Music Monday: July 20, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Multi genre music royalty Linda Ronstadt turned 80 years young last week. The incomprable singer was born July 15, 1946 in Arizona and raised on a 10 acre farm. Her father’s ancestry would later inspire her Mexican recordings. She started her career as part of the folk trio, The Stone Poneys, who had a Top 20 hit in 1967 with a song written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees. Ronstadt released her first solo album in 1969.

This is from my post on Day 486 of my Lockdown Countdown:

“Ronstadt has sung nearly every genre of music in her career from pop to country to big band to Mexican to jazz and more. On her 34th birthday in 1980, she expanded her repertoire when she appeared in Joseph Papp’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance in Central Park in NYC. But I still love the song that started her career and introduced us all to her unbelievably fabulous voice. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for this legendary artist“.

Linda Ronstadt in the 1970’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ronstadt in the 1970’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ronstadt circa 1999. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year also marks the golden anniversary of Ronstadt’s seventh studio album, Hasten Down the Wind. It was released 50 years ago by Capitol on August 9, 1976. A month later, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, giving her the third platinum album of her career.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The man who wrote the title track to Ronstadt’s 1976 album-Warren Zevon-released his own self titled album 50 years ago in May 1976. His original take on the song strikes me as even more heartbreaking than hers, probably because it is amplified by the gorgeous harmony vocals by Phil Everly. In the 1970’s Zevon worked as the band leader, musical coordinator and keyboard player for The Everly Brothers and later worked with both Phil and Don Everly on their solo tours. Another of Zevon’s friends-fellow singer/songwriter, Jackson Browne-produced Zevon’s 1976 album and contributed guitar & harmony vocals to four of the eleven tracks. JD Souther, Lindsey Buckingham, Bonnie Raitt and many other artists also contributed to Zevon’s record.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Warren Zevon (L) and Phil Everly (R) circa 1971. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Zevon (L) and Jackson Browne (R) circa 1976. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Blues, rock & country singer-songwriter & musician Delbert McClinton had a Top Ten hit in February 1981 with a song that peaked at #8. That technically makes the singer-who turned 85 last November-a one-hit wonder. However, he had a hit duet with country superstar Tanya Tucker-“Tell Me About It”-which reached #4 on the country chart in July 1993.

McClinton is also a four-time Grammy winner with awards in 1992 for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for the song, ” Good Man, Good Woman” with Bonnie Raitt; in 2002 & 2006 for Best Contemporary Blues Album – or Contemporary Blues Recording for Nothing Personal (2002) and Cost Of Living (2006) and for Best Traditional Blues Album for Tall, Dark, & Handsome in 2020. Not bad for a one-hit wonder.

Delbert McClinton circa 1981. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bonnie Bramlett (L) of Delaney & Bonnie provided the backing vocals for McClinton’s 1981 hit. They are pictured here together circa 1978. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The pilot episode of “Six Feet Under” premiered 25 years ago on Sunday, June 3, 2001. The Fishers-Nathaniel, Ruth, Nate, David & Clare-helped us explore death in their family-owned funeral home along with their life challenges, romances, neurosis and their own struggles living in the same place where the reality of death is ever present. The IMDb tagline for the show-“When death is your business, what is your life?”-tells you all you need to know.

To closeout the Christmas episode in S2 (E8 which oddly enough aired in April 2002) one of the main characters, Nate-the oldest son who reluctantly inherits half of the family business he wanted nothing to do with after his father’s sudden death-takes a moment of freedom from his new reality by escaping it via a motorcycle ride. But perhaps as a reminder to Nate’s profession and how near the end may be for any one of us, the song underscoring Nate’s temporary escape is none other than the Blue Oyster Cult classic released 50 years ago in May 1976 from the album, Agents Of Fortune. Or perhaps it was a direct message to all of us to literally not fear the moment we are all headed towards by not letting it stop us from living. Ten years ago in 2016, that song was covered as a beautiful slow mournful ballad, giving it new life & a new audience.

The cast of “Six Feet Under” L-R: Rachel Griffiths, Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Mathew St. Patrick, Freddy Rodriguez, Lauren Ambrose (seated) and Frances Conroy. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Stone Poneys: “Different Drum” (1967, written by Mike Nesmith).

Linda Ronstadt: “Love Has No Pride” (1973, written by Eric Kaz and Libby Titus).

Linda Ronstadt: “You’re No Good” (1974, written by Clint Ballard Jr.).

Linda Ronstadt: “Lose Again” (1976, written by Karla Bonoff).

Linda Ronstadt: “That’ll Be The Day” (1976, written by Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly and Norman Petty).

Linda Ronstadt: “Hasten Down The Wind” (1976, written by Warren Zevon).

Linda Ronstadt featuring Aaron Neville: “Don’t Know Much” (1989, written by Barry Mann, Tom Snow and Cynthis Weil).

Rosemary Clooney & Linda Ronstadt: “Time Flies” ( Evening At Pops with John Williams live performance May 24, 1993. Written by Jimmy Webb).

Warren Zevon: “Hasten Down the Wind” (1976, written by Warren Zevon. Harmony vocals by Phil Everly).

Warren Zevon: “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (1976, written by Warren Zevon).

Warren Zevon: “Carmelita” (1976, written by Warren Zevon).

Delbert McClinton: “Giving It Up For Your Love” (1980, written by Jerry Lynn Williams).

