Previous chapter
Next chapter

Chapter 23: Oh! Seu Oscar

Mid-century pop from around the world

As mass-produced recording technology spread across the world, some musicians took the opportunity to lay beloved folk tunes to wax for the first time ever. Others heard the irresistible pop music coming from America and strove to replicate it. You’ll hear both approaches in this set of early recorded music from Europe, Africa and South America, including indelible pop melodies like “Volare” and “Sukiyaki,” so successful they doubled back to become hits in America.
1. Domenico Modugno

Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)

2. Kyu Sakamoto

Ue o Muite Arukō (Sukiyaki)

3. Cyro Monteiro

Oh! Seu Oscar

4. Carmen Miranda

Tico-Tico

5. Charles Aznavour

La Bohème

6. Hiran'ny Tanoran'ny Ntao Lo

Oay Lahy E (O! Dear Friend)

7. Maurice Chevalier

Paris sera toujours Paris

8. Celia Cruz

La Sopa en Botella

9. Carlos DiSarli

A la Gran Muñeca

10. Havana Social Club

Guantanamera