It was sad to read recently about the passing of the last surviving member of the von Trapp family who had escaped Nazi Germany and inspired the musical The Sound of Music (1965). Thinking about the family reminded me of this cool video of Julie Andrews, who portrayed Maria von Trapp in the film, appearing with the real Maria von Trapp on Andrews’s ABC variety show in 1973.
The opening segment of the video shows von Trapp teaching Andrews how to yodel, and after that segment we see another part of the show where Andrews interviews von Trapp (starting around the 3:06 mark). Because of the age of the video, there is a little buzzing in the background, but the interview is worth watching for any fans of the movie.
What is your favorite song from The Sound of Music? Leave your two cents in the comments.
Don McLean revealed where he wrote and first performed “American Pie,” refuting a local legend.
In Grammy news, Adele, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, and Foo Fighters led the Grammy nominations. In other Grammy news, some pondered whether or not the Beach Boys will reunite at the Grammys. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane was nominated for two Grammys and will compete with Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Finally, Sugarland joined Lady Gaga for a rousing performance of “You and I” at the Grammy Nominations Concert this week.
Hanson (i.e., The Hanson Brothers) are developing a beer named. . . “MMMHop.” I’m guessing the beer will stay with you for a long time in the same way the catchy song does.
In touring news, George Michael cancelled the remaining dates of his tour to recover from pneumonia. Meanwhile, The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced their first U.S. tour in nearly five years, starting Jan. 25.
It’s “either a misprint or a satire.” — Elvis Costello, commenting on $339.98 box set of a Costello performance. The New York Times reviewed a new biography of Ahmet Ertegun, the great founder and president of Atlantic Records.
A new book recounts how actress Hedy Lamarr contributed to the cell phone technology we use today. The New York Times reviewed the new DVD and Blu-ray of the classic and controversial film, Birth of a Nation.
Ken Russell, the director of Tommy, The Devils, and Altered States passed away. Watching each of those films in the movie theater were memorable events for me. RIP Mr. Russell.
New pictures were released of the fictional Mars in the upcoming John Carter.
I was sorry to hear that Roger Ebert’s recent incarnation of At the Moviesis going on hiatus. I enjoyed the show.
—— Other Pop Culture News ——
The Waltons reunited on The Today Show for their 40th Anniversary.
In The Office news, now you may buy Dunder Mifflin copy paper. Also, Stanley from The Office (Leslie David Baker) made a music video. In sadder Office-related news, comedian Patrice O’Neal, who also appeared periodically on The Office, passed away last week from complications of a stroke. RIP.
The inventor of the Jenos pizza roll and Chun King canned Chinese food, Jeno Paulucci, died on Thanksgiving. Chun King was the only time I encountered Chinese food as a kid, and, well, I have enjoyed several meals of nothing but pizza rolls. RIP Mr. Paulucci.
What were your thoughts on the pop culture stories of the week? Leave your two cents in the comments.