When examining the many accomplished, handsome crooners of the Showa era, Kiyohiko Ozaki’s veritable library of love ballads stands out nearly as much as his formidable sideburns.
Ozaki was born in Yokohama in 1942, and began his music career at the age of 17, earning his chops in several bands before debuting as a solo artist in 1970. Just as his debut album was released, a traffic accident led to Ozaki being hospitalized for four months, and his career was threatened before it even really began.
However, Ozaki’s return hits in 1971 and 1972, namely his trademark hit “Mata Au Hi Made,” elevated him to pop star status. He appeared frequently on TV music shows and released several albums over the next several years, and the hit single of his final studio album in 1987, Memories of Summer Love became one of his most famous. He also made a name for himself by covering American pop songs and movie theme songs, such as Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind” and a Japanese lyricized version of “Love Theme from The Godfather.” Ozaki also ventured into film, appearing as a side character in Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 comedy horror cult classic, House.
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s storied career makes him an essential part of any Japanese music collection.
Take a listen n the videos and playlists below.
1. また逢う日まで (Mata Au Hi Made, “Until We Meet Again”) (1971)
2. ふたりは若かった (Futariha Wakakatta, "We Were So Young") (1972)
3. ジョージア・オン・マイ・マインド ("Georgia On My Mind")(1971)
4. ゴッドファーザー愛のテーマ ("Love's Theme from the Godfather") (1972)
5. サマー・ラブ ("Summer Love") (1987)
Playlists
Listen to these selections on Spotify and Youtube using the players below.
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