Who Sang Plastic Jesus?

Plastic Jesus (song) – Wikipedia

This article is about the song of the same name.Plastic Jesus can be found in a variety of contexts.″Plastic Jesus″ is a folk song written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957 that is popular in the United States.On World Pacific Records’ Here They Are!The Goldcoast Singers album, released in 1962, they recorded it as a funny ad spoof under the name The Goldcoast Singers (wp-1806).

The song’s authorship has historically been incorrectly attributed to Ernie Marrs, who recorded a version of it in 1965, despite the fact that Rush and Cromarty are listed as the song’s authors by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the song’s publisher, EMI Music Publishing.A version of the words and music written by Ernie Marrs was published in the folk music journal Sing Out!(Volume 14, issue number 2, page 40) and was ascribed to him as the songwriter.

Religious basis for parody

It was a Christian radio station in Del Rio, Texas, in the mid-1950s that served as the source of inspiration for the song, according to Ed Rush.The station was purportedly owned by a dentist who also happened to be a religious fanatic ″The most ridiculous items conceivable were offered, all of which had miraculous healing abilities.″ One summer broadcast in particular had the words ″.leaning on the arms of Jesus, cradled in the bosom of the Lord,″ which was particularly poignant.

Recordings, performances, and covers

  • ‘Here They Are! The Goldcoast Singers’ was released in 1962, and it was the first time the group performed together.
  • The song ″Plastic Jesus″ was recorded in 1965 by Ernie Marrs and the ″Marrs Family,″ which included pals Kay Cothran and Bud Foote.
  • A melancholic moment in the film Cool Hand Luke has Paul Newman, who is portraying the main character and singing the song while holding a banjo. The 1965 Marrs Family version may also be heard in other parts of the movie.
  • Tia Blake recorded this song in 1971 for the album Folksongs & Ballads.
  • In 1988, the band Naked Prey released the album Kill the Messenger.
  • It was included on the Flaming Lips’ album Transmissions from the Satellite Heart in 1993, however it was released under the title ″″
  • Mojo Nixon and Jello Biafra collaborated on the album Prairie Home Invasion in 1994.
  • Sallymacs, on their album Faves, Raves, and Songs from the Grave, released in 1999.
  • Rocky Votolato’s album A Brief History was released in 2000.
  • The Blackeyed Susans, from their album Dedicated to the Ones We Love, released in 2001.
  • Jack Johnson’s Live at Boulder CD was released in 2001.
  • Billy Idol performed on the album Devil’s Playground in 2005
  • The Flametricks Subs performed on the album Undead at the Black Cat Lounge in 2009
  • and
  • Snow Patrol’s album Fallen Empires was released in 2011.
  • A B-Side of the song ″This Isn’t Everything You Are,″ which was released in Germany but did not appear on the final album
  • The year 2020 will see the release of Thomas Csorba’s self-titled album, as well as The Levellers’ Fifteen Years EP, as well as Jack Johnson performing at some of his shows and releasing some bootlegs.
  • Long before the song became popular, it was used as an opener for ″Billy Sol Hargis″ sketches on the Imus in the Morning radio program, which aired for many years.
  • Guido Belcanto performs a Dutch rendition of the song in many of his live performances.

Additional verses

The popularity of this song has increased as a result of its folk history.A number of optional verses have been added to the song to make it more complete.Many folk songs make reference to Jesus, but there are also sections that make reference to Mary, Joseph, the Apostles, or even the Devil.Numerous parodies of ″Plastic Jesus″ are available on the website of folk musician Joe Bethancourt, including ″Plastic Vishnu,″ ″Plastic Cthulhu,″ and an ecumenical version with verses referencing several religions, among others (Buddhism, Judaism, etc.).

References

External links

  • Plastic Jesus

Lyrics for Plastic Jesus by Eddie Marrs – Songfacts

It doesn’t matter to me whether it rains or freezes.As long as I have my plastic Jesus, I’m good.I’m perched on the dashboard of my vehicle.Through my experiences and tribulations, as well as my trips across the world, I have learned I’m going to go a long way with my plastic Jesus.Jesus made of plastic I’m concerned that plastic Jesus, who is currently riding on the dashboard of my automobile, will have to be removed.

His magnets are destroying my radio.If I get into a crash, He’ll leave a scar on my face.Riding along a major highway With his nose in the air, he doesn’t seem to care that he’s about to get into a crash.He doesn’t see any trouble coming; all he does is keep an eye on me and anything else that may be lurking in the shadows.

Jesus made of plastic My car’s dashboard is adorned with a plastic Jesus figure.Despite the fact that the sun on his back causes him to peel, chip, and crack, a little patching maintains him in good shape.When I’m stuck in traffic, he doesn’t care if I swear or not.I can let all of my obscenities fly at him.Because he possesses a plastic ear, Plastic Jesus is unable to hear.My soul was spared by the man who made plastic.

Jesus made of plastic My car’s dashboard is adorned with a plastic Jesus figure.After being pristine white for years, His robe is no longer as brilliant, having been stained by the smoke from my cigar.If I weave about in the middle of the night and the cops suspect I’m high, they never seem to find my bottle, no matter how hard they try.Because His head comes off, you see, He’s hollow, and I use Him as a flask, I’m protected by the plastic Jesus.Jesus made of plastic My car’s dashboard is adorned with a plastic Jesus figure.Join me on the ride and drink from the dram of the blood of the Lamb -Plastic Jesus is a sacred bar.

Some examples from the film ″Cool Hand Luke″ are as follows: As long as I have my plastic JesusSittin’ on the dashboard of my automobile, it makes no difference to me if it rains or freezes.He comes in a variety of hues, including pink and nice, and he glows in the dark since he is iridescent.Take him with you when you go on long journeys.

Take care of yourself with a sweet Madonna Standing on an abalone shell pedestal, she is decked out in diamonds and rhinestones.Going ninety isn’t a big deal for me since I’ve got the Virgin Mary to reassure me that I won’t end up in Hell.

Who sang ‘plastic Jesus’ song?

November 28, 1994, 8:37:20 p.m., unread 11/28/94to I’m looking for the name of a song as well as the name of the artist who recorded it (along withthe album the song was recorded on).I don’t remember much about the song other than a phrase about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and another lyric about Mary in the rear window, which I believe was in the middle of the song.I would really appreciate any assistance you could provide.Thanks John Kuhn was a scientist who lived in the United States.

