Learning to Love Imperfection
Greatness is in the beholder's eye. Deep dives always reveals flaws. No hero is unscathed. The challenge is to learn to love imperfection.
Was Elvis slighted? Or was it a brilliant PR move?
On July 1, 1956, Elvis Presley "Hound Dog" to a basset hound. The next day he recorded one of his most iconic hits.
Your Best Self
An encounter at the park with my granddaughter becomes a teachable moment. Always be your best self. You never know who may be watching.
Why you should try that thing you’ve always wanted to do
Kurt Vonnegut recounts a life changing incident that taught him that chasing excellence isn't always the goal. Experience is what truly enriches us.
Accepting it..
The last year has taught us many lessons. Perhaps the greatest for me is acceptance. We can't control what happens to us. But we can control how we respond.
31 Days of Faves: The Beatles - Abbey Road - Golden Slumbers Medley
Although it was released before "Let It Be", the Beatles "Abbey Road" LP, released in the Fall of 1969, was their final collaboration. And it shows.
Why we celebrate Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, may we never forget the sacrifices others have made for the freedoms we too often take for granted... and model their behavior.
31 Days of Faves: The Temptations - Ball of Confusion
The Funk Brothers didn't know that "Ball of Confusion" would turn out to be a protest song. The Whitfield/Strong lyrics made it Motown's first.
31 Days of Faves: Michael Bublé - Save the Last Dance for Me
Michael Bublé's rendition of the classic Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman composition, "Save the Last Dance for Me" holds a special place in my heart.
31 Days of Faves: The Association - Everything That Touches You
If you were a teenager in late 1960s, it's a good bet that the first time you danced slow and close, your soundtrack was The Association.
31 Days of Faves: The Carpenters - Goodbye to Love
The genesis of The Carpenters' "Goodbye to Love" is the stuff of legend. Tony Peluso's guitar solo kicks it up to iconic status.
31 Days of Faves: The Doors - Touch Me
While "Touch Me" remains my all time favorite Doors Tune, some critics considered it a sell-out. I think it's their best work.
31 Days of Faves: B.J. Thomas - Rock and Roll Lullaby
The backstory of B.J. Thomas' 1972 Top 20 hit, "Rock and Roll Lullaby", is one of serendipity and how all the elements can converge to create a classic.
31 Days of Faves: Petula Clark - I Know a Place
A sequel is almost never as good as the original. Petula Clark's "I Know a Place," the follow up to her smash international debut, "Downtown", broke the rule.
Why we may still mask
If you see people who continue to mask as masking requirements are lifted, here are some thoughts that may be helpful to remember.
31 Days of Faves: Mamas and Papas - Monday Monday
"Monday Monday" was an afterthought. John Phillips wrote it over a weekend and the Mamas and Papas wrote it off, until fans made it as a classic.
31 Days of Faves: Johnny Rivers - Swayin' to the Music (Slow Dancing)
When we still did "record hops", certain songs always filled the dance floor. Johnny Rivers' "Swayin' to the Music " was one of em.
31 Days of Faves: Sonny & Cher - The Beat Goes On
The syncopated bass line in "The Beat Goes On" was totally Carol Kaye's invention. And it helped make Sonny & Cher rock stars.
31 Days of Faves: The Turtles - Happy Together
They knocked the Beatles out No.1, smoked dope in the White House, and after 5 decades, The Turtles are still "Happy Together".