A Christmas Greeting as only Iggy can deliver it!
Today’s post features, Star Carol, a song that was written by Alfred Burt. He finished the song on February 4, 1954 and died less than 24 hours later from lung cancer. (Mr. Burt’s history is quite interesting….you might want to check it out on Wikipedia.)
Star Carol is a beautiful song but not one that you are likely to have heard so today I’m offering you two different versions in today’s post. The first version was recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford for his 1958 Christmas album. I think this was the first non-choir recording of the song. The second version was recorded by Simon and Garfunkel in 1967 but this version wasn’t included on any Simon and Garfunkel release until the 1997 Old Friends compilation. I think this version might become one of your favorite Holiday songs in the future. Enjoy!
I prefer the simpler Simon and Garfunkel version. Let me know what you think….
Today’s Monday Matinee post is almost certainly the greatest assemblage of musical talent on any concert bill. Some might argue that a few of the music festivals that would occur later in the 60’s had more talent but these were multi day events, not a concert. I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you agree with me but I’m betting that one look at the list of performers provided below will make this an easy decision for you.
Jan and Dean (Over credits)
– (Here They Come) from All Over the WorldChuck Berry
– Johnny B. Goode
– MaybelleneGerry & The Pacemakers
– Maybellene
– Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying
– It’s Gonna Be AlrightChuck Berry
– Sweet Little SixteenGerry & The Pacemakers
– How Do You Do It?Chuck Berry
– NadineGerry & The Pacemakers
– I Like It(Smokey Robinson and) The Miracles
– That’s What Love Is Made Of
– You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
– Mickey’s MonkeyMarvin Gaye
– Stubborn Kind of Fellow
– Pride and Joy
– Can I Get a Witness
– Hitch HikeLesley Gore
– Maybe I Know
– You Don’t Own Me
– You Didn’t Look Around
– Hey Now
– It’s My Party
– Judy’s Turn to CryJan and Dean
– The Little Old Lady from Pasadena
– Sidewalk SurfinThe Beach Boys
– Surfin’ USA
– I Get Around
– Surfer Girl
– Dance, Dance, DanceBilly J. Kramer and The Dakotas
– Little Children
– Bad to Me
– I’ll Keep You Satisfied
– From a WindowThe Supremes
– When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
– Run, Run, Run
– Baby Love
– Where Did Our Love GoThe Barbarians
– Hey Little BirdJames Brown and The Famous Flames
– Out of Sight
– Prisoner of Love
– Please, Please, Please
– Night TrainThe Rolling Stones
– Around and Around
– Off the Hook
– Time Is on My Side
– It’s All Over Now
– I’m Alright
– Let’s Get Together
And now…..On With The Show!
Marvin Gaye is another of my all time favorite performers. In memory of Marvin’s amazing career, I offer his live performance of the Christmas Song. Enjoy!
If you’re a Marvin fan, or even if you aren’t, I invite you back later today to checkout my Monday Matinee post which features the 1964 T.A.M.I. concert (arguably the best concert in history). A very young Marvin was on the bill for that concert as were a long with of other performers that have since become music legends. You really don’t want to miss this one
RIP – Marvin Gaye!
Today’s Sunday Session is an homage to outlaw country music. It features four superstars from the outlaw country music genre (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson) performing as The Highwaymen. That’s a lot of talent, and even more cool, for one stage….I hope you enjoy it!
I don’t know why but I really love this performance of Silent Night by the late Waylon Jennings and his talented wife Jessi Colter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
If you enjoyed this performance be sure to check back later today for a great Sunday Sessions post that features Waylon and some of his buddies.
Let’s hope that the world wakes up; starts to take more steps to reduce global warming; and manages to save these magnificent animals. Surely it’s not Downhill from Here…….
I love Christmas songs that put a new twist on traditional songs and that is exactly what Hall and Oates have done with Overture The First Noel. I think this is stunning….let me know what you think……
If you’ve been paying attention over the past two years you already know that I adore the late Dan Fogelberg. He was a talented songwriter, a great singer, and although we tend to overlook it, he was a wonderful musician. Today post features his musical chops on the beautiful song, Snowfall………
I was lucky to get to see Dan multiple times in the 70s and 80s and one of my biggest wishes has been to show all of the readers of this blog what an amazing live performer he was. I’m excited to tell you that I’ve recently discovered some live performances by Dan from 1976 and I plan to feature those performances in a post before the end of the year. Keep an eye out for it!
RIP – Dan!
I love Tracy Chapman and today I offer up her unique performance of O Holy Night. I love it for its simplicity and for the complete lack of vocal gymnastics that seem to go with most performances of the song. Enjoy…..
thebestmusicyouhaveneverheard 