Hanks-giving

Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks took over 91.3 WYEP on November 24^th, 2022 for a special “Hanks-Giving” day of music. All of the music on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. were songs hand-picked by Tom Hanks exclusively for WYEP’s listeners.

Hanks provided WYEP with an eclectic and very fun list of 100 songs for the station takeover, with a 66-year timespan—ranging between music from 1956 all the way to a duet released a few months ago between Elvis Costello and Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson.

Did you miss Hanks-Giving? We’ll be rebroadcasting this special in January 2023.

Below are some of the songs on Tom’s Hanks-Giving song list, with song descriptions written by WYEP’s programming staff. The full list is here.

Helen Shapiro, “Keep Away From Other Girls” (1962)

“Hanks-Giving includes “Keep Away From Other Girls,” a 1962 single by London teen pop singer Helen Shapiro, a minor hit in England. Shapiro was practically unknown in the U.S., except perhaps by hardcore fans of The Beatles, who opened for the teenage star on a brief tour prior to the band’s fame. The peppy song—sung from the perspective of a woman suspicious of her suitor’s future fidelity—is clearly from another time and culture, featuring the lines “You gave me everything that a girl could want in that small restaurant/A hero sandwich and a glass of wine,” a somewhat disconcerting couplet being casually crooned by a 16-year-old.” ~Mike Sauter

Billy Fury, “Nothin’ Shakin’ (But the Leaves on the Trees)” (1964)

“British pop impresario Larry Parnes was known for taking boys with good looks and a decent voice and reinventing them as inoffensive pop stars with names like Vince Eager, Dickie Pride, or Johnny Gentle. Billy Fury (né Ron Wycherley) was one of Parnes’ stable of singers who had a string of U.K. hits from 1959 to the mid-1960s. Fury recorded this rockin’ cover of a minor 1959 hit by American singer and actor Eddie Fontaine and included it as the B-side to his 1964 single ‘I Will.'” ~Mike Sauter

The Del-Lords, “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live” (1984)

“Guitarist Scott Kempner formed The Del-Lords in 1982 New York City after his previous band, pioneering American punkers The Dictators, split up. This song was the lead-off track to The Del-Lords’ 1984 debut album Frontier Days. Based on a 1929 Depression-era song by folk singer Blind Alfred Reed, The Del-Lords’ version updated the original to include some modern references, like “This poor boy’s got some big plans of his own/I’m gonna call up a couple of friends on the telephone/Tell ’em, bring some records and bring some beer.” While the band was popular on 1980s college radio they never hit the big time, but this upbeat rocker is an undeniably catchy slice of Dave Edmunds-Esque pop-twang.” ~Mike Sauter

The Johnny Otis Show – Castin’ My Spell (1959)

“Between the Bo Diddley beat, short but sweet guitar licks and playful lyrics about whipping up the perfect magic potion, “Castin’ My Spell” provides direct insight into the irresistibility of the music that would come to be called rock ‘n’ roll. Johnny Otis, like many of the rhythm and blues artists of his era who provided the foundation for rock music, isn’t necessarily a household name these days. But his influence has echoed through the decades. In addition to his own music career, he launched many others; Etta James, Little Esther, Big Mama Thorton, and Jackie Wilson are just a few of the artists he discovered. He brought the songs straight to L.A. viewers’ living rooms with The Johnny Otis Show in the mid-to-late 50s, a racially-integrated music program that provided a platform for jazz, doo-wop, and rhythm and blues artists.” ~Liz Felix

Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall (1962)

“Even in the early years of Bob Dylan’s recording career, it was clear that he was more than a protest singer. Although this song is often interpreted as a response to the threat of nuclear war in the early ’60s, Dylan himself has never confirmed this. Still, a strong sense of environmental disaster, nuclear fallout, or some other kind of world-ending doom lurk in a series of visceral one-liners (“I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin’”, “the executioner’s face is always well-hidden”, “where black is the color, where none is the number” are just a few). With 20-plus covers by other artists over the years, it’s clear that this song resonates, whatever its true meaning. The stark original is a standout from Bob Dylan’s second album and a hint of how much change he was about to create in popular music.” ~Liz Felix

