Category: Prose

Joy Mangano: The Inventor Who Changed Cleaning Forever

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ARTICLE – MINI BIO

If you’ve ever waged war against a kitchen floor, armed with a flimsy, soggy mop that seems more interested in smearing dirt around than cleaning, you’ve probably muttered to yourself: There has to be a better way. Well, Joy Mangano didn’t just mutter—she got to work. She invented the Miracle Mop, a self-wringing, no-hand-dirtying, sanity-saving tool that turned her from a struggling single mom into a business mogul. And let’s be honest: if you’re going to be famous for something, making cleaning suck less is a pretty noble cause.

The Early Years: Before the Miracle Mop

Born on February 1, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, Joy Mangano spent her childhood in Huntington, Long Island. Even as a teenager, she had a knack for problem-solving. Case in point: while working at an animal hospital, she had the brilliant idea for a fluorescent flea collar to keep pets visible at night. Unfortunately, Hartz beat her to market with something eerily similar. Did that crush her spirit? Nope. It just made her hungrier.

After earning a Business Administration degree from Pace University in 1978, Joy married Anthony Miranne and had three children. But life had other plans, and the marriage ended in divorce, leaving Joy to juggle single parenthood with a carousel of jobs—waitress, airline reservations manager, you name it. It was during this hectic period that her true entrepreneurial spirit took center stage.

The Miracle Mop: A Game-Changer

The legend of the Miracle Mop begins with something many of us know too well: an unholy mess. In 1990, during a dinner party, a guest spilled red wine all over her floor. As Joy wrestled with the sopping-wet, bacteria-breeding disaster that was a standard mop, she hit her breaking point. There had to be a better way.

So, she made one. Using her own savings (and likely a lot of caffeine-fueled nights), she designed the Miracle Mop: a self-wringing mop with a head made from a continuous loop of cotton. It could be wrung out without getting your hands dirty, and for anyone who’s ever gagged while touching old mop water, this was a revolution.

Of course, the road to success wasn’t smooth. Joy invested $100,000—her life savings—to produce her first 1,000 mops. Selling them door-to-door and at trade shows wasn’t exactly a Cinderella story; the response was slow. But Joy wasn’t about to back down. Her break came when she personally convinced QVC to let her demonstrate the mop on air. The result? She sold 18,000 mops in under 20 minutes. That moment didn’t just change her life—it cemented her as a home shopping legend.

From QVC to HSN: Building an Empire

After her smashing QVC debut, Joy became a regular on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). Her natural charisma and infectious enthusiasm made her a powerhouse. In 1999, she sold her company, Ingenious Designs, to USA Networks (HSN’s parent company). By 2000, the Miracle Mop alone was raking in $10 million annually.

But Joy wasn’t a one-hit wonder. She kept churning out wildly successful products, including the Huggable Hangers—yes, the space-saving velvet hangers that have somehow sold over 700 million units. (Seriously, how many closets even exist in the world?)

Her on-air sales? Absurd. At her peak, Joy was moving products at a pace of $1 million per hour. Forget the stock market—if you wanted real action, you tuned in to watch Joy Mangano sell hangers like they were going out of style.

Hollywood Comes Knocking: “Joy”

In 2015, Hollywood took notice. The biographical comedy-drama Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, hit the big screen. The film captured the essence of Joy’s relentless drive, though it took some creative liberties (like how she met her ex-husband—Hollywood, of course, had to make it more cinematic).

Regardless, the film highlighted her grit, her struggles, and the absolute circus that is inventing, marketing, and scaling a product. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance was so good that she snagged a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Not bad for a movie about a mop, huh?

Lessons from Joy Mangano

Joy’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Here’s what we can learn:

  1. Act on Your Ideas – If you’ve ever had a “Why hasn’t anyone invented this?” moment, take a page from Joy’s book and actually do something about it.
  2. Persistence Pays Off – The woman literally went door-to-door to sell her mops. If she had given up at the first sign of rejection, we’d all still be squeezing dirty water out of mop heads like peasants.
  3. Bet on Yourself – She poured her savings into an idea that others doubted. That kind of belief in yourself is what separates dreamers from doers.

Joy Mangano Today: Still Innovating

You’d think after selling millions of products and getting a Hollywood movie, Joy would be kicking back with a cocktail somewhere tropical. Nope. She’s still inventing. In 2021, she launched CleanBoss, a brand focused on next-level cleaning products, and debuted America’s Big Deal, a reality competition show giving other entrepreneurs a shot at success.

Her legacy isn’t just about mops or hangers—it’s about resilience, creativity, and proving that even the most mundane frustrations (looking at you, dirty floors) can lead to something extraordinary.

Conclusion

Joy Mangano’s journey from single mom to self-made millionaire is proof that sometimes, success isn’t about grand, world-changing ideas—it’s about fixing everyday annoyances in a way no one else has. So, the next time you’re battling a stubborn mess, just remember: one woman got so fed up with cleaning that she built an empire.

Now, what are you doing with your frustrations?

The Legacy of Olympe de Gouges: Feminist Icon and Activist

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ARTICLE – MINI BIO

Let’s set the scene: It’s 18th-century France. Powdered wigs are in. So are corsets, monarchy drama, and men named Jacques debating “liberty” while conveniently forgetting half the population. Enter Olympe de Gouges—a woman who took one look at the French Revolution’s “bro code” and said, “Non.” Part playwright, part activist, and full-time menace to the patriarchy, de Gouges spent her life trolling the establishment with feminist manifestos, abolitionist plays, and hot takes so spicy they literally guillotined her for it. Let’s unpack why this 18th-century icon deserves a spot in your group chat.

She Was the Original “Well, Actually…” Girlboss

Born Marie Gouze in 1748, Olympe rebranded herself as a Renaissance Fyre Festival influencer. After ditching her “meh” husband (RIP, Louis Aubry—we barely knew you), she stormed Paris with a new name, a side hustle in playwriting, and a vendetta against anyone who thought women belonged in the kitchen (unless it was to burn misogynist pamphlets).

Key Flex: She wrote 144 works—plays, essays, manifestos—while surviving a time when women’s highest achievement was… embroidering? Her 1791 Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen was the ultimate clapback to the Revolution’s Declaration of the Rights of Man. Imagine subtweeting an entire government with: “Congrats on ‘liberty,’ kingslayers! Now let women vote?” Icon behavior.

Her Plays Were Cancelled Before “Cancel Culture” Existed

Olympe’s drama wasn’t just onstage. Her play Zamore et Mirza (1784) slapped audiences with a love story between enslaved Black characters—a radical move when France was still vibing with colonialism. Plantation owners threw tantrums and got the play shut down, and Olympe fired back: “I will make the world hear me!” (Spoiler: She did. The play finally premiered in 1789 to a very awkward crowd of slave traders.)

Side Note: If Netflix adapted this today, it’d be a mix of Bridgerton and The Hunger Games. Colonial villains? Check. Forbidden romance? Check. A heroine who’d yeet a baguette at Robespierre? Oui.

She Penned the Ultimate Feminist Mic Drop

The Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791) was Olympe’s magnum opus. Let’s break down her greatest hits:

  • Article 1: “Woman is born free and stays lit AF.” (Paraphrased.)
  • Article 6: “Let women hold office, you cowards.”
  • Postscript: A rallying cry telling women to “wake up” and smell the patriarchy.

She even called for paternity suits (in 1791!) so deadbeat dads couldn’t ghost their kids. Mary Wollstonecraft stan’d her so hard she wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Woman a year later. Move over, Founding Fathers—Founding Mother just dropped.

She Fought for Everyone the Revolution Left Behind

While the guys in charge high-fived over “equality,” Olympe was out here advocating for:

  • Abolition of slavery: “Men of all colors are brothers,” she wrote in 1788—before it was cool.
  • Welfare programs: She proposed unemployment benefits and state-funded hospitals. In the 1700s.
  • Divorce rights: Because nothing says “liberty” like dumping a toxic husband.

Her take on taxes? “Rich people, pay for the poor. Sincerely, Common Sense.” How’s that for a hot take?

