Movie Music Monday – Stormy Weather

It was 82 years ago today that the musical Stormy Weather premiered in the US. The movie starred the beautiful Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Cab Calloway. Also making appearances were Fats Waller and Dooley Wilson (who was the piano player in Casablanca). The movie is loosely based on Robinson's life. It would be … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – Stormy Weather →

Turntable Talk #39 – Bands? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Bands!

Dave at A Sound Day just wrapped up his monthly feature Turntable Talk. It was an interesting topic this time around and there were a lot of surprises as to who everyone chose to write about. This was my entry to the feature, which originally posted on Dave's site on Monday: It is time once … Continue reading Turntable Talk #39 – Bands? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Bands! →

Tune Tuesday – Wash Out

Today is the birthday of one of the "Three Kings of Blues Guitar." The best known of these three is most likely B.B. King, followed closely by Albert King, and last but not least, the birthday boy, Freddie King. All three Kings - but no relation to each other. Freddie was born today in 1934. … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Wash Out →

The Music of My Life – 1985

Welcome back to The Music of My Life, where I feature ten songs from each year of my life. In most cases, the ten songs I choose will be ones I like personally (unless I explain otherwise). The songs will be selected from Billboard’s Year-end Hot 100 Chart, Acclaimed Music, and will all be released … Continue reading The Music of My Life – 1985 →

Movie Music Mondays – Come On Let’s Go

Richard Steven Valenzuela would have been 83 years old today, had he not become part of the story entitled, "The Day the Music Died." We, of course, know him by his stage name - Richie Valens. UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Ritchie Valens (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) In May of 1958, Bob … Continue reading Movie Music Mondays – Come On Let’s Go →

Turntable Talk #18 – The Man (or Woman) Behind the Curtain

It is time once again for another edition of Turntable Talk. This is a feature created by my friend Dave Ruch from the A Sound Day Blog. This is my 18th submission for this feature and it is something I look forward to writing each month. This time around, Dave took us to the Land … Continue reading Turntable Talk #18 – The Man (or Woman) Behind the Curtain →

Happy Birthday, Count!

Today is the 99th birthday of WIlliam "Count" Basie. He was one of many legendary jazz pianists, and big band leaders. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the group for almost 50 years. He is noted for creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Count! →

Turntable Talk #15 – My Home Town

It is time once again for one of my favorite blog posts - Turntable Talk, hosted by Dave at A Sound Day. If you are unfamiliar with this feature, Dave assigns the participants with a specific musical topic each month. This is the 15th installment. This month the topic is: My Hometown Dave's instructions for … Continue reading Turntable Talk #15 – My Home Town →

Tune Tuesday Remembers Jackie Wilson

From my Facebook friend, Ric Allen and the Michigan Music History page: It was a day that powerful voice of Detroit’s “Mr. Excitement” was silenced forever .. as Michigan Music History remembers Jackie Wilson .. who sadly passed away 36 years ago today. The iconic, soulful and energetic stage entertainer was born in Detroit on … Continue reading Tune Tuesday Remembers Jackie Wilson →