Music Monday: January 22, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I have been a fan of Kenny Loggins-who celebrated birthday #76 on January 7-since he was in a duo, as a solo artist to his days as the “King of the Movie Soundtrack” to his 2023 Farewell Tour. If that were not hard enough to accept, this month marks 40 years since the release of the song, “Footloose”.

Featured in the 1984 movie of the same name, Loggins not only performed the track but co-wrote it as well. It was the #1 song in the country for three consecutive weeks beginning March 31, 1984 and it was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 57th Academy Awards in 1985 (it lost to “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder).

In June 2021, Loggins combined all his movie music on one album as a special Record Store Day release, At The Movies. Today’s song may have be written for a film, but since 2002 I cannot think of this track without picturing the man who brought it to life in the movie-Kevin Bacon-dancing to it with Will Truman, much to Jack McFarland’s shock and horror, on “Will & Grace” (S5 E2, “Bacon and Eggs”).

Happy birthday, Kenny Loggins, and congratulations on 40 years of “Footloose”.

Top: Kenny Loggins circa 1980’s. Middle 1: The 1984 “Footloose” movie poster. Middle 2 (L-R): Jack (Sean Hayes) catches Will (Eric McCormack) dancing with Kevin Bacon. Bottom: Loggins in 2012. (Images found online. Original sources linked or unknown.)

Kenny Loggins: ”Footloose” (1984, written by Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford).

Stay safe & well.

15Jan2024

Music Monday: January 15, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to a triple play edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last month we lost Denny Laine who died on December 5, 2023 at age 79. In 1964 he helped found the band that would become The Moody Blues. In November of that year they released their first single which hit #1 in the UK and #10 in the US in 1965. But when the band failed to capitalize on that record’s success, Laine quit in October 1966 and was replaced by Justin Hayward. In 1971 Laine, Paul McCartney & his wife, Linda, formed Wings with the three of them staying as the consistent members until the group broke up in 1981. So for ten years, Laine performed his #1 Moody Blues song on tour with Wings with and Paul & Linda as his back-up singers. Not a bad gig. RIP.

Paul McCartney (L) with Denny Laine (R) sometime in the 1970’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Patrick Page OBE, better known as Jimmy Page, guitarist extraordinaire and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin turned 80 years young last week. Born January 9, 1944 in England, this milestone birthday coincides with the 55th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album, which was released on January 12, 1969. While most of the songs were written by Page and the band including “Good Times Bad Times” and “Dazed and Confused”, the album also featured three covers: two by legendary blues musician Willie Dixon (“I Can’t Quit You Baby” and “You Shook Me”) and one by folk singer Anne Bredon, who wrote it sometime in the 1950’s. Page discovered the track after hearing Joan Baez’s 1962 version. But Led Zeppelin made it their own, due in large part to Page’s arrangement.

Top: John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page circa 1970. Bottom: Page onstage circa 2005. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

R&B singer Al Wilson had the #1 song in the country for one week 50 years ago on Jan 19, 1974. He had three other songs crack the Top 40 during his career but it was his top selling hit that he is best remembered for. It is a great track with a fabulous vocal.

Al Wilson in the 1970’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Moody Blues: ”Go Now” (1964, written by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett).

Led Zeppelin: ”Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” (1969, written by Anne Bredon, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant).

Al Wilson: ”Show And Tell” (1973, written by Jerry Fuller).

Stay safe & well.

8Jan2024

Music Monday: January 8, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to an expanded edition of Music Monday.

Note: WordPress has this post marked as #1000. Thank you for being here for this milestone and for all your support. I truly appreciate it.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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 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.

Paul Michael Glaser (left, as Starsky) and David Soul (right, as Hutch) in a scene from the incredibly popular 1970’s TV show. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In December two music pioneers and legends hit birthday #80. The first is Forrest Richard Betts-better known as Dickey Betts-who was born December 12, 1943 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The singer, songwriter and guitarist is one of two founding members of The Allman Brothers Band still with us (The other is drummer Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson). Betts is behind the band’s only top ten hit-“Ramblin Man“-and many other memorable songs he contributed as the sole lead guitarist after the death of Duane Allman. Betts is thankfully still making music which you can find on his website.

Dickey Betts circa 2000. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Keith Richards was born 80 years ago on December 18, 1943 in England. In 1968 while The Stones were one of the top bands in the world they hosted a concert filmed for release as a BBC special, “Rock and Roll Circus”. Richards performed with them and also played bass for the only performance by the supergroup, “The Dirty Mac”. The other members were John Lennon on lead vocal and rhythm guitar, Eric Clapton on lead guitar and Mitch Mitchell (from The Jimi Hendrix Experience) on drums. But The Stones felt upstaged by another group-The Who-so the program did not air. It was not released until 1996.

The Dirty Mac in 1968 (L-R): Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell (in back, on drums), John Lennon and Keith Richards. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last but never least, today marks the 89th birth anniversary of Elvis Aaron Presley. The short version of his life is that he was born January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi and remains a legend. The long version is his musical legacy, his films and every piece of himself that he gave to all of us, especially every note he ever sang. All hail The King.

Elvis Presley circa 1955. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: ”Blue Sky” (1972, written by Dickey Betts).

The Dirty Mac: ”Yer Blues” (As performed at “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus” concert, December 1968. Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney).

Elvis Presley: ”Return To Sender” (1962, written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott).

David Soul: ”Don’t Give Up On Us” (1976, written by Tony Macaulay).

Stay safe & well.

1Jan2024

Music Monday: January 1, 2024

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to the first Music Monday of 2024.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Happy New Year, everyone! I wish all of you the best during the next 12 months. Thank you for being here with me week after week. I really appreciate it.