She Roasted Robespierre (And Paid the Price)

Olympe had zero chill for Jacobin extremists. When the Reign of Terror kicked off, she called Robespierre a “tyrant” and proposed letting France vote on three government options: republic, federalist, or constitutional monarchy. The Jacobins, allergic to democracy, arrested her for “attacking the sovereignty of the people” (translation: hurting their feelings).

At her trial, she doubled down: “I die for having spoken truths too loudly.” They guillotined her in 1793, but not before she dropped her final boss line: “Children of the Fatherland, you will avenge my death!” Cue slow clap.

Her Legacy Is a Mood for Modern Feminists

Olympe’s ghost is probably rolling her eyes at how long it took France to give women the right to vote (1944, mes amies). But today, she’s having a renaissance:

  • UNESCO added her Declaration to its Memory of the World Register in 2023.
  • Schools teach her as the “first feminist” who linked gender, race, and class oppression.
  • Historians debate whether she was a visionary or a chaos gremlin. (Porque no los dos?)

Pro Tip: Next time someone says “women’s rights are a new thing,” hit them with Olympe’s Wikipedia page.

Final Verdict: Olympe de Gouges, the Uncancelable Queen

Olympe de Gouges was messy, relentless, and decades ahead of her time. She weaponized art for activism, called out hypocrisy, and died refusing to shut up. In a world of lukewarm takes, she was spicy. So let’s raise a glass (or a guillotine blade) to the woman who proved revolution isn’t just for boys with fancy breeches.

Before you go channel your inner Olympe and rage-tweet about this post to your followers (#JusticeForOlympe), I get it, I’m fired up too. I’d be right there retweeting. I know I have a French flag around here somewhere. Hold up, wait a minute, chill, and think about people like Madame Olympe. You know, there’s something about history that sets my brain on fire. Let’s get one thing straight: history isn’t just dusty textbooks and dead white dudes in wigs. It’s full of chaotic icons like Madame de Gouges, who dared to flip the script and be themselves.

Your Homework: Comment below with the historical badass you think deserves a viral moment. I absolutely love researching and learning more about history. Yeah, I’m junkie, #BookWormAnonymous. Wrong answers only. (Looking at you, “Napoleon’s Short King Energy” stans.)

Stay tuned for more posts about people I discover in my daily reading.

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, Olympe’s ghost demands you share it. (She’s still salty about Robespierre’s PR team.)

Yeah, I know I’m a mess … guilty as charged. Remember, you are reading The Memoirs of Madness.

Until next time … be blessed …peace.

REBLOG: The Creative Chic’s Latest

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In this life, we are bombarded with the notions of becoming “a better you”, “the best version”. While in this post, The Creative Chic has something to say about these notions. Check it out

Unapologetically You

I question who we will be when we step from behind someone else’s idea of who we are.

Random Fiction – 02212025

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FICTION

When you’re young, you wander through life with a carefree attitude, convinced that nothing tragic will ever befall you. It’s not that you think you’re made of steel; it’s just that misfortune always seems to strike elsewhere, affecting other people. You know these people—your classmates who sit a few rows ahead in math, friends who share secrets during recess, rivals who challenge you in sports, and those vaguely familiar faces passing in the school hallway whose names always escape you. “Who is that?” You recognize them; they might live across the street or next door, but their names never stick. You catch wind of their troubles in hushed conversations over cafeteria trays or notice the signs—a bruise blooming under an eye or a sudden empty desk where someone used to sit. But you? You’re shielded by an invisible armor. Untouchable. Until one day, that armor cracks, and the reality that you’re just as vulnerable as everyone else comes crashing down.

As a guy growing up, you were conditioned to believe the worst thing you could be called was a wimp or a pussy. Those words stung like a slap to the face. But the worst of all was “pansy.” It technically meant the same thing, yet it carried a unique venom, like an elite-tier insult that could ignite a brawl. They were fighting words, as the old-timers would say. I often imagined a secret list of such words that, when uttered, left you with no choice but to unleash the rage pent up inside the beast within us all, a primal code of manhood handed down through the ages by our Neanderthal ancestors. The rationale behind it was nonexistent—nonsensical, absurd, or downright foolish didn’t even begin to cover it. I even went so far as to ask friends and acquaintances, hoping to uncover this mythical list’s existence, but they just gave me strange looks as if I was the odd one out. “Weirdo.” There’s another term I’m certain once ranked high on that clandestine list.

If there was one thing certain to amplify male foolishness, it was the presence of a girl. You might assume it would be the confident ones with a smooth stride and an easy grin. But you’d be mistaken. It was simply the presence of any female. Something about her steady, evaluating gaze seemed to flick a switch in our lizard brains. Suddenly, we were all posturing like peacocks, vying for attention as if auditioning for the role of “Alpha Male #2” in a poorly scripted high school drama.

“Cut…cut, cut, cut…” the director’s voice echoed through the set, slicing through our bravado. He rose from his worn director’s chair with an exasperated sigh, his footsteps heavy as he approached. He muttered incoherently, his brows furrowing in frustration. Turning abruptly, he addressed a bewildered production assistant who appeared as if they had stumbled onto the wrong set altogether. “It’s missing… I don’t know,” he said, rubbing his temple as if the motion might conjure clarity from the chaos in his mind. The PA shrugged, their confusion mirroring his own.

“More, you know? More,” he declared, fixing his gaze on you with an intensity that suggested the simple word held the universe’s mysteries. It might, who knows? Because at that moment, you felt the weight of impending humiliation hanging over you like a storm cloud, threatening to unleash if you failed to decipher this cryptic instruction. So you reset, ready to reenact the scene with exaggerated bravado and clumsy confidence. A muscular guy, his shirt straining against bulging biceps, lunged forward to take a swing at a smaller guy. The smaller one stood his ground, fists clenched and eyes steely—not because he had faith in his victory, but because maintaining dignity in defeat was preferable to being labeled a pansy. Who needs self-preservation when fragile masculinity whispers its deceitful promises of status and respect in your ear?

The worst beating I ever took wasn’t even for something I did. And that, frankly, was offensive. I was the kind of kid who had done plenty to earn a few ass-kickings, but this one? This was charity work.

Susan Randle—radiant in a way that made heads turn in every hallway—sat beside me in the darkened movie theater. During what she half-jokingly called our “date” (really just two people sharing a row while an action film played), she eyed me with a mischievous smirk and accused me of being gay simply because I hesitated when she leaned over, voice low and daring, to ask if I wanted to “do it.” The dim light flickering over her face caught the earnest sparkle in her eyes before she suddenly closed the distance and pressed her lips against mine. In that charged moment, the unwritten, yet unanimously understood rule against “unsanctioned sugar”—the secret code dictating who could kiss whom—reared its head. No one ever seemed to grant an exception, whether you were a girl or a guy. And here I was, trapped between the dreaded labels: on one end lay the desperate horndog willing to prove his manhood at every twist, and on the other, the discredited possibility of being gay. I wasn’t interested in becoming just another name on her ever-growing list or dealing with the fallout of shattering her carefully constructed illusion of desirability. When a boy disrupted that illusion, the consequences were swift and ruthless.

That catalog wasn’t a myth—it was as real as the whispered rankings that circulated among us. It wasn’t enough to simply admire the “right” girl; if you dared to look away or, heaven forbid, question the unspoken challenges, your name was scrawled in the ledger of sins. Failed to laugh at the jokes delivered with just the right touch of irony, dress in conforming denim and sneakers, or walk with that practiced swagger? Sure enough, it was marked on the list.

My reluctance to follow these unwritten rules quickly made me a target. Over the following weeks, a series of meticulously scheduled beatings forced me to confront the cruel reality of teenage hierarchies. After school, I would find myself cornered in the deserted back lot behind the gym, where a group of boys awaited with grim determination. They’d shout derogatory names—“fairy boy” and a particular favorite, “pirate,” a crude truncation of “butt pirate”—words spat out with the casual cruelty of a rehearsed routine. Each blow landed with precision, and amid the sting and shock, I discovered a perverse sort of order; they made sure I wasn’t crippled for good. I clutched my prized 96 mph fastball as if it were a lifeline and leaned into my natural left-handed stance, determined to keep my place on the team even if I was labeled a “fairy boy” behind closed doors.

By the time the school year drew to a close, the beatings ceased as if a final judgment had been passed in some bizarre, secret rite of passage. One by one, the bullies patted me on the back with a mixture of grudging admiration and hollow platitudes, congratulating me on having “taken it like a man.” It was as if surviving their collective assault were the final exam in a twisted curriculum of manhood. They’d shrug and say, “It wasn’t personal. It was just something that needed doing.” To them, such senseless violence was nothing short of an honorable tradition—a sacred duty executed without a shred of genuine empathy.

That summer, I found brief refuge away from the tyranny of high school corridors with my father in Northern California. He was a truck driver, his bronzed, weathered hands as familiar with the hum of diesel engines as he was with the hard lines of a life lived outdoors, where emotions were as heavy as the cargo he hauled. My parents’ origins were a collage of chance encounters: they’d originally met at a sultry George Benson concert in the Midwest, where the guitar licks sultry under a neon haze had paved the way for something unexpected. Within nine months of that chance meeting, I came into the picture—a living reminder of their brief yet potent infatuation. They had the wisdom to avoid the charade of forced domesticity; soon after, my mom returned east while my dad continued chasing horizons out west. Mysterious fragments of half-truths and secrets that always belong to a larger narrative are as American as elitism and Chevrolets and need no full explanation.

I used the prompts listed below in this bit of flash fiction

RDP – beast

Fandango – FWOC – Date

Late Night Grooves #136

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I never knew my mother was such a jazz aficionado until I started digging through her vinyl collection – literally digging, as these treasures were buried under years of accumulated life in our old family home. The records sat there like time capsules, waiting for someone with enough musical maturity to appreciate them properly. Maybe it’s a blessing I waited this long to explore her collection; my teenage self would’ve probably dismissed Miles Davis as “that guy with the trumpet” and missed the genius entirely.

I’ve developed what I like to call a “vintage ear” over the years, an appreciation that comes with age, like finally understanding why adults made such a fuss about good wine. My father’s side of the family, bless their hearts, are musical in that genetic, can’t-help-it kind of way – there’s a guitarist or singer in every generation, like musical chickenpox that just keeps spreading. But they’re technicians, not lovers; they play music but don’t really feel it. It’s like they’re fluent in a language they never actually use for conversation.

Going through Mom’s collection now feels like reading someone’s diary but missing crucial pages. Each album cover tells a story, but I’m left imagining the chapters in between. What made her stop and replay that one Coltrane solo until the vinyl developed a slight wear? Which songs disappointed her so much she needed to tell someone about it? I picture her discovering some hidden B-side gem at 2 AM, wanting to wake someone up just to share it, but deciding to keep that perfect moment to herself. These are conversations we should have had, could have had, if I’d only known to ask.

The irony of my musical obsession hit me hard during deployment. There we were, in the middle of who-knows-where, supposedly focused on staying alive, and I’m shushing a bunch of armed soldiers because some unknown track caught my ear. Must have been quite a sight – combat gear, serious faces, and everyone frozen in place because some music junkie needed his fix. That track, whatever it was, became my personal soundtrack to surreal moments in a surreal time.

My wife, clever woman that she was, found her own way to deal with my musical fixation. Her “mandatory couples classes” rule initially felt like some kind of relationship boot camp – probably payback for all those times I zoned out during her favorite TV shows. But she was playing the long game, and I was too slow to catch on.

She’d strategically pick music history courses, knowing full well you can’t just read about music – that’s like trying to understand swimming by reading about water. You have to dive in, let it wash over you, and become part of the cultural current. And there she’d be, sitting on the couch with that innocent look, dropping casual questions about artists while I supposedly focused on “important” coursework.

Her technique was masterful, really. She’d start with that seemingly harmless phrase, “They were good, but…” and watch me take the bait every single time. I’d launch into these elaborate musical dissertations with historical context, personal interpretations, and probably way too many air guitar solos. It took me embarrassingly long to realize I’d been expertly manipulated into sharing my passion with her.

She didn’t need to match my enthusiasm for every blues riff or jazz improvisation; she just needed to understand why it mattered to me. While I was busy being a musical know-it-all, she quietly built bridges between our interests. Looking back, I have to admire her strategy – it was like watching someone solve a Rubik’s cube while pretending to fiddle with it.

The real kicker? She managed to turn my tendency to lecture about music into quality time together. Here I was, thinking I was educating her about the finer points of bebop while she was actually teaching me about the art of connection. Talk about your plot twists – turns out I wasn’t the only one who knew how to improvise.

Here is John Coltrane’s Blues Train

Weekend Writing Prompt #403

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Here is my response to the Weekend Writing Prompt

The Theory of Everything eluded him, dancing just beyond his grasp like starlight through fog. In his cluttered office, equations sprawled across chalkboards, each variable a stepping stone toward universal truth. Years of research had led to this moment, yet certainty remained a stranger. Coffee grew cold beside scattered papers, forgotten in the pursuit of understanding. Perhaps, he thought, watching dust motes spiral in the afternoon light, the beauty lay not in finding the answer but in the endless quest itself.

Weekend Writing Prompt #402

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Here is my response to the Weekend Writing Prompt

The old swing creaked in the autumn wind, a spook of childhood laughter echoing through the empty yard. Shadows stretched long, whispering secrets only the moon could understand. The house remembered everything.

Get to Know Us #50

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Here is my response to Kymber’s Get to Know You

  1. If you could sit on a bench in beautiful woods, who would you like sitting next to you on the bench and why? My mom and my wife, I would listen to my mother’s memories of past memories as if she were right back in the moment. No detail was missed. I loved how she painted a picture with her words. She was the writer in the family. What I do is nothing more than scattered words on the page. My wife sits quietly, watching us, waiting for the moment I chime in with a tale of my own. The slightest smile sat on her face, and her eyes danced back and forth.
  2. What was your least favorite food as a kid, and do you still dislike it? Liver and green peas would have to be the worst food ever. My wife used different recipes for me to try, but they never worked.
  3. What game show would you like to be a contestant on? There were two game shows I could be a contestant on, but since the original hosts aren’t there anymore. I’m over it. Jeopardy and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. I only considered these shows due to prodding from friends and families.

Random Thoughts – 01152025

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Animals enrich our lives in ways we can’t describe. I often write about my adventures with my cats. However, this morning I found this interesting clip while cruising Reddit check it out…

Best teammate
byu/Charming_History7423 inAnimalsBeingBros

It reminds me of training my Rottie’s and how they each had their own personalities. I had who loved to help me in the shop. While another would do yardwork with me. She’d drag the clipped branches to the curb. I never thought about the role that pets play in our lives, the effect they have on us, or the effect we have on them.

Song Lyric Sunday – 011152025

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MINI BIO – SLS

Immersing myself in the musical offerings of my fellow melody enthusiasts has been an absolute delight. Each shared track opened new doors, introducing me to artists I’d never encountered and fresh interpretations of beloved classics. The experience was a powerful reminder of music’s eternal nature and remarkable ability to mend the soul. As I pondered my contribution to this musical exchange, I drew blanks beyond the familiar territory of standards. Rather than force a conventional choice, I ventured into uncharted waters. Taking a bold step away from my usual selections, I dove deep into my carefully curated blues collection – a genre I rarely explore in these challenges. What I discovered there was nothing short of magical – a hidden treasure patiently waiting for its moment to shine. Like a dusty gem catching the light for the first time, this blues piece emerged from the depths of my collection, ready to share its brilliance.

Let me share with you this incredible musical journey that starts with “Work with Me, Annie,” a deliciously cheeky rhythm and blues gem that burst onto the scene in 1954. Hank Ballard and The Midnighters crafted this irresistible tune with its playful winks and nudges, wrapped in an infectious melody that just makes you want to move. The song’s magic lies in its teasing nature – never crossing the line but dancing right up to it with a mischievous grin.

