Tony Hadley • Passing Strangers

Many of "a certain age" will read the name Tony Hadley and feel an instant warmth come over them, like they heard great news of an old friend. That same feeling will come to others when I mention he was the voice behind Spandau Ballet, one of the great Pop bands of the 1980s. The band was part of the New Romantics movement, a musical subset of the New Wave movement coming out of the UK. The band was best know for their huge 1983 hit, "True". But like many bands of the tie, they had a tough time following up their early success, and by 1989, they broke up.

Spandau Ballet

Hadley went on to a solo career, releasing albums in the 1990s and 2000s. One of those was a nostalgic look back to the Jazz/Swings classics. 'Passing Strangers' was a perfect match for Hadley's crisp vocals, showing off his pitch-perfect style with a depth that enriched the songs. Check out the title track from the album, written by Rita Mann and Mel Mitchell. On the album, Hadley was joined by the Paul Moran Big Band.

Hadley also included a song written in 1956 as part of the score for the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis, Jr. It was also a hit single by the wonderful Eydie Gormé, Yes, the wonderful song "Too Close For Comfort" is a perfect addition to the album.

Another of the great songs included was from the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical 'Pal Joey'. It wuickly was ssung by some of the greatest names in music, becoming a strong entry in the Great American Songbook. He does a beautiful job with "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered".

'Passing Strangers' can be found on Amazon. You can order the physical CD here.

Early Sci-Fi Theme Songs

In preparation for the return of Doctor Who on BBC America this Saturday night, I thought I would post about some of my earliest memories of TV Science Fiction. I've been a fan of the genre for almost as long as I can remember, and the following were some of my earliest experiences.



Although The Addams Family ran for only two seasons, from 1964 to 1966, I still get a rush when I hear the opening bars of the theme song. With the harpsichord and the finger snaps, all things seemed possible. In many ways, I think Morticia was the first Gothic Princess, and Gomez was the first to combine the suave with the dork. The series celebrated the outsiders, with a magical, mystical quality.






The the opening bars of the theme, you knew Bewitched was on, and a good time would be had by all. The show also premiered in 1964, but ran for 8 seasons, finishing out in 1972. The show ranged from heartwarming family drama to high camp, with Paul Lynde, Dick Sargent, Alice Ghostley, and the biggest drag queen ever on TV, Agnes Moorehead. And, of course, the gorgeous Elizabeth Montgomery in the bewitching lead, as well as playing the campy cousin. Oh, what a show this was!





The Munsters also debuted in 1964, and like The Addams Family, only lasted 2 seasons. There were other similarities as well. Many thought of the Munsters as the working-class versions of the Addams family. People on this one worked for a living, despite the fact they were witches, warlocks, vampires, Frankenstein monsters, well, you get the idea. While Morticia Addams was a bit of a sexy siren, Lily Munster was a Mom, a real caretaker. And the outsider in this family was niece Marilyn, the blond beauty seen as having unfortunate looks by the Munsters.





Well, I think that Lost In Space was my first real Sci-Fi show, with the space travel, robots, and the out-of-control computers. And, of course, it had the gayest man on TV this side of Paul Lynde, Dr. Smith. (Well, except for the fact the actor playing the role was not gay) But the Robinson family traveled through space with the cool robot, Dr. Smith, and hunky Major West! I was ready to sign up!



Hope you enjoyed another trip down memory lane, I know I did! And don't forget, Doctor Who returns this Saturday night on BBC America!