What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Unexpected airport conversation leads to discovery of musical gem

When I travel I always take my pillow. And my recent flight to Adelaide was no exception. So with a pillow under my arm, I stepped up to again navigate that dreaded process of airport security. I waited patiently in line and when I got to the front an older lady motioned me forward and then, said something quite unexpected. “Send me the pillow that you dream of.” I looked at her a little puzzled. Did she want me to do something with my pillow? “No, send me the pillow that I dream on, have you never heard that song?” she asked Relieved I wasn’t in any trouble, I smiled and said “no, should I know it?” “You are probably too young. Jim Reeves, have you heard of him?” I told her I did know of the crooner Jim Reeves and loved his songs and I would make sure to look it up. The lady gave me a warm smile and ushered me forward. My travelling companions confirmed later that the song was indeed a classic. So, being me, I had to do some research. The lovely lady at airport security certainly knew her music. The country ballad was not just a tune sang by Reeves, but has been recorded by more than 20 other well-known artists. The list includes such luminaries as Dean Martin, Johnny Tilotson, Connie Francis and even Dolly Parton. Send Me the Pillow You Dream On was first recorded way back in 1949 by American country music singer Hank Locklin. According to my good mate Wiki, Locklin, who died in 2009, recorded no less than 70 chart hits during his long career. Send Me The Pillow You Dream On was one of two number one chart toppers for Locklin. The other was Please Help Me I’m Falling during the 1960s. I really don’t know why I hadn’t come across this little gem before. It’s been sung by greats including, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and Pat Boone. Since my chance encounter at the airport I have listened to almost every version I could find and they are all quite different. But my favourite is definitely the 1963 recording by the Everly Brothers. “Send me the pillow that you dream on Don’t you know that I still care for you? Send me the pillow that you dream on So darling, I can dream on it, too”. Sweet dreams. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am-noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA. He returns to the airwaves this weekend.