In February 1983 a ”Wagnerian gothic aria” knocked Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” out of No. 1 on the UK music charts. Then, it captured the post position in the United States and much of the Western world. That is according to the BBC, my own memory, and likely yours too (BBC: World News, July 8, 2026).

I am referring, of course, to the one and only “Total Eclipse of the Heart” sung by Bonnie Tyler.

She died last week, and I have been listening to her throaty voice in the car from Geneva to Indianapolis and back. But, of course, it brought up other great memories as well.

“What’s Up” by Linda Perry and the 4 Non Blondes, “Piece of my Heart” by Janis Joplin, and different-but-still-passionate-if-not-deep-throated “The Harder They Come” by Jimmy Cliff. You’re probably chuckling........

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