Tag Archives: Eddie Cochran

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 264

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?

kurt v

(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.

Eighty eight years ago today the world received a gift like no other when Richard Wayne Penniman, a/k/a Little Richard, a/k/a “The Innovator”, was born in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. His talent broke barriers in the 1950’s when his exciting & ground breaking sound crossed over to reach audiences of all races. His music blended R&B, soul, funk and pop to form the highbred known as rock & roll. He also paved the way for his contemporaries to not only build on that foundation but to expand each of those musical genres in the decades to come.

Today’s song is the from the 1956 film of the same name. It is a fun watch (and currently free to see on YouTube) and it is introduced as a “story of music”. Richard sings two numbers (“Ready Teddy” & “She’s Got It”) and there are also fantastic performances by Fats Domino, Gene Vincent and others. It is also a wonderful opportunity to see two people who died much too young: early rock & roll pioneer Eddie Cochran (“Summertime Blues“, “C’mon Everybody“) & actress Jayne Mansfield. And here’s a little trivia for you: Singer & actress Julie London was also in this movie and sang her hit, “Cry Me A River”. She was married to Bobby Troup, a jazz pianist, singer, songwriter and actor. The couple starred in the 1970’s show, “Emergency” with London as Nurse Dixie McCall & Troup as Dr. Joe Early. He wrote today’s song.

“If she walks by the men folks get engrossed
She can’t help it, the girl can’t help it
If she winks an eye the bread slice turn to toast
She can’t help it, the girl can’t help it
If she’s got a lot of what they call the most
She can’t help it, the girl can’t help it“.

Little Richard

Little Richard circa 1996. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Little Richard: “The Girl Can’t Help It” (1956, written by Bobby Troup).

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

Stay well.