Pimlico Open Mic

The group singing commenced in joyful celebration of VE Day, spotlighting the beloved song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” This iconic English music hall tune was first performed in 1912 by the talented Jack Judge, who penned it alongside Harry Williams. Its charm resonated further when the Irish tenor John McCormack recorded it in 1914. The song quickly became a spirited marching anthem for soldiers during World War I, etching itself into the collective memory of that era. With a delightful touch, welcoming signs in Tipperary, Ireland, proudly announce, “You’ve come a long way,” playfully acknowledging the song’s enduring legacy.

“All I Have to Do Is Dream” is a timeless classic that gained iconic status thanks to the Everly Brothers. Crafted by the talented Boudleaux Bryant, who collaborated with his wife Felice as an extraordinary songwriting duo, this enchanting melody was first published in 1958. Celebrated by music lovers and critics alike, it proudly holds the prestigious No. 141 spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. With its captivating AABA structure, the song continues to resonate through the ages, evoking dreams and nostalgia in listeners everywhere.

“Fast Car” marks the captivating debut single of American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released on April 6, 1988, by Elektra Records. This poignant track served as the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album, showcasing her extraordinary talent. Chapman’s unforgettable performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in June 1988 propelled the song into the hearts of listeners, transforming it into a top-ten hit in the United States, where it soared to number six on the Billboard Hot 100. This remarkable exposure not only elevated the song but also propelled the album to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, “Fast Car” captured the attention of audiences in the UK, reaching an impressive number five on the UK Singles Chart.

“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” is a timeless classic penned by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the iconic 1969 film *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*. The song’s uplifting lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced life’s challenges, celebrating the transformative power of positive thinking with the heartfelt message that “it won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me.”

Performed by the talented B.J. Thomas, the single soared to No. 1 on the charts in the United States, Canada, and Norway, while also making its mark at No. 38 on the UK Singles Chart. Dominating the Billboard Hot 100, it held the top spot for an impressive four weeks in January 1970, marking the beginning of the 1970s with a joyous anthem. Additionally, it spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and was honored as the No. 4 song of 1970 by *Billboard*. By March 14, 1970, the song had sold over 2 million copies, with its eight-track and cassette versions also climbing the charts.

Not only did it capture the hearts of listeners, but it also won an Oscar for Best Original Song, with Bacharach receiving the accolade for Best Original Score. This song remains a cherished and enduring symbol of hope and resilience.

“Let’s Twist Again,” a vibrant classic penned by Kal Mann and Dave Appell, was brought to life as a single by the legendary Chubby Checker. This infectious track soared to become one of the standout hits of 1961, climbing to No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard pop chart and capturing No. 3 on the Cash Box chart in August. In the spring of 1962, its popularity continued to flourish as it reached No. 2 in the UK. The song celebrates the exhilarating Twist dance craze, a phenomenon closely linked to Checker’s iconic 1960 hit “The Twist,” which captured the No. 1 spot in the U.S. not once, but twice—in September 1960 and again in January 1962 upon its re-release.

In recognition of its impact, “Let’s Twist Again” was awarded the coveted Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording in 1962. Chubby Checker also recorded the song in German as “Der Twist Beginnt” and in Italian as “Balliamo il Twist,” showcasing its universal appeal. Notably, a sample of “Der Twist Beginnt” was later cleverly utilized by The Residents to kick off their groundbreaking 1976 album, “The Third Reich ‘n Roll.” Additionally, this timeless tune found a new audience when it was featured on the soundtrack of the 2011 film “The Help,” further solidifying its place in musical history.

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” is an enchanting pop song, originally known as “True Love and Apple Pie,” penned by the talented British songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, and beautifully performed by Susan Shirley.

The song’s captivating lyrics underwent a remarkable transformation when the songwriters collaborated with US advertising visionary Bill Backer and renowned songwriter Billy Davis. Together, they crafted a heartfelt jingle for The Coca-Cola Company’s advertising agency, McCann Erickson, resulting in the iconic “Buy the World a Coke.” This stirring anthem debuted in the unforgettable 1971 “Hilltop” television commercial for Coca-Cola, with the Hillside Singers delivering a mesmerizing performance. The jingle radiated a message of hope and love, featuring a vibrant tapestry of young people serenely gathered on a hill, harmonizing in unity.

The overwhelming popularity of this charming tune inspired two notable re-recordings: one by The New Seekers and another by The Hillside Singers as a full-length song, which elegantly omits references to Coca-Cola. This timeless melody soon captured hearts across the globe, becoming a beloved hit in both the US and the UK.

“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is a delightful song by the legendary English rock band The Beatles, featured on their iconic 1968 double album, The Beatles—commonly known as “the White Album.” Written by the talented Paul McCartney and credited to the famous Lennon–McCartney partnership, this catchy tune captures the spirit of joy and carefree living.

Upon its release, the song enjoyed remarkable success as a single in various countries, though it was notably absent from charts in the United Kingdom and the United States. It soared to the top of the singles charts in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and West Germany, enchanting listeners around the globe. Finally, in 1976, it made its long-awaited debut as a single in the United States, where it reached a respectable number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” continues to resonate with fans, celebrating the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.

“If I Were a Rich Man” is a captivating song from the 1964 musical *Fiddler on the Roof*, crafted by the talented duo Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock. Sung by the beloved character Tevye, it beautifully conveys his dreams and aspirations of a life filled with wealth and abundance. The title draws inspiration from a poignant 1902 monologue by the renowned Sholem Aleichem, titled “Ven ikh bin Rothschild” (“If I Were a Rothschild”), which alludes to the immense fortune of the Rothschild family. While the song’s themes differ, its enchanting lyrics echo elements from Aleichem’s 1899 short story “The Bubble Bursts.” Both the monologue and the tale found a treasured place in the 1949 collection *Tevye’s Daughters*, enriching the tapestry of Tevye’s world.