Music Monday: June 23, 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.)

Debbie Harry will celebrate birthday #80 in a week. Born Angela Trimble on July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida, the future lead singer of Blondie was raised in New Jersey. She became part of NYC’s music scene when the group was formed there in 1974.

One of their #1 hits (they had a total of four between 1979 & 1981) peaked at the top spot for six consecutive weeks 45 years ago on April 19, 1980. Harry supplied the lyrics to Italian composer Giorgio Moroder’s music to create the main theme song to the movie that made Richard Gere a star, 1980’s “American Gigolo”. The track was nominated the following year for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Harry later branched out into acting. Her roles in “Hairspray” and “My Life Without Me” are my favorites. Her 2019 autobiography, “Face It: A Memoir”, is a fascinating glimpse at her incredible life & career. Harry is not only one of music’s greatest vocalists but also a visionary who helped introduce rap to the masses with Blondie’s 1981 song, “Rapture”.

Top: Blondie circa 1977. Bottom: Debbie Harry circa 2024. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bono turned 65 years old last month. Born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, he became the lead singer and one of the founding members of U2 in 1976. His milestone birthday aligns with the 45th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Boy, released on October 20, 1980. In addition to U2, Bono has recorded with other artists including his own musical heroes like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and many others.

Bono is also well known for his philanthropic & humanitarian efforts which date back to 1984 when he lent his voice to the charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band-Aid, a supergroup created by Bob Geldof.

Bono as photographed by Esquire in 2025. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Martha and the Vandellas’ third album, Dance Party, was released 60 years ago in April 1965. The album contains the group’s two biggest hits which helped make them one of Motown’s most successful artists. They remain my favorite girl group of the genre.

Top: The group’s 1965 album. Bottom (top to bottom: Martha Reeves, Betty Kelly, and Rosalind Ashford of Martha and the Vandellas circa 1964. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

America released their fifth studio album, Hearts, 50 years ago in March 1975. It was the second of six records produced by acclaimed Beatles producer, George Martin. Actor & comedian Phil Hartman designed the album cover during his time as a graphic designer. It contained the band’s second #1 hit which peaked in the top spot on June 14, 1975 for one week along with “Daisy Jane” which peaked at #20 in September 1975. “A Horse With No Name” was America’s first top selling song in March 1972.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Power Station released their debut album 40 years ago in March 1985. As a Robert Palmer fan, I was so happy to see him take another step in his musical career, this time in a supergroup with two members of Duran Duran-Andy Taylor and John Taylor-and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. The Power Station disbanded after that record to return to their respective careers until 1996 when they released their second & final album, Living In Fear. It includes an incredible cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit, “Let’s Get It On”.

The Power Station circa 1985 (L–R): Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor and Tony Thompson. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Blondie: “Call Me” (1980, written by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder).

The Coors featuring Bono: “When The Stars Go Blue” (2002, written by Ryan Adams).

Martha & The Vandellas: “Dancing In The Street” (1964, written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

America: “Sister Golden Hair” (1975, written by Gerry Beckley).

The Power Station: “Some Like It Hot” (1985, written by Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor & John Taylor).

Stay safe & well.

17Mar2025

Music Monday: March 17, 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.)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of this Irish holiday, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite bands, U2.

Next year will mark 50 years since they formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976. Their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr.-born October 31, 1961 in that city-placed an ad on a notice board at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, looking for musicians to form a band. These students responded:

David Howell Evans, lead guitarist, keyboardist & vocalist, who would later change his name to The Edge-born August 8, 1961 in Essex England-but his family relocated to Dublin a year later.

Adam Clayton, bassist, who just turned 65-born March 13, 1960 in England-who moved to Dublin five years later with his family.

Paul David Hewson, n/k/a Bono, lead vocalist, guitarist and primary lyricist, who will turn 65 in two months-born May 10, 1960 in Dublin.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

U2 was signed to Island Records and released their debut album, Boy, in October 1980. More than a dozen albums followed including 1987’s The Joshua Tree, 1988’s Rattle & Hum and 1991’s Achtung Baby. But it was their album released in 2000-All That You Can’t Leave Behind-that sent the group off on their “Elevation” tour in Marc 2001 which would put them front and center in the U.S. to deliver a love letter to the country not long after one of its most devastating tragedies.

U2 performed the halftime show at Superbowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 3, 2002. Standing on a heart shaped stage, they opened with “Beautiful Day”. As they began their second song, “MLK”, a screen emerged from behind the stage which listed the names of all the victims who died five months earlier on 9/11. By the end of their third song, Bono opened his leather jacket to reveal it was lined with the American Flag. With that, the band clapped for the audience who stood before them-and for those watching from home-in an incredible act of kindness and grace underscored by the healing power of music.

