Tag Archives: John Mellencamp

Music Monday: Sept 22, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last week we lost the epitome of a true Hollywood legend. Actor, director, filmmaker & independent movie champion Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025 at age 89. He started his acting career at the end of the 1950’s with roles on TV & on stage then segued into movies. He found fame thanks to such high profile roles in dozens of films including “Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid”, “Jeremiah Johnson”, “The Way We Were”, “The Great Gatsby”, “All The President’s Men” and “The Natural”, just to name a few.

He used the proceeds of his success to start the Sundance Film Festival in 1978. Two years later, he made his directorial debut with 1980’s “Ordinary People” which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. He went on to direct nine more movies while he continued his acting career. He also became involved in several causes, especially the environment. I loved so many of his roles and movies, especially how he brought “A River Runs Through It” to life not only with his directing skills but with his narration in the film as well. Goodbye, Sundance. Thank you for everything.

Charles Robert Redford Jr.: August 18, 1936 – September 16, 2025.

Robert Redford in Utah in 1969 photographed by John Dominis – The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock for the February 1970 edition of Life Magazine.

Robert Redford in NYC’s Times Square in 1969 photographed by John Dominis – The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock for the February 1970 edition of Life Magazine.

Riley B. King-known professionally as B.B. King-was born 100 years ago on September 16, 1925 near Itta Bena, Mississippi. Known as The King of the Blues, he started his six decade career as a Beale Street musician who went on to redefine the blues genre. He also made notable appearances in such movies as 1985’s “Spies Like Us”, 1993’s “Heart & Souls” and 1998’s “Blues Brothers 2000” as well as several TV shows including the legendary daytime soap, “General Hospital” in 1995 at Luke’s Blues Club opening. He collaborated with a multitude of artists including Eric Clapton, U2, Van Morrison, Elton John, Daryl Hall and many others. King died May 14, 2015 at age 89.

B.B. King circa 2000. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tomorrow marks the 95th birth anniversary of Ray Charles Robinson. The singer & piano extraordinaire was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. And this month marks 65 years since he released The Genius Hits the Road in September 1960. It contains his signature tune which was designated as the namesake’s state song in 1979. Charles died on June 10, 2004 at the age of 73.

Ray Charles circa 1990. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young’s third studio album-After the Gold Rush– was released 55 years ago in September 1970. It includes songs like “Tell Me Why”, “Southern Man” and “I Believe In You” as some of the notable tracks. This year marks another milestone of the legendary singer-songwriter’s career: It is the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid which Young started in 1985 along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

The organization’s first concert was held on September 22, 1985 in Champaign, Illinois and raised $7 million dollars. According to its website, the organization was founded “in response to the growing crisis faced by American family farmers during the 1980s. The inaugural concert marked a historic moment in the farm movement, to support struggling family farmers, but more importantly, raising awareness of the impacts of the crisis.“

Young, who will turn 80 this November, was part of the lineup over the weekend for the Farm Aid 40 concert held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 20. Some of the other performers included Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Nelson’s son, Lukas and Dave Matthews, who is also on the organization’s board.

Top: Neil Young’s 1970 album. Middle: Young, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp at the first Farm Aid concert in Illinois in September 1985. Bottom: Nelson, Young, Dave Matthews and Margo Price from Farm Aid 40 on September 20, 2025. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

B.J. Thomas: “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” (written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1969 film, “Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid“. The song was the #1 hit in the country for four consecutive weeks 55 years ago in January 1970).

B.B. King: “Three O’Clock Blues” (1951, written by Lowell Fulson).

B.B. King: “The Thrill Is Gone” (1970, written by Rick Darnell and Roy Hawkins).

Ray Charles: “What’d I Say, Pt. 1 & 2” (1959, written by Ray Charles).

Ray Charles: “Georgia On My Mind” (1960, written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell).

Neil Young: “After The Gold Rush” (1970, written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” (1970, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: August 4, 2025

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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.

Music Monday: August 29, 2022

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy almost 77th birthday to Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE. Born August 31, 1945 in Northern Ireland. he started performing and singing as a teenager, inspired by his father’s country, gospel & blues records. By 1964 Morrison formed the band Them who saw success with songs like “Gloria” and “Here Comes The Night”. In 1967 Van The Man went solo with his fusion of rock, blues and jazz music. That inspired and incredible sound combined with his voice & poetry gave way to songs like no others, especially on albums like Astral Weeks (1968), Moondance (1970) and Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972), just to name a few.

His fame and influence range from The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, The Band, U2, John Mellencamp, The Counting Crows, David Gray, Ray Lamontagne and so many others. After over six decades of performing, Morrison is still making new music. Earlier this year he released What’s It Gonna Take?, his 43rd studio album.

