Here's one for the fresno members with a long memory. My mother in law sent me this email today, which I am pasting below. If you are interested in participating in this or can help these folks out, I am sure it will be appreciated. Just let me know at [email protected]
Here's the email:
In 1961, "Sukiyaki", sung by Kyu Sakamoto, was 1st played
in Japan under the correct title "Uye o muite". An American
travelling in Japan heard the song & liked its catchy rhythm
& suggested to a local Fresno radio station that they might
want to play it. So, in 1963, a local DJ at one of the local
Fresno stations introduced it for the 1st time & it became a
hit across the USA. Since this is the 50th anniversary of the
orginal release date (in Japan), a couple of people from Japan
& someone from NHK want to interview a few people who
might remember the song &, especially, those who might
remember the station, the DJ, & the date it debuted in Fresno.
Even if you don't remember specifics (but especially if you do),
let me know what you remember &/or if you would be willing
to be interviewed. Don't worry about the language, since there
will be translators &/or bilingual interviewers. This will take
place about June 29, so let me know whatever you can &,
especially if you remember a lot & are willing to be interviewed.
They would like to know the above specifics, but also the
effect or feeling you might have experienced at that time, since
it was the only song sung in Japanese that become popular &
even led to being on the Ed Sullivan Show. Thanks for any
kind of information you can supply me. And pass this on to
any of your music junky friends who might know or had
purchased a record (kids don't know, do they?). I know quite
a few of our friends & classmates who used to collect 45s (what?).
Also, ask your relatives who might have been in Fresno at that time.
Kyu Sakamoto's family is also interested in knowing more, since
they were either not born yet or were very young when their
father was popular.
Thanks for your time & consideration.
Here's the email:
In 1961, "Sukiyaki", sung by Kyu Sakamoto, was 1st played
in Japan under the correct title "Uye o muite". An American
travelling in Japan heard the song & liked its catchy rhythm
& suggested to a local Fresno radio station that they might
want to play it. So, in 1963, a local DJ at one of the local
Fresno stations introduced it for the 1st time & it became a
hit across the USA. Since this is the 50th anniversary of the
orginal release date (in Japan), a couple of people from Japan
& someone from NHK want to interview a few people who
might remember the song &, especially, those who might
remember the station, the DJ, & the date it debuted in Fresno.
Even if you don't remember specifics (but especially if you do),
let me know what you remember &/or if you would be willing
to be interviewed. Don't worry about the language, since there
will be translators &/or bilingual interviewers. This will take
place about June 29, so let me know whatever you can &,
especially if you remember a lot & are willing to be interviewed.
They would like to know the above specifics, but also the
effect or feeling you might have experienced at that time, since
it was the only song sung in Japanese that become popular &
even led to being on the Ed Sullivan Show. Thanks for any
kind of information you can supply me. And pass this on to
any of your music junky friends who might know or had
purchased a record (kids don't know, do they?). I know quite
a few of our friends & classmates who used to collect 45s (what?).
Also, ask your relatives who might have been in Fresno at that time.
Kyu Sakamoto's family is also interested in knowing more, since
they were either not born yet or were very young when their
father was popular.
Thanks for your time & consideration.
