Monthly Archives: March 2025

Music Monday: March 31, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Trumpeter, songwriter, arranger, producer and band leader Herb Alpert turns 90 today. Born March 31, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, he is also well known as a record executive and businessman, most notably as the co-founder & the “A” in A & M Records, the label he started in 1962 with Jerry Moss (1935 – 2023). In 1989, they sold the company to the Polygram label for 500 million dollars.

Alpert started playing the trumpet as a child. After he served in the army during the Korean War, he began his professional career in music as a songwriter at Keen Records. One of the more well known songs he co-wrote during that period was “Wonderful World”, released by Sam Cooke in 1960. Shortly after that Alpert formed The Tijuana Brass (TJB) which had five #1 albums in the 1960’s.

Top: Herb Alpert in an A&M promotional picture circa 1965. Middle: With Jerry Moss (L) circa 1974. Bottom: With his wife of 51 years, Lani Hall (R), circa 2019. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

One of those top selling records, Whipped Cream & Other Delights, held the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for eight weeks. It is also celebrating a milestone this year, as it was released 60 years ago on on April 1, 1965. Renowned as much for the music as its cover which was deemed “racy” for its time due to its cover picture of a woman drenched in-what else-whipped cream, it features “A Taste Of Honey” and covers of the Johnny Mercer jazz standard, “Tangerine”, and the Lieber & Stoller hit, “Love Potion #9”. Alpert followed his tenure with the band with a solo career which included a #1 record in 1979 with “Rise”. He is currently on tour with the TJB celebrating their legacy.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Guitar legend Eric Clapton turned 80 years old yesterday. He was born March 30, 1945 in Ripley, United Kingdom and began playing guitar as a teenager. He joined The Yardbirds in 1963, then left for a short stint with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers before joining up with drummer Ginger Baker & bassist Jack Bruce in 1966 for the massively successful supergroup, Cream. In 1968 Clapton performed as a guest guitarist for The Beatles on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. After the end of Cream, he became a member of Blind Faith and Derek & The Dominos where one of his best known songs, “Layla” was recorded. His solo career followed including top selling albums from the 1970’s through the 1990’s which further secured Clapton’s place as a musical icon. He just announced a few U.S. concert dates for this fall in support of his latest studio album, Meanwhile.

Eric Clapton through the years from the 1960’s (picture 1), the 1970’s (picture 2), the 1980’s (picture 3) & the 1990’s (picture 4). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: “Ladyfingers” (1965, written by Toots Thielemans).

Herb Alpert: “This Guy’s In Love With You” (1968, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David).

Herb Alpert: “Diamonds” (1987, written by James Harris III and Terry Lewis).

Blind Faith: “Can’t Find My Way Home” (1969, written by Stevie Winwood). (1969, written by Stevie Winwood).

Derek & The Dominoes: “Bell Bottom Blues” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Bobby Whitlock).

Eric Clapton: “Pretending” (1989, written by Jerry Lynn Williams).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: March 24, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

A big album from 1985 turned 40 years old last month. Songs From The Big Chair, the second studio album by British band Tears For Fears, was released in February 1985. It proved to be their breakthrough with two #1 hits: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” for two weeks in June and “Shout” for three weeks in August, the same month the album took over the top spot of the Billboard 200 for five consecutive weeks.

It helped earn the band-formed in Bath, United Kingdom in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith-and their “synth-pop” sound a place as one of the most successful of the decade. My favorite track from the album was released in June 1985. The video was in very heavy rotation at that time and it is still quite popular, garnering 124 million views on YouTube to date. Orzabal’s evocative vocal and his manner of phrasing the song’s thought-provoking lyrics helped the song peak at #3 in the U.S. in November 1985.

Top: Roland Orzabal (L) and Curt Smith (R) on the cover of their 1985 album. Bottom: The duo circa 2024. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

If the milestone anniversary of that album does not make you feel old, try this: “The Breakfast Club” also turned 40 last month. The movie, released in February 1985 as well, told the story of five teenagers spending a Saturday together in their high school’s library for a day of detention who learned a lot more than just a lesson in right and wrong.

Whether you still see yourself as “a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess or a criminal”, I do not think there is a more relatable film about teenage angst. The John Hughes classic eventually earned 51 million dollars in box office sales worldwide and produced a theme song that hit the top spot in the U.S. for one week in May 1985.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tears For Fears: “Head Over Heels” (1985, written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith).

Simple Minds: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” (1985, written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: March 17, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of this Irish holiday, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite bands, U2.

