Tag Archives: On My Own

Music Monday: June 3, 2024

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

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(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Patricia Louise Holt, better known as the iconic Patti LaBelle, celebrated birthday #80 last month. Born on May 24, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was another R&B performer who began singing in church as a child. Her self-titled group, LaBelle, had a #1 hit in 1975 with “Lady Marmalade”. She went solo in 1977 and had hits with “New Attitude”, “If You Asked Me To” and a #1 duet with Michael McDonald in 1986. In addition to her music career which earned her two Grammy Awards, she has also acted, written her autobiography, several cookbooks and is well regarded as a fashion & style guru.

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Patti LaBelle circa 2000. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another musical legend turned 80 in May. Gladys Maria Knight was born May 28, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia. Regarded as “The Empress Of Soul”, the multiple Grammy Award winner is best known as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & The Pips, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996. She has enjoyed a solo career which includes her performance on the 1985 song, “That’s What Friends Are For”, film & TV acting roles, multiple honors and accolades for her status as one of the greatest singers of all time.

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Gladys Knight circa 2022. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The self-titled debut studio album by supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash was released 55 years ago on May 29, 1969 by Atlantic Records. Each member established themselves in the groups The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies, respectively, but together their songs and harmonies put them in their own lane where they made musical history. Even when they were joined by occasional fourth member Neil Young, it is the three core members who are best known as one of the greatest folk rock groups of all time. And their very first album started that legacy.

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(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald: “On My Own” (1986, written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager).

Gladys Knight & The Pips: “Neither One Of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” (1972, written by Jim Weatherly).

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

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 134

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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?

Thoreau music quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

When two of my favorite singers join forces it is just magical for me.  And no two voices ever sounded quite so good together than Patti Labelle’s and Michael McDonald’s.  I loved her from her 1970’s group Labelle and her solo career that followed, and I just swooned over him as a member of The Doobie Brothers.  Together they took this song to number one for three weeks in June 1986.  Written by the ineffable Burt Bacharach and his then wife, Carole Bayer Sager. this is a gorgeous tale of two broken hearts.  And one of my favorite duets ever.

“So many promises never should be spoken
Now I know what loving you cost
Now we’re up to talking divorce
And we weren’t even married.”

Patti

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald:  “On My Own” (1986, written by Burt Bacharach & Carole Bayer Sager).

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

Stay well.