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!
Tag: Tony Bennett
My Tony Bennett Story
The legendary Tony Bennett passed away yesterday at age 96. Sadly, I never had the chance to see him perform live. I never had the chance to meet him. I also never had the chance to interview him on the radio. Yet, despite those things, I still have a Tony Bennett story that may make … Continue reading My Tony Bennett Story
Rest well, Tony
September Songs
Welcome September! As the new month rings in, the realization that we have entered the final days of summer and the beginning of autumn approaches. As I wrote the date yesterday, I began to sing September Song. It is a song that has been recorded by many people, but I was first introduced to it … Continue reading September Songs
95 and Still Going Strong!
Happy 95th Birthday to a living legend, Tony Bennett! So many people dream about reaching retirement age, but he was still performing regularly until his recent diagnosis of dementia. He has released a whopping 60 albums, 11 live albums, and 33 compilation albums in his career. He first hit the charts in 1951 with a … Continue reading 95 and Still Going Strong!
Sunny Side of the Street
"The Sunny Side of the Street" One of my favorite commercials on TV right now is the "Spring Into Action" commercial from Kohl's. There is something about the smile of the little girl as people "hop" by that tugs at the heart strings. It is a wonderful "feel good" commercial. If you haven't seen it … Continue reading Sunny Side of the Street
Saturday Songs
This is the first of at least two blogs today. I chose to write this one first. Amidst all of the chaos in the world, I was reminded of a song that I often turned to when things in my life were less than stellar. Michael Buble' has been doing video messages on his Instagram … Continue reading Saturday Songs
Winter Storm and Winter Songs
According to the calendar, it is still officially Autumn. There are still colored leaves on the trees here in Michigan. Many people haven't even started raking them yet. This, however, may be the shortest Autumn I can remember as we were hit today with quite the winter storm! I guess we broke the record today … Continue reading Winter Storm and Winter Songs
Tune Tuesday – Feelin’ Good
One of my followers asked how picked my songs for Tune Tuesday. To be honest, I have no rhyme or reason for the songs that end up here. Last week, I wrote about Marvin Gaye for his birthday, and the week before that it was Nat King Cole for his birthday. Today, it just happens … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Feelin’ Good
Music and my Grandparents
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I can take almost any song and connect it to a person in my life, a life event, or a time period in my life. Today, my iPod shuffle focuses on four very special people - my grandparents. What is interesting as I looked at the music, was … Continue reading Music and my Grandparents
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 