Three unforgettable images from Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002. Top: U2 on stage during the halftime show (L-R: The Edge on lead guitar, Bono behind the mic on vocals, Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass). Middle: The names of those who lost their lives on 9/11 were featured on a giant screen behind the band as they started their second song. Bottom: Bono showing America some additional love at the end of U2’s performance. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

U2: ” Where The Streets Have No Name” (1987, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “One” (1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Walk On” (2000, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2004, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

1Dec2024

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 1

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

Happy December, everybody!!! Welcome to 25 Days of Christmas Music!

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We have officially arrived at the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate this festive time of year than with a daily countdown of great holiday songs to usher in the big day. All are welcome even if you are not a fan of this genre or you do not observe the holiday. Great music of any kind should be enjoyed by all. I would love to hear about your favorite Christmas songs, so please share them with me in the comments.

Ten years ago David Letterman announced he would retire from his late night show effective May 2015. In addition to everything that implied, it meant 2014 was the last time the tradition of this performance would take place. And Dave pulled out all the stops to make it as spectacular as possible. Here is my summary of that moment as posted on Day 278 of my Lockdown Countdown:

Six days before Christmas in 2014, I was still struggling with David Letterman’s decision to retire from “The Late Show” the following year when the moment I knew was coming arrived: The last appearance from Darlene Love to sing today’s song. It was a long standing holiday tradition dating back to 1986 (then on “Late Night With David Letterman” on NBC) for Love to come on and tear the roof of the place with her mighty voice every December. It was as much a part of my Christmas traditions as watching The Peanuts dance during the rehearsals for their holiday play. So the end of this era was going to hurt big time.

But Letterman was always a class act on his show and this night was no exception. He pulled out all the stops and had the entire stage set up for Love’s song. There was a huge gorgeous tree & other sparkly decorations, a full band complete with horns, strings & ten back up singers with everyone dressed in their holiday best. Paul Shaffer played a decorated grand piano which Love stood upon to sing the second half of the song as well as the encore. The performance closed out that night’s episode as a reign of faux snow fell down on everyone present. It was one of the show’s truly bittersweet moments for everyone involved including broken-hearted fans like me. And I remember that moment & how great it felt to be a member of Dave’s world every time I hear this song. U2 does a great version, too, but even Bono’s unbelievable voice is no match for the power of Love.

“They’re singing Deck The Halls
But it’s not like Christmas at all
I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year“.

Top: Darlene Love as David Letterman’s guest performer in December 2014. Middle: Love on top of the piano during her traditional performance that year. Bottom: U2 circa 1987 (L-R): Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr, Bono and The Edge. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Darlene Love & The CBS Orchestra: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (2014, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

U2: “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” (1987, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

13Dec2023

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 13

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

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A beautiful rustic Christmas tree in a wash tub with the trimmings all around featured in Country Living Magazine. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Late Show With David Letterman may have ended in 2015, but his wonderful yearly tradition of sharing today’s song with all of us continues here. Darlene Love recorded the track 60 years ago for the album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. She has been performing it on Dave’s shows for decades and it was one of the greatest parts for me and millions of others each December. The edgier rock themed version by U2 is fabulous, too.

Top: A Dave sandwich from Darlene Love (L) and Paul Shaffer in 2013. Middle 1: Letterman pulled out all the stops for Love’s final holiday performance in 2015. Middle 2: Phil Spector’s 1963 Christmas album featuring Love’s original track. Bottom: U2 in the holiday spirit, albeit probably a photoshopped mood. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Darlene Love: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1963, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

U2: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1987, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

1May2023

Music Monday: May 1, 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.)

Happy May. A new month brings us new music birthdays to celebrate, so let’s jump right in with a triple play.

The Godfather Of Soul, James Brown, was born 90 years ago on May 3, 1933 in South Carolina. The singer who needed to be revived with a glittering cape to find the strength he needed to finish singing one of his songs taught us all about the power of a great performer, a great stage presence with dance moves to match and a great band featuring a high octane horn section. With all the times I heard his music in a movie or televion show, the three highlights for me were from the man himself in Rocky IV, Robin Williams dancing to “I Feel Good” in Good Morning, Vietnam and Hurley singing the same tune to Aaron in TV’s megahit, “Lost”.

Paul Hewson, the man better known as Bono, will celebrate birthday #63 next week. He was born May 10, 1960 in Ireland and has been the lead singer of U2 since he answered drummer Larry Mullen Jr’s ad in 1976. That was also the same year Bono met his wife, known then as Alison Stewart. When he signed on to sing for Bob Geldof’s Christmas charity single in 1984, Bono became equally moved by the plight of Ethiopia. For nearly 40 years he has been fighting for human rights and social justices all over the globe. This fall the band (sans Mullen) will host a limited engagement at The Sphere in Las Vegas. You can also catch the documentary, “Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman” currently streaming on Disney+.

