expect and/or in case anyone is not too familiar with some of these artists or songs. But yes, absolutely: the more, the merrier!
Great point…….I’m also thinking so many “hidden” impersonations may be lurking on so many talk shows and concert footage, as many artists wouldn’t think to put those particular talents on their own records, understandably so!
Mr Kyle on a music research expedition? True definition of a man on a mission!
Can't be missin' the mission! I'm anxious to see what folks can dig up in this arena! My exposure to and memory of Flo & Eddie's, Stevens', and Martin Mull's past exploits got me started past Paul's inspirational Cummings track! For the others, I just spun the Magic Google Wheel!
Those were great! Ariana needs to be given a show like Tracey Ullman's '80s show....acting in skits, plus able to have musical moments and guest spots. If I was her manager, I'd try to wrangle a network for a variety show gig! Assuming she'd want to, that is....I have no idea where she is in her career, or wants to go. But, what an ear and what a talent!
Yes, I agree! She has a solid background in musical theatre hence her acting skills. I often wonder why she doesn’t use them more
I wondered what her beginning was! I wasn't sure if she did a singing show, like The Voice or American Idol or some such. But, hitting the boards with theatre like that will give her a character work-out for sure! The good news is she's been eager to appear on shows that can allow her to show off her skills (SNL, chat shows, et al)!
One of my favorites from "Wheel of Musical Impressions" (in addition to Ariana Grande) was
Alicia Keys (her Adele is great): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQmFpJ0sB9Q
Gonna have to check this out! Thanks, Nick!
One of my favorite examples is the weird Rick Springfield track "Bruce," which he recorded early in his career and then it was eventually released in 1984 once "Jessie's Girl" became a hit. In the song, he complains that people are always confusing him with Bruce Springsteen. It turned out to be a modest hit, reaching #27 on the Billboard Top 40.
https://youtu.be/oW96XddVZTo?si=qQjryhDgrP1495NP
Thanks, Rick.....I'll add it to the pile. I'd only vaguely heard about this existing, but don't think I ever heard it! 1984 was smack dab in the middle of my infamous pop culture "black hole," as I call it....completely consumed with my return to college as a 29-year-old sophomore, making my radical career change into education! I love joking..."Mad Donna? Who's she?" "Michael WHO?" "Duran WHAT??"
It isn't rock, but I enjoyTom Lehrer imitating various composers in his version of "Clementine" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5u4n64g2G0
Oh. My. God. Fred Armisten just riffing off 30 years of music in five minutes. BRILLIANT!
Yep, Fred's pretty amazing! He learned drums as a kid, and played in a band or two as a drummer....the rest came later, but to have his comedic gift, too, to end up on SNL, is certainly a bonus talent!
What a rollicking romp that was! So much fun!! The Cummings doing Lightfoot doing Maggie May and Ray Stevens riffing on Manilow were excellent. But Fred Armison was next level incredible! What a wonderful way to start my day this morning, thanks for the laugh!!
It was certainly a fun trip putting it together, Mark.....thanks! Mad props to Paul for the Burton does Gordon doing Rod! That kicked us off! The Stevens, Flo & Eddie, and Martin Mull were all things I just pulled from my memory, having had those records when they came out! Armisen is quite the multi-talented dude! I'm glad you had fun with this one, Mark....we'll be looking for material for a possible Part 2!
That Merle Haggard clip is awesome!
Not that I'm a country expert, but I never knew he could do such spot-on impersonations! Again, how much do we miss variety shows?! And, to have Buck'n'Johnny walk in on Merle...of course, he knew they'd do that, but fun on-camera!
I think the impersonations were a standard part of at least some of his shows (I've seen some others on old TV shows or YT) - he was known for it.
Merle is probably my favorite country singer, overall - I did see him live once in his later years, it was good but I don't recall any impersonations. But he was so talented, and a force of nature - singing and songwriting on equal levels of excellence, and a real artist - always true to himself. And always quick to credit his influences too - he did great tribute albums to Jimmie Rodgers and (my favorite) Bob Wills. Not impersonating them, just glorifying their legacies with great versions of their tunes.
If anyone is looking to improve their country expertise, I highly recommend a podcast called "Cocaine & Rhinestones" by Tyler Mahan Coe (son of David Allen Coe) - great stuff on Merle, Buck Owens, George Jones - all of those guys.
And yeah, variety shows!
Remember when Wayne Brady tried a variety show right at the start of the century? I think it was just a half-hour long: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wayne_Brady_Show
Gotta give him credit for the attempt, but late -'70s' "Pink Lady & Jeff" may have been the last gasp for the format! But, Wayne's many talents would fit so beautifully in that format.....good on him for finding a game show ("Let's Make a Deal"), anyway, where he could pull out a couple of his talents on a regular basis.
You're right about classic variety shows and impersonations! When they said variety, they meant it.....The June Taylor Dancers, chorus singers, singing stars acting, actors singing, and always the well-rehearsed duet with the star of the show! The rehearsal time for the entertainment for these weekly shows was insane!
