Tag Archives: Try A Little Tenderness

Music Monday: August 3, 2026

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

#musicmonday #musicblog #musicandlyrics

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

A beautiful & gifted artist died last week & it has left me and countless others completely bereft. Glen Hansard, an Irish musician, singer, songwriter, actor & Oscar winning composer, died in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on July 29, 2026 at age 56.

He was born April 21, 1970 in Ballymun, Dublin, Ireland. He left school at the age of 13 to start busking on the streets of his home city. In 1990 he formed the band The Frames. In 1991 he starred in the Alan Parker film about an Irish soul band, “The Commitments” as guitarist Outspan Foster (I wrote about my love of this movie on Day 158 of my Lockdown Countdown).

Glen Hansard (Far left, bottom row) and the rest of the cast from the film released 35 years ago in 1991. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 2005 he formed The Swell Season with fellow musician, singer, songwriter and actress, Markéta Irglová. A year later they released their self-titled debut album. In 2007 they starred in the movie, “Once”. Together they wrote the impossibly beautiful song featured in the film which earned them the 2008 Oscar for Best Original Song.

Hansard (L) and co-star Markéta Irglová (R) on the poster for their 2007 movie. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 2013, Hansard released an EP featuring the a cover of “Drive All Night”, one of my very favorite Springsteen songs of all time. Current E Street Band sax player Jake Clemons is featured on the track. Taking on any Springsteen song is a huge undertaking, but that pick showed the level of Hansard’s musicianship. Despite his success, he spent the last 16 years busking in Ireland on Christmas Eve to raise money for Dublin Simon Community. He is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, their four year old son, countless family and friends plus the millions of heartbroken fans around the world.

“Take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You’ve made it now“

Glen James Hansard: April 21, 1970 – July 29, 2026.

Picture from Hansard’s website. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tony Bennett, whose real name was Anthony Dominick Benedetto, was born 110 years ago on August 3, 1926 in Queens, New York. Below is from my July 24, 2023 post:

Last Friday we lost the man arguably considered to be the greatest crooner who ever was. And yes, even the Chairman Of The Board-Frank Sinatra-called Tony Bennett “the best singer in the business”. Anthony Dominick Benedetto died July 21, 2023 at the age of 96. A native New Yorker born in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, Bennett was probably the greatest champion for the Great American Songbook and many of the most iconic jazz tunes in history. He sang & recorded with everyone from Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, Paul McCartney, Elton John, James Taylor, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Bono and countless others. Bennett’s death closes out one of the longest, most prolific, most important & most beautiful chapters of American music we will ever see again. Thank you, Tony, for every single note.

Tony Bennett circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bennett circa 1992. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bennett circa 2006. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Commitments: “Try A Little Tenderness” (1991, written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly and Harry M. Woods).

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova: “Falling Slowly” (2007, written by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova).

Glen Hansard: “Song of Good Hope” (2012, written by Glen Hansard).

Bruce Springsteen With Glen Hansard: “Drive All Night” (Per the description credits: Recorded live at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on Night 1, Jul 27, 2013. Written by Bruce Springsteen).

Tony Bennett: “Rags to Riches” (1953, written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross).

Tony Bennett: “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” (1962, written by George C. Cory Jr. and Douglass Cross).

Tony Bennett: “When Do The Bells Ring For Me” (1990, written by Charles DeForest).

Tony Bennett: “It Had To Be You” (From MTV Unplugged performance 1994. Written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: June 17, 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.)

If I could go back in time to experience music as a full fledged adult, I would choose 1967. Why? For the first 11 months of that year, all of my great musical loves were making music in the universe.

January: The Doors released their debut album which introduced one of America’s greatest bands and the poetry of Jim Morrison to the world.

Doors

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

April: Marvin Gaye finished recording sessions for the biggest hit of his career, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, furthering his reign as one of the world’s greatest voices & Motown’s legacy as one of music’s most soulful genres.

Marvin

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

May: The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Beatles

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

June: Otis Redding stole the show at the Monterey Pop Festival.

Otis 2

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

November: Eric Clapton was a member of Cream and they released Disraeli Gears.

Cream

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ongoing: Bruce Springsteen was in his first band, The Castiles. And 1967 was the year that Elton John and Bernie Taupin answered the same ad for songwriters that brought them together, forming one of the greatest partnerships music has ever had.

