25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 14

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

2025 was the year I finally entered the Marvel universe-i.e., I watched the first two phases of the Marvel movies. I do realize I am 17 years late to the party but since I was never a comic book fan, watching movies about comic book characters-even the non animated kind-did not really appeal to me. But once I started I made it all the way to Phase 3 in three months time and got halfway through that before stopping when winter turned to spring and my hibernation ended.

Three words were the impetus for me to start the franchise: Robert Downey Jr. I have adored him F-O-R-E-V-E-R yet I had zero clue he was Iron Man (and sold out by Jeff Bridges in the first movie…..Dude!!!). I also missed Downey when he played Larry Paul in “Ally McBeal” in seasons 4 & 5.

The future Tony Stark showed us yet another of his remarkable skills when he performed today’s song during S4 episode 6 and it was quite beautiful. When the track was released in 2000 as part of A Very Ally Christmas, it featured a cello arrangement that when combined with Downey’s pensive vocal turned the song into an absolutely exquisite moment. There does not seem to be anything that man cannot do.

The same year he started on “Ally”-2000-was the same year Linda Ronstadt released A Merry Little Christmas. She included a cover of the same song, done with a lovely delicate string arrangement that is quite stunning. And given her immense talent, it is no surprise that Ronstadt made this song her own as well.

Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Linda Ronstadt circa 1975. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The writer of today’s song-Joni Mitchell-recorded it for her 1971 album, Blue. Since then it has been covered by an array of artists including one who played on that album (although not on this song). And 25 years later in October 2006, he released his own version on James Taylor at Christmas.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Joni Mitchell: “River” (1971, written by Joni Mitchell).

Robert Downey Jr.: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

Linda Ronstadt: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

James Taylor: “River” (2006, written by Joni Mitchell).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

4Aug2025

Music Monday: August 4, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sweet Baby James is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released on February 1, 1970. And 55 years later, it remains one of his most beloved records. The title track has always been one of my favorite songs by him. But it is the first track on side 2- which peaked at #3 in October 1970-which is probably his best known tune, along with “You’ve Got A Friend” which was released in 1971. That was the #1 song in the country on July 31, 1971 for one week.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

John Barleycorn Must Die by Traffic was also released 55 years ago, making its debut in July 1970. The band formed in Birmingham, England three years earlier and featured Jim Capaldi (August 2, 1944 – January 28, 2005), Dave Mason, Steve Winwood and Chris Wood (June 24, 1944 – July 12, 1983) . Mason was not on the 1970 album as he left the band after the release of their debut album-1967’s Mr. Fantasy-but came back for their third album, 1969’s Last Exit. After that, Mason departed for good. Traffic released a total of eight albums together, with the last one coming in 1994 after years of the two primary songwriters-Capaldi and Winwood-writing together for solo projects. Traffic was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Eric Clapton released his debut self-titled solo album in the U.S. on August 12, 1970. It was produced by Delaney Bramlett of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, who were one of the opening acts for Clapton’s band, Blind Faith, in 1969. When they broke up, Clapton continued touring with the Friends’ band. Delaney’s wife, Bonnie Bramlett, co-wrote eight of the eleven songs on Clapton’s solo record. His collaborations with The Friends’ band led to his meeting with Bobby Whitlock, who along with Carl Radle and Jim Gordon would form Derek and the Dominos with Clapton that same year.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Forty years ago on August 5, 1985, John Cougar Mellencamp released his eighth studio album, Scarecrow. It was the follow-up to 1983’s Uh-Huh which produced three Top 20 hits (“Crumblin’ Down”, “Pink Houses” & “The Authority Song”). The 1985 record had three Top Ten hits including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” and “Lonely Ol’ Night”. In his career to date Mellencamp has 10 Top Ten songs & one #1 hit, “Jack & Diane”, which spent four consecutive weeks in the top spot in October 1982.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “Sweet Baby James” (1970, written by James Taylor).

James Taylor: “Fire and Rain” (1970, written by James Taylor).

Traffic: “Empty Pages” (1970. written by Jim Capaldi and Steve Winwood).

Eric Clapton: “Let It Rain” (1970, written by Bonnie Bramlett and Eric Clapton).

John Cougar Mellencamp: “Small Town” (1985, written by John Cougar Mellencamp).

Stay safe & well.

13Jan2025

Music Monday: January 13, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sam Moore, the surviving half of the “Sam & Dave” musical duo, passed away on January 10, 2025 at the age of 89. The higher tenor voice to partner Dave Prater’s lower baritone one, the men were amongst the most successful R&B/soul performers at Stax Records in the 1960’s with hits like “Soul Man”, “Hold On I’m Coming” and “I Thank You”. Their live shows were legendary and inspired many including Al Green, Steve Winwood, Tom Petty and others.