But here’s where my musical adventure takes an exciting turn. While exploring the blues rabbit hole, I stumbled upon Snooky Pryor’s take on this classic from his 1999 album “Shake My Hand.” Oh, what a discovery! Pryor takes this already spicy number and adds his own special sauce – that soul-stirring harmonica of his weaves through the melody like a river of pure blues feeling. He doesn’t just cover the song; he reimagines it, breathing new life into those suggestive lyrics with his raw, authentic blues voice while his harmonica tells stories of its own.

It’s like finding a cherished vintage photograph that’s been lovingly restored and enhanced, keeping all its original charm while adding new layers of depth and character. Pryor’s version is a beautiful testament to how great music can evolve while staying true to its roots, creating something that feels both wonderfully familiar and excitingly fresh.

Lyrics:

Song by Hank Ballard

(guitar intro)

(Oooh!)
Work with me, Annie
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Work with me, Annie
Ooo-wee!
Work with me, Annie
Work with me, Annie

Work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

Annie, please don’t cheat
(va-oom, va-oom, va-oom, va-oom)
Give me all my meat (ooo!)
Ooo-hoo-wee
So good to me

Work with me Ann-ie-e
Now, let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

A-ooo, my-ooo
My-ooo-ooo-wee
Annie, oh how you thrill me
Make my head go round and round
And all my love come dow-ow-own
(Ooo!)

Work with me, Annie
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Work with me, Annie
Don’t be ‘shamed
To work with me, Annie
Call my name
Work with me, Annie

A-work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

So Good!

(guitar & instrumental)

Oh, our hot lips kissing
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Girl, I’ll beg mercy
Oh, hugging and more teasing
Don’t want no freezing

A-work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

Ooo-ooo
Umm-mmm-mmm
Ooo-ooo-ooo

FADES

Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo.

While treasure hunting in my blues archive, something magical happened – you know how music just grabs you sometimes? There I was, ready to wrap things up, when the blues spirits themselves seemed to whisper, “Hold up now, we’ve got more stories to tell!” And just like that, this hypnotic groove reached out and caught me, channeling the spirit of the legendary John Lee Hooker himself. That unmistakable rhythm, that raw, pulsing energy – it was impossible to resist.

And I wasn’t the only one feeling it! There was Guppy, my faithful furry companion, already swaying to the beat. In a moment of pure joy, I reached for her paws, and we shared this impromptu dance party. Reality (and our respective ages) quickly reminded us to take a seat, but that groove? Oh, it wasn’t letting go! So there we were, two old souls – me in my trusty chair, Guppy on her favorite pillow – still caught up in the rhythm, still moving and grooving, still feeling that blues magic work its way through our bones.

You know those perfect little moments when music just takes over, and age becomes just a number? This was one of those precious times when the blues reached out and reminded us that you’re never too old to feel the rhythm, never too dignified to let loose and wiggle along with the beat. Guppy and I might not be spring chickens anymore, but in that moment, we were timeless dancers in our own little blues club.

Let me tell you about this absolute gem I uncovered – “Got to Have Money” by Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson. Talk about finding the perfect blues treasure! This piece just oozes that authentic Chicago blues spirit, the kind that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. Johnson doesn’t just play the blues; he lives and breathes it through every note, every guitar lick, every word that flows from his lips.

You know those songs that just tell it like it is? This is one of those honest-to-goodness truth-tellers. Johnson wraps his gritty, soulful voice around a story we all know too well – that endless dance with the almighty dollar. But it’s not just about the message; it’s how he delivers it. Those guitar riffs? Pure magic! They weave through the song like a conversation, sometimes whispering, sometimes crying out, but always speaking straight to the heart.

And that groove! Oh my goodness, that groove! It’s the kind that gets under your skin and makes your feet move whether you want them to or not. Johnson has this incredible way of taking something as universal as money troubles and turning it into this beautiful, moving piece of art that makes you feel less alone in your struggles. It’s like he’s sitting right there with you, nodding his head and saying, “Yeah, I’ve been there too, friend.”

This is exactly why I love diving into these blues archives – you never know when you’ll surface with a piece that speaks such raw truth while making your spirit dance at the same time.

Lyrics:

Yes, a little drive by upon the hill
And this is where It begin to start
Mama told Papa, said “Pack up son!”
“We gonna leave this sow land again”


I was just a little bitty boy
′Bout the age of five
Too much work
Not enough money
This what it’s all about


Got to have money
Got to have some money, y′all
Got to have money
Got to have some money, y’all


Muddy Waters got money
Lightnin’ Hopkins got it too
Tyrone got money
Want me some money too


Got to have money
Can′t get along without it
Got to have some money
Can′t get along without it


I used to have you water
15 bottles
For 15 cents a day
Shame a boy my age
Worked so hard everyday


But now I’m grown
I′m on my own
And this I want you to know
If you want me to work for you, baby
You got to give me big dough


‘Cause I got to have money
Got to have money, y′all
Can’t get along without it
Got to have money, y′all


They say money is a sign for sympathy
The root of all evil
If this is what money really is
Call the Doctor ’cause I got a fever

I got to have money
Got to have money, y’all
Can′t get along without it
Got to have money, y′all

Got to have some money
Got to have some money
I got to have some money


Writer(s): John T Williams

Here is the link to the challenge. Thanks Jim for hosting I had blast with one.

Work Harder Day

Late Night Grooves #135

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So, tonight on LNG, I’m going to shift gears a bit. I intended to focus on some of my favorite female vocalists in R&B/Soul. However, after reading the post listed below, I was introduced to an immensely talented, amazing young woman. I took a few moments to review some of her work after reading Milepebbles’ post. Within her post, you will get the particulars about the covering the track young lady covers and information about the young lady herself.

Song Lyric Sunday: Hard To Handle

After her fame from AGT, the young woman developed her own sound that seemed to evolve in every track. I worry every time I hear young artists compared to musical legends. There is so much pressure on the artist, especially if they don’t live up to the comparison. I listened to this young lady be compared to Janis Joplin. I completely understand why the comparison was made and the sentiment behind it. However, this young lady is no Janis Joplin. She is something else entirely. Even in the first video, you can see something different about her. As I continue to listen to her as I write this post.

Ladies and gentlemen, Courtney Hadwin’s Breakable

Late Night Grooves #134

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I discovered an unexpected musical universe while exploring my mother’s collection of 45 rpm records. Hidden within these vinyl discs were recordings by familiar artists I never knew existed, alongside completely unknown musicians who created remarkable work. I smile at my previous assumption of musical expertise, now humbled by the vastness of what remains unexplored. We often experience music through curated selections – songs deemed worthy by others’ judgment. While these choices frequently merit their status, countless talented artists and their exceptional works remain in obscurity, their songs gradually disappearing from collective memory, heard only through chance encounters with dusty records. It is in this spirit I selected tonight’s track. This was made famous and was covered by Nirvana, and when discussing the track, people are most familiar with Nirvana’s cover.

“The Man Who Sold the World” is a cryptic and evocative song released by David Bowie in November 1970 in the US and April 1971 in the UK as the title track of his third studio album. The song features a distinctive circular guitar riff by Mick Ronson and haunting, phased vocals by Bowie, recorded on the final day of mixing. The song is built around a repeating electric guitar riff with an acoustic guitar underneath, primarily in the key of F. The musical arrangement creates a complex harmony that shifts between different chords, creating a disturbing yet compelling sound structure. The song explores themes of identity crisis, duality, and multiple personalities. Bowie explained that he wrote it while searching for a part of himself, reflecting the feeling of youth trying to discover one’s true identity. The lyrics were partially inspired by the 1899 poem “Antigonish” by William Hughes Mearns.

Late Night Grooves #133

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Tonight on LNG, I’m featuring one of my favorite jazz artists. I discovered Oscar Peterson by accident in my thirties. He and Ahmad Jamal played in my home for several months as part of my exploration of jazz trios. So, tonight, here is a standard from the Oscar Peterson Trio.

