Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – June 30, 2024
In 1962, the American epic, The Longest Day, war film based on Cornelius Ryan’s 1959 non-fiction book of the same name about the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
The film features a large international ensemble cast that includes John Wayne, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, Henry Fonda, Red Buttons, Peter Lawford, Eddie Albert, George Segal, and Robert Wagner.
Also in the cast, making a cameo appearance as an army private, was a young Canadian singer/songwriter who also penned the movie’s theme song.
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Born in 1941, this composer’s singing career played a pivotal role in his development as a songwriter. He first gained fame as a teen idol in the late 1950s with hits like “Diana,” which topped the charts in both the U.S. and Canada. His smooth vocals and youthful charm made him a favorite among young audiences, and he quickly became a prominent figure in the music industry.
As Paul Anka’s singing career flourished, so did his interest in songwriting. He is recognized for penning the theme song for The Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson, as well as classic hits for other artists, including the lyrics for the Frank Sinatra hit “My Way” (1969) and Tom Jones’s “She’s a Lady” (1971).
Anka’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs was exemplified in his composition for the 1962 war epic film “The Longest Day.” The movie, which depicted the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II, required a theme that could capture the gravity and heroism of the historic event.
In recognition of Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day in the U.S. (July 4), let’s give a listen to Mitch Miller and his original rendition of “The Longest Day,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube video of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLLo8J5IY9A
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
