Doesn’t it seem like some books deserve a soundtrack? When I first visited Yosemite National Park in 2016 to do the on-the-ground research for Where the Fire Falls, I was already looking for something that might make my hero, Clark Johnson, stand out. The heroine, Olivia, is a flamboyant watercolor artist–would Clark pale in comparison? He needed a creative talent to help balance Olivia’s wild personality. I pictured the handsome guide strumming a guitar by the campfire, maybe crooning a few cowboy songs. Perfect.
Enter Tom Bopp, Music Historian
When I arrived at the park, I met with the park’s music resident music historian, Tom Bopp. He plays the piano regularly at the park’s famous Wawona Hotel (now Big Trees Lodge), entertaining guests with stories and songs from Yosemite’s past. When I mentioned my story and it’s era (1929) to him, Tom grinned. For the next thirty minutes or so, he played a series of songs that had been wildly popular at the evening shows at Camp Curry, the Ahwahnee Hotel, the Glacier Point Hotel, and the Wawona. I gleefully recorded the whole performance, taking note of each song and where it might work in the storyline of Where the Fire Falls.
Here are a few of the songs that made it into the final draft. Do they sound like how you imagined? Do you have favorite songs from yesteryear?
Always
The most quoted song in the novel is “Always” by Irving Berlin, published in 1925. Everyone and their uncle covered this song, so there are plenty of renditions to choose from, but I love this 1944 version by Deanna Durbin. It captures the emotion that gripped Olivia whenever she heard the lyrics. I’m starting it at 0:44 to get to the familiar chorus, but you can back it up to hear the long intro if you wish.
Singing in Camp Curry
The 20s and 30s had some delightful comedic songs that swept through the nation. I couldn’t resist having my former vaudeville star, Melba, belt out a few of these as she performs at Camp Curry’s amphitheater. “Don’t Bring Lulu” was published by Jerome H. Remick in 1925. This recording is by Dorothy Provine in 1961 in a television show called The Roaring 20s. “Red Lips Kiss My Blues Away” was published in 1927 (music by Pete Wendling, lyrics by Alfred Bryan and Jimmy Monaco). My personal favorite is “Button Up Your Overcoat” (Ray Henderson, Buddy DeSylva & Lew Brown, 1928). It was originally recorded by Ruth Etting, but this fun version was recorded the next year by Helen Kane. If her voice sounds familiar–it should! She was the inspiration for Betty Boop.
Around the Campfire
It made sense for the characters of Where the Fire Falls to sing around the campfire at least once during their journey. Red River Valley is a common folk song with an uncertain origin, but has always been a fun one to sing with a group.
In the Garden
I always enjoy being able to reference at least one hymn in my novels, as long as it fits the story. “In the Garden” matched Olivia and Clark’s journey perfectly. Even though it gets overshadowed by the other songs in the book, “In the Garden (I Come to the Garden Alone)” is a beautiful and intimate look at a believer’s walk with Christ–something Clark gently demonstrates to Olivia throughout the novel. It was published in 1912 by American songwriter, C. Austin Miles.
Indian Love Call
“Indian Love Call” (1924) was traditionally sung at Camp Curry after the nightly Firefall. It’s quite a haunting melody and many people have strong childhood memories of watching the burning embers drift down the cliff face to this tune.
Tom Bopp, Music of Yosemite
If you’re like to learn more about Yosemite’s history through song, check out Tom Bopp’s DVD, Vintage Songs of Yosemite. It also has information on the famous Firefall. I know you’ll enjoy it. Here’s a little taste:
Happy reading (and singing)!
