Music Monday: June 22, 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.)

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

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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.

Music Monday: May 18, 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.)

What Now My Love, the sixth album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, was released 60 years ago on May 9, 1966. It reached the #1 spot in the country that year for eight consecutive weeks, from May 28-July 22 & returned to the top spot for one more week on September 3. It was Alpert’s third #1 album for the year, added to 1965’s Whipped Cream & Other Delights in the top spot for the first week of 1966 & again for two weeks in February. The follow up album to that one-Going Places, also released in 1965-was #1 for one week in March 1966 and again for five consecutive weeks from April 16-May 20. The only other act that had three #1 albums in 1966 were The Beatles with Rubber Soul, Yesterday And Today and Revolver.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sticky Fingers by the Rolling Stones was released 55 years ago in April 1971. By May 22, it hit the top of the Billboard 200 chart where it stayed for four consecutive weeks. One of their biggest albums not only for its musical content (“Brown Sugar” was the #1 song in the country for two consecutive weeks in the spring of 1971) but for the cover art as well. It featured a photo by artist Andy Warhol of a man’s crotch area clad in jeans with an actual working zipper. And the album’s inner sleeve introduced the world to what would become the band’s signature lips & tongue logo.

A year before the album’s 45th anniversary, a deluxe & a super deluxe edition was released, with the later disc featuring the band’s live 1971 performance at University of Leeds.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

On January 21, 1971 the song, “What’s Going On”, was released as a single. By April, it reached the #2 spot in the country. It was the title track of the album released 55 years ago on May 21, 1971. It would peak in the #6 position two months later. More than five decades later, it is still considered the pinnacle of Marvin Gaye’s career. I featured this album & its impact on Gaye’s life & his musical direction five years ago on Day 431 of my Lockdown Countdown:

“Fifty years ago today-May 21, 1971-Marvin Gaye released his masterpiece, What’s Going On. This album was an expression of the angst he was feeling between 1969 & 1970 due to the state of the world-the Vietnam War, the effect of pollution on the environment, racial injustice, poverty-and what was happening in his own world: the break-up of his first marriage, the death of his friend, Tammi Terrell, the trials his brother, Frankie, faced in service to our country & as a veteran returning home from the war to little support in how to rejoin society; Gaye’s inability to break free of the confines of his Motown contract to make the music he wanted to make, his strained relationship with label owner Berry Gordy and Gaye’s money troubles with the IRS due in part to his cocaine addiction.

He co-wrote all nine songs on the album & produced it as well, his first time in that role. Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers, helped Gaye find the perfect sound for each song. Upon its release, it was hailed as a landmark album not only for the singer but for music as well. It was critically acclaimed as a concept record, a first for Motown, and was considered an important statement for black music, too. The album produced three Top Ten hits.

If Marvin Gaye only gave us his recording of “Grapevine” what a contribution that would have been all by itself. But the legacy of What’s Going On defines not only his talent but his heart, soul, intellect, empathy, strength & compassion for the world around him as well. His was one of the first voices I remember hearing and I have absolutely adored it ever since. The soulfulness, the passion, the intensity & the four octave range of his deep rich baritone to tenor voice, it is a truly beautiful & remarkable instrument. I miss him every single day. Happy anniversary to one of the greatest records ever made by one of the greatest artists who ever lived.“

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: “Spanish Flea” (1965, written by Julius Wechter).

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: “It Was A Very Good Year” (1966, written by Ervin Drake).

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: “The Shadow of Your Smile” (1966, written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster).

The Rolling Stones: “Brown Sugar” (1971, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Wild Horses” (1971, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Street Fighting Man” (Live performance in 1971 at the University of Leeds. Originally released in 1968. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Marvin Gaye: “What’s Going On” (1971, written by Renaldo Benson, Al Cleveland and Marvin Gaye).

Marvin Gaye: “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” (1971, written by Marvin Gaye).

Marvin Gaye: “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” (1971, written by written by Marvin Gaye and James Nyx Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 11, 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.)

Singer, songwriter & musician Bill Withers released his debut album, Just As I Am, 55 years ago on May 1, 1971. Only four months later the record-produced by Stax star musician Booker T. Jones & featuring Stephen Stills on guitar-reached #39 on the Billboard 200 while the first single peaked at #3 at the same time. It became Withers’ signature song, a classic R&B staple and put him center stage in the genre. The then 32 year old airline mechanical assembler wrote 10 of the 12 songs with two covers included, a Beatles track (“Let It Be”) and a song from a movie (“Everybody’s Talkin'” from 1969’s “Midnight Cowboy”).

