Tag Archives: Elvis Presley

Let’s Take A Moment Day 12

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.

Today’s song comes from the musical genius nicknamed “The Killer” thanks to his wildly energetic stage performances.  He is regarded as one of the architects of rock & roll and helped make Sun Records the mega success it became.  He was also part of the label’s Million Dollar Quartet along with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins.  His extraordinary talent and piano playing style brought him almost immediate success, but it was with this song that he became a worldwide sensation.

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis circa 1955 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jerry Lee Lewis:  “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” (1957, written by James Faye “Roy” Hall and Dave “Curlee” Williams).

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 8

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.

I love every song this man recorded, and I understood by listening to them what a great singer he was.  But it was not until I saw one of his concerts on TV did I fully understand how he got his title.  His stage presence & energy were phenomenal, his interactions with the band and his audience were spectacular and his performance was just electrifying.  His voice was powerful, commanding, deep, expressive and passionate.  He was magic in every sense of the word.  All hail the King.

elvis presley
 Elvis Presley circa 1970 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvis Presley:  “Suspicious Minds” (live from Las Vegas in 1970.  Originally recorded in 1969, written by Mark James).

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

Stay well.

10 Songs To Celebrate Or Condemn Valentine’s Day With – Your Choice

Posted in Holidays, Music by

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought I would share a few of my favorite love songs.  No surprise there.  But this year, to change things up a bit, I thought I would also share some songs for those who are not fans of this holiday.  Let’s call those the anti-love songs, if you will.  After all, everyone deserves to be happy and to listen to great music, right???

Valentine

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).  

Let’s start with the songs that celebrate the grand emotion.  Here are five of my favorites:

1. The Beatles:  “Something” (1969, written by George Harrison in 1969).

The Beatles changed the world and Lennon-McCartney songs were the nucleus of that success.  But this song written by George Harrison is the best love song the group ever made.  Period.

***Bonus:  Bruce Springsteen performed a gorgeous acoustic version of this song in 2001 days after George Harrison’s death.  A kind wonderful soul who was lucky enough to attend that show posted the audio portion of it on YouTube.  It is too beautiful not to share.

2. Elvis Presley:  “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (1961, written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore & George David Weiss circa 1961).

It’s Elvis, singing a beautiful love song.  What more could I possibly add???

3. Bruce Springsteen:  “Drive All Night” (1980, written by Bruce Springsteen circa 1977).

“I swear I’ll drive all night again just to buy you some shoes
And to taste your tender charms
And I just want to sleep tonight again in your arms
Oh yeah, oh yeah.”

This song may be number 82 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Bruce Springsteen Songs of All Time”, but it is in my top five.  I sa-woon every single time I hear this unbelievably beautiful soul filled song full of pure unadulterated love and passion.  A classic and one of the highlights of his 2016 “The River” revisited tour.

4. Blood Sweat & Tears:  “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” (1969, written by Brenda Holloway, Patrice Holloway, Frank Wilson & Berry Gordy in 1967).

David Clayton Thomas has one of the best voices to come out of any era, and one of the most underrated ones as well.  I have no clue why that is.  But between his powerhouse vocals to the booming brass accompaniment, this song is one for the ages.

5. Loggins & Messins:  “A Love Song” (1973, written by Kenny Loggins & Dona Lyn George in 1973).

A sweet pure simple song about love and sharing what;s really important (“I want to rock you in my arms all night long…….I want to show you the peaceful feeling of my home“).

Now, here are five of my favorite anti-love songs:

Anti val

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).  

1. The J. Geils Band:  “Love Stinks”

The title and the use of gas masks in the video say it all.  And so does Adam Sandler’s anger ridden performance of this song in “The Wedding Singer“.  

2. Elton John:  “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin in 1974).

A man attempts suicide to avoid marriage.  What else is there to add???

3. Fleetwood Mac:  “Go Your Own Way” (1976, written by Lindsey Buckingham in 1976).  The first single off the now classic “Rumors” album and the one that details Buckingham’s anger toward his ex-girlfriend Stevie Nicks by announcing to the whole world on a record and in every concert performance what she wanted instead of him (“‘Packing up, Shacking up is all you want to do“).   Ouch.

