
John Flansburgh, guitarist and singer for the alt-rock band They Might Be Giants, celebrates his 62nd birthday today. "Istanbul (not Constantinople)" was a novelty song written in 1953 by Jimmy Kennedy (lyrics) and Nat Simon (music) to commemorate the official renaming of the city. It was originally done by The Four Lads in 1953, when it reached #10 and was certified Gold. They Might Be Giants’s version was released on their 1990 album Flood, from which it was the second single.
I never heard of this song before. I enjoyed it, it’s fun!
LikeLike
It’s been around since 1953, but that means nothing, really. It is a fun song.
LikeLike
Love this 💜💜
LikeLike
Me, too. I liked the original by the Four Lads as well…
LikeLike
Yes so did I 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always enjoyed this one 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So have I. Mom used to sing it around the house…
LikeLike
I’ve never heard that version! Fun song, though 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person