A Canadian who moved to Japan to teach ESL in Tokyo.
Monday, April 6, 2009
美空ひばり Misora Hibari was fantastic.
美空ひばり
I am listening to so much early Misora Hibari these days. I love discovering artists / writers with decade-spanning careers. You know that you'll be listening to fresh, quality music for months. She has over 1,200 songs, so I am set for life. Misora Hibari is from Yokohama and was born in the 30s. She was the first woman in Japan to receive the People's prize of honour for her contribution to the Japanese music industry.Misora Hibari was also very beautiful. She played the shamisen and the ukulele. She sang a wide variety of genres and always had poise and grace in her live performances, even when she became sick. Misora Hibari died of pneumonia at only 52. She also had hepatitis, chronic leg pain and liver damage because of heavy drinking. You can read more here. I especially like the songs she recorded during the 1950s, but she recorded songs up until she died in the 1980s.
That is funny that you like 演歌. Misora is great, my mother-in-law is so into enka and I get to (have to) watch some of those NHK enka specials while she explains the details of every singer to me. She is also in love with Jero right now, as are many other 60+ year olds :) You are the first gaijin that I have heard mention Misora Hibari, kudos!
Jero looks like a total gimmick. I can't stand him.
I'm not into enka and I haven't listened to Misora Hibari's later stuff at all. I have just been really into female vocalists from the 30s, 40s and 50s recently. (in the past 3 months or so I've listened to that sort of music a lot)
Hey Julie! This is unrelated to the music post, but I was wondering if you'd be interested in finding a copy of a Japanese fashion magazine for me. I tried to buy it here at the Uwajimaya, but they only had one copy and it was sold. The magazine is called Fudge, and I'm trying to get ahold of the April issue. I'd be happy to send you money to cover it, or maybe a package of treats? Something from my vintage etsy shop? I would have emailed, but I'm not sure what address you're using these days. Let me know dude!
ye, I am also a superfan of Misora Hibari. I am not Japanese and not speaking Japanese at all. But when I listen to her songs, I just feel beauty and peace, especially watch those video shot when she was ill. Her first song I knew was 'リンゴ追分', and the song '川の流れのように' makes me feel something of life which I have no way to sense especially at the age of 20. ye really like her! She was beautiful all the time, different beauty at different ages.
I don't really care for enka myself but Misora Hibari is fantastic! I was only just introduced to her by my Japanese language instructor. Her voice transcends a particular style of music. She could sing pop, Japanese traditional songs, soft rock-pretty much anything she wanted. I'm not comparing her but she almost has a Karen Carpenter warmth to her voice which is very pleasant to listen to. It's too bad she's not with us anymore as I know Hibari san would've still been singing.
Misora Hibari was also very beautiful. She played the shamisen and the ukulele. She sang a wide variety of genres and always had poise and grace in her live performances, even when she became sick. Misora Hibari died of pneumonia at only 52. She also had hepatitis, chronic leg pain and liver damage because of heavy drinking. You can read more here. I especially like the songs she recorded during the 1950s, but she recorded songs up until she died in the 1980s.
6 comments:
That is funny that you like 演歌. Misora is great, my mother-in-law is so into enka and I get to (have to) watch some of those NHK enka specials while she explains the details of every singer to me. She is also in love with Jero right now, as are many other 60+ year olds :) You are the first gaijin that I have heard mention Misora Hibari, kudos!
Jero looks like a total gimmick. I can't stand him.
I'm not into enka and I haven't listened to Misora Hibari's later stuff at all. I have just been really into female vocalists from the 30s, 40s and 50s recently. (in the past 3 months or so I've listened to that sort of music a lot)
You kids are adorable.
Hey Julie! This is unrelated to the music post, but I was wondering if you'd be interested in finding a copy of a Japanese fashion magazine for me. I tried to buy it here at the Uwajimaya, but they only had one copy and it was sold. The magazine is called Fudge, and I'm trying to get ahold of the April issue. I'd be happy to send you money to cover it, or maybe a package of treats? Something from my vintage etsy shop? I would have emailed, but I'm not sure what address you're using these days. Let me know dude!
oops, you can disregard my magazine request! I think I found someone in the US who will send me a copy. much easier. sorry for being annoying!
ye, I am also a superfan of Misora Hibari. I am not Japanese and not speaking Japanese at all. But when I listen to her songs, I just feel beauty and peace, especially watch those video shot when she was ill. Her first song I knew was 'リンゴ追分', and the song '川の流れのように' makes me feel something of life which I have no way to sense especially at the age of 20. ye really like her! She was beautiful all the time, different beauty at different ages.
I don't really care for enka myself but Misora Hibari is fantastic! I was only just introduced to her by my Japanese language instructor. Her voice transcends a particular style of music. She could sing pop, Japanese traditional songs, soft rock-pretty much anything she wanted. I'm not comparing her but she almost has a Karen Carpenter warmth to her voice which is very pleasant to listen to. It's too bad she's not with us anymore as I know Hibari san would've still been singing.
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