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Today I'm highlighting one of my all time favorite songs: 1983's '"Tell Her About It" by Billy Joel.
The song is one of many Great Songs from Billy's "Innocent Man" album: an autobiographical exploration of his musical roots and influences.
"Tell Her About It" is Billy's tribute to the music of Motown.
Not only do the rhythms, instrumentation, and harmonies sound like they're straight out of Detroit, circa 1965...Billy went several extra miles to sell the concept. The video proves the point.
People of a certain age in 1983 remembered quite well that during the '50s and '60s, The" Ed Sullivan Show" was "Must-See" Sunday Night TV on CBS. Ed was the emcee, and his show put the "V" in "variety." The "V" could also stand for "Vaudeville."
On any given week, you'd see everything from famous singers, dance troupes, comedians, ventriloquists, animal acts, magicians--you name it--Vaudeville on TV!
Ed also had an eye and ear for talent--not to mention a keen sense of what an audience wanted. He was one of the first to showcase Elvis Presley--the VERY FIRST to showcase the Beatles...and he was a big fan of Motown acts.
So when Billy set out to make the video for "Tell Her About It," he
tossed in everything he could think of to re-create the "Ed Sullivan Show."
This included hiring the world's best Ed Sullivan Impersonator, Will Jordan, tapping Rodney Dangerfield to appear to cover the "comedian portion" of the show...and a dancing bear to highlight the "animal acts." He even gave Will a line about Topo Gigio, the mouse puppet that appeared on many of Ed's shows.
The video then cuts back and forth between the TV show and several different locales where people were watching and enjoying the music--all while Billy was offering some sage relationship advice.
Overall--the video was a masterpiece, and so was the song! It charted in 10 countries...but here in the US, where almost everyone could relate to the music, the show...or both, "Tell Her About It" easily topped Billboard's Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary Charts!
It truly was a Great Song of 1983--thanks to Billy Joel's roots and creativity.
Note: Billy recently released his first new song in 17 years...and it's a beauty! In case you haven't heard "Turn the Lights Back On" yet, I've added a link below.
"Tell Her About It:" (1983);
"Turn the Lights Back On' (2024):
Tomorrow: Huey's Heart.
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