Music Monday: September 8, 2025

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.)

Before we get to the songs, I want to give a shout out to a couple of TV anniversaries close to my heart.

Two of my favorite TV cops-“Starsky & Hutch”-came to life in the show’s pilot which premiered on April 30, 1975. Due to its success, it was picked up for a series with the first episode broadcast 50 years ago on Sep 10, 1975. The two cops were not only partners but best friends who were dedicated to keeping the streets of their city safe. They had heart, smarts and great instincts and were adorable to watch, especially if you were a young girl experiencing her first real crushes. It was one of Aaron Spelling’s biggest hits in the early days of his TV empire. To me, David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser remain the best part of that universe.

David Soul (L) as Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson and Paul Michael Glaser (R) as Detective David Starsky. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

A decade later, I met four women who I will adore for all of eternity. “The Golden Girls” premiered 40 years ago on September 14, 1985. They gave us seven seasons of fun, laughter, jokes, sarcastic quips and life lessons served up with a side of cheesecake. For many of us, they remain the best surrogate mothers to those of us who desperately need them. A very special thank you goes out to the show’s creator, Susan Harris (who will turn 85 next month, who also gave us the hilarious 1970’s series, “Soap” & is from my home state of New York), who took her vision of women in their second & third acts & turned it into one of the greatest shows ever made. The show was nominated six times for the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy Award – it won two years in a row, 1986 & 1987 – and all four leading ladies won Emmy Awards for their work on the show. Thank you Estelle, Bea, Rue & Betty for making the wonderful world of Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche & Rose such a great place to be.

Four iconic women sharing a story & a laugh over a slice of cheesecake (L-R): Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo, Bea Arthur as her daughter, Dorothy Zbornak, Betty White as Rose Nylund and Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sir George Ivan “Van” Morrison OBE celebrated birthday #80 last month. Born August 31, 1945 in Belfast, Ireland, he grew up listening to his father’s extensive record collection, finding inspiration in artists like Ray Charles and Solomon Burke, among others. Morrison started playing guitar at age 11 and eventually would learn the harmonica & the saxophone as well. He was playing in bands by age 12 and by age 19, he was a member of the band, Them. The success of songs like “Gloria” and “Here Comes the Night” not only inspired the band, The Doors, but gave Morrison the push to start a solo career, which he did after quitting Them in 1966.

His debut album, Blowin’ Your Mind!, was released a year later and produced the Top Ten hit, “Brown Eyed Girl”. His sophomore album, Astral Weeks, came out in 1968 and that was followed by my personal favorite-Moondance-which was released 55 years ago in January 1970. Between the title track, “Crazy Love”, “Into The Mystic”, “These Dreams Of You” and other stand out songs, Morrison’s talents for songwriting, musicianship and vocals infused with a blend of rock, soul and rhythm & blues were irrefutable.

He released another album at the end of 1970-His Band and the Street Choir-which produced his second Top Ten hit, “Domino”. He has released nearly 50 albums in his career, some as collaborations (including 1988’s Irish Heartbeat with the Irish band The Chieftains & 2015’s Duets: Re-working the Catalogue) and some covering his favorite songs (2023’s Accentuate the Positive).

Morrison has received numerous accolades for his work including an Academy Award nomination in 2022 (for “Down To Joy” from “Belfast”), two Grammy Awards (1998-Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals with John Lee Hooker for “Don’t Look Back” and 1996-Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals with The Chieftains for “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” ) and the Ivor Novello Award in 1995. Morrison’s music has been used on numerous movie soundtracks and he was a featured performed in The Band’s 1978 concert film, “The Last Waltz”. He has influenced artists like Rod Stewart, Elton John, John Mellencamp, Glen Hansard, Damien Rice and many others.

