Tag Archives: Neil Young

Music Monday: November 17, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of the architects of the Motown label turned 85 this year. William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. was born February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. The music icon started singing as a teenager in a doo wop group, The Five Chimes, with future Miracles members Ronald White and Pete Moore. By 1957 Bobby Rogers and his cousin, Emerson (Sonny) Rogers joined them under the new group name, The Matadors. Emerson was replaced that year by his sister, Claudette Rogers, when he enlisted in the Army.

In 1958 Marv Tarplin joined the group who was touring Detroit clubs as The Miracles. That year they released their first single, “Got a Job” with the help of Berry Gordy who they met when they auditioned for Brunswick Records the year before. When he founded Tamala Records in 1959, The Miracles were one of the first groups signed to the label. Robinson became one of its top performers, songwriters and soon its Vice President.

The Miracles circa 1962 (L-R): Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Ronnie White, Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers Robinson (not pictured Warren Pete Moore). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Miracles released six albums between 1961 and 1964. In 1965, they became known as Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The first album under their new name-Going to a Go-Go-was released 60 years ago in November 1965 (The Rolling Stones released a fabulous live cover of the title track in 1982).

And 55 years ago they released the single, “Tears of a Clown”, in July 1970. It was first introduced in 1967 on the album, Make It Happen. The track reached the #1 spot in the country for two weeks in December 1970. The group released nearly a dozen albums together until 1972 when Robinson went solo and the remaining members became known once again as The Miracles.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

He married Claudette in 1959 and they had two children before they divorced in 1986. Throughout his 60+ years in entertainment, Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades that continue in the present. In April 2025, he was one of the honorees at the third annual American Music Honors show, presented by The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Robinson is also currently on tour and the dates are available on his website.

A performance at the third annual American Music Honors show on April 26, 2025 at The Pollak Theatre in New Jersey featured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, Marc Ribler, Steven Van Zandt and Robinson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Temptin’ Temptations was released 60 years ago on November 1, 1965. It was their third album for Motown and the first single-which came out five months earlier-was a Top 20 hit, peaking at #17 in August 1965.

Earlier that year in March they released their second album, The Temptations Sing Smokey, which contains their signature tune released in December 1964 & featured the inimitable David Ruffin on lead vocal. It became the group’s first #1 record, hitting the top spot for one week in March 1965 (Three more #1 songs would follow: “I Can’t Get Next To You” in 1969, “Just My Imagination (Running Away From Me)” in 1971 and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” in 1972). In their career the Temptations charted 53 times with 15 Top Ten songs. They remain one of Motown’s most successful groups and one of my personal favorites.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stephen Stills released his eponymous debut solo album 55 years ago on Nov 16, 1970. The singer/songwriter/musician/producer-who turned 80 in January-wrote all 10 tracks himself & the first single peaked at #14 in January 1971. The front cover photo was taken by Henry Diltz who also took the cover picture for Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 debut album. Before becoming a member of that supergroup, Stills had established his talents in Buffalo Springfield, so it made sense that several guests joined him on his solo record including John Sebastian, Cass Elliot and Stills’ bandmates-David Crosby & Graham Nash-on backing vocals. Several acclaimed musicians also appear on the album including Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Booker T. Jones and Jimi Hendrix, who died two months before the album was released. He befriended Stills in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, leading Stills to dedicate the album to him in the liner notes under his formal name, James Marshall Hendrix.

“Well there’s a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can’t be with the one you love honey
Love the one you’re with”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “Going to a Go-Go” (1965, written by Pete Moore, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., Bobby Rogers and Marv Tarplin).

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: “The Tears of a Clown” (1970, written by Hank (Henry) Cosby, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Stevie Wonder).

The Temptations: “My Girl” (1964, written William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and Ronald White).

The Temptations: “Since I Lost My Baby” (1965, written by Pete Moore and William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.).

Stephen Stills: “Love The One You’re With” (1970, written by Stephen Stills).

Stephen Stills: “Church (Part Of Someone)” (1970, written by Stephen Stills). ​

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 3, 2025

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young will turn 80 years young next week. Born November 12, 1945 in Toronto, Canada, he was in his first band while he was in junior high but eventually quit school to pursue music on a full time basis. While playing in local clubs with the band The Squires, he met Stephen Stills & eventually the two men (and three others) formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles in 1966. Their song, “For What It’s Worth” was written by Stills to reflect the pushback the counterculture was experiencing at that time. Despite that early success, the band broke up two years later due to internal & external struggles.

Young released his self-titled debut album in 1968. He would join Stills again in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from 1969-1970 where he found his own words of protest when he wrote, “Ohio” about the 1970 Kent State college campus tragedies. Young continued his solo work which eventually became his main focus. Fast forward nearly 60 years later, Young has obtained legendary status, is still making music and supporting causes he believes in like one of his own, Farm Aid, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in September (more about that here).

My favorite song by Young was released in 1972 on his fourth studio album, Harvest. A 50th anniversary edition deluxe CD box set came out in December 2022. It includes a DVD of a concert recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England & first broadcast in the the UK on April 1, 1971. Two videos from that performance were uploaded to Young’s YouTube channel. Despite having heard those songs thousands of times before, there is something about his voice in this show that makes me ache for a home I no longer have. Sigh.

Happy birthday, Neil Young. Thank you for every song.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Neil Young circa 1972. Bottom: The artist on stage at Farm Aid 40 in September 2025. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos was released 55 years ago on November 9, 1970. It is the group’s only album but the title song remains one of the most iconic & definitive songs in classic rock’s illustrious history. The band-which consisted of Eric Clapton on guitar & vocals, Jim Gordon on drums, Carl Radle on bass and Bobby Whitlock on piano and vocals-initially met as members of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and formed when all four men were together during the 1970 recording sessions for George Harrison’s extraordinary debut album, All Things Must Pass.

As if Clapton’s lyrics & angst ridden vocals combined with the band’s electrifying sound were not powerful enough on their own, guest musician Duane Allman brought his own remarkable spin with his lead & slide guitar contributions. He & Clapton were already fans of one another and finally met when their mutual producer, Tom Dowd, brought the Dominos to an Allman Brothers show just as the Layla sessions were starting in August 1970. Allman wanted to come to the studio and Clapton insisted he bring his guitar. History was made with Allman playing on 11 of 14 tracks-nine originals and five cover songs-including Jimi Hendrix’s, “Little Wing”.

Clapton-the surviving member of the band-has continued to play several of the tracks throughout his career. He reconfigured the title song into a slower number without the piano coda for his “Unplugged” performance in 1992. It became a Top 20 song that fall.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Derek & The Dominos 1970 album. Middle: The band (L-R): Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Gordon and Carl Radle. Bottom: A photo from August or September 1970 during the recording of the album (L-R): Duane Allman, Gordon, Radle, Whitlock and Clapton (seated). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Patti Smith’s debut album, Horses, was released 50 years ago on November 10, 1975. She was one of the first performers to contribute to the punk rock genre by combining her poetry with music as a means to celebrate both art forms. The album’s eight tracks are original songs with two of them using excerpts from rock classics.

The album cover is a photograph of Smith taken by her friend, Robert Mapplethorpe. On Day 67 of my Lockdown Countdown, I mentioned how much I loved her 2010 book. Specifically I wrote, “If you are a fan of Smith’s writing, I encourage you to read her memoir, “Just Kids”.  It is about her life in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s when she was living in Manhattan and met artist Robert Mapplethorpe.  It is a great read and she tells their story beautifully.” I echo those sentiments today.

Initially Smith’s androgenous look in the photo for the album was met with some resistance by her record company, Arista. But Smith insisted and eventually the president of the label, Clive Davis-who signed her to his label after seeing her perform at NYC’s legendary club, CBGB-gave it his blessing.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Top: Patti Smith’s 1975 debut album. Bottom: The cover of Smith’s 2010 memoir features a photo of her & Robert Mapplethorpe on the cover. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “Helpless” (1970, written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (Live performance recorded on February 23rd 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1st 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Old Man” (Live performance recorded on February 23, 1971 at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, England. First broadcast in the UK on April 1, 1971. The video debuted in December 2022 for the 50th Anniversary Edition of Harvest, originally released in 1972. Written by Neil Young).

Neil Young: “Powderfinger” (1979, written by Neil Young).

Derek & The Dominos: “Layla” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon).

Derek & The Dominos: “Bell Bottom Blues” (1970, written by Eric Clapton and Bobby Whitlock).

Patti Smith: “Gloria (part one: “In Excelsis Deo” / part two: “Gloria” (1975, part one written by Patti Smith, part two written by Van Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

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 19, 2024

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

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

It was 55 years ago when a crowd of over 400,000 people gathered at Max Yasgur’s 600 acre farm in Bethel, NY for a three day festival which lasted four due to weather interruptions. Officially named The Woodstock Music and Art Fair but more commonly referred to as Woodstock, the music festival was held from August 15-18, 1969 and featured more than 30 musical performers to entertain the “peace & love” crowd four months before the world said goodbye to the counterculture decade.

Poster
Max Yasgur
Max Yasgur on stage

Top: A copy of the concert poster found online. Middle: Max Yasgur, the owner of the farm where the music festival took place. Bottom: Yasgur addresses the crowd at the festival. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Woodstock was where Crosby, Stills & Nash made their second public performance after releasing their debut album in May 1969. They played an acoustic set followed by an electric one where they were joined by Neil Young. And the fact that the definitive funk & soul band, Sly & The Family Stone, took the stage in the middle of what was deemed a “hippie fest” and gave one of the best the performances of their career still blows my mind. Jimmy Hendrix’s now legendary guitar take on our national anthem remains a highlight from the concert as well.

