25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 8

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

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Before we get to our holiday song, I want to take a moment to remember the man I consider to be the greatest frontman of all time on his 80th birth anniversary. James Douglas Morrison was born December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, FL. As a vocalist, songwriter, poet, artist and visionary, he translated all of that into the music he made with The Doors.

In seven years together with six albums released in his lifetime, Morrison and his bandmates brought the British Invasion to a halt and reminded audiences that classic rock music would always be in style to those of us who understand its power, its beauty and its message. He remains an iconic and legendary figure of the genre and in pop culture more than five decades after his death. I feel like I have missed him forever. I live by his words from my favorite track on Morrison Hotel everyday:

“The future’s uncertain and
The end is always near“.

Top: Jim Morrison circa 1968. Middle: Morrison circa 1971. Bottom: The Doors circa 1967 (L-R): John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Morrison and Robby Krieger. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Another singer and legend I have missed nearly my whole life is the man behind today’s song. John Lennon’s quest for worldwide peace culminated in this song in 1971. It told us who he was at his core-not a Beatle, not a songwriter, not a musician, not a rock star, not an iconoclastic figure-just a man wanting to live in a world where he could “imagine” a peaceful happy Christmas for himself and the rest of us, too.

Merry Christmas, John. You are missed. Every. Single. Second.

“A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear“.

Top: Lennon on stage circa 1971. Bottom: Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, circa 1968. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Doors: “Roadhouse Blues” (1970, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

John Lennon & Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band with The Harlem Community Choir: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (1971, written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

18Sep2023

Music Monday: Sept 18, 2023

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

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

One of my favorite movies is celebrating its 40th anniversary. “The Big Chill” opened on September 9, 1983 with a fabulous cast and a soundtrack to match. A group of college friends who have become lost in their own worlds reunite when one of their own dies (the deceased friend was played by Kevin Costner, but his scenes were deleted). Coming to terms with who they have become in relation to who they were in their idealized younger days is explored in their weekend together after the funeral. The first of today’s three featured songs was just one of the incredible tracks used in the movie. It was originally released 56 years ago in 1967 by The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

A promotional photo from 1983’s “The Big Chill”. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Another event from 1967 was The Doors one & only appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in September of that year. After that show they were banned from ever appearing on it again because they refused to alter the lyrics of one of their songs. A producer asked the group to change the line, “Girl, we couldn’t get much higher” from “Light My Fire” as the powers that be at the show felt the line was a drug reference not appropriate for a family friendly show like Sullivan’s. Keyboard player Ray Manzarek agreed to the change, but once the group was alone they all decided to perform it as written. And they did. Rock & Roll rebellion at its finest, including a beautiful front man with swagger for d-a-y-s.

A black & white view and a color picture of The Doors onstage at “The Ed Sullivan Show” in September 1967 (l-r: John Densmore (drums), Robby Krieger (guitar), Jim Morrison (vocals) and Ray Manzarek (keyboards). (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Jim Croce died at the age of 30 in a plane crash on September 20, 1973. I have written before that I do not normally like to observe the day a musician dies, but this year also marked what would have been Croce’s 80th birthday. He was born on January 10, 1943 in South Philadelphia, PA. He started singing while he was a student at Villanova University. By 1972 he was all over the radio with four hits from his third album, You Don’t Mess Around With Jim: “Time In A Bottle”, “Photographs and Memories”, the title track & the third of today’s songs.

In July 1973 Croce celebrated the first #1 record of his career when “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” hit the top of the chart (“Time In A Bottle” also hit #1 that year, three months after his death). Croce was an incredible storyteller, sharing tales of his own life and the observations he made of others. One listen to any of his songs, especially the one I chose from him today, is proof of that. It is also worth noting that the other musician in the video-Croce’s one man band, guitarist, singer & songwriter Maury Muehleisen-died in the same plane crash at age 24.

Jim Croce (L) and Maury Muehleisen (R) in 1973. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Aretha Franklin: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (1967, written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Jerry Wexler).

The Doors: “People Are Strange” (Performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” from September 17, 1967. Released the same year and written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

Jim Croce: “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)” (1972, written by Jim Croce).

Stay safe & well.

29Aug2022

Music Monday: August 29, 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.)

Happy almost 77th birthday to Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE. Born August 31, 1945 in Northern Ireland. he started performing and singing as a teenager, inspired by his father’s country, gospel & blues records. By 1964 Morrison formed the band Them who saw success with songs like “Gloria” and “Here Comes The Night”. In 1967 Van The Man went solo with his fusion of rock, blues and jazz music. That inspired and incredible sound combined with his voice & poetry gave way to songs like no others, especially on albums like Astral Weeks (1968), Moondance (1970) and Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972), just to name a few.

