THAT VOICE!| FIRST TIME HEARING Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days REACTION

THAT VOICE!| FIRST TIME HEARING Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days REACTION
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Welcome to Rob Squad Reactions This is a music reaction channel. My passion is being a content creator, and providing my audience with unique, funny, and never before seen reaction videos. I have come to grow a love for all types of music from my beloved rap to heavy metal and I want to share that love with all of you. Being a content creator is my passion and it brings me so much joy and being able to share my passion and joy with all of you and grow as a community is an amazing feeling. In addition to reacting to all different types of music, I am also a a husband to my amazing wife Amber and a dad to 3 amazing kids Bria, Kiya and Luca.We here to try and make a change in this world starting with something that brings us all together MUSIC!!
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[@54nomore]

This song came out in (1968) 54 years ago. It is a '1925 Russian Folk Song' of a 'Lonely Woman' remembering back about her tavern days to have a few drinks with her friends. It was done beautifully by Mary Hopkin, and the song has become a classic. It became the theme for my high school graduation back in 1972. I celebrated my 50th year high school reunion with this song being the first song played and sung by all. 'Those Were the Days.' Note: The original name to this song is 'Dorogoj Dlinnoju' by Russian Composer Boris Fomin and lyrics by K.Podrevski 1925. In the early 60's American musician Gene Raskin who ended up getting the copyrights to the 1925 Russian song kept the beautiful melody by Boris Formin and change the lyrics of this 1925 Russian folk song. He later would go around to clubs and shows and sing the song with his wife. Later Paul McCartney of the 'Beatles' will make and produced the Gene Raskin English version of the song for his new record label 'Apple Records' with Mary Hopkin and she will turn this song into a number 2 hit in 1968, ironically 'Hey Jude' also in 1968 was the number one song by the 'Beatles.' Both were produced by the Beatles own record label 'Apple Records.' The rest as they say is history.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I came to Florida 1969 I couldn't remember if I heard this the first time living in New Hampshire or in Florida. So in 1968 I would have been listening to wrko out of Boston.

[@withag]

I always thought this was a Lennon and McCartney song but now that you mention it, it does have that Russian folk song feel. Thanks for that.

[@larrygrebler5054]

Thanks for the info.

[@carltonbakerii8274]

Thank you for reminding me of the history of this song! Yes. *Very* Russian!

[@kickahaw]

Very well said, there are several Good Russian versions that are worth a listen.

[@tonyfred123]

So strange. I was on a road trip today from Jackson Tennessee to Memphis. This song came on the radio and I sang along with it. I hadn't heard it in so many many years. My best friend is suffering with a very serious medical condition and I thought of how this song applied to us and all we have been through. We've been best friends for almost 50 years. I came home and saw you guys react to this song. There was something very magical about it. A very nice coincidence. Thanks!

[@JaneReRe]

❤

[@jackedwards7420]

From Bolivar TN here, Prayers for you and especially your friend! I am going through a melancholy period right now remembering places I've lived, friends I had there, and wanting to visit; however, it's been too long, my friends are gone, the places defunct or no longer there! Almost all are only memories of used to be's!! This song plays right into my heart right now!

[@scottchapin2323]

Hope your friend gets well soon

[@rickyconner6782]

I hope your friend gets better and I live in Savannah, TN.

[@twoofsix3b3g]

Hope your friend gets better The universe is definitely sending you some vibes. All best wishes to you and your friend from Liverpool England ( home of the producer of this recording..Sir Paul McCartney )

[@raycornell5102]

As someone who is aging (gently), I listen to music from my youth and the more I realize how much more captivating and meaningful the lyrics are.

[@54nomore]

Our lives will be full of sad and good memories... What we will remember most are the good times...'Those Were The Days.'

[@beckystainer7297]

one thing that can be said is when we are in an upswing in life we never really realize it until it is done. if I can tell my younger self anything it would be to appreciate those good times more than I did at the time.

[@54nomore]

My sentiments exactly. As a 14-year-old back in 1968. I never really paid attention to the lyrics. Then 4 years later in 1972 as a senior in high school. It all made sense to me. The song became our senior yearbook and prom theme. 'Those Were The Days.' Literally!

[@swordforjustice]

A soprano with excellent breath and diaphragm control. From Wales like Tom Jones. Wales is known for their singing tradition.

