Music Monday: August 21, 2023

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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.

22May2023

Music Monday: May 22, 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.)

Today we celebrate three more milestones, the first involving one of my all time favorite shows. It is still an obsession of mine despite the fact that it concluded its six season run 13 years ago. “Lost” ended on May 23, 2010 and I have not been the same since. It changed me in ways I cannot explain except to say a part of me is still on the island with the characters I adore (and even the ones I don’t). I watched it again a few times in the decade after it ended. But during lockdown, I became more passionate than ever about this phenomenal series. If you never watched it and failed to binge it during the pandemic, do it now.

In the broadest reference possible, and at its very core, “Lost” is like “The Island Of Misfit People” who find where they belong. And who they belong with. One of the things the series focused on was the importance of certain numbers, 23 being one of them. So if you have never been to the island, you must-MUST-afford yourself this beautiful experience and make 2023 your year to get “Lost”. You will not regret it. The first of today’s three songs was used in a S3 episode which helped turn it into one of the best scenes ever in a television series. There is no way to watch it and not be moved.

Three memorable moments from “Lost”: Top: A montage of the glorious van ride in S3. Middle: A scene from S1’s finale, “Exodus”. Bottom: Vincent the dog joins Jack (Matthew Fox) in the jungle in the series finale. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney was born 95 years ago on May 23, 1928 in Maysville, KY. The incomprable vocalist with the velvet & satin sound enjoyed a long career as a big band singer, jazz artist, actress and author. From her less than stable childhood she became a teenage radio singer as one half of the “The Clooney Sisters”. That led to a stint performing with bandleader Tony Pastor. When her sister, Betty, left the act in 1949, Rosemary was on her own in NYC and signed to Columbia Records. There she met Mitch Miller who persuaded her to record, “Come On-A My House”. With that, Rosemary Clooney the star was born.

The song I chose by her ties in with four other women I adore. The incredibly talented Bea Arthur, who was born 101 years ago on May 13, 1922, and the rest of “The Golden Girls” who ended their seven season run 31 years ago on May 9, 1992 (days before Arthur’s 70th birthday). She performed Clooney’s pick as Dorothy Zbornak in S7 E19, “Journey to the Center of Attention”. And talk about timeless-this song was written 100 years ago by the one and only Irving Berlin. I would be remiss not to add that Rosemary’s nephew, the dashing George Clooney, appeared in a GG episode, too: S2 E24, “To Catch A Neighbor”.

Top: Rosemary Clooney at a Columbia Records recording studio circa the 1950’s. Middle 1: Bea Arthur as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls”. Middle 2: The four GG’s: Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White) and Sophia (Estelle Getty). Bottom (L-R): Another famous Clooney, George. appeared in a S2 episode of The GG along with Joseph Campanella, pictured with McClanahan & White. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Stephanie Lynn Nicks will celebrate birthday #75 this week. She was born May 26, 1948 in Phoenix, AZ. She started her recording career in 1973 as part of a duo with Lindsey Buckingham before he was recruited by Mick Fleetwood to join his band. But Nicks’ boyfriend at the time would not go without her, so they both joined Fleetwood Mac. In 1975 the band’s self-titled album and its first with Nicks, included one of today’s songs and what has arguably become her most beloved track, “Landslide”.

From the group’s #1 iconic Rumours record, Nicks’ song, “Dreams”, became the band’s only #1 single. She started a successful solo career in 1981 with the release of her debut record, “Bella Donna“. That led to her becoming the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame twice as a performer-first with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and then in 2019 for her solo work. Nicks is currently on a U.S. tour with dates into 2024.

Top: Nicks circa 1977 (Image found online. Original source unknown). Bottom: Photo taken by me 9/4/2011 in Wantagh, NY.

Three Dog Night: “Shambala” (1973, lead vocal by Cory Wells (February 5, 1941 – October 20, 2015), written by Daniel Moore. Featured in Lost S3 E10, “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead”).

Rosemary Clooney: “What’ll I Do” (2002, written by Irving Berlin).

Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

Stay safe & well.

4Sep2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 537

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.

The first record Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks made with Fleetwood Mac was the band’s 1975 self-titled LP. It was released in July 1975 but it was not until September 4, 1976 that it became the top selling album in the country for one week. Christine McVie’s “Over My Head” (Day 508) was the first single released in America and today’s song was the second.

