Happy 51st Birthday to Natalie Maines of The Chicks (Formerly the Dixie Chicks).
In 1995, Natalie got her lucky break when she was recruited by the Dixie Chicks to replace their lead singer, Laura Lynch. Things turned around quickly for the band. With Natalie as lead vocalist, the band earned 10 CMA Awards and 13 Grammy Awards.
Their album Wide Open Spaces offered up five singles. All of them were Top 10 and three of them went to number one. The fifth and final single was my favorite from the album – Tonight, The Heartache’s On Me.
It was a song that had been previously recorded in 1994 by Joy Lynn White. The Chicks version sounds so much better. I think the reason for this is the groups amazing harmonies. Their voices blend so nicely. I’m not sure what chord they are hitting when they sing the line, “Bartender, pour the wine …” but there is something about that line that gives me goosebumps. LOL
Happy Birthday, Natalie – the birthday wish is on me.
I heard this song while driving into work this week. When I am not listening to a book on tape or a sermon from a pastor friend, I am surfing through the channels on Sirius XM. Albert King’s tune, Born Under a Bad Sign was playing on BB King’s Bluesville. I had forgotten how much I liked it.
The song is considered a blues standard. Albert recorded it in 1967. In his book, Deep Blues, Robert Palmer said “the song also had strong crossover appeal to the rock audience with its synchronous bass and guitar lines and topical astrology reference.” It was recorded at Stax Records.
The song was written by Stax singer William Bell and Booker T. Jones. Bell said, “We needed a blues song for Albert King … I had this idea in the back of my mind that I was gonna do myself. Astrology and all that stuff was pretty big then. I got this idea that [it] might work.” Booker’s arrangement was unique in that it was dominated by an R&B-style bass/rhythm guitar line, which Bell claimed that he came up with “while fooling around on the guitar.”
The song was backed by Booker T and the MG’s and the Memphis Horns. Albert would jump in with vocals and guitar fills. Released in May of 1967, it would reach number 49 on the Billboard Top Selling R&B Singles chart.
Describing the song in an interview, Jones said, “At that time, my writing partner was William Bell. He came over to my house the night before the session. William wrote the words and I wrote the music in my den that night. That was one of my greatest moments in the studio as far as being thrilled with a piece of music. The feeling of it, it’s the real blues done by the real people. It was Albert King from East St. Louis, the left-handed guitar player who was just one of a kind and so electric and so intense and so serious about his music. He just lost himself in the music. He’s such a one of a kind character. I was there in the middle of it and it was exhilarating.”
The song is included on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” Rightfully so.
It is time once again for a new Turntable Talk topic from Dave at A Sound Day. Each month he offers up a musical topic for us to write about. This month we are Going out on a High Note. Dave’s instructions to us:
We all have seen artists (not to mention athletes, politicians…) who stick around long after they should have exited gracefully. For this round, pick a musical artist who you think ended their career on a high note, a great final album, or triumphant concert tour before they grew stale.
I had a difficult time with this one. As I began to think of artists, I kept coming up with artists who are still recording and touring. Willie Nelson, for example, is still making music and hitting the stage. Has he stayed around “too long?” Some say yes, while other say no. So my search continued. Then I remembered Bill Withers.
Bill served in the US Navy for almost 10 years. It was while he served our country that he began writing songs and became interested in singing. After he left the Navy, he decided to relocate to California in hopes of starting a career in music.
He found work as a mechanical assembler for several different companies including IBM, Ford, and the Douglas Aircraft Corporation. He used the money from his job to record demo tracks that he could take to record companies. He also began to play his songs in nightclubs in the area, hoping someone might discover him.
In 1967, he had his first official release – “Three Nights and a Morning.” It was a song that got little recognition. Three years later, he was signed to Sussex Records and Booker T Jones was assigned to produce Bill’s first album. That album, Just As I Am, included his first hit – “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
The album was a huge success and Withers rounded up a band and went out on tour. “Ain’t No Sunshine” was a Top 10 song and went on to win the Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1972. It also got him noticed by Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, who sent him a letter inviting him to appear on the show.
When his tour wrapped up, he used the time off to write and record songs for his second album entitled Still Bill. This album included Bill’s first #1 song – “Lean On Me,” which hit the top of the charts in July of 1972. This was followed up with his third million selling record – “Use Me.”
Bill’s relationship with Sussex record eventually went sour. He said of Sussex Records “They weren’t paying me.” He claims to have erased an entire album that he had recorded for the label in a fit of pique. “I could probably have handled that differently,” he said. There was an ongoing legal dispute with the Sussex company, and because of that Withers was unable to record for some time thereafter.