Thanks for all that Merle info...glad you got to see him. I didn't know Coe had a kid, much less one who had a podcast...wonder if he sings like Daddy!
Your piece on rock stars parodying each other is an absolute treat. “A Musical Monument to Barry’s Singular Recording Style” perfectly exemplifies your sharp yet affectionate commentary. The balance between humour and genuine admiration for the artists makes this a standout read. It was so well researched, and as ever, made me reflect on the music that makes up my life.
Thanks so much, Jon! Your kind words let me know I hit my goal.....rock'n'roll is fun, and can sometimes by funny, if we let it! If my words can help you (and others) reflect on their favorite music over the years, it's win-win!😁👍
Great piece Brad! I had that 45 for "I Need Your Help Barry Manilow!" I'm surprised it wasn't a bigger hit. Maybe it sounded too much like Barry.
Thanks, Dan! Good on ya for getting that 45 in the day! Without KNOWING, an educated guess....like yours with the "sounding too much like Barry" notice, would have the jocks (or daytime front office secretaries) not wanting to field all the calls wondering if that really was Barry, and then, spending all the time it would take to say, "no, it's just a guy who wanted to sound like him," ad infinitum!
It'd be fun to hear the rationale from Ray and his label, Warner Bros....somebody, if not everybody must've seen that dilemma happening on the radio end. But, in the label conference room, I can see a logical argument being made for rolling the dice, and maybe they'd luck into a hit!
As for Barry, isn't it cool to see a mega-superstar with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor, and able to chuckle at (and with) himself! That's why I had to include his "I Write the Songs" parody....and, I'm contractually bound, at this point (😁), to remind folks that longtime Beach Boy, Bruce Johnston, was the one who actually wrote "I Write the Songs." Which is one of the reasons Barry did that particular parody (with that hilarious ending)!
If you've got a sec....just curious: Had you heard Stevens' 45 on Chicago radio back in '79? If not, were you moved to buy it by the pic sleeve in a record store? Or, a curious Fanilow?
That's a good question. I don't know where I heard it first or what prompted me to buy it. I certainly knew who Ray Stevens was and maybe that was enough for me to buy it. I don't recall hearing it on the radio.
That Rod Stewart cover was cringe...of course I say that because Rod is my all time favorite!
But, mad props for Cummings in nailing that Lightfoot impression!
Crikey, I thought that was Gordon Lightfoot!!!
And, I think that's our only (and maybe the lone example in the enire Mock Rock pantheon) where a rock star is.....fine, imitating another, Lightfoot, in this case....but, singing another rocker's signature song! In other words, Cummings seemed to figure that doing "Maggie Mae" would bring out more of Lightfoot's vocal mannerisms than if he just ripped "Edmund Fitzgerald" or another Gordon hit!
But, your reaction, Lori, doubles-down on what an incredible Lightfoot impression that is by Cummings!! Nice!
It was fabulous and the only reason Cummings didn’t register in my brain is due to my 24 hour migraine.
Well, here’s hoping that migraine is on its 25th hour, gone, and all is well!
Thank you 🙏
Awesome post, Brad! How GREAT was Martin Mull?? One I thought of right away to add was John Lennon's scabrous Dylan critique, Serve Yourself: https://youtu.be/snUQwug76bs?si=oeOIVGp3623fvnI_
I don't think I've shared any of this on the site, Jeremy....so, for you, a fellow Mull-ilow: I've been a fan since his first Capricorn/Warner Bros album in '72. I only found about his '70 country song (recorded by Jane Morgan), "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" a year or two later, reading about Mull in the rock press.
At about that same time of his debut album, Dad brought home a pair of Warner Bros promo Martin Mull socks! They were about shin-high and white, with the black silhouette of that debut's head-shot on the sides! And, wouldn't you know.....here they are: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115934106541
This is one of those many things (I've noticed) that no one would otherwise find if they didn't know they existed in the first place! Who'd Google "Martin Mull promo socks" simply out of the blue?!?
In the mid-'70s, Mull had a "centerfold" in CREEM Magazine. It was a two-page color shot of Mull butt-nekkid, but with his back to the camera. He was wearing a beret, and had a long loaf of French bread slung over one shoulder, as he looked back at the camera. I met him shortly thereafter (I actually forget where and for what), and took the poster for him to sign: "To Brad...I'm freezing!-Martin Mull"....this one's similar, of course, but I'm gonna stand by my French bread-beret memory! https://x.com/annkpowers/status/654340298500374528
Some funny Mull lines that may not have traveled across the decades from the '70s and into the 21st century: He is said to have written a Broadway musical: "Lincoln: The Man, The Car, The Tunnel".
As you know, he was a talented painter. He had an exhibition of his work, once, in the men's room of an art museum. The exhibit was called, "Flush Against the Walls, or I'll Be Art in a Minute." Such a talented man, singularly great in so many ways!
I love the fact that you just do the thing. Like this list. Thanks for the shout out! Awesome. Talk later...
You betcha, Paul! I'm glad you shared the Burton tune! I'd never heard it before and it's bril! That had to kick of the piece, just as it warranted being the inspiration for this!