There was something for everyone whether they enjoyed folk, pop, rock or funk music. In my tween years I always thought this was the dream concert I wished I could have seen live. But then I saw a clip of Otis Redding at Monterey and knew that was truly the place I needed to be. Still, Woodstock was a monumental event in both history and music. A movie of highlights from the epic concert was released in March 1970, followed by a soundtrack album two months later. A Director’s Cut of the film was released in 1994 to mark the 25th anniversary of the festival followed by a 40th Anniversary edition in 2009. The new footage changed my favorite performances over the years, but the four I share below have remained my top choices for about a decade.

Tim Hardin new 2
Sly new
Jefferson Airplane
csn new

Four photos taken at Woodstock in August 1969: One: Tim Hardin. Two: Sly Stone. Three (L-R): Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, Marty Balin and Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane. Four (L-R): David Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills of CSN). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Tim Hardin (performed Friday, August 15, 1969):  “If I Were A Carpenter” (1967, written by Tim Hardin).  

Sly & The Family Stone (performed Sunday, August 17, 1969):  “I Want To Take You Higher” (1969, written by Sly Stone).

Jefferson Airplane (performed Sunday, August 17, 1969):  “Volunteers” (1969, written by Marty Balin and Paul Kantner).

Crosby, Stills & Nash (performed Monday, August 18, 1969): “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (1969, written by Stephen Stills).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: November 20, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by

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

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We have three more songs celebrating milestones this week. The first is by the band Chicago. They released their fifth album-Chicago VI-in June 1973. It contains today’s first feature-my favorite track by the band-and the hit, “Just You ‘N’ Me“. Fifty years later, both songs remain two of the most popular from the group’s legendary catalog.

Chicago VI

.(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In the fall of 1977, the band Player released their self-titled debut album. By January of the following year, their first single became the #1 song in the country for three consecutive weeks. Their second single from the album, “This Time I’m In It For Love“, hit #10 in June 1978.

Player

Player’s 1977 self titled debut album (L -R): Peter Beckett (lead vocals & guitar), Ronn Moss (vocals & bass), John Friesen (drums) and John Charles J.C. Crowley (vocals & keyboards). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In September 1978, Nicolette Larson released her debut album, Nicolette. It included really nice covers of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It” and Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me“. The lead single was written by Neil Young whom she sang back-up for from 1977 to 1993. It spent four weeks as a Top Ten hit, peaking at #8 in February 1979. Later that year she performed the song at the “No Nukes” concerts in NYC backed by The Doobie Brothers. I do not think too many people can cover Young’s songs well, but Larson is one of the exceptions. I adore her version of this track as much as I love Young’s polar opposite acoustic original.

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Nicolette Larson’s 1978 debut album, “Nicolette”.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Chicago: “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” (1973, written by Peter Cetera and James Pankow).

Player: “Baby Come Back” (1977, written by Peter Beckett and John Charles “J.C.” Crowley).

Nicolette Larson: “Lotta Love” (1978, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe and well.

Music Monday: November 14, 2022

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Novenber 12 marked birthday #77 for Neil Young, Both an acoustic master & a rocker at heart, this Canadian native has been making music for over five decades as a solo artist and in classic rock bands, The Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

His lyrics make me feel as if I speak and understand another language. Whether it is his perspective on life, love, death and everything else we see or encounter in this world, Young’s vision is all his own but makes it ours as well. His stories are raw, beautiful and heartbreaking in one aching succinct eloquent tale after another. But they are his to tell and ours to celebrate.

Happy birthday, Neil Young.

“Ten silver saxes
A bass with a bow
The drummer relaxes
And waits between shows“.

Neil Young circa 2000. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Cinnamon Girl” (1969. written by Neil Young).

Stay safe and well.

Music Monday: February 14, 2022

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of Neil Young’s most important albums celebrated its golden anniversary earlier this month. Harvest was released 50 years ago on Feb 1, 1972. It introduced the world to legendary songs like the title track, “Old Man”, “The Needle And The Damage Done” and today’s impossibly beautiful & heartbreaking pick. I have loved this magnificent tune forever. It holds a permanent place in my top ten list of favorite songs of all time.

It was my first introduction to acoustic music & placed the bar so high it remains a perfect performance in my heart, mind & soul. And with today being Valentine’s Day, it underscores the need we all have to find that perfect love. So whatever the great joy of your life is-whether it be a person, place or thing-celebrate it with everything you have whenever you can. Life goes by too fast not to. Love is love.

“I want to live
I want to give
I’ve been a miner
For a heart of gold”.

V day

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (1972, written by Neil Young).

Stay safe and well.

