Here’s one that was released the year I was born, yet it sounds as hip and current as, well, I am. OK, it is hipper and more current than I am, but it goes to show just how timeless Nina Simone’s recordings really were. Simone’s interpretive talents as a singer and piano player earned her the nickname, “The High Priestess Of Soul,” and put her right up there with greats … [Read more...] about Song Of The Day – “Work Song” by Nina Simone
Broadway
Song Of The Day – “Lemmings Lament” by National Lampoon
“Welcome to the Woodshuck Memorial Festival: Three Days Of Peace, Love And Death!” So began one of the funniest and spot-on parodies of the Woodstock generation with this announcement made by none other than John Belushi. Lemmings was performed as a stage show by National Lampoon in 1973, and not only launched the career of Belushi, but also introduced many of us to Chevy … [Read more...] about Song Of The Day – “Lemmings Lament” by National Lampoon
Song Of The Day – “Rhapsody In Blue” by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
Paul Whiteman was one of the biggest selling artists of the 1920s, and led one of the best-loved sweet bands of all time. Sweet bands were society or café orchestras. They played music for listening and as a background for dining and conversing, as opposed to swing bands whose music was the main attraction and played specifically for dancing. Many jazz fans frowned down on … [Read more...] about Song Of The Day – “Rhapsody In Blue” by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
Song Of The Day – “Mamani” by Letta
Voices like Laura Nyro’s only come around once in a lifetime…or so I thought… So, while listening to a compilation of David Axelrod’s 1960s productions, my ears perked up when I heard the sound of Letta Mbulu’s voice. At once, I knew I needed to hear more and learn more about whom this afro-pop princess is, and discover as much of her music as possible. But first, I’ll … [Read more...] about Song Of The Day – “Mamani” by Letta
Song Of The Day – “Blues Is A Woman” by Lou Rawls with The Les McCann Trio
Most people remember Lou Rawls for his silky-smooth vocal delivery and his disco era hit “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” but by the time he had that hit in 1976, Rawls had already been recording albums, and yes many hits, for 14 years. Chicago-born Rawls got his start by replacing Sam Cooke in the Gospel group (and Vee-Jay recording artists), The Highway QC’s. … [Read more...] about Song Of The Day – “Blues Is A Woman” by Lou Rawls with The Les McCann Trio