One Was Romantic and Intellectual, the Other Folksy
One Was Romantic and Intellectual, the Other Folksy. And both these singing ladies seemed to rule the TV screen of Television Zambia of the late 60s, early 70s. As a kid, I couldn’t understand why they were so special. Their music seemed targeted to my parents while, for me, they were just a nuisance between the more fun, action-packed stuff I preferred then.
Nevertheless, they left an impact of sorts on me, and their mention, and sounds, takes one back to those days. These two ladies were Nana Mouskouri, and Julie Felix. And I now realize how fabulous they actually were. Let me start with Nana Mouskouri.
Nana Mouskouri
Conservatively dressed, with glasses lending her a somewhat nerdy look, Greek born, Nana Mouskouri presented a modest demeanor. It is her voice, and singing that says it all. Before each song, she would go into this short talk describing what it was all about. Something that seemed to bore me further, but still found strangely fascinating. These are the signature styles she is recognized for. Going by the show, and how much the audience loved her songs, I knew she was big, and never really forgot her. Her 200+ albums are a confirmation of this. Researching her as an adult, I understand why, and furthermore, her voice sounds amazing to me now. No auto tune, crazy dancing, or prancing around in crazy outfits. Just pure, wonderful talent. In the world of entertainment, Nana Mouskouri has calmly cast a giant footprint of her own.
And, she turned 90 early October!
A Clip from The Past
Here’s a clip from the past as I remember her on television back then singing “Plaisir d’amour.”
YouTube / Nostalgies 60′-70′-80′
I just about understand some French, but this is a classic, and knowing the translation helps. But you don’t even need the translation. The voice, and emotions she puts into the song is truly magical. What a wonderful talent! I am too late to appreciate her in her heyday, but better late than never as they say. Astounding musical career, accolades, popularity around the world, and even some politics have been the hallmarks of Nana Moouskouri. Nana Mouskouri is definitely another of Greece’s many gifts to the world!
And now to Julie Felix.
Julie Felix
When Julie Felix’s show would come on, it was almost like a fresh breeze. Running through the countryside, she would glide among nature, passing brooks, eventually ending up in the studio. I was too young then to understand this was in keeping with her folksy, poetical genre of music with a longing for returning to a simpler life. Unlike, Nana Mouskouri, Julie Felix was relatively easier for me to understand. Of course I mean the wordings, but not the deeper meaning behind them. The one that I identify her with most was used in the intro and quite straightforward.
And that would be “This World Goes Round.” This clip may just be the part of the exact intro to her show.
Julie Felix – Clip Courtsey YouTube / Gazely Gaze
A Mix of British and American
After this intro, Julie would walk on the stage, guitar in hand, to an appreciative audience. Her show featured other artists, of the same genre. It was the era of folk music, and she was the center of it.
Julie’s accent had a slight British tinge, but was all-American from California no less! Spending so much time in the UK, she seemed to have picked up nuances of the British accent, or so it seems. Julie Felix’s personality was “poetically rebellious” compared to Nana. Not surprisingly, she was a big Bob Dylan fan, whose songs she often covered.
YouTube/Robin Sherwood
Unfortunately, Julie Felix passed away in March 2020 in the UK, her adoptive country where she spent much of her life. Julie Felix was my introduction to a genre of music I was unaware of till then, and her name comes to mind whenever I hear its mention. Such was her impact.
Annoyance in Childhood but Icons Now
For me, back then, Nana Mouskouri, and Julie Felix seemed annoyances I barely tolerated on television.
But now they have become icons, and an important part of those innocent days. Looking back, I can’t help be fascinated on how popular they actually were. As an adult I developed a newfound respect for them, and listening to their music takes me back, immediately, to the black and white TV and my days in Zambia.
And so, Nana and Julie became part of the soundtrack of my life. Probably yours too, if you are my age, or were an adult during the peak of their popularity. We’ll check out other similar artists from back then, and hopefully you’ll recognize them too.
Detailed Nana Mouskouri and Julie Felix Discography
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