Some Days it's hard to get out of bed... Today was one of those days.
Following a very busy weekend, this morning was further complicated by the constant reminder of last years' collapse of Lehman Brothers. It seemed that every bit of news announced how shares nosedived in London and New York last year as traders dumped stock following the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers. - -- Just when folks were starting to see a glimmer of hope.
We all know the rest of the story regarding the Banking industry.....
In spite of this recurring news, I decided not to be deterred. I figured, I'd enjoy my day regardless of the doomsayers and revel in the good news of the day. I also decided that I needed some syncopated motivation!
I went slightly Old School 80's...... With a hit song from Dan Hartman (from Harrisburg, PA).
The song - I Can Dream About You -was a hit song from the 1984 movie Streets of Fire.
It reached #6 on the U.S. charts and was Hartman's second big hit following the 1978 success of Instant Replay. I wasn't a big fan of the movie but I liked the song. For those of you who were big fans of the movie, here's some trivia that you possibly didn't know:
"I Can Dream About You" was actually sung by Winston Ford, whose vocals were convincingly lip-synced by Stoney Jackson.
A week ago I posted about Huey Long, the former Inkspot, who lived to see 105. Now, in less than a week I'm struggling to post about three icons who lived merely a fraction of that time. For those of you who advocate that bad news comes in threes, I suppose you got your wish this weekend when Billy Mays joined Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett in the news. He was 50 years old. Tragically young in my opinion.
William Darrell "Billy" Mays, Jr. (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009) was perhaps not as prominent as Michael or Farrah but he held a spot in the hearts of many. He was a television direct-response advertisement salesperson most notable for promoting OxiClean, Orange Glo, and other cleaning, home-based, and maintenance products. His distinctive beard and loud sales pitches made him a recognizable television presence. He's probably the only reason I keep a box of Oxiclean in my house! Mays was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, and began his career as salesman on the Atlantic City boardwalk. He travelled across the United States for 12 years, selling various items before he was hired to sell OxiClean and other products on the Home Shopping Network. His success as a TV pitchman lead him to found Mays Promotions, Inc. On April 15, 2009, the Discovery Channel began airing Pitchmen, a documentary series that featured Mays. On the morning of June 28, 2009, Mays was found dead in his home by his wife. Possibly adding to the tragedy is the fact that his passing may be overshadowed by the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.
A bit ironic? Michael's tenth and final studio album was titled Invincible. It was the last album released in his lifetime. The album was released by Epic Records on October 30, 2001, six years after Jackson's 1995 double disc studio album HIStory. The album art, an image of Jackson's face with his right eye highlighted in a deeper hue (the rest of his face appears as a watermark), is available in five different colors - red, green, orange, blue and silver. To date, Invincible has sold around 10 million copies worldwide.
It goes without saying that Michael Jackson was legendary. I was lucky enough to see him live in concert once. Well, sort of. It was actually at the half-time show of Super Bowl XXVII. Let me confess; I attended the game with three other people. We were offered $600 dollars each for our tickets. And that was the first offer. I'm sure we could have gotten upwards of 800 bucks per ticket. I lobbied to sell the tickets and watch the game at home. I lost! And now, I suppose I'm glad to be able to say I at least saw Michael Jackson perform live. I'm sure I would have used the money to buy some piece of technological equipment that would be outdated today. Now I have the memory. It was actually a great show. If you missed it here's a summary:
As the performances began, Jackson was catapulted onto the stage as fireworks went off behind him. As he landed on the canvass, he maintained a motionless "clenched fist, standing statue stance", dressed in a gold and black military outfit and sunglasses; he remained completely motionless for several minutes while the crowd cheered. He then slowly removed his sunglasses, threw them away and began to sing and dance. His routine included four songs: "Jam", "Billie Jean", "Black or White" and "Heal the World". It was the first Super Bowl where the audience figures increased during the half-time show, and was viewed by 135 million Americans alone;
As a member of the audience, I was actually part of the show. I got to hold up a colored card when we were signaled. According to my sister, it looked pretty good on camera. Whoppie! I also walked away with a commemorative seat cushion that I still use today (wonder if that's worth $600 now) and a worthless transistor am/fm radio. The game wasn't much of a contest either. The Dallas Cowboys spanked the Buffalo Bills 52-17. And some of you know how much I hate the Cowboys.
