I have always associated Suzanna Choffel’s music with my life down here in Austin. Her album was the first one I purchased after I moved to the city. She was the first artist I saw perform at my first SXSW. And I’ve been teased on multiple occasions for knowing the lyrics on “Shudders and Rings” a little too well.
Well now it looks like she is the one making the big move. I hope the rest of the world appreciates her music as much as we do here in Austin.
Good luck Suzanna. Watch out NYC.
Mistinguett “Mon Homme”
A 1916 classic that was translated into English and performed in 1921 by Fanny Brice, of whom the Broadway classic “Funny Girl” is based. Barbara kills this number in the final scene (one of my all-time favorite performances). Artists who have performed the English version include: Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, Peggy Lee, and Diana Ross.
More recently, Lea Michele covered Barbara’s rendition as Rachel Berry during the second season of “Glee.” And Regina Spektor sang her version for the Boardwalk Empire soundtrack.
I’m always amazed at how far a good song can travel between countries, genres, and generations.