Oscar Peterson‘s rendition of “Have You Met Miss Jones?” appears on his acclaimed 1964 album “We Get Requests.” The song, originally composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart, was transformed by Peterson’s trio into a masterful jazz interpretation. The piece is set in the key of F Major and is typically performed at a fast tempo3. Peterson’s version is notable for his sophisticated block chords and characteristic virtuosic piano style. The performance builds dramatically, showcasing the trio’s dynamic interplay and Peterson’s remarkable technical facility at the keyboard.

Late Night Grooves #132

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Tonight, on LNG, we are traveling back to the 1960s and listening to a legendary track from a band that has vanished from the headlines but remains in the hearts of so many. I’ve been a fan of The Stooges for years, but I hadn’t a clue to the depth of their music until recently. It’s always good to rediscover the music from periods we may have forgotten.

“I Wanna Be Your Dog” is one of The Stooges’ most iconic and influential tracks, released on their self-titled debut album in 1969. The song features a hypnotic, three-chord riff driven by distorted guitar and piano, creating a raw, primal sound that epitomizes proto-punk. Lyrically, it explores themes of submission and desire with stark simplicity, delivered through Iggy Pop’s snarling, visceral vocals. Its rebellious energy and stripped-down intensity made it a groundbreaking track, paving the way for the punk rock movement and leaving an enduring mark on alternative music.

Late Night Grooves #131

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“Mad About You” is a signature song by Belgian band Hooverphonic. It was released in 2000 as the lead single from their third album, The Magnificent Tree. The track features dramatic orchestration and sweeping string arrangements reminiscent of a James Bond theme song, combined with elements of trip-hop.

Late Night Grooves #130

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The first LNG of the year, we are featuring new music for me. I spent most of the day listening to the band. This is the track that stood out to me.

“Pioneer to the Falls” by Interpol is the opening track of their 2007 album Our Love to Admire. The song is a brooding, atmospheric piece marked by somber guitar melodies, deep basslines, and Paul Banks’ enigmatic vocals. With its hypnotic rhythm and melancholic tone, the track explores themes of longing, loss, and existential reflection, setting the mood for the rest of the album with its cinematic and haunting aura.

Late Night Grooves #129

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Tonight on LNG, I figured we would go with the “last Monday of the year” theme. I found this little gem in some notes about music tucked away in one of my many notebooks. I swear I need to make some sort of resolution to organize these notes. I’m shaking my head. This is the equivalent of a vow to lose weight, exercise more, or quit smoking, and my all-time favorite, focus on me. This is my year. Anyway, I digress.

“Thank God It’s Monday” is a unique punk rock anthem released by NOFX in 2000 on their album “Pump Up the Valuum.” The song, written by Mike Burkett (Fat Mike), offers an ironic twist on the typical Monday blues sentiment. The track presents a contrarian view of weekdays, celebrating Mondays while criticizing traditional weekend activities. The lyrics express a preference for Mondays over Fridays, pointing out how weekends are filled with crowded, smoky bars and packed restaurants. The song’s protagonist lives a “5-day weekend” and a “year-long holiday,” embracing Mondays when most people are at work. Each day is compared to a holiday—Tuesdays are like Christmas, Wednesdays like Hanukkah, and Thursdays like Thanksgiving.

REBLOG: Regina’s post about Nostalgia

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I find this post quite interesting because I’ve been quite nostalgic lately. I’ve been having these moments of return about things I hadn’t thought about in a very long time. I like this post because Regina drives into nostalgia. She provides a window into something we rarely discuss but often participate in. Take a look at the post. And if you haven’t been to her blog, there are several interesting posts. Enjoy!

Nostalgia en el Corazón …

RDP Saturday – Vessel

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ART INSPIRED BY RDP PROMPT

“Confronting a storm is like fighting God. All the powers in the universe seem to be against you and, in an extraordinary way, your irrelevance is at the same time both humbling and exalting.”

Mixed Music Bag – Week 51

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ARTICLE – TUNAGE – MINI BIO – MMB

The Yellowjackets 

In several previous posts, you’ve heard me yammer on about my musical journey and how different things in my life helped establish my evolving musical tastes. During the 1980s, I became a fan of jazz and the sub-genre of jazz fusion. This was spurred by my introduction to Al Dimeola, legendary guitarist of the Jazz Fusion trio Romantic Warrior. As I drove deeper into jazz fusion, I discovered “The Yellowjackets.” 

The Yellowjackets are a highly influential American jazz fusion band formed in 1977 in Los Angeles. Assembled initially as a backup band for guitarist Robben Ford, they evolved into one of jazz’s most respected groups. Ford left the band to pursue a different musical direction after recording their first album. The track Rush Hour on their 1981 self-titled release is often considered Robben Ford’s best work. 

Original Lineup: 

  • Robben Ford (Guitar)
  • Russell Ferrante (Keyboards)
  • Jimmy Haslip (Bass)
  • Ricky Lawson (Drums)

After Ford’s departure, the band continued as a trio. Despite Ford’s departure, the band maintained the sound band established with Ford. Mirage a Trois (1983) marked the transition of the band’s sound into a direction. They added saxophonist Marc Russo to add in the transition. Their album Shades (1986) cemented their sound, unique to their previous sound. 

Critical Acclaim

  • Shades (1986) reached No. 4 on the Billboard jazz album chart, featuring the Grammy-winning single “And You Know That”
  • Greenhouse (1991) reached No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album chart.
  • Yellowjackets (1981) – Their debut album reached No. 16 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and made serious waves in jazz radio

Grammy Recognition

Their most acclaimed albums include:

  • Politics (1988) – Won Grammy for Jazz Fusion Performance
  • Jackets XL (2020) – Nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
  • Parallel Motion (2022) – Their latest Grammy-nominated album

Current Lineup

The band currently consists of:

  • Russell Ferrante (Piano & Synthesizers) – founding member
  • Bob Mintzer (Woodwinds & EWI)
  • Will Kennedy (Drums)
  • Dane Alderson (Bass)

Musical Legacy

Throughout their 43-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 25 albums and received 17 Grammy nominations, winning two. Modern rhythms, strong melodies, and innovative jazz fusion compositions characterize their music.

REBLOG: Dollar Tree Closing

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Here is an interesting article about the Dollar Tree. It illustrates a condition we seldom want to discuss openly.

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3714287410420-dollar-tree-closing-down-all-15500-locations-for-entire-day-during-retail-blackout-and-walmart-wont-be-any-help?s=ws_rd&emailId=eP5xjlw

Weekend Writing Prompt #390

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Here is my response to the Weekend Writing Prompt – Diamond

Fractured light danced through the diamond’s heart, each facet holding a universe of trapped rainbows and whispered secrets.

Weekend Writing Prompt #389

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Here is my response to the Weekend Writing Prompt – Hunter

The hunter moved through mist that tasted of stardust and forgotten dreams. Her arrows, woven from moonbeams, hung weightless in a quiver made of twilight shadows. Each step left crystalline footprints that bloomed into phosphorescent flowers, their petals humming ancient lullabies. Above, constellations rearranged themselves like curious children watching her passage. She was hunting something that existed between heartbeats, a creature born in the space between reality and imagination. Its trail was a ribbon of liquid silver, leading her deeper into a forest where trees whispered in languages lost to time.

Weekend Writing Prompt #393

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – PROSE

Here is my response to the Weekend Writing Prompt – Occident

Amidst the fading twilight of the Occident, ancient stories whispered through cobblestone streets, carrying echoes of empires long surrendered to time’s embrace.

REBLOG: Real American Heroes

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Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite cartoon?
View all responses

As it turns out, my favorite cartoon hasn’t changed in a year. Imagine that! I suppose I could make up something about how I loved SpaceGhost or He-Man, but I’d be lying, and you guys would see right through it

Real American Heroes

uld see right through it

Three Things Challenge – 12072024

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – 3TC – FICTION

The forest stood still, ancient and unyielding as if defying time itself. But now, a strange silence hung in the air—not the serene quiet of life breathing gently, but the uneasy hush of something amiss. The once-crystal stream that wound through the heart of the woods, a lifeline to countless creatures, was no longer clear. Its waters, tainted with an oily sheen, seemed to pollute the very essence of the forest’s soul.

