Somewhere Out There -Linda Ronstadt/James Ingram (Cynthia Weil Tribute) 1986 (6/3/23)

Cynthia Weil: You may not know the name, but you certainly know her music.

Cynthia passed away on Friday at the age of 82, leaving behind an entire songbook of "Great Songs" from the early '60s through the late' 90s. Some of them she wrote by herself, but many were written with collaborators--especially her husband, Barry Mann.

It's getting tougher to find a reputable website that will allow me to link up for comprehensive obituaries, but I found a good one: (with a rather unfortunate name): https://deadline.com/.../cynthia-weil-dead-youve-lost.../

Cynthia was the lyricist for more than 50 songs that made the Top 40...for artists like The Drifters, Mama Cass, Paul Revere and the Raiders, B.J. Thomas, The Animals, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie, Dolly Parton, and The Righteous Brothers (including their biggest hit: "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling").

Of course, that's just a VERY partial list.

She was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and she shared TWO Grammy Awards with Barry and composer James Horner for one of four songs that Stephen Spielberg commissioned them to write for the 1986 animated film, "An American Tail."

To be specific, "Somewhere Out There" won the Grammys for "Song of the Year" and "Best Song written for Film or TV." It was also nominated for "Best Song" at the Oscars and Golden Globes.

Cynthia's lyrics conveyed the love felt by siblings Fievel and Tanya, who were separated by vast distances, but cheered by the belief that their love would eventually reunite them.

Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram recorded single version, and it was it was a huge hit, reaching #2 on the Hot 100 in both the US and Canada. Their version also received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

"Somewhere Out There" is just one of MANY Great Songs co-written by Cynthia Weil--and, in particular, a "Great Song of 1986" by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram.

Rest in Peace, Cynthia...and thank you for your words and music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smc5FHbZtG4

Tomorrow: Gary's Girl...uhh, wait...