Michael Schuster

unread,Nov 29, 1994, 12:48:15 AM11/29/94to In article <[email protected]>, wrote:>I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with>the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I >recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may>have been another line about Mary in the back window.There may be other versions, but the one I’m familiar with is by then-New York(WNBC) disc jockey Don Imus. He had several comedy albums over the yearsmostly based on skits he did on the radio. I m =sure= it’s on one of them.The title may very well be ″Plastic Jesus″.- Mike Schuster|[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | GEnie: MSCHUSTER

Brian Leibowitz

unread,Nov 29, 1994, 4:03:22 AM11/29/94to >I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with>the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I >recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may>have been another line about Mary in the back window.>It is originally by The Gold Coast Singers (or at least they made it famous)The album is _Here They Are_.Unfortunately, this song seems to haveeluded reissue.I have been looking for it for many years and have notbeen able to find it on any compilation nor find the original.Brian

Joe Bethancourt

Unread, November 29, 1994, 7:50:19 a.m.11/29/94to Brian Leibowitz ([email protected]) wrote: In article, Brian Leibowitz ([email protected]) wrote: If anyone is interested in the lyrics, I can provide them.According to the author, Ernie Marrs, the original was [email protected] Locksley Plot Systems is located at PO Box 35190 in Locksley.White Tree Productions is based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA (zip code 85069).CyberMongol Limited (CyberMongol) In other words, don’t attribute your own intentions to others: at best, it will crush your heart; at worst, it will get you killed.

TRINA TSIPPORAH BIRNBAUM

To hmm, it’s 11/29/94 at 8:54:55 a.m. on November 29, 1994. I recollect saying, ″I don’t care if it rains or if it snows.″ No matter how dark or dangerous the night is, as long as I have my plastic Jesusridin on the dashboard of my car and as long as I have my magnetic Maryridin on the dashboard of my car, I’m OK.

Alan Blackwell

unread,Nov 29, 1994, 10:30:25 AM11/29/94to In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] writes:> I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with> the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I > recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may> have been another line about Mary in the back window.> I have a copy of an album with this song. Unfortunately, it is in a boxin New Zealand, and I am in England, so I can only give you informationfrom five year-old memories: here goes!The album was recorded by a guy named Cecil McCartney, who I believewas British. Other songs concerned topics such as vegetarianism andscuba diving. I don’t remember the name of the album, but it datedfrom about 1968. When I bought it, I thought it was a sixties spoof,but it soon became apparent that the guy was really serious!As I recall, the plastic jesus song was credited as ″traditional″.This seems to be a joke, but does imply that the song was not writtenby Cecil himself – it is not noticeably weirder than the other songson the album, so I don’t know why else he would single it out for adifferent attribution.I think I can remember a few more of the lyrics than you quoted – the chorus is:Plastic Jesus,Plastic Jesus,Riding on the dashboard of my car.I don’t care if it rains or freezes,Long as I’ve got my plastic Jesus,Riding on the dashboard of my car.I can’t remember many of the verses, except for this piece:I believe he’ll have to go,His magnets ruin my radio,And if I have a crash, He’ll leave a scar. Hope this helps you to find the original – I doubt that you would everbe able to find a copy of Cecil McCartney’s masterpiece:-)Alan==Alan BlackwellWhatever the header says, *I* think my returnHitachi Europe Limitedaddress should be: [email protected] ParkLower Cookham RoadTelephone: +44 628 585435MaidenheadFax:+44 628 585440England SL6 8YA

Eric Fromm

unread,Nov 29, 1994, 6:52:49 PM11/29/94to In article <[email protected]>, wrote:>I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with>the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I >recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may>have been another line about Mary in the back window.Sounds like a John Prine song.I don’t recall which one for sure although itseems to me it might be a line in ″Flag Decals″ (″. but your flag decals won’t get you into heaven any more.″).-eric

Joe Bethancourt

November 29, 1994, 11:03:03 p.m., unread 11/29/94to Alan Blackwell (alan@llanelli) sent the following message: According to the post, [email protected] writes: > I’m attempting to figure out the name of a song as well as who recorded it (as well as: > whose album it was recorded on).The song is unfamiliar to me, and all I recall is a line about ″plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard,″ and there may have been another line about ″Mary in the back window.″: >: I don’t know what the song is about, but I remember a line about ″plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard,″ and there may have been another line about ″Mary in the back window.″ I have a copy of an album that has this particular song.Unfortunately, it is in a crate in New Zealand, and I am in England, therefore I can only provide you with the following information: Here’s what comes to mind from five-year-old memories: The CD was recorded by a guy named Cecil McCartney, who I assume was from the United Kingdom.Other songs dealt with issues such as vegetarianism and scuba diving, among others.I don’t recall the name of the album, but it was released about 1968, according to my records.

My initial impression was that the book was a sixties parody, but it quickly became clear that the author was serious about his subject!According to what I recall, the plastic Jesus hymn was referred to as ″traditional.″: This appears to be a joke, but it does indicate that the song was not written: by Cecil himself – it is not substantially crazier than the other songs: on the album, so I’m not sure why he would pick it out for a: different attribution if he didn’t want it to be obvious.’I Believe in You,’ says the song, which was allegedly penned by Ernie Marrs and runs as follows: The fact that it’s raining or freezing doesn’t matter to me as long as I’ve got my plastic JesusRiding on the dashboard of my vehicle.Across my struggles and tribulations, as well as my journeys throughout the world I’m going to go a long way with my plastic Jesus!

My car’s dashboard is adorned with a plastic Jesus, who is called ″Plastic Jesus.″ Across my struggles and tribulations, as well as my journeys throughout the world I’m going to go a long way with my plastic Jesus!I don’t care whether the environment is dark or frightening as long as I have Magnetic.My car’s dashboard has a picture of MaryRidin’ on it.I believe I am adequately protected since I have the entire friggin Holy FamilyRidin’ on the dashboard of my automobile.Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus However, I believe he will have to go because his magnet is destroying my radio.If I get into a crash, he’ll leave a scar on my face!

Riding down a major street, His Nose dangling from the wind He doesn’t care whether there’s a shambles ahead of him.Trouble is on the way He doesn’t see anything; all he does is keep an eye on me.And everything else that may be lurking in the shadows Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus Despite the fact that the sun on His back causes him to peel, chip, and break, He’s still in good shape thanks to some patching!When people attempt to cross the street, I just tell them who is in charge.I never use my horn or offer them any kind of warning.I travel all around town, attempting to bring them to justice!

