Author Archives: Michele at Lilacs & Rust

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 3

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

A holiday movie I watch year round is one you probably never heard of: “Home By Christmas”. It was released by Lifetime TV in 2006. It is done on the Hallmark theme of how the magic of the Christmas season always shines through, but that is where the similarities end. This movie may share a highly improbable plot and concludes with the proverbial happy ending, but you walk through a story with much more edge to get there. It stars Linda Hamilton (yes, THE Sarah Connor from “The Terminator” franchise) and Rob Stewart.

Despite its flaws, the seasonal movie provides a little escape that I have enjoyed for years and that includes a tune that is playing during a scene featuring-what else?-a holiday party. The track has a big band/swing kind of feel to it and gives a very vintage party vibe. But I thought it was one of those made-for-a-TV-movie-soundtrack songs that I would never be able to find so I did not even look. Then I stumbled upon several videos for it as I researched some new music for this year’s countdown.

I do not know if this is true but in the comments of one of the videos, a few people mentioned that the song is also featured in another Lifetime movie, 2008’s “A Christmas Proposal” as well as in Hallmark’s “A Boyfriend For Christmas” from 2004. I took the videos I found as signs to add this track to my playlist & my seasonal countdown.

The artist behind the song is Lacey Roland. I found it on Spotify and on his 2005 album, Makin’ Memories, on Amazon. His Facebook page lists him as “a singer-songwriter, producer, arranger, musician, published author and artist” originally from Virginia who resided in Kentucky until his death in September 2025.

I hope you enjoy this fun, festive track.

Undated image of Lacey Roland found online at AirPlay Direct. (Original source unknown.)

Lacey Roland in 2009 as per an image found on Facebook. (Original source unknown).

Lacey Roland: “A Christmas Dance With You” (2004, written by Lacey Roland).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 2

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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.)

My mother introduced me to Elvis, but her mother introduced us both to the man Elvis wanted to be: Dino Paul Crocetti. That is Dean Martin, to those of you who did not grow up in a house where he was considered a saint (yes, I am Italian). A member of The Rat Pack who earned the nickname “The King Of Cool” thanks to his suave demeanor, handsome good looks and inimitable charm, Martin did it all-he was a singer, an actor, a stage entertainer, a TV host and the emcee for his legendary celebrity roasts.

Yet, his Christmas album remains my favorite of all his contributions because his voice & those songs continue to connect me to my childhood & the gift of family who passed their love for this man on to me like a cherished family heirloom. That is a priceless legacy.

Dean Martin circa 1960. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dean Martin: “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (1966, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 1

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Happy December, everybody!!! Welcome to 25 Days of Christmas Music!

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We have officially arrived at the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate this festive time of year than with a daily countdown of great holiday songs to usher in the big day. All are welcome here even if you are not a fan of this genre or you do not observe the holiday. Great music of any kind should be enjoyed by all. I would love to hear about your favorite Christmas songs, so please share them with me in the comments.

Today is birthday #80 for The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler. Born December 1, 1945 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the future Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy and Tony Award winner moved to NYC 60 years ago in 1965 and landed an off Broadway role the same year. By 1970, she started singing at the Continental Baths inside the Ansonia Hotel & met Barry Manilow, who became her piano accompanist. He also produced her first album, The Divine Miss M, released in November 1972. It gave her three hits & introduced her talent to the masses, leading to a 50+ year career as an entertainer in music and acting.

Her first movie role was in 1979’s The Rose, which earned her an Oscar nomination. That movie and 1988’s Beaches crossed over into chart success as well (the latter gave her a #1 record for one week in 1989 with “Wind Beneath My Wings”). She has acted in countless other movies, on Broadway and on several TV shows, including a self-titled sit-com of her own in 2000. Midler also closed out a huge chapter in television history with her poignant rendition of “One For My Baby” as Johnny Carson’s last guest on his final show in May 1992. Her performance at Yankee Stadium during the “Prayer For America” following 9/11 is still considered one of the most touching moments of the event.

She has released 14 studio albums (and a spoken word album, Mud Will Be Flung Tonight, in 1985), four soundtracks and two live albums. She has worked with artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Mick Jagger, Darlene Love, Linda Ronstadt and others. Midler also paid homage in song to two of her favorite performers with two albums-Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook in 2003 and Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook in 2005.

Bette Midler circa 1978. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Midler and her family circa 2022 (L-R): Husband Martin Von Haselberg, their daughter, Sophie von Haselberg Guinness and Midler. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Midler will also celebrate her 41st wedding anniversary this month with husband Martin von Haselberg. The couple wed on December 16, 1984 and their daughter, Sophie, was born in November 1986. She has followed in her mother’s footsteps and started acting in 2015.

