Another legend gone. Chances are you’ve heard Flaco Jiménez—even if you didn’t know his name. For more than seven decades, his unmistakable accordion sound helped define and popularize Tejano music, bridging Mexican folk traditions with American country, rock, and blues. Flaco’s influence ran deep—whether leading his own conjunto, anchoring the Texas Tornados alongside Doug Sahm, […]
Monday Morning Video – Celebrating Two Greats
We lost two great architects of rock and roll last week with the passing of Brian Wilson and Sly Stone. Each pursued a singular vision and leave behind tremendous musical legacies. Here is but a taste of their greatness. “God Only Knows” and “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” from Wilson and “Everyday People” […]
Monday Morning Video – Jill Sobule (1959 – 2025)
Jill Sobule was a musician’s musician, a songwriter’s songwriter, revered by peers and fans alike for her singular blend of folk-pop melodies, sharp wit, and fearless social commentary. Sobule died in a tragic house fire on May 1st, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy of songs that were as funny as they were unflinching, weaving […]
Monday Morning Video – Mike Peters (1959 – 2025)
There are numerous songs about having a rock and roll heart. Mike Peters didn’t need to write one – his rock and roll heart infused every song that he wrote. Peters passed away last week after a 30 – yes 30 – year battle with cancer. If that doesn’t speak to the strength of Peter’s […]
Monday Morning Video – Garth Hudson and The Band
We lost a giant last week with the passing of Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band. The group The classically trained multi-instrumentalist was a quiet force within the group, one whose contributions helped define their sound. Here are a few choice Garth moments. First, “The Genetic Method/Chest Fever” where Hudson’s expansive solo […]
Bonus Monday Video – Peter Yarrow
“Puff the Magic Dragon” is one of folk music’s greatest songs. Sure, songs like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” epitomize folk’s socio-political spirit. Yet I ask you this: how many songs have been – and continue to be – sung by generations of children. I’m fairly certain just hearing the […]
Monday Morning Video – Sam & Dave
When I think back to the pivotal artists that cemented my lifelong love of music, Sam & Dave rank high on the list. I stumbled across the Atlantic Records R&B Anthology and was immediately drawn to Sam and Dave’s magic. The energy, the songs, the voices – they were all something special. Sam Moore passed […]
In Memoriam – Kris Kristofferson
“Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.” Aside from the national anthem, perhaps no other lyrics are as broadly known as those ten words. That hook paralleled a subtle change in popular songs that no one mastered better than Kris Kristofferson. He certainly wasn’t the first writer to make the protagonist of […]
Monday Morning Video – Kris Kristofferson
Another country legend is gone with the passing of Kris Kristofferson this weekend. Kristofferson first established himself as a songwriter, writing such notable songs as “Sunday Morning Coming Down” (most notably recorded by Johnny Cash in 1970) and “Me and Bobby McGee” (made famous by Janis Joplin). He then embarked on his own highly successful […]
Monday Morning Video – “Fairytale of New York”
This holiday classic takes on extra meaning this year given the recent passing of songwriter Shane MacGowan. Glen Hasard and Lisa O’Neill led this beautiful performance at MacGowan’s funeral a few weeks ago.