Music Monday: January 15, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last month we lost Denny Laine who died on December 5, 2023 at age 79. In 1964 he helped found the band that would become The Moody Blues. In November of that year they released their first single which hit #1 in the UK and #10 in the US in 1965. But when the band failed to capitalize on that record’s success, Laine quit in October 1966 and was replaced by Justin Hayward. In 1971 Laine, Paul McCartney & his wife, Linda, formed Wings with the three of them staying as the consistent members until the group broke up in 1981. So for ten years, Laine performed his #1 Moody Blues song on tour with Wings with and Paul & Linda as his back-up singers. Not a bad gig. RIP.

Paul McCartney (L) with Denny Laine (R) sometime in the 1970’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Patrick Page OBE, better known as Jimmy Page, guitarist extraordinaire and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin turned 80 years young last week. Born January 9, 1944 in England, this milestone birthday coincides with the 55th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album, which was released on January 12, 1969. While most of the songs were written by Page and the band including “Good Times Bad Times” and “Dazed and Confused”, the album also featured three covers: two by legendary blues musician Willie Dixon (“I Can’t Quit You Baby” and “You Shook Me”) and one by folk singer Anne Bredon, who wrote it sometime in the 1950’s. Page discovered the track after hearing Joan Baez’s 1962 version. But Led Zeppelin made it their own, due in large part to Page’s arrangement.

Top: John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page circa 1970. Bottom: Page onstage circa 2005. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

R&B singer Al Wilson had the #1 song in the country for one week 50 years ago on Jan 19, 1974. He had three other songs crack the Top 40 during his career but it was his top selling hit that he is best remembered for. It is a great track with a fabulous vocal.

Al Wilson in the 1970’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Moody Blues: ”Go Now” (1964, written by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett).

Led Zeppelin: ”Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” (1969, written by Anne Bredon, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant).

Al Wilson: ”Show And Tell” (1973, written by Jerry Fuller).

Stay safe & well.

21Aug2023

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

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

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

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July 12 marked the 80th birth anniversary for the wonderous musician & human, Christine McVie. After the news of her death last year, I posted the following tribute November 30, 2022 on my Instagram page:

Such sad news about the loss of this incredibly beautiful & talented woman. She was one of the first strong female musicians I loved who left an indelible mark on my heart. She wrote & sang her own songs while playing her signature sophisticated brand of piano, keyboards and synthesizer. Her role in Fleetwood Mac was so strong and powerful she started the group’s string of hits in 1975 and kept them going throughout their historic & phenomenal run as one of rock’s greatest bands.

Four of her songs are featured on 1975’s self-titled album & on 1977’s iconic Rumours (not including her co-writing credits on “World Turning” and “”The Chain”, respectively). Her incredibly lovely contralto voice on hits like “Say You Love Me”, “Don’t Stop”, “You Make Loving’ Fun” and others would have never been the same if sung by any other vocalist nor would they have helped define Fleetwood Mac’s sound. Rest in peace to a true musician, artist & performer who contributed such a major part of classic rock history.

Top: Christine <cVie circa 1997. Bottom: Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, McVie and her ex-husband, John McVie. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Founding Doobie Brother Tom Johnston celebrated birthday #75 last week. Born August 15, 1948 in Visalia, California, he learned to play guitar around age 12 (he also plays piano & harmonica). By 1970 The Doobie Brothers were formed and released their first album a year later. Their third album, The Captain and Me, celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year as it was released March of 1973.

Johnston was the writer and singer behind many of the group’s hits through 1976 when he left for medical reasons. He rejoined them in 1987 and has been with them ever since except for a current break which started earlier this year due to a back injury. My favorite of Johnston’s tunes is the second of today’s songs. It has been my motto & my philosophy on life since the first time I heard it. It was released on the band’s 1972 album, Toulouse Street. This track also closed out my 550 day music marathon during the pandemic.