Van Morrison through the years, first circa 1968 (top), in the 1970’s (middle) and circa 2015 (bottom). (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Rod Stewart’s sixth solo album, Atlantic Crossing, was released 50 years ago in August 1975. He recorded it in Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama & it includes covers of the Dobie Gray classic, “Drift Away”, The Isley Brothers’ “This Old Heart of Mine” (which Stewart would record again in 1989 as a duet with Ronald Isley) and Gavin Sutherland’s “Sailing”.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The movie “Fame” premiered 45 years ago on May 16, 1980. The film, directed by Alan Parker, follows a group of talented teenagers from their acceptance to the New York High School of Performing Arts and their subsequent life experiences over the next four years as they hone their drama, music & dance skills. The movie introduced us to Irene Cara who starred in the film & was the voice behind its theme song. And I was today years old when I discovered that another tune she performed in the film-my favorite track-was co-written by 60’s teen sensation/girl singer Lesley Gore (“It’s My Party”, “Judy’s Turn To Cry” & “You Don’t Own Me”).

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

David Soul: “Don’t Give Up On Us” ((1977, written by Tony Macaulay).

Bea Arthur (as Dorothy Zbornak): “What’ll I Do” (Written by Irving Berlin. From “The Golden Girls” S7 E18, “Journey to the Center of Attention”, broadcast on February 22, 1992).

Van Morrison: “Caravan” (1970, written by Van Morrison).

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

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

Rod Stewart: “I Don’t Want To Talk About It” (1975, written by Danny Whitten).

Irene Cara: “Out Here On My Own” (1980, written by Lesley Gore and Michael Gore).

Stay safe & 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.

12Sep2022

Music Monday: Sept 12, 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.)

Before we get to our song, let me pay tribute to four women who are quite dear to me. On September 14, 1985 my Girls, the world’s Girls, “The Golden Girls” debuted on NBC. And they have not left the airwaves in the last 37 years, living on in syndication & fans’ hearts all around the world. I love them for more reasons than I can ever count, but especially for how current they were on music. They made references to Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and Prince, to name a few. Just one more reason why they were four of the coolest bad-ass chicks on the planet. Long live The Golden Girls! And a ginormous thank you to show creator Susan Harris & all the people behind the cameras who brought the show to life.

The Golden Girls on their couch (L-R): Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

For as happy as the above anniversary makes me, it also reminds me that when I was watching that show the first time around, most of my life was still ahead of me. That is not the case now. And it forces me to take pause and reflect. Not only on what I have to be grateful for but also for those I have lost. And that makes me feel very sad.

Add to that the 21st anniversary of 9/11 yesterday, the fact that Great Britain is now in a mourning period for a Queen they celebrated for 50 years but more importantly, a family lost a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother, plus the world continues to fight a pandemic after two & a half very long years. The passage of time just keeps reminding me not all changes are happy ones. Many transitions were and continue to be difficult.

Sometimes I just need to face that. So for today, I am going to let myself feel down. And hope tomorrow this weight will feel a little lighter. As always music is the way I cope, whatever mood I am in. Today, that mood is blue. Whatever color day you are having (Blanche Devereaux referred to some of her off days as “magenta”), I hope you enjoy today’s song. I do not know when or where I first heard it but I love it. Especially on days when the colors win.

“You know my heart keeps tellin’ me
You’re not a kid at thirty-three
You play around you lose your wife
You play too long you lose your life“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Danny O’Keefe: “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues” (1972, written by Danny O’Keefe).

Stay safe and well.

3Jan2022

Music Monday: January 3, 2022

Posted in Uncategorized by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Happy New Year! Welcome to the first edition of Music Monday for 2022.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

My clean slate began with a grievous wound: the death of a dear cherished friend, Betty White. I am so happy she is home but utterly heartbroken that she left. And only three weeks before her 100th birthday.

What is there left to say about a queen, an artist, an animal advocate, a badass broad who took bites out of life where the rest of us barely nibbled? Nothing I can think of but this: I know she had a big, beautiful, incredible, rich, long life but my God, what are we going to do without her? Rest in love & peace you sweet wonderful funny friend to all.

In season four of “The Golden Girls”, “the happiest most fulfilling day” for White’s character, Rose Nylund, was when she received permission to start an unauthorized chapter of The Elvis Presley Hunk-A-Hunk-A-Burning-Love Fan Club. How fitting since today’s song is by The King himself.

His life & legacy is another one where there is not much I or anyone else can add to. January 8 will mark the 87th birth anniversary of The King, Elvis Aaron Presley. He was and remains one of the true inventors of rock & roll in this & every other lifetime. He is music royalty & of course, one of the greatest artists of all time. Today’s song is in my Top Five of his recordings and it always will be. Hail to The King.

