In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Blame It on the Bossa Nova

Music by Barry Mann, Lyrics by Cynthia Weil

Originally Performed by Eydie GormÈ

"Blame It on the Bossa Nova" is a song written by Cynthia Weil (lyrics) and Barry Mann which was a 1963 hit single for Eydie Gormé, reaching number 7 on the Hot 100 in Billboard in March 1963. The song also peaked at number 32 in the UK, whereas "Yes, My Darling Daughter" became the biggest hit for Eydie there, reaching number 10. Produced by Al Kasha who had been responsible for the No. 1 hit "Go Away Little Girl" by Gormé's husband Steve Lawrence, "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" featured backing vocals by The Cookies. "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" merges the sensibilities of the Brill Building Sound with the Latin music which Gormé had previously specialized in, as the song describes a romantic relationship inaugurated by a couple dancing to the bossa nova - "the dance of love." The bossa nova is a Brazilian music style in vogue in the United States from the late 1950s.

Release Date: 1963

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.

Various Arrangers : Girls Love to Mambo

Ready for samba! "The Girl from Ipanema" - The legendary Brazilian composer Antonio Jobim's most famous song in a memorable setting. "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" - You'll capture the sound of an era when you perform this campy hit from 1963 at the zenith of the Bossa Nova craze! Opening with a two part call and response, it moves into a fully harmonized chorus with some clever lyrics that will create smiles all around. "Mas Que Nada" - This classic bossa nova tune will give a smooth Brazilian flavor to your next jazz or show choir concert. Originally recorded by Sergio Mendez & Brazil '66. Includes Portugese and English lyrics. "Mambo Italiano" - Here is an irresistible choral setting of Rosemary Clooney's famous hit from 1955 that will be tons of fun to perform! A delightful concert change of pace! "One Note Samba" - This samba standard absolutely sparkles with cheerful rhythm! Perfect for high school singers and up with plenty of solo opportunities, you'll work your diction skills and dazzle your audience. "Papa Loves Mambo" - Direct from the 1950's comes this delightful little song and recorded by a myriad of artists through the decades. Mark Hayes' arrangement is full of fun and life and will be appealing to all ages. Try some movement adding a little uh to your performance and a little mambo to your stage. Absolutely timeless!

Songlist: The Girl from Ipanema, Blame It on the Bossa Nova, Mas Que Nada, Mambo Italiano, One Note Samba, Papa Loves Mambo

Various Artists : Ladies of Song

This terrific collection includes over 70 songs associated with some of the greatest female vocalists ever recorded. These "ladies of song" include Barbra Streisand, Etta James, Liza Minnelli, Peggy Lee, and Sarah Vaughan, to name but a few.

Songlist: All I Could Do Was Cry, And All That Jazz, Aquellos Ojos Verdes (Green Eyes), Baby (You've Got What It Takes), Be Anything (But Be Mine), Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much), The Best Is Yet To Come, Blame It On The Bossa Nova, But Beautiful, Buttons And Bows, Cabaret, Call Me, Changing Partners, Come Rain or Come Shine, Daddy, Dear Hearts And Gentle People, Dear Ruby, Dearly Beloved, Don't Be That Way, Downtown, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, From A Distance, The Girl From Ipanema (Gar™ta De Ipanema), God Bless' The Child, Golden Earrings, Guilty, A Guy Is A Guy, How High The Moon, I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me, and more

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-1 of 1 items.

Kirby Shaw : Blame It on the Bossa Nova

You'll capture the sound of an era when you perform this campy hit from 1963 at the zenith of the Bossa Nova craze! Opening with a two part call and response, it moves into a fully harmonized chorus with some clever lyrics that will create smiles all around. Available separately SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as digital download. Duration: ca. 2:40.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw