Tag Archives: Robert Plant

Music Monday: April 22, 2024

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

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“When it’s time for leavin’ I hope you’ll understand”.

The world said goodbye to another Brother last week. Forrest Richard Betts, better known as Dickey Betts, died on April 18, 2024 at the age of 80. He was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and the one who took on the daunting task of moving the band forward after the death of its other extraordinary player, Duane Allman. Betts was one of the greatest soulful blues guitarists out there and was the writer behind such classics as “Ramblin’ Man”, “Blue Sky” and “Jessica”.

I know how blessed he was for spending eight decades on this earth and how lucky we were to have him, but this loss just cuts so incredibly deep. Gregg Allman and Betts’ voices were the two recognizable ones from that band and now they are both gone. Sigh. Yet, I can only imagine the endless jam that is taking place now that he is back with Duane, Berry, Butch and Gregg. Rest easy with all of them for all eternity, Dickey. Thank you for every note.

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Dickey Betts circa 1995. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Youngbloods are best known for their 1967 peace & love anthem, “Get Together”. But for me, it is their third album, 1969’s Elephant Mountain, that has the best song of their career. It was written and sung by the group’s primary vocalist and songwriter, Jesse Colin Young,

The track has been covered over two dozen times, most notably by by Mott The Hoople on their 1972 album, Brain Capers and Robert Plant for his 2002 release, Dreamland. For as good as those versions are, there is a sense of urgency in the original that is unmatched even 55 years later due to its powerful vocal and incredibly intense guitar riffs. The track also features an evocative fiddle/violin arrangement by musician David Lindley and not Charlie Daniels, who produced the album.

“Darkness darkness long and lonesome
Ease the day that brings me pain
I have felt the edge of sadness
I have known the depth of fear“.

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JCY recent
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Top: Jesse Colin Young circa 1969. Middle: Young circa 2015. Bottom: The Youngbloods in 1967 (L-R): Jesse Colin Young, Jerry Corbitt, Joe Bauer and Lowell “Banana” Levinger. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” (1970, written by Dickey Betts).

The Youngbloods: ”Darkness, Darkness” (1969, written by Jesse Colin Young). 

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: January 15, 2024

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

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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 and Denny

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.

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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. 

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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.

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

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

Bruce quote 2023

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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.

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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.

Tom Johnston
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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.

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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.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 18

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I try to find a-new-to-me Christmas song every year to add to my playlist. I found this one six years ago after hearing the soundtrack to the 2015 film, “Love The Coopers”. I still have not seen the movie but I listen to a lot of the music featured in it including this tune by one of the most interesting duos music ever brought together, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

“Snow falling right on time
Another church bell chimes
And we’re only hours away
From the light of Christmas Day“.

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Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in 2021. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: “The Light Of Christmas Day” (2015, written by Charles Duncan).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: October 4, 2021

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Hi, everyone. Welcome back to the blog for this week’s Music Monday.

Music Monday

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During quarantine I discovered a fantastic series on Hulu. “Luther” was originally a Starz show that ran from 2010-2019. It featured the unbelievably sexy Idris Elba in the title role as a cop struggling with all the darkness of his job & the ballast it brought to his personal life. Set in the UK, it was clear early on that music was one of the stars of this incredibly well written & well produced series.

Someone bts was clearly a Slowhand fan as one episode featured a character who lived above a vacuum store named “Clapton’s” while another featured a woman named after one of his most famous tunes, “Layla”.

Other songs & artists were featured as well including jazz queen Nina Simone’s great cover of The Animals’ “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, Robert Plant with “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down”, Roxy Music with “Love Is The Drug”, Dusty Springfield with “I Only Want To Be With You”, Alabama Shakes with “Boys & Girls” and the fabulous track that closed out Season 3.

It is by American duo The Black Keys comprised of vocalist & guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney. Featured on their 2010 album, Brothers, it was originally a Top 20 hit in 1968 for soul singer Jerry Butler who co-wrote it with future Philadelphia Soul legends, Gamble & Huff.

The cover version may have been released more than forty years after the original but The Black Keys gave it such an old school feel I was sure it was some obscure R&B Top 40 hit from the 1970’s that managed to elude me. It is just that evocative, rich & incredibly soulful. Any artist that can do that to a song is one I am happy to add to my playlist.

“Do you see these tears in my eyes
There’s no use in lyin’, ’cause I really cried
You think you are gonna take me
And put me on the shelf
I’d rather die than see you
With somebody else”.

Black Keys

Drummer Patrick Carney (L) and vocalist & guitarist Dan Auerbach (R) of The Black Keys. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Black Keys: “Never Gonna Give You Up” (2010, written by Jerry Butler, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff).

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 522

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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.

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“.

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Plant 2004

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 160

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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?

Bruce 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.

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 125

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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.

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.”

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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.