Iris Dement – Let the Mystery Be (1992)

“Finally, a beautiful, sweet hymn for all the agnostics in the house. Dement’s sense of whimsy offsets the serious nature of a song that ponders what happens after we die. No Angels, no Stairway to heaven, just an honest-to-God shrug of the shoulders and a bow to inevitable fate. Now that’s what I call faith.” ~ Rosemary Welsch

The Hollies – Carrie Anne (1967)

“Tightly fitted suits; carefully coiffed mopped hair and devastatingly catchy melodies with sweet slightly suggestive lyrics. It was the age of Beatlemania although The Hollies were a little behind the time with this 1967 hit written by Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tommy Hicks. The Beatles were on to Sergeant Pepper by this point. Does it remind you of the band in ‘That Thing You Do?'” ~ Rosemary Welsch

Nelson Riddle Orchestra – The Theme From Route 66 (1962)

“Nelson Riddle was the definition of chic sophistication. A composer, arranger, orchestrator, and bandleader, he could effortlessly slide a rockabilly song out of its leather jacket and into a high-pop tux. His arrangement of “Route 66” is the aural equivalent of a 1960s nightclub pick-up, complete with highballs and cigarette smoke. Strings, piano, brass, snare drum, drive this baby home. Save your regrets for the morning.” ~ Rosemary Welsch

k.d. lang – Theme from The Valley of the Dolls (1997)

“Have you seen the movie “Valley of the Dolls?” It’s the ultimate tawdry soap opera, filled with catty gossip, backstabbing, drug and alcohol addiction, and general bad behavior by and against women trying to make it in showbiz. The theme was written by Dory and Andre Previn, who would end up with their own nasty divorce, so maybe there was inspiration brewing. Still, it’s a sophisticated piece of music originally sung by Dionne Warwick. It’s understandable why k.d. lang, with her amazing vocal range and sense of theatrics, was drawn to its swelling arrangement and dramatic lyrics.” ~ Rosemary Welsch

Elvis Perkins – Hey (2009)

“The son of Hollywood legend Anthony Perkins has created a path uniquely his own. A skillful songwriter, Elvis digs into genres and styles of music that find roots in the past while laying a path for something new and adventurous. I can’t say I know what “Hey” is about, but I love his use of language and imagery. It’s obliquely Dylan-Esque with a dash of New Orleans spirit.” ~ Rosemary Welsch

Liz Phair – Whip-Smart (1994)

“If you haven’t yet listened to Liz Phairs’ audible book “Never Said Nothing” I highly recommend it. She offers insight into her career and her creative process. She’s also re-recorded many of her hits, and with the added wisdom of life experience and better vocal technique, they shine anew. “Whipsmart” is the title track from her sophomore album and proves to be prophetic. Tracking the stages and disintegration of a relationship, Phair turns the experience into a template for how to raise a son, something she would begin to do two years after writing the song.” ~ Rosemary Welsch

Amy Winehouse – Back to Black (2007)

“Amy depicted the feeling of closing your heart after a deep betrayal, painting her emotions in various hues of black and telling her story as she hermits into a deep dark space of mourning. I remember seeing the music video for the first time and resonating with her journey of heartache deeply. Her still tone and haunting background vocals deepen the sadness of every word as you listen, taking you into your own shadows, and facing them head-on.” ~ Clara Kent

Barry White – Never, Never, Gonna Give You Up! (1973)

“Barry White is the King of SWOON! This song had all the women in my family in a trance and the men trying to keep up! This song is sure to transform your date night into a memorable one. The instrumentation alone can do the job, but Barry’s deep raspy tone and vocal approach is infatuation personified, carrying you into a steamy romance effortlessly.” ~ Clara Kent

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – Tha Crossroads (1995)

“Who knew this group from Ohio would permanently change the game in Hip-Hop forever. They are one of the first artists to usher in the melodic rap movement and triplet style that is very prominent in Hip-hop and rap today. This song was a culture shift in hip-hop and reverberated into many other genres, especially pop culture. Crossroads was a statement that many can relate to when it comes to loss and life. This song allowed the Black community to vent openly about the loss of loved ones to the struggles of street life due to systematic disparities and a long history of prejudices that lead to close and personal experiences, thus, why this song is a modern classic.” ~Clara Kent

