Music Monday: February 2, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

February 3, 1959: The day the music died.

Story of the crash as reported in The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY on February 3, 1959. (Image found on Newspapers.com. Original source unknown.)

October 24, 2025 marked the 95th birth anniversary of Jiles Perry Richardson Jr., better known by his stage name, “The Big Bopper”. This Sept will mark the 90th birth anniversary of Charles Hardin Holley, known by his stage name, Buddy Holly. Tomorrow marks 67 years since the fatal plane crash that ended their lives on Feb 3, 1959 along with those of musician & singer Ritchie Valens (born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941) and their pilot, Roger Peterson (age 21).

“But February made me shiver
With every paper I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more step

I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died”.

Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson Jr., a/k/a The Big Bopper: October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959.

Buddy Holly: September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959.

Ritchie Valens: – May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959.

Roger Peterson: May 24, 1937 – February 3, 1959.

L-R: Jiles Perry Richardson Jr., a/k/a “The Big Bopper”, Buddy Holly. Ritchie Valens and their pilot, Roger Peterson (age 21).(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

J.P. Richardson a/k/a The Big Bopper: “Chantilly Lace” (1958, written by J.P. Richardson). 

Buddy Holly: “Rave On” (1958, written by Norman Petty, Bill Tilghman and Sonny West).

Ritchie Valens: “Come On Let’s Go” (1958, written by Ritchie Valens).

Don McLean: “American Pie” (1971, written by Don McLean).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 26, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week marked the 95th birth anniversary of Sam Cooke. Born January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he grew up singing in his father’s Baptist church. Below is from my post from January 24, 2022:

When he was 15 Cooke began singing with a gospel group, The Soul Stirrers. In 1958 he released his first album of secular music, a mix of standards, Broadway tunes and one original track, the magnificent “You Send Me”.

Over the next six years Cooke would write & record many other songs, including “Cupid”, “Chain Gang”, “Another Saturday Night”, Wonderful World” and the civil rights inspired “A Change Is Gonna Come”. He also became an important member in the early days of that movement along side Muhammad Ali & Martin Luther King Jr. Cooke took an even bigger role in his career by starting his own record label (SAR Records) and publishing company (KAGS Music) to preserve his artistic legacy. Losing him in 1964 at age 33 was an unmitigated tragedy & one of music’s saddest moments. But more than six decades after his first hit record, Cooke remains one of the most important & enduring figures in music history. And rightfully so.

Samuel Cooke: January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964.

Sam Cooke circa 1958. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Cooke circa 1960. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Cooke circa 1960. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Muhammad Ali (L) with Cooke circa 1962. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Nat King Cole (L) with Cooke circa 1962. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Aretha Franklin (L) with Cooke circa 1962. (Image found on Sam Cooke’s Facebook page. Original source unknown.)

Over the weekend, Neil Diamond celebrated birthday #85. Born January 24, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, the singer-songwriter released his debut album, The Feel of Neil Diamond, 60 years ago in August 1966. It includes seven songs written by Diamond and five covers including Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and The Mamas & The Papas “Monday, Monday”.

In a post I uploaded in April 2020, I wondered who did not grow up listening to Diamond’s music. From the Monkees to “Shrek” to a variety of artists covering his songs (Chris Isaak with “Solitary Man”, UB40 with “Red Red Wine” & Urge Overkill with “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon”) to his movie debut (in 1980’s “The Jazz Singer”) to his E.T. inspired song (“Heartlight”) to the Boston Red Sox adopting “Sweet Caroline” as their unofficial official anthem, to Diamond’s reworking of that song in an Instagram post by changing the words from “touching hands” to “washing hands” during the pandemic, Diamond is omnipresent. So basically if you have been alive in the last 60 years there is no way you cannot know who this unbelievably talented artist is.

As a performing artist he has 13 Top Ten songs including three #1 hits (“Cracklin’ Rosie” in 1970, “Song Sung Blue” in 1972 and his 1978 duet with Barbara Streisand, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”) and 18 Top Ten albums including 2008’s “Home Before Dark” which reached #1 in May of that year. His 2010 album, “Dreams”, is one of my personal favorites. It includes 14 covers of songs by other artists and one of his own compositions which was a #1 hit for The Monkees for seven consecutive weeks nearly 60 years ago beginning on December 31, 1966. He has won every award and accolade out there and is undoubtedly one of America’s greatest songwriters of all time. I am proud to bow at the altar of the Diamond.

Happy 85th birthday, Neil Diamond. Thank you for every note.

