Music Monday: July 21, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, known professionally as Connie Francis, passed away on July 16, 2025 at age 87. Born December 12, 1937 in Newark, NJ, her career officially began in 1957 with her first hit record. According to Billboard, she was the first woman to have a #1 song on their newly established Hot 100 chart (which started in 1958) when “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” reached the top spot 65 years ago on July 2, 1960. She had 15 Top Ten songs in her career along with three #1 records.

While my maternal grandmother introduced me to Italian male singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, it was my paternal grandmother who always marveled about Francis’ voice, especially the emotion she expressed on 1959’s “Mama”. Other stand out songs include 1958’s “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick On You Collar”, 1959’s “Among My Souvenirs” and 1960’s “Where The Boys Are”.

Like many successful artists of the late 1950’s-early 1960’s, Francis’ career took a downturn when The Beatles ushered in the British Invasion. Her life took a turbulent turn in 1974 when she was the victim of a sexual assault while on tour on Long Island, NY. That along with a failed relationship with singer Bobby Darin (she later said her father forbad the relationship), the violent death of her brother in 1981 and four divorces over 20 years led to Francis’ struggle with mental health issues. She basically became a recluse for 15 years but fought her way back to performing in 1989. She officially retired in 2018.

If there is an upside to most of the noise and self-adulation on TikTok, it is that occasionally songs & artists from other generations are rediscovered. Francis’ 1962 B-side song, “Pretty Little Baby”, went viral on the platform this year, amassing an estimated 10 billion cumulative streams as of May 2025. Talk about going out on top.

Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (Connie Francis): December 12, 1937 – July 16, 2025.

Top: Connie Francis circa 1960. Bottom: Her 2017 autobiography named after her 1959 song. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Fifty years ago in July 1975 Gary Wright released The Dream Weaver album. It peaked in the #7 position in August 1975. The title track peaked at #2 in January 1976. Four months later, his second single also reached the #2 position. He hit the Top 20 again in July 1981 with the track, “Really Wanna Know You”.

Wright, who was previously a member of the band, Spooky Tooth, also played on George Harrison’s epic 1970 album, All Things Must Pass. Wright started writing movie soundtracks in 1982. A decade later, he re-recorded “Dream Weaver” in 1992 for the movie, “Wayne’s World”, which gave the mid 1970’s classic tune a well-deserved second moment in the sun.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Whitney Houston released her self-titled debut album 40 years ago on February 14, 1985. To say it was a massive hit would be an understatement.  A year after its release, it was the #1 album in the country & stayed in that spot for 14 non-consecutive weeks (March 8 – April 19, 1986 then again from May 17 – July 4, 1986). It produced three #1 singles: “Saving All My Love for You”, “How Will I Know” & “Greatest Love Of All”.

My favorite is the first single which I remember from her first video. I was immediately drawn to her soulful R&B sound but her physical beauty was undeniable as well. She was an incredibly vibrant 21 year old young woman with a bright smile & an exquisite voice. Her poise, her presence and her prowess standing behind the microphone was undeniable. It was the beginning of her phenomenal reign as one of the best singers in the world.

According to Billboard, she placed 40 songs on its Hot 100 chart during her career with 23 Top Ten hits & 11 #1 hits, with the most famous one-“I Will Always Love You”-in the top spot for 14 consecutive weeks from Nov 28, 1992 until March 5, 1993. It was from her first movie, 1992’s “The Bodyguard”, and the soundtrack album was #1 for 20 non consecutive weeks between December 1992 and June 1993. But for me, I remember her best from that debut album and the happiness she exuded from its phenomenal success before the trappings of her enormous fame became a burden.   

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Connie Francis: “Who’s Sorry Now” (1957, written by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and Ted Snyder).

Connie Francis: “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” (1960, written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller).

Gary Wright: “Dream Weaver” (1975, written by Gary Wright).

Gary Wright: “Love Is Alive” (1975, written by Gary Wright).

Whitney Houston: “You Give Good Love” (1985, written by La Forrest “La La” Cope).