Withers’ second album, Still Bill, was released a year later in May 1972. It gave him his first #1 song, “Lean On Me”, which reached the top spot for three consecutive weeks two months later.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvin Bishop’s sixth studio album, Struttin’ My Stuff was released at the end of 1975. Fifty years ago, it peaked at #18 in May 1976, the same month the first single peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It became an instant classic rock powerhouse and introduced us to vocalist Mickey Thomas who sang lead on the song. I have been enthralled with this track from the first note and my obsession shows no signs of waning any time soon. I first outlined my adoration for this song on Day 36 of my Lockdown Countdown:

“It was written by Elvin Bishop, a guitarist who was an original member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the 1960’s.  He left to form his own group in 1968 and played alongside such notable acts as the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and John Lee Hooker.  Bishop also sang but when he was recording his 1975 album, Struttin’ My Stuff, he did not think his voice was polished enough to record today’s song.  So he asked one of his backup singers, Mickey Thomas, to do it.  The result was epic.

His vocal delivery, the soul in his voice and the power behind it were as close to perfect as one could hope for.  And added to Bishop’s guitar riffs, great lyrics and sublime arrangement, it turned this song into a powerhouse hit of the 1970’s.  It went on to become a rock classic and earned Thomas the lead singer spot with Jefferson Starship after original member Marty Balin’s departure.  Thomas may not be as well known as other blue eyed soul greats like Michael McDonald and Daryl Hall, but there is no denying the contribution he made with this song.  I truly believe a great soulful rock vocal does not get much better than this.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvin Bishop (L) and Mickey Thomas (R) in an undated photo. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In March 1991 another singer, songwriter & musician-Marc Cohn-released his self-titled debut album. The first single is a wonderful autobiographical tale of a pilmigrage he made to one of Tennessee’s most famous cities. It became a Top 20 hit that remains a popular track 35 years after its debut. It was nominated for Song Of The Year & helped earn Cohn the Best New Artist Award at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards in 1992.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bill Withers: “Ain’t No Sunshine” (1971, written by Bill Withers).

Elvin Bishop: “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” (1975, written by Elvin Bishop).

Marc Cohn: “Walking in Memphis” (1991, written by Marc Cohn).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 4, 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 marked the 90th birth anniversary for one of the most provacative & distinctive voices in early rock & roll ballads. Singer, songwriter & musician Roy Kelton Orbison was born April 23, 1936 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was signed to Sun Records in 1956 by the label’s owner, Sam Phillips. But it was Orbison’s move to Monument Records in 1960 that brought him success beginning with his first single, “Only The Lonely”, released in May 1960. It reached #2 two months later. It was included on his debut album, Lonely and Blue, which premiered in January1961. Ten Top 10 songs followed in his career including two #1 records: “Running Scared” for one week in June 1961 and “Oh, Pretty Woman” for one week in September 1964.

Roy Orbison from his official Facebook page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The 1970’s proved to be challenging for him both personally and professionally. The next decade was better thanks to a couple of successful covers of his songs (including Don McLean’s version of “Crying” which reached the Top Ten in 1981, a full 20 years after Orbison released it in 1961). He also re-recorded the song as a duet with country singer k.d. lang for the movie, “Hiding Out”, released in 1987.

Earlier that year he was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. I wrote about that on Day 22 of my Lockdown Countdown:

“When Bruce Springsteen was inducting today’s singer into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987, he said, “I wanted to sing like Roy Orbison. Now, everybody knows that nobody sings like Roy Orbison.” If there was ever one voice so completely recognizable from the very first note he sang, it was Orbison’s. It sounded almost operatic with his smooth and rich delivery, earning him the nickname “the Caruso of Rock”. Even when he was singing with the likes of Bob Dylan, George Harrison and the other Traveling Wilburys in the late 1980’s, Orbison’s sound took center stage.“

Orbison (L) on stage with Bruce Springsteen (R) in January 1987. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In January 1988, the broadcast of Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night gave the world a look at the plethora of artists he inspired, from Springsteen to Tom Waits to Elvis Costello to J.D. Souther to Jackson Browne and so many more. Later that year Orbison became a member in the definitive musical supergroup who released their self-titled album that October, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. He completed his 22nd solo album, Mystery Girl, the following month. It was released in January 1989, just one month after his death at age 52.

Roy Kelton Orbison: April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988.

The Traveling Wilburys circa 1988 (L-R: Jeff Lynne, Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Tom Petty. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Roy Orbison: “Running Scared” (March 1961, written by Roy Orbison).

Roy Orbison: “Crying” (July 1961, written by Joe Melson and Roy Orbison).