Oh well, Michael rocked!
A few years later, I ran into the lovely Farrah Fawcett in Dupar's restaurant - A popular pancake house in Los Angeles. I nearly missed her. She was standing behind a huge pair of sun glasses and waiting at the receptionist's station. I walked right by her. When I was about four steps past her it dawned on me who she was. I turned around to see her smile. She nodded quickly acknowledging my recognition and appreciation.
However, it's not my intent to focus on the passing of these iconic superstars but to remind us how they have lived.
These timeless moguls are gone but not forgotten. Their accomplishments will be forever heralded and remembered. They have simply joined the list of many who have "Lived The Impossible Dream" of stardom, and fame and fortune.
Here are a few others:
Elvis Presley
Luther Vandross
David Ruffin
I'm sure you know Elvis and Luther but you might not remember David Ruffin. David Ruffin (born Davis Eli Ruffin) (January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of The Temptations from 1964 to 1968 (or the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known). His was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg". Known for his unique raspy and anguished tenor vocals, Ruffin was ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his work with the Temptations. Sadly, he was 50 years old when he passed as well.
And here they are singing "The Impossible Dream."
Many others will rise to these levels and claim a spot on the grand stand. Their death's will be surrounded by controversy and suspicion. Fans will mourn their departures and miss their contributions. But in their hearts they will have Dreamed and Lived the impossible.
I wasn't as intimidated by their looks as he was but we at least agreed on one thing - They are/were (Pavarotti died of pancreatic cancer in 2007) very talented. Both artist are also noted for being very socially conscious and contributing to many charitable organizations. I genuinely appreciate that.
Tracy Chapman is slightly unconventional in her music but there is strength and knowledge in her lyrics. Pavorotti.... Well, He's just Pavorotti. I enjoy listening to this song.
I guess I'll just have to close my eyes, stroll through the alley and listen by myself......
Enjoy!
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Maybe the saying "the third time's a charm" is ringing true for Diana Krall! Krall was born into a musical family in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada on November 16, 1964. She began learning the piano at the tender young age of four. She maintained this interest and in high school she played in a small jazz group. When she was 15, she started playing regularly in several Nanaimo restaurants and would eventually win a scholarship from the Vancouver International Jazz Festival to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Her career took off in 1993, when she released her first album, Stepping Out, which she recorded with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. Tommy LiPuma saw promise in Krall and produced her second album, Only Trust Your Heart (1995). Her third, All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio (1996), was nominated for a Grammy and continued for 70 weeks in the Billboard jazz charts. Love Scenes (1997) quickly became a hit record with the trio of Krall, Russell Malone (guitar) and Christian McBride (bass). Her sultry voice and talent on the piano have helped her find a place in musical libraries around the globe. I've selected "The Look of Love" by Diana Krall as my Music Monday.... (a tad bit late).....pick.
Once again, I've learned something while researching my Music Monday pick. Krall is married to Declan Patrick MacManus, who was born 25 August 1954. Now I'm sure most of you have no idea who MacManus is. Here's a big hint.....
Diana Krall and British musician Elvis Costello were married on December 6, 2003 at Elton John's estate outside London. They have twin sons Dexter Henry Lorcan and Frank Harlan James, who were born December 6, 2006 in New York City.
This is the third marriage for Elvis Costello. In 1974, MacManus (Costello) married Mary Burgoyne. The couple had a son, Matthew, and divorced in 1984. In 1986, Costello married Cait O'Riordan, then bassist for the band The Pogues. The couple split at the end of 2002.
Let's hope for the best this time around!
Here's a bonus play from Elvis.....
Enjoy!