His fame and influence range from The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, The Band, U2, John Mellencamp, The Counting Crows, David Gray, Ray Lamontagne and so many others. After over six decades of performing, Morrison is still making new music. Earlier this year he released What’s It Gonna Take?, his 43rd studio album.

The hard part for me when listening to his music is choosing which record to start with, mainly because I will usually stay with that album for days or possibly weeks at a time. It is nearly impossible to absorb every nuance of Morrison’s voice in ten sittings, let alone one. Even all these years after first discovering this man’s music, it still surprises me with something I missed before. Today’s song, the title track from his 1973 album, falls into that category every time I hear it. It may not be as popular as some of his other songs, but for me it is one of the best vocals of his acclaimed career.

“Put your money where your mouth is
Then we can get something going
In order to win you must be prepared to lose sometime
And leave one or two cards showing“.

Van Morrison circa 2010. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Van Morrison: “Hard Nose the Highway” (1973, written by Van Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

11Apr2022

Music Monday: April 11, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

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

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I need to spend some extra time with the man I consider to be the greatest frontman of all time. So, a trip to the Morrison Hotel it is. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Doors.

“Well I woke up this morning
And I got myself a beer
The future’s uncertain
And the end is always near“.

The cover of The Doors’ 1970 album. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors: “Roadhouse Blues” (1970, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

14Sep2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 547

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?

(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.

First things first: A shout out to my four favorite ladies in TV land-Dorothy, Rose, Blanche & Sophia-who were introduced to the world as “The Golden Girls” 36 years ago today on September 14, 1985. How I love these women & how I love this show (yes, present tense on both counts). They are a part of me & always will be. Thank you, Ladies, for comedic platinum.

The Golden Girls circa 1986 (L-R): Estelle Getty (Sophia/Ma), Betty White (Rose), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Bea Arthur (center, Dorothy). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Now to the music. In September 1967 The Doors released their second album, Strange Days. Today’s song was the first single and became a Top 20 hit that year for the group. When they appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” for their one & only performance on September 17, 1967, today’s track was the first of two songs they performed. And watching Jim Morrison swagger up to that microphone is one of the reasons why he is one of the greatest frontmen of all time. That stage was his and he made sure everyone knew it. Sa-woon.

“People are strange when you’re a stranger
Faces look ugly when you’re alone
Women seem wicked when you’re unwanted
Streets are uneven when you’re down“.

The Doors circa 1967 (L-R): John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison and Robby Krieger. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors: “People Are Strange” (Live performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” September 17, 1967. Written by Robby Krieger and Jim Morrison).

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

Stay well.

31Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 533

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

We close out this month with another musical birthday. Today Van “The Man” Morrison turns 76 years young. Born August 31, 1945 in Northern Ireland, he gained his love of music from his parents. His mother was a singer and his father’s record collection educated his son in all genres of music. But it was the blues that resonated most with him. His father bought Morrison a guitar when he was 11 leading him to form his first band a year later. By the age of 17 he was touring Europe with another band but his breakthrough came in 1964 when he joined the group Them.

They charted three times including their most well known song, “Gloria”. That brought Morrison to America for the first time in 1966 on a tour that included several shows at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Whiskey A-Go-Go where he met & performed with The Doors. By 1967 Them disbanded leading to Morrison’s relocation to the US and the start of his solo career. After his song, “Brown Eyed Girl” became a Top Ten hit in the country, Van The Man was on his way.

I am such a fan of his beautiful songs & his unique interpretations of the lyrics. His evocative tone tells a story all its own separate and apart from his sublime poetry. As much as I adore his ballads, Morrison’s take-no-prisoners approach to his faster tempo songs envelopes me into each and every note. Today’s track is no exception. Happy birthday, Sir George Ivan Morrison. May you see 100 more.

“And when you walk
Across the room
It makes my heart go
Boom boom boom“.

Van Morrison’s sixth studio album released in 1972. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Van Morrison: “Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)” (1972, written by Van Morrison).

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

Stay well.

14Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 516

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

One of my favorite movies of all time made its debut 30 years ago today. “The Commitments” opened in limited release on August 14, 1991. To see a film about a group of young singers and musicians coming together to celebrate the miracle that is the soul genre absolutely spoke to me. And one of the legendary singers the group admired? None other than the King Of Soul himself, Otis Redding.

The fact that he died in 1967 used to make me believe it was one of the worst years in music history. Ironically, it was probably one of the best. Why? Because it was the only one in which three of the greatest voices of all time were making music in the universe at the same time: Redding, Marvin Gaye & Jim Morrison. That year also had The Summer Of Love. I can’t call it complete paradise as there was a war going on at the time as well. But man, was it close.