“Oh, let our love survive
I’ll dry the tears from your eyes
Let’s don’t let a good thing die
When honey you know I’ve never lied to you“.

The King circa 1958. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Elvis Presley: “Suspicious Minds” (1969, written by Mark James).

Stay 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.

17Jan2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 307

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Before today’s song, I want to wish the happiest of birthdays to a most spectacular “Golden Girl”, Betty White. This legend of radio, TV & film turns 99 today & has been entertaining the world for 82 years. I was lucky enough to meet her in May 2011 when she came to Barnes & Noble in Lake Grove, NY to sign copies of her book, “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)“.

She was an absolute delight. I was in complete awe, told her meeting her was like meeting one of the Beatles which made her laugh. But when I told her she & the other three Golden Girls were like my surrogate mothers from their very first episode she smiled and squeezed my hand. It was one of the most cherished moments of my life. Keep rocking, Betty. You are loved, worshiped & revered. And an absolute riot!!!

Betty White in May 2011 in Lake Grove, NY. (credit: Me!!!)

Music nightclubs have been around forever, but for the music I love, some of the best saw the 1960’s & 1970’s as the peak of their success. The Troubador in West Hollywood, CA introduced artists like Elton John, Tom Waits & James Taylor. The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA hosted Cream, The Grateful Dead & blues greats Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. At NYC’s Fillmore East Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and The Allman Brothers (who recorded their first live record there in 1971, At Fillmore East) appeared. Max’s Kansas City was a favorite hangout spot for John Lennon when he first moved to NYC, Deborah Harry was a waitress there and artists like The Velvet Underground & David Bowie performed there. Two other NYC clubs-The Bottom Line & CBGB’s hosted Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Linda Ronstadt & Van Morrison at the former and Patti Smith, Blondie, The Talking Heads and other punk/new wave artists at the latter.

Another West Hollywood club, The Whiskey-A-Go-Go, opened January 11, 1964 and quickly became one of the top music venues for up & coming artists. Two of my favorites-The Doors & Otis Redding-were featured there and it helped put them on their respective musical maps. For Redding especially this was a huge moment in his early career as it led to the recording of his live album, In Person at the Whisky a Go Go. It was recorded during his three shows in April 1966 but not released until October 1968, nearly a year after his death. A second release, Good to Me: Live at the Whisky a Go Go, Vol. 2, was released in 1993.

The shows at the club took place a year before Redding’s mainstream success thanks to his rousing performance at The Monterey Pop Festival in the summer of 1967. It included today’s song which was first recorded in 1932 but Redding’s version 34 years later took on a whole new style due in part to the producer, soul legend Isaac Hayes. Booker T & The M.G.’s played on the record & with Redding in person at the Monterey show. Redding’s complete five song set from the concert along with Jimi Hendrix’s performances were released on the 1970 album, Historic Performances Recorded at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Redding’s are included on a few of his posthumous releases plus you can also find the videos on YouTube. Today’s song was his last number of the night and it is nothing short of spectacular.

“It’s not just sentimental no, no, no
She has her grief and care, yeah, yeah, yeah
But the soft words they are spoke so gentle, yeah
It makes it easier, easier to bear”.

Otis Redding on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967. Alan Jackson (back) was the drummer that night with the band Booker T & The MG’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “Try A Little Tenderness” (Live performance at The Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967. Originally recorded in 1966. Written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly and Henry MacGregor “Harry” Woods).

I only own the rights to the Betty White picture, nothing else. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

14Sep2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 182

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.

Before we get to the music, let me offer a quick shout out to my girls-Dorothy, Rose, Blanche & Sophia. “The Golden Girls” pilot aired 35 years ago today on NBC and its four leading ladies made growing older look fun, feisty and fabulous. They also became my surrogate mothers who gave me sage advice about life, love, loss & laughter. I will adore them for all of eternity.