Blue Oyster Cult: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976, written by Buck Dharma a/k/a Donald Brian Roeser).

Denmark & Winter: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (2016, written by Buck Dharma a/k/a Donald Brian Roeser).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: July 13, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week two more pieces of my younger years said goodbye for good.

Bonnie Tyler, the beautiful singer with the husky voice behind the hit songs “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” and “Holding Out For A Hero”, died July 8, 2026 at age 75. She just hit that milestone birthday on June 8 while she was hospitalized due to intestinal surgery she had a month earlier as reported on her Facebook page. That is where her family & team broke the news of her passing last week.

Tyler-who was born Gaynor Hopkins on June 8, 1951 in Wales-started her singing career after placing second in a talent contest when she was 18. Six years later in 1975, she was signed to RCA Records & changed her name on the label’s recommendation. Two years later, she released her debut album, The World Starts Tonight, in February 1977. That year she also had surgery to remove nodules on her vocal chords. Supposedly her failure to follow the doctor’s recommendation to rest her voice for six full weeks left her with her signature hoarse tone. Seventeen more albums followed over the next 45 years along with three Top 40 songs: “It’s a Heartache” peaked at #3 in June 1978, “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” reached #1 for four weeks in October 1983 & “Holding Out For A Hero” from “Footloose” reached #34 in April 1984. Great Britain awarded her an MBE for services to music in 2022 at the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

For me, the best memory of this incredible singer was belting out her 1978 hit with some of my childhood friends every time it came on the radio. We had no idea what the lyrics meant or what romantic love was all about, but we knew a great track when we heard one & the beauty of the raspy voice behind it.

Bonnie Tyler:  June 8, 1951 – July 8, 2026.   

Bonnie Tyler circa 1977. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Randolph Mantooth, the actor who rose to fame playing one of my first crushes, paramedic Johnny Gage on “Emergency!” which ran from 1972-1979, died on July 9, 2026 at age 80. After that series ended he starred in the mini-series, “The Seekers” (1979), and the soap opera, “Loving”, in two main roles between 1987-1990 & 1993-1997. Several other TV & movie appearance followed until his last screen appearance in the 2013 horror movie, “Killer Holiday”.

Over the last 50 years the legacy of “Emergency!” – one of the first TV series to feature firefighters & the very first to feature paramedics – has continued to grow in admiration for bringing the profession to the attention to the public. Mantooth stayed involved in continuing that mission. According to IMDb,

“In 2000 Mantooth participated in Project 51, a non-profit organization organized to not only celebrate the impact the show had on rescue and emergency services but to honor members of the EMS profession as well. As one of seven committee members guiding this organization, Mantooth finished a cross-country tour, traveling with the refurbished Squad from the television show to such cities as: Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, Long Island, Baltimore and the final stop, Washington, DC. On May 16, nearly 30 years after “Emergency!” debuted, the Smithsonian Institute accepted the show’s memorabilia into its Natural History Museum”.

Randolph Mantooth: September 19, 1945 – July 9, 2026.

Randolph Mantooth as Johnny Gage on “Emergency!”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The picture on display at the Los Angeles County Fire Department courtesy of their Facebook page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year marks two milestone birth anniversaries for two brothers who helped write Motown’s illustrious history. Jimmy Ruffin was born 90 years ago on May 7, 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi. His younger brother, David (born Davis Eli Ruffin) was born 85 years ago on January 18, 1941.

He became one of the biggest voices on the label as one of the lead singers for the Temptations during its “classic five” period (Jan 1964-June 1968) despite Jimmy vying for the position as well. But he recorded several records for Motown as a solo artist, including his breakthrough hit which was released 60 years ago in June 1966. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 four months later. He had three other Top 40 hits, including the Top Ten track, “Hold On To My Love” in May 1980.

David’s success as one of The Temptations’ primary voices started with “My Girl” released in December 1964. Two years later, they released their 4th studio album, Gettin’ Ready which includes the classics, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”- sung by David – and “Get Ready”.

In 1970, the Ruffin Brothers released a collabortive album, I Am My Brother’s Keeper, which features 12 duets including the most soulful cover of a Ben E. King classic I ever heard.

Jimmy Lee Ruffin: May 7, 1936 – November 17, 2014.

David Ruffin: January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991.

Jimmy Ruffin (L) and David Ruffin (R) on the cover of their 1970 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Forty-five years ago Steve Winwood scored his first Top Ten song with “When You See A Chance”. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1981. It was the lead single from his 1980 album, Arc Of A Diver, which peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 in April 1981. The title track is my favorite from the record.

Winwood released his fourth solo album, Back In The High Life, 40 years ago on June 30, 1986. By September, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 & produced six singles including his first #1 song which reached the top spot in August 1986. The title track peaked at #13 in August 1987 and features backing & harmony vocals by James Taylor. The album also features contributions from many other artists including guitarists Nile Rodgers and Joe Walsh and singer Chaka Khan.

Winwood has had a total of six Top Ten hits in his nearly 65 year career including his second #1 song, “Roll With It”, which held the top spot for 4 weeks starting in July 1988.        

