Count me among the millions of fans who are devastated at the loss of Robin Williams, a comic genius who was unfortunately also a tortured soul....most geniuses are. People wonder how someone who could make millions of people so happy could be so miserable themselves, but there really is no answer for that. Depression can hit anyone at any time, in any way, shape or form. The loss is tragic amongst those who grew up watching a character on TV or in movies, but it's even more tragic for the family of the person who decided they needed to end it all. No one knows what could be going through their head when they decide to end it all... maybe they tried to get help and no one listened.... or maybe they didn't bother letting anyone know. Unfortunately, the end result is still the same. Tragic loss. Robin Williams left behind a fantastic body of work that generations of fans will love, cherish and remember him for.
As a music and radio guy, one of my favorite movies of Robin's is Good Morning, Vietnam. While I felt Robin was a fantastic actor in the movie, it was the music they picked for the movie that truly grabbed me. Let me post a few of my favorites from the movie for you today:
Baby Please Don't Go by Them. Featuring Van Morrison on lead vocals, this was the B side to their version of the song Gloria, which is a song I prefer more by the Shadows Of Knight. This B side is the only side of my 45 that gets played.
California Sun by the Rivieras. How could anyone not like this record? This fantastic cover of a great Joe Jones record took off for the band and became their only hit, in spite of releasing so many other great records.
Five O'Clock World by the Vogues. Another fantastic record that gained a new audience when used as the theme for the Drew Carey Show.
My absolute favorite record from the movie is It's Alright by Adam Faith And The Roulettes. This record sounds so much like a Dave Clark Five record, it's surprising they didn't release it themselves. I could listen to this one over and over and over.
However, the most well known song from the movie is the one that became a major hit 20 years after it's initial release, and more than 15 years after the singer of the song passed away. You ALL know the song, as it's been a wedding staple ever since then (but upon original release did not even hit the Hot 100 on Billboard). Yes, Louis Armstrong and his hit, What A Wonderful World:
Enjoy. May Robin Williams truly rest in peace. May his memory live on forever. May God be with his family and friends, and all others who have been suffering from the same disease that ultimately took Robin's life.
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