The duo split up in 1970 but reunited the following year. Unfortunately they did not attain the success they previously had. A resurgence in the men’s popularity came in 1979 courtesy of The Blues Brothers cover of “Soul Man”. After Prater’s death from a car accident in 1988, Moore continued performing including at the 25th anniversary concert for The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009 with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Moore & Prater were inducted in 1992.

Top: Sam Moore (L) and Dave Prater (R) circa 1967. Bottom: Moore circa 2015. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Last summer J.D. Souther & Karla Bonoff announced a joint tour together. They had been friends since their Laurel Canyon, California days in the 1970’s where both had found success- first as songwriters for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, respectively-before prospering in solo careers.

Sadly the tour never took place due to Souther’s death on September 17, 2024 at age 78. I adored him forever, going back to his Top Ten solo hit in 1979 (which I featured on Day 232 of the Lockdown Countdown) and his 1981 Top 20 duet with James Taylor, “Her Town Too”. I was thrilled when Souther branched out into to acting in movies like 1989’s “Always” and TV shows like “Thirtysomething” & “Nashville”.

The announcement of his tour with Bonoff put her back on my radar and reacquainted me with her beautiful voice. I first discovered her music through Linda Ronstadt who recorded three of Bonoff’s songs for the 1976 album, Hasten Down The Wind. But it was her stunning version of “The Water Is Wide”-featured in a 1997 episode of my favorite soap, “Another World”-that put me in Bonoff’s orbit for many years. I do not know why or how I let her fall from my view in the last decade or so but once I found her again last summer, I discovered her 2020 holiday album, Silent Night. It is wonderful, especially her version of “The First Noel” which was featured on Day 13 of my 2024 Christmas music countdown.

Bonoff, who turned 73 last month, released her self titled debut album in 1977 which included the three songs on the Hasten album. I love them all but today’s pick is my favorite. I have included Ronstadt’s version as well not just for her incredibly stunning voice but to share the video also. It is a great look at her in the studio with her band so we actually watch the magic of the performance happen there. And moments like that need to be seen.

Top: A show announcement from J.D. Souther’s Facebook page for a performance by he & Bonoff in July 2024. Middle: A picture of the two singers circa 1979 that Bonoff posted on her Facebook page with a tribute to Souther after his death in September 2024. Bottom: Souther (R) on stage with his one time girlfriend, Linda Ronstadt (L). (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Sam & Dave: “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” (1967, written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter).

Linda Ronstadt: “Lose Again” (1976, written by Karla Bonoff).

Karla Bonoff: “Lose Again” (1977, written by Karla Bonoff).

J.D. Souther: “You’re Only Lonely” (1979, written by JD Souther).

Stay safe & well.

24Jul2023

Music Monday: July 24, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last Friday we lost the man arguably considered to be the greatest crooner who ever was. And yes, even the Chairman Of The Board-Frank Sinatra-called Tony Bennett “the best singer in the business”. Anthony Dominick Benedetto died July 21, 2023 at the age of 96. A native New Yorker born in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, Bennett was probably the greatest champion for the Great American Songbook and many of the most iconic jazz tunes in history. He sang & recorded with everyone from Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, Paul McCartney, Elton John, James Taylor, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Bono and countless others. Bennett’s death closes out one of the longest, most prolific, most important & most beautiful chapters of American music we will ever see again. Thank you, Tony, for every single note.

Tony Bennett circa 1950. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The woman Bennett considered the greatest singer he ever heard held her last U.S. concert 55 years ago on July 20, 1968. Judy Garland headlined the show, held at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which also featured Count Basie and Jackie Wilson. She performed about 20 songs, leaving everyone in attendance clamoring for more.

Judy Garland circa 1947. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

This month also marks the 75th birthday for Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948 in London, England, he began his professional musical career in 1967 with the release of his debut album, Matthew and Son. Aside from a 17 year respite between 1978 and 1995 while he devoted himself to religion and his family, Islam’s career spans over five decades. He remains one of the most beloved and inspirational artists of the 1970’s.

Yusuf Islam in 2014 at his Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Brooklyn, NY (picture by me).

Tony Bennett: “When Will The Bells Ring For Me” (1990, written by Charles DeForest).

Judy Garland: “Over The Rainbow” (1939, written by Harold Arlen and Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg).

Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens: “Trouble” (1970, written by Cat Stevens n/k/a Yusuf Islam).

Stay safe and well.

13Mar2023

Music Monday: March 13, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Vernon Taylor turned 75 yesterday. Born March 12, 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts he was one of the first artists signed to The Beatles label, Apple Records. He recorded his self-titled debut album in London in 1968 but it was his second album released in 1970, Sweet Baby James, that would put him on the map. He followed that up with Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, which contained the 1971 #1 hit written by Carol King, “You’ve Got A Friend”.