The hard part for me when listening to his music is choosing which record to start with, mainly because I will usually stay with that album for days or possibly weeks at a time. It is nearly impossible to absorb every nuance of Morrison’s voice in ten sittings, let alone one. Even all these years after first discovering this man’s music, it still surprises me with something I missed before. Today’s song, the title track from his 1973 album, falls into that category every time I hear it. It may not be as popular as some of his other songs, but for me it is one of the best vocals of his acclaimed career.

“Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing“.

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Van Morrison circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Van Morrison: “Hard Nose the Highway” (1973, written by Van Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 205

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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?

Jane Austen Music 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.

Indiana born & bred John Mellencamp turns 69 today. He is another artist who creates more than just music: he is also a prolific painter, has dabbled in acting (namely the 1992 movie, “Falling From Grace” which he also directed) and collaborated with horror writer Stephen King on the play, “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County”, amongst other endeavors Mellencamp has taken on in his nearly 45 year career. But for me his music will always be my favorite of all his talents.

When he released “The Lonesome Jubilee” in 1987, it had two songs on it I went absolutely crazy for. Both have great videos to accompany them, and as much as I love the one for “Cherry Bomb”, the one for today’s song is a performance video which is always my favorite type to watch.

“A million young poets
Screamin’ out their words
Maybe someday
Those words will be heard“.

Jubilee

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

John Mellencamp: “Check It Out” ( 1987, written by John Mellencamp).

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 171

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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?

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.

He was introduced to the world as Johnny Cougar on his debut album in 1976. By his third album in 1979 he was billed as John Cougar. In 1983 he added his real last name so he became known as John Cougar Mellencamp. Eventually he was simply John Mellencamp. He has been singing about his love of music and his midwestern roots for nearly 45 years in close to 25 studio albums. He co-founded “Farm Aid” in 1985 with Willie Nelson & Neil Young which still continues today with one big concert each year.

Whatever name you associate with him, you probably immediately recall Mellencamp’s more well known hits like “Jack & Diane”, “Hurts So Good” or “Lonely ‘Ol Night”, to name a few. My favorites include “Check It Out”, “Cherry Bomb” and “Pink Houses”. But to narrow it down to one, today’s song wins in an extremely close race. It is from his fourth album, 1980’s “Nothing Matters And What If It Did”, produced by soul legend & guitar great, Steve Cropper. This was Mellencamp’s third career single and the first to crack to top 40. The premise is a lot like “Fooled Around And Fell In Love”, where the singer describes how he was the love them & leave them type until he met the one he could not walk away from. I must admit I really like songs where guys own what the right one does to their heart.

“You got your arms around my shoulders
You got my soul confused with my heart
You were too smart to believe all those tired lines
And I was too dumb to know what had started“.

John Cougar Mellencamp circa 1980 (L) and 2019 (R). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

John Cougar Mellencamp:  “This Time” (1980, written by John Cougar Mellencamp).

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 2019: Day 14

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Welcome back to the countdown!!!

Santa and two of his reindeer join us today.  Ho ho ho!!!

Day 14.jpg

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

Last Monday night the Rainforest Fund 30th Anniversary Benefit Concert took place at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.  The night featured an array of outstanding musical guests like James Taylor, Debbie Harry, the reunited Eurythmics and John Mellencamp who sang with my favorite guy and personal hero, Bruce Springsteen.  They sang “Pink Houses” and “Glory Days” together in what Rolling Stone dubbed “a rare heartland-rock summit”.  Another interesting fact about that night?  I WAS NOT THERE!!! 

It wasn’t like I did not know about the show.  I keep up with Bruce’s appearances, of course.  But the ticket prices were insanely high, and I do not have to spend that kind of money when I go to see a four hour plus show by Bruce and his ever loyal E Street Band.  That is a much better investment for my money.  Here’s to the hope that the rumors of a 2020 tour are true!!!     

So if you are not following where this is going, today’s Christmas song (and two bonus tracks) are courtesy of the Bossman.  The video is from Springsteen’s own YouTube channel.  The performance was held at The Carousel Building in Asbury Park, and since it dates back to 2010 the Big Man, Clarence Clemons, is in it.  An early Christmas gift courtesy of the Boss.

bruce

Bruce Springsteen (original source unknown).  

Bruce Springsteen:   “Blue Christmas”  (2010, recorded live at The Carousel in Asbury Park, NJ and written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson circa 1948).

Bruce Springsteen:  “Merry Christmas Baby” (live performance from “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” circa mid to late 1990’s,.  That time frame means the entire E Street Band is there, before the deaths of Danny Federici in 2008 and Clarence “The Big Man” Clemons in 2011.  O’Brien joined the band on guitar.  The best view of him comes @ 4:33 after the other big man, Santa himself, makes an appearance.  Springsteen and his band were frequent guests since the E Street drummer, Max Weinberg, led O’Brien’s house band, The Max Weinberg 7.  Written by Johnny Moore and Lou Baxter in 1947).

Bruce Springsteen:  “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” (1975, written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie circa 1934)

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!!!