A deer approached hesitantly, its hooves crunching softly on the brittle grass. It bent to drink but recoiled, sensing something wrong. The poison ran deeper than just the water; it was in the air, the earth, the whispers of the leaves. Who had done this? Who could destroy something so pure, so vital?

Perhaps it was the folly of man, always reaching, always taking. It was greed that sought to conquer instead of coexist. Or perhaps—just perhaps—it was the forest itself, tired of centuries of neglect, silently fighting back in ways no one yet understood.

The trees shivered as if sharing a secret, their shadows casting long and mournful patterns across the poisoned ground. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the forest seemed to sigh, wondering if salvation was still possible in a world so carelessly polluted by those who claimed to love it.

Late Night Grooves #128

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I got caught up in listening for candidates for tonight’s post. I must have listened to nearly every song from the 80s. Of course, I didn’t, but it felt that way. There were several tracks I found myself dancing to—well, at least what passes for dancing in my current condition. Then, there were others that I simply shook my head, wondering how these songs were recorded. But tonight, I’m featuring another track track I actually enjoyed. Again, it isn’t a lyrical masterpiece, nor does it please you sonically. Yet, there is something about this track that still makes me smile.

Here’s E.U. classic – Da Butt

Fandango’s Flashback Friday – December 06

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – FFF-DEC 6

Here is my post from a year ago. I had just started dealing with my illness and was feeling pretty vulnerable. So, that was what the QOTD was about. It is still relevant today.

Quote of the Day – 12062023

REBLOG: Mangus’s Wild Kingdom

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Daily writing prompt
Do you ever see wild animals?
View all responses

For some reason, Jetpak likes to recycle questions for their prompts. Usually, when this happens, I either ignore the question or provide a different answer. However, my previous response is still valid since this prompt was only asked a few months ago.

Mangus’s Wild Kingdom

Late Night Grooves #127

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Tonight, our silly song from the 80s is one of my favorites. Wall of Voodoo came out of nowhere to record this track. I think I enjoyed it so much, because it so different than the rest of the tracks of the time. The lyrics were ridiculous, but not to point of being absurd. It’s a fun song I sang along with over many drunken nights.

Late Night Grooves #126

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Tonight, we continue with the silly songs of the 1980s. I remember playing this game at the arcade and later on the Atari 2600. I had forgotten about this track until I started researching the era. Those who remember this track are probably shaking their heads. For those who love 80s music, this track will demonstrate that we didn’t always get it right.

Weekend Writing Prompt #391

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – WWP

In the vicinity of forgotten dreams, shadows whispered ancient tales. Moonlight painted silver streaks across crumbling walls, while time stood still. Echoes of laughter drifted through empty corridors, carrying memories of those who once walked these halls into the velvet night.

Mixed Music Bag – Week 44

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TUNAGE – MINI BIO – MMB

One of the things I enjoy the most about listening to music is finding artists who aren’t part of mainstream popularity. It’s rewarding to watch your discovery become super famous, but sometimes, you want to stay small. It’s having your own secret band in your back pocket. Tenpenny Joke is such a band. 

Tenpenny Joke was an Australian rock band from Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula in 1997. They made their mark in the melodic rock scene.

Musical Journey

The band achieved a significant milestone in 2004 when they signed with Shock Records/Sing Sing Productions. Their debut album, “Ambush on All Sides,” was released in 2005. It was produced by Matt Voigt, known for his work with The Living End, Kiss, and Aaliyah.

Band Lineup 

  • Craig “Boz” Boswell – drums
  • Anthony Casey – vocals
  • Peter Coon – guitars
  • Tim Kill – bass guitar
  • Brian Rimmer – vocals and guitar

Musical Style and Impact

Their sound was primarily melodic rock, incorporating progressive and alternative elements. The band gained international recognition, receiving airplay across multiple countries, including the US, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Asia. They were particularly successful in Japan, where their track “Across The Ocean” became highly requested on Yellowbeat radio.

Notable Works

Ambush on All Sides” (2005) – Full-length album

  • Notable Tracks
    • Across the Ocean – An excellent track showcasing the band’s classic rock influences
    • “Evil Things” – A light-hearted composition that highlights their musical range
  • My Favorites
    • Black Satellite 
    • Emergency

Mixed Music Bag – Week 45

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TUNAGE – MINI BIO – MMB

Since I’ve been talking about 80s music lately, I figured I would list a rarely known band from that period.

Vandenberg is a Dutch-American hard rock band formed in 1981 in Amsterdam by guitarist Adrian “Adje” van den Berg. The band achieved international success in the 1980s before their guitarist joined Whitesnake and later experienced a revival in recent years.

Notable Achievements

The band’s breakthrough came with their debut album, recorded at Jimmy Page’s studio. This album spawned their biggest hit, “Burning Heart,” which reached #39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The band toured extensively as opening acts for major artists like Ozzy Osbourne and KISS.

Notable Songs

  • “Burning Heart” – Their most successful single
  • “Different Worlds” – Second major hit from their album “Heading for a Storm”
  • “Thunder And Lightning” – From their 2023 album “Sin”
  • “House On Fire” – Recent single featuring new vocalist Mats Levén

The original 1981 lineup of Vandenberg consisted of:

  • Adrian Vandenberg (guitar)
  • Bert Heerink (vocals)
  • Dick Kemper (bass)
  • Jos Zoomer (drums)

Recent Activity

After a long hiatus, Vandenberg returned in 2020 with a new lineup and released their comeback album “2020”. In 2023, they released their latest album, “Sin,” featuring vocalist Mats Levén, drummer Koen Herfst, and bassist Randy van der Elsen.

Late Night Grooves #125

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Last night, we discussed silly songs from the 80s. We find several of these songs silly today, but back then, we sang them with all our hearts. When we hear them today, we smile about the memories and laugh at their ridiculousness. So, tonight I like to continue with what I started the week.

Here’s The Knack, with My Sharona

Late Night Grooves #124

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It’s been a while since I posted anything in this category. It feels good to be back. I read earlier today that someone posted about Dexy’s Midnight Runners. I had a hard flashback to that period and its music, so I took a look back into the past to see some of the songs that were released during that time.

Share Your World – 11112024

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – SHARE YOUR WORLD

I’ve always liked this challenge but haven’t participated in it in a while.

1.  If reincarnation exists, would you like to come back as a domestic pet or a wild animal? I don’t think reincarnation works this way, but it would be cool if it did. However, I can’t decide which one. As domestic pet life is sweet, just ask my cat. Yet, as a wild animal, all that power and freedom.

2. Do you think Zoos are a good idea? As a child, the zoo was within walking distance and free. I spent time watching the wild cats and the monkeys, so I loved them. However, now I don’t feel the same way. I can’t stand watching them in that environment, none of them. I think all species should be free in their own habitat.

3.  Have you ever been to a safari park? Nope, never wanted to go. I’ve seen my share of wild animals. Sometimes, I was freaked out. They look smaller on television and in magazines. I know this example isn’t a safari, but watching wild mustangs run wild was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I considered letting a mountain lion eat my little brother once, but I figured I would have trouble explaining to his mother how I let this happen to her baby.

4.  Have you visited an oceanarium? Once, it was so freaking cool, but I still think about them as I do about zoos. They should be free no matter how cool they are swimming around stuff. Oh my gosh, the dolphins.

Snow Days

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Daily writing prompt
What was your favorite subject in school?
View all responses

DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE

I’m sure the first time I answered this question, I probably attempted to say something clever or mildly entertaining. Honestly, I can’t even remember. The school was fine, and I liked the subject well enough. As far as my favorite subject, it probably has something to do with english or history.

The thing I remember most, perhaps for a time the only thing that mattered, were snow days. Winters were winters back then, snow covered every surface. A cold, wet beauty for all to wonder. Our parents dressed us in snowsuits to keep warm. They weren’t worried about fashion or any of that garbage. Our gloves were tied to a string which fed through the arms of our snowsuits. They did this so we wouldn’t lose our gloves or mittens. Our snowsuits were are our armor and we were knights ready for battle.

