Music Fridays # 92: Goodbye Annette

On April 8th, 2013, Annette Funicello sadly passed away. Annette was one of the original Mousekteers and the most famous member of the original Mickey Mouse Club.  I have a funny history with Annette. I'd always known who she was because of looking up the history of Disney. But I hadn't discovered her talents until a few years back, when my parents one birthday gave me a CD of songs penned by The Sherman Brothers and it included Annette on there. And I fell in love with Annette's music.  To put it simply, Annette is the Pop Star,  I wanted growing up.   To me, I'd rather listen to the music of Annette before the likes of Britney Spears, Katy Perry,  Lady Gaga and so on.  Why?   Because it was pure and simple.  I missed the boat on that and may have become a fan later in life but I love her music. And even beyond that, I respect Annette because she stayed true to who she was while she was famous. She never forgot her roots.   Now I should also mention that when I first started A Look at Disney, I had a dream of interviewing Annette.   I even brought that up on my countdown of Top 6 People I'd Love to Sit Down and Talk With. Annette had always been my number one choice.  And that had remained my dream but I never acted upon it, so I never got to do it.  That is perhaps one of my biggest regrets, I never made the attempt to try and reach out and see if Miss Funicello would be interested in being interviewed for my not at all important blog series.  So, take it from me, if there is someone, you want to talk to. Act upon it, don't be intimidated by their fame.  Today, I have decided to pay my respects for one of my idols, the only way I know how.  Her music. So please join me in paying respect for Annette as I take a look at some of my favorite songs by her.



Pineapple Princess







This is perhaps my second favorite song from Annette.   I just love the tropical feel of it.  It is just so much fun and I love the background music.  Whenever I listen to this song, I feel like I am on the beach with Annette.  Boy,  just imaging those beach parties is putting a smile on my face.  This is just really fun.



The Parent Trap (Main Theme)





I think the big thing I love about this song is how it tells the story of the movie.  It is just so cute and Annette is just so charming in this number.  While not my favorite song from this film, it is still a great number.   And one of the best storytelling songs.  It is just again really cute.



Tall Paul






I had to include this one.  It's my favorite song of hers.  This is the song that made me fall in love with Annette's music.  It is just so catchy and upbeat and   it just feels me with happiness.    Each time, I hear this song,  I simile.




Mickey Mouse Alma Mater






To close out with any other song then this one would not feel right.   This song is oh so appropriate to close out with.   This is the song that should be used to say goodbye to Miss Funicello.  Annette, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.   I may have become a fan of yours later in life and may not have grown up with you.   But you meant the world to me. Thank you for reminding us that you can be famous and be a kind and caring sweetheart and stay true to who you are. And that is why I place you up so high with Walter Elias Disney as one of my idols.  Thank you for bringing a smile to my face each time, I listened to your music.   I know you once said that you becoming famous was an accident, well if that's the case, we need more like you.  It is not hard to see why you received more fan letters then Mickey because you are so passionate and caring.    We need more role models like you for my generation.  Again, thank you for always making me happy.    There is only one way to close out this tribute.



Now its time to say goodbye.... See you real soon

These two lyrics are the most fitting way for me to say goodbye.   Annette,  I hope your happy up there because after all the happiness your brought the world, you deserved to be happy too.   I will miss you, the world will miss you.   Goodbye!