[@dmillitello73]

Another 45 from my dad's record collection. Those were the days... literally.

[@JaneReRe]

Yup! Reminds me of New Years parties when I was a kid. Everyone singing and dancing 🍾🥂

[@TJStock85]

Your dad had great taste! If I'm not mistaken, Mary Hopkin was signed by Apple Records her album Postcard was produced by Paul McCartney himself in 1969... doesn't get much better than that!

[@JaneReRe]

These are the days my friends! Enjoy them! We'll be singing about these days someday!

[@rods1379]

Too late for me.

[@JaneReRe]

@@rods1379😣 Than always remember the good old days and I hope your good times always outweighed the bad 😉

[@susieterry2624]

Someday soon. Like, today maybe lol.

[@johnandmarie7250]

Well said

[@rods1379]

Thanks Jane!

[@andycofin6983]

The singers from the past has amazing voice control. No studio tricks, just hard work and genuine talent. My mother battled cancer for the last ten years her life, and this was one of her last favorite songs. I still remember her and my dad dancing in our kitchen to this song at my brother’s twenty-fifth birthday bash. There were probably 30 or more people there. During the party she made one last round to thank everyone and then retired to her bed. She only got out of bed once that last week before her death. My dad told me that she hummed that song until her strength gave out.

[@emmef7970]

Thank you for sharing your family story, such beautiful memories of your mother. I have loved this song since I was a teenager in the early seventies. I'm so glad it brought me here to your story. It put a smile on my face and brought forth memories of my beloved mother also. May the memories of your mother always bring comfort to your heart & soul until you meet again.

[@davidharward8908]

Thank you Paul McCartney for "discovering" Mary and for producing this great song.

[@patrichmond7533]

Born in Wales Mary began her musical career as a folk singer with a local group called the Selby Set and Mary. She released an EP of Welsh language songs for a local label called Cambrian before signing to the Beatles Apple Label, model Twiggy saw her winning a TV talent show and recommended her to Paul McCartney. She was one of the first artists to record on the Beatles record label Her debut single" Those Were the Days" got to number 1 in the UK and number 2 in the US. Selling over 8 million copies. The song "Dorogoy Dlinnoyu (Along a long road)" was written in the 1920's by "Boris Fomin" (music) and "Konstantin Podrevsky" (lyrics). An American called Gene Raskin in the early 60's wrote the lyrics "Those were the days" and put them to Fomin's music. The words have no similarity whatsoever with Podrevsky's

[@gregorymoore2877]

Selby Set and Mary? Imagine if she had formed a trio with Peter Asher and Paul McCartney. They could have been... Peter, Paul, & Mary... oh, wait... 🤔

[@andyallan2909]

The people you replied to were not saying Paul wrote, "Those Were the Days." They were saying that Paul wrote her second single, "Goodbye."

[@patrichmond7533]

@@andyallan2909 Nope I didn't

[@tobybarker6808]

funny - I'd always assumed she was irish

[@bartdrennon1764]

It's almost impossible not to sing along. Beautiful and haunting.

[@gerrynewton3147]

No autotune just pure talent!

[@bobclarke1815]

She came 2nd in the 1970 Eurovision song contest with "Knock, Knock, Who`s There."

[@MelanieMaguire]

Her voice is so beautiful it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

[@genebrenner855]

Look for "Goodbye" by her. Not only produced by Paul McCartney but written by him too.

[@susantownsend8397]

I got married the year this came out. Now, 54 years later, we are in our 70s and still married, and this is a very sweet memory.

[@paulgardner6239]

What a voice indeed. Those were the days when beautiful voices sang with so much emotion and no auto tune.

[@Cynthia...]

Great song and so true. Those were the days my friend! This was a kind of anthem for the hippies in the 60's/70's. 💜

[@dsusan17]

Her voice is ethereal.

[@MadMax-pu1kj]

1968 was a pivotal year. Vietnam was raging; the Civil Rights movement was in full swing; there were hippies and flower children nightly on the news; and "Don't trust anyone over 30" was a motto. Meanwhile, all the WWII Vets and Korean War vets are still alive and the old school was still in power. Mary Hopkin fit both camps. The kids looked on America and saw that everything was broken (it wasn't) while older Americans looked back on America where everything was good (it also wasn't) but, for a moment... 'Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end..."

