“Free Man In Paris” Peaked At Number 22

by Kevin Burton    Oh my goodness how did I ever miss this one?    Earlier this year to mark the year 2022 I did a series of posts about songs that peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.    It turns out one of my all-time favorite songs, “Free Man in Paris,” …

The Road Is Good For What Ails You

by Kevin Burton    “When I hear that siren call baby, I just can’t help myself,” croons Bonnie Raitt. She’s authentic and believable and I get it.    The tune is “The Road’s My Middle Name.” It’s from her album “Nick Of Time” and I get that too.    The road is the life blood …

So Tomorrow, Is It Fall Or Is It Autumn?

by Kevin Burton     I hear you asking, should I say “fall” or “autumn” beginning tomorrow as the season changes?    I hear you asking this because my hearing is good. It’s my vision that isn’t so good.    Both my vision and hearing are selective, as my wife will tell you, and as you …

Disco Tunes That Rockers Can Tolerate

by Kevin Burton    Found another story last week on the animosity toward disco from rock and rollers in the 1970s.  This one contained a little surprise.    The story was under the headline, “Surviving the 70s: 12 disco songs even rock fans enjoy.”  It was written by Greg Brodsky on the Best Classic bands …

Of OSSB And A Bright Sunshiny Day

by Kevin Burton    How do you get to 50 years? It starts with a day, or a night.    Then, you turn your heart toward the sunrise, again and again.    There was a night when my parents put me into the family Delta 88 and drove me from our home in Yellow Springs …

“Best Of My Love,” Pure Joy In 1977

by Kevin Burton     Their gospel wailing and harmonies brought out the emotion from listeners in their native Chicago. People confided as much to their mentor/father Joe.    That’s why when the singing Hutchinson sisters needed a new name for the group, they called themselves The Emotions.    Forty-five years ago, their “Best Of My …

Did Gilbert O’Sullivan Launch Disco Era?

by Kevin Burton    There have been many theories to explain the rise and fall of disco music. Here’s a new one for its rise:    Disco music exploded in the mid-70s as a direct result of “Alone Again Naturally” by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.    OK, so I can’t prove I’m right, but you …

The Bell Tolls For Olivia And For Me

by Kevin Burton    There is a picture of Olivia Newton-John that haunts me.    The picture is of her at the end of “Grease,” her character Sandy riding in the car with Danny, John Travolta’s character.  She turns around and waves at the camera as they ride off into the high school and movie …

Belgian Pigs Get Their Groove On

by Kevin Burton    Animal lovers, music lovers, rejoice and unite!    Scientists in Belgium are investigating a farmer’s claim that different styles of music affect the behavior of his pigs.    “Piet Paesmans first noticed the phenomenon when his son started singing a tune in the barn during a sluggish insemination session his sows …

Reality From Twila Paris, “All About You”

by Kevin Burton    The starting pitcher in a major league baseball game sometimes gets to pick one or more songs to be played over the stadium’s PA system. Did you know that?    I knew that but it wasn’t at the front of my mind one day, and it led an odd but cool …