And it is rare that they survive to see the light of day.Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus His Halo is well suited for me, and I use it as a sight!Also, they’ll disperse or they’ll spatter all over the place.

When I’m stuck in traffic, he doesn’t care whether I shout ″Damn!″ or anything else.I can spout any number of swear words.Plastic Jesus cannot hear since He is equipped with a plastic ear.EarThe man who invented plastic saved my life by inventing it!

Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus His Robe was once a brilliant white, but it is no longer nearly so dazzling.My clothes have been stained by the smoke from my cigar.If I weave about in the middle of the night and the cops believe I’m tight, they will never locate my bottle, no matter how hard they try.Plastic Jesus provides me with protection since His head detaches, as you can see: He’s hollow, and I use Him as a flask!

Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus, Plastic Jesus I’d like you to come along for the ride and drink some Blood of the Lamb.Plastic Jesus is a Holy bar, to be sure!

[email protected]

Unread on November 29, 1994, at 6:27:13 p.m.11/29/94to Rent the movie ″Cool Hand Luke″ from your local video store.A rendition of ″PlasticJesus″ will be performed by Paul Newman, who will also play the banjer.Also, it’s a great old classic movie with lots of memorable lines, such as ″What we have here is a failure to communicate″; ″Stop feeding off me!″; and ″I can eat fifty eggs.″ To practice, attempt to rework the conclusion of ″Cool Hand Luke″ in such a way that it would be successful in today’s film climate, which needs tearjerking but ultimately joyful endings.Include a female love interest as well, and cast the role.

[email protected]

D. A. Scocca

unread,Dec 1, 1994, 1:05:02 AM12/1/94to >I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with>the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I >recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may>have been another line about Mary in the back window.Judging by other responses, it has been recorded several times by several groups of people; the version I have is by the Levellers, and is on the import live/b-side collection ″See Nothing Hear Nothing Do Something″.D.-* The Minstrel in the Gallery″Heteroskedastic″** [email protected]** ″My love does not, cannot _make_ her happy.My love can only**release in her the capacity to be happy.″-J.Barnes*

clayton EDward LEIHY iii

December 1, 1994, 6:35:49 p.m., unread 12/1/94to According to what I recollect, Don Imus’ rendition of the song that I heard on the radio finished with the following closing: As long as I have the Almighty Power, I can travel at speeds of one hundred miles per hour. My pair of fluffy dice have me firmly planted in place. (Or something around those lines) Thank you very much. ED

Jerry Neal

December 5, 1994, 8:49:38 p.m., unread 12/5/94to It was Steve Goodman, I believe, who recorded it at ″The Quiet Knight″ in Chicago, and it included all of the preceding lyrics, as well as the following:Plastic Onyx Jesus protects me because his head is about to fall off, yasee. He’s hollow, and I use him as a flask to store liquids. I’m not sure if that’s a real quote or not. –

Joe Chew

December 5, 1994, 10:22:53 p.m., unread 12/5/94 until the present Try to rework the conclusion of the movie ″Cool Hand Luke″ as an exercise.Don’t forget to keep ″Plastic Jesus″ up to date as well: After a long period of time spent yakking on my mobile phone and failing to check my rearview mirror, I change lanes with the help of a higher power.It’s possible that the man I cut off may give me a hard time.However, heavenly intervention in the form of injection molding fills my rolling shrine with serenity, love, and tranquility.After all, one of the most enjoyable aspects about PJ is that you can make up your own lyrics as provided as the children in the back seat can maintain a straight face while singing.

A Touchstone Pictures reworking of ″Cool Hand Luke,″ maybe starring Meg Ryan as the warden’s daughter and Alan Alda as the nefarious deputy with the mirror sunglasses, is being considered.Perhaps a more relevant newsgroup would be more appropriate, and not so soon after lunch.-Joe

[email protected]

unread,Dec 6, 1994, 12:35:09 AM12/6/94to > I am trying to find the name of a song and who recorded the song (along with> the album the song was recorded on).I know very little of the song, all I > recall is a line about a ‘plastic Jesus on the dash boardboard’ and there may> have been another line about Mary in the back window.> According to my old brain, it was recorded by the Holy Modal Rounders.I don’t know if they wrote it or not.Here are some lyrics (also from memory)I don’t care if it rains or freezeslong as I have my plasitic Jesusriding on the dash board of my carI don’ care if I crack upcause my Jesus has a suction cupriding.I don’t care if it’s dark and scarylong as I have my virgin maryriding.I don’t care if it hails or snowscause after dark my Jesus glowsriding.If I think of any more, I’ll post againta ta – Dan

GmagicB

December 5, 1994, 10:22:53 p.m.Unread 5th of December, 1994 to Attempt to rework the conclusion of ″Cool Hand Luke″ as an exercise.Remember to keep ″Plastic Jesus″ up to date as well: After a long period of time spent yakking on my mobile phone and failing to check my rearview mirror, I change lanes with the help of an angel from on high.It’s possible that the man I cut off may retaliate.Divine intervention, however, comes in the form of injection molding, which fills my rolling shrine with calm and love.

After all, one of the most enjoyable aspects about PJ is that you can make up your own lyrics as long as the children in the back seat can maintain a straight face while singing along.A Touchstone Pictures reworking of ″Cool Hand Luke,″ maybe starring Meg Ryan as the warden’s daughter and Alan Alda as the sleazy deputy with the mirror sunglasses, is being considered..I suppose a more relevant newsgroup would be more appropriate, and not so soon after lunch.-Joe

Angus Johnston

7:15 a.m., December 7, 1994, to 12/7/94, unread Moreover, if someone is interested in hearing and seeing the song performed, all they have to do is rent the movie ″Cool Hand Luke.″ Angus Johnston of the City University of New York Graduate Center in New York ([email protected]).This article contains my own ideas, and I would be more than a little surprised if they were shared by the CUNY administration.

[email protected]

Unread, Thursday, July 24, 2017, 9:14:16 a.m. 7/24/17 to Keep an eye on Luke’s cool hand

Joseph C. Fineman

Unread, Thursday, July 25, 2017, 12:04:27 a.m. 7/25/17to

[email protected]

Unread, 1:27:53 a.m., January 8, 20191/8/19 to Mr. Ed: What do you think of Imus’s rendition of the song, and do you know whether it’s available on CD? Thanks! Randy

[email protected]

December 27, 2019, 11:40:16 p.m. Unread 12/27/19 to Regardless matter whether it is raining or freezing outside, I am content with my plasti jesus perched atop the dashboard of my car. Because I have that all-mighty power hanging up there by my fuzzy dice, I can go 100 miles per hour without a problem.

