Of Sir Elton John And Seeing Things Clearly

by Kevin Burton    What would you say to Sir Elton John if you could have a moment’s conversation with him today?    Now that question may be absurd, or at least rhetorical. If you’re like me and grew up with Elton John in his prime all over the radio, as part of the fabric …

A Female Version Of The Beatles? Who Knew?

by Kevin Burton    I have read maybe two dozen books about the Beatles on talking book. But I didn’t know this.    In books by and about other contemporary artists, the Beatles emerge, as a yardstick, a cultural happening, a turning point. But not so much as a syllable about this.    Until very …

Elvis Presley: The King Of What?

by Kevin Burton    Yesterday was Elvis’s birthday. He was born Jan. 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi.  And the fact that I used only his first name and you know exactly who I am talking about is one measure of his exalted place in American culture.    But how good was he as a musician, …

Georgia (And Ray Charles) On My Mind

by Kevin Burton    Whether in jazz, blues, pop or country, the late great Ray Charles was not just comfortable but masterful.    Somebody asks you, “quick who was Ray Charles?” You’re probably going to say he was a soul singer.  You wouldn’t be entirely wrong but he didn’t see himself that way.    He …

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 …