The cast of “The Golden Girls: Top (L-R): Rue McClanahan as Blanche, Bea Arthur as Dorothy. Bottom (L-R): Estelle Getty as Sophia & Betty White as Rose. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today is also the birth anniversary for guitarist Paul Kossoff who was born 70 years ago today in England. If you think you do not know who he was, I have three words for you: “All Right Now”. Yes, he was the guitarist for the band, Free, who had a massive hit in 1970 with that iconic song. And one listen to that track, led by Paul Rodgers’ electrifying vocals and Kossoff’s unbelievably fiery & intense riffs, it was clear even upon its release that this song would achieve legendary status. Rounding out the group was the astonishing rhythm section featuring Andy Fraser on bass and Simon Kirke on drums. If there was ever a tune to qualify as a perfect song, it would be this one. I have been absolutely fanatical about this track from the first time I heard it 100 years ago, and that obsession continues to this day. And probably always will. I just cannot hear it enough.

Kossoff’s musical training started at age nine when he began classical guitar lessons. But at age 15 he saw a live performance by Eric Clapton with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers so Kossoff changed his musical direction to a more blues/rock inspired sound. By 1968 he met the other band members to form Free. They broke up temporarily in 1971 but reformed a year later, only to disband permanently in 1973. Kossoff struggled with depression & drug addiction which was only exacerbated by the break-up of the band. He died in 1976 at age 25 from a pulmonary embolism. But his staggering performance stands out on one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.

“There she stood in the street
Smiling from her head to her feet
I said hey, what is this
Now baby, maybe she’s in need of a kiss“.

Top: Paul Kossoff circa 1974. Bottom: Free circa 1970 (L-R): Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers, Kossoff & Simon Kirke. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Free: “All Right Now” ( 1970, written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers).

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

Stay well.

4Aug2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 141

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

On this date in 1984 Prince’s album, “Purple Rain” hit #1. Remarkably it held that spot for 24 straight weeks until Jan 18, 1985. Released less than two months earlier on June 25 and a month before the release of the movie by the same name on July 27, it was his first album to hit the top spot. It was also the first time Prince credited his band, The Revolution, with assisting in the composing, arrangement and production of a record.

The movie went on to gross 72 million dollars. The first single from the album, “When Doves Cry”, went to #1 for five weeks straight (July 7-Aug. 10) and became the biggest song of 1984. (Not so fun fact: That song kept Bruce Springsteen’s single, “Dancing In The Dark” out of the top spot, leaving it in the #2 spot for three weeks before it fell to #3 on July 28. Poor Bruce 😦 But his “Born In The USA” album would knock “Purple Rain” out of the #1 spot on Jan 19, 1985, ending its 24 week reign in that position).

By September 1984 the next single, “Let’s Go Crazy” hit #1 for two consecutive weeks. Ultimately two more singles would be released: the title track which peaked at #2 (and is my favorite song for a multitude of reasons but especially because of the exquisite string arrangement) and “I Would Die 4 U” which made it to #8. The soundtrack was so popular even Sophia from “The Golden Girls” was heard singing along to the title track in the show’s first season. I love that Prince and that show are their own pop culture reference!!!

Some of you might remember that it was this album that eventually lead to the formation of the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) in 1985 by Tipper Gore and friends. That was due to the sexually charged lyrics on the song, “Darling Nikki” that Gore heard when her 11 year old daughter was playing this record. The group demanded that any music with questionable lyrics or subject matters (i.e. sex, drugs, violence and references to the occult) be sold with warning labels on them. But even with the controversy (or perhaps because of it), the record would go on to sell over 25 million copies. For most music lovers and Prince fans around the world, this album remains his masterpiece and I agree. No offense towards him intended, but does anyone else but me believe he got the idea for the song from hearing the line in America’s “Ventura Highway” that goes: “Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by purple rain”? 🙂

“I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Prince: “Purple Rain” (1984, written by Prince).

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

Stay well.

30Jul2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 136

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I honored a lot of music birthdays this month so it is only fair I give my TV obsession equal time. July 25 marked the 97th birth anniversary of one of my favorite ladies to ever walk the planet, Estelle Getty, the woman who brought Sophia Petrillo to life on “The Golden Girls”. She and her three co-stars have been my surrogate mothers since their show premiered nearly 35 years ago. I am still obsessed with their antics, their advice, their fights, their good deeds, their dates, their love for each other and everything else about them.

