Monday, September 25, 2017

"Springtime Mama" by Henry Gross

Henry Gross, once a member of the doo-wop tribute band Sha Na Na, went solo in the 70s and is best remembered for his top ten hit, "Shannon," which went to #6 in 1976. "Shannon" was a eulogy, written about the passing of Carl Wilson's (Beach Boys) dog. The Beach Boys connection is palpable in the musical style and falsetto frequently used by Gross to nice effect.

"Springtime Mama" was his follow-up single and became his second (and final) top 40 single. More bouncy and upbeat, and not about a dog (to the best of my knowledge), "Springtime Mama" should have done better and made Gross a mainstay at radio beyond 1976.

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