Castiles

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bernie Taupin (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Redding’s performance took place 57 years ago on June 17, 1967. He sang five songs: “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Respect”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, a cover of The Stones’ “Satisfaction” and today’s pick. Redding used every ounce of energy he had for the 20 minute set where he exhibited nothing but pure unadulterated joy on that stage. And his achingly impassioned vocal just shattered the bar for any singer who followed him because no one could come close to his ability for expressing every emotion he had in every note he sang. It was the highlight of a tragically short career that helps in keeping Redding the legend he remains more than five decades after his death. If I could attend ANY show in history, this would be the one.

The entire concert is available on Max along with the stand alone videos of both Redding’s and Jimi Hendrix’s performances from the shows as well. They are well worth every second of your time.

Otis 3

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

Otis Redding: “Shake” (Live performance at The Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967. Originally recorded in 1965. Written by Sam Cooke).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 307

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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?

Shakespeare music

(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.

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

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 at Monterey

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.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 301

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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?

Shakespeare music

(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.

Time for another rock & roll birthday. Rod Stewart was born on January 10, 1945 in London, England making this birthday his 76th. His long and varied career started in the 1960’s as a member of a few bands including The Jeff Beck Group & The Faces before he completely focused exclusively on his solo career in the 1970’s. His first hit single “Maggie May” (see Day 242), a #1 hit for five weeks in the US in 1971, established his career and he never looked back. His music embraces soul, rock, dance, pop, Christmas and the big band genres.

I absolutely LOVE today’s song, I love the video for it, too & I love this time in Stewart’s career. This track is from his 1988 album, Out Of Order. which also featured “Forever Young”, “Lost In You” & Stewart’s cover of “Try A Little Tenderness”, a hit for Otis Redding in 1966. Stewart was well past the disco tunes, heavily immersed in his love for all things soul & doing great covers like his duet with Ronald Isley on “This Old Heart Of Mine” in 1989 followed by the Tom Waits beauty, “Downtown Train” later the same year. Rod Stewart is another voice that has followed me my whole life through a number of fantastic songs including today’s.

“I don’t want you to come ’round here no more
I beg you for mercy
You don’t know how strong my weakness is
Or how much it hurts me“.

Rod circa 2017

Rod Stewart circa 2017. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rod Stewart: “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” (1988, written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan).

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 150

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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?

Charlie Brown No Music No Life

(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.

We have hit another benchmark as we are now at day 150 of the pandemic.  Wow.  So let’s commemorate it with an extra special song & singer to make it easier to realize the five month mark.

Otis Redding.  Otis Redding.  Otis Redding.  My heart belongs to this beautiful talented singer with the most intense, passionate & soulful voice I ever heard.  I swoon over every single note of his music each time it is played.  When I really need an Otis fix, I watch his Monterey Pop Festival performance from 1967 where he literally stole the show from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and other well established musical acts.  Redding’s music has been featured in movies like “Dirty Dancing” (“These Arms Of Mine” & “Love Man”), “Love Actually” (“White Christmas”), “Platoon” (“Dock Of The Bay”) and in TV shows like “The Sopranos” (season 2 episode 9 featured “My Lover’s Prayer”) and in the original “Magnum, P.I.” (season 7 episode 16 featured “Try A Little Tenderness”).  Today’s song, which is included on the album, “Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul”, arguably his best album released in September 1965, was featured on “The Wonder Years” in season 1 episode 6 where Kevin & Winnie danced to it at a school function.  Only Redding’s music could make a show as great as that one even better.

“I’ve been loving you a little too long
I don’t want to stop now, oh
With you my life
Has been so wonderful
I can’t stop now“.

Otis

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

Otis Redding:  “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (1965, written by Otis Redding and Jerry Butler).

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

Stay well.

Christmas Song Of The Day #1

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Hello, Vixens!!!  How are your Christmas plans coming along?  Are you getting all your shopping/baking/decorating/celebrating/wrapping done?  I try to adhere to a less is more approach to this season (operative word here is “try”), but it always includes some great music.

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Source:  caryschmidt.com

So while you are knee deep in holiday preparations, give yourself a well deserved break by pouring a mug of your favorite beverage, grabbing a Christmas cookie or candy cane as a snack, and indulge in the sounds of the season.

Today’s song was featured in one of my all-time favorite movies, holiday or otherwise, “Love Actually“.  It is by a man who, as of today, has been sadly & unbelievably gone from this world for 48 years.  But thankfully, the phenomenal gift of his voice stays with us in such classics like “(Sittin’ On ) The Dock of The Bay“, “Try A Little Tenderness“, “Shake” and “I Can’t Turn You Loose“.  Please note that I do not own the rights to the music or the videos.  I am just sharing my favorites and some great performances from the man himself 🙂 .

Here is Otis Redding’s sublime rendition of “White Christmas“.

Enjoy!!!

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                   Source:  OtisRedding.com