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Well, It's Music Monday again - I've decided to do something a little bit differently. I've decided to give you something extra. Sound Good? I've decided to let Queen Latifah introduce my pick for this week. I'm sure many of you would agree that she very easily could hold a spot on my Music Monday schedule as a performer. So I'll give her adequate props!
Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is probably better known as a rapper, actress, and a model but over the past few years she has clearly demonstrated her versatility. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination. (Someone out there correct me if I've missed anything)
And all of this was done in less than 40 years. In two days, she'll be celebrating her 39 Th birthday - Happy Birthday QL!
I think we should listen to Queen Latifah as she introduces my pick for Music Monday.
Alicia Keys,
No doubt - All of that beauty and talent is a dangerous combination.
If you don't know much about Alicia Keys, here's the skinny:
Alicia Keys, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, pianist, cellist and actress. She was born in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York, and was raised by her mother. In 1985, she made a television appearance on The Cosby Show. She attended Professional Performing Arts School and graduated at 16. She later attended Columbia University before dropping out to pursue her music career. Keys released her debut album with J Records, having had previous record deals first with Columbia and then Arista Records.
Alicia Keys' debut album Songs in A Minor, was a huge commercial success, selling over 11 million copies worldwide. The album earned Keys five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "Fallin". Her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, was released in 2003 and was also another success worldwide, selling eight million copies. Keys garnered an additional four Grammy Awards in 2005.
I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of her in the future.
One of the songs, "Poetry Man" was a redone version of a song by the singer-songwriter Phoebe Snow. The song was written by Snow, produced by Dino Airali, and first appeared on her 1974 self-titled debut album. Released as a single in late 1974, "Poetry Man" became Snow's first charting hit, rising to # 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 1975.
Here's a chance to listen to it Queen Latifah singing Poetry Man. Thanks for stopping by.
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Or Do you think of the song - " Some like it Hot" recorded by Power Station. Power Station was a 1980's group which featured singer Robert Palmer, bassist John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor of Duran Duran; and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. Bernard Edwards, also of Chic, was involved on the studio side as recording producer. Interestingly, the band was formed in 1984 during a break in Duran Duran's schedule (Catch that Jane?). Further, Power Station was named after The Power Station recording studio where their album was recorded.
I learned during this post that Robert Palmer is no longer with us - Palmer, who made his home in Lugano, Switzerland for his last 15 years, died in Paris, France in 2003 of a sudden heart attack at the age of 54. Way too young! He is interred at the cemetery in Lugano.
I'll admit, when I think of Palmer, I'm reminded of the following:
Yeah, you got it! The Addicted to Love video of the 80's. Was that hot or what?
But mostly, I'm also reminded of the lyrics to a song by Palmer and Power Station:
Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on
Some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on
Some like it hot, but you can't tell how hot 'til you try
Some like it hot, so let's turn up the heat 'til we fry
Sappy I know - but catchy. Especially the part about turning up the heat 'til we fry!
Here's my choice for Music Monday!
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The list of things I learn on Music Mondays never ends. I've always liked the song "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. In fact, I've grown to appreciate it more in my later years. It's not a song I enjoy dancing to or grooving to. It's merely a song I enjoy listening and reflecting to.
I learned today that "In Your Eyes" was written about Gabriel's one-time girlfriend, actress Rosanna Arquette, after an attempted reconciliation ended in failure.
I'm posting two videos, the shorter one and the longer live version. You can definitely see and hear the African influence in the second video. Take your pick or listen to them both.
Thanks for listening.
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I've never had a soy latte - But I've always liked this line....
"Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know you're wrong Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone conversation The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me"
It comes from the song Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) by Train
This hit song came from the group's second album and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The album itself was somewhat of a misfit. It was hard to place in one single genre. Many in the industry place it comfortably in the Adult Contemporary Market but there are others who advocated placement in rock, indie rock, and even country. I won't get into that debate. I just like the song and the catchy lines.
That's why it's my choice for Music Monday this week.