[@MarchMeadow]

Me and my 15 male classmates (all aged 10) used to belt this out in the boys changing rooms at Stockton (UK) swimming baths when this was at the top of the charts.

[@wheelsistheman]

How Mary Hopkin never got anywhere after this song I will never understand. What a beautiful voice and so soothing to listen to.

[@tallmn1957]

She didn't want the life of a performer so she walked away. She wanted to have a family. No ego on her part.

[@shyman99]

Never got anywhere after this song? Her follow-up single, "Goodbye", peaked at #2 in the UK and #13 in the US. Her third single, "Temma Harbour", peaked at #6 in the UK and #39 in the US. She then had a TV series and a TV special in the UK in the early 70s. She would once again hit the top 40 in the UK with a song called, "If You Love Me". She has continued to be active in all forms of entertainment since then, most recently releasing 4 albums in the past 3 years. Your limited knowledge means you should not comment about something you know nothing about.

[@user-iv5gy3rc2b]

Sorry you missed "Goodbye" which was a big hit as well. Imo, Goodbye was even better. Too bad we didn't get more of her.

[@zacharylewis2802]

Two reasons: 1: She didn’t feel comfortable with the sudden popularity she got at a young age. 2: She signed with Apple Records, the Beatles’ music company. That got thrown into chaos in 1970 when Paul filed a lawsuit against the other three men and new manager Allen Klein to dissolve the legal partnership and leave Apple. Mary Hopkins was brought in by Paul, so she was somewhat punished for that.

[@sarageller6887]

Her song Goodbye is also fantastic! Paul and John wrote that one together

[@brendastevens2240]

Yes! You need to hear Goodbye!

[@bigdave1302]

@@brendastevens2240 No, only Paul wrote that.

[@danielvolk237]

This song was entirely written by Paul. John was credited as the co-writer as they agreed that any song they did would have Lennon- McCartney as co authors. 👍🙃

[@ciaranflynn1397]

@@danielvolk237 Wasnt written by John or Paul, produced by Paul only and released on Apple

[@danielvolk237]

@@ciaranflynn1397 We we're not talking about "Those were the days". We were talking about Mary Hopkin's other big hit "Goodbye". Which was 100% written by Paul McCartney. Sorry for the confusion. 🙃👍

[@williamamick9925]

Mary Hopkin was married to record producer Tony Visconti who was associated with Marc Bolan of T.Rex and David Bowie. She was the first artist Paul McCartney signed to Apple records. She had one other single "Goodbye" that didn't achieve the popularity that "Those Were The Days " achieved. She also provided backup vocals on David Bowie's album Low, particularly the song "Sound and Vision'.

[@kenhenderson1762]

Mary Hopkin was an 18 year old Welch girl that Paul McCartney discovered on a TV talent show. This song is an old Russian tavern song that was translated into English and became popular in British music halls of the 1920's and 30's.

[@Teresia12]

OMG I LOVE HER!!! I love female singers from the 60s. Listening to the lyrics we are so much older but not wiser. In our hearts we still want the same things. It's true. I'm a widow with my heart feeling exactly what it did when I was a teen dreaming of love and hitching across the country. Please check out Melanie, Lay Down which was written when she got off stage at Woodstock.

[@wolfie854]

Mary Hopkin is from Wales, a nation that has a rich vocal music tradition. Welsh singers and choirs are world famous. Tom Jones, one of your favourite artists, is Welsh. The Welsh cultural festival, the annual eisteddfod, is a wonderful showcase of music, poetry and dancing.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

As a couple who loves the singer Tom Jones, it may interest you to learn that Mary Hopkin was born just 40 miles from Tom's home in Wales. Shirley Bassey, Bonnie Tyler, Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones were all also born in that small corner of Wales. There must be something in the water!!

[@franchk8372]

I still sing this beautiful song ... lately to a very elderly gentleman who is nearly ninety. 💙💙

[@quincee3376]

That is awesome.

[@wayneccj0710]

I was born in 1971 so this song was still getting played when I was a kid. My goodness it has been a long time since I heard this song. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this song.

[@cocoaorange1]

Now they lyrics are hitting our generation!

[@cathylee4234]

On the way to bring my sister to chemo this song came on and we sang it together . We were both in our 50s so it reminded us of our younger years .When she passed in 2020 this song brought on a whole new meaning .And once you get to that age and reflect back this is when you will truly know this sadness .