Sussex Records eventually went out of business and Bill had to find a new label. He wound up at Columbia Records in 1975. His first album on Columbia included the song “She’s Lonely,” which was featured in the movie Looking For Mr. Goodbar (which starred Richard Gere and Diane Keaton). He released an album every year afterward, including the 1977 album Menagerie which contained the hit “Lovely Day.”
Bill began to have trouble with Columbia. Apparently he was unable to get songs approved for his album. The label kept passing on the songs he wanted to record. Because of this, he decided to focus on joint projects beginning in 1977. He worked with the Crusaders, percussionist Ralph MacDonald, and jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.
“Just The Two of Us” appeared on Washington’s 1980 album Winelight. It was released as a single in February of 1981 and went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Song. In 1985, Withers released his final studio album, Watching You, Watching me. It was at this point that Bill decided to “go out on a high note.”
Withers was quoted in interviews that “a lot of the songs approved for the album—in particular, two of the first three singles released—were the same songs that had been rejected in 1982.” This played a big part in the eight-year hiatus between albums. Bill also stated how frustrating it was to see his record label release an album by actor Mr. T, when they were preventing him, an actual songwriter, from releasing his own.
With Columbia trying to exert control over his sound to sell more albums played a part in his decision to not record or re-sign with a record label after 1985. I would imagine the Mr. T thing played a part, too. This effectively ended his performing career, though remixes of his previously recorded music were released well after his “retirement.”
Withers was an artist who found musical success later in life. He was in his early 30’s when he began his career. Now at 47, he said he was socialized as a “regular guy” who had “a life before the music, so he did not feel an inherent need to keep recording once he fell out of love with the industry.” Bill felt he made the right decision. After leaving the music industry, he said that he did not miss touring and performing live and did not regret leaving music behind.
Accolades continued after his “retirement.” In 1988, he won another Grammy, this time as a songwriter for the cover of his “Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau. It won the Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Song. In 2005 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, followed in 2015 with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He said:
“What few songs I wrote during my brief career, there ain’t a genre that somebody didn’t record them in. I’m not a virtuoso, but I was able to write songs that people could identify with. I don’t think I’ve done bad for a guy from Slab Fork, West Virginia.”
Bill passed away in March of 2020 in a Los Angeles hospital due to cardiac complications.
He is still receiving accolades in 2025. Last month, he was selected to be inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony usually takes place in October.
Thanks to Dave for once again hosting Turntable Talk. I am already looking forward to what next month’s topic will be.
First, I’d like to thank those who have already reached out to me about the devastating Tigers loss last night. It certainly was a very exciting game, but not the outcome I had hoped for.
Early in the season, when they were hot, people kept saying “The Tigers will be in and win the World Series this year.” I absolutely hate when people make bold predictions so early. I’m not superstitious, but I feel like those things always come back to bite us.
To lead the division almost all the way through the season only to slump and give it away in the final weeks hurts. I wonder what happened to the pitching coaches or batting coaches at the end. Something had to be up for such a massive collapse.
I had hoped that the win over the Guardians would be the spark to ignite the team. I can’t help but wonder how it would have gone if the first couple games had been home instead of away. The crowd and fans were such an important factor early on.
Skubal did well. He was hot. Why do managers not let pitchers go more than 100 pitches anymore? The Tigers of my youth – Jack Morris, Dan Petry, Dave Rozema and so many more pitched complete games all the time. I don’t get it.
AJ Hinch said “He emptied his tank” and that’s why they pulled him after 6 innings. I don’t know if that is true, but it doesn’t matter. Maybe he was done. Maybe they relied too much on him. You can’t do that. It’s a team effort and others have to come through.
The heart of the order, and the guys who were so productive during the season – Torres, Green, Torkelson and Keith all were hitless. Torkelson struck out 4 of his 6 at bats! Sometimes I wonder what they are looking at!
With all that being said, I’m still happy we even got some postseason play. For a while, it looked like we wouldn’t. I can only hope that we do what we need to in the off season to avoid the mistakes of this season.
Happy 4th birthday, Andrew! I will never forget holding you for the first time.
Since day one, you have kept us VERY busy!! Through all of the various health concerns, your smile was always there!
I don’t think you’ve ever slowed down. From the minute you started walking, you have never stopped running and adventuring. You are always looking to discover something new.
You have an abundance of love and kindness to share with others. That love extends to God’s little creatures, too. Whether it is a dog, a caterpillar, a bird, or a kitty, your love shines through.