If you followed me for a while, you know that two of my great musical loves are Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The exquisite lyricist & human of that magnificent team was born May 22, 1950 in England, so this month will mark his 73rd birthday. Two of my favorite songs he and John wrote are on the soundtrack for the 1971 British-French film, Friends. Unbelievably I never heard of that album until the title track was featured in the S3 E17 episode of “The Wonder Years“. I can barely remember a moment in my life that has not included this legendary and phenomenal team. Thank you, Bernie Taupin. Happy birthday.

Top: M.C. & Cape Man Danny Ray (standing) assists James Brown with his wardrobe staple circa 1971. Middle: U2 circa 2010 (L-R): Larry Mullen Jr,. Adam Clayton, Bono and The Edge. Bottom: Bernie Taupin (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1971. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

James Brown: “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” (1966, written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome).

U2: “One“: ( 1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Elton John: “Seasons” (1971, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

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.

10May2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 420

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.

Happy birthday to the man born Paul Hewson who we call Bono. He was born May 10, 1960 in Ireland & conquered the world as a humanitarian and as the lead singer of the iconic rock band, U2. I must admit I was not a fan right away when the group’s first album came out in 1980. Their music was a hybrid of punk, new wave, rock & politics, leaving me a tad confused & wary.

But I kept listening to U2’s songs on the radio and watching their videos to see how they evolved. Finally in 1987 I was swayed to their fan base with the release of “The Joshua Tree” album. Since then I have enjoyed most of their songs & watched them take their rightful place in music history as one of the best bands of all time. But more importantly all four original members have stayed together for 45 years. And that makes them rock & roll royalty. Happy birthday, Bono.

“Home hard to know what it is
If you’ve never had one
Home I can’t say where it is
But I know I’m going home“.

U2 at their Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in 2005 (L-R: Larry Mullens Jr, Adam Clayton, Bono & The Edge. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

U2: “Walk On” (2000, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr).

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

Stay well.

19Dec2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 278

Posted in Holidays, 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.

“They’re singing Deck The Halls
But it’s not like Christmas at all
I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year“.

Darlene Love (center on top of the piano) from her final appearance on Letterman’s show in 2014. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Darlene Love: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (Live performance from “The Late Show With David Letterman” on December 19, 2014. Originally released in 1963, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich & Phil Spector).

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

Stay well.

30Oct2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 228

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

There is another birthday in music upon us and this one belongs to U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Born October 31, 1961 in Dublin, Ireland he began playing drums at age 9 in marching bands. According to the band’s website, Mullen put an ad up at his school in 1976 seeking musicians to form a band that brought him together with his three bandmates. They put out an EP in 1979 and were signed to Island Records a year later. U2’s 1980 debut album gave them their first hit, “I Will Follow”. But it was their 1983 album, “War” that led to worldwide success. Nearly 40 years later, they are considered one of the most successful bands of all time.

I like a great deal of U2’s music and one album I particularly enjoy is 1988’s “Rattle & Hum”. They recorded a lot of it in Memphis at the legendary studios of Sun Records. That was where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and others began their recording careers. One of the song’s U2 worked on there was a collaboration with blues legend B.B. King. Despite how high he raised the bar on this track, U2 was not far behind. The raw intense lyrics from Bono & the music from the rest of U2 helped them keep up with power of The King Of The Blues, resulting in one heck of record.

“I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town“.

U2 with B.B. King in 1988 (L-R): Larry Mullen Jr., Bono, B.B. King, Adam Clayton & The Edge. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

U2 (in honor of Larry Mullen Jr.’s birthday) featuring B.B. King: “When Love Comes To Town” (1988, written by U2: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen Jr.).

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

Stay well.

18Jun2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 94

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

When U2 burst on to the music scene in 1980, it was clear from their song lyrics this was not an ordinary band. The stories they told were wrought with detail, emotion and meaning. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted what a humanitarian Bono would go on to become. He has been trying to end hunger and poverty around the world ever since he recorded the charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984. He has met with everyone from world leaders to the heads of charitable organizations to the Pope himself. And throughout all this work, he never took the eye off the ball with the band and continued to make great music. It also did not affect his impossibly good looks, either. Today’s song is my favorite from U2’s extraordinary catalog.

U2 circa 2000: Adam Clayton (bass), Bono (lead vocals & guitar) the Edge (lead guitar & backing vocals) & Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

U2: “One” (1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge, & Larry Mullen Jr.)

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: U2

Music Monday: June 23, 2025

Music Monday: March 17, 2025

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 1

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 13

Music Monday: May 1, 2023

Music Monday: August 29, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 420

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 278

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 228

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 94

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

U2 circa 2000: Adam Clayton (bass), Bono (lead vocals & guitar) the Edge (lead guitar & backing vocals) & Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)