R.I.P Burt Bacharach

 Legends continue to pass away, as the legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach died at the age of 94. Composing some of the best songs for over seven decades and winning six Grammy Awards along the way. 

His first Grammy was for this piece "Alfie" performed below by Dionne Warwick....

He won a Grammy in 1999 with the song "I Still Have the Other Girl" with Elvis Costello

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, won a lifetime achievement Grammy Award in 2008 and won numerous awards in between.

"Close to You" Burt with Barbara Streisand

He will be missed by his fans, friend and family but his legacy will live on through his music.

Battle of the Bands: Jeff and Rod rally past Eva Cassidy

 Eva's version of "People Get Ready" jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Then the shutout was broken making it 2-1. Eva and Jeff split the next two votes making it 3-2 Eva. Then Jeff and Rod captures the next 2 (really the last 3) votes to win 4-3.

This was a fun battle featuring a great song. A lesser known but incredible singer against two giants in Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck.

                                            Back from where Jeff Beck nd Rod Stewart began "Ol' Man River" from 1968's "Truth" album

Rod's "Infatuation: featuring Jeff Beck

Thanks for participating in my Battle of the Bands and I will have a new one out on the 1st.

R.I.P Bobby Hull

 Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull passed away at the age of 84 on January 30, The legendary skater scored 741 goals in a career that scanned 23 years. He was the NHL's MVP twice and lead the league in points three times. 

He was a NHL All-Star 12 times, a two-time WHA MV and five-time WHA All-Star. 

Bobby Hull will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

R.I.P Bobby Beathard

 Bobby Beathard the Pro Football Hall of Fame General Manager who built the legendary Washington Redskins teams of the 80s and the Super Bowl winning San Diego Chargers team in the 90s has passed away. 

The former Redskins executive is honored by being in the Washington Commanders (the team previous known as the Redskins) Ring of Honor. Bobby is also in the Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame.

Below is his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech...

Bobby will be missed by fans of the Washington team and the Chargers. He will be missed by his family and friends as well.

Battle of the Bands: People Get Ready

 Jeff Beck passed away last month so I will work him into this Battle of the Bands. I am picking the lovely Curtis Mayfield song "People Get Ready." It was a hit with The Impressions. Curtis, Eva and Jeff have all left for the great studio in the sky.

Contender One: Eva Cassidy

Contender Two: Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart

Let me know who you like best Eva or Jeff in the comments.

R.I.P David Crosby

 David Crosby a founder of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash has passed away at the age of 81. An important figure in the musical landscape of the 60s. He also had a solo career as well and a career that spanned into seven decades.

                                           "I Won't Stay for Long" from 2021

"Turn! Turn! Turn" from The Byrds

"Our House" from Crosby, Stills and Nash

"In the Wide Ruin" another solo song

He will be missed by his family, friends, and peers. His music will live on.

Battle of the Bands Result: Angelique Kidjo wins 4 to 1

 Angelique Kidjo uniqueness won over Zakk Wylde's sonic acoustic guitar version of Jimi's "Voodoo Chile." Getting back to normalcy in my blogging we celebrate winners and the fact that I didn't pitch a shutout in my first Battle since August. 

                                             Here she performs her African hit "Agolo"

"Mother Nature" featuring Sting

I will be back on the first with a new Battle of the Bands and in the days between I hope to post a few more posts. Until then enjoy!