by Kevin Burton I guess there’s a reason why melody and memory aren’t far apart in the dictionary. They go together like peas and porridge. And, for those who think there is something pejorative in the term “one-hit wonder,” well what about all those no-hit nobodies? We’re all doing our best then, …
Category Archives: 1960s
Spoonful’s John Sebastian Turns 79
by Kevin Burton Happy 79th birthday to the personable multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter John Sebastian. Both his music and his personality seem accessible, based on how he comes off in interviews on You Tube. I mean, here’s a rock and roller who plays the auto harp of all things. He said he learned the instrument …
The Abacus Is Still A Low-Tech Wonder
by Kevin Burton Do you remember any of the gifts you received in fourth grade? Do you have any of them still? Are they in working order? I have one. In fourth grade our teachers at the Ohio State School for the Blind sat us down and introduced us to Mrs. Davidow. …
The Case For George Harrison, Best Beatle
by Kevin Burton I asked a co-worker, a big Beatles fan who has played guitar since high school, for his opinion on The Big Question: Who was the most essential Beatle? I suppose I was spoiling for a McCartney/Lennon fight. That discussion goes to Paul McCartney and John Lennon and stops there, right? …
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Legendary Composer Bacharach Dead At 94
by Kevin Burton You know Burt Bacharach, even when it’s not Burt Bacharach. Bacharach died Wednesday at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, according to his publicist, Tina Brausam. The Kansas City-born composer had an unmistakable sound, especially in his work with longtime writing partner, lyricist Hal David. The New …
Another Set Of Musical Valentines
by Kevin Burton Yesterday I plucked ten of my favorites from a Billboard list of the 40 biggest duets ever. Today I’ll list ten of my favorites that didn’t make their last. Pulling from that list was easy. Now I’m picking from every other duet ever released. Chances are quite high that I …
(Mostly) Sweet Duets For Valentine’s Day
by Kevin Burton Love is in the air, not to mention on all the store shelves. I’m sure you’ve noticed. Gentlemen, you’re on this, right? One week from today, Valentine’s Day. OK, to get you in the mood, we’ll have not one, but two posts this week dealing with duets. For Valentine’s …
Consider The Source Of The Promise
by Kevin Burton This is the story of two songs, one title; two sources, one promise, namely, “the best.” And, within the setting of popular music, it’s also a mini grammar lesson about comparative and superlative adjectives. Chances are you have heard the one song, but not the other. The title of …
Younger McCartney Travels His Own Path
by Kevin Burton The English singer known professionally as Mike McGear has a birthday today. He turns 79. Among the greetings and well wishes, he may get a birthday call, or maybe a musical card that plays the Beatles song “Birthday,” from his brother – Paul McCartney. Peter Michael McCartney created the …
Honoring The Musicians We Lost In 2022
by Kevin Burton Toward the end of his life my father said it was strange getting old because many of his friends and relatives had died and he was left behind. I understand where he was coming from. But I extend that to teachers and public figures. Even though I don’t interact …
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