[@brupic8968]

i was 18 when this came out 54 years ago. i remember thinking i'll think about this when i'm old......and now i think, 54 years before then was 1914 and i'm 72 and a great great grandfather--twice, and a widower. life is a blink. a speck of sand in an endless desert.

[@marybaillie8907]

From her debut album called Post Card from 1968, produced by Paul McCartney, this song hit Number One in Canada and the United Kingdom. It was Number 2 on the Billboard chart, behind Hey Jude by The Beatles. It was originally a Russian romance song and was translated to English. Mary's beautiful tones were well suited to this big hit. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

[@bengemeister]

Check her out on "Goodbye". McCartney is there dragging on a smoke.

[@susieq9801]

"Those were the days" when people were young and thought they were invincible. Then as we age we "see a strange reflection. Was that lonely woman really me?" The tempo varies with the lyrics, young and exuberant, then older and like a dirge. We all get old. This song is so evocative of what EVERYONE experiences. The song is based on a Russian folk song and includes Russian instruments like a balalaika (also a tenor banjo). Another lovely song she sang was "The streets of London" (Popularized by Ralph McTell). Also worth a listen.

[@leemcclements8889]

When I was a kid my best friend and I would go next door to friends of our Grandmothers to sing this song for a few pieces of candy! I remember it vividly! We stood in the living room while they sat on the couch and let us sing Those Were The Days! They clapped and sang along a little with us, and we were rewarded with a sweet treat!

[@asherdash12]

That's a cute memory. I remember this song from my childhood tok

[@pbasswil]

Mary was fast-tracked for a mainstream pop career by her label, Apple Records. She was closely groomed by Apple co-founder Paul McCartney. With the songs he picked & wrote & arranged for her, and a steady schedule of TV appearances (mostly to sing this particular track, again and again and again), she became very well-known, very quickly. Although her first album was a great commercial success, the material and its arrangements were not _at all_ what Mary, herself, wanted to do. For her second release she stuck to her guns, and released a much-paired down set of folk (-ish) material that represented her own personal tastes & vision. It was well received by critics, but not a big seller. This was the beginning of the end of her relationship with Apple, who were laser focused on topping the pop charts. She went on to have a modestly successful 5-decade career with a better life/work balance, doing things _her_ tasteful & dignified way. Good on her!!

[@shwicaz]

This song really hit me today. Been hearing it for years, but never 'heard' it like I did today. 2 weeks ago, right before Thanksgiving, my brother attempted suicide. Mom is taking it harder than most, as you can imagine. Visiting him in a facility that he is afraid of, unsure of his future, watching my older brother scared, and full of anxiety has been so tough. Tonight my hubby and I are going to a Christmas play-- we always took my brother every year for this annual event, as his birthday is in December...tonight hubby and I will go without my brother. The seat next to us, meant for him, will be empty. We could have gotten someone to take the ticket, but it didn't feel right. Somehow, with that empty seat, my brother will still be 'wtih us'. Came home, saw this song, and your reaction, and couldn't stop crying. This song really hits when 'those were the days' makes you realize that sometimes 'those days' are gone.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Helen Reddy--"I Am Woman"; Cher--"Half Breed"; Maria Muldaur--"Midnight at the Oasis"; Dusty Springfield--"You Don't Have to Say You Love Me"; Petula Clark--"My Love"

[@michaelanderson1476]

My favourite song she ever sang was....For all my days. Simply and truly beautifully sung by her beautiful angelic voice as you both will see why!!!!👏🙌🙏😇❤🎉

[@shanemyersmyers1379]

I love this song! It is very relatable to me. Time flies so quickly. One day you are in your early twenties, then you wake up one day, and you are in your mid fifties.

[@alanr4447a]

The Beatles launched their 'Apple' label in 1968 with their "First four" singles, two of which were their own "Hey Jude"/"Revolution" and this Mary Hopkin ditty. Her song rose to #2 in the U.S., kept out of #1 by "Hey Jude"'s lengthy 9-week domination of that spot. In the UK's _Melody Maker_ chart, her song followed "Hey Jude" at #1.

[@martinscott-reed5379]

I haven't heard this for decades. I'd forgotten how much I loved it. Thank you for reacting to this.