Top: Tom Johnston circa 2010. Bottom: The 2020 version of The Doobie Brothers (L-R): Johnston, John McFee, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The man considered by many to be the greatest rock singer in history also turned 75 this month. Robert Plant was born August 20, 1948 in the UK. Twenty years later he became & is best known as the frontman of the ultimate classic rock band, Led Zeppelin. But in the nearly 45 years since they broke up in 1980, Plant has enjoyed much success as a solo artist, as a member of The Honeydrippers and as a longtime collaborator with country/bluegrass singer and musician, Alison Krauss. The last of today’s featured songs is from Led Zeppelin’s final studio album, In Through the Out Door, released in 1979. Plant is currently on a European tour in yet another collaborative project, Saving Grace.

Top: Robert Plant circa 2010. Bottom: Led Zeppelin circa 1972 (L-R): Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

The Doobie Brothers: “Listen to the Music” (1972, written by Tom Johnston).

Led Zeppelin: “All My Love” (1979, written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant).

Stay safe and well.

3Dec2022

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 3

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

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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I was introduced to today’s singer in 2007 when her huge hit, “Bleeding Love“, was everywhere. Soon after I saw a video of her knock out version of “Whole Lotta Love” with Led Zeppelin’s very own Jimmy Page at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing. But it was not until earlier this week that I heard today’s song which was released in 2013. Modern holiday songs are usually hit or miss but this is one that I found quite enjoyable.

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Leona Lewis: “One More Sleep” (2013, written by Jez Ashurst, Bradford Ellis, Iain James, Leona Lewis and Richard “Biff” Stannard).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

8Aug2022

Music Monday: August 8, 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.)

Nearly 50 years ago one of my favorite bands released their debut album. Bad Company’s self-titled first record came out in the summer of 1974. They were classified as a supergroup because all four members were once in other successful groups: drummer Simon Kirke and lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist & keyboard player Paul Rodgers were in the band Free; lead guitarist Mick Ralphs was in Mott The Hoople and bass player Boz Burrell was a part of King Crimson. All four members of Bad Co. were songwriters but Rogers & Ralphs handled the majority of that task. The band also had the distinction of being the first group signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song record label.

The debut album was a #1 hit & was followed by five other records until Rodgers left the band in 1982. He returned a few times after that, staying for good in 2008. Kirke has been with the group all along. Sadly, Burrell died of a heart attack in 2006 and Ralphs left the band in 2016 due to medical reasons.

If there was an audio definition for the word “underrated”, I think any song by Bad Co. would suffice. The musicianship was top tier and Rodgers soaring powerful & distinct vocals put them in a universe all their own. Yet they have been snubbed by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for over 20 years and none of the members have ever received any type of British honor, either. I find both of those facts sad & disturbing.

They are part of classic rock royalty & are still one of the strongest most recognizable bands of the 1970’s. Today’s song is from their debut album & remains my top pick from that record. The music from this incredible quartet is intense, incredible and captivating while Rodgers’ voice elevates the entire experience to a stunning level. To quote the song, “Bad Company ’til the day I die”.

“Company
Always on the run
Destiny
Is a rising sun“.

Bad Company circa 1974 (L-R): Boz Burrell (bassist), Mick Ralphs (lead guitarist), Paul Rodgers (lead vocalist) and Simon Kirke (drummer). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Bad Company: “Bad Company” (1974, written by Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers).

Stay safe and well.

20Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 522

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.

Robert Anthony Plant was born 73 years ago on August 20, 1948 in Staffordshire, England. His love for music, specifically blues music, developed early. By age 16 he started pursuing his dream of singing professionally and joined several bands trying to find the right one. In 1968 a guitarist looking for a lead vocalist heard Plant sing and that is how he and Jimmy Page joined forces.

They began writing songs together, formed Led Zeppelin along with John Paul Jones and John Bonham and released the band’s debut album on Atlantic Records in January 1969. Plant went on to an incredibly successful solo career after the band broke up in 1980. He is regarded to be one of the greatest singers of all time in rock music. Happy birthday, Robert Plant. Here’s to 100 more.

“There’s a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
In a tree by the brook there’s a songbird who sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven“.

