Ray Stevens, Musical Funny Man, Part II Quiz

Answer: Merv Griffin

This album first appeared on the Monument label in 1969. It remains one of his best. Besides the title song, he offered 10 more funny numbers. He had a hit with his version of "Along Came Jones." Other songs include: "Mr. Custer," "Alley Oop," and his own "Freddie Feel Good (and his Funky Little Five Piece Band." The remakes of "Ahab the Arab" and "Harry the Hairy Ape" have appeared on many compilation albums.

This album was reissued on the Varese Sarabande label. Alas, it didn't include the original liner notes.

Answer: Trumpet

Ray did one session with Elvis in the 60s. He only cut 2 songs, both originally released as B-sides. (Source: Elvis Presley: A Life In Music, The Complete Recording Sessions) In one article, Ray admitted that he wasn't that proficent on the instrument. He did play a solo on "Spinning Wheel," which appeared on his 1969 "Have A Little Talk With Myself" album.

Answer: Marie Osmond

B.J. Thomas had a hit with "Mr. Businessman." O.C. Smith scored with "Isn't It Lonely Together?" Captain and Tennille did well with "Can't Stop Dancing." Marie Osmond did cover "Everything Is Beautiful" on her "Paper Roses" album. That appears to be his most covered song.

Answer: Bye Bye Love

Was that one tricky or what? S and G have long noted the Everly Brothers' influence on their work. They covered "Bye Bye Love" on their "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. They later sang "Wake Up, Little Susie" at their Central Park concert. They most recently toured with the Everly Brothers. Ray covered "Bye Bye Love" on his "Losin' Streak" album.

Answer: Dr. Demento

That one should have been easy. Dr. Demento has frequently featured Ray's work, even the more obscure early novelty songs, on his program and CD collections. It's almost impossible to have any novelty song anthology without at least one Ray Stevens song.

Answer: Let It Be

Ray covered "Help," "Hey Jude," and "Fool On The Hill" on his 1969 "Have A Little Talk With Myself" album. He cut "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" and "Something" on his 1970 "Everything Is Beautiful" album. I particularly recommend his versions of "Help" and "Something." Unfortunately, most of these cuts aren't available on CD yet. The original albums do turn up on ebay.

Answer: Andy Williams

Andy Williams' brother Don managed Ray. This connection led to Ray joining the Barnaby label, which Andy Williams owned. (He started it after buying out the Cadence label, where he once recorded. This included the early Everly Brothers hits.) Also, Ray hosted Andy Williams' summer replacement show on NBC. Cass Elliot was a regular! Who else would love to see it again?

Answer: All Of Them

All of them were from the Atlanta area. Ray played in bands with Joe South and Jerry Reed. He later recorded at least 4 Joe South songs. He also encouraged Jerry Reed to move to Nashville. Felton Jarvis is best known for his work as a producer. His best known client was Elvis Presley. On the TNN program "Yesteryear In Nashville," music publisher Bill Lowery told an interesting story. Ray and Felton had found some counterfeit $50 bills! They were using them to light cigars and impress the women.

Answer: (Theme From) The Monkees

Ray cut the song on his 1984 album "He Thinks He's Ray Stevens." (It's also sold as "Mississippi Squirrel Revival.") You should check it out!

Answer: The Fall Guy

Ray played, surprise, a singer. He did sing. But we also got to see some good acting chops. I knew this guy was talented!