[@Paladin70]

This song had a sound that for some reason always made me picture gypsies dancing around. Was a big hit when it came out my junior year in high school - Number 1 in the UK and Number 2 here. She was one of the first artists signed by the Beatles when they launched Apple records. Didn’t have a bunch of big hits but sang on a lot of other big stars’ records and she got to hang out with the Beatles, so that in and of itself makes her pretty cool in my book. She apparently still performs at age 72. Thanks for this, I hadn’t heard it in ages.

[@Isleofskye]

That makes perfect sense because it was originally a Russian Folk Song that Paul McCartney Of The Beatles produced in 1968 for Mary. Now imagine Cossack Dancers enjoying this:)

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Ahhhhhh remembering this one from AM radio in the 68/69. Coming from the radio in the garage as my Dad worked on his car and I played in the back yard. Coming to sip his iced coffee! It's not exactly sad, it's nostalgic and a bit wistful. But so well sung. She has great vibrato in her voice. In those days you had to really be able to sing to be a recording star, except for a small percentage of rock n rollers. But nearly all of them were good, on-pitch singers, too!

[@PrinzAndrew]

I remember this song from my childhood. Mary Hopkin has that old world storyteller kind of quality. I could always just picture her in a tavern in Europe in yesteryear singing this and other songs. Loreena McKennitt, who was recording a lot in the 90s, also has this wonderful quality. Loreena McKennitt's Celtic style storytelling songs are also mesmerizing.

[@joiedevivre2005]

Agreed - I have been begging them to react to Loreena McKennitt - particularly "Dante's Prayer" "The Highwayman" & "The Mummer's Dance".

[@PrinzAndrew]

@@joiedevivre2005 Yes, good suggestions! ;o)

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

She was a natural. Recorded in studios with the Beatles in England, but never sang with them.

[@Jontor11]

Mary Hopkin's voice is unique. And she should have won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970 with 'Knock knock who's there', she was the best.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Not better than Dana surely

[@Jontor11]

@@Shane-Flanagan Well, both Mary and Dana had songs that were both on the sweet side. But while Mary's song was cute, Dana's song was a syrup-y sugar overdose.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I remember when this started playing on the radio. I thought it was a just a pretty song never really thought about the lyrics. Now that I'm quite a bit older, the lyrics mean a lot more and kind of strike a nerve. She is reminiscing of her youth. Then to her surprise an old friend or flame calls her name.

[@thewiseoldherper7047]

I was just a very small child when I first heard this song and I’ve always loved it. And as I am now an old man, it’s more bittersweet, but I still love it.

[@josiebo803]

I love this song... Heard it first as a child... Always find it so poignant and beautiful. I didn't realise Mary Hopkins was so beautiful, too! Love Russian music.. especially the balalaika. Such an emotive sound.

[@alandhopewell]

I have always loved Mary Hopkin's voice, plus the fact that she looks exactly like she sounds.

[@tammyclay62]

She is so pretty and angelic.

[@mikeyates7931]

When you're old , like me , this song hits HARD 😭

[@donnacorey5682]

Absolutely! Age 66 here and every time I hear it it kills me. I so love it though.

[@mikeyates7931]

@@donnacorey5682 me too , sister

[@lifewuzonceezr]

Same...I was transported to the pub..singing along with all the extra bits and motions..and then I was bawling..that was 30 years AGO!! 😢 IAM 51.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

@@donnacorey5682 I'm 26 and 3 years ago I was super fit and healthy befor ebeing struck down by covid in early 2020. Now I am housebound, can't move much (before I was training for iron mans) with full body damage including the heart, and can't focus too much. This song also resonates.

[@andrewmccormack4295]

Same here,I'm getting real close to 71 and hearing this took me straight back to my teenage years,I felt like I was 16 again hearing this amazing song.

[@stischer47]

The song came out my senior year in college and suddenly made me realize that all the friends and times I had at the time were just passing. Yes, those were the days.

[@39thala]

Mary is a Welsh singer. The people of Wales are known for their singing. She took singing lessons as a child. Before she was ever signed with the Beatles' Apple label, she released an entire album of songs in the Welsh language. She also did a few while she was with Apple.

[@Wyrmksc]

She recorded this in 5 languages, English German, Italian, French and Spanish. The song Goodbye is worth a listen to as well.