It was my first introduction to this incredible band and to the singer & songwriter behind it, Stevie Nicks. I absolutely love this track from the lyrics to the music to the vocal. It is my favorite song of all the ones she did with the group. I cannot believe it has taken me over 500 days to feature it.

“She rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn’t you love to love her
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover“

The back cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. (L-R): Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

6Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 508

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

My preoccupation & excitement over “The Summer of Soul” movie last month made me completely miss a rock & roll birthday. Christine McVie turned 78 on July 12. Another important date in her life occurred 51 years ago. On August 6, 1970, she played her first show with Fleetwood Mac at the Fillmore West in San Francisco as the band’s keyboard player and first female member. Five years later, today’s song was chosen as the lead single in the US from the band’s 1975 self titled album. It was the group’s first Top 20 song of the 1970’s and I think it is one of her best. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for Christine McVie.

“Your mood is like a circus wheel
You’re changing all the time
Sometimes I can’t help but feel
That I’m wasting all of my time.“.

(L-R): Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie circa 2017. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

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

Stay well.

28Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 499

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today’s song was a Top Ten hit from the wondrous musical year of 1978. It was co-produced by Lindsey Buckingham who also played guitar on the track. He contributed background vocals as well as did his Fleetwood Mac bandmate, Stevie Nicks. She supposedly served as the inspiration for the song. It is considered to be a one hit wonder of the 1970’s and one of my all time favorites in that category.

“I can’t hope that I’ll hold you for long
‘Cause you’re a woman who’s lost to your song
But the love that I feel is so strong
And it can’t be wrong”.

(L-R): Stevie Nicks, Walter Egan and Lindsey Buckingham circa 1978. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Walter Egan: “Magnet And Steel” (1978, written by Walter Egan).

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

Stay well.

26May2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 436

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today is birthday #73 for Stephanie “Stevie” Lynn Nicks, born on May 26,1948 in Arizona. She started singing with her grandfather when she was a toddler and was in a folk band by high school. When she was a senior, she met Lindsey Buckingham & joined his band. Eventually the two recorded their own album, Buckingham Nicks, in 1973. A year later, Mick Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the drummer’s group. Buckingham agreed on the condition he could bring his girlfriend & partner with him, so Nicks joined the band as well. Fleetwood Mac went on to great success and Nicks also enjoyed a successful solo career beginning with her 1981 album, Bella Donna.

Just before her 29th birthday on May 21, 1977 Rumours became the #1 album in the country. It was the second time that year the album was in that position. The first time was on April 2 for two straight weeks, then again from May 21-July 15 for eight straight weeks. But then in what could only be called an unexpected upset Barry Manilow Live took over the #1 spot for one week. After that Rumours went back to first place for 19 straight weeks from July 23 – December 2, until Linda Ronstadt’s Simple Dreams usurped the top position and stayed there for the rest of the year.

But Rumours was not finished ruling the chart just yet. It went back to the top spot for the first two weeks of 1978 but on January 21 a dark cloud appeared in the form of Saturday Night Fever which became the country’s top selling album for 24 straight weeks (January 21 – July 7). I always say 1978 was a great year for music. I must have blocked this out for obvious reasons. Disco was not my thing.

Today’s song is not from Rumours but it is probably Nicks’ most well known track. It was on the band’s 1975 self-titled album, the first featuring her & Buckingham, and just before the songs based on their inner band romances & breakups propelled Fleetwood Mac into the legendary group they became. Happy birthday, Stevie Nicks. Here’s to 100 more.

“Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too“.

Top: Stevie Nicks circa 2019. Bottom: Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Lindsey Buckingham, Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie & John McVie. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Landslide” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

4Feb2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 325

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Beware of “Rumours”, unless they are the Fleetwood Mac kind. Then you cannot lose.

Celebrating 44 years of one of the best-selling albums of all time, released on February 4, 1977.

“It’s only me, who wants to
Wrap around your dreams and
Have you any dreams you’d like to sell
Dreams of loneliness“.

“Like a heartbeat, drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
And what you had“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Dreams” (1977, written by Stevie Nicks).

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

Stay well.

27Nov2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 256

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.