4. Amy Winehouse:  “Back To Black” (2007, written by Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson in 2006).

Break ups are hard enough, but when your ex leaves you for his ex, it cuts especially deep.

5. Nazareth:  “Love Hurts” (1974, written by Boudleaux Bryant circa 1960).

The Everly Brothers may have recorded this song first, but Nazareth turned it into a top ten hit, with Dan McCafferty’s vocal making you ache with every note.

“Love hurts
Love scars
Love wounds and mars
Any heart not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain.”

What are some of your favorite love or anti-love songs?

I do not own the rights to anything in this post.  I am just sharing what I love with you.

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 21

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Welcome back to the countdown!!!

It is not Christmas without little angels, is it?

day 21

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

If you are a fan of “I Love Lucy“, then you know Lucy and Desi went hand in hand with neighbors Fred and Ethel.  But did you know that the actor who played Fred, William Frawley, sang today’s song in the 1951 movie, “The Lemon Drop Kid“?  Well, sang is probably an overstatement.  He basically growled it and changed the words a bit, too.  In the scene he is dressed as a sidewalk Santa but has a disposition closer to that of Scrooge or the Grinch.  The look on Bob Hope’s face when he comes across Frawley singing it is hilarious and one of my favorite scenes in the movie.  But then Marilyn Maxwell shows Frawley how the song should be sung (with an assist from Hope and eventually others on the city street) and you have the best scene of the movie, in my opinion.

Frawley

  William Frawley, Bob Hope & Marilyn Maxwell in “The Lemon Drop Kid” (courtesy Paramount Pictures).

My favorite version of this song is by an iconic singer who is bigger than life itself.  I adore all his music but his take on Christmas classics like this one are just illustrious.  What else would we expect from The King himself?

Elvis

Elvis Presley:  “Silver Bells” (1971, written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans circa 1950).

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!!!

Auld Lang Syne

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hello, Everyone!!!  Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

goodbye-2018-welcome-2019-images.jpg

(Original source unknown).  

I wanted to end the year by thanking all of you for your support.  I love having this outlet to share my favorite things with you, and whether 2018 was a good year or bad one, it should still end on-you guessed it-a musical note.  C’mon, you had to see that coming!!!  But I know, ugh.  🙂

I am sharing two songs today.  My first pick was written in 1947 by Tony Award winner Frank Loesser, the songwriter who gave us the music to such Broadway plays as “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” (for which he won the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama) and “Guys & Dolls”.  He also won an Academy Award for the song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.  I wonder how all the people who ridiculed that fabulous song this year feel about that???  But I digress.

The premier version of this song is by the same woman I featured on Day 4 of this year’s Christmas Music Countdown.  She recorded hers in 1960 and it just oozes romance, hope and fun.  I also included the version released over 50 years later which features her original recording with this rocker turned crooner’s voice & a soft trumpet solo which gives it an interesting and sweet twist.

Side note:  I am not sure how I feel about these virtual duets anymore.  I know we all swooned when Natalie Cole was able to “sing” with her father on “Unforgettable”, and Lisa Marie with Elvis on “In The Ghetto” and Nona with Marvin Gaye on the National Anthem, but did Kenny G really need to add his horn to Satchmo’s on “What A Wonderful World”?  Or did Scarlett Johansson really need to add her voice to Dean Martin’s on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”?  I think not.  Perhaps they should just be done by family members???  Maybe.  But again, I digress.

ella_800.jpg__800x587_q85_crop_subsampling-2_upscale

Ella Fitzgerald (original source unknown).  

rod

(Original source unknown).  

Ella Fitzgerald:  “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (1960).

Rod Stewart featuring Ella Fitzgerald & trumpeter Chris Botti:  “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (2012).

I also really like Harry Connick, Jr.’s 1993 version, too, so now you have all my favorites.

harry.jpg

(Original source unknown).  

