World leaders play the hits
Malaysia's prime minister is a Frank Sinatra fan, while the leader of the Philippines prefers the Carpenters. East Asian leaders' favorite songs were revealed Thursday by the British Broadcasting Corp. as part of a survey to find the world's best-loved tunes. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad and Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri both chose Sinatra's "My Way", which Megawati praised as "full of determination".
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo chose The Carpenters' "I Have You", while Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he liked to hear Elvis Presley croon "Love Me Tender". Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi selected The Beatles' "Let it Be", while East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao was sustained during seven years of imprisonment in Indonesia by Mariah Carey's "Hero".
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a well-known Elvis fan, likes to listen to Ennio Morricone's moody score for "Once Upon a Time in America". While western pop songs dominated the list, South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung chose a song from his own country, "Pioneer".
The BBC World Service says it has received votes from 112 countries in its campaign to find the world's favorite songs. The leader so far is an Indian song, "Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu", followed by Cliff Richard's "We Don't Talk Anymore" and Cher's "Believe". The Beatles have more songs nominated than any other group. The results will be announced Dec. 21. (CBS News)
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