On November 26th Fleetwood Mac’s bassist John McVie became another member of this year’s 75th birthday club. He was born in London, England in 1945 has been in the band since 1967. The name of the group came from combining his nickname “Mac” (a variation on his last name) with Mick Fleetwood’s surname. And his methodical detailed playing combined with McVie’s tremendous bass line provided every one of the group’s songs with an unbelievably strong & precise rhythm section. But I think what they created together on today’s song is nothing short of outstanding.

“If I could
Maybe I’d give you my world
How can I
When you won’t take it from me”.

Top: Fleetwood Mac circa 1975 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks. John McVie, Christine McVie & Lindsey Buckingham). Bottom: John McVie circa 1979. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Go Your Own Way” (1977, written by Lindsey Buckingham).

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

Stay well.

13Jul2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 119

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

This weekend the music world celebrated two milestones: On July 12 Christine McVie turned 77 years young while July 11 marked the 45th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self titled album.

I cannot express how important that album, along with 1977’s smash, Rumours, was to me. Aside from phenomenal music, to see two strong talented female songwriters in one band was inspiring. At that time in my life I was lost in a sea of male singers (not a complaint, just a fact) or all male groups until I discovered the women of Fleetwood Mac, McVie and Stevie Nicks.

Between her enormous solo career & theatrical stage performances, Nicks had become a focal point of the group, appearing to outshine McVie. But one listen to any of her songs, from “Over My Head”, “Don’t Stop”, “You Make Loving Fun” or her keyboard prowess on any number by the band it was clear McVie shone bright all on her own. In fact, eight of the sixteen songs on the band’s 1988 Greatest Hits album are hers. And her deep contralto voice makes it as easily recognizable as Nick’s.

She also enjoyed some solo success with 1984’s “Got A Hold On Me” but after the band’s induction into the Rock & Roll HOF in 1998 McVie decided to retire from the band after 28 years. She did, however, continue to work in studio sessions for them. By 2014 she rejoined the group where she remains today. In 2017 she released an album with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. I love nearly all of Christine McVie’s songs but today’s is my favorite.

“Baby, baby, hope you’re going to stay away
‘Cause I’m getting weaker, weaker, everyday
I guess I’m not as strong as I used to be
And if you use me again it’ll be the end of me.”

Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood (drums, John McVie (bass, seated) Christine McVie (piano/keyboards), Lindsey Buckingham ( guitar) & Stevie Nicks (vocals). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac featuring Christine McVie: “Say You Love Me” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

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

Stay well.

8Apr2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 23

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

music heart

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

How does a musical group measure success? Is it by how many records they sell? Or how many concerts they sell out? Or perhaps by how many awards they have won? It could be all three, or they could measure their success by how long they stay together. But becoming a part of pop culture is a clear sign that regardless of the awards you’ve won or the number of records you’ve sold, you have cemented your place in history.

Case in point: Fleetwood Mac releases their “Rumours” album in 1977. It becomes a best selling record of that year, of that decade, of all time. Every fan knows what member sings which song or wrote which song along with the lyrics to all those songs, having heard them 100’s of times at home or on the radio or in concert even. The fans also know the background of the songs stem from the members of the group breaking up with their respective partners and having affairs with different people, including other members of the group. That may make the album remarkable, but that still does not earn the group a place in pop culture. That comes 25 years after the album’s release. In March 2002 on an episode of Will & Grace”, Will finds out that both his parents are having affairs. His reaction?

“Fantastic. Everybody’s cheating on everybody. Suddenly my parents are Fleetwood Mac!”

Place in pop culture solidified 🙂

Rumours

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “The Chain” (1977, written by Fleetwood Mac: Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie and Stevie Nicks).

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: Lindsey Buckingham

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

Music Monday: May 22, 2023

Let’s Take A Moment Day 537

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The back cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. (L-R): Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 508

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 499

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(L-R): Stevie Nicks, Walter Egan and Lindsey Buckingham circa 1978. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 436

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 325

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 256

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Top: Fleetwood Mac circa 1975 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks. John McVie, Christine McVie & Lindsey Buckingham). Bottom: John McVie circa 1979. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 119

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Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Mick Fleetwood (drums, John McVie (bass, seated) Christine McVie (piano/keyboards), Lindsey Buckingham ( guitar) & Stevie Nicks (vocals). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 23

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(Image found online. Original source unknown.)