R.I.P. Bill Withers. “Ain’t No Sunshine” Without You
Bill withers had a short recording career--just 15 years--from 1970-85, yet in that window, his songs secured him a permanent place in the collective musical soundtrack of a generation. Everybody knows "Ain't No Sunshine," " Lean on Me (his biggest hit, which topped...
Say it ain’t so! The “Global Rock Concert for a Good Cause” is going virtual.
Say it ain’t so! The “Global Rock Concert for a Good Cause” is going virtual. Lots of star performances, but... just you in your sweats, all alone...no group energy and interactions with strangers, no chants or contact highs... .... also, no traffic or parking...
Sunday Night is Country Night (on TV)
The Academy of Country Music Awards show, scheduled for Sunday night, has been postponed until Sept., replaced by a special event, "The Academy of Country Music Presents: Our Country," a showcase with highlights from past ACM's, a Kenny Rogers tribute, and various...
Nature’s Uneven Hand: From Covid 19 to “Rocky Mountain High”
Wednesday (April 1st) is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, but, due to the covid 19 virus and social distancing, these big celebrations are not happening: The Great Global Cleanup, Earthrise, Footprints For The Future, Artists For The Earth, plus numerous global...
The Phenomenon That Was Jose Feliciano
In 1968, nine-time Grammy winner and uber-talented Jose Feliciano crash landed into the zeitgeist with his stylized, soft ballad version of the Doors "Light my Fire." Released as a single, the flip side of the 45 was also a cover: The Mama & The Papas'...
A “Real” Irish Pub Song For St. Patrick’s Day (Tues.)
This Tues. (Mar 17) is still St. Patrick's Day, even if the big n' famous roisterous parades-- New York City/Boston/Chicago/San Francisco--have been postponed or cancelled because of Corona virus concerns. In which case, you may have to celebrate alone, and nothing...
RIP Jack Scott, the “greatest Canadian rock and roll singer of all time.”
“Undeniably, the greatest Canadian rock and roll singer of all time." That was the introduction to Jack Scott’s induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2011. Scott, who logged a string of hits in the late 50's to early 60's, had a heart attack in Dec....
“Honky Tonk Part 1 & 2” / Props for King Records
Memphis had Sam Phillips’ Sun Records; Detroit, Berry Gordy’s Motown; Philly boasted Leon Huff/Kenny Gambles’ Philadelphia International Records; Cincinnati’s King Records was home to James Brown, Hank Ballard & The Midnighters, Little Willie John, and one of...
Spotlight: Ingrid Andress
Earlier this week, hundreds of Country radio programmers, music executives and artists convened in Nashville for the annual Country Radio Seminar. Daytime sessions on various issues facing the industry were discussed, and at night, stars performed at the "invitation...