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

American singer Aaliyah released her second studio album, One In A Million, 30 years ago on August 13, 1996. It included a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Got To Give It Up” which is how I discovered her incredible voice. She did a more than respectable job with the song & even featured images of Gaye in the video. I could have done without the rap part but at least it was minimal. Her strong soprano voice had an intense soulful vibe to it. It helped her earn a place on the talent show, “Star Search”, when she was just 10 years old. She died in a plane crash nearly 25 years ago in August 2001 when she was only 22 years old.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton: January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bonnie Tyler: “It’s A Heartache” (1977, written by Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe).

Jimmy Ruffin: “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” (1966, written by James Dean, Paul Riser and William Weatherspoon).

The Temptations: “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” (1966, written by Edward Holland, Jr and Norman Whitfield. Lead vocal: David Ruffin).

David Ruffin: “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” (1969, written by Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, James Roach and Pam Sawyer).

Jimmy Ruffin and David Ruffin: “Stand By Me” (1970, written by Elmo Glick and Ben E. King).

Steve Winwood: “While You See A Chance” (1980, written by Will Jennings and Steve Winwood).

Steve Winwood: “Higher Love” (1986, written by Will Jennings and Steve Winwood).

Steve Winwood: “Freedom Overspill” (1986, written by George Fleming, James Hooker and Steve Winwood).

Steve Winwood: “Back In The High Life Again” (1986, written by Will Jennings and Steve Winwood).

Aaliyah: “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996, written by Missy Elliott and Tim Mosley a/k/a Timbaland).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: July 6, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today marks birthday #80 for Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone. Born July 6, 1946 in New York City, “Sly”-as he is affectionately known-is still going strong in his current Paramount series, “Tulsa King” (which features his daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone as Spencer). This after a career of epic movie franchises like “Rocky”, “Rambo” and “The Expendables”, not to mention so many other films in his 50+ year career. I adore “Rocky” & “Rocky II”, but I also love Sly’s performance in the 1997 film, “Cop Land” followed very closely by 1981’s “Nighthawks”.

And speaking of “Rocky”, this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the movie. It was released nationwide on December 3, 1976. Stallone wrote it himself a year earlier & refused to sell the rights without a guarantee that he could star in the film himself. When the movie came out, it was a massive success and catapulted him to fame. In 1977 it was nominated for 10 Oscars and won three: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Editing.

The movie’s theme song became iconic as well, used most famously in the scene where Rocky is training by running through the streets of his hometown & ends with him climbing the 72 steps at the entrance to The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

That film also led to six sequels over 30 years: Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV, Rocky V (1985) & Rocky Balboa (2006). In 2015, the franchise changed focus to the “Creed” movies-Creed, Creed II & Creed III-featuring the son of Rocky’s original contender, Apollo Creed in the title role, coached by Rocky Balboa. Thank you, Sylvester Stallone, for over half a century of entertainment.

The 1976 movie poster. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire in a 1976 promotional picture for “Rocky”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Shire (L) and Stallone (R) circa 2024. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

David Clayton-Thomas died June 24, 2026 at age 84. The man with the booming tenor voice with its blue-eyed soul feel was the lead singer for Blood, Sweat & Tears from 1968 until 1972. Born September 13, 1941 in the United Kingdom and raised in Toronto, Canada, his website credits his mother with giving him a love of music (she was a British music student) while describing him as a “homeless street kid” due to a turbulent relationship with his father.

The first album he released with the band was their self-titled sophmore record, released in December 1968. It reached the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 on March 29, 1969 & stayed there for seven consecutive weeks. It remained on the chart for 109 weeks & won Album of the Year at the 12th annual Grammy Awards in 1970. Three of the songs reached #2 in 1969 including “Spinning Wheel” (which he also wrote) & “And When I Die”. My favorite track by the group was the first to chart that high in April 1969. And in the “you-learn-something-new-every-day” category, I just discovered that my favorite song by this band was co-written by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. and released as a single in 1967 by another of the song’s co-writers, Brenda Holloway.

David Clayton-Thomas in an undated photo. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jim Morrison died 55 years ago on July 3, 1971. I have said many times I do not like to dwell on the end of an artist’s life, but for someone like me who continues to adore the enigmatic & provocative lead singer of The Doors, it is impossible to overlook such a significant loss. I consider them to be America’s greatest band and after nearly six decades since they released their debut album, I still hold that to be absolutely true.

What three unbelievably talented musicians & one exquisite lead singer accomplished in just four & a half years-the time between the release of their first record in January 1967 until Morrison’s death in July 1971-is a phenomenal legacy. The poetry of Morrison’s words guide many of The Doors’ songs and his mesmerizing stage presence brought their concerts to a level of performance art that left the crowds entranced by his mere presence alone.

This year marks several milestones for the band. January 8th marked guitarist Robby Krieger’s 80th birthday. That same month The Doors’ track, “Riders On The Storm”, was featured as the Song Around The World by Playing For Change with both Krieger and drummer John Densmore contributing to the new recording. The album that song appeared on-which was the last Doors album recorded in Morrison’s lifetime-L.A. Woman, was released 55 years ago in April 1971. And 60 years ago, The Doors became the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood from May 23 to August 21, 1966. Hard to fathom that only five impossibly short years later, Morrison would be gone.

