Tag Archives: 1966

Music Monday: May 1, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy May. A new month brings us new music birthdays to celebrate, so let’s jump right in with a triple play.

The Godfather Of Soul, James Brown, was born 90 years ago on May 3, 1933 in South Carolina. The singer who needed to be revived with a glittering cape to find the strength he needed to finish singing one of his songs taught us all about the power of a great performer, a great stage presence with dance moves to match and a great band featuring a high octane horn section. With all the times I heard his music in a movie or televion show, the three highlights for me were from the man himself in Rocky IV, Robin Williams dancing to “I Feel Good” in Good Morning, Vietnam and Hurley singing the same tune to Aaron in TV’s megahit, “Lost”.

Paul Hewson, the man better known as Bono, will celebrate birthday #63 next week. He was born May 10, 1960 in Ireland and has been the lead singer of U2 since he answered drummer Larry Mullen Jr’s ad in 1976. That was also the same year Bono met his wife, known then as Alison Stewart. When he signed on to sing for Bob Geldof’s Christmas charity single in 1984, Bono became equally moved by the plight of Ethiopia. For nearly 40 years he has been fighting for human rights and social justices all over the globe. This fall the band (sans Mullen) will host a limited engagement at The Sphere in Las Vegas. You can also catch the documentary, “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman” currently streaming on Disney+.

If you followed me for a while, you know that two of my great musical loves are Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The exquisite lyricist & human of that magnificent team was born May 22, 1950 in England, so this month will mark his 73rd birthday. Two of my favorite songs he and John wrote are on the soundtrack for the 1971 British-French film, Friends. Unbelievably I never heard of that album until the title track was featured in the S3 E17 episode of “The Wonder Years“. I can barely remember a moment in my life that has not included this legendary and phenomenal team. Thank you, Bernie Taupin. Happy birthday.

James Brown 1971

Top: M.C. & Cape Man Danny Ray (standing) assists James Brown with his wardrobe staple circa 1971. Middle: U2 circa 2010 (L-R): Larry Mullen Jr,. Adam Clayton, Bono and The Edge. Bottom: Bernie Taupin (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1971. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

James Brown: “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (1966, written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome).

U2: “One“: ( 1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Elton John: “Seasons” (1971, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Stay safe & well.

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25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 14

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

14

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Classic crooners get me every time. Today’s singer is one of my favorites, not to mention a staple from my childhood holiday seasons. Growing up in an Italian-American household made this man’s music mandatory. And I am eternally grateful for that.

“When we finally kiss goodnight
How I’ll hate going out in the storm
But if you’ll really hold me tight
All the way home I’ll be warm”.

Dean

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 521

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Aug 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On August 10, 1968, Cream’s third album, Wheels Of Fire, hit the #1 spot in America. Twenty nine years earlier, the universe was introduced to the band’s drummer, Ginger Baker. Born Peter Edward Baker in England on August 19, 1939 he received his nickname courtesy of his red hair.

At the age of 15 he started playing drums. After his work with Blues Incorporated and The Graham Bond Organization (both of which included his future Cream bandmate Jack Bruce), Baker was hailed as “rock’s first superstar drummer” for his fusion of jazz, world & African rhythms along with his unconventional use of two bass drums in his set instead of one.

He & Bruce formed Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton in 1966. Four studio albums in four years highlighted by concert after concert of improvised gold, the men made history together as the world’s first supergroup. Today’s song is from their 1966 debut album, Fresh Cream. More than 50 years later, it still lives up to its name.

“Feel when I dance with you
We move like the sea
You, you’re all I want to know“.

Ginger

Cream 2

Top: Ginger Baker circa 1968 behind his customized two bass drum set. Bottom: Cream circa 1968 (L-R): Eric Clapton, Baker and Jack Bruce. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Cream: “I Feel Free” (1966, written by Peter Brown and Jack Bruce).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 520

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Aug 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Time for another mid-week Motown break. Label founder Berry Gordy borrowed $800 from his family in 1958 to start his record company. Tamla Records began operating on January 12, 1959 and led to a few sister labels including Motown Records. A year later that merged with Tamla to form Motown Record Corporation.

After an incredibly successful nearly 30 year run Gordy sold his company to MCA Records and the investment firm Boston Ventures (BV) in 1988 for $61 million dollars. Not a bad return on an $800 loan. But five years later, on August 3, 1993, BV sold the label to Polygram for a whopping $325 million dollars. What a difference five years made.

“Your love is fading I can feel your love fading
Girl, it’s fading away from me
‘Cause your touch your touch has grown cold
As if someone else controls your very soul“.

The-Temptations_(1964_publicity_photo_by_Kriegsmann)

The Temptations circa 1964 (clockwise from top): David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Temptations: “(I Know) I’m Losing You” (1966, written by Cornelius Grant, Edward Holland Jr and Norman Whitfield).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 513

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Aug 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Time for a mid-week Motown break. James Taylor had a Top 5 hit with today’s song in 1975. As much as I love him, in my heart, there is only one version of this song and it is by the beautiful unbelievably talented man that is my soul.

