‘Whoops! La-di-dah…’
If I had to nominate a favourite tiny moment, lasting no more than a couple of seconds, from any piece of music I know, it might be the one that occurs 1 minute and 30 seconds into “Stay”, by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs.
The record — the shortest ever to hit No 1 in the US pop charts — is already fading out when Maurice suddenly cries: “Whoops! La-di-dah…” Goodness knows why, but somehow it fits perfectly and it sticks in the mind. Or at least it’s stuck in mine for six and a half decades, and I like the record enough to own it on a 45, an EP and an LP (for which I see I paid 50 cents — in an oldies store in Greenwich Village in the early ’70s, I think).
Maurice’s death has just been announced. He was 86, and he died at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ve been writing a full obituary for the Guardian this morning; it includes the charming story behind the song, as well as mentioning its various and very successful reincarnations. No doubt the piece will appear online before long.
Meanwhile, I thought those who already know the moment of which I’m so fond might like to be reminded of it, and those who don’t might enjoyed being introduced.
thebluemoment.com 