Music Monday: September 15, 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.)

Last month I celebrated the 50th anniversary of the most important album in my world. Today I am honoring the second one, released 60 years ago. Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul was released on September 15, 1965. This album is the one that helped me love this man for more than his posthumous #1 masterpiece, (“Sittin’ On The) Dock Of The Bay”.

Otis Blue featured eleven tracks including three songs written by Redding (with one of them co-written with soul singer Jerry Butler), a Jagger-Richards tune and three songs written by Sam Cooke, one of Redding’s idols. The album is resplendent with his signature achingly impassioned vocal in every note while the house band at Stax-also known as the incomparable Booker T & The MG’s-keeps up with his energy and drive. And the band’s virtuoso guitarist, Steve Cropper, along with label co-owner Jim Stewart (1930-2022), produced the album with renowned engineer Tom Dowd (1925-2002) who worked with dozens of artists including Aretha Franklin, Cream, The Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton.

Earlier in 1965-March to be exact-another album by Redding was released, The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads. The collection includes covers of Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love” and Jerry Butler’s “For Your Precious Love” along with the Redding-Cropper collaboration, “Mr. Pitiful”, amongst its 12 tracks.

Last week marked Redding’s 84th birth anniversary. He was born on September 9, 1941 in Dawson, Georgia and was raised in Macon. He started singing in church and later in talent shows. By 15 when he left school to help support his family, he was singing with Little Richard (who inducted Redding into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1989). By 1962 he had recorded & released his first hit with Stax, “These Arms Of Mine”. Over the next impossibly short five years, he established himself as The King Of Soul with notable performances at The Apollo Theater in 1963, The Whisky a Go-Go in 1966 & The Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 before his death in a plane crash at the end of that year on December 10. Sixty years later, Otis Blue remains the pinnacle of Redding’s career.

Above: Otis Redding circa 1965. (Image found on OtisRedding.com. Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “Respect” (1965, written by Otis Redding).

Otis Redding: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1965, written by Sam Cooke).

Otis Redding: “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (1965, written by Jerry Butler and Otis Redding).

Otis Redding: “Shake” (1965, written by Sam Cooke).

Otis Redding: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Otis Redding: “You Don’t Miss Your Water” (1965, written by William Bell).

Stay safe & well.

8Jan2024

Music Monday: January 8, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to an expanded edition of Music Monday.

Note: WordPress has this post marked as #1000. Thank you for being here for this milestone and for all your support. I truly appreciate it.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

A part of my childhood has officially been laid to rest with the death of David Soul on January 4, 2024. “Starsky & Hutch” were two of the coolest cops with the biggest hearts who were also too adorable for words. I would go back & forth in my head each week trying to decide who was cuter.

But I must admit David’s #1 hit from 1977 gave him a slight edge. I am crushed beyond words. Rest in peace you beautiful Soul. Thank you for being one of my tween dreams. Sigh.

Paul Michael Glaser (left, as Starsky) and David Soul (right, as Hutch) in a scene from the incredibly popular 1970’s TV show. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In December two music pioneers and legends hit birthday #80. The first is Forrest Richard Betts-better known as Dickey Betts-who was born December 12, 1943 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The singer, songwriter and guitarist is one of two founding members of The Allman Brothers Band still with us (The other is drummer Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson). Betts is behind the band’s only top ten hit-“Ramblin Man“-and many other memorable songs he contributed as the sole lead guitarist after the death of Duane Allman. Betts is thankfully still making music which you can find on his website.

Dickey Betts circa 2000. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Keith Richards was born 80 years ago on December 18, 1943 in England. In 1968 while The Stones were one of the top bands in the world they hosted a concert filmed for release as a BBC special, “Rock and Roll Circus”. Richards performed with them and also played bass for the only performance by the supergroup, “The Dirty Mac”. The other members were John Lennon on lead vocal and rhythm guitar, Eric Clapton on lead guitar and Mitch Mitchell (from The Jimi Hendrix Experience) on drums. But The Stones felt upstaged by another group-The Who-so the program did not air. It was not released until 1996.