The Doors on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in September 1967 (L-R): John Densmore on drums, Robby Krieger on guitar, Ray Manzarek on the organ & Jim Morrison-center-on vocals. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Here is the post I wrote five years ago in 2021 on Day 474 of my Lockdown Countdown:

“Jim Morrison left this world on July 3, 1971. His death devastated his band, the music industry and those who he reached with his words. They affect me in the same profound way Marvin Gaye’s voice does. Gaye has my soul, Springsteen has my heart, Morrison has my mind. And music is my life.

James Douglas Morrison was born December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, Florida and died less than three decades later. But his years with The Doors revolutionized music & helped put the focus back on American bands after three years of The British Invasion. From 1967 to 1971-five unimaginably short years-The Doors conquered the world & left an indelible mark on it.

But I do not wonder “what if” after their story ended with Morrison’s death. I realized a long time ago that as much as I may hate it, some people were not meant to have long lives in this world. And he was one of them. But five decades later, his music, his words, his legacy & his presence are still so incredibly powerful. That is the stuff legends are made of. And to me, he was one in every sense of the word. And probably the best front man to ever swagger on to a stage. Jim Morrison was everything.“

James Douglas Morrison: December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971.

Morrison circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Three days after one great American band lost their frontman, another great American band introduced a double album of their first live recording. At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band was released 55 years ago July 6, 1971. It was their third record & proved to be a commercial breakthrough. It showcased the magic of their live shows-the extended jams of their songs-with two clocking in just under & over the 20 minute mark. The band appeared at the NYC venue for several performances three months earlier in March 1971 and two of those shows were used for the album. It started their intense loyal following & countless sold out shows which continued for the band even after the devastating loss of guitarist & founding member Duane Allman less than four months later on October 29, 1971. At Fillmore East remains as one of the greatest live recordings in rock history.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bill Conti: “Gonna Fly Now (Theme From “Rocky”) (1976, written by Bill Conti).

Blood, Sweat & Tears: “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” (1969, written by Berry Gordy Jr., Brenda Holloway, Patrice Holloway and Frank Wilson).

The Doors: “The End” (1967, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

The Doors: “Roadhouse Blues” (1970, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

The Doors: “Back Door Man” (Live performance on PBS’s Critique Show filmed in April 1969. Originally released in 1967, written by Willie Dixon).

The Doors: “Little Red Rooster (Live)” (Recorded January 17, 1970 at The Felt Forum (1st show) in New York City. Released in 1983 on the album, Alive, She Cried. Written by Willie Dixon).

The Allman Brothers Band: “Whipping Post” (1971, written by Gregg Allman).

Stay safe & well.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Posted in Holidays by

“O say can you see
By the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight’s last gleaming

Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming

And the rockets’ red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave“.

Have a very happy & safe 4th, everyone. Let freedom ring.

Photo by me.

Ray Charles: “America The Beautiful” (1976, lyrics written by Katharine Lee Bates, music written by Samuel A. Ward).

Marvin Gaye:  “The Star Spangled Banner” (as performed on February 13, 1983 at the NBA All Star Game in California.  Written by Francis Scott Key (lyrics in 1914) and John Stafford Smith (music circa 1773).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 29, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

American record mogul, producer & talent executive Clive Davis died last week at age 94. He held tenures at several record labels in his career but is probably best known as the founder and president of Arista Records.

Born April 4, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York, he started his professional life as a lawyer after receiving a full scholarship to Harvard Law School which he graduated from in 1956. He become assistant counsel for Columbia Records four years later & by 1967, he became the president of the label. He held that position until 1973 and in that time he signed multiple artists to the label including Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Carlos Santana, Chicago, Aerosmith and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few.

After being dismissed from Columbia, Davis founded Arista Records in 1974 and was its president until 2000. He is credited with launching the careers of Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, The Grateful Dead, Whitney Houston and many more. Davis also signed The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, after she spent over a decade at Atlantic Records. Her first album for Davis was released in 1980.

Barry Manilow was one of the first big artists for Arista. He was signed to Bell Records in 1969 & released two albums with them. Once that label shut down, everything was transferred to Arista & they re-released his first two albums. Manilow had the first #1 record for the company, which was also his first top selling song. It reached the #1 spot in the country in January 1975 for one week. The first album he recorded directly for Arista was released 50 years ago in August 1976, This One’s for You.

Clive Jay Davis: April 4, 1932 – June 22, 2026.

Aretha Franklin (L), Clive Davis (center) and Barry Manilow (R) circa 2017. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Melvin James Brooks turned 100 years old yesterday. A New York native, he was born June 28, 1926 in Brooklyn. Who amongst us does not list one of his movies as one of the funniest they have ever seen? My personal favorites are “Young Frankenstein” (1974) and “High Anxiety” (1977), but his list of credits also includes “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “Silent Movie” (1976), “History of the World, Part I”(1981), “Spaceballs” (1987) and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (1993), to name a few. Brooks wrote & directed the 1967 movie, “The Producers”, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay at the 1969 Oscars ceremony. Thank you, Mel, for so many incredible belly laughs.

Gene Hackman (L) and Peter Boyle (R) in 1974’s “Young Frankenstein”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Mel Brooks (L) and Madeline Kahn (R) in 1977’s “High Anxiety”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In April 1971 Ringo Starr-who turns 86 on July 7-released a non-album single. He wrote the song himself and it was produced by his former bandmate-George Harrrison-who also played guitar on the track. Two members of a band on the Beatles’ Apple label, Badfinger-Pete Ham and Tom Evans-contributed backing vocals. By June 1971 the song peaked at #4, giving Starr his first solo hit.