“My life is such a weary thing
But in my ears, oh, this prayer just rang & rang
You keep wanting, waiting and wishing
When I know deep down that I’m not to blame“.

Otis Redding on stage during the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “My Lover’s Prayer” (1966, written by Otis Redding).

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

Stay well.

4Aug2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 506

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

On August 3, 1968 The Doors hit the #1 spot in the country for the first of two consecutive weeks with today’s song. It was the second top selling song of their short career after “Light My Fire” hit the top of the chart the year before. From the release of their self-titled debut in January 1967 to their 1971 album L.A. Woman released three months before Jim Morrison’s untimely death, The Doors were one of the most brilliant, dynamic and unstoppable forces in music.

“Sidewalk crouches at her feet
Like a dog that begs for something sweet
Do you hope to make her see, you fool
Do you hope to pluck this dusky jewel“.

The Doors circa 1968 (L-R): John Densmore, Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors: “Hello I Love You” (1968, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

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

Stay well.

3Jul2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 474

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fifty years. Today marks 50 years since the beautiful talented sexy swaggering poet & front man of The Doors died at age 27. Jim Morrison left this world on July 3, 1971. His death devastated his band, the music industry and those who he reached with his words. They affect me in the same profound way Marvin Gaye’s voice does. Gaye has my soul, Springsteen has my heart, Morrison has my mind. And music is my life.

James Douglas Morrison was born December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, Florida and died less than three decades later. But his years with The Doors revolutionized music & helped put the focus back on American bands after three years of The British Invasion. From 1967 to 1971-five unimaginably short years-The Doors conquered the world & left an indelible mark on it.

But I do not wonder “what if” after their story ended with Morrison’s death. I realized a long time ago that as much as I may hate it, some people were not meant to have long lives in this world. And he was one of them. But five decades later, his music, his words, his legacy & his presence are still so incredibly powerful. That is the stuff legends are made of. And to me, he was one in every sense of the word. And probably the best front man to ever swagger on to a stage. Jim Morrison was everything.

“Well, I just got into town about an hour ago
Took a look around, see which way the wind blow
Where the little girls in their Hollywood bungalows
Are you a lucky little lady in the city of light“.

Top: Jim Morrison circa 1967. Bottom: The Doors circa 1964 (L-R): John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Morrison and Robby Krieger. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors: “L.A. Woman” (1971, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

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

Stay well.

12Feb2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 333

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Stories about brothers as rivals go back to the days of Kane & Abel. That competitive existence has played out over and over in history since. And it does not just exist between blood brothers as it can happen with two men who are friends as well. But some brothers, despite their differences, do not become rivals but rather exist in a more harmonious entwined state because they admire each other’s talents. This is sometimes referred to as a bromance. One of the best examples of this is found in Greek mythology between Zeus’ sons, Apollo and Dionysus. Apollo, the god of the sun, was logical and prudent like most left brain people are. Dionysus, the god of wine & dance, was more creative and ruled by his emotions which today translates into right brain thinking.

Ray Manzarek of The Doors once said in a radio interview that he played Apollo to Jim Morrison’s Dionysus. Manzarek also referred to Morrison as his buddy, his pal, his friend and his soul mate. The man he created art with. I found it both heartbreaking and beautiful to listen to one man talk so eloquently about another man who he also referred to as his “brother”.

Manzarek was born 82 years ago on Feb 12, 1939. He met Morrison in California in the early 1960’s and by 1965 The Doors were a band. From 1967 to 1971 they conquered the music world & released six albums together before Morrison’s death on July 3, 1971. Manzarek died on May 20, 2013. After 42 years, the Apollo & Dionysus of the music world were finally reunited. The Morrison & Manzarek bromance continues.

“I found an island in your arms
Country in your eyes
Arms that chain us
Eyes that lie”.

The Doors circa 1968 (L-R): Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Robby Krieger & Jim Morrison. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors: “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” (1967, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek,& Jim Morrison).

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: The Doors

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 8

Music Monday: Sept 18, 2023

A black & white view and a color picture of The Doors onstage at “The Ed Sullivan Show” in September 1967 (l-r: John Densmore (drums), Robby Krieger (guitar), Jim Morrison (vocals) and Ray Manzarek (keyboards). (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Music Monday: August 29, 2022

Music Monday: April 11, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 547

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 533

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 516

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding on stage during the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 506

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors circa 1968 (L-R): John Densmore, Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 474

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Top: Jim Morrison circa 1967. Bottom: The Doors circa 1964 (L-R): John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Morrison and Robby Krieger. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 333

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doors circa 1968 (L-R): Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Robby Krieger & Jim Morrison. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)