R.I.P Otis Clay

Otis Clay started his career in gospel but his musical journey brought him into R&B, soul and blues. Highlighting his career was an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.

A little Gospel...

"Trying to Live my Life Without You"

His musical gifts will be missed, may he rest in peace!

R.I.P Pat Harrington Jr

Pat Harrington Jr  passed away at the age of 86. The Emmy Award winning actor will always be remembered for his roll of Schneider on the sit-com "One Day at a Time."

He was also known for his voice acting for shows such as "The Inspector " and "Pink Panther."

Here he is in his own words...

May he ret in peace. He will be missed by his family and fans. His voice and acting will live on in reruns.

Battle of the Bands Champions: Guns N' Roses

I wanted a tight contest for my Battle of the Bands and matching Motorhead with Guns N' Roses provided just that! The contest came down to the final two votes. The final tally 7 to 6! Of course The Rolling Stones set up the match up with their song "Sympathy for the Devil."



Axl, Slash and Duff McKagan are reuniting as Guns N' Roses and will be headlining the Coachella Festival this Spring. Rumors suggest a tour will follow.

I guess "Patience" has worked..

"November Rain" with Elton John...

I'll be back on the 15th with a new and hopefully exciting Battle of the Bands!

Farewell Gator!

I never had the chance to meet William Earl "Gator" Farrington. He was a businessman, a veteran, and a hero. He passed away the Sunday before New Year's. He was 88 years old and lived a long full life. I knew of Gator through his restaurant. I would have enjoyed a chance to hear the stories he would have had to share.



I know of Mr. Farrington from Gator's Seafood which my wife pointed out to me on one of our trips to Navarre. The name grabbed me and the sign said see live gators. When I lived in Florida my first time in my formidable kid years between 6 and 12 I had a fascination with alligators. My parents probably thought this was unhealthy and may have contributed to us moving to Maine. I know my Mom chewed out my brother's teacher for giving him detention once. Something about me walking home five blocks taking several hours since I had to say hi to my reptilian friends. I could imitate their calls and literally call them to shore. A good skill to have when visitors come to town and to worry parents. My voice has since changed and I have since lost that skill. (The picture is William Earl "Gator" Farrington from his obituary in the Pensacola News Journal.)

I thought the establishment might have alligators in captivity and the place was named after the alligators. I was wrong on both accounts. The alligators were wild and free. Gator's Seafood was named after Gator who founded the restaurant with his wife. The restaurant is open on weekends during the summer and is located outside Milton, Florida. Picture on the right is a sign by the door at Gator's Seafood photo by me.



Above an alligator swims in the lake behind Gator's Seafood (picture by me.)

The story of how Mr. Farrington earned his nickname can be read inside the menu of Gator's Seafood. He earned his nickname by killing an alligator at the age of 13 and dragging the five foot critter out of the lake by it's tail. Witnesses to this feat called him "Gator" and the name stuck!

He served his country in World War II and the Korean War serving in the United States Navy. I assume he would have had some great tales to tell from the wars. He also loved serving his community.

He will be missed by his patrons, family, neighbors, country and people like me who never got the chance to meet the man.

The New Year

No big New Year resolutions for me. Sure I would love to get in shape, lose 20, 30, 50 or so pounds. Love to have a more active lifestyle. But I don't even have the time to do the things I do. How can I add more things on my plate.

Last year I gave up soda. Not really a  resolution more of a decision. I just decided I didn't need it anymore. I'm sure there are lots of benefits in doing that. I thought I may lose some weight. No I am still at my all time heaviness.

This year I want to read more books. In 2015 I might start a book but finishing one was a different story. I'll go into ready frenzies from time to time but I did not have that last year. Most writers I know read a lot, I jut wonder how they do it.

Yes I will do some cool things and have some neat adventures in 2016. No promises, no expectations but I know that is what I will do. Might even catch a fish or two.

R.I.P Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole passed away on New Year's Eve. She was the daughter of Nat King Cole.

                                                        "Unforgettable"

Natalie Cole may have been blessed with musical genes. Nine Grammy Awards back up her talent.

"This Will Be"

"Miss You Like Crazy"

CBS News Report on her death..

What's your favorite Natalie Cole song? Do you have a Natalie Cole memory? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post.

May Natalie Cole rest in peace.

Battle of the Bands: Sympathy for the Devil

Well it is the first of the month and time to for an another Battle of the Bands. Hopefully it will be an exciting one!

Not only is it a new month it is also a New Year! So Happy New Year's to everyone.



On with the contest. The rules are simple I pick a song and present a couple of bands battling it out with the song. You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. The whys and other comments are always welcomed.


Please check out the other battles:

 list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JANIE JUNEBUG, RIGHTING & EDITING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'BE REINVINTAGED' by clicking HERE

I know The Rolling Stones aren't everyone's favorite. They are among my favorites and I am going back to them like they were a musical comfort food. Also the contestants I am using for his battle  have been in the news lately. I do like to infuse a bit of purpose or theme into my battles.

The Song  "Sympathy for the Devil"

Contestant One: Guns N' Roses

Rumors are swirling that a Guns N' Roses reunion is in the works for 2016. Good news if you are a fan of the band.

Contestant Two: Motorhead

The song is a fitting tribute to Lemmy Kilmister who recently passed away. It comes from the band's last studio album from last year. You can visit my tribute post for Lemmy here if you would like.

Vote in the comments tell me which one you like the best. The one with the most votes will be crowned the winner in a few days. Enjoy and once again Happy New Year!