October marked the 30th anniversary of The New York Restoration Project, the non-profit Midler started in 1995 on the belief that “nature is a fundamental human right”. The group has been cleaning up parks and community gardens in the five boroughs ever since. According to the group’s website, the NYRP has “built and refurbished more than 350 community green spaces”.

In 2017 at age 72, Midler starred in her first leading role on Broadway in “Hello, Dolly” which earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She has more than earned her status as a NYC patron, an American treasure and a legendary performer.

Happy birthday, Bette Midler.

Barry Manilow (L) and Midler (R) circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Midler (L) and Manilow (R) circa 1998. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Midler’s 2006 holiday album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bette Midler: “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” (2006, written by Irving Berlin).

Bette Midler: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (1972, written by Don Raye and Hughie Prince

Bette Midler: “All I Need to Know” (1983, written by Barry Mann, Tom Snow and Cynthia Weil).

Bette Midler: “Hey There” (2003, written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: November 24, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Just a quick reminder: With the festive season upon us, Music Mondays will be preempted for the next four weeks because starting December 1st, my annual Christmas music daily feature will begin. I hope you will stay for that & share some of your favorite holiday songs with me as well. I also want to wish all of you celebrating Thanksgiving this week-however you are choosing to celebrate-a day that is happy & safe.

American musician & singer Lee Michaels was born 80 years ago on November 24, 1945 in Los Angeles, California. His professional career started in 1967 when he was signed to A&M Records. But his breakthrough came with his fifth album, aptly titled 5th, released in 1971. It included a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get A Witness” that made it to #39 that year, but Michaels’ true claim to fame came from the first single which peaked at #6. By the end of the 1970’s he basically retired from music and by 1988, he pivoted into a new endeavor. He opened the restaurant chain, Killer Shrimp, in Marina Del Ray in 1988 which he still owns today and runs with his family. But Michaels’ legacy as the voice behind a 1970’s rocking tune endures.

Lee Michaels circa 1971. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year I featured several of the #1 Songs of 1975 (see Part 1 and Part 2). For the final look at that year’s top hits, I will start with Tejano singer Freddy Fender. He reignited a stalled career from the 1960’s and crossed over into country music with a song that hit the #1 spot on May 31, 1975 for one week. He sang the track primarily in English, then repeated the first verse in Spanish for a Tex-Mex blend on a beautiful sentiment set to music. The song has been covered by multiple artists in & out of the country genre and it was featured in the 1991 movie, Rush”.

Freddy Fender circa 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In one week of August 1975, Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds had the #1 song in the country with a track that has the definitive 1970’s soft rock vibe. Their debut single-“Don’t Pull Your Love”-was a #4 hit in the summer of 1971 thanks to its catchy hook and overall fun feel. After a lineup change in the group at the end of 1972 when Reynolds left, the trio kept the name intact, signed to a new label & recorded the song that would bring them their biggest hit, co-written by lead vocalist Dan Hamilton.

Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds’ 1975 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

There are two songs from 1975 that may not have been #1 hits, but I think they deserve honorable mentions. In April of that year, the Scottish group Pilot released a single in the U.S. from an album that came out in the UK the year before. The song became an international hit, reaching #1 in Canada and #5 in the U.S. in the summer of 1975. Sadly, as has became the fate of too many songs that bring back great memories, the track is now used in a TV ad for medication, which in this case, is Ozempic.

Pilot’s debut album was released in 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In May 1975, 10cc released a song that would peak at the number #2 spot in the country two months later on July 26, 1975. And two years after that-in April 1977-the group reached the #5 position with “The Things We Do For Love”. Two members of the group who left in 1976-Kevin Godley and Lol Creme-not only became a musical duo but a cutting edge directing team as well which began with the release of their own innovative video for their 1985 song, “Cry”.

10cc circa 1975 (L-R): Lol Creme, Kevin Godley, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Ghost of Tom Joad was released 30 years ago on November 21, 1995. It was Bruce Springsteen’s 11th studio album and another acoustic effort similar to 1982’s Nebraska.

If you are a fan of writer John Steinbeck, you know that the record’s title is a nod to the protagonist in his 1939 novel, “The Grapes of Wrath”. It was made into a movie 85 years ago starring Henry Fonda as Tom Joad. Like the book, the film tells the story of his family who were poor sharecroppers who lost what little they had in Oklahoma in the 1930’s due to the Dust Bowl so they traveled west to California to find work and, hopefully, a better life. But with so many families in the same situation, the workers in the west are exploited by the corporate farmers paying them low wages. Some of the laborers attempt to unionize which leads to tragic consequences.