[email protected]

December 28, 2019, 7:42:04 a.m., unread 12/28/19to

Harry Dean Stanton’s Best Musical Moments: From ‘Cool Hand Luke’ to a Telethon With Bob Dylan

In the words of actor Harry Dean Stanton, ″I had to pick if I wanted to be a singer or an actor.″ ″I was always singing.″I reasoned that if I could be an actress, I could do it all,″ she says.Natural causes claimed the life of Stanton on Friday, when he was 91 years old.Known for his exceptional character roles in film and television, including his breakthrough role in 1984’s Paris, Texas and his portrayals of self-proclaimed Mormon prophet Roman Grant in Big Love and Twin Peaks’ Carl Rodd, the late entertainer will also be remembered for his soothing tenor voice, which could be heard both on film and live stage.Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson were among the artists he shared the stage with, as well as with his own band.

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View the most recent videos, charts, and news.When asked about Stanton’s passing, Jason Isbell responded with these words: ″Harry Dean was a very excellent actor and he had a magnificent singing voice.″ If you hadn’t heard it before, it sounded precisely how you’d expect.″ Enjoy a sampling of some of his most memorable musical performances in the video below.On the Cool Hand Luke Set, he performs the emotional ″Just a Closer Walk With Thee.″ ″Who cares if I fall, my lord?″ says the speaker.When Stanton portrays the character of Tramp in the 1967 picture Cool Hand Luke, he sings while strumming his guitar to a crooning beat.His rendition of the traditional ″Just a Closer Walk With Thee″ is one of several songs he can be heard singing in the film, the others being ″Midnight Special″ and ″Ain’t No Grave Can Keep My Body Down,″ though neither of these songs was included on the soundtrack album released in conjunction with the film.

Stanton’s Beautiful Cover of ″Canción Mixteca″ Stanton’s version of the popular Mexican folk song was included in Paris, Texas, and he later played it live with his own band as part of the Paris International Film Festival.Here’s a video of him singing the ballad in a scene from the 1997 television series Access All Areas, which you can watch below.With Art Garfunkel’s ″All I Have to Do Is Dream″ as the background music To pay respect to Jack Nicholson, who earned the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1994, Stanton was joined by Art Garfunkel to play ″All I Have to Do Is Dream,″ a song by the Everly Brothers, as part of the AFI Life Achievement Awards commemoration.Stanton set the duo out in tune with a note from the harmonica — ″I just happened to have this with me,″ he quipped — and then they harmonized a capella to the 1958 song they were listening to in the background.

The unplanned performance during the event resulted in some unforgettable facial expressions from Nicholson, as well as a sing-along from the A-list audience and a standing ovation from the audience.He appears onstage with Dylan during a 1989 Telethon.Bob Dylan performed with his son-in-law Peter Himmelman and Stanton at a Chabad telethon in 1989, and film of the performance is available on YouTube (although in fairly blurry quality).On ″Adelita,″ Dylan looks to be playing the recorder while Stanton covers the harmonica, and on ″Hava Nagila,″ the trio delivered impassioned renditions of the songs.His ″Red River Valley″ scene from Twin Peaks Season 3 is a classic.When Stanton played the part of Carl in the season 3 revival of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks in 2017, he gave a beautiful version of the folk favorite.

The video showed him alone in front of his trailer, singing and playing the song.Who Are You Dueling With?Kris Kristofferson on ″Loving Her Was Easier″ Kris Kristofferson on ″Loving Her Was Easier″ In 2013, Kris Kristofferson and Stanton performed an understated version of the country singer’s 1971 classic ″Lovin’ Her Was Easier″ at Los Angeles’ Cinefamily, which was attended by a large number of fans.Cisco Pike, a 1972 film in which the two of them acted, was released with the song as a bonus track on the album.It represented the country singer’s first major motion picture appearance.It was really Stanton who recommended his friend for the role.

Together with Kristofferson and Johnny Depp, we jammed out some tunes.Once again, this rendition of ″Everybody’s Talkin’″ (which was originally recorded by Harry Nilsson in 1969) was performed by Stanton with his buddy Kristofferson and actor Johnny Depp in 2016, at the Harry Dean Stanton Award Show, when Stanton was presented with the first award in his honor.Stanton was singing here, while the other two were playing guitars to one side of the stage.

The Entire Story of Harry Music from Dean Stanton’s Partly Fiction Film The actor created a soundtrack for the 2012 documentary about Stanton, produced by Sophie Huber, which was published by Omnivore Recordings and featured versions of a variety of traditional folk melodies.One of the many highlights of his career is his heartbreaking version of ″Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.″

What Song Did Paul Newman Sing in ″Cool Hand Luke″?

Cool Hand Luke, a beautiful film starring Paul Newman, featured one of his best performances to date (1967).In one scene, after learning of his mother’s death, he sits on his bed with a banjo and performs a song about a plastic Jesus figurine he finds in the trunk of a moving automobile.The first time I saw the film, I was curious as to whether the song was an ancient folk song or if it had been produced just for the film.Whatever happens, as long as I have my plastic Jesus, riding on the dashboard of my automobile, I’m good to go.Through all difficulties and tribulations, we will drive to every country, and I’m confident that with my plastic Jesus, I’ll go far.

The Creation of “Plastic Jesus”

‘Plastic Jesus’ was a genuine song that had been around for almost a decade before Cool Hand Luke put it into a movie.While still high school students in Fresno, California, Ed Rush and George Cromarty collaborated on the song’s composition in 1957.Rush and Cromarty were listening to the radio as children in Del Rio, Texas, when they heard a religious show being broadcast from a Mexican border station that offered a wide array of religious things in order to generate money.An example of the merchandise was a glow-in-the-dark plastic Jesus with a suction cup that the driver could use to attach it to the dashboard of a car.The youngsters saw the irony in the sales pitch, and they burst out laughing when they heard a song about ″the bosom of the Lord.″ It was from there that they came up with the song ″Plastic Jesus.″ You may get a Sweet Madonna, who is dressed in rhinestones and sits on a pedestal made of abalone shell; I’m ninety years old and I’m not afraid, because I’ve got my Virgin Mary, who guarantees that I will not go to Hell.

