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Disco Loses Two Icons – Part 2

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Yesterday, I was talking about how disco fans took a terrible hit this week with Donna Summer and Robin Gibb both dying within a week. Robin Gibb had been having health issues as of late, including a blocked intestine and liver and colon cancer. Earlier this year, he contracted pneumonia and fell into a coma, before regaining consciousness, much to the amazement of his physicians. He died on May 20th, finally succumbing to his cancers. Robin Gibb, along with brothers Maurice and Barry, formed the Bee Gees in the ‘60s and found success with such songs as “Massachusetts,” “Words,” “Lonely … Continue reading →

The Apollo Theater’s Legacy – Part 1

When we visited the Smithsonian last summer, they had an exhibit about the Apollo Theater in Harlem. I was amazed at all the incredible talent that had performed in the theater over the years. The Apollo opened in 1934 and started its famous Wednesday “Amateur Night” to feature new gifted talent. Back in the day, if you weren’t talented enough, Howard “Sandman” Sims would use a cane, hook, or broom to get you off the stage after the audience began booing. It might have been a tough gig, but I am sure these people never had to worry about getting … Continue reading →

In Memoriam – 2010 – Part 2

Yesterday, I listed the celebrities that died in January, February, and March of 2010. Today, more that left us, some far too soon. April Apr 7 – Christopher Cazenove – Christopher Cazenove, the British actor best known as playing Ben Carrington on “Dynasty,” died of septicemia at age 64. Apr 8 – Malcolm McLauren – Malcolm McLauren, who brought together the epitome of ‘70s punk bands, The Sex Pistols, died of mesothelioma at age 64. Apr 10 – Dixie Carter – Dixie Carter, actress and wife of Hal Holbrook, died of complications from endometrial cancer at the age of 70. … Continue reading →

This Week in History – May 16, 1979

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It’s 1979 again! I was sweet sixteen (well, almost) and it was a great time to be alive. I remember looking forward to the 80’s! Here is what was happening this week in 1979: In national news, President Carter said he hoped the gasoline shortage was over and took some actions to relieve the problem in hotspots like California. Rioters hit the streets of San Francisco after the killer of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk is found guilty of manslaughter and not murder in what is dubbed the “Twinkie defense.” May 21 – San Francisco gays riot after … Continue reading →

“I Can’t Believe You Still Listen to This!”

I’ll bet you think this is going to be an article about a parent’s NOT related to her children’s choices in music? Nope. In fact, this is an article about how my children have no appreciation for MY taste in music… While I definitely do not consider myself one of those people who lives in the past and I am open to new music—I buy several CDs each year that have actually been recorded and manufactured in this decade; there are new artists, new music, and constant new discoveries that find their way into my ears. HOWEVER, I am also … Continue reading →

When a Reunion Isn’t Really a Reunion

I read today that Led Zeppelin “long-awaited reunion” may lead to more concerts. The group will be performing on December 10th at London’s 02 Arena in a benefit tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegun. Ertegun was the co-founder of Atlantic Records (along with Herb Abramson) who passed away last year. I only have one problem with this. The “reunion” of Led Zeppelin doesn’t include all the original members. The original members of the band, formed in 1968, were Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. I am not that big a Led Zeppelin fan, but to me, the … Continue reading →

Best Opening Lyrics

Today, my husband sent me a link to Spinner magazine’s 25 Best Opening Lines. I love lists like this, but once I took a look at this one, the fact that I didn’t know some of the songs made me feel old. But, I will comment on the ones that I did know! 25. “You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar” –Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ Ah, the Human League. I always wanted my hair cut like the girls, sort of a Dorothy Hamill look with a rat-tail, which sounds atrocious now, but in 1981, it … Continue reading →

Forever 27: Kurt Cobain

After the shock of losing four icons within two years, you would think musicians smartened up a bit. Nah, not so much. There were still many musician deaths in the 70s, its just that none of the more famous were the infamous age of 27. Cass Elliot, known as Mama Cass, rose to fame with the Mamas & the Papas, a folksy pop group from the 60s. After the group broke up, she had a successful solo career until 1974, when she was found dead in her hotel room at the age of 32. She didn’t choke on a ham … Continue reading →

“Tomorrow” Host Tom Snyder Dies

When I was growing up, I loved to watch “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” But, if you really wanted to watch something edgy, you tuned into “The Tomorrow Show” with Tom Snyder. Snyder, a last night television pioneer, died yesterday from complications due to leukemia. He was 71 years old. Snyder hosted “The Tomorrow Show” from 1973 until 1981. He was known for his casual interview style (he smoking during most of his show – something that would be unheard of nowadays) and his hearty laugh as well as his provocative guests and subject matters. He had many memorable … Continue reading →

Celebrities Branching Out

There is something about Valerie Bertinelli that I find very appealing. As a kid I watched her on “One Day at a Time” and later happily read about her wedding to rock legend Eddie Van Halen. During her time in Hollywood Bertinelli has put together quite a resume: actress, rock-star wife, mother – and most recently, author. The 47-year-old is following in the footsteps of fellow actress Kirstie Alley by joining Jenny Craig and writing about her battle with weight. Bertinelli’s memoir is called “Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time.” The book will be … Continue reading →