I do not believe in resolutions, but I do believe in Otis Redding. And his duets with Carla Thomas from their 1967 album, King & Queen, are some of his best moments. ”Tramp” was always my favorite collaboration of theirs, but today’s song is nearly tied with it. The lyrics offer good advice for every day, not just the first one. I can think of no better way to start off a week-let alone a new year-than with a lot of soul.

“Let’s turn over a new leave
And baby let’s make promises
That we can keep
And call it a new year’s resolution“.

“So baby before we fall out
Let’s fall on in, yeah yeah
And we’re gonna try harder
Not to hurt each other again“.

Top: Otis Redding & Carla Thomas’s 1967 album. Bottom: Carla Thomas (seated, then L-R): Otis Redding, Jim Stewart, co-founder of Stax Records, Rufus Thomas (Carla’s father) and Booker T. Jones in the Stax studio in 1967. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Otis Redding and Carla Thomas: “A New Year’s Resolution” (1967, written by Randle Catron, Mary Frierson and Willie Dean “Deanie” Parker).

Stay safe and well.

25Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 25

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Merry Christmas to all. Have a wonderful holiday however you choose to spend it. I hope you enjoyed the 2023 edition of 25 Days Of Christmas Music. It was a pleasure to share them with you.

Here is my message from 2020 which I feel is just as relevant now:

I usually reserve “Joy To The World” for today, and despite the fact that it is indeed a joyous holiday, for this year I thought a song about peace would serve us all better. For our minds & bodies, for our hearts and spirits, for our country & our world, may “peace on earth, good will towards men” begin on this Christmas Day and await us all in the new year.

Thank you for being here over the last 12 months. I truly appreciate it. All the best in 2024.

Bing Crosby (L) and David Bowie (R) in 1977. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Bing Crosby and David Bowie: ”Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy” ( (Recorded live during “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” TV special in 1977. “The Little Drummer Boy” written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. “Peace On Earth” written by Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman and Alan Kohan in 1977).

Until next time, happy listening!!!

24Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 24

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the count down.

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

The holiest night of the year is upon us. In honor of Christmas Eve, I offer his & her versions of the song that celebrates this event which were recorded 25 years apart by a Queen and a Reverend.

“Silent night holy night
All is calm all is bright
’Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace“.

Aretha_Franklin_460x470_courtesy_Arista_Records

Top: The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in an undated photo. Bottom: The Reverend Al Green in the 1970’s.

(Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Aretha Franklin: ”Silent Night” (2008, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

Al Green: ”Silent Night” (1983, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

23Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 23

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

We may have lost actor Ryan O’Neal earlier this month, but the singer by the same name is luckily alive and well. Better known by the name of his musical project, Sleeping At Last, his sparse yet unbelievably elegant arrangements showcase his beautiful and unique voice perfectly. From the first time I heard “Touch” on “Grey’s Anatomy”, I knew this man had a way with music that is the complete antithesis of the auto tune world which has become so prevalent of late. And O’Neal’s take on today’s Christmas song is an extraordinary example of his talent.

sleeping-at-last-releases-new-already-gone-cover-1-med

Sleeping At Last’s Ryan O’Neal. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

22Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 22

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

My very own grown up Christmas list. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The film “Philadelphia” was released 30 years ago today on December 22, 1993. The groundbreaking movie earned over $200 million and became one of the highest-grossing films of that year. It also gave Bruce Springsteen his first Oscar nomination and win for Best Original Song in 1994 for “Streets Of Philadelphia”.

The track also earned the New Jersey native four Grammy Awards the same year as well: Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture Or For Television, Best Rock Song, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and Song Of The Year. If Born In The USA turned him into a megastar, his Academy Award secured his status as a legend. Merry Christmas, Bossman.

Top: The sleeve for the single with today’s song as the B-side. Bottom: A festive Bossman.

(Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” (1981 & 1985, recorded live at C.W. Post College in Brookville, NY on December 12, 1975, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

21Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 21

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

I always associated today’s song with the original “Lethal Weapon” movie from 1987 (Mel Gibson = swoon). But after the 2004 release of “Mean Girls”, there is no way not to think about the Winter Talent Show scene and recall the shock of Cady’s parents to the suggestive moves their daughter & her friends used while dancing to this song. Or how Amy Poehler’s character thrusted right along with them while filming the performance from the audience. Whether you swoon or smile when you hear this song, I hope it is a good memory. If not, watch the two movies I referenced above. I promise they are worth it.

Top: Mel Gibson (L) and Danny Glover (R) in 1987’s “Lethal Weapon”. Middle: The “Mean Girls” at the talent show (L-R): Lacey Chabert, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried. Bottom: Bobby Helms’ 1957 single.

(Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bobby Helms: ”Jingle Bell Rock” (1957, written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

20Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 20

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

We have several versions of a definitive holiday song today, from the well known classic recording to a superb cover by another crooner to a Motown rendition that is absolutely wonderful to a female spin that is top notch. There are many more ways to say “Merry Christmas To You” but I think these four renditions are amongst the best.

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos“.

Top: Nat King Cole circa 1960. Middle 1: Tony Bennett circa 1962. Middle 2: The Temptations in an undated photo. Top row, from left, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards and Eddie Kendricks. Bottom row, Melvin Franklin, left, and Paul Williams. Credit: Paul W. Bailey/NBC, via Getty Images. Bottom: Linda Ronstadt in the 1970’s. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Nat King Cole: ”The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” (1946, 1961, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

Tony Bennett: “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (1968, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

The Temptations: ”The Christmas Song” (Lead vocal by Otis Williams. 1970, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

Linda Ronstadt: ”The Christmas Song” (2000, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

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