Rush and Cromarty first performed the song in college, and subsequently went on tour as The Goldcoast Singers, a group that has since disbanded.Rush later said that while they were performing the song in 1962, some members of the crowd reacted negatively to it, believing it to be sacrilegious, as Rush subsequently described.The song was recorded by the Goldcoast Singers, but the group disbanded shortly after.Rush and Cromarty performed together for the last time in 1963, when Cromarty was called up to serve in Vietnam.

The following is the original version of ″Plastic Jesus,″ which was recorded by Rush and Cromarty, as well as a funny introduction that captures the song’s roots.If you search for the lyrics on the Internet, you will almost certainly come across a lengthy list of verses.The majority of them have been added by a variety of people as the song has taken on a life of its own as a genuine traditional folk song.It was simply the chorus and the stanza about Madonna that Rush and Cromarty penned (both above).The Paul Newman version only includes the original chorus and verse, as well as the original verse.

Other Versions of “Plastic Jesus”

A number of musicians, including Paul Newman, have performed ″Plastic Jesus″ in addition to Newman.Tia Blake recorded the song in 1971 and placed it on her album Folksongs & Ballads, which featured a bouncy country style.When the Flaming Lips released their album Transmissions From the Satellite Heart, they included the song as a secret track (1993).The band largely adhered to Paul Newman’s sparsely orchestrated arrangement.″Plastic Jesus″ is also featured on Billy Idol’s Devil’s Playground album in a rock version that includes additional lines (2005).

In an interview with Juice magazine, Idol revealed that his version of the song, which is about ″an alcoholic who stores his liquor in his plastic Jesus on his dashboard,″ is a parody of the original.That piece of music is called ″Symphony No.1.″ ″I basically went with the meter of the lines and made it less like a hillbilly song,″ says Idol of the Cool Hand Luke version’s music, which has been modified to be more lively.″I made it sound more religiouso,″ I explained.

To promote the song, Idol released an official music video, which featured a plastic Billy Idol playing with a plastic Jesus, who happens to be rather proficient at air guitar.You have to see Idol’s video, no doubt about it.It was pointed out to me by actor Lucas Hare after I published the first version of this story that the song ″You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go″ from Bob Dylan’s album Blood on the Tracks (1975) has music that sounds very similar to ″Plastic Jesus,″ and that at least in one live version from 1976, the guitar solo actually plays the ″Plastic Jesus″ melody.Finally, Jack Johnson frequently performs the song, which was first heard on the album Live at Boulder (1997).(2001).

Impact of “Plastic Jesus”
  1. My favorite version is the one performed by Paul Newman in the film Cool Hand Luke, in which Newman adds a depth of significance to the lighthearted song. Although the lyrics remain amusing, the audience learns a great deal about the connection between the son and his mother as Newman performs the song in his grief over the death of his mother during the film. Additionally, the song about Jesus serves as the foundation for a film that is densely packed with Christian imagery. I’m willing to bet the two adolescents who were laughing at the radio had no clue how far their song would travel. It should be noted, however, that ″Plastic Jesus″ was not the only time Ed Rush and George Cromarty had a brush with movie stardom. Inside Llewyn Davis, a 2013 film directed by the Coen Brothers, used a reworked version of the Goldcoast Singers’ 1961 song ″Please Mr. Kennedy,″ which was performed by the group (2013). And that is the tale that is told via the song. Please share your thoughts in the comments section. The True Story of Tom Dooley
  2. The Time George Kennedy Appointed a Great Movie with a Great Name
  3. The Time George Kennedy Appointed a Great Movie with a Great Name
  4. What are the top ten Paul Newman films? What is the name of the murder ballad that Holly Hunter sings to Nathan Jr. in ″Raising Arizona″?
  5. Who Sung ″Change in My Life″ in the Steve Martin Film ″Leap of Faith″?
  6. Who Sung ″Last Train to Clarksville″ as a Protest Song?
  7. (See also other related Chimesfreedom topics.)

Scott Newman (actor) – Wikipedia

Scott Newman
Born Alan Scott NewmanSeptember 23, 1950Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died November 20, 1978 (aged 28)Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of death Barbiturate and alcohol poisoning
Occupation Actor, stuntman
Years active 1973–1978
Parent(s) Paul NewmanJackie Witte
Relatives Nell Newman (half-sister)Melissa Newman (half-sister)

Alan Scott Newman (September 23, 1950 – November 20, 1978) was an American actor and stuntman who was most known for his appearances in The Towering Inferno and Breakheart Pass.He was born in New York City and raised in Los Angeles.The only son of Academy Award-winning actor Paul Newman, he grew up in Los Angeles.Following Scott Newman’s death from a drug overdose in 1978, his father created the Scott Newman Center, which is committed to educating people about drug misuse and how to avoid being addicted to drugs.

Early life

His parents, Paul Newman and his first wife, Jackie Witte, were in the Cleveland, Ohio, area when he was born.As a young child with two younger sisters, Susan and Stephanie, Scott’s father relocated to California in order to advance his professional career, leaving his family behind in their hometown of New York City.The year 1958 marked the end of his parents’ marriage, with his father marrying Joanne Woodward.Scott attended Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, for a brief period of time during the late 1960s when they moved there.Scott attended a number of pricey private schools, from which he was expelled for misbehavior in certain cases.

Acting career

By the late 1960s, Scott had dropped out of college and began working as a stuntman in his father’s films, logging more than 500 parachute jumps and earning his certification as a qualified instructor in the process.He also took on petty tasks to supplement his income and refused to approach his father for financial assistance.In the early 1970s, his father utilized his position of power to encourage his son to pursue an acting career, and he landed a role in the film The Great Waldo Pepper (1975), which also starred Robert Redford.Scott made the following statement at the time: ″My father will not be providing any acting assistance to me.I want my work to be able to stand on its own two feet.″ He had begun to drink excessively and had been arrested for a number of minor alcohol-related charges.

He also attacked a police officer, kicking him in the head while riding in a squad car after being detained for vandalizing a school bus while under the influence of alcohol.Newman’s father agreed to pay the $1000 fine that resulted.After that, he featured as an acrophobic fireman in The Towering Inferno (1974), in which his father co-starred with Newman.Even though they did not have any dialogue together because Scott’s sequences were with Steve McQueen, both Newmans may be seen at the film’s conclusion, which takes place in the desert.