[@susieterry2624]

Oh my gosh, this song was a huge hit in the 60's - I might have been 6 or 7 years old. I had totally forgotten about this one! Wow, thanks guys. 🤪

[@FalconXE302]

Listen to the lyrics... Just about every person that has ever lived and had friends and shared drinks at the tavern, can associate with this song. Timeless...

[@lynnerapping7725]

I used to love singing this song. I was 7 in 1968!

[@oldladylovesBruno]

I love how they filmed singers live, with no Insta-tune. Her voice is so nice to hear. This song reminds me of the years I'd go with friends to T.J. Slone's in Hollywood. I have so many great memories from there. Then, it was sold and turned into a dress store. It was such a cool place, with antiques and odd things hanging from the ceiling. My best friend and I still reminisce about that tavern.

[@carltonbakerii8274]

I absolutely love this song! The melancholy, the moodiness, the nostalgia! This is a classic torch song, the kind you's get in Weimar Germany.

[@ruggerobelloni4743]

Mary sang in 5 languages including, obviously,Welsh. She won second place at the San Remo Festival singing the song "Lontano dagli occhi" in near perfect Italian, better than Italian-American artists, with enough cute British "Ts" and "Ds" to make one want to kiss her (I was just 17 and you know what I mean). Check out the 1969 performance in Italy, I just watched it after 54years and recalled how I liked her and Sandy Shaw.(and played Beatles records for hours)

[@Rasperdan]

The little Welsh princess... fantstic voice. Thanks for posting this I have not listened to this song for years.... Beautiful.

[@VivacityTS]

She had a steady hyper vibrato which appears effortless natural talent.

[@charlessalzman4377]

Her vibrato is simply amazing. As far as difficulty, once you get things down a lot of it becomes muscle memory. A song you know well you don't even have to think about what your doing at the time and in your head you are saying the next line. You can even zone out completely, almost like factory work, but less dangerous when the mind wonders. And yeah you build up endurance, you increase your vital capacity (the greatest volume of air you can take into your lungs) and you learn to release it very slowly, almost imperceptibly. You can last a long time at or near your base notes. But you also learn to take it in very quickly. My professor had us do "My Country Tis of Thee" on a single breath. Most of the class lasted about halfway through when we started and most of us were at two full time by the end, it was squeeky and gaspy at the end but still not breathe. And all that vocal work helped my asthma immensely. And the vibrato, mentioned above, becomes so second nature that you get to a point where you have to remember to turn it off during some song parts. And the craziest thing, when you hit those right notes and carry them for a long time, the sensation is euphoric. It's seriously comparable to an orgasm. BTW, my professor had a doctorate in vocal science. She was part of a groundbreaking crew that had to define what that meant. Everyone else was doing vocal art. She was trying to determine what it takes physically to make a the voice work. they studies resonance chambers in the body, stance, muscle tension, head, tongue, soft palette, lip, and jaw positioning. So in the end, she got a doctorate in vocal science. I love you professor Chardonnay.

[@kevinmk2002]

Our band still play this, its still very popular, audiences love to join in the chorus.

[@MaggieValera]

Light and airy voice? Spot on. Love song? You're not even in the ballpark. This is the heartbreak of aging, the irony being that it was sung by a young girl in her prime. LOL I was given a jewelry box when I was little that played this song because I used to sing it all the time. My mother said that there was no debating me being an old soul since I was singing this with all of the proper voice intonations for the somberness of the song... especially since I was only 2. Mary Hopkin is a Welsh singer, in fact, she was on the Tom Jones Show, but this is an old Russian folk song. Love you guys {{{hugs}}}

[@matthewthomas7418]

This is such a beautiful song and really pulls at my heartstrings. Mary Hopkins voice is magical to listen to.

[@jamiewilson3599]

Such memories! This was the lead single on her first album - the first album I bought with my own money! It was produced by Paul McCartney, who had heard her singing and signed her as one of Apple Records first artists. It was a MASSIVE hit both in the UK and N. America. She didn't record for very long, and apparently decided that pop stardom was not what she wanted. So she went back to Wales and had a smaller career, but was happier in the end.

[@michaeldonaghey]

Not true, she married Tony Visconti.