Blink-182 – All The Small Things (1999)

“Everything changed when Blink-182 released Enema of the State in the summer of 1999. A once cultish band known for their sophomoric humor, split lead vocals, and the minor radio hit “Dammit,” Mark, Tom, and Travis became massive stars that summer when “What’s My Age Again?” became the band’s first crossover hit and when they made a memorable cameo in the movie American Pie. The following January, when “All The Small Things” hit the airwaves, Blink and their fans moved from the skate parks to the mainstream (which was not a very small thing at all).” ~Joey Spehar

The Romantics – What I Like About You (1990)

“The Romantics got their start on Valentine’s Day in 1977 (thus their name) and released their debut album in 1980. The self-titled record featured “What I Like About You” – a song that they’d already been playing for a few years in their live sets. People didn’t really take notice of the song until the end of the decade when it became a popular choice for advertisers, most notably Budweiser beer. In the years that followed, “What I Like About You” has become a ubiquitous piece of pop culture and the things we like most about The Romantics.” ~Joey Spehar

Tom Hanks’ Full Hanks-Giving Playlist

Artist	Song Title	Original Album	Year
Al Green	Take Me to the River	Al Green Explores Your Mind	1974
Alex the Astronaut	I Think You’re Great	The Theory of Absolutely Nothing	2020
Amy Winehouse	Back to Black	Back to Black	2007
Asa	Bibanke	Asa	2007
Asleep at the Wheel	Take Me Back to Tulsa	Comin’ Right at Ya	1973
B. Bumble & the Stingers	Nola		1961
Badfinger	Come and Get It	Magic Christian Music	1970
Barry White	Never, Never Gonna Give You Up	Stone Gon’	1973
Basil Poledouris	Klendathu Drop	Starship Troopers	1997
Benny Golson	Killer Joe	Meet the Jazztet	1960
Bikini Machine	Get Down	The Full Album	2009
Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys	Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Billy Fury	Nothin’ Shakin’ (But The Leaves On The Trees)	[1964 single]	1964
Black Market Audio	Waikiki Secret Service	Shake!	2006
Blink 182	All The Small Things	Enema of the State	1999
Blondie	The Tide Is High	Autoamerican	1980
Bob Dylan	A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall	The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan	1963
Bobby Lewis	Tossin’ And Turnin’	Tossin’ and Turnin’	1961
Bodeans	Only Love	Outside Looking In	1987
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony	Tha Crossroads	E. 1999 Eternal	1995
Bonnie Raitt	Runaway	Sweet Forgiveness	1977
Booker T. & The MG’s	Time Is Tight	UpTight	1969
Brandi Carlile	Sugartooth	By the Way, I Forgive You	2018
Brian Wilson	Heroes and Villains	Brian Wilson Presents Smile	2004
Bruce Springsteen	Meeting Across the River	Born to Run	1975
Buck Owens	Right After The Dance	The Fabulous Country Music Sound of Buck Owens	1956
Buddy Knox	I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself	[1959 single]	1959
Cam	Diane	the Otherside	2020
Candi Staton	Stand By Your Man	Stand By Your Man	1971
Cannonball Adderley	Spectacular	Sophisticated Swing	1957
Caro Emerald	A Night Like This	Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor	2010
Chuck Berry	Brown Eyed Handsome Man	After School Session	1956
Clarence Carter	Wind It Up	This Is Clarence Carter	1968
Cocktail Slippers	Don’t Ever Leave Me	St. Valentine’s Day Massacre	2009
Creedence Clearwater Revival	It Came Out of the Sky	Willie & The Poor Boys	1971
Curtis Mayfield	Miss Black America	Curtis	1970
Darlene Love	Lord, If You’re a Woman	[1977 single]	1977
David Bowie	Suffragette City	Ziggy Stardust	1972