Top: Robert Plant circa 1974. Bottom: Plant circa 2004. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Led Zeppelin: “Stairway To Heaven” (1971, written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant).

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

Stay well.

25May2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 435

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Congratulations to Carole King who is finally being inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a performer in the Class of 2021. She has only been waiting over two decades for this well deserved honor. To reiterate the rules of the HOF, an artist is eligible 25 years after their debut album is released. King’s first album, Writer, came out 51 years ago in May 1970 (Tapestry just celebrated its 50th anniversary as it was released February 1971). So King was eligible for The HOF in 1995. And what a prestigious class that was: The Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Al Green, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, et al.

King was inducted in 1990 as a songwriter with her ex-husband, Gerry Goffin. But even if she did not get in as a performer with her first record, Tapestry should have made her a slam dunk for the Class of 1996. Then she would have been inducted with The Shirelles who turned her & Goffin’s song, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” into a #1 hit in 1961. David Bowie and Gladys Knight & The Pips were also part of that year’s honored group.

Now King will be inducted alongside another fabulous female artist, Tina Turner, which is great. But their class includes two rappers and a 1980’s bubble gum pop girl band. UGH!!! BUBBLE GUM POP In the same institution as King, Turner, Elvis, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, etc. Ugh again. My heart.

So to celebrate King’s insanely long overdue honor and to commemorate the anniversary of her free concert in NYC’s Central Park on May 25, 1973, today’s song is from her 1971 masterpiece. Tapestry is probably the greatest record ever made by a female artist. All hail Carole King!!!

“Sometimes I wonder
If I’m ever gonna make it
Home again it’s so far
And out of sight“.

Carole King, LA 1983. Photo by Jim Shea (Courtesy of caroleking.com). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Carole King: “Home Again” (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.

3May2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 413

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In May 1974 Led Zeppelin established their own company, Swan Song Records. A month later, the self-titled debut album by Bad Company was released on that label. It hit #1 on the albums chart for one week in September of that year.

If there was anyone who had not already heard the unbelievably soulful powerful voice of lead singer Paul Rodgers when he was a member of Free, they were about to be completely enraptured by his talent & the musicianship of the band as a whole. Today’s song was the album & the label’s first single. It was released in August 1974 & became a Top Ten hit later that year.

“Well it’s late and I want love
Love that’s gonna break me in two
Don’t hang me up in your doorway
Don’t hang me up like you do“.

Top: Led Zeppelin circa 1974 (L-R): John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham and Jimmy Page. Bottom: Bad Company circa 1974: Boz Burrell, Mick Ralphs, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bad Company: “Can’t Get Enough” (1974, written by Mick Ralphs).

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

Stay well.

23Aug2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 160

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(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.

There was no way to grow up in the 1970’s, love music as much as I do and not possibly know most of Led Zeppelin’s songs. They are regarded by many fans and music critics as one of the greatest bands, if not the greatest, of all time. Whenever there is a countdown or a list of the top rock songs of all time, “Stairway To Heaven” is always number one. And lead vocalist, Robert Plant, is usually hailed as the best singer of all time. Plant turned 72 years young on August 20, and after the band broke up in 1980, he continued his career singing with many other artists. He collaborated with Jeff Beck in The Honeydrippers (they did a cover of “Sea Of Love”, a hit in 1959 by Phil Phillips, who died in March at the age of 94), country/bluegrass star Alison Krauss and indie singer Patty Griffin, amongst others.

I have enjoyed all of Plant’s music over the years. But if I had to choose my favorite song of his it would be from his Zeppelin years. He co-wrote it as a tribute to his son who died in 1977 and it appears on the band’s final album, “In Through The Out Door”.

“Yours is the cloth, mine is the hand that sews time
His is the force that lies within
Ours is the fire, all the warmth we can find
He is a feather in the wind“.

Led Zeppelin – vocalist Robert Plant performing live on what would be the band’s final UK performance at Knebworth Park in Hertfordshire UK – 11 Aug 1979. Photo credit: Alan Perry/IconicPix ***LO-RES IMAGE – Please contact IconicPix to approve usage and HI-RES image***

Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin circa 1979 (L-R: Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Plant and John Paul Jones. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Led Zeppelin: “All My Love” (1979, written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant).