[@IvanDal92ry2]

she took part in the eurovision song contest in 1970 with the song 'knock knock who's there' and came in 2nd place. very nice song! You must listen to it

[@paulwalker9421]

Mary Hopkin was a protege and produced by Paul McCartney in1968 as a new talent for Apple Records, The Beatles label. "Those were the days" knocked "Hey Jude" out of the #1 slot .. McCartney wrote" Goodbye" for her and produced her album. .Thank you, she has a great voice!.

[@dawndelbianco2481]

Such a beautiful song. Her voice is 👏 amazing

[@pauld6967]

A song that has always been a favorite since my childhood and now it has deeper meaning in light of having adult friends that I have known for decades. Also on the romances that didn't work out but now are pondered on what might've been.

[@davidjustsimplefun8484]

My father loved Mary Hopkins and would play this album a lot when I was a kid. Thanks for the happy memories. RIP Dad.

[@76ludlow]

Mary Hopkin took the entertainment world, at least the UK part of it, by storm with her multiple weekly winning appearances on the then hugely popular TV talent show, Opportunity Knocks, presented by Hughie Green. This beautiful Welsh girl had the UK public completely entranced, and her performances kept her coming back week after week. Mary represented the UK with Knock, Knock, Who's There in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970, finishing in second place behind Ireland's Dana. who sang All Kinds Of Everything.

[@kenpatton8761]

This song always reminds me of my time stationed in Germany at Ramstein AFB. I actually lived off base in a local village at a Gasthaus. I was always welcomed and invited by the owners to celebrate their special occasions and of course the holidays (especially Christmas and New Years)! As a single guy back then, it really meant a lot. I even got to help the family by waiting on tables, serving food and a LOT of beer during Octoberfest! As there were only 2 sisters, their husbands and 2 children working, they really appreciated my help. The Gasthaus seated at least 500! And as I didn’t speak German at the time, it made for interesting evening’s. What a BLAST! Glad you found this song….thanks and Prost! Happy Holidays

[@billpudim5067]

Ramstein 73-76. Loved it.

[@jai07070]

Love this song! Lyrics a bit sad but true to life. This is a shorter version, you may want to check out the full version.

[@robertwilliams8364]

I'm laying in bed listening to this in my home in Pontardawe, Wales... This happens to be the village that Mary comes from.... Beautiful voice!

[@michelleboyer9506]

One of my favorites. She has a great voice. I love all of the different genres you have been reviewing. True music lover. ❤

[@Russ-gy7tx]

Mary Hopkins had another song "Goodbye" written by Paul McCartney, the song did not make The Beatle's "Abbey Road" album, so Paul gave it to Hopkins.

[@markydh83]

Paul wrote the song specifically for Hopkin. It was never intended for The Beatles.

[@jailnurse]

This song transports me back to my childhood in seconds. Itś one of my earliest memories of hearing music on the radio.

[@patrickdowdle5121]

Mary Hopkins had one of the most beautiful voices around , her voice still sends shivers up my spine whenever i hear her sing . The original song was not Italian but a Russian romance song called "By the long road", that was composed by Boris Fomin and written by the poet Konstantin Podrevsky. Another great song you must do is a song called Tar and Cement sung by Verdelle Smith . Her voice is just as captivating as Marys voice

[@saintndacity4814]

Check out the studio version. Also, this was the first single released by Apple Records

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love her "Temma Harbour"!! I still have my parents 45rpm record of "Those Were The Days", remember singing it with them. The B-side was the classic "Turn Turn Turn" made famous by the Byrds. edit- This song reached #1 in 5 countries, #2 in 3 countries and #3 in 1 country, so yes an international hit song.

[@josephmilitello647]

This is a bit obscure, but the B-side of "Temma Harbour" is one of my favorites: "Lontano dagli Occhi," which the Welsh Mary Hopkin sings beautifully in Italian. Also check her out on the Tom Jones Show, starring her fellow Welsh singer.

[@surlechapeau]

@@josephmilitello647 its kinda obscure, but it was a top 10 song in 5 countries, including the US Adult contemporary chart. I will check out "Lontano dagli Occhi", with her voice, its got to be good! Thanks!

[@rossdownes4240]

It reached number one in 16 countries and was the 30th biggest seller for that year

[@josephmilitello647]

I was referring to my reference to the B side of Temma Harbour as obscure. Those were the days was an enormous hit, of course.

