R.I.P Phil Lesh

 

"Box of Rain"

Below the story of the song...

Perhaps the song pertains not to the father but perhaps Phil himself. Today the legendary bassist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead has passed away.

The news below from the New York Post...

Deadheads, friends, family and other musicians mourn his loss, but he did live long and enjoyed a long, strange trip of a life.

"Truckin'"

Below Phil Lesh "Get By"

Thankful for the songs that are left behind may he rest in peace!

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.

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.

R.I.P Chick Corea

 Jazz pianist, 23 time Grammy Award winner Chick Corea has passed away at the age of 79. He's played with some great musicians including Miles Davis, Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck, and more. Winning Grammy Awards, playing with talented artists is fantastic but having several of his compositions considered jazz standards has to be considered the pinnacle of his career.

                                                    "Armando's Rhumba"

"500 Miles High"

He will be missed by his friends, family, fellow musicians, and fans. His legacy will live on in his music and in the musicians he inspired.

Phil Spector has passed away

 Phil Specter has passed away at the age of 81 in prison for murder. His death was probably Covid-19 related. I hope the victim's family gets peace and comfort with his passing. 

He was a musician, songwriter, guitarists founder Teddy Bears who had a number one hit with  "To Know Him is to love Him." 

At 21 he became the youngest record label owner when he co-founded Philles Records. He wrote songs, co-wrote, produced for artists like Ike and Tina Turner and The Ronettes to name a few.

After a short retirement he came back to the music world in a big way. Producing The Beatles "Let it Be" album and solo efforts by George Harrison and John Lennon. 

He won a Grammy Award, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

R.I.P Walter Becker

Guitarist, songwriter, musician and half of the legendary duo "Steely Dan" Walter Becker passed away yesterday ( 09/03/17) at the age of 67.

                                                 "Reelin' in the Years"

Perhaps my favorite Steely Dan tune is "Hey Nineteen"

Here is a solo song "Medical Science"

I was turned on to Steely Dan by a guitar teacher probably 25 years ago. There are connections to other musicians Larry Carlton, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs who were just minor degrees of separation from Steely Dan.


Performing "Josie" on Letterman, enjoy Walter Becker playing guitar..

The band left a catalog of amazing songs. May he rest in peace. I'll leave you with "Black Cow"

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 Leon Russell

I was considering going to see Leon Russell on Tuesday at the local music club, I missed him the last time he was in town. He was scheduled to open for a group I was interested in seeing in January. So, I thought I had a couple of chances to catch him. Now I will never get catch him live as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame passed away at the age of 74.

The songs he left behind are the greatest gift the songwriter could leave. Amazingly over 100 acts have covered his song "A Song For You." As I listen it to it now I find it just as haunting as I find it beautiful.

One of his own hits "Lady Blue"..

"Tight Rope" was another hit...

I guess "Good Time Charlie's got the Blues"..

What's your favorite Leon Russell song? Do you have a memory? Feel free to share in the comments. Leon Russell may you R.I.P. 

R.I.P Prince

Prince was a pop star, a guitar god (when he wanted to be), he could be nasty, and he crafted songs that will be listened to for years to come. He was an artist who was always changing and he will be missed.

"Purple Rain" came out when I was 13 and I probably were that cassette out a few times! Here he is circa 1985 performing "Let's Go Crazy"....

Here is another one "When Dove's Cry"...

Even before then he was a star..."1999"

"Funknroll"...

Prince a talent lost,

Celebrating John Lennon's 75th Birthday!

I'm jumping right into the music with "Instant Karma." Today is the late great John Lennon's 75th birthday. A gifted musician and songwriter  whose legacy was sealed with his work with the Beatles. Yet he continued to release several incredible songs as a solo artist.

This one is probably my favorite John Lennon song..

Might as well throw in some Beatles into the celebration. This one goes out to all the writers who read my blog..

