A short, sweet, and timeless classic from the faraway 50s, signature song of one of the most successful bands of the early rock and roll era, that underwent numerous lineup changes over the years, but consistently charted many Billboard Hot 100 hits in their long career! Originally formed in L.A., with minor initial success, this particular song, written by manager Buck Ram in 1955, and released early the following year, catapulted them into national prominence! It was performed by the group’s most popular “Mercury Classic” lineup, consisting of Tony Williams on lead vocals, backed by Herb Reed, David Lynch, Paul Robi and Zola Taylor! “Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender, pretending that I’m doing well, my need is such, I pretend too much, I’m lonely, but no one can tell, oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender, adrift in a world of my own, I played the game but to my real shame, you’ve left me to grieve all alone, too real is this feeling of make-believe, too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal, yes, I’m the great pretender, just laughin’ and gay like a clown, I seem to be what I’m not, you see, I’m wearing my heart like a crown, pretending that you’re still around…”! The song was famously repopularized in 1987 by flamboyant Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, as a sort of musical and theatrical, autobiographical self-parody, and was released 4 years before he succumbed from complications of AIDS at 45!
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