Springsteen has long been known as the guy who tells the story of those less fortunate, so his take on the modern day Tom Joads of the world not only make sense, it was expected because regardless of those who prosper in life-like Springsteen himself, who rose from the streets of New Jersey to achieve international fame in the mid 1980’s and won his first Oscar in 1994-his blue collar roots were always in his rear view mirror, reminding him of those who lived the antithesis of his success. The ones who struggle day to day just to make ends meet, the ones who are alone because love never found them, the ones without any hope because too many of their dreams died along the way and those “waiting for a moment that just don’t come”. Springsteen does not take for granted that he is the exception to the rule and not the rule itself and continues to showcase the voice of the latter, even today.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Lee Michaels: “Do You Know What I Mean” (1971, written by Lee Michaels).

Freddy Fender: “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” (1975, written by Vivian Keith and Ben Peters).

Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds: “Fallin’ In Love” (1975, written by Ann Hamilton and Dan Hamilton).

Pilot: “Magic” (1975, written by Billy Lyall and David Paton).

10cc: “I’m Not In Love” (1975, written by Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart).

Bruce Springsteen: “The New Timer” (1995, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 17, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the architects of the Motown label turned 85 this year. William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. was born February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. The music icon started singing as a teenager in a doo wop group, The Five Chimes, with future Miracles members Ronald White and Pete Moore. By 1957 Bobby Rogers and his cousin, Emerson (Sonny) Rogers joined them under the new group name, The Matadors. Emerson was replaced that year by his sister, Claudette Rogers, when he enlisted in the Army.

In 1958 Marv Tarplin joined the group who was touring Detroit clubs as The Miracles. That year they released their first single, “Got a Job” with the help of Berry Gordy who they met when they auditioned for Brunswick Records the year before. When he founded Tamala Records in 1959, The Miracles were one of the first groups signed to the label. Robinson became one of its top performers, songwriters and soon its Vice President.

The Miracles circa 1962 (L-R): Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Ronnie White, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers Robinson (not pictured Warren Pete Moore). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Miracles released six albums between 1961 and 1964. In 1965, they became known as Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The first album under their new name-Going to a Go-Go-was released 60 years ago in November 1965 (The Rolling Stones released a fabulous live cover of the title track in 1982).

And 55 years ago they released the single, “Tears of a Clown”, in July 1970. It was first introduced in 1967 on the album, Make It Happen. The track reached the #1 spot in the country for two weeks in December 1970. The group released nearly a dozen albums together until 1972 when Robinson went solo and the remaining members became known once again as The Miracles.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

He married Claudette in 1959 and they had two children before they divorced in 1986. Throughout his 60+ years in entertainment, Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades that continue in the present. In April 2025, he was one of the honorees at the third annual American Music Honors show, presented by The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Robinson is also currently on tour and the dates are available on his website.

A performance at the third annual American Music Honors show on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre in New Jersey featured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, Marc Ribler, Steven Van Zandt and Robinson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Temptin’ Temptations was released 60 years ago on November 1, 1965. It was their third album for Motown and the first single-which came out five months earlier-was a Top 20 hit, peaking at #17 in August 1965.

Earlier that year in March they released their second album, The Temptations Sing Smokey, which contains their signature tune released in December 1964 & featured the inimitable David Ruffin on lead vocal. It became the group’s first #1 record, hitting the top spot for one week in March 1965 (Three more #1 songs would follow: “I Can’t Get Next To You” in 1969, “Just My Imagination (Running Away From Me)” in 1971 and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” in 1972). In their career the Temptations charted 53 times with 15 Top Ten songs. They remain one of Motown’s most successful groups and one of my personal favorites.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stephen Stills released his eponymous debut solo album 55 years ago on Nov 16, 1970. The singer/songwriter/musician/producer-who turned 80 in January-wrote all 10 tracks himself & the first single peaked at #14 in January 1971. The front cover photo was taken by Henry Diltz who also took the cover picture for Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 debut album. Before becoming a member of that supergroup, Stills had established his talents in Buffalo Springfield, so it made sense that several guests joined him on his solo record including John Sebastian, Cass Elliot and Stills’ bandmates-David Crosby & Graham Nash-on backing vocals. Several acclaimed musicians also appear on the album including Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Booker T. Jones and Jimi Hendrix, who died two months before the album was released. He befriended Stills in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, leading Stills to dedicate the album to him in the liner notes under his formal name, James Marshall Hendrix.

“Well there’s a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can’t be with the one you love honey
Love the one you’re with”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “Going to a Go-Go” (1965, written by Pete Moore, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., Bobby Rogers and Marv Tarplin).

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “The Tears of a Clown” (1970, written by Hank (Henry) Cosby, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Stevie Wonder).

The Temptations: “My Girl” (1964, written William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Ronald White).

The Temptations: “Since I Lost My Baby” (1965, written by Pete Moore and William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.).

Stephen Stills: “Love The One You’re With” (1970, written by Stephen Stills).

Stephen Stills: “Church (Part Of Someone)” (1970, written by Stephen Stills). ​

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 10, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day here in the U.S. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men & women who have served and to those currently in active duty. Each person who volunteers to defend our country does so by paying at minimum the price of personal sacrifice. But many struggle with trauma long after their active duty ends. That impacts their ability to work, to keep themselves sheltered and to seek the medical support they require.

There are many organizations that are doing what they can to offer assistance to our Veterans. If you are in a position to do so, you can help as well by making donations directly to local organizations in your community or to national ones like the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Veterans Administration.

To all our veterans, thank you for your service. Welcome home.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fifty years ago in 1975 the band Stealers Wheel broke up after only three years together. At the core of the five man Scottish folk rock band were two former schoolmates – Joe Egan (October 18, 1946 – July 6, 2024) and Gerry Rafferty (April 16, 1947 – January 4, 2011). Both men were singers, songwriters and musicians.

Gerry Rafferty (L) and Joe Egan (R) of Stealers Wheel circa 1973. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The group’s self-titled debut was released on A&M Records 53 years ago in November 1972. It was produced by the songwriting duo/production team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. One track became a Top Ten hit that peaked at #6 in the U.S. in 1973. But creative differences & the producers own business issues drove the band apart, so both Egan and Rafferty went on to pursue solo careers.

However, Stealers Wheel best known hit continues to endure. It was prominently featured in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino film, “Reservoir Dogs“. In 2016, a kick ass acoustic cover was released on social media by one of the coolest guys on the planet, Izzy Stradlin. As if his role as the original rhythm guitarist for Guns N’ Roses was not enough, his musical prowess and vocal ability shines in his version of this classic track.

The 1973 debut album by Stealers Wheel. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Izzy Stradlin in a 2016 video. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The biggest success for Rafferty came courtesy of his second solo record, City to City, released in January 1978. A month later, the second single was released and four months later, it had peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in June 1978. A great story told through an expressive vocal with a great sounding band helped the slow jazzy number gain momentum, but the soaring saxophone riff played in between the verses by British musician Raphael Ravenscroft put it over the top. That pushed the album to the #1 spot in the country for one week in July 1978. Another track, “Right Down The Line”, peaked at #12 three months later.

Rafferty released 10 solo albums in his lifetime. His 1992 record, On a Wing and a Prayer, features his former bandmate Egan on backing vocals for 8 of the 12 songs. He left the music business shortly after that and passed away in July 2024 at age 77 following a stroke. Rafferty died in 2011 at age 63 from liver failure. His daughter, Martha, released his posthumous album, Rest in Blue, in 2021 which consisted of the demos he was working on at the time of his death.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jimi Hendrix: “The Star Spangled Banner” (Live at The Woodstock Music & Art Fair, August 18, 1969. Written by Francis Scott Key).

Stealers Wheel: “Stuck In The Middle With You” (1972, written by Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty).

Gerry Rafferty: “Baker Street” (1978, written by Gerry Rafferty).

Izzy Stradlin: “Stuck In The Middle With You” (2016, written by Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 3, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young will turn 80 years young next week. Born November 12, 1945 in Toronto, Canada, he was in his first band while he was in junior high but eventually quit school to pursue music on a full time basis. While playing in local clubs with the band The Squires, he met Stephen Stills & eventually the two men (and three others) formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles in 1966. Their song, “For What It’s Worth” was written by Stills to reflect the pushback the counterculture was experiencing at that time. Despite that early success, the band broke up two years later due to internal & external struggles.

Young released his self-titled debut album in 1968. He would join Stills again in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from 1969-1970 where he found his own words of protest when he wrote, “Ohio” about the 1970 Kent State college campus tragedies. Young continued his solo work which eventually became his main focus. Fast forward nearly 60 years later, Young has obtained legendary status, is still making music and supporting causes he believes in like one of his own, Farm Aid, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in September (more about that here).

My favorite song by Young was released in 1972 on his fourth studio album, Harvest. A 50th anniversary edition deluxe CD box set came out in December 2022. It includes a DVD of a concert recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England & first broadcast in the the UK on April 1, 1971. Two videos from that performance were uploaded to Young’s YouTube channel. Despite having heard those songs thousands of times before, there is something about his voice in this show that makes me ache for a home I no longer have. Sigh.

Happy birthday, Neil Young. Thank you for every song.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Neil Young circa 1972. Bottom: The artist on stage at Farm Aid 40 in September 2025. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos was released 55 years ago on November 9, 1970. It is the group’s only album but the title song remains one of the most iconic & definitive songs in classic rock’s illustrious history. The band-which consisted of Eric Clapton on guitar & vocals, Jim Gordon on drums, Carl Radle on bass and Bobby Whitlock on piano and vocals-initially met as members of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and formed when all four men were together during the 1970 recording sessions for George Harrison’s extraordinary debut album, All Things Must Pass.

As if Clapton’s lyrics & angst ridden vocals combined with the band’s electrifying sound were not powerful enough on their own, guest musician Duane Allman brought his own remarkable spin with his lead & slide guitar contributions. He & Clapton were already fans of one another and finally met when their mutual producer, Tom Dowd, brought the Dominos to an Allman Brothers show just as the Layla sessions were starting in August 1970. Allman wanted to come to the studio and Clapton insisted he bring his guitar. History was made with Allman playing on 11 of 14 tracks-nine originals and five cover songs-including Jimi Hendrix’s, “Little Wing”.

Clapton-the surviving member of the band-has continued to play several of the tracks throughout his career. He reconfigured the title song into a slower number without the piano coda for his “Unplugged” performance in 1992. It became a Top 20 song that fall.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Derek & The Dominos 1970 album. Middle: The band (L-R): Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Gordon and Carl Radle. Bottom: A photo from August or September 1970 during the recording of the album (L-R): Duane Allman, Gordon, Radle, Whitlock and Clapton (seated). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Patti Smith’s debut album, Horses, was released 50 years ago on November 10, 1975. She was one of the first performers to contribute to the punk rock genre by combining her poetry with music as a means to celebrate both art forms. The album’s eight tracks are original songs with two of them using excerpts from rock classics.

The album cover is a photograph of Smith taken by her friend, Robert Mapplethorpe. On Day 67 of my Lockdown Countdown, I mentioned how much I loved her 2010 book. Specifically I wrote, “If you are a fan of Smith’s writing, I encourage you to read her memoir, “Just Kids”.  It is about her life in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s when she was living in Manhattan and met artist Robert Mapplethorpe.  It is a great read and she tells their story beautifully.” I echo those sentiments today.

Initially Smith’s androgenous look in the photo for the album was met with some resistance by her record company, Arista. But Smith insisted and eventually the president of the label, Clive Davis-who signed her to his label after seeing her perform at NYC’s legendary club, CBGB-gave it his blessing.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Patti Smith’s 1975 debut album. Bottom: The cover of Smith’s 2010 memoir features a photo of her & Robert Mapplethorpe on the cover. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “Helpless” (1970, written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (Live performance recorded on February 23rd 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1st 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Old Man” (Live performance recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1, 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Powderfinger” (1979, written by Neil Young).

Derek & The Dominos: “Layla” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon).

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

Patti Smith: “Gloria (part one: “In Excelsis Deo” / part two: “Gloria” (1975, part one written by Patti Smith, part two written by Van Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 27, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fifty years ago on October 27, 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both Time and Newsweek. His website refers to it as “a publicity coup engineered by (Born to Run) producer, Mike Appel”. But based on some of the quotes in the articles, Springsteen seemed quite uneasy with the hype that exposure caused him. But there was no denying the power of BTR-which was released two months earlier in August 1975-as it became his breakthrough record & remains the pinnacle of his catalog five decades later.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This past Friday was another double play for Springsteen. A new five disc set-Nebraska ’82-Expanded Edition-was released on October 24, 2025, a week later than expected which was attributed to a production delay. But the new date coincided with the release of his movie, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere”. The biopic, based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book by the same name, explores the time between the end of Springsteen’s sold out tour for his 1980 double record, The River-which gave him his first Top Ten song, “Hungry Heart”-and 1984’s Born In The U.S.A., including his personal struggle with depression and a very strained relationship with his father, Douglas, who was dealing with his own undiagnosed mental health issues for most of his life. That period led to Springsteen’s 1982 acoustic triumph, Nebraska.

Even after reading his 2016 biography named after his 1975 masterpiece-Born To Run, which presented a detailed account of his own mental health issues-I found the visual deep dive into Springsteen’s depression hard to watch. Knowing how the story ends helps, of course, but the image of him in such a dark place was not an easy place to go. Watching his creative process, however-even in the middle of that struggle-was incredible to see. I also found the performances in the film to be strong, especially Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. And getting a glimpse of him as a young boy-played by the oh-so-adorable Matthew Anthony Pellicano Jr.-was a great contrast.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: The movie poster for Springsteen’s biopic. Middle: Jeremy Allen White (L) got a visit from Bruce Springsteen (R) during the filming of the biopic, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” in early 2025. Bottom: Matthew Anthony Pellicano Jr., Springsteen and White at the AFI Los Angeles Premiere of the film in October 2025. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

This Friday is Halloween. While trick-or-treating was the main event when I was a kid, the runner up was the yearly viewing of “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown“. It premiered 59 years ago on October 27, 1966. After the success of 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (which turns 60 years old in December), it made sense that the demand for more Peanuts’ specials was high.

It was no surprise that Schulz turned to the three men who brought The Peanuts to life for the Christmas special-executive producer Lee Mendelson, producer & director Bill Melendez and musician & composer Vince Guaraldi-to recreate the same magic for the Halloween special. And they did. The Great Pumpkin is an adorable tale of Halloween fun, friendship, make believe and childlike wonder. Nearly six decades later, it remains a beloved seasonal tradition. I cannot picture the holiday without it.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year marks two big anniversaries for one of my faves, Chris Isaak. His debut album, Silvertone, was released 40 years ago in January 1985. And 30 years ago, he released Forever Blue in May 1995.

The biggest difference between those albums is Isaak’s level of fame. It skyrocketed in the fall of 1990 after the song, “Wicked Game”-from his 1989 album, Heart Shaped World-was featured in the David Lynch film, “Wild At Heart”. But Isaak’s talent for songwriting, his vocal abilities and his rockabilly style were clear on his first record, even if it took a few years for the rest of the world to notice.

Isaak has released 13 albums over the last 40 years and expanded his career into acting in films including 1988’s “Married To The Mob”, 1991’s “The Silence Of The Lambs” and 1996’s “Grace Of My Heart”. He also made guest appearances on TV including “Friends” in 1996, “American Dreams” in 2004 (portraying Roy Orbison) and in his own self-titled program on Showtime from 2001-2004 and “The Chris Isaak Hour” which ran on the Biography Channel in 2009. He is gearing up for a holiday tour which starts next month. More information including the dates and locations of his appearances are listed on his website.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Nebraska” (1982, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Bobby “Boris” Pickett: “Monster Mash” (1962, written by Leonard Capizzi and Bobby Pickett).

Vince Guaraldi: “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” (1966, written by Vince Guaraldi).

Chris Isaak: “Pretty Girls Don’t Cry” (1985, written by Chris Isaak).

Chris Isaak: “Talk to Me” (1985, written by Chris Isaak).

Chris Isaak: “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” (1995, written by Chris Isaak).

Chris Isaak: “Somebody’s Crying” (1995, written by Chris Isaak).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 20, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Heart’s Ann Wilson celebrated birthday #75 this year. She was born June 19, 1950 in San Diego, California and raised in Seattle, Washington. Dubbed “The female Robert Plant” and an incredibly big fan of Led Zeppelin, it was she & her sister, Nancy Wilson, who paid tribute to that iconic rock band at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors with their rendition of “Stairway To Heaven” accompanied by John Bonham’s son, Jason, on drums.

When Heart was founded in 1973, the Wilson sisters really came across as two definitive rock chicks led by Ann’s incredibly powerful voice, Nancy’s guitar prowess and their roles as the group’s primary songwriters. I discovered that chapter of Heart first and really enjoyed it. But then the band went through a major lineup change, a decline in popularity and a contract with a different record label, Capital Records. That led to Heart’s MTV years which started 40 years ago with the release of their self titled album in June 1985. It produced five singles over the next year including their first #1 hit (“These Dreams”) and three Top Ten hits including “What About Love”, “Nothing At All” and my favorite track which for some reason they have distanced themselves from. But many saw the videos featuring the Wilson sisters in corsets, big hair and heavy makeup singing more streamlined pop songs as a real betrayal of their rock roots.

When Dan Rather conducted The Big Interview for AXS TV with Ann and her sister in 2016, he asked them straight out if they sold out during those video driven years. Without hesitation, Ann replied “Yes”. Much respect for that acknowledgement rather than a denial or justification. They could not blame that decision on being innocent kids new to the industry when this chapter unfolded-they were both over 30 with 10 years of recording under their belt-which began with their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, released 50 years ago in September 1975. But the videos did the job the record company hoped for and increased the group’s popularity with a whole new audience. Over the last several decades, the Wilson sisters reclaimed their rock roots as their performance at the Kennedy Center Honors proved. Heart was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013.

Top: Heart’s 1985 self-titled album. Bottom: Ann Wilson (L) and Nancy Wilson (R) onstage performing “Stairway To Heaven” at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

In March 1975 David Bowie released his ninth studio album, Young Americans. In addition to the title track, it includes “Can You Hear Me”, and two collaborations with John Lennon: One is a cover of The Beatles’ “Across The Universe” and the second, which was also the album’s second single-became Bowie’s first #1 hit-which reached the top spot in the country 50 years ago on September 20, 1975 for two weeks.

Five years later, Bowie released Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) which has one of my personal faves, “Ashes To Ashes”. Over the next five years he changed his image slightly to embrace the new found medium of music television. By July 1985 he was riding high on the success of two big albums-1983’s Let’s Dance and 1984’s Tonight-which led to his performance at the UK Live Aid show. A month later, he gave us the collaboration we did not know we needed but we did. It was not only spectacular, it was an ode to the power of Motown. He and Mick Jagger-who was enjoying his own success thanks to his first solo record, She’s The Boss, released at the beginning of that year-teamed up to cover one of the Motor City’s biggest songs in August 1985 as a charity single to benefit the Live Aid relief fund. Their version became a #1 song in the UK and a Top Ten hit in the U.S., peaking at #7 forty years ago on October 12, 1985. The video is campy and fun and a testament to the power of these music icons in the video genre during its heyday.

Top: David Bowie’s 1975 album. Bottom: David Bowie (L) and Mick Jagger (R) in the video for their 1985 collaboration. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Jefferson Starship released Red Octopus 50 years ago on June 13, 1975. It was their second record in their second life-a spin-off born from the ashes of the 1960’s band, Jefferson Airplane-which formed in San Francisco in 1965 & was known for songs like “Somebody To Love”, “White Rabbit” and “Volunteers”. Marty Balin-a founding member of Airplane who quit the band in 1971-joined Starship after co-writing and singing lead on the song, “Caroline” for their 1974 album, Dragon Fly. Then he became the primary vocalist & songwriter for them until his departure in October 1978. The band’s string of hits in the 1970’s were either sung by or written by Balin (“With Your Love”, “Count On Me” and “Runaway”, ) and his reign of popularity started with their highest charting song-it peaked at #3 in October 1975-from Red Octopus.

The front & back covers of Jefferson Starship’s 1975 album. Back cover photo: Back row (L-R): Marty Balin, Paul Kantner, Craig Chaquico and David Freiberg. Front row (seated, L-R): Grace Slick, Pete Sears, Papa John Creach and John Barbata. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Tom Waits released his seventh studio album, Heartattack and Vine, 45 years ago in September 1980. It contains the song that fits Bruce Springsteen like a glove-“Jersey Girl”-which was included on his Live 1975-1985 album. But Waits’ original is all his own, not just because it is delivered in his signature distinctive gravelly voice but because it is his observation from his unique perspective as only he can describe it.

His ninth studio album, Rain Dogs, celebrates a milestone this year as well. It was released forty years ago in September 1985. The best known track on this record was also made famous by another voice-this time, Sir Rod Stewart-who released it as a single near the end of 1989 & it peaked at #3 in January 1990. But as great as the cover is, Waits’ original stands as another testament to the stories he tells about the every day moments in life so many tend to take for granted.

Tom Waits’ 1980 album (top) and his 1985 release (bottom). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Heart: “Crazy On You” (1975, written by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson).

Heart: “Never” (1985, written by Gene Bloch, Holly Knight and “Connie” (pseudonym for Sue Ennis, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson).

David Bowie: “Fame” (1975, written by Carlos Alomar, David Bowie and John Lennon).

David Bowie: “Ashes To Ashes” (1980, written by David Bowie).

David Bowie & Mick Jagger: “Dancing In The Street” (1985, written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

Jefferson Starship: “Miracles” (1975, written by Marty Balin).

Tom Waits: “Jersey Girl” (1980, written by Tom Waits).

Tom Waits: “Downtown Train” (1985, written by Tom Waits).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 13, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In August we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run. This month marks the 45th anniversary of The River released on October 17, 1980.

The cover photo for the album was taken by Frank Stefanko. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Here is the post I wrote five years ago on the 40th anniversary:

On a typically hot humid Long Island summer day in July 1980, I was sitting in a wonderfully cool air conditioned movie theatre waiting with bated breath for a movie to start. There were only two other people in the multiplex that day-a young couple a few rows behind me. The film we were all there to see was the “No Nukes” documentary from the concerts held at Madison Square Garden in September 1979. I will not bore you with the details as to why I was not allowed to go to see one of the shows in person with three of my cousins (hint-they were boys and I was not, as my father sternly reminded me) but suffice it to say I had been waiting close to a year for this moment.

I sat through nearly every other performance and enjoyed many of them (Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor, The Doobie Brothers) but I was desperate to see the love of my life, Bruce Springsteen. Finally a picture of the marque with his name came on the screen and suddenly there he was backstage. First he was with Jackson Browne, then with The E Street Band walking to the stage for their performance as the crowd cheered “Bruce!”. In the next scene the band was in front of the audience and then that beautiful man, Springsteen himself, walked up to the microphone. And the camera stayed on him and that microphone for the entire song. Swoon.

“This is new. It’s about my brother-in-law and sister”, he told the crowd. Then he started playing the harmonica until he introduced us to the characters in the first verse.

“I come from down in the valley where mister when you’re young
They bring you up to do like your daddy done
Me and Mary we met in high school when she was just seventeen
We’d drive out of this valley down to where the fields were green“.

“We’d go down to the river and into the river we’d dive
Oh down to the river we’d ride“.

The album’s back cover. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The guy sitting with his girlfriend a couple of rows behind me shouted “turn it up!” and the volume increased as The Boss continued telling us the true story of the couple in the song.

“Then I got Mary pregnant and man that was all she wrote
And for my nineteenth birthday I got a union card and a wedding coat
We went down to the courthouse and the judge put it all to rest
No wedding day smiles, no walk down the aisle, no flowers no wedding dress“.

“We went down to the river and into the river we’d dive
Oh down to the river we’d ride…“.

More consequences followed as the couples’ downward spiral continued.

“I got a job working construction for the Johnstown Company
But lately there ain’t been no work on account of the economy
Now all them things that seemed so important, well mister they vanished right into the air
I just act like I don’t remember, Mary acts like she don’t care“.

Then a memory of better days………and how quickly they ended.

“But I remember us riding in my brother’s car, her body tan and wet down at the reservoir
At night on them banks I’d lie awake and pull her close just to feel each breath she’d take
Now them memories come back to haunt me, they haunt me like a curse
Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true or is it something worse“.

“That sends me down to the river, though I know the river is dry
Oh down to the river tonight
Down to the river, my baby and I
Oh down to the river we ride…“.

Tears were rolling down my face as the last line from the final verse just played over and over in my head.

“Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true or is it something worse“.

What is worse than a dream that does not come true?

I don’t think anyone tells the stories of those haunted by broken dreams better than Springsteen does. The movie concert was the first time I ever saw him sing on a stage and I still remember every second of that performance. Today’s heartbreakingly beautiful song is the title track from his only double album-which was released 40 years ago today-October 17, 1980. I have written this before and will continue until I take my last breath: Bruce Springsteen’s music saved me like no one else’s. I owe him everything and “it’s a debt no honest man can pay”. Swoon.

The album’s inside cover features a picture of the whole band (L-R): Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg, Clarence Clemons, Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Danny Federici. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Edit: The 1997 film, “Cop Land“, features two songs from The River. Even without those incredible tracks, it is an excellent film.

In December 2015, in honor of the album’s 35th anniversary, Springsteen released The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set. The following year, he embarked on “The River Tour-2016” where he played the entire album live at many of the shows that year (unfortunately for me, not the concert I attended on September 14, 2016 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but it was still a great show. And it was one week after his longest U.S. show on record-4 hours and 4 minutes-which took place at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 7, 2016. His longest sow ever took place in Helsinki in 2012, which clocked in two minutes longer.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: “The River” (From the 1980 film, “No Nukes”, as performed at the concert of the same name in September 1979. Written by Bruce Springsteen).

Bruce Springsteen: “Fade Away” (1980, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Bruce Springsteen: “Stolen Car” (1980, written by Bruce Springsteen. Featured in the 1997 film, Copland).

Bruce Springsteen: “Drive All Night” (1980, written by Bruce Springsteen. Featured in the 1997 film, Copland).

Stay safe & well.