Whitney Houston: “How Will I Know” (1985, written by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam and Narada Michael Walden).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: July 14, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac, the band’s self-titled album (not to be confused with their 1968 eponymous debut album) was released 50 years ago on July 11, 1975. The record marked a new chapter in the group’s history as it was the first to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks who were recruited by Mick Fleetwood. In actuality, just Buckingham was asked to join the band but he would only agree if Nicks-his musical partner & girlfriend at the time-was given a spot in the group as well. I do not think there is a music fan alive who does not know how the story ended.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood (L) and bassist John McVie (R) were the two band members featured on the cover of the 1975 album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Buckingham brought more than his voice & guitar prowess to the band. His gift for producing and arranging helped define the group’s new rock sound, taking them from a blues oriented band-founded in 1967 by English guitarist Pete Green-to one which helped establish the classic rock sound of the 1970’s.

The album’s first single, penned by Christine McVie (July 12 marked her 82nd birth anniversary), peaked at #20 on the U.S. charts in January 1976. It was the group’s first Top 20 song. Another one of her songs, “Say You Love Me”, was the album’s third single which peaked at #11 in September 1976. The second single, written by Stevie Nicks, also reached #11 in June 1976. And the first track on the album, written by Lindsey Buckingham, made me fall head over heels in love with his voice, his talent and his incredibly sexy appearance.

The group’s follow up album, 1977’s Rumours, is the one that skyrocketed them to fame while telling the story of their romantic entanglements & heartaches. But it was the 1975 album that changed the band’s direction, their sound and rewrote their place in music history.

Pictured L-R: Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks circa 1976. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

Fleetwood Mac: “Monday Morning” (1975, written by Lindsey Buckingham).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: July 7, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate birthday #85 for Sir Richard Starkey, better known by his professional name, Ringo Starr. He was born on July 7, 1940 in the place he & his three bandmates put on the map-Liverpool, England.

He joined The Beatles in 1962 & proved to be the missing piece that elevated the group from a quartet to a super band. During their eight years together, they released a string of revolutionary albums that altered the course of music history & pop culture in a decade that moved faster than any other before or since. Starr was known as “The Funny One” to the public and the peacemaker in the band. Today he continues to spread the message of peace & love, especially every year on his birthday when he asks the public to pause at noon in their time zone to think exclusively about those two things.

Top: The Beatles circa 1965 (L-R): John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Bottom: The band four years later in 1969 (L-R): Lennon, Harrison, McCartney and Starr. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

After The Beatles broke up in 1970, Starr continued making music and collaborating with other artists including all three of his old bandmates along with Billy Preston, Steve Cropper, Merry Clayton, Brian Wilson and many others.

In 1989 the former Beatle formed Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, a revolving group of musicians who previously included such esteemed members as Clarence Clemons, Nils Lofgren, Rick Danko, Levon Helm and Todd Rundgren, to name a few. The current band just announced several U.S. concert dates for this fall.

Starr also tried his hand at acting and while that might not have been the most successful chapter of his career (not counting his wonderful turn as The Conductor in the “Thomas & Friends” children’s series), that foray did lead to his second marriage to actress & model Barbara Bach in 1981. They met on the set of the movie released the same year, “Caveman”.

Prior to that he was married to Maureen (nee Cox) Starkey from 1965-1975. Together they had three children: sons Zak (b 1965) and Jason (b 1967) and daughter Lee Parkin Starkey (b 1970). Starr is also stepfather to Bach’s two children, Francesca Gregorini (b 1968) and Gianni Gregorini (b 1972).

Happy birthday, Ringo! Peace & love to you always. Thank you for everything.

Top: Starr in 1964. Second: The musician circa 1969. Third: In concert in Wantagh, NY in 2012 (photo by me). Bottom: A recent picture of Starr from his website. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown except where noted.)

The Beatles: “I Wanna Be Your Man” (1964 (U.S. release), written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The Beatles: “With A Little Help From My Friends” (1967, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The Beatles: “Don’t Pass Me By” (1968, written by Richard Starkey).

Ringo Starr: “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971, written by Richard Starkey).

Ringo Starr: “Photograph” (1973, written by George Harrison and Richard Starkey).

Stay safe & well.

Independence Day 2025

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Happy Fourth Of July. This year America celebrates 249 years of existence.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I love this country for many reasons but especially for the beauty found in every state.

I love this country because it offers us cities, towns, suburbs & rural locations we can call home or admire from afar.

I love this country for the seasons offered to each region, especially the splendor of autumn in New England.

I love this country because it is my home.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I also love this country for the artists it has given us.

Woody Guthrie may have written this song as a snarky response to “God Bless America” (written by Irving Berlin in 1918 during WW1), but Guthrie’s words describe much of the physical beauty in this country quite eloquently.

