R.I.P Debbie Reynolds

Actress, singer Debbie Reynolds died the day after her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away. In 2015 she was awarded a Humanitarian Award from The Academy Awards. In 2014 she earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.

Here is a clip from Singing in the Rain.."You Were Meant for Me"

A clip from The Catered Affair where she won Best Supporting Actress by the National Board of Review..

The opening for The Debbie Reynolds Show...

It has been a sad week for her family. Thanks for the memories may you rest in peace.

Happy Birthday Stan Lee

Today Stan Lee turns 94. He is a giant in the comic world. He has created or collaborated in creating comic characters that are well known even outside the comic world. Spider-man, The Hulk, Thor and the X-men to name a few.

Below he talks about creating Spider-man...

This clip highlights some of his cameo appearances..

Are you into comics? Do you like Stan Lee's work? What are your favorites?

R.I.P Guitarist Rick Parfitt

On Christmas Eve Rick Parfitt rhythm guitarist, singer-songwriter for Status Quo passed away. The band only had one hit in the US but had 60 in the UK. Rick was with the group when they originally became Status Quo in 1967 to 2016.

There only Top 40 US Hit.."Pictures of Matchstick Men"...

Here the band kicks off The Live Aid Concert..

Wrapping it up with "Down, Down"..

A lot of artists, musicians, entertainers are passing away. I thought I would pass this one along since it didn't make much news in the United States.

R.I.P Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher is best known for being the actress who starred as Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. She passed away today at the age of 60. Her career was bigger than Princess Leia having appeared in over 40 films and a ton of television shows.

Here is a clip of her from "Star Wars"..

The trailer for "Shampoo" her first movie...

She wrote five novels and three non fiction books. Another entertainer lost in 2016. You can see her in the latest Star Wars film.

R.I.P George Michael

Even on Christmas musicians were not safe. George Michael passed away supposedly peaceful at his residence. The age makes it surprising since he was just 53, but they don't suspect foul play. I guess his time was just up. I guess your time can run out at any time, at any age, and even on a Holiday. He was in his musical prime in my youth. First in the group Wham! and then as a solo artist.

Since it is the Christmas season I will start off the musical tribute with "Last Christmas"...

Continueing with Wham! "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go"...

Do you remember "Careless Whispers"

Above George Michael with "Faith" and below with Elton John..

Certainly he left the world to young and he will be missed. Please feel free to leave your George Michael related memories or favorite songs in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Bob Dylan recently was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Certainly he is qualified to recite a poem perhaps written by  Clement Clarke Moore. It is perfect for the Christmas Eve.

"The Night Before Christmas"

recited by Bob Dylan...

Merry Christmas! Thanks for visiting and enjoy!

Battle of the Bands: The Fall of U2

The results of my Christmas battle of the Band are in a few days before Christmas like an early Christmas gift. In reality this one was decided early and often. Marry Burris was the only one to vote for U2. The next nine went to Vertical Horizon.

Some truly liked Vertical Horizons and some just did not like U2.

Here is another Christmas song from Vertical Horizon "The Man Who Would be Santa"

                                              "Everything You Want"

I figured I wouldn't go all Christmas on this post as the above video shows.

Now how do I make U2 better...maybe add Robert Plant and have them do Led Zeppelin songs?

Oh well, I am sure I will post something in here before the New Year's and I will be back on New Year's Day for a New Battle of the Bands. Hope you have wonderful Holidays!

The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees includes Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Baez, and Niles Rodgers will be given an Award fr Musical Excellence.

The selections are always controversial since there are always deserving groups that don't get voted in. I know I can name quite a few and I'm sure you may know a few. If you want to share who you felt got snubbed the comments are always open.

Today the focus is on who was selected! We start off with a band that I saw this year Pearl Jam. My journey to see them made my A to Z post here.

Pearl Jam

Tupac Shakur

The artist has sold over 75 million albums sand Rolling Stone magazine lists him among the top 100 Artist.

Journey

This band has sold over 90 million albums and is a staple on classic rock radio,

Yes

A progressive rock band. Which had some radio success..

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

Another classic rock band.

Joan Baez

A folky songwriter.

Niles Rodgers

I became aware of Nile Rodgers through his work with Jeff Beck. I am sure I heard of Chic before then but did not put the name together until later. He has worked with a ton of big name artists from Daft Punk, Diana Ross, David Lee Roth, Duran Duran, Madonna and more.

This captures the magic,,Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, Stevie Wonder and Niles..

What do you think of the selections? I will be back soon with a new post.

Battle of the Bands: I Believe in Father Christmas

You know I couldn't let the Holidays go without at least one themed Battle of the Band. My first Christmas season I did "Run, Rudolph, Run" and "Happy Xmas The War is Over."  Last year it was The Grinch and "Christmas Cookies".  What will it be this year?