You have no fear. Maybe that is because of all the various medical stuff you’ve been through in the past four years. Maybe it’s because of your relationship with your sister. Whatever the reason, stay strong and keep exploring.
Fun follows you wherever you go. You seem to be the center of it. Whether you are at the park, at school, or jumping in a big pile of leaves – always find the fun in life!
Not that you need extra energy, but drinking your “own coffee” when you crave it certainly adds to it. I want you to know how cool it is for me to have coffee (well, a lot of cream with a shot of coffee) with you.
Your fine motor skills have come a long way and it will not be long before you’ll be beating me at the games you and I love to share. Take it easy on your old man in the coming years, ok?
Thanks to “Pa,” I know that as days go by, I will be able to count on you to help with the projects around the house. I could be wrong, but you probably know how to use the power tools better than me! I also know better than to look for my tools in my tool box. I know they are in YOUR tool box.
What a joy it was for me to be out on the soccer field with you. I cannot wait to cheer you on in whatever sport you choose to play. I may have to get you some clubs so we can hit the links this summer!
The day you started pre-school was emotional for me. My baby is no longer a baby. You look forward to going every day and are prepared to learn. You are making friends and gaining knowledge. To hear from your teachers how empathetic you are to others makes me proud of you.
In the years ahead you’ll go from practicing your letters to writing your name. From there, well, the world is yours!
You’ve come a long way in four years, Bubby Drew. You are a source of happiness, laughter, and curiosity. You are truly an amazing boy!
Happy birthday, Bubs. I love you to Pluto and beyond!!
I anxiously await Game 5 of the ALDS and am rooting for my Tigers today. But I thought this post is worth resharing
Life lessons are all around us and a blunder from last night gives us something to think about.
From someone named Christopher Rice:
“For all those parents of youth baseball, let last night’s ending to the Phillies/Dodgers be a lesson.
The game is hard. Arguably, the most difficult sport in the world to be consistently good at.
Beyond the mere physical skill aspect, the game is as much if not more mental than physical.
Last night, we saw a professional player in a high pressure moment allow the panic to set in and make a mistake.
He’s being chastised by the fans, many of who enjoy the game but don’t truly understand how difficult it is.
He was comforted by those around him who truly know the game.
The isolation and aloneness he must have felt in that moment must have been soul crushing.
We’ve seen multiple physical errors in these playoffs by the people at the top of this game.
The pro players have pressure from thousands who don’t know them personally.
Your player can feel that same level of pressure from you because with you it’s personal.
So the next time your 12 year old makes a bad throw, boots a grounder in the field or does something dumb on the bases, have some grace and patience and remember it’s part of the game.”
While looking for another picture, I stumbled on one from a day trip Sam and I took shortly after we started dating.
The above photo was taken in front of the Whitehouse Restaurant in Clare Michigan. We had headed up that way to visit with her Goddaughter. Sam asked if I had ever been to this place and I told her I had not. She raved about the burgers here, so we made it a point to stop.
I’ve heard people call places a “hole in the wall,” but this place really is just that. It is one of the tiniest restaurants I’ve ever seen. There are literally 6 booths. One row is almost on top of the grill where they cook!
There are three booths on each side of the restaurant.
The booths are small as well. You can fit two people at each one. 12 customers max in this place. It was like something out of the Twilight Zone.
The burger I had was delicious! We’ve been talking about going back up there for dinner, but schedules haven’t allowed that.
If you ever happen to be in Clare, be sure to check this place out!
I woke up for work yesterday happy to see that the Tigers beat the Mariners 9-3 to tie up the series. The “winner take all” game #5 happens Friday night.
In what I read, the bats came alive after being down 3-0. This is good to hear as some of the bats had cooled down toward the end of the season. I truly hope that they will get everything together to beat Seattle. They are playing away, so they need to strike early and often to quiet the home crowd. My fingers remain crossed.
If they can take the series on Friday, they will go on to the ALCS and play Toronto, who have already secured their spot there. They beat the Yankees 5-2. The Blue Jays haven’t been to the ALCS since 2016. I won’t lie, I am glad to see the Yankees out of it. Toronto has a good team this year and if the Tigers advance, the series will be a good one to watch. Both teams are hungry to head to the World Series.
I heard that the national announcers were poking fun at Tiger fans during the broadcast today and yesterday. There were a lot of open seats in the stadium, so they were saying a bunch of junk about it. Let’s face it, the MLB makes it pretty hard for fans when you schedule games in the middle of the day on a workday.