“I close my eyes at night
And wonder what would I be without you in my life
Everything was just a bore
All the things I did seems I’d done them before“.

mm_Marvin-Gaye-1024x725

Marvin Gaye circa 1965. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” (1966, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 497

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Tom Petty music quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Mick Jagger was born on July 26, 1943 in England making today his 78th birthday. He & the rest of his bandmates in The Rolling Stones have been making music together for nearly 60 years. In that time Jagger has established himself as one of the most recognizable & iconic lead singers of all time.

Today’s song is from the band’s 1966 album, Aftermath. It was released with two slightly different song listings for both a US & UK edition. It was the group’s first record to have all original songs written by Jagger & Keith Richards including “Mother’s Little Helper”, “Under My Thumb” and “Paint It Black”. But I consider today’s track to be my favorite. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for Sir Michael Philip Jagger.

“The girl who wants to run away
Discovers that she’s had her day
It’s no good your thinking that you are still mine
You’re out of touch my baby“.

Stones

Mick

Top: The Rolling Stones circa 1965 clockwise from lower left: Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman. Bottom: Jagger circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Out Of Time” (1966, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 478

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Tom Petty music quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On July 6, 1964 The Beatles first movie, “A Hard Day’s Night” made its premiere in London. A year later on July 29, 1965, their second movie “Help” was released. But neither of those movies or the band itself would exist if it were not for the event that took place on July 7, 1940. For it was on that day that Ringo Starr (real name Richard Starkey) was born.

Of course, the other three Beatles were needed as well. But Starr was the oldest; therefore, his birth put it all in motion, despite being the last member to join the band. Every year on his birthday for many years now, Starr issues the following statement on his social media platforms:

“I’m inviting everyone who wants to join the peace and love celebration for my birthday at noon your time wherever you are, 7-7-21 – you can post it, you can say it, you can even think it – but it would be really cool if you go “Peace and Love” at noon on my birthday – so let’s spread peace and love on my birthday – c’mon everybody!”

So if you are a fan of his-or a fan of peace & love-or both, then why not join him on this request? If nothing else, it will take you out of whatever situation you are in at that time, clear your mind and bring you good energy. And while you are thinking those happy thoughts, join me for a little underwater ride. Here’s to 100 more very happy birthdays to you, Ringo!!! Peace & love forever times infinity plus eternity!!!

“In the town where I was born
Lived a man who sailed to sea
And he told us of his life
In the land of submarines”.

Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr circa 2014. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles (in honor of Ringo Starr’s birthday): “Yellow Submarine” (1966, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 417

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May blog 2021

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

If you love Motown and hear the name Ruffin, you probably think of David from The Temptations. But he had an older brother, Jimmy, who was also on the label. He was born on May 7, 1936 in Mississippi and was originally chosen to join the group in 1964. But then they heard David sing and chose him instead. Two years later, Jimmy had a Top Ten hit with today’s song. It is his best known record and has always been one of my favorites.

“I walk in shadows searching for light
Cold and alone no comfort in sight
Hoping and praying for someone to care
Always moving and going nowhere“.

Ruffin

Jimmy Ruffin (L) and younger brother, David circa 1972. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Jimmy Ruffin: “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” (1966, written by James Anthony Dean, Paul Riser and William Weatherspoon).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 378

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

March 2021 Blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Baroque rock had a relatively short window of popularity, lasting only for about 10 years between the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s. The sound defined rock music with specific orchestral sounds separate from the sole use of strings. Of course it was The Beatles who were thought to start this trend, most notably with the song, “In My Life” .

But in 1966 the genre was specifically attributed to the English group, The Left Banke. The broader sound of their music included the harpsichord in addition to specific brass, woodwind & string arrangements. The group displayed the sound beautifully with their 1966 hit “Walk Away Renee” (Day 143) and today’s song as well.

“I called her yesterday, it should have been tomorrow
I could not keep this joy that was inside,
I beg for her to tell me if she really loved me,
Some where a mountain is moving
Afraid it’s moving without me“.

Left Banke

The Left Banke circa 1965. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Left Banke: “Pretty Ballerina” (1966, written by Michael Brown).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 178

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Bruce quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today in 1966 The Beatles record, “Revolver” hit #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was the second of their more ground breaking records and the follow up to the first one, 1965’s “Rubber Soul”. “Revolver” was released on August 5 of that year and contains classic tunes like “Eleanor Rigby”, “Got To Get You Into My Life” and “Yellow Submarine”. It also has two of their more beautiful gems, “Here, There & Everywhere” and “For No One”. But over the last decade, today’s pick has become the track I love most of all. It features John Lennon on lead vocal, mesmerizing guitar work by George Harrison and some of the most evocative lyrics associated with sleep I have ever heard. This may be redundant but that does not make it any less true: Nobody but nobody made music like The Fab Four.

“Everybody seems to think I’m lazy
I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed
‘Til they find there’s no need (there’s no need)“.

Revolver

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles: “I’m Only Sleeping” (1966, written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.