Photo by me copyright 2012. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Frampton Comes Alive is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Released in January 1976, it became a massive hit that year, staying at the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 for 10 consecutive weeks beginning in April. It remained on that chart for a total of 97 weeks.

All three singles from the album became hits as well. Two reached the Top Ten, one reached the Top 20, with two of the songs featuring the distinctive sound of a talk box which only added to their appeal. All of that put Frampton front & center as a singer, songwriter & guitarist in the middle of an era that celebrated that genre. The record also helped to offer more credence to the power of a live recording by conveying the energy an audience can bring to the performance.

It was recorded at four shows in 1975-two in California (San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom and Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael) and two in New York ( Long Island Arena, Commack and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh campus). Five decades later, the album remains one of the best selling live records of all time.

Kenny Rogers released the album, Share Your Love, 45 years ago in June 1981. The most well-known song from that record is “Through The Years”, which was the final single & a Top Twenty hit in March 1982. But my favorite track was the first single. It was the #1 song on the country chart for two consecutive weeks in August 1981, the same month it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It was written by singer-songwriter Rick Christian who recorded it himself in 1978. His track is a simple, somewhat stark arrangement which really showcases the lyrics & a truly lovely string accompaniment. Harry Nilsson did a really nice cover of the song for his 1980 album, Flash Harry, but that was not released in the U.S. until 2013. Rogers’ version is probably my favorite in his catalog, just ahead of his 1983 duet with Dolly Parton (“Islands In The Stream”) and his 1968 song with The First Edition featured in “The Big Lebowski” (“Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Barry Manilow: “Mandy” (1974, written by Scott English and Richard Kerr).

Barry Manilow: “Weekend In New England” (1976, written by Randy Edleman).

Aretha Franklin: “I Can’t Turn You Loose” (1980, written by Otis Redding).

Mel Brooks: “High Anxiety” (1977, written & performed by Mel Brooks for the 1977 movie of the same name).

Ringo Starr: “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971, written by Richard Starkey).

Peter Frampton: “Show Me The Way” (1976, written by Peter Frampton).

Peter Frampton: “Baby I Love Your Way” (1976, written by Peter Frampton).

Peter Frampton: “Do You Feel Like We Do” (1976, written by Peter Frampton, Mick Gallagher, John Siomos and Rick Wills).

Kenny Rogers: “I Don’t Need You” (1981, written by Rick Christian).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 22, 2026

Posted in Music Monday by

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Seventy five years ago the world met a Beethoven loving pianist named Schroeder.

Charles M. Schulz created characters who represented the many people we would meet in our lives. So it was no surprise when a music loving boy who also played catcher for the gang’s baseball team showed up. Since the date of his arrival was less than eight months after the debut of the comic strip on October 2, 1950, Schroeder has played a significant part in not only the comic strip but also both iconic TV specials (“A Charlie Brown Christmas” & “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”), the numerous movies, various merchandising memorabilia and everything else in the Peanuts world. And rightfully so because in addition to all the wonderful messages Mr. Schulz taught us through such a beloved group of characters, one of the best is that a child with an intense love of music inherently understands the transformative power that music & lyrics hold.

Image courtesy of Charles M. Schulz Museum’s Facebook page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the most significant and powerful voices in music launched his recording career 65 years ago. The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, his debut album, was released June 8, 1961. It features mostly covers of standards by Irving Berlin (“Always”), Cole Porter (“Love For Sale”) and Cy Coleman & Carolyn Leigh (“Witchcraft”).

By the time Gaye’s 7th album was released 60 years ago in May 1966, Moods of Marvin Gaye, he was recording more tracks written by Motown based writers including Smokey Robinson (“Ill Be Doggone” and “Take This Heart of Mine”) and the prolific songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland (“Your Unchanging Love” and “Little Darling”, which was covered by The Doobie Brothers in 1977).

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Gaye released a second album in 1966-his second duet album, this time with singer Kim Weston-aptly title, Take Two. The first was with Mary Wells in 1964 but his most successful collaborations would begin in 1967 once he teamed up with Tammi Terrell.

His 13th album, I Want You, was released 50 years ago in March 1976. Five years later, he released his final album for Motown-and the penultimate album of his career-In Our Lifetime. His final album, Midnight Love, was released on Columbia Records in 1982.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week the news broke that the beautiful & incredibly talented Daveigh Chase passed away at age 35. She was an actress known to me for her roles as Samara Morgan (the creepy girl in the well) in 2002’s “The Ring” and as Rhonda Volmar in HBO’s series, “Big Love” (2006-2011). I knew her from several TV appearances as well but only just learned she was the voice of Lilo in Disney’s 1998 “Lilo & Stitch” and Jake Gyllenhaal’s younger sister in 2001’s “Donnie Darko”. Her last role was 10 years ago in the 2016 thriller, “American Romance”.

I just finished a re-watch of “Big Love” and thought even during the first time I saw it that it was the performance of Chase’s career to that point at barely 17 years old. Her disturbing portrayal of a sociopathic teenager damaged by the extremism of a secluded life in a cult-like religion was chilling. I had read several online stories that said she stopped working about 10 years ago for a variety of reasons, so I checked her IMDb page to see if she had returned to acting. There were no new credits listed so I hoped that whatever she was doing, she was happy & safe. I hate that the reality was she died entirely too young after a decade of family estrangement and alleged substance abuse.