The Dirty Mac in 1968 (L-R): Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell (in back, on drums), John Lennon and Keith Richards. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last but never least, today marks the 89th birth anniversary of Elvis Aaron Presley. The short version of his life is that he was born January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi and remains a legend. The long version is his musical legacy, his films and every piece of himself that he gave to all of us, especially every note he ever sang. All hail The King.

Elvis Presley circa 1955. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: ”Blue Sky” (1972, written by Dickey Betts).

The Dirty Mac: ”Yer Blues” (As performed at “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus” concert, December 1968. Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney).

Elvis Presley: ”Return To Sender” (1962, written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott).

David Soul: ”Don’t Give Up On Us” (1976, written by Tony Macaulay).

Stay safe & well.

1Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 1

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

Happy December, everybody!!!

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

We have officially arrived at the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate this festive time of year than with a daily countdown of great holiday songs to usher in the big day. All are welcome even if you are not a fan of this genre or you do not observe the holiday. Great music of any kind should be enjoyed by all.

We begin with a song by one of the pioneers of rock & roll, Mr. Johnny B. Goode himself. Chuck Berry wrote & recorded today’s song in 1958. Unbeknownst to him, songwriter Johnny Marks held the trademark on the character featured in Berry’s track because of the song Marks wrote with Marvin Brodie, which was recorded by Gene Autry in 1949.

Consequently, both Marks and Brodie were legally given songwriting credit for Berry’s song. But his record is the polar opposite of a children’s Christmas carol-it is a straight up rocking holiday classic perfect for the festive season. It has been covered by a slew of different artists over the last 65 years including Keith Richards, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Joe Perry which are all exemplary. So is the cover by Chris Isaak recorded for his 2022 album, Everybody Knows It’s Christmas.

Top: Chuck Berry circa 1962. Bottom: Chris Isaak circa 2010. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Chuck Berry: “Run Rudolph Run” (1958, written by Chuck Berry, Marvin Brodie and Johnny Marks).

Chris Isaak: “Run Rudolph Run” (2022, written by Chuck Berry, Marvin Brodie and Johnny Marks).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

7Aug2023

Music Monday: Aug 7, 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.)

The Rolling Stones celebrated three major milestones over the last several weeks. I believe that calls for a triple play from the band.

First, their dynamic, enigmatic and legendary frontman celebrated the big 8-0 last month. Sir Michael Philip Jagger was born July 26, 1943 in Dartford, UK. He has been the lead singer of the Stones from the first day they formed the band back in 1962. That is six decades of singing, co-writing the bulk of the group’s songs and taking center stage in every show they have ever performed. A staggering statistic anyway you look at it. He also recorded four solo albums along the way. Happy birthday, Mick Jagger.

In 1973, the Stones released their 13th American studio album, Goats Head Soup. It was released fifty years ago-August 1973-on the band’s own eponymous label which was founded in 1970. Our second feature today is my favorite track off this album and was released as the first single.

Five years later, the band released Some Girls in June 1978. Two months later, the last of today’s three songs hit the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard chart for one week. The album also includes a salute to one of the Stones’ favorite genres-Motown-with a cover of the Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)”. After 45 years and despite the controversy surrounding the lyrics on the title track, the album still holds up. But there are not many from The Rolling Stones that don’t.

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Top: The band circa 1963 (L-R): front: Jagger and Bill Wyman (front), Brian Jones (center), Charlie Watts and Keith Richards (top). Middle (L-R): Richards and Jagger sometime in the 1970’s. Bottom (L-R): Watts, Richards, Jagger, Ron Wood and Wyman sometime in the 1980’s. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Let’s Spend the Night Together” (1967, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Angie” (1973, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

The Rolling Stones: “Miss You” (1978, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Stay safe & well.

26Dec2022

Music Monday: December 26, 2022

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.)

Well, we are at the end of another year. This time next week we will be in 2023. I want to thank you all for being here for the last 365 days. It means so much to me. I appreciate all of you. And I look forward to you joining me in the new year which I hope is a good one for all of us.