During the scene at the Bank of America building in San Francisco, Paul’s character sits on the stairs with Faye Dunaway, while Scott is one of two firefighters who are bringing a guy on a stretcher down the plaza steps to California Street.During 1975, Newman appeared in a number of television shows, including Marcus Welby, M.D., Harry O., and S.W.A.T., in which he had modest roles.His performance in the Charles Bronson picture Breakheart Pass took place the same year as his debut on the screen.Following that, Newman featured in the 1977 picture Fraternity Row, which would prove to be his final cinematic performance.His drunkenness worsened, and by 1978, he was sleeping on the floors of friends’ homes and working as a laborer to support himself.He also dabbled in cabaret singing in tiny bars under the guise of William Scott, identifying himself as such.

Around this time, he confided in a family friend, A.E.Hotchner, about his situation ″Being his son, as you well know, is a living torment.I don’t have his blue eyes like he does.I don’t possess his abilities.I don’t have the same good fortune as he does.

Honestly, I don’t have anything.That’s me on the left.″

Death

During the fall of 1978, he was involved in a motorbike accident, and he was using medications to alleviate the agony of his injuries.He also agreed to receive mental treatment, which was covered by his father’s insurance.However, on the night of November 19, in Los Angeles, he combined a lethal quantity of valium with alcohol and other substances, resulting in his death.His father informed Hotchner the following: ″There’s nothing you can say to make up for my feelings of remorse over Scott’s death.It will be with me for the rest of my life.″

Scott Newman Center

Paul Newman founded the Scott Newman Center in 1980 with the goal of assisting healthcare professionals and educators in educating youngsters about the hazards of alcohol and drug usage. A summer camp network for families coping with difficulties related with drug misuse and drunkenness was also established by the group, which is known as the Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1974 The Towering Inferno Young Fireman
1975 The Great Waldo Pepper Duke
1975 Breakheart Pass Rafferty
1977 Fraternity Row Chunk Cherry

References

  1. ″Scott Newman Center.″ a b ″Scott Newman Center.″ The Scott Newman Center is located in the heart of downtown. The original version of this article was published on January 25, 1999. Accessed April 30, 2011.
  2. Accessed April 30, 2011.
  3. Accessed April 30, 2011.
  4. Accessed April 30, 2011.
  5. Accessed April 30, 2011. Watson, Roland
  6. Costello, Miles
  7. and Fleming, Sam are all members of the Watson family (February 21, 2010). ″A.E. Hotchner’s essay ″Paul Newman: the evil parent,″ taken from his book Paul and Me, is included here. The Sunday Times newspaper is based in London, United Kingdom. The original version of this article was published on February 26, 2010. The IMDb page for Scott Newman has a biography. ″Milestones, December 4, 1978,″ which was retrieved on April 29, 2011. Time Magazine is a publication that publishes articles on a variety of topics. Time Inc. published a story on December 4, 1978. The original version of this article was published on December 18, 2011. Retrieved on the 29th of April, 2011.
  8. ″Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp″ is an abbreviation. Rowdy Ridge is a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The original version of this article was published on January 23, 2012. 30th of April, 2011
  9. retrieved 30th of April, 2011.

External links

  • Scott Newman at IMDb

Paul Newman – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Paul Newman
Paul Newman in c.1950s
Born Paul Leonard NewmanJanuary 26, 1925Shaker Heights, Ohio, U.S.
Died September 26, 2008 (aged 83)Westport, Connecticut, US
Cause of death Lung cancer
Nationality American
Years active 1953–2008
Spouse(s) Jackie Witte(m. 1949–1958, divorced)Joanne Woodward(m. 1958–2008, his death)
Children 1 son (deceased), 5 daughters
Parent(s) Arthur NewmanTheresa (née Fetzer)
Awards Academy Honorary Award1985 Lifetime AchievementBest Actor1986 The Color of MoneyJean Hersholt Humanitarian Award1994 Outstanding Contributions to Humanitarian CausesBest Actor in a Leading Role1961 The HustlerOutstanding Supporting Actor – Miniseries or a Movie2005 Empire FallsMost Promising Newcomer – Male1956 Somebody Up There Likes Me ; The RackBest Director – Motion Picture1968 Rachel, RachelCecil B. DeMille Award1984 Lifetime AchievementBest Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or TV Movie2005 Empire FallsLife Achievement Award1986 Lifetime AchievementOutstanding Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie2005 Empire FallsBest Actor Award (Cannes Film Festival)1958 The Long, Hot SummerNBR Award for Best Actor1986 The Color of MoneyNSFC Award for Best Actor1994 Nobody’s FoolNYFCC Award for Best Director1968 Rachel, RachelNYFCC Award for Best Actor1994 Nobody’s FoolPFCS Award for Best Supporting Actor2002 Road to PerditionSilver Bear for Best Actor1994 Nobody’s FoolWalk of Fame – Motion Picture7060 Hollywood Blvd

Paul Leonard Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008) was an American actor who starred in a number of films and television shows.He was born in the Ohio city of Shaker Heights.’His mother was a Slovak, while his father was a Jew who was descended from parents who were born in Hungary and Poland, respectively.However, despite the fact that Paul Newman was not a Jew according to Orthodox Jewish criteria, he regarded himself to be Jewish and would have been deemed such by other Jewish groups.He was best known for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which was released in 1969.

In the film, he portrayed the role of Butch Cassidy.He was married to actress Joanne Woodward for a number of years.In 2008, he passed away as a result of lung cancer.

Retirement

Newman announced his retirement from acting in May 2007.He made the following statement: ″Then you start to lose your memory, then your confidence, then your ability to create anything new.So I believe that’s pretty much the end of the story for me.″ He came out of retirement to narrate the 2007 documentary film Dale, which was based on the life of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, which was released in theaters.He also provided narration for the BBC documentary Meerkats: The Movie, which aired in 2008.It was recorded in a studio close to his house just a few days before his death.

The Meerkats was Newman’s final film credit in his lengthy and illustrious filmography.

References

Other websites

  • Paul Newman’s IMDb page
  • Newman/Haas Racing
  • Newman’s Own
  • The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
  • Paul Newman in the Internet Movie Database

Harry Dean Stanton – Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain — Song Bar

An ode to the actor who died at the age of 91, whose style was shrouded in mystery and who had a gentle singing voice that evoked great pathos, a version of a song by Fred Rose, sung by many artists from Roy Acuff to Elvis Presley, and best known as a song by Willie Nelson in Red Headed Stranger (1975), but here performed with perfection by Stanton in the documentary about his life, Partly Fiction (2012).″How would you characterize yourself?″ Stanton is asked in the documentary filmed by Sophie Huber, in which he is interviewed by filmmaker David Lynch, ″How would you describe yourself?″ ″There is no such thing as a self.There isn’t anything ″He responds in his usual manner.Stanton, according to Sam Shepard, is an actor who understands that the entire tale is written on his face.In fact, it’s possible that’s why he was so excellent in Paris Texas, which, incidentally, included fantastic music by Ry Cooder: Stanton himself sang in several of his feature films and it wasn’t until Paris, Texas that he was cast as the main character at the age of 58.

