Recently in Music Category

... written in 1949 by Rogers and Hammerstein"South Pacific received scrutiny for its commentary regarding relationships between different races and ethnic groups. In particular, 'You've Got to Be Carefully Taught' was subject to widespread criticism, judged by some to be too controversial or downright inappropriate for the musical stage. Sung by the character Lieutenant Cable, the song is preceded by a lyric saying racism is "not born in you! It happens after you're born...' " You've...

I had a unique opportunity to observe a fascinating process that perfectly illustrates why we're where we are as a nation. I attended an American Idol open call audition in another city this year as an observer. For those who aren't familiar with what their audition process is, I'll share some info. We arrived very early in the morning the day before the open call with our photo ID and proof of citizenship in...

Tomorrow, April 4, marks the 46th anniversary of "The Week That Was" on the Billboard Hot 100. For the week of April 4,1964 the Beatles held the top five spots on the charts and 12 of the top 100, something never done before that time or since. The songs and their positions were:1) "Can't Buy Me Love"                  2) "Twist and Shout"                      3) "She Loves You"                           4) "I Want to Hold Your Hand"    5) "Please Please...

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this today. On March 13, 1976, the Eagles released "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975." Three of my favorite cuts, Already Gone: Peaceful, Easy Feelin' :  And, of course:Happy Saturday, everybody....

Updated for a friend's request:  Gracie and I attended the Robert Burns Dinner last night in Houston.  It is the 5th largest event of its kind in the world, and great time of tippling single malts, celebrating the Haggis and baudy poetry in honor of the Bard.The world famous St. Thomas Pipe Band performed for the kilted crowd.  Here's a little sample I shot with my iPhone: Ellisland, near Dumfries, 18th May, 1789 Fair the...

Installed now in The Curve at the Barbican in London, artist Celeste Boursier-Mougenot, an aviery filled with zebra finches and electric guitars makes for an interesting sight-sound experience.  I really like the one who uses a twig as a guitar pick on the Les Paul.  Have a look:I'm very busy right now and will post when I can.  Have a great weekend....

This year, it was a great Christmas for both my family and me.  My grandson, at 16 months, hasn't figured it all out yet, but really loved the wrapping paper his gifts came in.  I scored big time with tickets to Opening Day of the Red Sox in Boston in April, and some other really good stuff.  It was also a Beatles kind of Christmas, since I got the new box set of the entire...

Many of you may remember when Bob Geldof got a group of musicians together on behalf of Africa in 1984 and recorded a song whose proceeds went to famine relief in Ethiopia. (http://www.bobgeldof.info/Charity/bandaid.html)I don't know a group of musicians that I can get together, but I have written some new lyrics that are apropos this year.Check out this link to the original recording, but read along with my lyrics as it plays and see...

On November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington, Lucille Hendrix gave birth to a son she named Johnny Allen Hendrix. Johnny's father Al later changed his son's name to James Marshall Hendrix, better known as Jimi to rock music fans everywhere. Here's one of Jimi's best performances, in my opinion. His version of Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone, at the Monterey Pop Festival in the summer of 1967:              ...

Time to unwind after a tough week at the political grindstone. Let's start with Smooth, featuring Rob Thomas on vocals and Carlos Santana on guitar:Speaking of guitarists, how about 4 of the all-time greats-Eric Clapton, B.B.King, Jimmie Vaughn, and Buddy Guy-on stage together at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas: Happy Saturday....