Next year will mark 50 years since they formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976. Their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr.-born October 31, 1961 in that city-placed an ad on a notice board at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, looking for musicians to form a band. These students responded:

David Howell Evans, lead guitarist, keyboardist & vocalist, who would later change his name to The Edge-born August 8, 1961 in Essex England-but his family relocated to Dublin a year later.

Adam Clayton, bassist, who just turned 65-born March 13, 1960 in England-who moved to Dublin five years later with his family.

Paul David Hewson, n/k/a Bono, lead vocalist, guitarist and primary lyricist, who will turn 65 in two months-born May 10, 1960 in Dublin.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2 was signed to Island Records and released their debut album, Boy, in October 1980. More than a dozen albums followed including 1987’s The Joshua Tree, 1988’s Rattle & Hum and 1991’s Achtung Baby. But it was their album released in 2000-All That You Can’t Leave Behind-that sent the group off on their “Elevation” tour in Marc 2001 which would put them front and center in the U.S. to deliver a love letter to the country not long after one of its most devastating tragedies.

U2 performed the halftime show at Superbowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 3, 2002. Standing on a heart shaped stage, they opened with “Beautiful Day”. As they began their second song, “MLK”, a screen emerged from behind the stage which listed the names of all the victims who died five months earlier on 9/11. By the end of their third song, Bono opened his leather jacket to reveal it was lined with the American Flag. With that, the band clapped for the audience who stood before them-and for those watching from home-in an incredible act of kindness and grace underscored by the healing power of music.

Three unforgettable images from Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002. Top: U2 on stage during the halftime show (L-R: The Edge on lead guitar, Bono behind the mic on vocals, Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass). Middle: The names of those who lost their lives on 9/11 were featured on a giant screen behind the band as they started their second song. Bottom: Bono showing America some additional love at the end of U2’s performance. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

U2: ” Where The Streets Have No Name” (1987, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “One” (1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Walk On” (2000, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2004, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: March 10, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another of my favorite songs just hit a milestone anniversary. It was written by blue-eyed soul master Daryl Hall and included by he & John Oates on their 1980 album, Voices. Another singer with a smooth R&B sound released it 40 years ago on February 25, 1985 as the first single from his second album, The Secret Of Association. The track reached the #4 spot in the UK a month later and the #1 spot in the U.S. for one week in July of the same year.

British singer, songwriter & musician Paul Young followed that hit with “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” which reached #13, also in 1985. Young first broke into the U.S. Top 40 in February 1984 with “Come Back And Stay” which peaked at #22 off his 1983 debut solo album, No Parlez. Later that year he was chosen as one of the lead voices (and the first one heard) on the charity single by Band Aid, “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. He also performed at Live Aid in London in 1985.

In 1990, Young reached the #8 spot in the U.S with a cover of The Chi-Lites #1 hit from May 1972, “Oh Girl”. Another cover-this one of Jimmy Ruffin’s 1966 classic, “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted”-peaked at #22 for Young in 1992. A year later, he joined Elton John on his Duets album for a cover of “I’m Your Puppet”. To date Young has released 10 albums including 2023’s Behind The Lens.

Paul Young circa 2019. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Paul Young: “Everytime You Go Away” (1985, written by Daryl Hall).

Stay safe & well.

A New Collection

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A little over two years ago, an innocent eBay search led me down a rabbit whole which rekindled my love of sugar bowls & pitchers. Since creamers are basically mini pitchers, I decided to find a set I loved. And thus, a new collection was born.

(Image by me.)

My kitchen has built in shelves in the window frame and it is the perfect spot for these beauties. The first sugar bowl I stumbled upon was by Noritake in the Melissa pattern. I absolutely love the soft delicate flowers

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

I think I fell for the Melissa pattern because it reminded me of one of the first Noritake patterns I fell in love with, Sweet Leilani. I discovered it in a store at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, New York which was only about 40 minutes away from me when I lived on Long Island. It was not just the bargain prices that drew me to the outlets, but the availability of items I never would have considered to purchase “just to have”. This beautiful set changed my mindset. I also bought two dinner plate sets to use to make those take out nights extra special.

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

That led to to my third Noritake pattern discovery, Marywood. I adored it so much I bought two dinner settings of this as well along with a few berry bowls.

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

I have a few Ironstone sugar bowls that I keep with my other Ironstone pieces. But this weekend I found one of them without a lid and decided to bring it home. I have another un-lidded one that I use in my bathroom to hold my make up brushes, but this new to me one completed the bottom shelf of my kitchen display perfectly. And I really like how it looks next to the blue & white Winterling sugar bowl I spotlighted here back in January.