Perhaps one of his best and most underappreciated performances came in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, where he sang Just A Closer Walk With Thee.Want to make a suggestion for a song for Song of the Day, or just want to say something?Is there anything else that comes to mind when you hear this song?Afterwards, feel free to leave a remark below, on the contact page, or on any social media platform: Song Bar’s Twitter and Facebook accounts are both active.

YouTube’s Song Bar is a good example of this.Please subscribe, follow, and spread the word about us.Are you new to commenting?It is a quick and simple process.You just need to log in to Disqus once to use it.All of this is discussed in the About/FAQs section.

Cool Hand Luke movie review & film summary (1967)

After all these years have passed since the debut of ″Cool Hand Luke″ in 1967, all that has to be said is, ″What we have here is-failure to communicate.″ Everyone is familiar with the sentence, and everyone, even those who haven’t watched the film, can recognize the title of the picture.And here’s when things become interesting.As they establish the link, they will almost always grin, as if they are reliving a pleasurable experience, such as a pleasant evening at the movies.Have you watched the new film ″Cool Hand Luke″?Yes, I have.

Rarely has a major movie star endured as much as she did in this picture, which is filled from beginning to end with physical pain, psychological abuse, hopelessness, and equal parts sadism and masochism.It’s an excellent flick.On this point, the majority of us can agree.However, such a picture could not possible have been created in more recent decades, especially one featuring Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise, or any other actor of Paul Newman’s caliber and notoriety.

It’s just too awful to bear.The following voice may be heard at a studio pitch meeting: ″No one wants to watch it.″ There was a lot of discussion about Newman’s ″anti-hero″ status in ″Luke″ and other films he did about the same time, including ″The Hustler,″ ″Hud,″ and even ″Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.″ I was one of many who talked about it.In ″Cool Hand Luke,″ I’m no longer convinced that he’s an anti-hero.Instead, I believe he is more of a willing martyr, a man who has become so consumed with the wrongness of the world that he is prepared to die in order to show himself correct.It was claimed by Louis Armstrong that ″there are certain people who, if they don’t know, you can’t tell ’em,″ and this is true today.Throughout the film, the violent guards who run the work camp where Luke is a prisoner demonstrate time and time again that if Luke manages to escape, he would be apprehended and punished to the point of death.

Is he looking for retribution since he is aware of this?The film is a strong physical production, set in the South but filmed in and around Stockton, California, in a desolate rural area, and it is well worth seeing.50 inmates are assigned to a labor crew under the strict supervision of the Captain (Strother Martin) and Boss Godfrey (Morgan Woodward), who is known as ″the man with no eyes″ because of his reflective sunglasses, which make him appear to be blind.(The fact that he is deafeningly silent adds to his prominence as a terrifying symbol.) Dragline, a prisoner who serves as the gang’s top dog, is in charge of the organization (George Kennedy).Dragline’s authority is challenged immediately by the newcomer Luke, and the two engage in a boxing bout in which Dragline nearly kills him.When Luke gets knocked down and refuses to concede defeat, it is a source of pride for him, and we soon realize that this will be his strategy throughout the film: he can’t win, but he can continue to endure punishment eternally.

The filmmaker, Stuart Rosenberg, in collaboration with the legendary cinematographer Conrad Hall, captures the severe heat of the setting, where clothing stick to skin and dust adheres to everything in the film.weeds, dig ditches, and tar roads—all as part of the road project, where they are pushed by Luke to throw gravel over new oil so rapidly that the boss can scarcely keep up with the pace.Another example of claiming the moral high ground via physical toil is seen in the Bible.

When Luke refuses to give up his fight, Dragline becomes Luke’s biggest admirer, and the kind of dynamic that we might recognize from other prison movies begins to take shape; character actors (Robert Drivas, Luke Askew, Warren Finnerty, Dennis Hopper) play assigned roles in the groups that witness and admire Luke’s determination.According to critic Tim Dirks, the film is ″crowd-pleasing,″ while James Berardinelli describes ″comic″ moments such as the one in which Luke consumes 50 hard-boiled eggs as ″a highlight.″ I watched the film at the time and can attest to the fact that it is a crowd-pleaser.In my 1967 review, I noted that Luke was ″always smiling, always ready for a little fun.″ On the basis of a wager, he consumes 50 hard-boiled eggs and proceeds to amass all of the money in the camp.″That Luke, he’s got a steady hand.″ What on earth was I thinking?

Today, the egg-eating sequence is so gruesome that it is practically unwatchable.The physical pain and risk are horrifying, and Luke’s punishment of being forced to dig and fill in the same grave-shaped hole over and over again is much more so.″Can you tell me why you have, say, 50 eggs?″ Dragline approaches him and asks him a question.″Why not.39?″ says the author.

Of course, there are 50 detainees on the premises.Upon finishing the eggs, Luke collapses on a table in the same position as Jesus Christ on the cross.As a Christ-figure, he speaks to his Father on the last night of the narrative, in a little country church, about whether or not he has been abandoned.Will he perish as a result of the faults of his fellow inmates?That, I believe, simplifies things too much, albeit there is the intriguing eyewitness story of Dragline, who is already attempting to reinterpret the Gospel.According to Luke, this is meant to represent a symbolic victory.

Although Luke is shot to death by No Eyes, and he appears to be dazed as it occurs, the following is Dragline’s revisionism: ″He had a grin on his face.Yes, you are correct.You’re probably familiar with that Luke grin.″He had a smile on his face right up until the very last moment.″ This and other exchanges imply that Dragline is more than half in love with Luke, who has carried out all of their hopes and wants, and who has even appeared in a magazine shot with a couple of chorus girls, which appears to be an unlikely coincidence.

″Oh Luke, you crazy, gorgeous thing,″ Dragline exclaims to him in one scene.″You crazy fistful of nothing,″ says the narrator.Despite the fact that he’s accurate about the handful, the first part of his statement strikes me as an odd thing for a prisoner to say about another.″ Can you imagine if someone other than Paul Newman had taken on the role and gotten away with it?I would be unable to provide a star from among those visible at the moment.Who is Warren Beatty?

