Cary Ann Hearst
Whether as a serious Americana/romance songwriter, spirited collaborator with local and visiting rock/country/jazz acts, the torch-song diva of Cabaret Kiki, a bandleader with her own groups — The Borrowed Angels, The Gun Street Girls (or whatever her backing band is called these days) — or a solo vocal performer, Charleston’s Cary Ann Hearst is loved, respected, and revered by readers, writers, and colleagues.
Here’s an ode from the music department dedicated to the longtime readers’ pick for Best Female Musician/Vocalist:
“Hey, Cary Ann (40 Years Ahead)”(sung to the tune of the 1967 hit, “Carrie Ann” — apologies to The Hollies)
Doo-doo-roo-roo-doot-doot-doo-roo-roo
Hey, Cary Ann!
When we were on stage our games were simple
I played the editor, you played a singer
Then you played with older rock and jazz cats
What’s the attraction in what they’re doing?
Hey Cary Ann, what’s your gig now — can anybody play?
Hey Cary Ann, where’s your show now — can anybody play?
You’re always something special to Charleston — quite independent, never caring
You spread the charm as you were singing — where is your magic reappearing?
You’re so like a woman to City Paper readers
So, so like a woman to these fans
So like an award-winning female vocalist and musician
Hey Cary Ann, who’s your band now — can anybody play?
Hey Cary Ann, what’s the band name — can anybody play?
Scenesters live and learn, but you’re still learning
You use my listings and I’ll be your teacher
When the lesson’s over, you’ll be in the music pages
Then I’ll hear the other people saying…
Hey Cary Ann, what’s your gig now — can anybody play?
Hey Cary Ann, what’s your gig now — can anybody play?
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