Daveigh Elizabeth Chase: July 24, 1990 – June 16, 2026.

Daveigh Chase (L) and her “Big Love” co-star, Chloë Sevigny (R) circa 2007. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

James Burrows, an epic force in television, also died last week. He was 85 years old.

His distinguished career began as a director on some of the biggest shows in the 1970’s including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Laverne & Shirley”. Between 1978 and 1982, he directed 75 episodes of “Taxi”. In 1982, he co-created “Cheers” and directed 236 out of 270 episodes of the series. (That show also gave us a fabulous theme song co-written and sung by Long Island’s own Gary Portnoy).

Burrows had a massive number of directing credits to his name. He was also an executive producer & director for the series, “Will & Grace”. He worked with the creators of that show-David Kohan and Max Mutchnick-on 2025’s “Mid-Century Modern”, which turned out to be Burrows’ last show. And all of the work highlighted here is only a fraction of Burrows’ 50+ year career. Many years ago I saw a BTS story about “Will & Grace” where headliner Eric McCormack said one of the most incredible things about Burrows was that he did not watch the rehersals he directed. Rather, he looked at the floor and went with how he felt about what he heard from the actors. According to McCormack, Burrows instincts never missed. What a fabulous assessment of his legacy.

James Edward Burrows: December 30, 1940 – June 19, 2026

L-R: Ted Danson, Shelley Long & James Burrows on the set of Cheers circa 1982. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ludwig van Beethoven: “Moonlight Sonata” (1802, written by Ludwig van Beethoven).

Marvin Gaye: “My Funny Valentine” (1961, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers).

Marvin Gaye: “Ain’t That Peculiar” (1966, written by Warren Moore, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., Bobby Rogers, and Marvin Tarplin).

Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston: “It Takes Two” (1966, written by Sylvia Moy and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

Marvin Gaye: “I Want You” (1976, written by Arthur “T-Boy” Ross and Leon Ware).

Daveigh Chase: “The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.” (Performed in “Big Love” S2 E10. Original air date: August 13, 2007. Written by Donna Fargo).

Gary Portnoy: “Cheers Theme (“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”) (1982, written by Judy Hart-Angelo and Gary Portnoy).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 15, 2026

Posted in Music Monday by

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marilyn Monroe was born 100 years ago as Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. A teenage marriage and a stint as a factory girl during WW2 led to a career as a pin-up model which got her noticed by Hollywood. She studied with acclaimed acting coach Lee Strasberg & eventually starred in dozens of movies including “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), “Some Like It Hot” (1959, which earned her the Golden Globe Award For Best Actress in a Musical Or Comedy the following year) and “Misfits” (1961). Her status as a sex symbol turned her into the ultimate pop culture icon. Two high profile marriages -one to New York Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio & another to playwright Arthur Miller-only added to her legacy.

She yearned for the respect of Hollywood and a simple quiet life as a wife and mother at the same time. Despite years of hard work & multiple marriages she never found lasting happiness in her personal life. She died on August 5, 1962 at the age 36. Her death was featured in one of my all time favorite series, “Mad Men” in 2008. In S2 E9 (“Six Month Leave”), the episode opens at the start of the workday on Monday, August 6, 1962. We see that most of the young secretaries at the Sterling Cooper ad agency are visibly shaken about the news of Monroe’s sudden unexpected passing. An exchange between two employees showed the different perspectives of how Monroe was perceived. On one side was the firm’s most visible piece of eye candy, buxom head secretary Joan Holloway (played by the stunning Christina Hendricks) who used her looks to her advantage because most men could not see past her voluptuous figure despite running that office like a well oiled machine and her boss (and one time lover) Roger Sterling (the oh so charming John Slattery). Joan took Monroe’s death hard, Sterling felt very differently.

Joan: “She was so young. This world destroyed her”.

Roger: “She was a movie star who had everything. And everybody. And she threw it away”.

Before Elton John’s 1997 tribute song to Princess Diana became one of the best selling records of all time, it appeared on his 1973 album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as a tribute to Monroe, a smart, talented, funny & gifted woman who had depth, character and drive.

Marilyn Monroe: June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962.

Marilyn Monroe in 1953 photographed at her Hollywood home. Photo courtesy of Alfred Eisenstaedt—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.

Nancy Sinatra turned 86 last week. Born June 8, 1940 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the first born child of entertainer superstar Frank Sinatra released her debut album, Boots, 60 years ago on March 15, 1966. It included covers of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe”, The Beatles’ “Daytripper” and “Run For Your Life” along with The Rolling Stones/Marianne Faithful tune, “As Tears Go By”. The album’s first single was a #1 hit for one week in 1966 & became Sinatra’s signature song.

She released two more albums that year: How Does That Grab You and Nancy in London. In both 1966 & 1967 she traveled to Vietnam to perform for the troops where many adopted her top selling track as their anthem. It was written by singer, songwriter & record producer Lee Hazelwood and it began a nearly 50 year friendship & collaboration between the two until his death in 2007.

In 1967 Sinatra teamed up with her father on the song, “Somethin’ Stupid”, which was a #1 hit for four consecutive weeks that spring. A year later she joined forces with him again along with her siblings-Frank Sinatra Jr & Tina Sinatra-for the holiday album, The Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas, released in September 1968.