Five decades later, Taylor remains a beloved upper statesman in music after his reign as one of the first definitive singer-songwriters of the 1970’s. His list of honors and awards are vast and his songs have been beloved by multiple generations and audiences for over 50 years.

Happy birthday, JT.

“Now the first of December was covered with snow
So was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston
Though the Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frostin’
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go”.

James Taylor circa 1970 (top) and in 2022 (bottom). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “Sweet Baby James” (1970, written by James Taylor).

Stay safe and well.

21Feb2022

Music Monday: February 21, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

February 25th will mark the 79th birth anniversary of my favorite Beatle, George Harrison. Born in 1943 in Liverpool, England, he was the youngest of the group and quietly honed his skills as a songwriter and musician. By the time the band broke up in 1970, he was the first member to have a number one single when “My Sweet Lord” hit the top spot on the singles chart at the end of that year.

Harrison followed his spiritual conscience in both his music & his heart. That led to him organizing the first benefit show in 1971, “The Concert For Bangladesh”. After a successful solo career he became one fifth of the supergroup, “The Traveling Wilburys”, in 1988.

I love so much of Harrison’s music, but I have always felt that today’s pick is his most beautiful composition. He was inspired to write it after hearing James Taylor’s song, “Something In The Way She Moves”. Harrison borrowed the first line & the rest is history. Even Frank Sinatra, who supposedly was not a fan of the Beatles, called today’s track “the greatest love song of the past 50 years” when it was released in 1969. He also recorded his own version in 1970. But even The Chairman Of The Board’s rendition comes second to the original for me.

“Something in the way she knows
And all I have to do is think of her
Something in the things she shows me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how“.

George Harrison circa 1969. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

Stay safe & well.

5Dec2021

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 5

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is a cover version that was introduced to me several years ago by one of my loyal readers and I have been enamored with it ever since. Joni Mitchell’s original, released 50 years ago on her acclaimed album Blue, is lovely as are several of the other covers I have heard by Linda Ronstadt, Sarah McLachlan and James Taylor, to name a few. But actor Robert Downey Jr.’s version is as my reader described “hauntingly beautiful”. With all due respect to Mitchell, I do not believe a better version of this song exists than his.

“It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace“.

Robert Downey Jr. circa 2000. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Robert Downey Jr.: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

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!!!

30Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 532

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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?

(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.

In August 1970 James Taylor released today’s song as a single from his second album, Sweet Baby James. By Halloween the track reached the #3 spot in the country. He wrote it when he was just 21 years old in response to the death of a friend & other life events. It was one of those songs where the lyrics led to rumors and conjecture.

For instance, many people believed the friend referenced in the song-Suzanne-died in a plane crash because of the line “sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground”. In reality she died by suicide and The Flying Machine was the name of Taylor’s band that broke up. I absolutely adore the eloquence and imagery of the lyrics and the title he chose. And his vocal is just the perfect mix of somber and reflective. It is just a great record.

Over the next fifty years Taylor would establish himself as one of the most popular, prolific & beloved artists of his time. But it was this track that would get him noticed as an emerging singer/songwriter in a decade where they became invaluable contributors to music’s diverse & masterful landscape.

“Been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows, when the cold wind blows
It’ll turn your head around“.

James Taylor’s second album released in February 1970. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “Fire & Rain” (1970, written by James Taylor).

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

Stay well.

11Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 513

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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“.

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.

31Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 502

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

1971 was without a doubt the greatest year of Carole King’s career. Not only was her monumental album, Tapestry, a huge smash but so was the first single. The double sided hit of “I Feel The Earth Move” & “It’s Too Late” (Day 460) was in the #1 spot for five weeks that summer.

Two weeks after that triumph, another one of her songs recorded by one of her friends hit the top of the chart as well.. On July 31, 1971 James Taylor had the #1 record in the country for one week with today’s track. King’s original recording is on her groundbreaking album, but it became one of Taylor’s signature songs. And that all started 50 years ago today.

“You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come running
To see you again“.

American singer-songwriters James Taylor and Carole King. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Top (L-R): James Taylor and Carole King circa 1970. Bottom (L-R): Taylor and King in 2010. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “You’ve Got A Friend” (1971, written by Carole King).

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… on Music Monday: May 12, 202…
	25 Days Of Christmas… on Music Monday: September 29,…
	Music Monday: Novemb… on Music Monday: September 29,…
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	Michele at Lilacs… on Music Monday: October 20,…

Lilacs & Rust

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Tag Archives: James Taylor

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 14

Music Monday: August 4, 2025

Music Monday: January 13, 2025

Music Monday: July 24, 2023

Music Monday: March 13, 2023

Music Monday: February 21, 2022

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 5

Let’s Take A Moment Day 532

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 513

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

Let’s Take A Moment Day 502

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Top (L-R): James Taylor and Carole King circa 1970. Bottom (L-R): Taylor and King in 2010. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)