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.
Opening up my tribute post with Neil Peart doing what he was known for, which was drumming. This solo was from an appearance on the David Letterman Show in 2011.
In case you hadn't heard the news Neil Peart passed away from brain cancer at the age of 67. Neil was the drummer for Rush.
Rush "Tom Sawyer"
"Fly By Night"
Neil Peart is regarded as being one of the top drummers in rock history. He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, named to Modern Drummer magazine Hall of Fame in 1983. In that magazine he has been named Best Rock Drummer 9 times. In Drum! magazine he was named drummer of the year 2007 through 2010. He will be missed by his family, bandmates, and fans.
Alex Lifeson the guitarist for the Canadian rock band Rush turns 61 on August 27th.
Photo from Rush.com. Please visit their site for more on Alex Lifeson, Rush, and the latest news involving the band Rush.
Why celebrate his birthday? He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted with RUSH in 2013. He is also honored as an Officer in the Order of Canada. Several magazines have listed him as one of the top guitarists.
Since we are putting him in the "Limelight" here is RUSH with "Limelight"..
Here is "Promise" from Lifeson's solo album Victor..
Here is the Rush piece "Hope" which highlights Alex quite well on the acoustic guitar..
He has proven he is no "Fly by Night" guitarist..
Hope you enjoyed the tunes! What is your favorite Rush song? Happy Birthday Alex Lifeson! I will be back soon with a new post.
The breaking news of the day of who will be the new members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 kind of trumped what I was planning to blog about.
Lou Adler
Lou Adler made it as owner of the Roxy, a manager, a songwriter, basically a music insider responsible for a lot of the California Rock Scene having a hand in Monterrey to Carole King.
Here is an interview I dug up on him...
Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones made it as well. Trumpet player, arranger, musical director, had his own solo career, did music for movies and TV shows, and he produced numerous hit albums.
Here is a song from Quincy..
RUSH
This Canadian Rock trio deserves to be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Songs like "The Spirit of the Radio" and "Tom Sawyer" have made the group staples of classic rock radio stations everywhere.
Here they perform "Fly by Night"
Heart
I know Ann and Nancy Wilson started in the 70s but they were everywhere in the 80s. Songs like "These Dreams," "Magic Man" bring up so many memories. "Barracuda" just rocks. They are having a great 2012 just performing this month at the Kennedy Center to honor Led Zeppelin, the girls have been on tour most of the year.
Here they are performing "Barracuda"
Rush and Heart definitely top the list of rock bands that made it.
Albert King
Deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if nothing else for his influence. The blues man influenced the likes of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Derek Trucks to name just a handful.
Randy Newman
It is hard to put him in a musical box his songs went from country, to film, to R&B, pop...
However it is hard to argue with a resume that has 6 GRAMMY Awards, 3 EMMY Awards and 2 Oscars.
Donna Summer
She was the Queen of Disco. 5 Grammy Awards and 6 American Music Awards help paved the way for her to be in the Hall of Fame. Sadly she passed away in May.
Public Enemy
Hip hop is represented as well. Public Enemy made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band has won a Grammy and been nominated for several. They also have won a Soul Train Award. The band was political and influential.
The people, bands, and musicians above got it and I congratulate them. Yes, there are a few who haven't made it in that deserve it. At least in my opinion and we all have opinions so I know there are few who probably should be in. Maybe one day we will celebrate them. Today we celebrate these.
Hey it is Rocktober so my blog should be heavy with music this month. Let's take a look at the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominations. A few of these should already be inducted., including RUSH...
Deep Purple is another that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is also a band my wife and I went to see for our first date together...
The Sisters of Rock and Roll Heart are nominated..
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts also was nominated..
and some real classic rock Procol Harum...
Some Blues..Albert King...
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band...
The Meters...
Some more twists with Chic...
Randy Newman...
The Marvellettes...
Kraftwerk...
The great, late Donna Summers...
Diversity is strong this year with Public Enemy...
and N.W.A...
I'm pulling for Deep Purple and RUSH. There are a few more who deserve to be in as well. Who are you pulling for?
