Thursday, November 20, 2003

Remembering Timi Yuro

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's was a magical time for me. Those of you who are in your 50's & 60's can probably relate. Life was so different from today. It was so innocent and pure.

One focal point that set the tone was the music. I grew up listening to a variety of music, but my all time favorite was Rock & Roll. There have been all kinds of rock & roll: hard rock, soft rock, bubble gum rock, punk rock and the list goes on and on. But the first rock & roll was Doo-Wop of the 1950's and early 1960's. Sweet and natural, with no reference to violence or dirty words.

One of Doo-Wop's greatest singers was Timi Yuro. Timi's hits "Hurt" released in 1961 and "What's the matter baby (is it hurting you)?" (my personal favorite) were sung with such deep, raw emotion that listening to them now at my age I wonder how this 20 year old young woman had the life experience under her belt to deliver such a performance every time she sang.

I was 10 years old when I first heard "HURT" on my cousin's radio. I can remember that day as if it were just yesterday.  Timi's voice had me riveted to the spot in front of the radio in the dining room. I've been a fan ever since.

Timi appeared on American Bandstand and Ed Sullivan in 1962 & 1963.

Mike Jameson wrote this rave review about Timi and her music. In his review he speculates what happened to her after all these years. And frankly, I wondered the same thing so I started surfing the Internet and found a page, which outlines Timi's career and health situation of the last few years. I decided to write the author of that article Tom Simon, who graciously responded. He suggested that I send a card and/or letter to Timi's agent who will make sure that it finds its way to her.

So last night I sat down and wrote to Ms. Timi Yuro. It's almost a surreal experience to think that she will actually read the letter I wrote! I pray that it brings her happiness and above all finds her recovering completely.

Please feel free to drop a card or letter to her too! Tom says she will appreciate hearing from us all. Her address is:

Timi Yuro, c/o SOUND 2000, Post Office Box 54802, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74155

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