The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes for you - 1959
The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes for you - 1959
The Flamingos - "I Only Have Eyes for You" (1959)
The Flamingos were an American doo-wop group, known for their smooth vocal harmonies and timeless classics. One of their most acclaimed hits is "I Only Have Eyes for You", released in 1959. This song not only showcases the group's vocal talents but also stands as a significant piece in the evolution of popular music during the late 1950s.
Background of "I Only Have Eyes for You"
Originally written in 1934 by Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin for the film "Dames," "I Only Have Eyes for You" was covered by numerous artists before The Flamingos. However, it was The Flamingos’ rendition that truly captured the hearts of listeners and cemented the song's place in music history.
- Learn about the Doo-Wop genre and its influence on music.
- Explore the 1950s American music scene.
- Understand the role of Film soundtracks in popular music.
The Flamingos and Their Style
The Flamingos brought a unique style to the doo-wop genre, characterized by their complex vocal harmonies and emotional delivery. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting their influence on music.
- Discover more about The Flamingos' career.
- Investigate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
- Examine the Evolution of vocal harmony in music.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the Song
Who originally wrote "I Only Have Eyes for You"? (Harry Warren and Al Dubin) (!George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin) (!Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II) (!Cole Porter)
In which year did The Flamingos release their version of "I Only Have Eyes for You"? (1959) (!1962) (!1955) (!1960)
For which film was "I Only Have Eyes for You" originally written? (Dames) (!Casablanca) (!Singing in the Rain) (!Gone with the Wind)
What genre is "I Only Have Eyes for You" most associated with? (Doo-Wop) (!Jazz) (!Rock and Roll) (!Blues)
What made The Flamingos' version of "I Only Have Eyes for You" distinctive? (Their complex vocal harmonies) (!Their use of electronic instruments) (!A prominent guitar solo) (!A faster tempo)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
In which year were The Flamingos inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? (2001) (!1995) (!2010) (!1989)
What is a defining characteristic of The Flamingos' musical style? (Complex vocal harmonies) (!Heavy use of synthesizers) (!Instrumental solos) (!Political lyrics)
Where did The Flamingos originate? (Chicago, Illinois) (!New York City, New York) (!Detroit, Michigan) (!Memphis, Tennessee)
Which genre best describes The Flamingos' overall body of work? (Doo-Wop) (!Rock) (!R&B) (!Soul)
What is another famous song by The Flamingos? ("Nobody Loves Me Like You") (!"My Girl") (!"Stand By Me") (!"Unchained Melody")
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
What is the main theme of "I Only Have Eyes for You"? (Love and devotion) (!Loneliness) (!Joyful celebration) (!Heartbreak)
Which line follows "I don't know if we're in a garden"? ("Or on a crowded avenue") (!"Underneath the moonlit sky") (!"Walking hand in hand with you") (!"And the stars up above in the sky")
How does the song describe the eyes of the loved one? ("The stars at night that shine so bright") (!"The deep blue sea that's calling me") (!"The morning sun that brings fun") (!"The gentle breeze that sets my mind at ease")
In the lyrics, what does the singer claim about the stars? ("I don't know if it's cloudy or bright") (!"They guide me through the night") (!"They twinkle with your light") (!"They are nothing compared to your sight")
Which phrase is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the singer's focus? ("I only have eyes for you") (!"You're the only one for me") (!"My heart belongs to you") (!"Forever and always true")
Memory
| The Flamingos | Doo-Wop Group |
| 1959 | Release Year of "I Only Have Eyes for You" |
| Harry Warren | Original Composer |
| Al Dubin | Original Lyricist |
| Chicago, Illinois | Origin of The Flamingos |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore Doo-Wop: Listen to other doo-wop songs from the 1950s and compare them to "I Only Have Eyes for You."
- Lyrics Analysis: Write a short essay on the lyrical themes of love and devotion in "I Only Have Eyes for You."
- Music History: Research the history of the song from its original version to The Flamingos' rendition.
Standard
- Cover Versions: Compare The Flamingos' version of "I Only Have Eyes for You" with other cover versions. What differences do you notice?
- Musical Elements: Analyze the musical elements (such as harmony, melody, rhythm) in The Flamingos' version.
- The Flamingos' Influence: Investigate how The Flamingos influenced later music groups or genres.
Difficult
- Vocal Harmony Arrangement: Try to create your own vocal harmony arrangement for "I Only Have Eyes for You."
- Cultural Impact: Explore the cultural and social impact of "I Only Have Eyes for You" in the 1950s and beyond.
- Musical Evolution: Trace the evolution of doo-wop music from its origins to modern interpretations.
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Oral Exam
- Song Interpretation: Discuss how "I Only Have Eyes for You" can be interpreted in different cultural contexts.
- Musical Innovation: How did The Flamingos' style contribute to the evolution of doo-wop and popular music in general?
- Historical Context: Explain the significance of this song in the context of the 1950s American music scene.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "I Only Have Eyes for You" with other doo-wop songs of the era.
- Musical Legacy: Discuss the legacy of The Flamingos and their influence on later musicians.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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