We were architects, engineers, athletes, and anything we wanted to be. We would spend all day waiting by the radio announcement declaring school was closed. Once we had it, we’d bolt outside and begin building forts and stockpiling snowballs. Within hours, we had everything ready for the battle. We knew only had one day. There were rarely two snow days in a row. The battle would ensue. For the next few hours we battled until our tiny bodies gave out.

We heard our mother’s calling us back inside before we got frostbite or catch your death. They would unthaw us with hot cocoa. I remember so days we got fancy and added marshmellows. Yes, I said add them we didn’t have fancy premade packets. Our mothers made the hot cocoa on the stive and we waited patiencly for each cup. Our wet snowsuits would lay on the back of the chairs. Small puddles forming on the floor. Our boots stuffed with newspaper, because the newspaper absorbs the water out of our boots.

Weekend Writing Prompt #387

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – WWP

thrills of change scatter plans, reflections of forgotten dreams, in the unexpected wind and rain.

Weekend Writing Prompt #388

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – WWP

Silence breathed whispers from the shadows, cloaked forgotten secrets slow dance. Memories and promises entwined like lovers, in madness in darkness.

REBLOG: Top 5 Spooky Haunted Destinations

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Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by exploring some of the world’s most haunted …

Top 5 Spooky Haunted Destinations

REBLOG: Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm’s

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I read this piece last year and enjoyed it immensely. It asked a question that keeps me honest.

Do you need 5 people to love you or 5000 followers?

A poem in Vietnamese by Lê Vĩnh TàiTranslator: Nguyễn Thị Phương TrâmPhotography: Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm The Strand NYC A poet was taking a …

Do you need 5 people to love you or 5000 followers?

REBLOG: 5 Big Distractions From Writing & How To Beat Them — Ben Starling

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Sophia Tallon has published 5 Big Distractions From Writing and How to Beat Them, by Ben Starling at her site. “How do to defeat distractions and stay on top of targets? Some times I don’t. But I’ve found a few plans for conquering my distractions that work well for me most of the time. Perhaps […]

5 Big Distractions From Writing & How To Beat Them — Ben Starling

REBLOG: The Writer’s Path – On The Necessity of Flawed Characters

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I reblogged this post last year, and it is still relevant.

On The Necessity of Flawed Characters

I’ve gotten super into podcasts in this past year (file under #latetotheparty). Why? I think I thought they were all nonfictional musings on things. …

On The Necessity of Flawed Characters

Mixed Music Bag and Song Lyric Sunday

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TUNAGE ARTICLE

After reading some music posts this morning, I realized I have the opportunity to combine Glyn’s and Jim’s challenges. Let’s get at it…

Here is my response to Glyn’s Mixed Music Bag

In 1998, I was on assignment in Wisconsin, and during my downtime, I attended several music festivals. One night, the fellows and I were captured by a funky bassline. We followed the sound, expecting a black guy jamming on the bass, but that wasn’t what we saw.

We were shocked and later pushed aside our stereotypes and prejudices. We stood listening to a long-haired, tall caucasian male pumping the bass with everything he had. The joyful expression on his face was captivating. Yet, he wasn’t the star of the show. A short-haired woman belted out a bluesy rock rendition of the Aretha Franklin classic Respect.

It was one of the most powerful, energetic, and soulful performances I ever saw from a smaller band. Immediately, I became a fan and grooved the entire set. My musical taste varies depending on my mood, but I wasn’t expecting my companions to enjoy the show. I knew the music they listened to regularly, and it wasn’t anything like this.

“Who are these guys?” we shouted.

They were Tina and the B-Side Movement.

Here are the particulars:

Tina and the B-Side Movement, later known simply as Tina and the B-Sides, emerged as one of Minneapolis’s most influential and beloved rock bands in the late 1980s and 1990s. Led by the charismatic and talented Tina Schlieske, the group carved out a unique space in the Midwest music scene with its blend of bluesy rock, folk-inspired Americana, and raw energy.

Origins and Early Years

The band’s story begins with Tina Schlieske, who caught the music bug early in life. Growing up in the suburb of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Schlieske was drawn to the vibrant Minneapolis music scene of the 1980s. Inspired by a diverse range of artists, including Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, and Elvis Presley, Schlieske began sneaking into clubs to perform as early as 1984, well before she was of legal age.

Gradually, Schlieske assembled a band that would become Tina and the B-Side Movement. The group’s name evolved over time, starting as a joke referencing “bowel movement” before settling on the B-Side Movement, a nod to the B-side of records that often contained hidden gems.

Musical Style and Influences

Tina and the B-Sides developed a sound that defied easy categorization. Their music was a tight fusion of bluesy rock, folk-inspired melodies, and roughly hewn Americana[1]. This eclectic mix reflected Schlieske’s diverse musical influences and her desire to avoid being pigeonholed into any one genre.

Schlieske’s powerful vocals were at the heart of the band’s sound. Her sister Laura Schlieske also contributed vocals, creating a dynamic that often evoked the spirit of a tent revival[2]. The band’s lineup evolved over the years but typically included guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards, creating a full, robust sound that could fill any venue, from small clubs to large outdoor amphitheaters.

Rise to Prominence

Tina and the B-Sides built their reputation through relentless touring and energetic live performances. They played every club that would have them, gradually building a devoted following across the Midwest[1]. Their popularity proliferated, particularly in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, as well as throughout their home state of Minnesota.

The band’s DIY ethos was evident in their early releases. Their debut album, “Tina and the B-Side Movement,” was released in 1989 on Schlieske’s own label, Movement Records. This was followed by “Young Americans” in 1992 and “Monster” in 1994, all self-released and promoted through grassroots efforts and constant touring.

Live Performances and Reputation

Throughout the 1990s, Tina and the B-Sides became known for their electrifying live shows. They earned a reputation as one of the best bar bands in America, packing venues wherever they played[2]. The chemistry between band members, particularly between Tina and Laura Schlieske, was a highlight of their performances.

Their popularity in Minneapolis was particularly notable. The band played multiple sold-out shows at the famous First Avenue venue, earning them a coveted star on the club’s exterior wall. This honor placed them alongside Minnesota music legends like Prince, The Replacements, and Hüsker Dü.

Here is one of my favorite tracks…

Song Lyric Sunday

You’re my daughter and my son
You are my chosen one
You will always be
Unconditional love
Lifetime to learn
Maybe somehow
We will learn to love again
You’re my daughter and my son

You’re my daughter and you are my son
Not too hard to understand
You’re my brother and my sister too
All about the point of view
I can see it in your eyes sometimes
You afraid and so am I
Only love will be the only way
One day you will understand
You’re my daughter and my son
We are so out of place
Me you and them
And then all our fears
All hidden tears
Maybe somehow
We will learn to love again
You’re my daughter and my son
You’re my daughter and you are my son
Not too hard to understand
You’re my brother and my sister too
All about the point of view
I can see it in your eyes sometimes
You afraid and so am I
Only love will be the only way
One day you will understand
You’re my daughter and my son
You’re my daughter and you are my son
Not too hard to understand
You’re my brother and my sister too
All about the point of view
I can see it in your eyes sometimes
You afraid and so am I
Only love will be the only way

One day you will understand
You’re my daughter and my son

I’ve hundreds of bands live and witnessed several unforgettable performances. However, I say confidently that Tina and the B-Sides is still one of my favorites.

Late Night Grooves #123

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The following summer, I felt a little lost without my music buddy, so I spent a few weeks repairing cars before spending the rest of the summer working at a radio station. I never reached the booth, but I enjoyed the music. One of the DJs showed up at a party one night and remembered me from the station. A few of us spent the evening talking about the music that really moved us. We talked about the tracks that were never heard on the radio or seldom heard at parties. This was the first time I can remember talking to a group of individuals devoted to the appreciation of music. I didn’t want the evening to end, but evenings like that make the most precious memories. It’s evenings like most come to an end like every marathon has a finish line.

