(Above: The Killer, ironically, passed on in October.) 2022 was, by all accounts, a difficult year once again in terms of popular culture. For the last several years we've been seeing more and more of the acts that we grew up with aging and passing on. During more "normal" workload years for me - when … Continue reading 2022 in review: acts that we lost this year
1980s
Pop goes to college: The Billboard Hot 100, September 19, 1987
(Above: Lewis University's Fitzpatrick Hall, where I spent my Saturday afternoons in the fall of 1987. Watch this space for the FitzHall story, coming soon.) September 19, 1987 marked my third Saturday on the radio at Lewis University's WLRA. There's nothing significant about the show. Oh, sure, I have the tape of it somewhere, but … Continue reading Pop goes to college: The Billboard Hot 100, September 19, 1987
Rest in peace, Charlie Watts: The Rolling Stones, “Mixed Emotions” (1989)
Charlie Watts, the drummer for the greatest rock and roll band ever, has died at the age of 80. Just last week Watts decided that he would not be taking part in the Rolling Stones' tour this fall. He had beaten cancer once, but decided that the rigors of the road - and his ongoing … Continue reading Rest in peace, Charlie Watts: The Rolling Stones, “Mixed Emotions” (1989)
So long, 2020: Sending off a troublesome year in song
2020 has been one for the books, hasn't it? It seems like a lifetime ago that we were all gathering, making our plans for New Year's Eve, organizing parties and such. This year looks very different. Or does it? The last several years we've spent NYE at home in relative quiet. It's different when it … Continue reading So long, 2020: Sending off a troublesome year in song
Rest in peace, Benny Mardones: “Into the Night” (1980)
(Above: Benny Mardones. Credit: Billboard/Getty Images) Billboard magazine is reporting the death of pop singer/songwriter Benny Mardones today at the age of 73 following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Mardones was born in Cleveland in 1946. His musical career began after serving in the Vietnam War when he moved to New York City and … Continue reading Rest in peace, Benny Mardones: “Into the Night” (1980)
On a mission from God: Solomon Burke, “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (1964)
Forty years ago today - June 16, 1980 - The Blues Brothers made its film premiere. It was the first R-rated film I ever saw. In an age just in line with the advent of home video recorders and the infiltration of cable TV, it just wasn't as easy to see an "under 17 not … Continue reading On a mission from God: Solomon Burke, “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (1964)
Rest in peace, Phil Phillips: “Sea of Love” (1959)
R&B singer John Philip Baptiste passed away Saturday at the age of 94. You know him as Phil Phillips, who - from a pop standpoint - had one hit: 1959's "Sea of Love," recorded with The Twilights as the backing group. Originally released on the Khoury record label, it was later picked up by … Continue reading Rest in peace, Phil Phillips: “Sea of Love” (1959)
Rest in peace, Bill Rieflin: Ministry, “Work For Love (1983)”
Word circulated late last night that drummer Bill Rieflin lost his battle with cancer at the age of only 59. The discography of Rieflin's work reads like a "who's who" of industrial rock. Rieflin played either in studio, on tour, or both with a wide variety of bands. A quick scan of the list shows … Continue reading Rest in peace, Bill Rieflin: Ministry, “Work For Love (1983)”
Rest in peace, Kenny Rogers: “Love Will Turn You Around” (1982)
(Above: Recognize any of those kids?) This morning we got the news that Kenny Rogers passed away at the age of 81. I've already seen a lot written about Rogers' expansive career in both Pop and Country music. (I already covered one of favorite songs of his, "Ruby (Don't Take Your Love To Town)," when … Continue reading Rest in peace, Kenny Rogers: “Love Will Turn You Around” (1982)
Rest in peace, Marie Fredriksson: Roxette, “The Look” (1989)
(Above: If you didn't have this LP, someone that you know did.) Word is circulating this morning that Gun-Marie Fredriksson passed away yesterday at the age of only 61. Fredriksson had been battling a brain tumor. She, along with Per Gessle, were the forward faces of a band that you couldn't get away from hearing … Continue reading Rest in peace, Marie Fredriksson: Roxette, “The Look” (1989)
45 Ruminations Per Megabyte 