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

Stay well.

14Aug2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 151

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

As someone who loves music I owe an immense amount of gratitude to the blues. It is the one genre of music that is the common denominator behind so many of the singers and bands I adore. Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors and others have payed homage to the old blues singers and their songs. Even Led Zeppelin considers their roots in that genre. But one of my favorite bands that always honored their blues roots was The Allman Brothers Band. They covered such classics as “Come On In My Kitchen” by Robert Johnson, “Statesboro Blues” by Blind Willie McTell and “Trouble No More” by Muddy Waters, amongst others. But today’s song is the one I love the best because despite how many other artists performed this one, the dueling guitar playing of Duane Allman & Dickey Betts is unmatched. Plus, Greg Allman made it his own from the first note he sang. I absolutely adore their version of this song.

“Lord, I’m foolish to be here in the first place
I know some man gonna walk in and take my place
Ain’t no way in the world, I’m going out that front door
‘Cause there’s a man down there, might be your man I don’t know“.

The Allman Brothers Band (L_R): Gregg Allman (vocals, keyboards, songwriter), Duane Allman (lead & slide guitar), Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriter), Jaimoe Johanson (drums), Butch Trucks (drums) & Berry Oakley (bass) in 1971 as photographed for the cover of their second album, Idlewild South. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: “One Way Out” (1972, written by Elmore James, Marshall E. Sehorn and Sonny Boy Williamson)

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

Stay well.

19Jul2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 125

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today’s song has been covered by a myriad of artists including Robert Plant, The Four Tops, Bob Seger, Johnny Cash (as a duet with his wife, June Carter Cash) and Leon Russell, and all of them are great versions. But my favorite one was recorded by Walden Robert Cassotto, better known by his stage name, Bobby Darin. It was a top ten hit for him in 1966. If you are not too familiar with Darin, it is very easy to write him off as a novelty act because of his first hit song, “Splish Splash”. But make no mistake, he was an accomplished musician playing guitar, piano and drums. He also wrote and recorded songs in all different types of musical genres including pop, rock & roll, jazz, swing, country & folk.

That is how he took us from “Dream Lover”, “Mack The Knife” and “Beyond The Sea” in the 1950’s to today’s song and “Simple Song of Freedom” in the 1960’s. He began his career as a songwriter at The Brill Building in NYC, the same place where Carole King & Gerry Goffin started. It was there that Darin met & was signed by record executive Ahmet Ertegun, who discovered people like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton (when he was in the band, Cream), Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Led Zeppelin. I think Darin’s vocal has a haunting sadness in it that just resonates throughout today’s song. And with superb lyrics by songwriter Tim Hardin and a beautiful arrangement, this tune just had everything it needed to be something both remarkable & unexpected all at once.

“Save my love through loneliness
Save my love for sorrow
I’ve given you my onlyness
Come give your tomorrow.”

Bobby Darin circa 1969. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Bobby Darin: “If I Were A Carpenter” (1966, written by Tim Hardin).

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

Music & makeovers! I swoon for chippy paint, a gorgeous patina and a fabulous song!!! I love great music (read: Bruce Springsteen & Otis Redding), white lilacs, walking in freshly fallen snow, the Golden Girls, road trips and the fall!!!

Tag Archives: Led Zeppelin

Music Monday: January 15, 2024

R&B singer Al Wilson had the #1 song in the country for one week 50 years ago on Jan 19, 1974. He had three other songs crack the Top 40 during his career but it was his top selling hit that he is best remembered for. It is a great track with a fabulous vocal.

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 3

Music Monday: August 8, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 522

Let’s Take A Moment Day 435

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Carole King, LA 1983. Photo by Jim Shea (Courtesy of caroleking.com). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 413

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 160

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin circa 1979 (L-R: Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Plant and John Paul Jones. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 151

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 125

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Bobby Darin circa 1969. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)