I know I have to let my bosses know at least a month ahead of time to take time off. I’m sure that I am not the only person who can’t just decide to take a personal day at the last minute. They really need to do better about scheduling these games later.
The above photo is one of many AI photos created to show “what Elvis would look like if he were still alive.” While it is interesting to see what AI comes up with, things are beginning to get out of control.
Scroll Instagram or Tik Tok today and you will eventually find videos that feature AI renditions of celebrities that have passed away. The ones that have come up the most feature familiar faces and the voices are very close to their real voice.
A forgetful Ronald Reagan lost in the halls of the White House
Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream that the ice cream machine would be working (among other things)
JFK riding in the Dallas motorcade saying, “This is so boring. Just shoot me.”
Rod Serling talking about the time traveling DeLorean
Elvis as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and Han Solo in Star Wars
Mr. Rogers in a movie trailer that has him physically fighting painter Bob Ross
George Carlin standing in his grave doing jokes about the state of the country
One more that seems to be everywhere is Robin Williams. I’ve seen him hosting a podcast in heaven where he interviews Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon; I’ve seen him walking a dog out on the streets of New York joking around with people; and seen him ordering a coffee at Starbucks while tossing out puns about coffee. The voice on these is so good, you’d think it really was him.
These AI creations are something that has caused Robin’s daughter to speak out. Zelda Williams posted on her Instagram page this week asking people to “just stop sending me AI videos of Dad.” She went on to say, “Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand, I don’t and I won’t,” she wrote. “If you’re just trying to troll me, I’ve seen way worse, I’ll restrict and move on. But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want.”
She finally said, “To watch the legacies of real people be condensed down to ‘this vaguely looks and sounds like them so that’s enough’, just so other people can churn out horrible TikTok slop puppeteering them is maddening. You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings, out of the history of art and music, and then shoving them down someone else’s throat hoping they’ll give you a little thumbs up and like it. Gross.”
I think Zelda is right. Many of the celebrities have been gone for some time like Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein. There are still living relatives of many of the famous people in these videos. I wondered how they might feel about them. Zelda Williams cannot be the only one who feels this way about their deceased loved ones.
I admit, the first one I saw was an Elvis video. It was done to be humorous in that he says in one, “I can’t wait for AI to come along so I can stop acting in these dumb movies.” He says this while in a scene from his movie Spinout. I chuckled a bit when I saw it, because I had read somewhere that Elvis didn’t necessarily enjoy making all of his movies.
The more I thought about this, the more I wondered about the future. If these videos are close today, imagine how good they might be as the technology advances. We would be left questioning everything. How would we know that what we are watching is real? We can’t trust what we see on TV now, let alone if/when AI stuff starts being broadcast. This just scares me.
Remember that line from the X-Files? “The truth is out there.” The problem is going to be trying to figure out what is true and what isn’t!
After an almost 5 hour rain delay, my Tigers dropped game 3 of the ALDS. The Mariners beat them 8-4 yesterday. If they lose this afternoon, they are done. If they win, they still have to take game 5. I am still hopeful for them to advance to the ALCS. I doesn’t look good, though.
The stats are in Seattle’s favor. In all best-of-five postseason series tied 1-1, the Game 3 winner has advanced 47 out of 66 times (71.2%). Moreover, in Division Series with the current 2-2-1 format, teams playing Game 4 on the road with a 2-1 lead have advanced 23 out of 34 times (67.7%), closing the series in Game 4 on 19 of those occasions.
On Saturday, my daughter was out on the soccer field again. I had a talk with her beforehand. I told her that if the coach wanted her out on the field, she couldn’t say “I need a break” and not play. That being said, she played a lot this week.
She was so proud of herself. She scored two goals this week. Of course, she was very generous in that one of those goals was for the other team.
I felt so bad for her. They had her in goalie during one period. When they scored on her, she dropped to her knees and cried. She felt so bad that she let the ball get by her. The coach had to kneel down next to her and tell her it was ok. After holding up the game for about 5 minutes, she was up again and playing.
I love that Andrew’s school posts pictures on their app. I will often ask what he did at school and he’ll say, “I don’t remember.” Having the occasional picture helps to see what they are working on.
They are working on the letter A this week. He came home and had to practice on the white board.
The A on the top right is what we drew as a guide. He’s getting it.
Last week was my first week back on midnights. I did better than I thought. I didn’t feel tired until the last couple hours of my last night. This is week 2 and I hope it goes as well as last week.
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 