Category: News
Super Bowl XLII was the most-watched Super Bowl in history, and the second most viewed program in history (behind only the "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" episode of M*A*S*H).
However, Animal Planet also had a record audience for Puppy Bowl IV. The fourth annual installment of puppies playing in a playpen decorated like a football field brought in eight million viewers. That was Animal Planet's biggest rating in a year -- probably since Puppy Bowl III.
By the way, Abigail (pictured above) won the MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) on the show, while Jackson raked in over 22,200 votes to win the online voting for MVP.
Category: Preview
If you're not interested in football, or if your team isn't in the Super Bowl, or if you're just sick of all the talk talk talk about the game, fear not. There is something to watch on February 3 other than the game.
In fact, I would recommend this over the game.
The event is Puppy Bowl IV.
This year's lineup looks to be superb. My eyes will be on Attucker, an adorable beagle, Raven, an mini-pin/beagle mix, and Jack, the mini dachshund. It doesn't matter, however, because these 24 will vie for the honors of MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) as they romp in a playpen decked out like a football field. Highlights include BOWL CAM (a camera beneath a glass drinking bowl) and a caretaker dressed like a referee who throws a flag for personal fouls such as puppy business on the playing field. Apparently, the halftime kitty show will return this year as well.
So, if you're looking for a great alternative to the four hours of so-called "experts" talking about the game, tune in the Animal Planet on February 3, starting at 3 PM eastern time, for Puppy Bowl IV.
A word of warning, though: this show, which runs nonstop for 12 hours, is so addictive, you just might forget the game.
Category: Memorial
January 24th is the anniversary of Warren Zevon's birth. Instead of wishing him a happy 61st birthday, however, it's time to remember the remarkable talent we lost all too soon.
There's no middle ground on Warren Zevon. You either find him to be the eighth wonder of the musical world, or you find him repulsive. His songs were brutally frank, much the same way a great movie (think The Godfather or Schindler's List) can be to tell the story. While he could be popular (he wrote a few songs for the Turtles in the 60s), most of his songs explored a side of life wilder than Hank Thompson ever sang about.
He was pigeonholed as "the Sam Peckinpah of rock and roll" following the release of 1978's Excitable Boy, but that was an unfair assessment. Yes, there was violence and murder in some songs, but the Beatles gave us that jovial murder ditty "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and no one pigeonholed them because of that. Excitable Boy also produced two of Zevon's best songs ever: the doting dad looking at a little girl and seeing her as a grown woman in "Tenderness on the Block," and the pain of a marriage falling apart in "Accidentally Like a Martyr."
And, honestly, therein lies the beauty of Warren Zevon. Anyone can make an album of violence. Anyone can make an album of love songs. It's hard to find one artist who can do both.
In honor of what would've been Warren's 61st birthday, here are a few Zevon songs to enjoy:
Charlie's Medicine (from The Envoy, 1982). An ode to a dealer who was gunned down by "some respectable doctor from Beverly Hills," this powerful song is even more haunting after reading Crystal Zevon's account in I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon that Warren, thought to be "clean and sober" in 1982 following a long, painful climb out of the vodka bottle in 1979, was actually using heroin during the time this song was written.
Searching for a Heart (from Mr. Bad Example, 1992). This song contains one of David Letterman's favorite lines; indeed, one of Zevon's best lines: "They say love conquers all, you can't start it like a car, you can't stop it with a gun." This song is proof positive that Zevon could write a love song as well as anyone.
Bed of Coals (from Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School, 1980). Co-written with T-Bone Burnett, this is a powerful song with an eerily prophetic line: "I'm too old to die young and too young to die now."
Mr. Bad Example (from Mr. Bad Example, 1992). One critic offered an interesting comment about this polka-flavored tale of debauchery to the nth degree: the reviewer wondered why "no one thought to ask Zevon if it was autobiographical."
Desperadoes Under the Eaves (from Warren Zevon, 1976). Zevon has recorded gems, classics, and marvelous songs, but the crowning achievement of his career. If Warren Zevon's entire career can be summed up in one song, it's this masterpiece. Funny, sad, desperate -- all in the same song. Just as Zevon is ready to drink up "all the salty margaritas in Los Angeles," the air conditioner begins to hum -- complete with orchestration and backing vocals. What more could you want out of a song?
As with most Zevon fans, I'd much rather be celebrating than remembering. However, like most Zevon fans, I'm certainly thankful for the recordings he left us with. And, thanks to the recent release of the remaining two albums on CD that had previously been out of print for decades (1980's Stand in the Fire -- once hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as "one of the best live albums ever" -- and 1982's The Envoy), the catalog is complete and available on CD.
Category: News
John Stewart, a member of the Kingston Trio as well as a solo performer and songwriter, has died after suffering a massive stroke. The Kingston Trio's web site reports that Stewart died Thursday, January 17th.