While celebrating all things Christmas for the last 25 days, I missed an important music birthday: Keith Richards turned 79 years young. The long time Rolling Stone guitarist & one half of the group’s prolific songwriting team was born December 16, 1943 in Dartford, Kent, England.

For 60 years The Stones have done it all, from being part of the British Invasion to defining classic rock to playing with their own musical heroes to reaching legendary status. And Richards has been one of the most recognizable faces behind the band with a sound that helped put The Stones in their rightful place in music & cultural history. I chose today’s song because I hope it is something will all get to be in 2023.

Happy birthday, Keith & Happy New Year to all of you.

“Always took candy from strangers
Didn’t wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day“.

The Rolling Stones circa 2000 (L to R): Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Happy” (1972, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Stay safe and well.

25Jul2022

Music Monday: July 25, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

July is filled with several high profile musical birthdays. In fact, there are so many I broke them up into two separate posts to do the artists justice. Last week we focused on the women. This week it is all about the men.

First up is the man who made a triumphant return to music in 2006 after a self-imposed career sabbatical that lasted way too long. Yusuf Islam, commonly known as Yusuf f/k/a Cat Stevens, turned 74 this month. He was born July 21, 1948 in Marylebone, London, England and was one of the most prominent voices of the early 1970’s. He is best know for the hits “Peace Train”, “Wild World”, “Morning Has Broken”, “Father & Son” along with the stunning soundtrack to the 1971 black (yet incredibly endearing) comedy, “Harold & Maude”.

Cat Stevens n/k/a Yusuf pictured in the early 1970’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The man with the voice behind one of the greatest songs ever recorded was born July 26, 1940 in Simonton, Texas. Dobie Gray started singing gospel music as a child in church. By 1964 he had his first hit with “The In Crowd“. But he is best known for one of today’s songs, a Top Ten hit from 1973, which has become a classic rock anthem. The same year he did a beautiful cover of the Tom Jans classic, “Loving Arms“. Gray’s career spanned several genres of music including soul, R&B, pop & country. Sadly, he died in 2011 at the age of 71.

Dobie Gray circa 1972. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

One of the most famous, charismatic & influential front men of all time is turning 79 years young tomorrow. Sir Michael Philip Jagger was born July 26, 1943 in Dartford, Kent, England. He & The Rolling Stones, are celebrating their 60th year together with only Jagger & his song writing partner & guitarist Keith Richards as the band’s last two original members after the death of drummer Charlie Watts nearly one year ago. The group went on tour last year in the late drummer’s honor and are a lock as one of the world’s greatest bands in music history.

Mick Jagger circa 1978. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

Dobie Gray: “Drift Away” (1973, written by Mentor Williams).

The Rolling Stones: “Let’s Spend The Night Together” (1967, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Stay safe and well.

6Jun2022

Music Monday: June 6, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to the first edition of Music Monday for June.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Two members of The Rolling Stones share the same birthday month. Guitarist Ron Wood celebrated birthday number 75 on June 1. Before he joined the band in 1976, he made a name for himself in The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces and with Rod Stewart. Their 1993 collaboration on Unplugged…..and Seated remains one of my favorites from that series.

Original member Charlie Watts was born June 2, 1941 in London, England. We lost the stylish dashing drummer last August & it hurt in a way I never saw coming. We all know musicians age like the rest of us but when a band is together for nearly 60 years, you start to believe they will outlive us all. Maybe that is just me. But what an ache Watts left behind in all of us who love The Stones.

Today’s song is in my permanent Top 10 list. It has been that way since the first time I heard it. It does not feature Wood but it is still one of the band’s greatest tracks of all time. It is from their 1969 Let It Bleed album and has been one of their signature tunes since then. I cannot even imagine my life without this monumental song in it. I am pretty sure Martin Scorsese feels the same way.

“A storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
I’m gonna fade away“.

The Rolling Stones circa 2010 (L-R): Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Gimme Shelter” (1969, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

Stay safe & well.

26Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 528

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?

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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.

