Expert: Bong Santos - 12/16/2010

Question
I' m looking for a song that i heard in early 80's.  don't know artist, title.  I remember some in the chorus like "hits for independence" or like. The song's style is like cat stevens with some girls and palms support the chorus. Also has a sax, and some effects keyboard. I remenber also that song was long (almost 8 minutes)... the song sound music style was like a "author, protest hippie hymn"...but i heard in 80's, i think maybe from 60's to early 80's... is all i know.. thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi Jose,

You must be referring to the song STATE OF INDEPENDENCE. It was originally recorded by JON & VANGELIS, a collaborative effort by JON ANDERSON of YES & Greek synthesizer musician VANGELIS (real name: EVANGELOS PAPATHANASSIOU). STATE OF INDEPENDENCE was included in their 1981 album THE FRIENDS OF MR. CAIRO. The song was timed in at 7 minutes and 53 seconds. In 1982, disco queen DONNA SUMMER recorded it for her album DONNA SUMMER, taking it to No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Maraming salamat at Maligayang Pasko!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines