Category Archives: Music Monday

Music Monday: June 9, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Levon Helm was born 85 years ago on May 26, 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas. Best known as the drummer and primary singer for The Band, the multi-instrumentalist eventually branched out into acting. His best known role was as Loretta Lynn’s father in the 1980 film, “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Helm also appeared in “The Right Stuff” (1983), “Smooth Talk” (1985) and “In The Electric Mist” (2009).

After a bout with throat cancer in 1998, he regained his voice to record his 2007 album, Dirt Farmer. It won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008. Two more Grammy wins soon followed, one in 2010 for Best Americana Album for his 2009 release, Electric Dirt and the other in 2012 in the same category for 2011’s Ramble at the Ryman.

Helm’s autobiography, “This Wheel’s on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band“, was published in 1993. He died from throat cancer on April 19, 2012 at age 71.

Top: Levon Helm circa 1977. Bottom: Helm (R) with Sissy Spacek in 1980’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward, better known as Tom Jones, celebrated birthday #85 yesterday. The Welsh superstar was born June 7, 1940 in Wales. He started singing as a child and by 1964 he was signed to Decca Records. Two years later he won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966. From 1969 to 1971 he hosted his own TV show, “This Is Tom Jones”.

That exposure coupled with his signature powerhouse baritone voice made him one of the leading sex symbols of the 1970’s. He eventually branched out into acting and by the 1980’s started recording country music as well. In 1988 he teamed up with The Art Of Noise for a cover of Prince’s song, “Kiss”. Jones has spent the last 40 years performing, recording music (his last studio album, Surrounded by Time, was released in 2021) and participating in shows like “The Voice”. Jones’ 60 year career remains a part of music & pop culture history.

Top: Tom Jones circa 1970. Bottom: The performer circa 2019. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

April marked the 80th birth anniversary of one of my favorite voices from Motown. Tammi Terrell was born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA. By the time she was 15, she was discovered by songwriter & record producer, Luther Dixon. A year later she was a backup singer for The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. In 1963, she released a song he co-wrote, “I Cried” on his label, Try Me Records. On Terrell’s 20th birthday in 1965, she was signed to Motown Records. By 1967, she was recording duets with Marvin Gaye. Their songs were successful on both the R&B and the pop charts.

In October 1967 she collapsed on stage and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Terrell fought a brave fight that ended 55 years ago when she died on March 16, 1970 at the age of 24.

Top: Tammi Terrell circa 1968 by Earl Fowler for SOUL Newspaper. Bottom: Terrell (R) with Marvin Gaye (L), circa 1967. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

John Fogerty turned 80 last month. Born John Cameron Fogerty on May 28, 1945 in Berkeley, California, his most successful solo album was released forty years ago in January 1985. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 for one week on March 23, 1985. Between his years as the lead singer & primary songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival and his solo career of 52 years, Fogerty’s voice remains a constant in the classic rock genre.

Top: John Fogerty from his days with Creedence Clearwater Revival circa 1970. Bottom: The singer circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Michael James “Mick” Hucknall was born 65 years ago on born June 8, 1960 in Manchester, U.K. He was the lead singer for the band, Simply Red. The group’s undeniable sound was led by the incredibly rich soulful timbre of Hucknall’s voice & the poignancy of his poetic lyrics. The band’s debut album, Picture Book, was released nearly 40 years ago in October 1985.

The third single put the group on the map and garnered them overnight success. Hucknall wrote it when he was 17. It hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week on July 12, 1986.

Another of their songs that I simply adore is from their fourth album which was released in September 1991. It is the title track which was the second single and like every Simply Red song, Hucknall’s incredible voice makes it an experience worth hearing again and again.

Top: Simply Red’s 1985 album. Middle: The band in the 1980’s with Mick Hucknall featured in the center, seated. Bottom: Hucknall circa 2021. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Levon Helm and Sissy Spacek: “Ain’t Got The Time” (1980 appearance on The Midnight Special. Credit(s) unknown. NOTE: The video cuts out just before the song ends, but it is a great performance nonetheless).

Tom Jones: “She’s A Lady” (1971, written by Paul Anka).

Tammi Terrell: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

John Fogerty: “Centerfield” (1985, written by John Fogerty).

Simply Red: “Holding Back the Years” (1985, written by Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss).

Simply Red: “Stars” (1991, written by Mick Hucknall).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 2, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Solomon Burke was born 85 years ago on March 21, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was one of the pioneers of R&B and soul music in the 1960’s. Before his death 15 years ago on October 10, 2010 at age 70, he released 38 studio albums in his 55 year career as a professional singer.

Solomon Burke circa 1962. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

He was signed to Apollo Records when he was only 15 years old in 1955. Five years later he signed with Atlantic Records. Under the guidance of label co-owner Jerry Wexler, Burke’s voice & his string of hit records not only established the range and depth of his talent, it also kept Atlantic afloat after powerhouse performer Ray Charles left for ABC Records in 1959. Burke’s sound and influence reached an array of future performers almost instantly, especially the members of The Rolling Stones.

They may have released their debut album in the U.S. in May 1964, but it was 60 years ago in 1965 when they really established themselves as a force to be reckoned with thanks to two significant albums. The Rolling Stones, Now!​ is their third American studio album of mostly cover songs. It was released in the U.S. in February 1965 and the opening track is a cover of Solomon Burke’s 1964 hit.

The album also includes includes the Don Raye song, “Down The Road A Piece”, Allen Toussaint’s “Pain In My Heart” and Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster”. The Stones performed my favorite version of his track during a 1989 Pay-per-view concert where they were joined by Eric Clapton.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Out of Our Heads was released in July 1965 and also includes another Burke classic from 1962. The album’s highlight, however, is The Stones’ first #1 hit, a Jagger-Richards song released as a single in the U.S. 60 years ago on June 4, 1965. A month later, it hit the top spot where it stayed for four consecutive weeks.

Their second #1 hit, “Get Off of My Cloud” was released in Sept 1965 & hit #1 two months later for two consecutive weeks. Six more top selling songs would follow for the band, giving them a total of eight #1 songs in their career to date.

Top: The Rolling Stones album from July 1965. Bottom: From L-R: Charlie Watts (on drums), Mick Jagger and Solomon Burke on stage in 2002 in Los Angeles. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Mick Jagger released his debut solo album in 1985. She’s The Boss premiered in the U.S. in February 1985 (a month later in the UK). It includes appearances by such high profile artists as Herbie Hancock, Pete Townshend, Jeff Beck and Nile Rodgers, who also co-produced the album with Jagger and bassist Bill Laswell. The album peaked at #13 in April 1985, with the first single reaching #12 a month earlier. Jagger released three more solo studio records, but his first was the most successful.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Special shout out to Ron Wood, who turned 78 on June 1. This year also marks his 50th year as a member of The Rolling Stones, whom he joined on Keith Richards’ invitation in 1975 after Mick Taylor’s departure.

Today also marks the 84th birth anniversary of the band’s drummer Charlie Watts, who was born June 2, 1941 in London, England. He passed away on August 24, 2021 at the age of 80 after a 59 year tenure with the band.

Charlie Watts (L) and Ron Wood (R) circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Solomon Burke: “Cry To Me” (1962, written by Bert Berns).

Solomon Burke: “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (1964, written by Bert Berns, Solomon Burke and Jerry Wexler).

The Rolling Stones: “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (1965, written by Bert Berns, Solomon Burke and Jerry Wexler).

The Rolling Stones: “Cry To Me” (1965, written by Bert Berns).

The Rolling Stones: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Mick Jagger: “Just Another Night” (1985, written by Mick Jagger).

Solomon Burke: “The Judgement” (2002, written by Elvis Costello and Cait O’Riordan).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 26, 2025

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Before we get into the spirit of today’s holiday, I want to acknowledge that this month marks the 15th anniversary since one of my favorite shows ended. “Lost”, which premiered in September 2004, concluded its six season run with its final episode on May 23, 2010. It was a beautiful ending to a remarkable series.

There are a handful of TV shows that moved me in indescribable ways and this one is probably at the top of that short list. I have watched hundreds of series in my life and in so many of them, I wanted to be like many of the characters. “Lost” touched me because I was one of them. A person searching for a place to be a part of, to contribute to, in spite of my flaws. A place to heal. A place where we find our constant, as in the person who grounds us. “Lost” was the home we all search for. And it was spectacular.

The cast of “Lost” circa 2004. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Memorial Day 2025 is upon us. And for me it furthers a divide in our country which has existed long before current events. The real split between us is how this day of remembrance gets lost by so many who treat it solely as the unofficial start of summer celebrated with backyard BBQs, beach days & taking advantage of numerous retail sales.

But there is not a person in this country who does not owe a tremendous debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice which protect & keep those very traditions safe. So in between the hot dogs, potato salad, apple pie & so on, I truly hope everyone pauses a moment to remember those who died and the ones they left behind. It is what this day is actually about.

“Home of the free because of the brave” – Unknown.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Fortunate Son” (1969, written by John Fogerty).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 19, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Lou Gramm turned 75 this month. Born Louis Andrew Grammatico on May 2, 1950 in Rochester, NY, he was the powerful and unmistakable voice of Foreigner for their most successful years-from 1976 to 1990-and rejoined them from 1992 to 2003. Their self-titled debut album was released in March 1977 to immediate success courtesy of the one-two punch of the first two singles, led by “Feels Like The First Time” which peaked at #4 in June 1977. All in all they had nine Top Ten hits and a #1 record 40 years ago-“I Want To Know What Love Is”-which was in the top spot for two consecutive weeks in February 1985.

In January 1987, Gramm released his debut solo record, Ready Or Not. Two more solo albums followed in 1989 and 2009. In 2024, he was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with Foreigner.

Top: Foreigner’s 1977 debut album. Middle: Lou Gramm circa 1979. Bottom: The singer circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

On of the greatest rock anthems in existence turned 55 last week. It was released on May 15, 1970 in the UK and performed by the band, Free. It is from their third album, Fire and Water, released a month later. The track features Paul Rodgers on an absolutely scorching lead vocal, an insane guitar performance by Paul Kossoff, an infectious beat courtesy of Simon Kirke on drums along with an unbelievably intense bassline by Andy Fraser, who co-wrote the track with Rodgers.

It marked a complete shift from 1960’s rock to the sound that would come to be known as classic rock because the song is just that powerful and spectacular. Free may have officially disbanded in 1973, but luckily for music Rodgers and Kirke went on to form Bad Company who will finally be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame later this year as part of the Class of 2025.

Free (L-R): Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In March of this year Michael Martin Murphy turned 80. In early 1975 when he was known as Michael Murphy (he added the middle name around 1980 to avoid confusion with an actor by the same name), the singer & songwriter released the first single from his fourth album, Blue Sky – Night Thunder. The track peaked at #3 forty years ago in June 1975. I always loved the song and was thrilled when it became such a point of interest for David Letterman in 2007 during his “Late Show” tenure.

That phenomenal show ended 10 years ago on May 20, 2015. There are a plethora of moments I adore from it, but Letterman’s conversations about this song with his bandleader, Paul Shaffer, especially the musing over the line “gonna leave sod busting behind”, are some of my absolute favorites. They were hilarious and memorable, especially since the song was a favorite of Dave’s. And in a fabulous moment of appreciation, respect and class, he had Murphey perform the song on “The Late Show” 18 years ago on May 22, 2007. I miss Dave so much.

Top: Paul Shaffer (L) and David Letterman on “The Late Show” circa 2014. Middle: Shaffer (L) and Letterman in an IG post from 2024. Bottom: Michael Martin Murphy circa 2012. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Foreigner: “Cold As Ice” (1977, written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones).

Foreigner: “Head Games” (1979, written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones).

Lou Gramm: “Midnight Blue” (1987, written by Lou Gramm and Bruce Turgon).

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

Michael Martin Murphey: “Wildfire” (1975, written by Michael Murphey and Larry Cansler).

Michael Martin Murphey:  “Wildfire” as performed live on “The Late Show With David Letterman” on May 22, 2007 (originally released in 1975, written by Michael Murphey and Larry Cansler).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 12, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stevie Wonder was born 75 years ago on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI. Out of all the artists who started their career with Motown Records, he is arguably the most successful & most enduring from that iconic label. He is an undeniable powerhouse in soul, funk & pop. This is from my post from May 16, 2022:

“What is left to say about “The Eighth Wonder Of The World”, Stevie Wonder, who turned 72 last week? The child prodigy born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI began his career in The Motor City at age 11 as Little Stevie Wonder. His career grew even bigger as an adult in the 1970’s with three Album Of The Year Grammy awards for Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness‘ First Finale (1974) and Songs in the Key of Life (1976). His talent continued to dominate from there and today, with over six decades of musical brilliance under his belt, Wonder continues to show us all how genius is defined.“

Top: Stevie Wonder circa 1963 at age 13. Middle: The artist circa 1972. Bottom: Wonder at the 2025 Met Gala in NYC earlier this month. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Four Tops first album was released sixty years ago in January 1965. The opening track, “Baby I Need Your Loving”, came out in July 1964 which proved to be their first hit, reaching #11 a month later. That prompted the record label to release the group’s follow up eleven months later in November 1965, aptly titled Four Tops Second Album. It features “It’s The Same Old Song” which peaked at #5 in August 1965 and the group’s first #1 record which hit the top spot nearly 60 years ago on on June 19, 1965 for two consecutive weeks.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye released his 10th studio album 55 years ago in January 1970. It consisted of 12 cover songs, with several made famous by other Motown stars like The Temptations (“I Wish It Would Rain” & “Cloud Nine”) and The Marvelettes (“No Time for Tears”) along with a few by other artists including The Beatles (“Yesterday”) and The Young Rascals (“Groovin”). But the title song-originally recorded by The Isley Brothers in 1967-is my absolute favorite track. Gaye’s version is a slower, more soulful take turning the song into a cautionary tale of love’s fickle side. He released it as a single in the summer of 1969 and it peaked at #7 in October of that year.

Marvin Gaye circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another Motown song celebrating a milestone this year is by Freda Payne. Fifty-five years ago she teamed up with the powerhouse writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. However, the song was credited to the collective pseudonym “Edythe Wayne” due to the trio’s ongoing dispute with Motown Records. The track peaked at #3 in July 1970, just three months after it premiered in the #93 spot in April 1970. It hit #1 for six weeks (September 19-October 24) that year on the UK charts. It remains an undeniable gem from its decade, and as I wrote on Day 85 of my Lockdown Countdown, “The string interlude arrangement @ 1:37 is one of my all time favorites ever.  It just kicked this song to the next level from great to absolutely glorious.  I have reveled in the beauty of this song from the first time I heard it, and fall more in love with each listen.“

Freda Payne circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stevie Wonder: “I Was Made To Love Her” (1967, written by Stevie Wonder, Lula Mae Hardaway, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby).

Stevie Wonder: “Superstition” (1972, written by Stevie Wonder).

Stevie Wonder: “Living For The City” (1973, written by Stevie Wonder).

The Four Tops: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” (1965, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Marvin Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong).

Freda Payne: “Band Of Gold” (1970, written by Ron Dunbar and “Edythe Wayne”, which was the collective pseudonym for Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 5, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Before we get to the music, I want to give a shout out to a TV anniversary incredibly close to my heart. The pilot episode of the 1970’s cop show, “Starsky & Hutch”, premiered 50 years ago on April 30, 1975. Due to its success, it was picked up for a series and the first season debuted five months later on September 10, 1975. In my post from January 2024, I wrote the following tribute to David Soul:

“A part of my childhood has officially been laid to rest with the death of David Soul on January 4, 2024. “Starsky & Hutch” were two of the coolest cops with the biggest hearts who were also too adorable for words. I would go back & forth in my head each week trying to decide who was cuter. 