Twenty years ago in 2006 Sinatra received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The following year she appeared as herself in a 2007 episode of “The Sopranos” (S6 E16, “Chasing It”), singing to Tony & his crew at a private party. Her music was featured in a 2009 “Cold Case” episode, “The Brush Man” (S6 E14) led by the track, “Lightning’s Girl”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Nancy Sinatra (R) with her famous dad, Frank (L) circa 1966. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another famous blonde & her band, Blondie, had two #1 songs 45 years ago. The the first one hit the top spot on January 31, 1981 for one week, knocking John Lennon’s “Starting Over” from the #1 position where it had been since the beginning of the year. I was today year’s old when I discovered Blondie’s song was a remake of a 1967 song by The Paragons.

Two months later on March 28, 1981, Blondie was back on top-this time for two consecutive weeks-with their second top selling song of the year. Both tracks were from their fifth album, Autoamerican, released in November 1980. The 2001 CD reissue included the song Blondie recorded for the movie “American Gigilo” which up to that point was only released as a single & as a track on the soundtrack album.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marilyn Monroe: “I’m Through With Love” (As performed in the 1959 movie, Some Like It Hot”. Written by Gus Kahn, Matty Malneck and Fud Livingston).

Elton John: “Candle In The Wind” (1973, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Nancy Sinatra: “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” (1966, written by Lee Hazlewood).

Nancy Sinatra: “Let It Be Me” (1966, written by Gilbert Bécaud, Manny Curtis and Pierre Delanoë).

Nancy Sinatra: “On Broadway” (1966, written by Jerry Leiber, Barry Mann, Mike Stoller and Cynthis Weil).

Blondie: “The Tide Is High” (1980, written by John Holt).

Blondie: “Rapture” (1980, written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein).

Blondie: “Call Me” (1980, written by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 8, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Eric Alfred Leslie Satie, known professionally as Erik Satie, was born 160 years ago on May 17, 1866. The French pianist & composer is best known for three etheral and sublime compositions (“Trois gymnopédies”) he wrote when he was quite young. I expressed my love for his work during the first week of the Lockdown Countdown in 2020 on Day 6:

“This is one of my favorite pieces of music ever. The composer wrote this when he was 22 years old. Ten years earlier, he attended a music conservatory where he was basically told he had no talent. It tripped him up for a while but eventually he made his way back to music and the result was this exquisite piece of music. I think it is a lot like life: achingly beautiful, poignant, reflective, slow in tempo but over impossibly fast.”

Eric Alfred Leslie Satie: May 17, 1866 – July 1, 1925.

Erik Satie circa 1890. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Levi Stubbs was born 90 years ago on June 6, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. In the mid 1950’s, the baritone singer formed a vocal group with Abdul Duke Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Lawrence Payton. In 1956, they changed their name to The Four Tops.

They signed with Motown Records in 1963. A year later, they became superstars who sang together for 43 consecutive years, an unbelievable feat in an industry where groups break up due to the pressures of fame and a multitude of other reasons. Stubbs remained loyal & committed to the other three members throughout his career, never seeking the spotlight or his own solo albums as many lead singers do. His voice and the sound he created with The Four Tops is one of the greatest chapters in American music history & one of my absolute favorites.

Their third album, On Top, 60 years ago in July 1966. It includes four songs written by incredible trio, Holland-Dozier-Holland, including “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)”, a cover of Cole Porter’s “In The Still of The Night” and a Beatles cover. The Four Tops’ fifth album, Reach Out, was released in 1967, with the title track released as a single 60 years ago in August 1966.

Levi Stubbs: June 6, 1936 – October 17, 2008.  

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Four Tops circa 1969 (L-R): Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo “Obie” Benson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Free Live! was released 55 years ago in June 1971. The band had broken up a few months earlier due to personality conflicts but thanks to the success of this album, they reformed in early 1972. By June they released a second live album, Free At Last. Bassist Andy Fraser left the group soon after and Free disbanded for good in 1973, leaving behind a short but powerful pillar in the foundation of the classic rock genre.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Free circa 1970 (L-R): Andy Fraser (bass, piano), Paul Rodgers (vocals), Paul Kossoff (guitar) and Simon Kirke (drums, percussion). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Erik Satie: “Gymnopédie No. 1” (1888, written by Erik Satie).

Erik Satie: “Gymnopédie No. 2” (1895, written by Erik Satie).

Erik Satie: “Gymnopédie No. 3” (1888, written by Erik Satie).

The Four Tops: “It’s the Same Old Song” (1965, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

The Four Tops: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (1966, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

The Four Tops: “Michelle” (1966, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The Four Tops: “Walk Away Renee” (1967, written by Michael Brown, Bob Calilli and Tony Sansone).

The Four Tops: “If I Were A Carpenter” (1967, written by Tim Hardin).

The Four Tops: “I Believe In You & Me” (1982, written by Sandy Linzer and David Wolfert).

Free: “All Right Now” (1971, wriiten by Andy Fraser & Paul Rodgers).

Free: “Be My Friend” (1970, written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers).