  • Steve McQueen, perhaps?
  • Who is Lee Marvin?
  • They would have had the physical presence and energy, but they would have lacked the ability to make others smile.
  • Because of Paul Newman’s actual presence in the movie, it is able to function: The grin, the innocent blue eyes, and the lack of strutting were all lovely touches.
  • Keep an eye on his soft demeanor when he has a tender moment with his mother (Jo Van Fleet), which is reminiscent of the scene with Bonnie’s mother in ″Bonnie and Clyde.″ In a sense, both parents and both children understand that they will never see each other again and are offering an apology.

The charm of Newman as a celebrity was tremendous and unforced: he was likable.Is it possible that John F.Kennedy spoke to Lee Marvin as ″you wild, gorgeous thing?″ In 1967, the film was hailed as a ″anti-establishment″ message, and much was made of it.

The year 1967 was the epicenter of the Vietnam era, and Luke was an outspoken opponent of the establishment, but I am unable to reconstruct the time period in my memory in order to make ″Cool Hand Luke″ function as a political statement against the war in Vietnam.Strother Martin as Lyndon B.Johnson?Boss Godfrey is a figure in my imagination who represents symbolism, since he is the man with the reflecting sunglasses who never talks.He reminds me of another well-known pair of spectacles from the world of fiction.

  • As described in F.
  • Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the road leading into town goes through an industrial wasteland, which is guarded by a massive billboard of never-blinking yellow spectacles, through which glare the eyes of the titular character Dr.
  • TJ Eckleburg.
  • Eckleberg’s eye has been compared to the eyes of God by some.
  • I really don’t know.
  • I’m aware that Luke cries out to God at the conclusion, saying, ″It’s beginning to seem like you’ve got everything arranged so I can’t never win out again.″ Inside and outside, there are all kinds of laws and regulations, as well as supervisors.
  • You molded me into the person I am today.
  • What exactly am I meant to do to fit in?

I’ve got to tell you something, ol’ man.I got off to a good start and was moving quickly.However, it’s starting to get to me now.″Can you tell me when it’s going to end?″ He receives his response in a reasonable amount of time, but what other response could he have expected?

When it comes to the relationship between Luke and God, the issue is simply one of communication.After seeing this strong, devastating film for the first time in decades, I realize that I didn’t approach it with the correct skepticism back in 1967.In today’s world, it appears that God does a quite excellent job of communicating his message.There’s an old vaudeville joke that goes something like this: Doc, it aches when I do this.″ ″Then don’t do it anymore,″ says the doctor.It is also included in the Great Movies Collection as ″The Hustler.″

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. He was born in Chicago and raised there. In 1975, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for outstanding criticism for his work on The New Yorker.

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

The film is rated PG and runs for 126 minutes. around 4 hours ago around 8 hours ago around 13 hours ago a day or two ago

Plastic Jesus (song) – Wikipedia

This article is about the song of the same name.Plastic Jesus can be found in a variety of contexts.″Plastic Jesus″ is a folk song written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957 that is popular in the United States.On World Pacific Records’ Here They Are!The Goldcoast Singers album, released in 1962, they recorded it as a funny ad spoof under the name The Goldcoast Singers (wp-1806).

The song’s authorship has historically been incorrectly attributed to Ernie Marrs, who recorded a version of it in 1965, despite the fact that Rush and Cromarty are listed as the song’s authors by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the song’s publisher, EMI Music Publishing.A version of the words and music written by Ernie Marrs was published in the folk music journal Sing Out!(Volume 14, issue number 2, page 40) and was ascribed to him as the songwriter.

Religious basis for parody

It was a Christian radio station in Del Rio, Texas, in the mid-1950s that served as the source of inspiration for the song, according to Ed Rush.The station was purportedly owned by a dentist who also happened to be a religious fanatic ″The most ridiculous items conceivable were offered, all of which had miraculous healing abilities.″ One summer broadcast in particular had the words ″.leaning on the arms of Jesus, cradled in the bosom of the Lord,″ which was particularly poignant.

Recordings, performances, and covers

  • ‘Here They Are! The Goldcoast Singers’ was released in 1962, and it was the first time the group performed together.
  • The song ″Plastic Jesus″ was recorded in 1965 by Ernie Marrs and the ″Marrs Family,″ which included pals Kay Cothran and Bud Foote.
  • A melancholic moment in the film Cool Hand Luke has Paul Newman, who is portraying the main character and singing the song while holding a banjo. The 1965 Marrs Family version may also be heard in other parts of the movie.
  • Tia Blake recorded this song in 1971 for the album Folksongs & Ballads.
  • In 1988, the band Naked Prey released the album Kill the Messenger.
  • It was included on the Flaming Lips’ album Transmissions from the Satellite Heart in 1993, however it was released under the title ″″
  • Mojo Nixon and Jello Biafra collaborated on the album Prairie Home Invasion in 1994.
  • Sallymacs, on their album Faves, Raves, and Songs from the Grave, released in 1999.
  • Rocky Votolato’s album A Brief History was released in 2000.
  • The Blackeyed Susans, from their album Dedicated to the Ones We Love, released in 2001.
  • Jack Johnson’s Live at Boulder CD was released in 2001.
  • Billy Idol performed on the album Devil’s Playground in 2005
  • The Flametricks Subs performed on the album Undead at the Black Cat Lounge in 2009
  • and
  • Snow Patrol’s album Fallen Empires was released in 2011.
  • A B-Side of the song ″This Isn’t Everything You Are,″ which was released in Germany but did not appear on the final album
  • The year 2020 will see the release of Thomas Csorba’s self-titled album, as well as The Levellers’ Fifteen Years EP, as well as Jack Johnson performing at some of his shows and releasing some bootlegs.
  • Long before the song became popular, it was used as an opener for ″Billy Sol Hargis″ sketches on the Imus in the Morning radio program, which aired for many years.
  • Guido Belcanto performs a Dutch rendition of the song in many of his live performances.

Additional verses

The popularity of this song has increased as a result of its folk history.A number of optional verses have been added to the song to make it more complete.Many folk songs make reference to Jesus, but there are also sections that make reference to Mary, Joseph, the Apostles, or even the Devil.Numerous parodies of ″Plastic Jesus″ are available on the website of folk musician Joe Bethancourt, including ″Plastic Vishnu,″ ″Plastic Cth

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