Music Monday: November 15, 2021

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

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

November 12 marked birthday #76 for one of the greatest artists Canada ever gave us-Neil Young. It goes without saying that he has written a number of outstanding songs throughout his over five decade career. But for me, it is today’s song that remains his finest piece of music.

I fell in love with it the first time I heard it as a young child & it remains one of my Top Ten favorite songs of all time. This was my first introduction to an acoustic sound and it is beyond spectacular. I will adore Young forever for the plethora of music he has given us, but especially for this heartbreakingly beautiful song most of all.

“I’ve been in my mind
It’s such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold and I’m getting old“.

Neil

Neil Young circa 1970. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Heart Of Gold” (1972, written by Neil Young).

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 525

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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?

Aug 2021 blog

(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.

This weekend we lost a pioneer in two musical genres. Isaac Donald “Don” Everly died August 21 at the age of 84. Born February 1, 1937 in Kentucky he and his younger brother, Phil (January 19, 1939 – January 3, 2014), were a trailblazing duo in both country music & the birth of the rock & roll era who used harmonizing vocals to create their signature sound. Don sang lead and Phil provided the harmony.

The two men started singing with their parents on their father’s radio show on KMA in Iowa in the 1940’s as The Everly Family. They moved to TN in the early 1950’s where the brothers pursued music full time once Don graduated from high school in 1955. They were soon discovered by guitarist Chet Atkins who helped introduce them to Acuff Rose publishers & the songwriting team of Boudleaux Bryant.

They wrote the brothers’ first hits in 1957, “Bye Bye Love” (a cross over hit on both the country & rock & roll charts) & “Wake Up Little Susie”. The duo was also the first to record the Boudleaux Bryant song “Love Hurts” in 1960 before it became a hit for Roy Orbison a year later. The boys did write some of their own songs including “Cathy’s Clown” (1960, written by Don) & “When Will I be Loved” (1960, written by Phil).

The brothers success led to their 1960 contract with Warner Brothers Records for one million dollars. At that time it was an unprecedented amount of money for a rock & roll act and would keep the boys with the label for ten years. But the unrelenting work schedule took its toll on the duo. So did contract disputes, sibling rivalry, drug use and more which led their official break up in 1973. They did reunite a decade later but their relationship remained strained.

Some of the biggest names in music were fans of The Everly Brothers. In his 1976 Wings song “Let ‘Em In”, Paul McCartney mentioned the duo by their first names (“…Martin Luther, Phil and Don”). George Harrison recorded a demo of today’s song that was included on his 2012 posthumous album, Early Takes: Volume. His friend & Traveling Wilbury bandmate Bob Dylan covered today’s song for his 1970 album, Self-Portrait. Both Everly Brothers sang on the track “Graceland” by another of their admirers, Paul Simon. In 1986 they were a part of the inaugural class inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame by Neil Young.

Today’s song was based on a French recording of “Je t’appartiens” from 1955. It was a Top Ten hit for the brothers in 1959. As much fun as their faster songs are, I think it is the ballads that show off their vocal harmonies best. Rest in peace, Don Everly.

“Each time we meet love
I find complete love
Without your sweet love
What would life be“.

Don and Phil

Don (L) and Phil Everly circa 1957. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Everly Brothers: “Let It Be Me” (1959, written by Gilbert Bécaud (music), Manny Curtis (English lyrics) and Pierre Delanoë (French lyrics).

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 514

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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?

Aug 2021 blog

(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.

I am not sure if today’s song is considered PC or not anymore given the whole cancel culture climate we are in. I do not mean to offend if it is. I just hear it as a great track by one of my favorite bands. And in honor of Garth Hudson’s 84th birthday earlier this month I want to share it. He was born on August 2, 1937 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and he was the only member of that fabulous band who did not contribute vocals. He was too busy as a multi-instrumentalist to add that to his resume. He contributed keyboards, saxophone and accordion playing to the group which helped define their sound from day one.

Robbie Robertson may have been the principal songwriter for The Band, but he alone could not have given life to those songs in the phenomenal way the five men did as an ensemble. He & Hudson, who has been working as a solo artist for the last two decades, are the only living members left from this incredible group. I think it is so sad the other three have missed so much. But together they reached the likes of Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Elton John & many others who were completely inspired by what The Band created as a whole. That is one impressive fan base. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for Garth Hudson.

“Now I don’t mind chopping wood
And I don’t care if the money’s no good
You take what you need
And you leave the rest“.

Garth 1971

The Band 1970

Top: Garth Hudson circa 1971. Bottom: The Band circa 1970 (L-R): Rick Danko, Hudson, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson and Richard Manuel. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Band: “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” (From the music documentary “The Last Waltz”, released April 26, 1978. Recorded live on November 25, 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Originally released in 1969, written by Robbie Robertson).

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

Stay well.