The second song pick is from a man we lost much too soon, 11 years ago this month.  A consummate singer/songwriter, some of his well known songs include “Longer”, “Missing You”, “Leader of the Band” and “Believe In Me” to name a few.  But today’s song we hear every year on a loop during December on many of the 24/7 Christmas music stations as a nod to the holiday we celebrate a week later.  I admit I prefer his rocker side to the ballads he became more famous for (who can forget “Part of the Plan” from “Souvenirs” and “The Power of Gold” from “Twin Sons of Different Mothers” with Tim Weisberg???), but I will not pass up the chance to hear this man’s beautiful voice any time I can.

Same_Old_Lang_Syne_-_Dan_Fogelberg    (Original source unknown).  

Dan Fogelberg:  “Same Old Lang Syne” (1980).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

Have a happy, safe, healthy & WONDERFUL 2019, Everyone!!!

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 22

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.

Screenshot_20181218-174651_01

Courtesy of Amanda @rosierosechic. 

This pretty picture is from Amanda @rosierosechic.   Her style is feminine without being too girly, creative, thrifted, elegant and neutral with the softest pops of color.  And the way she decorated her young daughter’s room is so beautiful I would not mind having a space like that for myself.  You can see that room and the rest of her lovely home on her IG page.  Thank you, Amanda, for letting me use your picture!!!

Now back to the countdown.

Today’s song was originally recorded by Bing Crosby & Carol Richards in 1950 and was featured in the 1951 movie “The Lemon Drop Kid” where it was sung by Bob Hope & Marilyn Maxwell.  It was written by movie composers Jay Livingston (music) and Ray Evans (lyrics).  Like many other Christmas songs originally sung by Crosby, it has become a holiday staple covered by everyone from Perry Como, Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Martina McBride and Michael Buble, to name a few.  But my favorite version is by the man born Dino Paul Crocetti.

Dean Dino

Dean Martin:  “Silver Bells” (1966).

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!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 12

Posted in Christmas, Music by

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

Day 12.jpg

Pretty holiday image found on Pinterest (original source unknown).  

Yesterday we saluted the Queen.  Today we pay homage to the King.

He covered nearly two dozen holiday songs throughout his career and released two Christmas albums during his lifetime:  one in 1957 (Elvis’ Christmas Album) and the other in 1971 (Elvis sings the Wonderful World of Christmas”).  His take on each of the songs he recorded-from the holiday classics (“Silver Bells”), to the  religious ones (“O Come All Ye Faithful”) to the ones he reinvented (“Blue Christmas”) were all his own, just like with his other music.  No one sang or performed like him, and no one ever will.

The song featured today has a great rockabilly feel to it as he added to so many of his songs which is why he crossed over into so many musical genres:  popular, rock & roll, country, gospel and holiday classics.  That is the sign of a true musical talent.  All hail the King.

Elvis

Elvis Presley:  “Winter Wonderland” (1971).

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!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 14

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown.

country-living

(Original source unknown.)

There is no need for me to write a lot here because the legend behind today’s songs is none other than the King himself, Elvis Aaron Presley.  While “Blue Christmas” is probably his most popular Christmas song, it is obviously not his only one.  There are several Elvis Christmas collections, including  “Christmas With Elvis And The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra“.  That was released in October, 60 years after his first Christmas album’s release, 1957’s “Elvis’ Christmas Album”.

I already love the big band sound, but when it is combined with Elvis and Christmas music, it is heaven on earth.  I picked two because it is so hard to pick one of anything by Elvis.  The first song defines the big band sound I referenced above, while the other is such a fun tune that is sung in a similar vocal to that of “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear“.  Enjoy!!!

elvis-presley-feceb2b6-0462-428f-b5ec-944f9fe39705

Courtesy of Bettmann/Getty.

Elvis Presley :  “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”

Elvis Presley:  “Here Comes Santa Claus”

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, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Songs: Day 1

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.

Now that Turkey Day is behind us and since December begins today, it’s time for me to share some of my favorite Christmas tunes with you.

December

But before we dive in, there is some other music I am loving right now that you might like also.  Some of the songs are new, some are old and some are in between.  I have been discovering new to me music through shows like “Psych” (sooooo looking forward to the  movie on December 7), “Criminal Minds”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and, of course, “This Is Us” (In this week’s episode alone, it featured the naked version of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” and Cat Stevens “Where Do The Children Play“.  Swoon x 2!!!).