I have too many favorite episodes to list here so I will spotlight the show that featured one of my beloved Irving Berlin songs. In the episode “Journey To The Center Of Attention” (season 7, episode 19), Dorothy sang today’s song and it was absolutely lovely. It also kick-started an unexpected rivalry between her & Blanche when the latter felt threatened by the popularity Dorothy gained after the performance at a local bar Blanche frequented. The show ended with Blanche telling Dorothy she was jealous of her because “when you sing you light up the room. You do. You positively glow. You’re beautiful”. And Dorothy acknowledged that it was “the nicest thing that you have ever said to me” and admitted to “being jealous everyday of her life” of Blanche. After seven seasons of her making fun of Dorothy’s looks, lack of a love life, height and bossiness, Blanche finally realized Dorothy had her own charm. It was by far one of the sweetest scenes in the series.

Another golden girl, one of song, recorded my favorite version of today’s tune. Here’s to hoping we all spend many years with women who are funny, feisty, sexy, smart, strong, beautiful and who revere great music!!!

“Golden Girls” Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy (L) and Rue McClanahan as Blanche (M) circa 1992 and Rosemary Clooney (R) circa 1955. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “What’ll I Do” ( 1984, written by Irving Berlin).

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

Stay well.

17Apr2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 32

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today marks the 104th birth anniversary of my beloved grandmother Ida, or as I affectionately called her, Idie. I think about her and miss her everyday, but even more so since we have been dealing with this pandemic. She would not have handled the self-quarantine well at all. She barely went two days in a row without going to bingo so not being allowed to play it for all this time would have undoubtedly put her in a straight jacket by now. But still, I wish she was still here, for all the obvious reasons. And so I could have seen the look on her face when she found out that my dream of spending my time listening to music and watching TV all day long not only came true, but is government mandated!!! Ha!!! Take that, Idie!!! LOL.

While I was growing up, we always had music on in the house and usually it was from my records. Idie learned to like many of the songs I played including “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac and “Factory” by Bruce Springsteen. But one hour a day, usually while we were cooking together, she made me turn off my albums so she could listen to the local country music radio station. And that is how I discovered legends like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Don Williams, Merle Haggard and the singer of today’s song, Johnny Cash.

He was usually referred to by his nickname “the man in black” but since I first heard him on the radio, that did not really tell me anything other than his preferred garment color. But his voice and his songs told me all I needed to know about him. Yes, he was one of the greatest musical talents to ever exist but he was also my first introduction to a true crossover artist.

He sang everything from country songs to religious hymns, to Americana music (like “The Battle Hymn of The Republic”) to covers of songs by rock artists like Bob Dylan (“It Ain’t Me Babe”), The Rolling Stones (“No Expectations”) and The Band (“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”). He was also on TV and not just as a musical guest. He appeared in an episode of “Little House On The Prairie” as a bad guy turned good guy after meeting the pious people of Walnut Grove. And he was mentioned in a few “Golden Girls” episodes. My favorite one is a quip by Dorothy after she & Sophia walk in the house wearing dark clothes and Rose is, as usual, confused.

Rose: “Why are you both wearing black? Did you just come from a funeral?

Dorothy: “No, Rose. We were singing back up for Johnny Cash”.

He continued to make incredible music for the rest of his life, on his own and as a member of the supergroup, The Highwaymen. He also covered more rock songs by Neil Young (“Heart of Gold”), Nine Inch Nails (“Hurt) and U2 (“One”). And he continued to act, most notably on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” with the great love of his life, June, by his side. I grew up believing there wasn’t anything Cash could not sing or do. He proved me right. I am so thankful I discovered his music, all because my grandmother brought country songs into my world. Thank you, Idie. And happy birthday. xoxox

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Johnny Cash: “Folsom Prison Blues” (1955, written by Johnny Cash).

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

Music & makeovers! I swoon for chippy paint, a gorgeous patina and a fabulous song!!! I love great music (read: Bruce Springsteen & Otis Redding), white lilacs, walking in freshly fallen snow, the Golden Girls, road trips and the fall!!!

Tag Archives: the Golden Girls

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 547

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 307

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 182

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 141

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Let’s Take A Moment Day 136

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“Golden Girls” Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy (L) and Rue McClanahan as Blanche (M) circa 1992 and Rosemary Clooney (R) circa 1955. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 32

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