I am back on this 3rd week of September to mark a few birthdays. It has been one year since the starting of The Music Phile blog, and I thank all of you who have read so far and hope you may have learned something. I promise to keep sharing with you what music I like, things that are on my mind, and some music trivia you probably don't ever need to know.
This week in September, I would also like you all to join me in celebrating some of my favorite people's birthdays: John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen and most importantly my dad, Ray.
Let's talk about how these gentlemen have and continue to affect my life, starting with John Coltrane.
For those of you who do not know John Coltrane, Ray Charles, and Bruce Springsteen were all born on September 23rd.
John Coltrane was a prolific American jazz saxaphonist, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.
I will be the first to admit I am not a huge fan of most jazz music, but when I hear Coltrane, I instantly relax and whatever foul mood I may be in dissipates within the first few notes. Take for example Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" It is the seventh album from Coltrane and released in 1961 on Atlantic Records. It was the first album to feature Coltrane's playing on soprano saxophone, and yielded a commercial breakthrough in the form of a hit single that gained popularity in 1961 on radio, an edited version of the title song, "My Favorite Things." In 1998, the album was a recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame award.
Let's move on to Ray Charles. Ray Charles was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds album. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company. Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” For me Ray Charles' story is one of a genius overcoming many obstacles and always striving for perfection no matter the cost. Many have you may have seen the biopic Ray starring Jamie Foxx and can attest to that genius, if you haven't I highly recommend it along with my personal favorite Ray Charles songs:
Seven Spanish Angels
The Night Time is the Right Time
What I'd Say
I'm Busted
Bruce Springsteen, the only Boss I listen to. Need I say more? Seriously those of you who have read this blog often know the admitted obsession I have with The Boss. There is a passion that Springsteen brings to his songwriting, singing and performance of his songs that for me and millions of other fans is a truly religious experience.
I could spend the rest of this blog sharing with you my favorite memories and song after song favorites of Bruce, but instead I think after much internal debate, I will share with you my top
I'm Goin Down
The Promised Land
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Kitty's Back
And last but not least let's focus on Ray, the best dad a guy could want.
Though born not on September 23rd, but the 21st Ray has taught me many lessons in my life. Though he may not realize the impact he had on my musical tastes as a kid, I remember music being played often in our house and having the radio on while he sat with me or read to me as he was getting me to go to sleep many nights.
Here are some of the songs and artists I know are his favorites and have found a special place in my heart as well. I love you papa-san!
Three Dog Night
Linda Ronstadt
Dr. Hook
Buddy Holly
Merle Haggard
And finally one of the first 45 records my dad bought me was the instant classic:
There you have it readers, a week of celebrations. Enjoy the music, until next time.....
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