Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.
(Image found online. Original source unknown.)
We have another triple play this week to honor three of the biggest legends in music celebrating birthdays this month.
March 25 marked the 80th birth anniversary for the eternal Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Born in 1942 in Memphis, TN she remains the greatest female vocalist in the universe. It has been nearly four years since she died and just look at where we are without her.
Aretha Franklin circa 1968. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
As if the gift of royalty was not enough to receive on March 25, that day also marked birthday #75 for Sir Elton John. Born in Pinner, UK in 1947 his voice is the one I discovered first out of the three artists featured today. I found him even before I found Springsteen. From the first moment I heard “Daniel”, I was captivated by John’s beautiful evocative voice & the music he created with the poetry of his sublime unbelievably talented collaborator, Bernie Taupin. These two men have been part of the soundtrack of my life ever since. It makes complete sense to me that while I was doing my Song Of The Day feature during 17 months of the pandemic, John appeared more than any other solo artist with 16 entries. He was second only to The Beatles who had 18 songs (Springsteen appeared 14 times, Clapton had 12 entries including two collaborations (but not counting his group entries) and Elvis had 11 songs, in case you were wondering).
Elton John circa 1970. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
The first album I ever bought was John’s 1974 compilation album, “Greatest Hits”. I thought my heart would break when he announced his retirement a few years ago. Apparently the entire planet needed more time to adjust to that news as well because thanks to the pandemic, his farewell tour has been extended. But if anyone deserves to be a happily retired father & husband left to raise his beautiful family in the peace of a life without work, it is John. He deserves every happiness he has given the world. And we all know that figure is immeasurable. Today’s pick for him is one of the most elegant & beautiful tracks from his extraordinary catalog.
This week Eric Clapton will celebrate his 77th birthday. Born March 30, 1945 in Ripley, UK, my life was altered forever the second I heard the opening riff of today’s song. And I have listened to music for decades since that moment & I still have not had anything hit me quite like that. Behold the power of Slowhand.
Eric Clapton circa 1975. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Aretha Franklin: “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” (1968, written by Aretha Franklin & Ted White).
Elton John: “I Need You To Turn To” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).
Eric Clapton / Derek & The Dominos: “Layla” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon).
Stay safe & well.
Lilacs & Rust 
What a momentous week for music! These are three of the very best. First record I bought was Elton, too: Madman Across the Water, and I was immediately and forever hooked. My latest post, “A Cat Named Hercules “, is about him; you’re welcome to check it out.
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Larry, what an interesting post on Sir Elton! Reading about all his well deserved accolades reminds me how universally he is loved. But, his music still makes me feel like I am sitting alone in my childhood home with his records dreaming of life as a “Rocketman” & savoring every single note of every single song. Thanks for taking me back. And thanks for being here every week. I truly appreciate your company, too! And “Madman” was & is a great choice!
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