Feelings

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy trivia about "Feelings" by Morris Albert, spinning now on THE ZOO! This soft rock classic, with its iconic "whoa whoa whoa" chorus, became a global sensation in 1974, but it’s got some wild stories behind it. One juicy tidbit is the 1986 lawsuit where French songwriter Loulou Gasté claimed "Feelings" ripped off his 1957 tune "Pour Toi." Gasté won, and now he shares songwriting credit with Albert, which stirred up quite the controversy in the music world. Fans on Songfacts have shared quirky memories, like one claiming NBA legend Larry Bird hummed "Feelings" at the free-throw line to stay calm during big games. Another fan on Amazon reviews gushed that the song sparked a 39-year love story, leading to four kids and seven grandkids, proving its romantic pull. But not everyone’s a fan—Wikipedia notes Julie Andrews once called it tough to sing because its lyrics lacked deep meaning, a hot take that’s sparked debates among Zoo Freaks!

The song’s legacy is a mixed bag of cheese and charm. It’s been covered by over 200 artists, from Shirley Bassey to The Offspring, who did a tongue-in-cheek version on their Americana album, poking fun at its sappy vibe. Discogs reveals the 1975 vinyl of the "Feelings" album sometimes came with a hype sticker boasting its "original international hit version," making it a collector’s gem. On social media, fans on 70s Music Lovers Facebook group often post about how "Feelings" defined the mid-’70s soft rock era, though some admit they sing it off-key for laughs. The song’s 32-week run on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975, longer than any other hit that year, cements its unshakable place in pop culture, whether you love it or roll your eyes.

Now, let’s dig into how Morris Albert got his start. Born Maurício Alberto Kaisermann on September 7, 1951, in São Paulo, Brazil, to an Austrian immigrant family, Albert was a musical kid who picked up the guitar early. Wikipedia tells us he kicked off his career in São Paulo, singing and strumming in local bands, soaking up the vibrant Brazilian music scene. In the early ’70s, he adopted the stage name Morris Albert, a nod to the trend of Brazilian artists using English names to crack the U.S. market. His big break came in 1973 with his debut single "Feel the Sunshine," but it was "Feelings" in 1974 that launched him into stardom. Recorded first as a Portuguese bolero, it exploded globally after being re-cut in English, hitting #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over a million copies, earning a gold disc from the RIAA. Albert’s time studying phonology at Columbia University in New York gave him a knack for crafting universally appealing lyrics, though some, like those on Mental Itch, call them syrupy. His only other U.S. chart entry, "Sweet Loving Man," hit #93 in 1976, making "Feelings" his defining moment.

Connecting with Morris Albert today is tricky since he keeps a low profile, and no official website or verified social media accounts are active. Searches on Facebook, Instagram, and X turn up no official pages, but fans keep the love alive. The 70s Music Lovers group on Facebook is a hot spot for Zoo Freaks to share Albert nostalgia, with posts praising his smooth vocals. Fan sites like Mental Itch and CMF Radio dive deep into his bio and the song’s impact, offering trivia and lyric breakdowns. While Albert’s star faded after the ’70s, his one-hit-wonder status keeps Zoo Freaks spinning "Feelings" and grooving to its timeless, if polarizing, vibe.