Enjoy -
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I don't think Michael Jackson needs any more introduction than that. There's speculation that he's in poor health but there's also talk that he may be starting a world tour this year. I'm not sure which is more accurate but I can speculate that a sexpot temptress like the one he's singing about in Dirty Diana, just might be a little too much woman for the pop King today.
"Dirty Diana" was a hit song from the 1988 "Bad" album by Michael Jackson. It was the fifth and last number-one hit from the album! Jackson hired Billy Idol's former guitarist Steve Stevens to back him on the track which gave the cut a credible "Rock Flare." For many years, many wondered what Jackson was talking about in the song and whether he was referring to his friend Diana Ross, or Princess Diana of the British Royal Family. Finally, on an interview from the special edition of Bad, Quincy Jones later confirmed that it was about groupies. Some of us can only imagine!
This morning I listened to the news and learned of the wintry storm (read blizzard) that has literally brought London to a screeching halt. Any one who has lived in London can attest to the world class and updated snow removal equipment in place - NOT!
The snow storm which is the heaviest in 18 years led Mayor Boris Johnson to make the following comment:
" This is the right kind of snow, it's just the wrong kind of quantities ."
The snow also caused a Cyprus Airways flight to slip off a taxiway at Heathrow, leaving its front wheel stuck in grass. Fortunately no one was hurt.
All this thinking about London made me think of the good times I had there -
"For Queen and Country" of course!
I reminisced a bit about a place called the Jazz Cafe in Camden, London.
There I saw Swing Out Sister live and in person! They put on a great show.
Here's a cut from a few years back dedicated to all those who are waiting for the snow to melt.
I hope you enjoy it.
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John Francis Bongiovi, Jr. (born March 2, 1962), better known as Jon Bon Jovi, is an American musician, songwriter and actor. As lead singer and founder of the rock band Bon Jovi, he has sold over 120 million albums worldwide with his band and 10 million albums as a solo artist. He is also the owner of an Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul. That alone makes him worthy of this Music Monday Post! Rock on Bon Jovi!
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Many know that Pride (In the Name of Love)" is a very popular U2 song found on the 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire. It was released as the album's first single. Many may also know that it was ranked 378th by "Rolling Stone" on their list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Today on Martin Luther King, Jr. day in the United States, this is my pick for Music Monday!
There are two versions. The first is a live version performed by U2. The second is a tribute featuring clips of Martin Luther King and the civil rights era.
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On Jan. 12, 1959, the Gordy family loaned Berry Jr. $800 from the family fund so that he could start a record company. Fifteen years later, Motown Records had become the largest African-American-owned business in the United States, turning Detroit, Michigan upside down and launching musicians like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson into mega music careers! Berry Gordy sold Motown in 1988 for $61 million but the legend lives on......
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Based on sales, Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time. They recorded five #1 R&B hits between 1992 and 1997 and have sold more than 60 million records
Nothing too glamorous..... Here's my pick for Music Monday!
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As the year comes to a close, I can't think of a better selection to close out 2008 than "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. It's been a full year since Dan passed away following complications from advanced prostate cancer on December 16, 2007. I contemplated doing a post about Dan last year but decided not to. I wasn't a major fan of Dan Fogelberg. Not that his music wasn't good - I just didn't get it back then. I did, however, always like this particular song. It tells quite a story and blends the music nicely with the ballad. In fact, I think the combination of the vocals, the music, and the lyrics, makes you listen to the words and follow the tale.
Here's a Youtube clip with some added Holiday and Seasonal flavor.
I hope you enjoy it!
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Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted.
Tom Jones singing Mary's Boy Child. An incredibly soulful song of the season!
This is a great Christmas album with many popular and talented artists.
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Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted.
I couldn't make it through the entire movie "Rent" and I never saw the broadway production but I love this opening. Enjoy!
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I was lucky enough to catch this live at the Grammy's. It was better in person but it's still a favorite for me!
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Stoney Jackson
There I saw Swing Out Sister live and in person! They put on a great show. 
