“Song From M*A*S*H” #70 7/25/1970

The movie “M*A*S*H” and the later TV show were rather groundbreaking. The film’s director, Robert Altman, wanted a song to be titled “Suicide Is Painless” but it had to be the “stupidest song ever written.” Robert said his 14-year-old son wrote the lyrics in about five minutes and his kid earned more in royalties than Altman made directing the flick. Johnny Mandel (RIP 2020) wrote the melody. This bossa nova instrumental version, a Top 10 easy listening hit, was credited to Al De Lory, producer of Glen Campbell’s early hits and who also worked extensively with the Wrecking Crew.