Without him, we would still have Robert Zimmerman, but probably not Bob Dylan. Without him, there is no 1960’s folk music revival. There is no voice of that generation using songs to express the need for change.

I grew up singing Guthrie’s song during music class in elementary school. I could envision the places he mentioned and longed for the day I could see them myself.

Happy birthday, America.

“This land is your land, and this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me

As I went walking that ribbon of highway
And I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me

I roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
All around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me

There was a big high wall there
That tried to stop me
A sign was painted said “private property”
But on the back side it didn’t say nothing
This land was made for you and me

When the sun come shining then I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
A voice was chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me

This land is your land this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me”.

Top: Ellis Island, New York, circa 1900. This is where my family arrived from Italy somewhere around 1910. Middle: Woody Guthrie singing aboard a New York City subway train sometime in the 1940’s. Bottom: One of my favorite places in this country, Vermont. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Woody Guthrie: “This Land Is Your Land” (1945, written by Woody Guthrie).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 30, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

They say losses come in threes. After saying goodbye to Sly Stone and Brian Wilson earlier this month, now we say goodbye to English musician, songwriter and vocalist, Mick Ralphs.

The founding member and lead guitarist of Bad Company died on June 23, 2025 at the age of 81. He was a member of Mott The Hoople before joining Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Boz Burrell (1946-2006) to form one of the biggest & most successful supergroups in music history. Ralphs wrote and co-wrote many of Bad Company’s biggest hits, including their debut single, “Can’t Get Enough”, along with “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Simple Man”, one of my top favorites from the group.

At least Ralphs was aware that Bad Company was finally inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s Class of 2025. But because the band’s nomination was decades overdue, his honor will now be added in the posthumous category which is an absolute shame. It will make the ceremony this November quite bittersweet for Ralphs’ family and his two surviving bandmates, Rodgers and Kirke.

Michael Geoffrey “Mick” Ralphs: March 31, 1944 – June 23, 2025.

“And you fly away today
And you fly away tomorrow
And you fly away
Leave me to my sorrow“.

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.)

The Guess Who released their sixth album, American Woman, 55 years ago in January 1970. The title song hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks in May of the same year. My favorite song of theirs was the Top 5 hit they had the year before. The band re-recorded it after it originally appeared on their 1969 album, Canned Wheat.

The 1970 release was also the last to feature singer, songwriter, guitarist & founding member Randy Bachman, who went on to form Bachman–Turner Overdrive in 1973.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Leon Russell’s self titled debut was released 55 years ago on March 23, 1970. The first track remains the best known song of his career as well as his most beloved one. It has been covered over 200 times by such acclaimed artists as Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, who won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1994 for his version. Russell died in 2016 at the age of 74 after a nearly 60 year career.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Carpenters first #1 song was released on May 14, 1970. It reached the top spot in the country on July 25 where it stayed for four consecutive weeks. The album by the same name followed in August 1970. It started the brother-sister duo’s reign as one of the top selling artists of that decade and Karen’s legacy as one of the best female singers of all time.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Closer to Home by Grand Funk Railroad was released 55 years ago on June 15, 1970. It was their third album and peaked at #6 in August 1970 thanks to the power of the title track, one of my favorite songs by the band.

Overall they had four Top 10 hits & two #1 hits (“We’re An American Band” on Sept 1973) and “The Loco-Motion” in May 1974. Another cover-“Some Kind Of Wonderful”-peaked at #3 in Feb 1975.

My other favorite song from GFR is from their ninth album release in December 1974, All the Girls in the World Beware!!! The single was released 50 years ago (on March 24, 1975) & peaked at #4 in June 1975 as the band’s last Top 10 hit.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bette Midler had a Top Five hit in the country 45 years ago. It was the title track from her 1979 film debut which was released as a single in March 1980, peaking at #3 in June of that year. The soundtrack also includes a fabulous cover of Percy Sledge’s #1 hit from 1966, “When A Man Loves A Woman”.

