Give me your music, your art, your huddled masses of words and rhythms yearning to breathe free.
Dana Spiardi 
Composer and pianist Scott Joplin, The King of Ragtime, was born on November 24, 1868. Most people know his music from the 1973 movie “The Sting,” which featured his tunes as interpreted by the late pianist Marvin Hamlisch. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and Adaptation in 1974 – all thanks … Read more
Lest we forget the great Gordon Lightfoot, the Canadian singer/songwriter who turns 74 today. Here’s a reminder of his influence. “Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day.” – Bob Dylan “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear … Read more
Today would have been John Winston Ono Lennon’s 72nd birthday. These lyrics were written as a protest during the Vietnam War period, but they’re more relevant today than ever. Love you and miss you, Johnny! I’m sick and tired of hearing things From uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocrites All I want is the truth Just gimme … Read more
While dance clubs around the globe were blasting “Kung Fu Fighting,” I was fighting Kung Fu blasting. This early disco hit, which topped the U.S. charts in September 1974, was recorded in ten minutes and took singer Carl Douglas a mere two takes to complete. It was originally intended to be the B side of … Read more
Badfinger was a Beatle-esque British band that scored a number of hits in the 1970s, including “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.” In 1968 they became one of the first groups signed by The Beatles’ new Apple records label. Originally known as The Iveys, they changed their name upon release of their … Read more