But I must admit David’s #1 hit from 1977-“Don’t Give Up On Us”-gave him a slight edge. I am crushed beyond words. Rest in peace you beautiful Soul. Thank you for being one of my tween dreams. Sigh.“

L-R: Paul Michael Glaser (as Starsky) and David Soul (as Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson in the 1975 pilot episode. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bob Seger will celebrate birthday #80 tomorrow. Born Robert Clark Seger on May 6, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, he started making music in a group in 1961. A decade later, he released his first solo album-Brand New Morning-in 1971 after releasing three records as The Bob Seger System from 1969-1970. By 1973, he added The Silver Bullet Band to accompany him and together they made some of the best music of the 1970’s & 1980’s.

I was lucky enough to see him in concert before he officially retired in November 2019. His classic rock legacy includes seven career Top Ten hits, a #1 song in August 1987 (“Shakedown” from the movie, “Beverly Hills Cop”) and ten Top Ten albums including his 1980 release which was #1 for six weeks that year.

It is the title track from that album released 45 years ago that moves me the most. I wrote about it on Day 418 during my Lockdown Countdown:

“The first time I heard this song as an adult it hit me how quickly that time went, how ill prepared I was for the roads I took and probably even for the ones I didn’t. And just like the person in today’s song, “I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then”. A lot of songs deal with teenage angst. But not too many deal with what happens two decades later. That is part of what I love about Bob Seger. And why it has taken me 418 days to feature this song. For those of you still searching for shelter, I hope you find it.”

“Guess I lost my way
There were oh-so-many roads
I was living to run and running to live
Never worried about paying or even how much I owed“.

Top: Bob Seger circa 1978. Middle: His #1 album from 1980. Bottom: Seger circa 2014. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: “Night Moves” (1976, written by Bob Seger).

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: “Against The Wind” (1980, written by Bob Seger).

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: “Fire Lake” (1980, written by Bob Seger).

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: “Shame On The Moon” (1982, written by Rodney Crowell).

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: “Like A Rock” (1986, written by Bob Seger).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 28, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bread released their second album, On the Waters, in July 1970. The lead single came out three months earlier and became the #1 song in the U.S. for one week on August 22, 1970. The band had six Top Ten hits but this was their only top selling record. It was one of my mother’s favorite songs and she played the 45 so much it actually warped. And I still know every word by heart. A hundred years later, as soon as I hear the opening chords, I am transported back to that time so fast I lose my breath. On the series “Mad Men”, Don Draper likened “nostalgia” to a time machine, taking us to a place where we wish to go again. This song makes me long for a home I no longer have. And I ache for it.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Welsh musician Pete Ham was best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, guitarist & pianist for the band Badfinger. Their first hit, “Come & Get It”, was written & produced by Paul McCartney as the group was the first band signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records label in 1968.

Other hits followed including “No Matter What” and “Baby Blue” along with “Without You” which was covered by Harry Nilsson in 1971 and became a #1 hit for four consecutive weeks in early 1972. Ham co-wrote that song and was one of an array of guitarists who contributed to George Harrison’s solo album, All Things Must Pass, a year earlier. You would think that a musician’s story that started with an affiliation with The Beatles would have a reasonably happy ending. But that was not the case.

A string of fraudulent business deals by an unscrupulous manager who embezzled the band’s money left Ham distraught and he died by suicide 50 years ago on April 24, 1975, three days before his 28th birthday. I prefer not to acknowledge the date of an artists’ death, but Badfinger’s story is one-if not the saddest (a second member of the band, Tom Evans, also died by suicide in 1983)-in musical history. And their incredible contributions to music-and the price they paid-should be remembered.

Peter William Ham: April 27, 1947 – April 24, 1975.

Top: Badfinger circa 1969 (L-R): Pete Ham, Joey Molland, Mike Gibbins and Tom Evans. Bottom: George Harrison (L) and Ham (R) in the studio in 1971. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Twenty years ago my favorite episode of VH1’s “Storytellers” aired. Bruce Springsteen took center stage in the installment which was broadcast on April 23, 2005. It coincided with the release of his 13th studio album, Devils & Dust, three days later. He debuted the title track and “Jesus Was An Only Son” during the show. He closed his set with the first track off his 1975 masterpiece, Born To Run, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this August.