Midler won The Golden Globe For Best Actress for her performance along with a Best Actress Oscar nomination for the role which started her career as a leading lady. The Divine Miss M will celebrate birthday #80 this December.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

And it was 40 years ago-June 28, 1985-that “St. Elmo’s Fire” was released. It was another film aimed at the younger crowd following the teen-centered hit movie by John Hughes, “The Breakfast Club”, which came out just four months earlier. The second film, which featured two of the same stars-Judd Nelson & Ally Sheedy, who played doomed couple, Alec & Leslie-along with four other “Brat Packers”, was written & directed by Joel Schumacher. The movie was a look at life through the eyes of seven recent Georgetown graduates who were now in the real world with all its problems that were no longer cushioned by the subtext of college.

During the scene where Leslie is moving out of the apartment she shared with Alec, he is carefully monitoring which albums she is taking from their collection. When he shouted, “No Springsteen is leaving this house!”, I felt that. I loved this movie from my first watch and still get lost in it to this day. And two of its stars-Rob Lowe and Demi Moore-would keep the 80’s vibe going in yet another installment of 20-something angst, 1986’s “About Last Night”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bad Company: “Seagull” (1974, written by Mick Ralphs and Paul Rodgers).

The Guess Who: “No Time” (1970, written by Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings).

Leon Russell: “A Song For You” (1970, written by Leon Russell).

The Carpenters: “(They Long to Be) Close to You” (1970, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.)

Grand Funk Railroad: “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” (1970, written by Mark Farner).

Grand Funk Railroad: “Bad Time” (1974, written by Mark Farner).

Bette Midler: “The Rose” (1979, written by Amanda McBroom).  

David Foster: “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire (Instrumental)” (1985, written by David Foster).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 23, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Debbie Harry will celebrate birthday #80 in a week. Born Angela Trimble on July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida, the future lead singer of Blondie was raised in New Jersey. She became part of NYC’s music scene when the group was formed there in 1974.

One of their #1 hits (they had a total of four between 1979 & 1981) peaked at the top spot for six consecutive weeks 45 years ago on April 19, 1980. Harry supplied the lyrics to Italian composer Giorgio Moroder’s music to create the main theme song to the movie that made Richard Gere a star, 1980’s “American Gigolo”. The track was nominated the following year for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Harry later branched out into acting. Her roles in “Hairspray” and “My Life Without Me” are my favorites. Her 2019 autobiography, “Face It: A Memoir”, is a fascinating glimpse at her incredible life & career. Harry is not only one of music’s greatest vocalists but also a visionary who helped introduce rap to the masses with Blondie’s 1981 song, “Rapture”.

Top: Blondie circa 1977. Bottom: Debbie Harry circa 2024. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bono turned 65 years old last month. Born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, he became the lead singer and one of the founding members of U2 in 1976. His milestone birthday aligns with the 45th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Boy, released on October 20, 1980. In addition to U2, Bono has recorded with other artists including his own musical heroes like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and many others.

Bono is also well known for his philanthropic & humanitarian efforts which date back to 1984 when he lent his voice to the charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band-Aid, a supergroup created by Bob Geldof.

Bono as photographed by Esquire in 2025. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Martha and the Vandellas’ third album, Dance Party, was released 60 years ago in April 1965. The album contains the group’s two biggest hits which helped make them one of Motown’s most successful artists. They remain my favorite girl group of the genre.

Top: The group’s 1965 album. Bottom (top to bottom: Martha Reeves, Betty Kelly, and Rosalind Ashford of Martha and the Vandellas circa 1964. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

America released their fifth studio album, Hearts, 50 years ago in March 1975. It was the second of six records produced by acclaimed Beatles producer, George Martin. Actor & comedian Phil Hartman designed the album cover during his time as a graphic designer. It contained the band’s second #1 hit which peaked in the top spot on June 14, 1975 for one week along with “Daisy Jane” which peaked at #20 in September 1975. “A Horse With No Name” was America’s first top selling song in March 1972.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Power Station released their debut album 40 years ago in March 1985. As a Robert Palmer fan, I was so happy to see him take another step in his musical career, this time in a supergroup with two members of Duran Duran-Andy Taylor and John Taylor-and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. The Power Station disbanded after that record to return to their respective careers until 1996 when they released their second & final album, Living In Fear. It includes an incredible cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit, “Let’s Get It On”.

The Power Station circa 1985 (L–R): Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor and Tony Thompson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Blondie: “Call Me” (1980, written by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder).

The Coors featuring Bono: “When The Stars Go Blue” (2002, written by Ryan Adams).

Martha & The Vandellas: “Dancing In The Street” (1964, written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

America: “Sister Golden Hair” (1975, written by Gerry Beckley).