[@surlechapeau]

@@josephmilitello647 ok, I thought you were referring to Temma Harbour.

[@josephvanchierijr.2486]

One of my favorite songs. She had such a great voice.

[@chuckvt5196]

Mary Hopkins is a Welsh singer, and this song was actually produced by Paul McCartney.

[@johnlewandowski8624]

Oh how we see things differently as we age and how we see experiences differently when we look back at them! So beautiful, haunting, real, and true!

[@sueparras6028]

I loved this song when I was way younger and as I have gotten way older I now realize how much this song describes my life. ✌🇨🇦

[@cocoaorange1]

Tell me about it, 90's young adult here!

[@karolyn8644]

Mary Hopkin is from Wales. Another Welsh woman of note is Bonnie Tyler, Queen of the power ballad, born Gaynor Hopkins. One of my favorites by her is Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain' but the most popular is probably 'Total Eclipse of the Heart.' I'd love to see you react to her. Some of the videos of her live performances aren't very good, but her official videos are wonderful and pretty quirky. She's still touring at 72 years of age.

[@susanmckay695]

Mary Hopkins is a Welsh lass, first discovered on a TV talent show Opportunity Knocks, the Beetles gave her some help when they heard her

[@MACMISIAS]

Just sitting on a chair, just the singer and all of us. It was all about music without other distractions, a very beautiful sad song that brings tears to your eyes cause it remind everyone what he lost in this journey called life.

[@snowbirdlady8496]

Mary was an artist signed to the Beatles' Apple Records. If I remember correctly, Paul McCartney produced this song.

[@cjpew]

Correct. I had the 45 (anyone remember those?) and can picture it now with the apple centre picture.

[@melmingin8445]

This is a classic ,such a good song! Mary is pretty much a one hit wonder!!!

[@mikelipke9404]

goodbye is a really good song by Mary Hopkins written by Paul McCartney

[@sheilameyers152]

Some of my friends and I use to sing this song … it reminded us of a grandparents and songs they use to sing! “Those were the days my friends!”

[@Earcandy73]

She had a follow up hit that was a Eurovision entry “Knock, knock,who’s There”

[@johnvillanova9984]

She had another top ten written by McCartney called "Goodbye"

[@vincentschmitt7597]

This was it as far as i recall from her.

[@jackielouise3725]

Mary Hopkin is from Wales and she was one of the winners of 'Opportunity Knocks!', a very popular television talent show back then - I'm old enough to remember watching it......

[@willswalkingwest7267]

Oh my God, I was so in love with Mary Hopkin when I was a late teenager.

[@marymccabe3378]

Love this song - gets more meaningful every year!

[@alphabeta1094]

This song reached number 2 on the Billboard 100 and she won a Grammy for best female pop vocal.

[@patrichmond7533]

She actually came second to Dionne Warwick ]

[@michaels640]

A Paul McCartney discovery I believe. We once had a holiday through Wales in a double deck bus and were passing through Pontadawr, and locals told us where she lived. I went up the drive to say hallo, and met her grandma at the door; but Mary was away singing at the eisteddfod…

[@RIXRADvidz]

she was good friends with Beatles' Paul McCartney, he did a lot of producing of her music. ''Good-bye'' is a very good song ''Knock Knock Who's There'' is one that took her to Eurovision. all worth checking out, she is a phenomenon

[@jono.pom-downunder]

Oh wow so long since I've heard this, it was on our radios all the time, it gets into your head and will stay forever . Mary has such a beautifully haunting voice it's hypnotic.

[@TheOriginalRick]

A song that you really need to add for Female Friday is Baby, It's You by Smith, with vocals by Gayle McCormick. Some people consider it one of the greatest one-hit wonders of 60s Rock and Roll. There are several live versions on YT, and I guarantee that you will be astounded by the quality of her voice and the singing ability.

[@db4982]

Great suggestion. I still listen to 'Baby, It's You' by Smith.

[@elegantgypsyrose5328]

Agreed

[@KK-yf7kh]

Great song!

[@dougthompson5449]

Gayle McCormack was not only a stunning beauty but had a sensational voice.

[@greg2976]

Those WERE certainly the days!!!!! I lived them!!!!

[@paulstanding8516]

Mary's now 72 and still recording, such a beautiful voice!