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.
Devo guitarist Bob Casele passed away at the age of 61 from heart failure. He and the band is best known for their 1980 hit "Whip It." The band had a cult following. They were known for their videos. The band founded in 1972 embraced things that would be the 80s such as new wave, post-punk, videos, and keyboards.
Here is their hit...
The band was more than a one hit wonder. They brought creativity even when they covered other songs like The Rolling Stones...
This song was popular, even if it wasn't charting in the charts..
His family, fans, and band mates certainly will miss Bob Casele may he rest in peace and thanks for the songs.
Today is Yoko Ono's birthday and turns 81. She is probably best known for being John Lennon's second wife. She is a musician, artist, mother, and activist. Some people blame her for The Beatles breakup. I think she should be remembered as the person John Lennon loved.
Above is Yoko's "Baddancer" a song she released last year at the age of 80.
Above is a clip and discussion about her performance art. Yoko Ono is still going strong at 81.
In 2010 I wrote an article about the reasons Michael Jordan could be considered the best NBA player of all time. You can read that article here. There are some in NBA history who can challenge Michael Jordan for that top spot. Kobe Bryant is putting up a career that would challenge MJ's and Lebron James could best him when his career is over.It would be a true statement to say Michael Jordan is the best player in my memorable lifetime so far. If he was the best or not could be argued but one thing that is certain is Michael Jordan is an all time great of the NBA.
Here is a collection of some of highlights:
If you like dunks this is for you:
To this NBA Hall of Fame, NBA great, and current owner I say happy 51st!
The 2014 Wanee Festival should be on your not to miss list for two reasons. One it is the Festival's 10th Anniversary. I congratulate the festival for achieving this milestone. The second reason is this could be the last Wanee Festival or at least the last one featuring The Allman Brothers.
The line up for the festival is solid but has a stripped down feel to it. The festival is still anchored by The Allman Brothers. Add in a set by Lynryd Skynyrd and the festival will have a distinct southern flavor to it.
The jam band crowd should feel pretty excited with The Trey Anastasio Band, Moe, Rusted Root, Umphrey's McGee, Melvin Seals and the JGB and Chris Robinson.
The family bands will be there The Royal Southern Brotherhood, Gov't Mule, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band,Berry Oakley's Skylab and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Adding to the party is Blues Traveler, Ziggy Marley, Hot Tuna, Dumpstaphunk (playing a set of Led Zeppelin), and Soulive. If you want hot blues guitars Walter Trout and Matt Schofield are scheduled to perform. The Blind Boys of Alabama also add to the talent rich lineup.
The rest of the lineup includes The Futurebirds, Rob Garza, Bobby Lee Jones, Break Science, Pink Talking Fish, Seam Chambers, The Yeti Trio, and The Hip Abduction.
April 10-12, 2014 Live Oak, Florida is the date and place more info at the official site. Wanee is always a great festival.
Pete Seeger passed away while my blog was out. It might be better to write about him now since his death isn't current news or a trending topic. His death is simply a recent event. His life was far more than a simple life and his songs are much more than simple folk songs.
In my younger days the loud guitars of Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Hendrix, and Guns and Roses appealed to me. I was turned on by the blues, especially the electric Chicago Blues. But as much as liked the grittier music I also liked the softer songs such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills and Nash. Neil Young kind to capture both sides. However, in my teen and young adult years I was introduced to the songs of Pete Seeger.
I used to sing and play his song "Where Have All The Flowers Gone." His influence on people, who could play music who I knew, really pushed him up in my book. You know the real people in your life, who influence your taste in music and never have a clue they have.
In my opinion he is up there with Woody Guthrie and perhaps Ramblin' Jack Elliot on the top of my folk list. I tend to like the generation after them, The Grateful Dead, Dylan, Joni, Cat Stevens, Jimmy Buffett, and the list goes on. Still music before my time my wife likes to say. But to one of the guys who introduced me to Seeger's music, it was the music of his generation and he passed on the seed to grow inside my head. He probably doesn't know or remember he did. However, I am glad he did. I was able to appreciate Pete Seeger's music when he was alive and I will be able to pass it along.
Below is President Obama's tribute to Pete..
One of his last recordings was his cover of a Bob Dylan song..
Pete Seeger thank you for your music which influenced a generation. A generation that still passes your music down to other generations who will pass it down as well. You may have passed on but your music will carry on and another generation will ask "Where Have All The Flowers Gone."
Shirley Temple passed away this week at the age of 85. She will never be remembered as a 85 year old by most. However, she will live on as the sweetheart with the curly locks in old films. Being a parent of a six year old curly top girl creates yet another connection with Shirley Temple the comparison.
My daughter isn't Shirley Temple. My daughter is cute, she is taking ballet, and tap dance. Perhaps one day she will be a star. When and if that happens she will still be my little girl. However, there have been a few people who have said she reminds them of Shirley Temple. Looking back at the career and fame Shirley Temple achieved that is certainly a complement.
Above is part of The Kennedy Center program where they honored Shirley Temple. The Kennedy Center Honors is probably the best tribute to this star you can find.
Above is "Curly Top" I dedicate it to my daughter but present it in honor of Shirley Temple.
Below is perhaps her most famous tune...
I thank her for the memories that have become new to other generations. I am glad she lived a long life and I hope she rests in peace.