Neil Diamond circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diamond in the 1978 concert film, “The Last Waltz”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diamond in his 1980 film debut, “The Jazz Singer”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diamond in the 2001 movie, “Saving Silverman”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diamond circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diamond circa 2015. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Soul Stirrers: “The Last Mile Of The Way” (Recorded between 1950-1957. Written by Johnson Oatman, Jr.).

Sam Cooke: “You Send Me” (1958, written by Sam Cooke).

Sam Cooke: “Twistin’ the Night Away” (1962, written by Sam Cooke).

Sam Cooke: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964, written by Sam Cooke).

Neil Diamond: “Solitary Man” (1966, written by Neil Diamond).

Neil Diamond: “Cracklin’ Rosie” (1970, written by Neil Diamond).

Neil Diamond: “Love On The Rocks” (1980, written by Gilbert Bécaud and Neil Diamond).

Neil Diamond: “I’m A Believer” (2010, written by Neil Diamond).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 19, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“I think I have discovered the highest good. It is love.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.: January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today marks birthday #80 for Dolly Parton. Born January 19, 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, the future country superstar started singing as a child, including appearances on local TV & radio shows by age 10. Three years later she recorded her first record & appeared at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1964 after she graduated high school she moved to Nashville and began her career as a songwriter with a music publisher.

Dolly Parton’s 1967 debut album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

A year later Parton signed her own record deal. Her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, was released in September 1967. That same year she became a regular on The Porter Wagoner Show at his invitation. She continued to make solo records but they did not achieve the level of success as her duets with Wagoner which earned them a Country Music Award in 1968 for Vocal Group Of The Year. Two years later her solo records began to chart well, including her 1971 hit, the autobiographical song (which would later become a TV movie), “Coat Of Many Colors”. In 1974, on the heels of even greater success with her song, “Jolene”, Parton left Wagoner’s show.

Parton circa 1977. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

After years of hits as a country star, she branched out into acting with her debut in the 1980 movie, “9 to 5”. She also wrote & sang the title theme song, which became the #1 song in the country 45 years ago on February 21, 1981 for two nonconsecutive weeks. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1981. She hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks again-this time consecutively- in the fall of 1983 for her duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands In The Stream”. Parton’s collaborations with fellow music legends Emmylou Harris & Linda Ronstadt for the Trio albums are not to be missed.

Parton in a scene from the 1980 movie, “9 to 5”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Parton appeared in several other movies and made a huge contribution to the 1992 film, “The Bodyguard” when her song, “I Will Always Love You”-covered by Whitney Houston at the urging of her leading man, Kevin Costner -became the #1 song in the country for 14 consecutive weeks from November 28, 1992-March 5, 1993. Parton has reportedly said numerous times that song was written as a tribute to Wagoner for his role in her life & career.

Her successes continued over the decades and have not stopped. In 2022 she was the first country female artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for her contributions to the music industry. The following year her 49th solo album, Rockstar, peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200.

Parton’s 2023 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 2024 Billboard named her the #1 Greatest Country Artist Of All Time.

She lost her husband of nearly 59 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025. She started 2026 on a better note with the release of a new version of her 1977 song, “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning”. In the spring her theme park, Dollywood-celebrates its 40th anniversary (it opened 40 years ago in May 1986) and two new attractions– The Songteller Hotel & The Life of Many Colors Museum-will open this June in downtown Nashville.

Today, Parton wears many other hats aside from singer, songwriter, musician and actress. She is also an author, a businesswoman, a humanitarian, a philanthropist (her Imagination Library celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1995) and an icon. She is a true American treasure and a legend.

Happy birthday, Dolly Parton. Thank you for sharing your talent & your heart with us.

Parton and her milestone birthday cake from her Facebook page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2: “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” (1984, written by U2: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.)

Dolly Parton: “Lonely Comin’ Down” (1972, written by Porter Wagoner).

Dolly Parton: “Jolene” (1973, written by Dolly Parton).

Dolly Parton: “I Will Always Love You” (1974, written by Dolly Parton).

Dolly Parton: “Here You Come Again” (1977, written by Barry Mann and Cynthis Weil).

Dolly Parton: “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” (1977, written by Dolly Parton).

Dolly Parton: “9 to 5” (1981, written by Dolly Parton).

Dolly Parton: “Single Women” (1982, written by Michael O’Donoghue).

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris: “After The Gold Rush” (1999, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 12, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week on the blog we celebrated Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger’s 80th birthday. A few days after that post, he & drummer John Densmore were featured in the this year’s Song Around The World by Playing For Change. Three minutes into the video we are treated to pictures of the four original Doors members, then a little later solo photos of both keyboardist Ray Manzarek & lead singer Jim Morrison emerge, while parts of their contributions from the original recording can be heard. In fact, his vocal is the outro for the new version which is such a massive nod to the power of the initial track that still resonates 55 years after its release in April 1971 on the album, L.A. Woman. Immense respect to all involved-especially Densmore and Krieger-for giving the band the utmost tribute.