And forty years ago, Springsteen was one part of the all-star group who formed USA For Africa to record “We Are The World”, a philanthropic single which was a #1 hit for four weeks in the spring of 1985. An album by the same name was released on April 1, 1985 which has a live track by Springsteen. Last year Netflix released the documentary, “The Greatest Night in Pop” which provides a behind the scenes look in the studio during the recording of the charity song.

Bruce Springsteen at the piano during VH1’s Storytellers in April 2005. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bread: “Make It With You” (1970, written by David Gates).

Badfinger “Day After Day” (1971, written by Pete Ham. Produced by George Harrison and Todd Rundgren).

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: “Trapped” (1985, recorded live at Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey on August 6, 1984, written by Jimmy Cliff).

Bruce Springsteen: “Thunder Road” (live performance on VH1 Storytellers, broadcast date April 23, 2005).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 21, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the most influential jazz vocalists in history was born 110 years ago. Eleanora Fagan-better known as Billie Holiday or “Lady Day”- was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An unstable & tumultuous childhood led her to join her mother in Harlem in 1929 where Holiday soon began singing in nightclubs, inspired by the music of Bessie Smith and Louie Armstrong. Ten years later, Holiday recorded what is arguably considered to be the first civil rights protest song, “Strange Fruit”. Her unique interpretation & phrasing on jazz standards & original music helped elevate her recordings and performances to legendary moments. Although she died in 1959 at age 44, she is still considered to be one of the greatest voices in music.

Top: Billie Holiday circa 1947 with her dog, Mister. Bottom: The singer at Carnegie Hall circa 1948. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sixty-five years ago on April 14, 1960, Sam Cooke released “Wonderful World”. He co-wrote the song with business owner & music producer Lou Adler and trumpet player extraordinaire Herb Alpert, who went on to become a co-founder of A & M Records in 1962. The track hit the charts by May 1960 and peaked at #12 a month later. If any of you think you have never heard this fabulous song, think again. It plays in the 1978 movie, “Animal House”, underscoring the iconic scene where Bluto (John Belushi) is going through the cafeteria line, then squeezes a chunk of Jell-O into his mouth just before the food fight scene (“That boy is a P-I-G PIG!!!”).

Top: Sam Cooke circa 1960. Middle: Lou Adler (L) and Herb Alpert (R) circa 2010. Bottom: John Belushi as “Bluto” in “Animal House” (1978). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Today is the last day to cast your vote for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees (find the ballot here). While the place has lost so much of it luster over the years given the list of unworthy people who have been inducted, one person who has deserved the honor for decades is Paul Rodgers. The singer-who celebrated birthday #75 last December-and the rest of Bad Company are finally in the running for the Class Of 2025 (and currently in second place in the voting). There have been rumors for years that Rodgers himself wanted no part of the HOF, but according to a Billboard story from February 2025, both he & bandmate Simon Kirke are thrilled to have finally received the nomination.

They were in a group together previously-Free-with Rodgers on vocals & piano and Kirke on drums before forming the Bad Company supergroup in London in 1973 along with Mick Ralphs from Mott The Hoople on guitar and King Crimson’s Boz Burrell (1946 – 2006) on bass. Kirke is the only continuous member of Bad Company in its 52 year history. Their self-titled debut album was released in the UK in May 1974 (a month later in the U.S.). Fifty years ago, the band released their second album, Straight Shooter, on April 2, 1975. The band recorded on Led Zeppelin’s own label, Swan Song Records.

This is a long time coming for the group and Rodgers specifically as his voice became one of the definitive ones in rock music nearly 60 years ago thanks to his tenure in Free (1968-1973, most notably as the co-writer & voice behind their anthem, “All Right Now”), Bad Company (1973-1982, 1998-present), The Firm (1984-1986), his turn with Queen (2004-2009) and numerous solo projects over the years. Maybe now that Bad Company has secured its own nomination, Rodgers’ individual achievements will soon be recognized by the hall as well.

Top: Bad Company circa 1974 (L-R): Boz Burrell, Mick Ralphs, Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke. Bottom: Kirke, Rodgers and Ralphs circa 2012. Both pictures courtesy of the band’s website. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Billie Holiday: “All of Me” (1941, written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons).

Billie Holiday: “God Bless The Child” (1942, written by Arthur Herzog Jr. and Billie Holiday).