Dean Martin	Houston	Houston	1965
Death Cab for Cutie	Gold Rush	Thank You for Today	2018
Duane Eddy	Because They’re Young	$1,000,000 Worth Of Twang	1960
Dusty Springfield	Doodlin’	Ev’rything’s Coming Up Dusty	1965
Edwyn Collins	A Girl Like You	Gorgeous George	1994
Eilen Jewell	Where They Never Say Your Name	Letters From Sinners & Strangers	2007
Electric Light Orchestra	Calling America	Balance of Power	1986
Elle King	Ex’s and Oh’s	Love Stuff	2014
Elvis Perkins	Hey	Elvis Perkins in Dearland	2009
Elvis Presley	I’m Coming Home	Something for Everybody	1961
Fastball	The Way	All The Pain Money Can Buy	1998
Fine Young Cannibals	Don’t Look Back	The Raw and The Cooked	1988
Floyd Cramer	Last Date	Last Date	1960
Frank Sinatra	Brazil	Come Fly With Me	1958
George Jones & Tammy Wynette	Golden Ring	Golden Ring	1976
Helen Shapiro	Keep Away From Other Girls	[1962 single]	1962
Iggy Pop	Real Wild Child	Blah-Blah-Blah	1986
Iris DeMent	Let The Mystery Be	Infamous Angel	1992
Jack Nitzsche	The Lonely Surfer	[1963 single]	1963
James Brown	Get Up Offa That Thing	Get Up Offa That Thing	1976
Jan & Dean	Ride the Wild Surf	Ride the Wild Surf	1964
Joe Tex	Hold What You’ve Got	The New Boss	1965
Johnny Cash	I Hung My Head	American IV: The Man Comes Around	2002
Johnny Rivers	Secret Agent Man	…And I Know You Wanna Dance	1966
Julie London	June in January	Calendar Girl	1956
Junior Walker & The All Stars	Shake And Fingerpop	Shotgun	1965
k.d. lang	Theme From The Valley Of The Dolls	Drag	1997
Liz Phair	Whip-Smart	Whip-smart	1994
Marty Stuart	Tempted	Tempted	1991
Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats	S.O.B.	Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats	2015
Nelson Riddle	Route 66 Theme	Route 66 Theme and Other Great TV Themes	1962
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds	Holy Mountain	Who Built the Moon?	2017
Patti Scialfa	City Boys	23rd Street lullaby	2004
Patti Smith	Looking For You (I Was)	Dream of Life	1988
Rita Wilson & Elvis Costello	Fire	Rita Wilson Now & Forever: Duets	2022
Ruston Kelly	Big Brown Bus	Dying Star	2018
Shawn Colvin	Get Out of This House	A Few Small Repairs	1996
Shivaree	John 2:14	Rough Dreams	2002
Skeeter Davis	The End Of The World	Skeeter Davis Sings The End of the World	1963
The Beach Boys	Be True to Your School	Little Deuce Coupe	1963
The Beatles	Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand	[1964 German single]	1964
The Bobby Fuller Four	Love’s Made A Fool Of You	[1966 single]	1966
The Busters	Sukiyaki
The Cascades	Rhythm of the Rain	Rhythm of the Rain	1963
The Challengers	K-39	K-39	1964
The Clash	Brand New Cadillac	London Calling	1979
The Coolies	Pathetica	Uh Oh! It’s…The Coolies	2019
The Cranberries	Dreams	Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?	1993
The Dandy Warhols	Bohemian Like You	Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia	2000
The Dave Clark Five	Anyway You Want It	Coast to Coast	1964
The Del McCoury Band	Nashville Cats	The Family	1999
The Del-Lords	How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live	Frontier Days	1984
The Everly Brothers	The First in Line	EB 84	1984
The Go-Go’s	Yes or No	Talk Show	1984
The Handsome Family	Far from Any Road	Singing Bones	2003
The Hollies	Carrie Anne	[1967 single]	1967
The Johnny Otis Show	Castin’ My Spell	[1959 single]	1959
The Pipettes	Pull Shapes	We Are The Pipettes	2006
The Romantics	What I Like About You	The Romantics	1980
The Shadows	Foot Tapper	[1963 single]	1963
UB40	Can’t Help Falling in Love	Promises and Lies	1993
Warren Zevon	Accidentally Like a Martyr	Excitable Boy	1978

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