The 2026 version features Lukas Nelson, Don Was, Micah Nelson, Rami Jaffee, The Red Cloud Drum Group and many others. Playing For change was founded in 2002 by Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke. As stated on their website, their goal is to “inspire and connect the world through music”. In the past they have paid tribute to other classic songs such as Yussuf’s (f/k/a Cat Stevens) “Peace Train”, John Lennon’s “Imagine” & U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”. I am so happy The Doors are now part of this incredible music project.

John Densmore (L, on drums) and Robby Krieger (R, on guitar) of The Doors performing in Playing For Change’s latest project, “Riders On The Storm”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Picture of The Doors (L-R: Robby Krieger and Jim Morrison (both standing) with Ray Manzarek and John Densmore, circa 1967, featured in Playing For Change’s “Riders On The Storm” project. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The top of the credit screen at the end of the video salutes both Manzarek and Morrison and lists Densmore as a producer. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir died January 10, 2026 at age 78. I liked a few of the band’s songs but was not a Deadhead by any means. Yet I always understood the power of their music & what it did for the industry and for their fans. The band formed 60 years ago in California in 1965 with Weir as a founding member on rhythm guitar and vocals. They lasted 30 years together before they disbanded at the end of 1995, prompted by the death of lead guitarist and vocalist Jerry Garcia on August 9, 1995.

During their three decades together, many members of The Dead had side projects. For Weir-born Robert Hall Parber on October 16, 1947 in San Francisco, California-his included his first solo album, Ace, in May 1972 along with tenures in other bands including Kingfish, Bobby and the Midnites and Ratdog.

When Garcia died in 1995, flags were flown at half staff in his hometown of San Francisco, California including a tie-dyed one over City Hall. One of New York City’s landmarks chose to honor Weir with a similar tribute by changing the colors at the top of the Empire State Building as shown on their IG page with the caption-“Tonight we will shine in tie-dye to honor the life and legacy of Bob Weir“. Such is the power of music.

Salute to Bob Weir courtesy of the Empire State Building’s IG page.  

I love the placement of one of The Dead’s most touching and introspective tracks in the 1985 movie, “Mask”. The song-written by Jerry Garcia and lryicist Robert Hunter-delivers a fitting sentiment as a farewell to one of the band’s most pivotal members. Rest in peace, Bob Weir.

“If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It’s a hand-me-down the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they’re better left unsung
I don’t know don’t really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow“.

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone“.

Jerry Garcia (L) and Bob Weir (R) on “Late Night with David Letterman” in September 1987.

Weir (L) and Garcia (R) on “Late Night with David Letterman” in October 1989. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

Playing For Change: “Riders On The Storm” (2026, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Morrison and Jim Morrison).

Grateful Dead: “Ripple” (1970, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter).

Bob Weir: “Playing In The Band” (1972, written by Robert Hunter and Bob Weir). 

Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir: “I Second That Emotion” (Live performance on “Late Night With David Letterman” on October 13, 1989. Written by Al Cleveland and William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 5, 2026

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy 2026, everyone.

If you have been around for a while, you know I like to set the tone for the new year by picking a song with a message I can focus on when all the noise gets too loud. This year that track is one of the greatest rock anthems ever written sung by one of the most phenomenal voices in classic rock history.

Free’s 1970 album contains my song for 2026 (L-R): Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

On Christmas Eve 100 years ago in 1925, the first story about a bear who lived “under the name of Sanders” was featured in the London Evening News called, “The Wrong Sort of Bees”, written by Alan Alexander (A.A.) Milne. In October 1926, he expanded that story into a children’s book which followed the characters based on the author’s son, Christopher Robin, his stuffed animals led by his beloved teddy bear, Winnie The Pooh, all his friends & their activities in the 100 Acre Wood.

Image found on The Times website credited to TRUSTEES OF THE POOH PROPERTIES/TRUSTEES OF THE SHEPARD TRUST/HARPERCOLLINS.

In 1961, Disney acquired the rights to the characters and a decade after that, Kenny Loggins (who turns 78 on January 7) wrote an ode to childhood featuring that sweet bear. It was released 55 years ago on the first album Loggins & Jim Messina recorded together, 1971’s Sittin’ In.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. Seventy years ago in 1956, he released nearly a dozen songs and made his ground breaking debut in front of 60 million viewers on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on September 9, 1956. Two more appearances for The King would follow-October 28, 1956 & January 6, 1957- with his biggest selling single from 1956 performed all three times.