The Power Station: “Some Like It Hot” (1985, written by Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor & John Taylor).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 16, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week music lost two revolutionary giants two days apart. Each one wrote a phenomenal chapter of American music which changed their respective genres in ways that remain significant & vital in every way.

Sly Stone passed away on June 9, 2025 at age 82. The musician, singer, songwriter, producer and arranger for Sly & The Family Stone-a band of black & white men and women-who perfected the sound of funk by infusing it with rock, pop, jazz & soul. Stone’s musical prowess began in childhood and by 1966, he had founded the band with his name. By 1968 they had their first Top Ten hit (“Dance To The Music”) followed by three #1 hits over the next three years before the affects of fame including addiction took their toll on Stone. But the legacy of what he & The Family Stone created stood on its own.

Two of their best live performances were captured on film. The first in 1970’s, “Woodstock”, where they were the only R&B/Soul performers during the “peace & love” concert weekend & in 2021’s “Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”. For more of an inside look into Stone’s life, his 2023 autobiography, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)“, is an intense & provocative read.

Sylvester “Sly Stone” Stewart: March 15, 1943 – June 9, 2025.

Top: Sly Stone circa 1967. Middle: The Family Stone circa 1970. Bottom: Stone on “Late Night With David Letterman” in the 1980’s. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Brian Wilson, a founding member of The Beach Boys and the visionary behind their 1966 acclaimed Pet Sounds album, died on June 11, 2025 at age 82. He was the band’s primary songwriter, singer, producer & arranger who brought the surf sound from a novelty niche to a multi-sensory experience. I may not have been a fan of the summer soundtrack he & his band created, but Wilson’s talent was never lost on me.

The dark side of his musical gift was a life of struggle that began with a difficult childhood, mental illness, addiction and reclusiveness that left him vulnerable to people looking to manipulate him in his unstable condition. All of that cost him so much. But in the end Wilson found his music again, he found love again & he found life again. 

Brian Douglas Wilson: June 20, 1942 – June 11, 2025.

Top: Brian Wilson circa 1967. Middle: The Beach Boys circa 1964 (L-R): Dennis Wilson, Brian, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Carl Wilson. Bottom: Wilson circa 2015. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sly & The Family Stone: “Everyday People” (1969, written by Sylvester Stewart a/k/a Sly Stone).

Sly & The Family Stone: “Family Affair” (1971, written by Sylvester Stewart a/k/a Sly Stone).

Sly & The Family Stone: “If You Want Me to Stay” (1973, written by Sylvester Stewart a/k/a Sly Stone).

The Beach Boys: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966, written by Tony Asher, Mike Love and Brian Wilson. Produced by Brian Wilson.).

The Beach Boys: “God Only Knows” (1966, written by Tony Asher and Brian Wilson. Produced by Brian Wilson.).

The Beach Boys: “Good Vibrations” (1967, written by Mike Love and Brian Wilson. Produced by Brian Wilson.).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 9, 2025

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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.

Summertime Blues

Posted in Decorating by

We are unofficially in my least favorite season. Nearly seven decades ago a wise young man sang about it, too, so yes, hating the summer is a real thing for some. In fact, an article by Psychology Today called it Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. Ergo, summer makes me S-A-D. And it is nice to see I am not alone. There are even Facebook groups about this condition. I have found my people.

Top reasons I hate summer:

  1. Heat.
  2. Humidity.
  3. Heat & humidity.
  4. Bugs, especially flying ones that sting or bite.
  5. Lack of decorating opportunities.

(Image by me.)

The last reason especially is quite disconcerting to me. Many years ago I would set up a patriotic display just before Memorial Day and leave it as is through Labor Day. That way it covered both those holidays along with Flag Day and July 4th in between. I do not mind showing my pride for this “land that I love”, but after over three months, it gets a little stale. But since I am not a fan of the other looks popular with this season-coastal, nautical or beachy vibes-my choices seem limited.

I cannot seem to find my summer decorating staples like flags & stars, so for now I am using what I have in variations of red, white & blue to inspire me a little. Oh, and my Charlie Brown in perfect patriotic attire celebrating America’s favorite past time is a bit of whimsy from an old dear friend until the glory that is fall arrives.

(Image by me.)

So until the unofficial end of summer, I’m singing right along with Eddie Cochran (“…there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues”).

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.