Tag Archives: 1971

Let’s Take A Moment Day 76

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?

Peanuts music

(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.

Prayers for peace & safety for us all, both here and in space, on this last Sunday of May 2020.

“Mother, mother
There’s too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There’s far too many of you dying
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today 

Father, father
We don’t need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today.”

Marvin

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marvin Gaye:  “What’s Going On” (1971, written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson & Marvin Gaye).

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 59

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?

Peanuts music

(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.

Not surprisingly, all four members of the Beatles went on to have successful solo careers.  Ringo Starr has toured with many different musicians under the heading of his All Starr Band.  And each year on his birthday, July 7, Starr asks his fans around the world to either say or think thoughts of peace and love at noon to “create a wave of peace and love across the planet”.  This movement grows more each year, and since Starr will be 80 years young this July, I hope even more people and countries will participate in this beautiful act of kindness for a man who has given us all so much.

“Peace, remember peace is how we make it,
Here within your reach
If you’re big enough to take it.”

Ringo

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

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 43

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?

music heart

(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.

For most people “American Pie” is Don McLean’s best song.  There is no denying the power of that track, the imagery, the energy, the subject matter and everything else that makes it such a phenomenal piece of music.  I have loved it my whole life and that will not change anytime soon.  But if I had to choose my absolute favorite song from his catalog, it would undoubtedly be today’s pick.

I find it to be a gorgeous piece of music that showcases his beautiful story telling with a sublime piano arrangement.  I often think of this song as the musical equivalent of the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken”.  On those days when we think maybe there was a different path for us to take rather than the one we find ourselves on, perhaps we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

“So there’s no need for turning back
‘Cause all roads lead to where we stand.
And I believe we’ll walk them all
No matter what we may have planned.”

Don McLean

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Don McLean:  “Crossroads” (1971, written by Dob McLean).

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 31

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?

music heart

(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.

The early 1960’s introduced us to the Motown sound out of Detroit.  In the late 1960’s-early 1970’s we were presented with Philly Soul from-where else- Philadelphia.  Motown enthroned us with power groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops & The Miracles.  Philly Soul blessed us with the likes of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The O’Jays and the group I am most grateful for from that genre-The Stylistics.  And the reason is today’s song.

Where the other groups were lead by singers with booming mostly baritone voices, the Stylistics were lead by the falsetto of Russell Thompkins Jr.  That unique sound combined with the Philly Soul staple of gorgeous string & horn arrangements set this group apart from the others.  It also gave them a dozen consecutive top ten hits in the 1970’s.  I really like almost every one of them, but I think today’s song is an absolute masterpiece.

Stylistics

The Stylistics circa 1972 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Stylistics:  “You Are Everything” (1971, written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed).

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

Stay well.

 

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 18

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hi, Everybody!!!  Welcome back to the countdown.

I follow a lot of unbelievably talented & creative women on Instagram, and since their pictures are so beautiful, I wanted to share a few with you.

Debra Vintage Crushin.jpeg

Courtesy of Debra @vintagecrushin

Today’s picture comes from Debra @vintagecrushin who shares my affinity for white Ironstone among her many loves.  She creates such pretty vignettes in her home (like the one above) and is so creative she celebrated Thanksgiving in her garage which was decorated in classic vintage style (with an assist from her equally talented sister) complete with mismatched china, old silver and glass goblets.  All the pictures are up on her page for your enjoyment!!!  And my thanks to Debra for letting me share her beautiful picture!!!

Today’s song was a suggestion to me in 2016 by a reader (thank you, Michael!!!) and I have been addicted to it ever since.  It was written by Joni Mitchell in 1971 for her album “Blue” and quoted by Meg Ryan’s character Kathleen Kelly in “You’ve Got Mail” ( “It’s coming on Christmas, they’re cutting down trees. Do you know that Joni Mitchell song? ‘I wish I had a river I could skate away on?’ It’s such a sad song, and not really about Christmas at all, but I was thinking about it tonight as I was decorating my Christmas tree and unwrapping funky ornaments made of Popsicle sticks, and missing my mother so much I almost couldn’t breathe”).  I do love a good pop culture reference  🙂

This song has been covered by such diverse artists as Sarah McLachlan, Barry Manilow, James Taylor and Sam Smith.  But this version is my absolute favorite and something this good needs to be shared.  And it is from of one of my favorite shows ever, Ally McBeal,  when this actor/singer/hottie played Attorney Larry Paul.

ally_mcbeal_robert_downey_jr_calista_flockhart_free_big_fixed_big

Robert Downey Jr. & Calista Flockhart from “Ally McBeal” circa 2000 (original source unknown).  

Robert Downey Jr. “River” (2000)

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!!!