Elvis Presley on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in October 1956. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This month marks birthday #80 for Doors guitarist Robby Krieger. Born January 8, 1946 in Los Angeles, California, he was 1/4 of one of the greatest American bands in history, an incredibly talented musician and the second main songwriter for them after Jim Morrison. The last album recorded during his lifetime-released 55 years ago in April 1971-features one of Krieger’s most notable tracks.

The Doors sixth studio album was released 55 years ago in April 1971 (L-R): Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Jim Morrison). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Free: “All Right Now” (1970, written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers).

Loggins & Messina: “House At Pooh Corner” (1971, written by Kenny Loggins).

Elvis Presley: “Don’t Be Cruel” (Performed on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956. Recorded & released in 1956. Written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley).

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

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: December 29, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The final Monday of the year is upon us and we are a few days away from a brand new year. I just want to take this time to thank all of you for being here while I indulge my love for music each week. And I hope the next 52 Mondays bring you everything you want and need.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The end of a year usually brings nostalgia & reflection, both good and bad. And no matter how you choose to spend the last night of the year-to celebrate the new one upon us or as just another night-here are two different sentiments to help you say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. Whatever you are feeling, I hope you have a safe, happy and peaceful start to the new year.

Dan Fogelberg’s 1981 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Diana Krall released her holiday album 20 years ago in October 2005. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dan Fogelberg: “Same Old Lang Syne” (1980, written by Dan Fogelberg).

Diana Krall featuring The Clayton–Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (2005, written by Frank Loesser).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas 2025: Day 25

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating. I hope your holiday is a happy one however you are spending it. Enjoy!

Many thanks for being here for this festive music series. And now for our final song.

Today’s version was featured on the soundtrack to the 1996 movie, “The Preacher’s Wife” and was recorded with the Georgia Mass Choir. It was performed by the woman who exploded on the music scene forty years ago when her debut album was released in 1985. From the first note, Whitney Houston was a megastar.

 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Whitney Houston: “Joy to the World” (1996, written by Isaac Watts).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 24

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I think today’s song is the perfect choice for the holiest night of the year, especially when it is sung by two of the most phenomenal voices the world ever bestowed upon us.

Merry Christmas Eve.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvis Presley: “Silent Night” (1957, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

Aretha Franklin: “Silent Night” (2008, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 23

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I remember being stopped in my tracks the first time I heard this woman’s debut single. It was impossibly beautiful, heartbreaking and refreshing to hear something so real after a decade dripping with “key-tars” & other irredeemably harsh synth infused noises. Her soft but strong voice, her gentle acoustic guitar and the hard life lesson message delivered in her lyrics revealed an incredible talent.

Her take on today’s Christmas song is just as stunning.

Tracy Chapman circa 1995. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tracy Chapman: “O Holy Night” (1997, written by Adolphe Charles Adam and John Sullivan Dwight).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 22

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I have adored today’s song by Kenny Loggins forever and, despite my love for different takes on holiday songs, I never felt the need to find out if his was covered by anyone else. Then I began doing my research for new-to-me Christmas songs for this year’s countdown and stumbled upon one from 10 years ago which is a duet between LeAnn Rimes and Gavin DeGraw. A quick glance at the notes in the video description explained that the song was done in partnership with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) so that pulled me in as well. I have always enjoyed her voice (I featured another of her holiday covers in 2019) and the power & beauty of it is on full display on this track and blends well with his style quite nicely on this slightly-jazzy-with-a-shuffle-feel cover.

I am not that familiar with DeGraw other than his Top Ten hit, “I Don’t Wanna Be” from his 2003 debut album, Chariot (how was that over 20 years ago already???). It was re-released a year later with a bonus disc of stripped down versions of all the songs along with a cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”. I found it to be quite respectable.

Rimes included the Loggins cover on her 2015 album, Today Is Christmas. Most of the 12 tunes are traditional holiday tracks performed with mainly soft vocals and minimal accompaniment, turning them into unbelievably poignant elegant tracks. That is especially true of the three Target exclusive bonus songs which are more contemporary holiday songs like Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper”, Bob Dylan’s “Ring Them Bells” and John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” which is particularly lovely. Safe to say I have found another holiday album to add to my playlist.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Kenny Loggins: “Celebrate Me Home” (1977, written by Bob James and Kenny Loggins).

LeAnn Rimes with Gavin DeGraw: “Celebrate Me Home” (2015, written by Bob James and Kenny Loggins).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!