My Thermos

as Don Wilson celebrates #62 today.

While I imagine most aren't familiar with Don's name (admittedly, I wasn't), you are most certainly familiar with his band The Ventures and the signature guitar sound that drives songs like "Walk Don't Run", "Hawaii Five-O" and countless others.

Here is the classic Walk Don't Run for you viewing and listening pleasure:



For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading up on them while listening to this playlist.

You don't have anything better to do, do you?

SB

As Mr. Waits celebrates #59, hopefully very happily, I'll enjoy the bittersweet "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You"



Cheers,
SB

Turns out that Woody Allen turns 73 today. As a director he has been responsible for some of my favorite movies, Annie Hall, Crimes & Misdemeanors, Zelig, Mighty Aphrodite, and wow - just so many more.

Before all that though, he was a writer and a stand up comedian. Here's a classic clip of his from 1965.



Happy Birthday Woody!

SB

The dream is over
What can I say?
the Dream is Over
Yesterday
I was the Dreamweaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
and so dear friends
you'll just have to carry on
The Dream is over

John Winston Ono Lennon
October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980

--

A couple of things:

The photo is one we took on one of our many trips to New York, this being one of the rare ones in Summer months. We always found time to spend in Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Such a wonderul peaceful place. I don't see anyone with a guitar in this photo but there was likely someone there, or at least would be in a matter of moments. I was there on Dec. 8, 1990 and it was an experience in my life that I will never forget.

I recall Yoko once saying something about while she understood how everyone else felt about losing "Beatle" John, she also lost her friend and husband, and his children lost their father.

John was 40 when he was killed, and I just turned 40 this year. Not that we have led similar lives but it's something that I am having trouble reconciling. This year, because of that common thread, it is really hitting me just how much life he had left, and how much time with him we missed. John would have been 68 this year.

Some call Double Fantasy the album where he made peace with his aging, little did we know at the time that it would be such a final statement.

Happy Birthday John

SB

Today marks the 60th birthday of Mr. Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad fame. Here's a fave of mine, "Closer to Home" from their historic 1971 Shea Stadium concert.

How these guys can not be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is beyond me, just shows how much of a meaningless joke the hall has become.



Enjoy!

SB

Last year, when even fewer people were reading this blog, I wished Fee Waybill of The Tubes a happy birthday.

Oddly enough, since then Fee and that post continue to be one of my most searched for items. In fact, it was someone searching today that reminded me that I once again needed to send along his birthday wishes, this year he hits the big 60.

< edit - I'm now actually seeing conflicting birth years, the majority of which seem to indicate he was born in 1950, making him 58 rather than 60>

So Happy Birthday Mr John Waldo Waybill.

The rest of you can enjoy this wonderful clip of Jesus Bongo from 1973

George Ivan Morrison aka The Belfast Cowboy aka Van The Man turns 63 today.

Van - you're a legend, a master, a poet, an amazing songwriter, and one of my all time favorites. Your 40+ year career has taken me on a musical journey like no other artist. You, seemingly without effort, transcend genre and consistently produce music that is soulful, soothing and inspirational. The world is indeed a much better place because of your contributions, and for that I thank you.

Happy Birthday



Outstanding photo via Art Siegel