Billie Holiday: “Good Morning Heartache” (1946, written by Ervin Drake, Dan Fisher and Irene Higginbotham).

Sam Cooke: “Wonderful World” (1960, written by Lou Adler, Herb Alpert and Sam Cooke).

Bad Company: “Bad Company” (1974, written by Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers).

Bad Company: “Shooting Star” (1975, written by Paul Rodgers).

Bad Company: “Rock & Roll Fantasy” (1979, written by Paul Rodgers).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 14, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The year 1970 introduced us to the genius that is Elton John. Five years later, he was one of the biggest stars on the planet, with his music-and lyrics by Bernie Taupin-underscoring a number of “wonder years” moments for many of us.

His self titled album was released 55 years ago on April 10, 1970 in the UK. It premiered in the U.S. three months later as his debut album. But in the UK it was his sophomore record after 1969’s Empty Sky (which was not released in the U.S. until 1975 with a new cover design).

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The 1970 release features two of my favorite EJ songs along with “Take Me To The Pilot” and “Border Song”. Later that year on October 30, he released Tumbleweed Connection. Thus began his reign as one of the top talents of the decade.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 1975, EJ had several #1 hits (which I highlighted in my February 24, 2025 post). That was also the year he made his acting debut as The Pinball Wizard in The Who’s rock opera, “Tommy”. It premiered 50 years ago on March 19, 1975. Two months later, on May 19, 1975, EJ released Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

Together Elton John and Bernie Taupin brought us one of the greatest, most beloved chapters of music. It remains one of my all time favorites.

Top: Elton John’s 1975 album premiered two months after his acting debut in the movie, “Tommy” (bottom picture). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Elton John: “Your Song” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “I Need You To Turn To” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “Burn Down The Mission” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “Pinball Wizard” (1975, written by Pete Townshend).

Elton John: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: April 7, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles had the top selling song in the country 55 years ago. The title track from their final studio release, Let It Be, reached #1 on April 11, 1970 for two consecutive weeks.

The album-which debuted a month later on May 8, 1970-also reached the top spot in the U.S. for a month later that year (June 13 – July 10), knocking Paul McCartney’s self titled solo debut from the #1 spot after its three week hold in that position. The release of his own record on April 17, 1970 came one week after he officially announced he was leaving The Beatles, marking the end of what was arguably considered to be the greatest musical group the world had ever seen. Luckily the year ended with the release of another post Beatles solo record: George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. The first single, “My Sweet Lord” reached the #1 spot on December 26, 1970.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles never officially finished Let It Be, however. The final mixing was done by American music producer Phil Spector who took what was known as the “Get Back” tapes and turned it into the band’s last collaborative effort. It produced another top selling song, “The Long & Winding Road”, which hit #1 on June 13, 1970 for two consecutive weeks. Incidentally, an earlier rendition of “Get Back”-credited as The Beatles with Billy Preston (the keyboard extraordinaire who played on the song with them) was released as a single a year earlier and reached the top spot in May 1969 for five consecutive weeks.

A film under the same title as the album, directed by Sir Michael Edward Lindsay-Hogg, was released on May 13, 1970. Most of it features The Beatles in the studio rehearsing the Let It Be songs at the beginning of 1969 and ends with the rooftop concert the band performed on January 30, 1969.

The Beatles performing on the roof of the Apple building in January 1969 (L-R): Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison. . (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Many years later, that film became my first real introduction to the band. It was running on a loop on cable during the summer before I started junior high and I watched it every chance I got. I bought the album, read every book I could get my hands on about the group and started my life long obsession with their music.

Despite their official breakup in 1970, there would be a number of Beatles releases after that including Let It Be… Naked, released in 2003. It stripped the Wall Of Sound effects Phil Spector had added so the new album just featured the music we heard all throughout the movie. And 55 years later, both are still testaments to the magic of The Beatles.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles: “Two Of Us” (1970, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The Beatles: “I Me Mine” (1970, written by George Harrison).

The Beatles: “The Long And Winding Road” (1970, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The Beatles: “Let It Be ” (Naked version, remastered in 2013, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

Stay safe & well.