Stewart was a well-known songwriter, having penned the song "Daydream Believer," which became a hit for the Monkees in pop and a country hit for Anne Murray. He had his own solo success with the 1979 song "Gold," which featured backing vocals by his longtime friend Stevie Nicks.
Stewart was a member of the legendary folk group the Kingston Trio from 1961-1968.
Stewart was 68.
Category: News
By now, most people have forgotten Ruth Wallis. Indeed, her risque songs wouldn't raise an eyebrow today. During the heyday of her career, however, she was banned in Boston, and her double entendre numbers such as "The Dinghy Song," "Johnny Has a Yo-Yo," and "Hopalong Chastity" were the scandal of the era. If you remember Rusty Warren (of "Knockers Up" fame), the best way to describe Wallis is that she made Rusty Warren look tame THEN.
Ruth Wallis died December 22, 2007 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Her passing was just announced this week.
She was called "The Queen of the Party Song," and her sexual innuendos inspired a play, Boobs! The Musical: The World According to Ruth Wallis.
Wallis was 87.
Category: News
Here is a list of the people in the musical world who performed their final song in 2007:
Del Reeves (January 1, emphysema, 73). A country singer best known for his hit "Girl on the Billboard" and a long-time Grand Ole Opry performer.
Sneaky Pete Kleinkow (January 6, complications of Alzhemier's disease, 72). Rock and roll's greatest pedal steel guitarist, he performed with the Flying Burrito Brothers and a number of other rock acts.
Doyle Holly (January 13, prostate cancer, 70). A former member of Buck Owens' Buckaroos, he had his own limited solo career in country music. His best-known hit was "Queen of the Silver Dollar," which was produced by and featured backing vocals by Waylon Jennings.
Thornton J. "Pookie" Hudson (January 16, cancer, 72). The lead singer of the band the Spaniels, best known for the hit "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight."
Denny Doherty (January 19, kidney problems, 66). "Zal and Denny, working for a penny, trying to get a fish on the line." One of the Mamas and the Papas.
Brent Liles (January 19, hit by semi while bicycling, 43). Bass player for the punk band Social Distortion.
Jerry Hayes (January 21, unknown causes, 61). Country songwriter, his best-known hits were "Rolling with the Flow" and "Who's Cheatin' Who."
Tom Morrell (January 29, emphysema, 68). Steel guitarist in Bob Wills' Texas Playboys.
Mike Clark (February 1, cancer, 63). Originally a drummer for Sam Cooke, he went on to found Southern Tracks recording studio.
Frankie Laine (February 6, complications from hip replacement surgery, 93). A magnificent pop singer responsible for such classics as "Moonlight Gambler," "Jezebel," "Rawhide," and the theme song of the Mel Brooks classic Blazing Saddles.
Ray Evans (February 15, heart attack, 92). Best-known as the songwriter for a number of television shows, including the theme to Mr. Ed.
C's Record Store, Louisville, Kentucky (February 17, demise of interest in vinyl, 25). The last true record store in Louisville closed its doors for the last time.
Ian Wallace (February 22, esophageal cancer, 60). A British drummer who worked with Bob Dylan, Don Henley, and many others.
Donnie Brooks (February 23, heart attack, 70). The singer of the classic hit "Mission Bells."
Brad Delp (March 9, suicide [carbon monoxide poisoning], 55). The lead singer of the rock band Boston.
Luther Ingram (March 19, kidney failure, 69). An R&B singer best-known for his soulful rendition of "If Loving You is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)."
Henson Cargill (March 24, complications from surgery, 66). Country singer best known for his crossover hit "Skip a Rope."
Don Ho (April 14, heart attack, 76). The legendary Hawaiian singer with his own club in Waikiki, he scored a major pop hit with "Tiny Bubbles" in the 60s.
Glenn Sutton (April 17, heart attack, 70). Country songwriter ("Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad") and producer (he produced his then-wife Lynn Anderson's classic "Rose Garden").
Bobby "Boris" Pickett (April 26, leukemia, 69). The ultimate one-hit wonder, the man who gave us "Monster Mash."
Tommy Newsom (April 27, liver cancer, 78). A jazz saxophonist best known as a member of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show band.
Zola Taylor (April 30, pneumonia, 69). The female singer in the Platters.
Tony Thompson (June 1, drug overdose, 31). Singer in Hi-Five (who did "I Like the Way").
Hank Medress (June 18, lung cancer, 69). The lead singer on the Tokens' smash "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
Beverly Sills (July 2, lung cancer, 78). One of America's best-known opera singers.
Boots Randolph (July 3, subdural hematoma, 80). A member of country music's "A List" of session musicians and the performer of "Yakety Sax," which was the theme music to The Benny Hill Show.
Bill Pinkney (July 4, unknown causes, 82). The last original member of the group the Drifters.
Ron Miller (July 23, heart failure/cancer, 74). A songwriter, his best-known hit was Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life."
Lawton Williams (July 26, respiratory illness, 85). Country songwriter who wrote Bobby Helms' "Fraulein" and Gene Watson's "Farewell Party."