Earlier this month Greg Lake passed away. I paid tribute to him here. His song "I Believe in Father Christmas" feels like it would  fit tonight.

I will pick to covers of the song, You my readers decide the winner by voting in the comments and sometime around the Winter Solstice I will count up the votes and declare the winner in another post. If you like this battle check out the other ones. Stephen has the best list of participants at his site.

Contestant One: U2

Contestant Two:  Vertical Horizon

U2 or Vertical Horizon? Who gets your vote? Vote in the comments and we will have a winner soon! Happy Holidays!

R.I.P Alan Thicke

Alan Thicke who is best known for his role in the television series Growing Pains died yesterday from a heart attack. He was playing hockey with one of his sons. 

Here he talks about his favorite moments on the show with CNN:

Here is a clip from the show..

A flashback to Alan with his other son Robin..

He will be missed!

Happy Birthday Taylor Swift

It is hard to believe the musical empire that is Taylor Swift is just turning 27. Obviously she still has her youthful good looks. Her music might not be your cup of tea but she is undeniably a musical empire.

She has amassed a net worth over a quarter million dollars. A ten year career with five albums. Her award list is amazing. Highlighted with 10 Grammy Awards and 23 Billboard Music Awards.

This song off her debut album caught my attention....

In an era of declining album sales, Swift has sold over 40 million albums.

Here is her song "Shake it Off:

and "You Belong to Me"..

Ryan Adams covered her latest album 1989 in his own style..

Just saying I am not the only one taking note of Taylor Swift and Ryan Adams comes from a different side of the music world.

What's your favorite Taylor Swift song? Feel free to share in the comments. Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon with a new post.

Happy Birthday Nikki Sixx!

Nikki Sixx turns 58 today! He is best known for being a bass player and songwriter in the rock band Motley Crue.

Though today you may have heard about him via his syndicated radio show called "The Sixx Sense." I have listened to it. Not bad for radio.

His current band is Sixx: A.M..

He is also the author of  

The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star and 

This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx. I have heard The Heroin Diaries is quite good. 

I would say he is doing alright and I will wish him a Happy Birthday!

R.I.P Greg Lake

2016 isn't done taking away musicians even though it is December. This time the bassist, vocalist for King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer has passed away. Progressive fans will certainly miss Greg Lake.


He had a hit with a Christmas song as a solo artist. Here he is with "I Believe in Father Christmas"

Here he is in King Crimson with "Epitaph"

and with Emerson, Lake and Palmer "From the Beginning"

With guitar great Gary Moore "It Hurts"..

Do you have a favorite Greg Lake, ELP, or King Crimson song? Do you have a Greg Lake memory? Feel free to share in the comments. He certainly will be missed. May he Rest in Peace.

Battle of the Bands Results: Sometimes what is on those music show isn't very good

The results are in for December 1 Battle of the Bands and there is no surprise. It was a shutout in favor of  Lynsey Cawthra.  If I voted on my own Battles she would have had my vote. I liked her acoustic guitar arrangement and for me she turned the song into something different, her own.

Your votes also sowed that everything on those music shows is not very good.

Anyway the spotlight goes on the winner and here is an original song called "Best Thing"

and "Compassionate Soul"

She does have quite a few covers out there. I will back in a week with a new Battle of the Bands. In between I will have a few more posts so stay tuned.

Pearl Harbor: 75 Years Ago Today

75 years ago a horrific event happened. An event that should never be forgotten and an event I am sure most wished never happened.

Below a survivor tells his story....

A look inside...

I hope we never have another Pearl Harbor. History has proven we are not immune to future tragedies such as 9/11 or the Orlando club to name just a couple of examples.

R.I.P Peng Chang-kuei, the man behind General Tso's Chicken

Peng Chang-kuei has passed away at the age of 98. He was a chef credited with inventing the popular Chinese-American dish General Tso's chicken.

A video on how the make the famous dish...

A news report of his death..

I know I have enjoyed this dish often and have even tried other General Tso's style dishes such as shrimp. He certainly leaves behind a tasty delicacy.  Do you have any General Tso's stories or memories? Would you like to be remembered for a specialty dish?

Thanks for visiting I will be back soon with a new post.

Battle of the Bands: 80s Pop, Newer Covers

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Do I do the expected Holiday song or do I spin the mystery music wheel? Well the mystery wheel wins again. Today's inspiration comes from 80s pop. I saw Taylor Dayne back in the early 90s in concert and paths crossed recently perhaps on radio airwaves or something. Anyway I hope you enjoy.

Please check out the rest of the battles, this site has the best links.

The song:Tell it to My Heart

Contestant One: Nicola Marie

Contestant Two: Lynsey Cawthra

Who did you like best? Vote in the comments tell it from your heart. I will be back with results and a new battle o December 15th!