Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week I did not see the Grammys in real time as none of my streaming services offered it live. And let’s face it, for several years now this awards show was anything but remarkable so all I did was catch the highlights anyway. But after I saw the most talked about performance of the night (followed by Joni Mitchell’s), I echoed the sentiments of those who already witnessed that transcendent performance which brought Tracy Chapman back into focus. Her unannounced duet with Luke Combs was beyond beautiful and so was the love she received. That seemed not only to warm her heart but surprised her as well as evidenced by the enormous smile of sheer joy she showed to getting the love she absolutely deserves. When she sang the line, “Me myself I got nothing to prove“, she was 1000% right. 

Her immense talent speaks volumes all by itself. Chapman was her authentic self-no fanfare, no designer dress or suit, no fancy set design, not even any ear monitors in sight. Just her guitar, her hauntingly beautiful voice and the power & poetry of her storytelling, proving a great song is a great song forever. I wrote about my love for this track & its wonderful cover last year. I have also written this many times before but it bears reposting: Music is the answer. It is joy, it is healing, it is a time machine to a past we ache to return to and it is love. And thank you, Luke Combs, for bringing Tracy and her masterpiece back to center stage.  

Tracy Chapman (L) and Luke Combs (R) at the 2024 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 4th. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last month marked the 75th birth anniversary of one of my favorite soulful vocalists, Robert Palmer. He was born January 19, 1949 in Batley, Yorkshire. He grew up listening to jazz, soul and the blues. He joined his first band at age 15. By 1974 he was signed to his first record deal. His solo career featured the #1 song, “Addicted To Love” (1986) and two #2 hits, “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” (1986) and “Simply Irresistible” (1988)-and those unforgettable female driven music videos.

Palmer was also the lead singer for the supergroup, The Power Station. He co-wrote many of the tracks for their debut record, including today’s pick which he continued to perform after he left that band. I was lucky enough to see him in concert at NYC’s famed Radio City Music Hall. It us one the best shows I ever saw. 

Top: Robert Palmer circa 1982. Bottom: A still from the 1985 video, “Addicted To Love”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Robert Palmer: ”Some Like It Hot” (From a live performance in 1988. Originally recorded in 1985 with The Power Station. Written by Robert Palmer, John Taylor and Andy Taylor). 

Stay safe & well.