Since it is his 75th Birthday I suppose I should include "Imagine"

What is your favorite post Beatles John Lennon song? Favorite Beatles song? Please feel free to join the celebration with your comments!

Did someone say "Birthday"?

Here is a solo gem.."Woman"...

I'll leave you with "Strawberry Fields Forever"

Well I'll be going out of town to a music festival, so I hope to post back soon. Thanks for visiting!

Happy Birthday Alex Lifeson!

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.

Remembering Les Paul

Six years ago the legendary musician and guitar innovator Les Paul passed away. I became a fan of his due to his legendary guitar he designed for Gibson the Les Paul. Since my guitar hero in my formidable years was Jimmy Page and Slash was the guitarist of the popular rock band Guns N Roses.



Les Paul's music was different and beautiful in it's own right. However, it was far from the hard rock sounds I had associated the guitar with.

"Waiting for the Sunrise" here is a clip from the Les Paul and Mary Ford Show...

Yes in this tribute I am going to share a bit of music so I hope you enjoy.

Les Paul performing "Sleepwalk"

Les Paul and Stanley Jordan jamming out on a version of "Georgia"

Do you have a favorite Les Paul song or memory? Thoughts on the guitar? Feel free to share in the comments. Thanks for visiting and I will be back with a new post soon!

Happy Birthday Buddy Guy!

This is the fourth year in a row I have celebrated Buddy Guy's birthday on the blog. With the passing of B.B. King I feel a bit more urgency to celebrate it a bit more. Here is a link to my first birthday tribute to him.

My second tribute is here. Here is last year's celebration. Adding them because they contain more music. Speaking of music let's add some in!

Here Buddy performs "I Can't Quit You" with the legendary B.B. King..

I can't quit the blues. I am thankful I was able to see B.B. quite a few times and I am glad to say I have seen Buddy a couple of times.

This is how Buddy Guy said goodbye to Wannee Fest in 2012..

Below Buddy Guy performs "Fever" with one of my favorite guitarists Tab Benoit...

While we are having Buddy play with some of my favorites we might as well have him jam with the Rolling Stones.."Champagne and Reefer"..

Cheers! I hope he sticks around for a few more birthday celebrations!

Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon!

A to Z Challenge: Percy Sledge

I would have done this post earlier if it wasn't for the challenge. However, a few days late might be a better way to show tribute to a great singer.

The 74 year old musical legend passed away April 14, 2015. He has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and roll Hall of Fame. He is also honored in the Delta Music Museum. Percy was a Pioneer Award Recipient from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and his album Blues Night won a Blues Music Award for Best Blues/Soul album

He is best known for this song..

Here is a news clip about his death..

This song from 1974 was probably his last hit called "I'll Be Your Everything"

His songs had some great advice like "Take Time to Know Her"

I know I have a lot of music fans who visit my blog what are your favorite Percy Sledge songs? Do you have any Percy memories? Please feel free to leave comments.

Percy Sledge certainly will be missed. He had a voice that won't be replaced. His songs will live on.
Thanks for visiting and I will continue on with the A to Z Challenge on Monday!

Happy Birthday Will Smith!

Today is Will Smith's birthday. Will Smith has become a star in movies, television, and music.

You may remember this..DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince..

Or maybe "Summertime"

Will Smith quotes..

Here is a list of his top 10 movies..

Happy Birthday Will Smith! Thanks for visiting

R.I.P. Andy Griffith

Everyone has probably heard Andy Griffith has passed away, unless you are still without power. I remember watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show quite often in my youth. Some of that good, old, entertaining television of years gone by. I also remember watching Matlock later in life.

However, Andy was a musician as well. He was one of the first to play the guitar on a television show..

Here is episode one with Andy Best playing the Guitarist..enjoy it from youtube

Andy Griffith playing the guitar on The Arthur Smith show in 1973...

Here is Andy Griffith performing rather recently with Brad Paisley..

Andy's Flop Eared Mule...

Well I hope I shared a little light on the musical side of Andy Griffith, he will be missed may he rest in peace..