Free: “Fire and Water” (1971, wriiten by Andy Fraser & Paul Rodgers).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 1, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Walden Robert Cassotto, more commonly known by his stage name Bobby Darin, was born 90 years ago in East Harlem, New York on May 14, 1936. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and learned to play several instruments including guitar, harmonica, piano and drums. By 1955 he was a songwriter at the Brill Building but was also an aspiring actor & singer. His self-titled debut album was released in September 1958 which included the Top Ten hit, “Splish Splash”. His version of “Mack The Knife” won him Record of the Year & Best New Artist at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards in November 1959.

Over the next decade Darin’s musical career evolved into more introspective songs & different genres which led to his recording of over two dozen albums in his career. He also pursued an acting career and appeared in several movies. He was well known for his night club shows as well along with his personal life which included his high profile marriage and divorce to actress Sandra Dee. The couple had one son born in December 1961 which was Darin’s only child.

Walden Robert Cassotto: May 14, 1936 – December 20, 1973.

Bobby Darin circa 1959. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Darin circa 1962. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Darin (R) with his wife Sandra Dee (L) circa 1962. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bob Dylan turned 85 last month. Born Robert Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, his love of music started early & was fueled by the early rock & roll music of the late 1950’s. He played in a few bands in high school and by 1961, he moved to New York City where he began singing in local clubs as a folk singer.

This period of his life is the focus of the 2024 biopic, “A Complete Unknown”, which I highly recommend. Timothée Chalamet brought the singer to life and watching Dylan’s arrival in NYC, his adoration and eventual friendship with Woody Guthrie & Pete Seeger (spectacularly played by Scoot McNairy and Edward Norton, respectively) and Dylan’s rise in the folk movement until he went electric at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island in July 1965 make for a great story. And it was that period that established Dylan as the definitive voice for a new era of life, music and political change in the turbulence that was the 1960’s.

Two of his albums celebrate milestone anniversaries this year: Blonde on Blonde was released 60 years ago in June 1966 and Desire was released 50 years ago in January 1976. And 10 years ago, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature-the first for a musician-further illustrating the renowned power of his words.

Bob Dylan’s seventh album, Bonde On Blonde, was released 60 years ago in June 1966. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dylan’s seventeenth album, Desire, was released 50 years ago in June 1976. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dylan circa 2019. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The eleventh album by The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds, was released 60 years ago on May 16, 1966. They were not a band I listened to-surf music was not my thing-but the genius of Brian Wilson was on full display here so as a music lover, the impact of this record was not lost on me.

The famed Wrecking Crew played on the album as did Glen Campbell, contributing music on the banjo plus 12 string electric & acoustic guitars. Forty years later in March 2006 the HBO series, “Big Love”, premiered using one of the tracks from this album, universally known as one of the most beloved from Brian Wilson’s extensive catalog. The song was used as the theme song for the first three seasons of the show which ended its five season run 15 years ago in March 2011.

Five months after Pet Sounds made its debut, The Beach Boys followed it up with their biggest single & signature song, a track that revolutionized the role of the studio in how music was created. The painstaking precision & attention to detail Wilson used to create the song was dramatized in the 2014 movie, “Love & Mercy”. That same track was used nearly 41 years after its release in the 2007 Season 3 finale of one of my favorite TV series EVER-“Lost”-as the secret code to deactivate a blocking device so a radio call for help could be sent out from the survivors of Flight 815.

June 11 will mark one year since Wilson’s death in 2025 at age 82. Pet Sounds holds as one of his most significant & influential works.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bobby Darin: “Dream Lover” (1959, written by Bobby Darin).

Bobby Darin: “Mack The Knife” (1959, written by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill).

Bobby Darin: “If I Were a Carpenter” (1966, written by Tim Hardin).

Bob Dylan: “Blowin’ In The Wind” (1963, written by Bob Dylan).

Bob Dylan: “The Times They Are A-Changin‘” (1964, written by Bob Dylan).

Bob Dylan: “Positively 4th Street” (1965, written by Bob Dylan).

Bob Dylan: “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” (1973, written by Bob Dylan).

The Beach Boys: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966, written by Tony Asher, Mike Love and Brian Wilson).

The Beach Boys: “God Only Knows” (1966, written by Tony Asher and Brian Wilson).

The Beach Boys: “Good Vibrations” (1966, written by Mike Love and Brian Wilson).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 25, 2026

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year will mark 85 years since the attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Oahu, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Because of that devastating event, Congress voted to expand the draft from men between the ages of 21 and 45 to those aged 18 to 64. A teenage boy named David Yoho stepped up. This past Saturday, the soon to be 98 year old former Merchant Marine spoke at the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. to remind the country that nearly 417,000 U.S. military members never made it home.

“Tell your friends about this place”.  

“Tell your friends about the fact that you stood in the rain to hear us today”  

“Tell the friends about your dedication and then tell them about us. Tell them about veterans and say to them:

“We gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows.”

“And if they say to you then, who did you hear speak these words, tell them it was a 16 year old boy in the heart and mind and body of a 98 year old veteran of WWII”.

Former Merchant Marine David Yoho, 97, speaking at the National WWII Memorial on Saturday, May 23, 2026. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I grew up on Long Island. I cheered for the NY Islanders every chance I got. And watching what they did for 105 year old WWII veteran Dominick Critelli last December made me cheer again. Respect to my hometown, respect to this man for his service to our country and respect to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May their memory be a blessing.

Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli at the NY Islanders game December 27, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli: “The Star Spangled Banner” (Performed live on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. Written by Francis Scott Key).

Stay safe & well.