Essay: Monster Mash
Halloween is upon us. Prepare to be assaulted by all kinds of vampires, werewolves, and other ghost-like creatures that cloves of garlic, religious crosses, and even silver bullets aren’t likely…
Essay: My Favorites from Motown
Some of my favorite Motown songs may not be yours, but that doesn’t matter because nearly everything Motown Records released was a favorite—one reason they made so much money. Let’s…
Essay: The Extraordinary Roy Orbison
Let's talk about one of the most talented and inventive pop music stars that ever existed: the extraordinary Roy Orbison. Born in Vernon, Texas in 1936, the emotional operatic ballad singer-songwriter…
Essay: Sweet Sweet Soul
Soul music: a compelling, distinct, and dynamic kind of music very popular in the 1960s. Here’s a good example: Sweet Soul Music, Arthur Conley Originating in the African American community…
Essay: Kind to the Very End
Boy did I miss a lot of big news while I was away in Vietnam. Some fifty years ago I left the good old USA for a yearlong commitment in…
Essay: It’s Her Laughter I’ll Remember
Mother’s Day wasn’t invented for my mom, but she definitely earned her stripes raising the three of us. I can’t speak for my younger brother or older sister, but I’m…