If Our Songs Still Make It (Why Can't We?) by Brian Gari

I wrote this song in December of 1977 when my good friend Ellie Greenwich & I were discussing the incredible resurgence of the songs she wrote with her ex-husband. It seemed amazing that despite the end of their marriage, the songs had a life of their own. I thought we would write it together but when I got home, I was too inspired to wait. The brief musical reference to 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was because the Tokens wanted to do the song (which they did.) From my CD "He's An Old Cat" available here
http://cdbaby.com/cd/briangari11. Ellie's passing has affected me deeply and I hope this video can serve as a tribute to her on all levels.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ellie
• Greenwich

[losturkeys]

This song would work well in the 2nd act of the stage production of "Leader of the Pack"....I have done that show in summer stock....great music!

[garisongs]

@losturkeys you're right! It was in my show A HARD TIME TO BE SINGLE--get my CD at CD Baby called HE'S AN OLD CAT--it has this song! Thanks, Tim!

[losturkeys]

Fantasic SONG!!!!!! You so ROCK!!!!!

[pewmanfustudios]

Nice tribute!

[DaddyClb]

My very dear friend, Barry Pearl, sent this video to me, knowing the great admiration I had for this fine, fine lady. BRAVO BRIAN!!! Love the song, love the pix and so lovingly put together. Ellie would have been so-o-o proud. She may be gone, but her music will live on & on. I've already downloaded to my RealPlayer and I know it's one I'll play again & again. Great tribute...thank you for sharing your wonderful work!

Thom "Daddy C" Colson

Lancaster, PA

[cd1mp3]

Nicely done, Brian - as usual. The last time I saw Ellie was when you, Ellie, Susan and I went to see Brian Wilson at B.B.King's. The best moment was when Brian sang Ellie's song - and she cried.

Another great writer has hit the dust. :-(

[rslitman]

It's really too bad that Ellie wasn't able to do anything new successfully after the 1960s. Especially since Jeff Barry had some success after their break-up. If Carole King hadn't had her big career as a solo artist in the 1970s, this could have applied to her and Gerry Goffin, too. But Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the 3rd great husband/wife team of that time period, have stayed together, although writing with others.

[SJMcPARLAND]

As always, a job well done! Great song and a great tribute to a wonderful songwriter. Still remember the night I met Ellie at the "Leader Of The Pack" Bottom Line show. She was just as nice as I thought she'd be.

[Diane3951]

Wonderful tribute, Brian..your videos are only one of many remarkable talents.

[Diane3951]

Ed,

'Closer from a Distance' is one of my favorites--it is a great song!