It doesn’t seem possible that 72 years ago, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century was born. It was on a night the Nazi’s bombed Merseyside, and his Aunt risked the danger to run across town to be with her sister at the Green Street Hospital. (Her steely fearlessness would influence John in … Continue reading My 12 Favorite John Lennon Songs
So once in awhile, Ol’ Blue Eyes gets under my skin and, ring-a-ding-ding, he absolutely ends up doing it his way and there’s nothing I can do-be-do-be-do about it. The Wee Small Hours and No One Cares have been regulars on my semi-new turntable– pieces of art that positively thrive in the acoustic-friendly, teensy confines … Continue reading Pinched in the Astor Bar: Frank Sinatra
Three on a Match is a sharp, street smart 1932 melodrama starring Ann Dvorak and Joan Blondell, under the always socially conscious direction of Mervyn LeRoy. You’ve got a very young Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart in supporting roles, saucy, fast-talkin’ dames, and plenty of gritty precode slumming. It’s a film so gloriously unrefined that … Continue reading Indie Rock Meets… Bette Davis?
Last week, on a rainy Friday evening, The American Cinematheque showcased a screening of The Beatles first concert in America: the Washington D.C. Coliseum, 1964 to a sold out audience. The energy of that performance, which has only intensified with age, left every last one of us riveted. Which is the reason for this blog … Continue reading Why the Beatles’ 1964 Washington D.C. Concert Kicks Ass
Last week, on a rainy Friday evening, The American Cinematheque showcased a screening of The Beatles first concert in America: the Washington D.C. Coliseum, 1964 to a sold out audience. The energy of that performance, which has only intensified with age, left every last one of us riveted. Which is the reason for this blog … Continue reading Why the Beatles' 1964 Washington D.C. Concert Kicks Ass
Legendary British film composer John Barry died in New York yesterday at the age of 77. Barry was the winner of five Oscars for his work on Born Free, Lion in Winter, Out of Africa and Dances With Wolves, was nominated for countless more accolades, and is most widely known for his scores on many … Continue reading Barry. John Barry.
It simply doesn’t seem possible, but it’s true: today marks the thirtieth anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic death. It’s a particularly difficult subject for me to discuss because, in so many ways, his music occupies a very special, very deep, and very personal place in my life. John, always ebulliently self-effacing, would smirk and slag … Continue reading John Lennon: 30 Years Ago
Bloomfest 2010 This Saturday, August 14th, join your fellow Los Angeleno’s at Bloomfest in the downtown LA arts district. It’s a street festival with heart, serving the soul of Los Angeles with hearty helpings of food, art, music and plenty of culture. 15 bands are slated to play, food trucks will rule the day, and … Continue reading Bloomfest Music & Arts Festival 2010
Frank Sinatra Has a Cold is a classic Esquire article from 1966, considered to be one of the most important pieces of journalism of the late 20th century., a “pioneering example of New Journalism.” It is essential Pictorial reading. Frank Sinatra Has a Cold By Gay Talese FRANK SINATRA, holding a glass of bourbon in … Continue reading Frank Sinatra Has a Cold
She did it her way. Lena Horne, the trailblazing African American songstress who flouted convention, defied the odds and gave American popular music some of its best-loved recordings, has passed away at the age of 92. Recording artist, movie star and civil rights activist, Lena Horne was a true icon and role model: “My identity … Continue reading Lena Horne: 1917- 2010
The Kitty Packard Pictorial 