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.