Remembering the King

Today would have been Elvis Presley's 78th birthday. In honor of the day I thought it might be fun to solicit your Elvis song memories. Here are the ones I think of when I think of Elvis:

• Are You Lonesome Tonight?
• Can't Help Falling in Love
• Don't Be Cruel
• Hound Dog
• How Great Thou Art
• Love Me Tender
• Suspicious Minds

Were you a fan? Which songs do you think of when you remember Elvis?

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Fear, Islam, 9/11 and a Reason to Believe

Irshad Manji made an interesting observation on Morning Joe this week when asked about how the perceptions of Islam have changed since that tragic day ten years ago.

I think there is still far more confusion than there is clarity. I’ll say something else, and to me it’s the most dangerous F-word in the entire English language…but that word is ‘fear.’ I see among broad-hearted Americans -- who are non-Muslim – fear about asking questions of Muslims and Islam because they’re afraid of being judged as bigots for doing so. And I see among liberal Muslims, such as myself, fear of going on the record about our views because we fear either being called traitors by Islam supremacists or terrorists-in-waiting by Islam bashers."

It is interesting how fear plays such an integral part of the way that we have responded to the terrorism of September 11, 2001. Many of the email messages I receive about Islam are based in fear. So, in light of that, I thought that I would share a song in video, titled "Reason to Believe", that was written, and sung here, by Joe Scarborough, the host of Morning Joe.


I pray for our nation that we will move forward out of fear and suspicion to faith and love.

Farewell Tony

Update: Tony passed away today. Please join me in asking God to comfort his family.

December 21, 2008: Today is a sad day in Kansas City Chief football. It is the last Sunday in forty years that 96 year old Tony DiPardo and his band will be playing at Arrowhead for Chiefs' home games. They have been evicted due to renovations at Arrowhead that do not include space in the endzone for the band. Today they will honor Tony at the stadium.. as I honor him here today.

Blessings to you Tony.. you have been there in good times and bad.. the games just won't be the same without you!

PS 22 heading to the Oscars

Kudos to PS 22, my hometown elementary school! They are headed to Los Angeles to perform at the Academy Awards ceremony on February 27th. Enjoy this great holiday video shot in the auditorium that I once sang in.. no solos.. just the normal assembly sing-a-thons.

"Best Of" Collections

I have been listening to this Four Tops greatest hits CD that Santa Ann bought me for Christmas and I remembered how I started collecting greatest hits CDs.

In 1995 I bought a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and had to choose between a tape player and a CD player.. and I chose a CD player even though I did not have one CD.. I was a cassette guy.. as most folks were.

Back then I mostly bought Christian worship CDs.. I still love to listen to artists like Matt Redman and recordings of worship celebrations. So, it took me a few years to start collecting my favorite artists and many times I bought the greatest hits versions to save money. Here are a few of them in no particular order:

• Best of Bond.. my friend Barbara sent this one to me.. all of the songs and music from all of the 007 movies.. simply rejuvenating!
• 16 Biggest Hits of Johnny Cash.. I love to listen to Johnny's raspy voice telling those wonderful stories in song
• The Very Best of Chicago.. I queue this CD up and find myself back in 1971 when I first fell for their music.. my Blood, Sweat and Tears greatest hits album has the same effect on me.
  
• Roy Orbison.. Hits You Remember.. one of the most unique voices of the Rock era.. when I think of Roy I think of Rockabilly music.. I simply love Blue Bayou.
• Kenny G.. Greatest Hits.. this CD and my Stan Getz' Sound of Jazz are representative of my small interest in Jazz.
• The Best of Neil Diamond.. so many favorites on this one,, Brooklyn Roads is a long-time favorite.. reminds me of going to school in Brooklyn and gives me cause to reminisce.
• Carman.. The Absolute Best.. the album is a fun Christian one with songs like "The Champion"
  

How about you? Do you have any "Best of" collections that you might recommend?

1,000 Recordings Before You Die

For the last three and a half years, award-winning music journalist Tom Moon has been searching out peak musical experiences from all genres and every corner of the earth. 1000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die, published by Workman Publishing in August 2008, is the result of his journey.

Here are a few random songs and albums that I like from his list:

California Dreamin (The Mamas and The Papas): This song takes me way back to my teen years.. I had a teen penpal gal in California and loved listening to the song and thinking about her.

Good Vibrations (The Beach Boys): This song is more representative of surfin' music than anything.. brings back memories of high school (NY) pizza after basketball games at Gene's pizza.

How Great Thou Art (Elvis): The soulful side of Mr Presley comes though clearly in this song. I guess I include this one because I like his voice and and this is one of my favorite hymns.

The Sound of Music (Rogers and Hammerstein): The music helped to bring the story of the Von Trapp family to life. Climb Every Mountain is one of the most inspirational songs ever written.

A Hard Day's Night (Beatles): Six Beatles' albums made Moon's list. While I liked their later recordings I always will remember the Beatles in their early years and how original and exciting they were.

At Folsom Prison (Johnny Cash): I love listening to Johnny.. his style and voice transcend country music. I think that he had a gift that gave him the ability to connect with his listeners.

Peter, Paul and Mary: I loved so many of their songs.. Leavin on a Jet Plane was a classic.. remembering it causes me to think of the thrill of my first plane ride when I was inducted into the Army.

