Music to get through the day

Tom Jones & Rhiannon Giddens perform St. James Infirmary Blues for Jools' Annual Hootenanny 2015/16.  Brilliant

Rhiannon Giddens preforms Wayfaring Stranger on the BBC Northern Ireland program also conveniently called Wayfaring Stranger.

Serenade your soul: Doc Watson

My favorite song from one of my all-time favorite performers. Thank you Doc Watson for sharing your talent with us!

This video also features Doc's son Merle Watson and T. Michael Coleman.  My big brother Mike took my little brother and me to see this trio at the legendary Moonshadow Saloon in Atlanta.

When Words Fail # 2 - Kris Kristofferson - Why Me Lord

Kris Kristofferson - One of the most powerful songs I have ever heard.

When Words Fail - #1 John Denver - I Want to Live

Here is the first in my list of songs that have motivated me and comforted me.  I list them in no particular order.

Today, John Denver - I Want to Live

 

Thank You Melanie Safka

Melanie was one of the first artists I adored and I still adore her today.  As a kid I wore out my copy of "Brand New Key."  Today I learned that Melanie performed at Woodstock.  So, of course, when I found this video I had to share it.  Thank you Melanie for making life easier for this kid from Georgia! 

One more!!

Sunday Serenade Your Soul: Remembering Leonard Cohen

When my brother joined the name in the early 1970s he left behind all his albums.  I spent hours listening to them and in particular one entitled Songs of Love and War by Leonard Cohen.  I have loved his music and poetry ever since. While it is hard to pick a favorite song here are two that I adore.

Friday Finds: Boo Ray

Boo Ray

Sea of Lights (2016)

I had the great fortune to see him a few years ago in Athens, Ga at Athfest.  I have been a fan ever since.  If you want to check out more of his music click here. 

Friday Finds: Songs That Lift My Spirit

 

 City of New Orleans 

Performed by Arlo Guthrie

Written by Steve Goodman

 

Sunday: Serenade Your Soul

Sunday is my day to take stock of my week and make plans for the upcoming week.  I am trying to come up with a routine that both allows me to be more efficient and allows me to find a little peace. So one of the ideas I have is to incorporate my Sunday posts with something that makes me feel good and/or inspires me.  Today's Serenade Your Soul features two great artists:  Vincent van Gogh and Don McLean.  The common thread is my favorite painting and my favorite song.

Here is the song: Vincent by Don McLean.

Vincent van Gogh's painting is entitled Starry Night and housed at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Click here to learn more about the artist and his masterpiece.

Billy Powell

I just had to post a short note about the passing of one of my favorites, Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd. I've been a huge fan of the Mr. Powell and the whole group since my college days. His music has helped me celebrate some great moments in my life and lifted my spirits when things were rough. Lynyrd Skynyrd was a distinctive band because of Billy Powell's piano and the guitar combo of Gary Rossington and Allan Collins. I was thrilled to see them reunite with my favorite singer, Johnny Van Zant, as lead.

Although I never was lucky enough to meet Mr. Powell, he was a dear to me. His music helped me forget my troubles and truly has been a major part of the soundtrack of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends tonight.