This blog spot is the home to my ramblings. I am a free lance writer. Most of my work goes on Associated Content. Sometimes I write what is on my mind, sometimes I plug some of my writing, and sometimes a combination of the two. So, sit back read, enjoy, and we will see where it goes.
If you know my posts, it won't be one song to honor world music day. I figure I would take you on a musical trip around the world, stopping not only in different places but in different times and spaces as well.
Let's start in Zimbabwe. Here is Oliver Mtukudzi with "Todii"..
Like what you heard I wrote a post about him when he passed away. I had the honor of seeing him with Bonnie Raitt.
Let's travel to Niger for the guitar work of Bombino "Azamane Tiliade"
I had the pleasure of watching Bombino open for Robert Plant a few years back you an read my review here.
Let's go to Jamaica for some Bob Marley "Three Little Birds"
All this anarchy going on and here I decide to do my Battle of the Bands post a day early. Well I found inspiration. I knew I didn't want to go with another rock and roll song. Then I found out today is the anniversary of Henry Mancini's death. Well you don't have to a detective or inspector to know where that led me!
Here is Henry Mancini's version...
Contender One: The Ventures
Contender Two: Tommy Emmanuel
Who are you voting for The Ventures or Tommy Emmanuel? Let me know in the comments and I will count up the votes. The winner announced in a separate post in a week or so. Hope you enjoy and I will be back soon!
Sports will age you. First players you grew up watching retire. Second you reach that age when you realize you are too old to play them professionally (or in some people's cases can no longer play them professionally.) In my case I had other things working against me. I could list them but this isn't a self roasting blog. Then sadly players you used to watch pass away. That happened with Claudell Washington this week.
Washington would have turned 66 on August 31st. Still a little early in my book. I became a fan of his during his Atlanta Braves tenure from 1981 to 1986. During that time he was named an All-Star.
By the time he came to the Braves he already had a World Series ring and was named an All-Star at the age of 20 with the Oakland A's.
Here is some highlights from his first All-Star game..
He went on to play for the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets before coming to the Atlanta Braves. After the Braves he played for the Yankees and California Angels. Below is a memorable game winning homer for the Yankees in an 18 inning game..
His death was probably cancer related as he had battled it in recent years. He left his mark in baseball an will be missed. I hope he rests in peace.
Jeff Beck turns 76 this month and with his latest single he was able to defeat the lovely vocals of Ann Wilson. The battle the aging guitar icon won was over the John Lennon tune "Isolation" which ironically did not feature guitar.
Lennon related tunes have resulted in 25 percent of Beck's eight Grammy Awards. Age has been good for winning Grammys as he has won four of those in the last 11 years.
Jeff was joined by Johnny Depp who better known for his acting then his Rock and Roll. Jeff has hinted there might be more music coming from the duo. Johnny Depp has had a group featuring Alice Cooper and Aerosmith's Joe Perry called Hollywood Vampires. He has also recorded with Oasis.
Here is Hollywood Vampires with "The Boogieman Surprise"
Below Johnny plays with Paul McCartney...
Jeff Beck has played with singers such as Rod Stewart "People Get Ready"
When I hear the name Wes Unseld the Washington Bullets/Wizards comes immediately to my mind. Part of it might be for the time I spent in the DC area, my age but the majority of it would be due to Wes Unseld's contribution to the organization.
His entire career in the NBA as a player, coach and executive was with one organization. The Baltimore Bullets, the Capital Bullets, Washington Bullets, and Washington Wizards. The organization changed locations and even names but Unseld was a constant.
As a player Unseld made an impact right away earning the Rookie of the Year Award and NBA MVP Award in 1969. He was a five time All-Star. He was on an NBA Championship team and was the NBA Finals MVP. His number 41 was retired by the organization and his play on the court allowed him membership into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Highlights from one of his games in 1973 against the New York Knicks...
His NBA Career was proceeded with his college playing days at Louisville. He was a three time first team all conference player. He was a two time first team All-American. His college number was retired at Louisville. His number in college was 31.
After his playing career ended he was a vice president for the organization, then a coach for seven seasons, after coaching he was the team's general manager for several years.
He made an impact on and off the court. He will be missed in the community, by the fans, and his friends and family.
Pat Dye passed away yesterday. He was a successful college football head coach compiling an impressive record of 153 win, 62 losses and 5 ties. His playing career with the Georgia Bulldogs and in the CFL helped prepare him for coaching. He ironically started his coaching career at the University of Alabama and ended his career at Auburn.
His first Head Coaching stop was with the East Carolina Pirates. His six year tenure was enough to get his inducted into the East Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame. Highlights included a Conference Championship and all of his teams enjoyed winning seasons. He switched to Wyoming where he lead the Cowboys to a 6-5 record.
Next stop was in Auburn where he coached for 12 seasons winning 99 games. He won the SEC four times. He coached Bo Jackson. After his coaching career he was a radio show host and author.
The college football world has lost a very successful coach who will be missed by family, friends and fans!
Perhaps a good song for the times we are going through "Isolation" is my choice for this round of Battle of the Bands. The song is by John Lennon from his John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band.
I will now present two contenders. You vote on which version you like best in the comments. I count them up in a week or so. I announce the winner in a separate post.
Contender One: Ann Wilson
Contender Two: Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp
I hope you enjoyed! I look forward to your vote. Both covers are different from the original. Ann with her voice gives a female take in contrast to John. Jeff Beck covering a song that originally didn't feature guitar. Should be fun! I will be back soon.