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What are some of your favorites from Moon's list?

Christmas Music

I voted with the 31% in this Christianity Today poll.

My favorite all time Christmas song is the traditional O Holy Night.. nothing matches it.

I also like a lot of other genres as well. My favorite CD album is A Vineyard Cafe Christmas.

How would you vote and what is your favorite Christmas song?

50 Years Ago in Rock Music

Anyone old enough to remember these golden oldies?
"Don't" -Elvis Presley
"Great Balls of Fire" -Jerry Lee Lewis
"Johnny B. Goode" -Chuck Berry
"Good Golly Miss Molly" -Little Richard
"La Bamba" -Ritchie Valens
"Fever" -Peggy Lee
"Poor Little Fool" -Ricky Nelson
"Rebel Rouser" -Duane Eddy
"All the Way" -Frank Sinatra
"26 Miles (Santa Catalina)" -The Four Preps
"A Wonderful Time Up There" -Pat Boone
"Tequila" -The Champs
"Catch a Falling Star" -Perry Como
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" -Laurie London
"Twilight Time" -The Platters
"Witch Doctor" -David Seville
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" -The Everly Brothers
"Purple People Eater" -Sheb Wooley
"Yakety Yak" -The Coasters
"Splish Splash" -Bobby Darin
"Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Blu)" -Dominico Modugno
"Rockin Robin" -Bobby Day
"Tom Dooley" -The Kingston Trio
"To Know Him Is to Love Him" -Teddy Bears
"The Chipmunk Song" -The Chipmunks/David Seville
"Jingle Bell Rock" -Bobby Helms
True confession time.. I counted 23 that I definitely remember listening to on the radio in 1958. I have vivid memories of watching them do "The Chipmunk Song" on TV around Christmas time.. I thought it was a funny song back then. Also remember Bobby Darin singing "Splish Splash" on TV in a bathtub. And who could forget "Purple People Eater"? Aaah.. those were the days!

Anybody want to confess to listening to the radio in 1958? How many of these do you remember? Any stories to share?

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

This was just fun to watch!

Billboard Top 10

Fifty years ago, in the Aug. 4, 1958, issue, Billboard launched a revolutionary chart called the Hot 100. After nearly two decades of tracking songs distinctively by sales or plays (on jukeboxes and at radio), the Hot 100 was the first list to measure popularity by incorporating both radio play and sales.

The 50th Anniversary Hot 100 Song Chart is based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100, since the chart's inception in August 1958 through the issue dated July 26, 2008. Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least.
Here's the top 10:

1. The Twist :: Chubby Checker
2. Smooth :: Santana
3. Mack the Knife :: Bobby Darin
4. How Do I Live :: Leann Rimes
5. The Macarena :: Los Del Rio
6. Physical :: Olivia Newton-Jon
7. You Light Up My Life :: Debby Boone
8. Hey Jude :: The Beatles
9. We Belong Together :: Mariah Carey
10. Un-break My Heart :: Toni Braxton

The Twist was ground breaking.. yes I remember it.. it was the first "dance" I learned and it did not involve touching your partner :)
My other other memorable favorites would have to include numbers 3, 6, 7 and 8. Some of those on the list surprised me.. mainly because I lost track of pop music some time ago.

Any one of these bring back any sweet memories? Any surprises?

Ethan Bortnick

A bit of musical inspiration for your Sunday morning viewing and listening enjoyment by way of Elizabeth's blog.

Blue Bayou

If you haven't ever heard them sing, please let me introduce you to two of my all time favorite singers singing the same song. I cannot decide which rendition I like better.. maybe you can help me out.. which version do you like better.. feel free to listen to the first minute of each if you don't have time to listen to the full cut!



Linda Ronstadt



Roy Orbison

Kiss and Condi

Someone seems out of place in this picture :)

Sir Doctor Paul McCartney

According to this article the ex-Beatle was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University. Knighted by the Queen and now doctored by Yale. Give Me a Break!

Proud Mary Sing Off

On Monday, November 26, Tina Turner will turn 68.. she is one amazing woman.. this sing off is dedicated to her.. Happy Birthday Tina!

Tina at 65 in 2004


Tina in the 90s


Tina in the 70s


Beyonce


Creedance Clearwater Revival

Cast your vote.. it is a hard choice.. at least between the Tinas :)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Pearlie's post of Celtic Woman's version of Rainbow made me want to listen to the version from The Wizard of Oz. Listen to both versions and let me know which one you prefer. My vote is for Dorothy.. but then again I am from Kansas J

The Five Browns

Just a very short video from these brothers and sisters.

The Passing of a Great Voice

Luciano Pavarotti: 1935-2007

Paul Potts

Need a boost? Take a peek at the video over at Matt's place. Then after you do, if you like what you see, take a look at this video.

Paul Potts get a You Inspire Me!

Unchained Melody Sing Off

Dave over at Pomoxian reports about the death of Hy Zaret, the author of Unchained Melody. In honor of Hy's passing I am asking you to vote for either the Righteous Brothers rendition, the Elvis one or another of your choice. The following videos are provided to help you in your voting.


Just leave a comment, with your vote for the Righteous Brothers, Elvis or the singer of your choosing, and I'll publish the results in a few days.