Roy Orbison: “Oh, Pretty Woman” (1964, written by Bill Dees and Roy Orbison).

Roy Orbison & Friends: “Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” (Live performance from “Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night” broadcast in January 1988. Originally released in 1962. Written by Cindy Walker).

The Traveling Wilburys: “Handle with Care” (1988, written by The Traveling Wilburys: Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.

Roy Orbison: “You Got It” (1989, written by Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 27, 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.)

Billy Squier’s sophmore album, Don’t Say No, was released 45 years ago on April 13, 1981. A record with a heavy rock sound featuring strong guitar licks and catchy choruses was perfectly timed to become a hit all on its own. But when it collided with the other musical benchmark of the decade-the premiere of MTV four months later on August 1, 1981-it put Squier front and center to become one of its earliest stand out artists. His simple performance videos showed us all how his sound looked. And as a young Gen Xer at the time, I can attest that Squier was not bad on the eyes, which only added to his MTV appeal.

By September 1981, the album peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200. It stayed on the chart for over two years, an astounding 111 weeks. The record produced four big songs, one of which became a Top 20 hit, and was featured in the 2007 comedy, “Blades of Glory”, during Chazz Michael Michaels’ “tsunami of swagger”.

On Day 68 of my Lockdown Countdown, I shared my love for Squier-a Wellesley, Massachusetts native-who will celebrate birthday #76 on May 12. He has released nine studio throughout his career but it is his second album that remains a classic rock staple and a tremendous moment in music history when seeing the music mattered as much as hearing it.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

My 45 of my favorite Squier song. (Image by me.)

Another album released 45 years ago in April 1981 is Dedication by Gary U.S. Bonds. He co-produced it along with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt & Rob Parissi. The record consisted of 10 songs with three written by Bruce including the first single, one written by Van Zandt, two co-written by Bonds, a Cajun traditional song, a Beatles cover (It’s Only Love”), a Dylan cover (“From A Buick 6”) & a Jackson Browne cover.

This was a labor of love for Springsteen and Van Zandt who were fans of Bonds from his early rock & roll hits like “New Orleans”, “School’s Out” and “Quarter To Three” which was released 65 years ago in May 1961. It was performed by Springsteen at the 1979 NYC “No Nukes” concerts and featured in the 1980 film by the same name.

Bonds-born Gary Levone Anderson on June 6, 1939 in Jacksonville, Florida-enjoyed a career resurrgence with Dedication, which peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 in 1981. It also gave him a Top Twenty hit with the first single, the opportunity to duet with Springsteen for the second single and a chance to collaborate with The E Street Band. They all joined forces together again on Bonds’ next album, On The Line, released in June 1982.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The E Street Band, Bruce Springsteen & Gary U.S. Bonds (L to R): Garry Tallent, Max Weinberg, Springsteen, Bonds, Clarence Clemons, Miami Steve Van Zandt, Roy Bittan and Danny Federici circa 1981. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

My own 45 of the album’s first single. (Image by me.)

I also own the second single. (Image by me.)

I still have my mom’s 45 of Bonds’ 1961 hit. (Image by me.)

Journey released two albums in 1981. Captured-the band’s first live record-was released in January of that year. It was co-founder & keyboard player Gregg Rolie’s final album with the band. My favorite track & the only single released is the only song recorded in the studio which was written by lead singer, Steve Perry.

Seven months later Escape was released July 1981. Rolie’s successor, keyboardist & songwriter Jonathan Cain left the English band, The Babys, to join Journey. He co-wrote all 10 tracks on the album which produced five singles, including two of the band’s biggest songs, “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Open Arms”. My favorite song by the band is the first single which I wrote about in my October 7 2024 post.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I still have the 45 of my favorite Journey song. (Image by me.)

The 45’s flip side. (Image by me.)

Billy Squier:  “In The Dark” (1981, written by Billy Squier).

Billy Squier: “The Stroke” (1981, written by Billy Squier).

Billy Squier: “Lonely Is The Night” (1981, written by Billy Squier).

Gary U.S. Bonds: “This Little Girl” (1981, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Gary U.S. Bonds: “Jole Blon” (1981, traditional; arranged by Moon Mullican).

Gary U.S. Bonds: “The Pretender” (1981, written by Jackson Browne).

Journey: “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love)” (1981, written by Steve Perry).