On Day 442 we celebrated Charlie Watts 80th birthday, which was June 2. Today we say goodbye to the legendary Rolling Stones drummer who died on August 24. Aside from this being a tremendous loss for his family, the band and for music, it is truly the end of an era. The group that spent nearly 60 years together-with the core members playing together for 31 years until Bill Wyman retired in 1993-remained intact as one of the most influential & driving forces in music history.

From the moment he became The Stones permanent drummer in February 1963, Watts kept the beat-strong, steady, constant & true-while his bandmates played more flamboyant roles. And despite being in one of the most successful groups of all time, Watts led a relatively simple life compared to the others. Married since 1964 to Shirley Ann Shepherd, the two became parents in 1968 to their daughter & eventually grandparents to her daughter. A bout with throat cancer in 2004 sidelined the group who did not resume recording until Watts was ready.

Between his quiet demeanor & sophisticated attire, he almost appeared out of step with the rest of the band. But if not for his rhythm, presence and innovative style, The Rolling Stones sound would not have been what it was. They hit the #1 spot on the US charts for one week on March 4, 1967 with today’s song. Fifty four years later, it seems a fitting tribute to the man we lost on Tuesday. Rest in peace, Charles Robert Watts.

“Goodbye Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you
When you change with every new day
Still I’m gonna miss you“.

Top: Charlie Watts circa 1990. Middle: The Rolling Stones circa 2005 (L-R): Keith Richards, Watts, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood. Bottom: Richards’ poignant social media tribute to Watts. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Ruby Tuesday” (1967, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

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

Stay well.

26Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 497

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Mick Jagger was born on July 26, 1943 in England making today his 78th birthday. He & the rest of his bandmates in The Rolling Stones have been making music together for nearly 60 years. In that time Jagger has established himself as one of the most recognizable & iconic lead singers of all time.

Today’s song is from the band’s 1966 album, Aftermath. It was released with two slightly different song listings for both a US & UK edition. It was the group’s first record to have all original songs written by Jagger & Keith Richards including “Mother’s Little Helper”, “Under My Thumb” and “Paint It Black”. But I consider today’s track to be my favorite. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for Sir Michael Philip Jagger.

“The girl who wants to run away
Discovers that she’s had her day
It’s no good your thinking that you are still mine
You’re out of touch my baby“.

Top: The Rolling Stones circa 1965 clockwise from lower left: Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman. Bottom: Jagger circa 2010. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Out Of Time” (1966, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

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

Stay well.

12Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 483

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sixteen years after they released their first record together, The Rolling Stones had the #1 album in America on July 15, 1978 with Some Girls. But over a decade earlier, on July 10, 1965, the band had the top hit in the country. It stayed in the #1 spot for four consecutive weeks and went on to become one of their signature songs.

The backstory is Keith Richards wrote this in his sleep. He actually does not remember waking up to write it down but when he got up in the morning, there it was scribbled on the pad on top of his bedside table. If there was any doubt that man was not suppose to have a legendary career in music, that one story alone ended the speculation.

It has been used in dozens of TV shows & movies with great effect. For me it was most memorable when it played as Don Draper walked out of the New York Athletic Cub into the blaring hot summer sun after he started swimming to keep his drinking in check during the season 4 episode 8 of “Mad Men”. When my favorite songs collide with my favorite shows, all is right in my world.

“When I’m watchin’ my TV and a man comes on and tells me
How white my shirts can be
But he can’t be a man ’cause he doesn’t smoke
The same cigarettes as me”.

The Rolling Stones circa 1965 (L-R): Bill Wyman, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Charlie Watts. (Image found online. Original source unknown).

The Rolling Stones: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards).

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

Stay well.

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Lilacs & Rust

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Tag Archives: Keith Richards

Music Monday: September 15, 2025

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Music Monday: Aug 7, 2023

Music Monday: December 26, 2022

The Rolling Stones circa 2000 (L to R): Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Music Monday: July 25, 2022

Music Monday: June 6, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 528

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Top: Charlie Watts circa 1990. Middle: The Rolling Stones circa 2005 (L-R): Keith Richards, Watts, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood. Bottom: Richards’ poignant social media tribute to Watts. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 497

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 483

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)