(Images by me.)

What do you collect? Are you thinking of starting a new collection? I would love to know so please tell me in the comments below and include any pictures you would like to share.

Until next time, stay safe & well.  

Music Monday: March 3, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marianne Faithfull died on January 30, 2025 at age 78. She began her musical career as a folk singer in 1964. When she met The Rolling Stones the same year at a party, their manager gave her one of their newly written songs to record which was the first of a series of hit singles for her. A relationship with Mick Jagger followed from 1966-1970 and while she proved to be a muse for him, her life became tainted by substance abuse which led to a decline in both her personal & professional lives. Her 1979 album, Broken English, started a career comeback with with more albums to follow along with acting roles on stage, TV and in movies.

Marianne Faithfull: December 29, 1946 – January 30, 2025.

Marianne Faithfull circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jerry Butler died February 20, 2025 at age 85. He was the last surviving original member of The Impressions but left them in 1960 to pursue a solo career. In addition to his rich baritone voice, he also co-wrote several songs including “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” with Otis Redding (who recorded it in 1965 for his Otis Blue album), “Only The Strong Survive” and “Never Give You Up” with Philly Soul superstars Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. The former is also the title track to Bruce Springsteen’s 2022 album of soul classic covers. The latter was a hit for Butler in 1968 & covered by The Black Keys for their 2010 album, Brothers. Their version is also featured on the soundtrack for the British crime thriller, “Luther” (S3 E4). Despite his tenure on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Illinois from 1985-2018, Butler stayed active in music where he served as the chairman of the board for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Jerry Butler: December 8, 1939 – February 20, 2025.

Jerry Butler performing in the 1970’s.(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Roberta Cleopatra Flack died on February 24, 2025 at the age of 88. She was born February 10, 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She started singing in church as a child and began formal piano training at age nine. In the 1970’s she was known for her own work which led to her becoming the first artist to win Record & Song Of The Year back to back at the Grammy Awards in 1973 & 1974.

That decade also gave her success with a few of her duets with Donny Hathaway in the (“Where Is The Love” was a #5 hit in August 1972 and “The Closer I Get To You” peaked at #2 in May 1978), later with Peabo Bryson (“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” was a Top 20 hit in November 1983) and Maxi Priest (“Set The Night To Music” peaked at #6 in 1991). In 1996, The Fugees cover of “Killing Me Softly”-a #1 hit for Flack for five non-consecutive weeks in 1973- brought attention back to the original recording. In 1974 she received her third #1 song with “Feel Like Making Love” which topped the chart for one week in August 1974.

But it was the placement of one of Flack’s songs in 1971’s “Play Misty For Me”-the directorial debut by Clint Eastwood-that was not only an incredible moment in cinema but led to her first #1 song. It held the top spot for six weeks in the spring of 1972, yet it was originally released on her 1969 album, First Take. I was today year’s old when I found out she did not write that song as I always thought she did. It was written in 1957 by British singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl, the stage name for James Henry Miller. But Flack’s interpretation, her slow, easy yet powerful vocal placed perfectly in an incredible film gave the track and the artist the attention both so richly deserved.

Roberta Flack: February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025.

Roberta Flack performing in the 1970’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday marked the 75th birth anniversary for the beautiful & unbelievably talented Karen Carpenter. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on March 2, 1950 and moved with her family to Downey, California when she was a teenager so her brother, Richard, could pursue a career in music. When she joined him as a drummer in his trio, he discovered her sublime voice. It was that sound along with his producing and arranging skills that catapulted them to stardom as a duo in the 1970’s.

There is a story I have read on several sites that mentions a time Karen crossed paths with John Lennon at a restaurant in Los Angeles, California and he told her that he loved her voice. Rumor has it that as flattered as she was, Karen did not believe it as she never realized how supremely gifted she was. The song I have chosen to honor her with today has amassed 67 million views on YouTube. And that is only one platform and only one song from the string of hits she put her vocals to. That is the staggering magnitude of her talent.

Karen Carpenter: March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983.

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

Marianne Faithfull: “As Tears Go By” (1964, written by Mick Jagger, Andrew Loog Oldham and Keith Richards).

Jerry Butler & The Impressions: “For Your Precious Love” (1958, written by Arthur Brooks, Richard Brooks and Jerry Butler).

Roberta Flack: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1969 & 1972, written by James Henry Miller, stage name Ewan MacColl).

The Carpenters: “Rainy Days & Mondays” (1971, written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams).

Stay safe & well.