Lee Hazelwood (August 5, cancer, 78). Singer, songwriter, producer, and duet partner with Nancy Sinatra.
Max Roach (August 15, illness, 83). Jazz percussionist.
Hilly Kristal (August 28, lung cancer, 75). The owner of CBGB's, the club where the groundwork for American punk music was laid.
Janis Martin (September 5, cancer, 67). A rockabilly singer with the hit "Will You Willyum" in the 50s and the misfortune of being tagged "the female Elvis."
Luciano Pavarotti (September 5, pancreatic cancer, 71). To say "opera singer" is such an understatement. Pavarotti was the face of opera music for much of the world.
Hughie Thomasson (September 9, heart attack, 55). The lead guitarist for the southern rock band the Outlaws, of "There Goes Another Love Song" fame.
Bobby Byrd (September 12, cancer, 73). An R&B songwriter who worked with James Brown.
Larry Fuller (September 22, fire on tour bus, 55). Bluegrass performer.
Werner von Trapp (October 11, natural causes, 91). One of the singing von Trapp family, the family portrayed in The Sound of Music.
Nicky James (October 15, brain tumor, 64). A former member of the Moody Blues.
Teresa Brewer (October 16, neuromuscular disease, 74). An extraordinary pop music singer with hits such as "Music Music Music" and "Till I Waltz Again With You."
Lucky Dube (October 18, shot to death, 43). South African reggae performer.
Porter Wagoner (October 28, lung cancer, 80). Country Music Hall of Fame performer, showman, and ambassador for the Grand Ole Opry.
Robert Goulet (October 30, pulmonary disease, 73). Pop singer with a booming baritone voice.
Hank Thompson (November 6, lung cancer, 82). Country Music Hall of Fame member who kept western swing alive through a 60-year career.
George Osmond (November 6, unknown cause, 90). The father of the singing Osmond family.
John Peterson (November 11, heart attack, 65). The one-time drummer of the Beau Brummels, he co-founded the band Harpers Bizarre (best-known for their rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "59th Street Bridge Song").
John Hughy (November 18, heart attack, age unknown). A country steel guitarist who spent many years playing for Conway Twitty.
Kevin Dubrow (November 25, cocaine overdose, 52). The lead singer of the 80s band Quiet Riot.
Jim Nesbitt (November 29, heart ailment, 75). Country novelty singer, best known for his song "Please Mr. Kennedy."
My Mother (December 9, complications from brain aneurysm, 75). The greatest mother in the world who introduced me to the music of everyone from Jim Reeves to Elvis Presley.
Ike Turner (December 13, reportedly emphysema, 76). The ex-husband and former musical partner of Tina Turner.
Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith (December 15, unknown cause, 68). A member of The Checkmates, Ltd., who had the hit "Black Pearl" in the 60s.
Dan Fogelberg (December 16, prostate cancer, 56). Folk-rock singer with a string of critically acclaimed albums such as Nether Lands and pop hits such as "Longer and "The Leader of the Band."
Joel Dorn (December 17, heart attack, 65). Record producer who scored with Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly (With His Song)."
Oscar Peterson (December 23, kidney failure, 82). Jazz pianist who won eight Grammys over his career.
Farewell, and thanks for the music.
Category: News
Dan Fogelberg, the folk-rock singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the 70s with a string of critically-acclaimed albums such as Souvenirs and Nether Lands and saw commercial success into the 80s thanks to hits like "Longer" and "Same Old Lang Syne," died Sunday (12/16) in his home in Maine after a long battle with advanced prostate cancer.
Fogelberg was born in Peroria, Illinois on August 13, 1951 and became popular in the 70s amid the "singer/songwriter" era. With albums like Captured Angel and Souvenirs (the latter produced by his longtime friend Joe Walsh), Fogelberg established himself as one of the most gifted of the genre. One song from Souvenirs, "Part of the Plan," was Fogelberg's first top 40 song.
He did not obtain widespread commercial success, however, until 1978's Twin Sons of Different Mothers with jazz flautist Tim Weisberg. The single from the album, "The Power of Gold," made Billboard magazine's top 30. His next album, Phoenix (named after the mythical bird, not the city), contained his biggest hit, "Longer."
His success continued with 1980's The Innocent Age, which featured four hits: "Same Old Lang Syne," "Hard to Say" (which featured Glenn Frey on backing vocals), his ode to his father, "The Leader of the Band," and "Run for the Roses." That song is featured prominently every May prior to the Kentucky Derby by various news outlets.
Fogelberg's success waned after The Innocent Age because of the rise of dance and "hair bands." His last charted single, "She Don't Look Back," barely made it out of the 90s on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. He continued to release albums, however, and maintained a loyal fan base.
In 2004, Fogelberg was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He canceled his tour and began taking treatments. In 2005, he announced that the progress of the cancer had been slowed "to an almost negligible level" according to his post on his web site.
Dan Fogelberg was 56.
Fogelberg's web site