Journey: “Who’s Crying Now” (1981, written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 20, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Albert Leornes Greene, known professionally as Al Green, celebrated birthday #80 last week. Born April 13, 1946 in Forrest City, Arkansas, the man who would become one of the world’s most acclaimed R&B and soul artisits started singing in a family group before he was a teenager. Eventually his love of secular music by Elvis Presley, Jackie Wilson and Wilson Pickett led to a falling out with Greene and his religious father, sending his young son out on his own. His debut album, Back Up Train, was released nearly 60 years ago in March 1967. Soon after he met musician, bandleader and record producer Willie Mitchell who hired Greene as a vocalist & eventually signed the singer to a recording contract after modifying his last name to Green.

And 55 years ago he released his third album, Al Green Gets Next to You, in March 1971 which included a cover of The Doors’ #1 hit from 1967. In November of the same year, the title track from Green’s fourth album was released. It became his signature song & a top seller, reaching the #1 spot for one week in February 1972.

A string of hits followed along with some personal issues that led Green to become a minister and open the Full Gospel Tabernacle church in Memphis. He released several gospel albums in the 1980’s and appeared on Broadway with Patti LaBelle in “Your Arms Too Short To Box With God” in 1982. Green returned to secular music in 1988 with a duet with Annie Lennox, “Put A Little Love In Your Heart”, for the movie, “Scrooged”.

In January 1995 Green was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and performed at its opening concert in Cleveland that September. He has received a number of awards and accolades throughout his career, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 2014. He continues to make music while holding services each Sunday at his Tennessee church. That role was immortalized 35 years ago in Marc Cohn’s 1991 hit, “Walking In Memphis”:

“They’ve got catfish on the table
They’ve got gospel in the air
And Reverend Green be glad to see you
When you haven’t got a prayer
But boy you’ve got a prayer in Memphis“.

Al Green circa 1971. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Green (L) performed with The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin (R), at the 1995 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Concert in Cleveland. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Green was a 2014 Kennedy Centers Honoree. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sixty years ago, The Doors became the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood from May 23 to August 21, 1966. The were fired due to a performance of “The End” but their residency at the club led to their recording contract with Elektra. And that song appears as the closing track on the band’s debut album, released just five months later in January 1967.

Their sixth album, L.A. Woman, was released 55 years ago on April 19, 1971. It was the last album before Jim Morrison’s death three months later on July 3, 1971. The recording sessions for The Doors final album together began in November 1970 after a tumultuous period for the band which began with Jim Morrison’s arrest at their March 1969 concert in Miami. It essentially blacklisted them from radio airplay & further live shows. It also led to Morrison’s conviction for profanity and indecent exposure in September 1970 (he was posthumourly pardoned in 2010 by Florida’s then Govenor Charlie Crist).

The band’s meteoric rise to international stardom from the moment their first album was released had taken its toll on Morrison, who was only 23 at the time. The mesmerizing & enigmatic lead singer & main songwriter for The Doors struggled with the attention, the industry demands and the fame. It increased his experimentation and dependence on drugs and alcohol which fueled the Miami incident.

But other opportunities presented themselves for the band during their touring hiatus. In April 1969 they appeared on the PBS television show, Critique. It aired two months later, just ahead of the July 1970 release date for their fourth album, The Soft Parade. The show includes performances of several songs & an interview with the band by host & Village Voice writer, Richard Goldstein.

This signified my favorite era for Morrison. The longer hair, the beard, the extra weight turned him from a good looking guy into an absolutely beautiful man. I know his addictions were getting worse but to me, he never sounded or looked better than this period of time. And L.A. Woman was another step forward for him to put the legal problems behind him so he & the band could get back to their purpose of creating some of the greatest rock music ever recorded. And even with the period of controversy, the band had a remarkable run of success in under five years with six studio albums, two #1 songs and an unwavering amount of sophisticated talent that made them one of the early architects of the classic rock sound.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Doors on the “Critique” soundstage in April 1969 (L to R): Ray Manzarek (organ/keyboards), Jim Morrison (lead vocals), John Densmore (drums) and Robby Krieger (guitar). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Al Green: “Tired of Being Alone” (1971, written by Al Green).

Al Green: “Light My Fire” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Ray Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

Al Green: “Let’s Stay Together” (Live performance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on January 13, 1995. Originally recorded in 1971, written by Al Green, Al Jackson Jr. and Willie Mitchell).

Al Green: “Love and Happiness” (1972, written by Al Green and Mabon Lewis “Teenie” Hodges).

AL Green: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (Live performance at The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame concert on September 2, 1995, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio. Written by Sam Cooke).

The Doors: “Love Her Madly” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

The Doors: “L.A. Woman” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

The Doors: “Hyacinth House” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

The Doors: “Riders On The Storm” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

Stay safe & well.