I also really love the soundtrack to “Big Little Lies”.  Yes Reese, Nicole, Shailene & Laura were great, but the actress who played Reese’s youngest daughter-Darby Camp- was unbelievably impressive.  And her character’s intense love of great music -that was me at that age!!!  I was Chloe Mackenzie minus the ear buds.  My favorite song from that series?  Leon Bridges:  “River”

Here are some of my other top picks of late:

Kelly Clarkson’s version of “Love On The Brain” (The original is good, too, with Rihanna  sounding very old school R&B-soul-like).

Gillian Welch:  “I Made A Lover’s Prayer “.

Andrew Bird:  “Three White Horses“.

Foy Vance “Guiding Light” and “Gabriel & The Vagabond“.

Rufus Wainwright:  “Vibrate” (Just his voice as he plays the piano with one hand.  Beautiful.).

Rufus_Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright (original source unknown)

I think I have been even more consumed by my love of music these days because it has been such a sad year for the industry with the losses of Chuck Berry, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Tom Petty,  Chris Cornell, Glen Campbell (he put Jimmy Webb’s songs on the map), David Cassidy (what girl did not l-o-v-e Keith Partridge) and the man with the first song on our countdown.

He was one of the early musical pioneers who helped create rock & roll by linking it to his jazz meets rhythm & blues background.  The only other Fifties-era rocker that sold more records than he was Elvis Presley.  But coming in second with 65 million records sold was no small feat.  According to his bio on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s website, he “scored more hit records than Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Buddy Holly put together”.  That is part of the reason why he was inducted into the HOF with the rest of the inaugural inductees in 1986.

Unfortunately, the change in the direction of music as a result of the one-two punch of the Beatles arrival in America in 1964 followed by the British Invasion brought this man’s incredible career to a screeching halt.  But even more depressing, we said a final goodbye to Antoine “Fats” Domino, Jr. on October 24 when he passed away at the age of 89.

VARIOUS

Fats Domino (Courtesy of Barry Peake/Rex/Shutterstock-original source unknown)

One of his musical heroes was Charles Brown who wrote and released the original version of this song in 1960.  But no one does it like the Fat Man.

Fats Domino:  “Please Come Home For Christmas“.

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, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

 

 

 

 

Christmas Song Countdown #21

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown!!!

tree

Courtesy of:  The City Sage (original source unknown)

 

Today’s pick was an easy choice.  My Christmas season is not complete until I hear this song by Elvis Presley himself.  Let’s be real-there was not a piece of music the King sang that I did not like.  His delivery was always impeccable with just the right amount of emotion in his velvety smooth voice.  Combine that with the heavy bass line and the fantastic back-up singers and you have one heck of a song.

But as much as I love Elvis’ Blue Christmas, I remembered another version of this song that I love, too.  It is by an artist who died on his 79th birthday in April.  Another country music star who had that heavy-drinking-fast-living-outlaw persona but that started from his past as a convict while he was in his late teens and early 20’s.  While in jail he realized that all he would get for a life of petty crimes and robberies were those steel bars, so he began to turn his life around, especially after seeing Johnny Cash’s San Quentin concert in 1959.

elvis

Courtesy of:  Elvis.com

 

This artist’s version of Blue Christmas is acoustic and his voice is much edgier than the King’s, bit it still works.  Maybe because I’m a fan, maybe because I am sorry he is gone, maybe a little of both.  The last time I saw him perform was on the 2014 Grammy Awards.  where he sang with his buddies Kris (sa-woon) Kristofferson and Willie Nelson.  Some of his hits include “If We Make It Through December“, “Silver Wings“, “That’s The Way Love Goes” and “Bar Room Buddies“, a duet with Clint Eastwood from the movie “Bronco Billy”.  However, he will probably best be remembered as an “Okie from Muskogee“.

Merle Haggard:  Blue Christmas.

merle

Merle Haggard Courtesy of:  ABC News (original source unknown)

 

P.S.  I found this on YouTube the other day, and I still have not stopped laughing.  I am not a big fan of Porky Pig’s, but his performance.of this song is just too funny!!!  Enjoy!!!

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, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

silver-bells