5…4…3…2…1

Here is Jones Hoops (Acoustic)

Late Night Grooves #122

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I first learned about reggae by listening to a Bob Marley tape I got from a girl. She had a pixie cut with a long bang and plenty of attitude. We drank a lot of alcohol and smoked a ton of cigarettes listening to Dead Milkman, Butthole Surfers, Fishbone, and bands like that. We thought we were smarter than everyone else, but we weren’t. That was one wild summer that I barely remember, but the music was intense, and its power has fueled my love for music throughout my life. Here’s a track from that summer.

Desmond Dekker (1941–2006) was a pioneering Jamaican ska and reggae musician best known for popularizing these genres internationally. His 1968 hit “Israelites” was one of the first Jamaican songs to achieve significant success in the UK and the US, helping to introduce reggae to a global audience. Dekker’s music often focused on social issues, blending upbeat rhythms with lyrics that addressed poverty, inequality, and the struggles of the working class. He is regarded as a foundational figure in Jamaican music, influencing later reggae and ska artists.

Late Night Grooves #120

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For the 120th episode of LNG, I decided to change things up a bit. Tonight, I’ll feature the vocal talents of one man who is loved and admired by all: Mr. Richard Pryor.

Ya’ll know I don’t ever act right

So, if that surprised you, then you will enjoy this … Penny Marshall, AKA Laverne breakdancing

One Word Sunday – The Rain

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CHALLENGE RESPONSE – FICTION – FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE

Here’s my response to Debbie’s One Word Sunday – Rain

The monsoon season had come, and I wasn’t ready. I was assigned to a forward position and tasked with repairing the abandoned radio station. Once I got there, all the equipment was in a foreign language. For hours, I tried to figure out how to make the equipment. Finally, I could contact my unit. I attached my handheld to the terminal and informed them of my status. They told me a soldier was arriving to assist me. I wasn’t thrilled, but I needed help. I barely put the mic down when the door flew open, and my help had arrived.

She was as soaked as I was. It would have been a miracle if there was a dry spot on her. Rain gear was no match for the monsoon. She introduced herself and put on some fancy music. We worked side by side until the darkness began to swallow the light. The radio station was up, and everything was fine. She removed her wet clothing, placing it by the vent. She motioned for me to do the same. I sat there, not sure what to do. I could see the steam rising from her clothes. She looked at me and started to undress. I have to admit there’s nothing worse than wearing wet clothes. Well, maybe wearing wet clothes in the middle of the winter, but I didn’t find that out until years later.

We stuffed newspaper in our boots and sat them by the heater. The newspaper draws moisture from the boots. We sat there, strangers, eating our rations in our underwear. After we finished eating, she walked out in the rain. This woman was insane. She stood there, her head tilted back, letting the rain wash over her. It was as if she was letting the rain wash away her demons. Watching her, I began to understand why women were so beautiful. She was the perfect blend of beauty and nature. Before then, women were beautiful; that’s just how it was. But it meant more; I can’t really explain it. They just did.

I found myself standing in the rain next to her. She turned and looked at me momentarily and then said,

Some days, I crave the rain.

Late Night Grooves #119

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This evening’s track was partly inspired by Glyn Wilton at Mixed Music Bag. I’ve been reading some of his missed posts and noticed several bands from the ’70s. The other part is one of my nephews recently introduced me to a track by the music group Daft Punk. The track was phenomenal. I discovered musician Giorgio Moroder. I discovered that Giorgio Moroder co-wrote and produced one of my favorite tracks from the Disco era. The track is “I Feel Love” by the legendary Donna Summer. We lost the legend on May 17, 2012.

Here is the 12inch version of I Feel Love by Donna Summer

Late Night Grooves #118

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The first video I ever watched was on Mtv. I had a crush on Martha Quinn and listened to every video she played as if it were her personal playlist. I thought this song was catchy, but I had no idea what it meant. I do now.

The Buggles – Video killed the Radio Star

Late Night Grooves #117

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The Fixx is another band I’ve placed in the guilty pleasure category. I don’t listen to them often, but I always enjoy them when I do. Also, it’s one of those bands I wish I could remember to drive deeper into their catalog to see if I could find some gems. Perhaps, rediscover a few tracks I’ve forgotten about. The track I’m featuring tonight isn’t my favorite by the band, but it is one of their bigger hits.

The Fixx – Are We Ourselves?

Late Night Grooves #116

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Radiohead is a band I never really paid attention to. The other day, I heard something that my caught my attention. Exit Music is one of those that just kinda snuck up on me. Though it will never be a track that slides into rotation, I know I will enjoy it from time to time.

Exit Music by Radiohead

Late Night Grooves #114

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In 1993, What’s Love Got To Do With It? hit the silver screen. We watched it once it was available on VHS. It was the first movie for which I bought the soundtrack. Normally, I acquire the soundtrack much later. I even have soundtracks for films I have never seen. Of course, this movie and soundtrack became my wife’s favorite for some time. She’d play and sing along to this soundtrack nearly every day, then one day, it stopped. I nearly asked her what happened, but I thought better of it.

Don’t misunderstand me; I enjoyed the soundtrack, just not every day. Thank God for the Yahama studio headphones she had bought me years earlier. She and my younger daughters would stand in the living room and sing “Rock Me Baby.” On the anniversary of her passing, memories of her still rock me …

Late Night Grooves #113

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One of my favorite artists is Prince. Like many, I’ve listened to his music for decades. Tonight, on LNG, I’m featuring one of his deep cuts called Joy In Repetition. Joy in Repetition was released on Prince’s 1990 album Graffiti Bridge. The track has a hypnotic, funk-infused groove and is known for its minimal yet atmospheric production. Lyrically, it tells the story of a man who enters a nightclub and becomes captivated by a woman singing the same phrase over and over, reflecting on the powerful emotions stirred by the repetition.

Late Night Grooves #112

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Tonight on LNG, I’m featuring a track from my guilty pleasure playlist. I discovered this artist while watching a television program. I had no idea how much I would enjoy his music. Ray LaMontagne is a soulful artist with an impressive song catalog.

Here is one of my favorites … Jolene

Random Thoughts – 09242024

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PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS/REFLECTION – THE STATE OF THINGS

Hello everyone,

You may have noticed that things here at the Memoirs of Madness have been a little spotty. I apologize for that; I really do. It’s been a rough year for me health-wise, and though I’m much better, I’ve been dealing with the emotional side of things. I’ve been wondering how the hell I made it through all this and other questions that arise when dealing with health issues as one ages.

So, in the next few weeks, I will be making some changes to the blog. More precisely, I will focus on cleaning up dead links, adding new pages, removing old pages, and such. This is an attempt to improve the blog’s UI/UX. I will announce the changes as they happen; please let me know if I muck something up. Any suggestions are welcome. Until next time … wish me luck.

REBLOG: An another interesting post from Reddit

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I found this on Reddit and laughed my butt off. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. What are your thoughts???

REBLOG: An interesting post from Reddit

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I found this post on Reddit. I remember these things. I thought I was a soldier on the U.S.S. Enterprise

PEW PEW! pewpew
byu/Kevalemig inFuckImOld

Late Night Grooves #108

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Tonight on LNG, we are resuming the theme from last week, which was TV theme songs. Tonight, we are featuring a classic from the legend Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones started as a jazz trumpeter but transitioned to composing and producing. The TV theme of the night is from Sanford & Son. Sanford & Son will as be one of my favorite television programs. I still laugh at the antics of Fred and Lamont.

Sanford and Son‘s theme is a funky, upbeat instrumental piece called “The Streetbeater.” Its lively rhythm, driven by brass and percussion, perfectly matches the show’s comedic tone. The theme reflects the series’s vibrant, often chaotic world, which follows Fred Sanford, a junk dealer, and his son, Lamont, as they navigate life and business in a working-class neighborhood.

Boob Tube: Chronicles of a Misspent Youth

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Daily writing prompt
What TV shows did you watch as a kid?
View all responses

DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE

Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of overthinking each of the challenges I usually participate in here on WordPress. So, when I read this challenge, I decided to explore all the television programs I could remember from my youth. I used AI to assist with this project, and of course, AI started repeating television shows. So, I had to rely on my memory. So, here are the television shows I can remember watching as a kid. This list only includes only the television shows that I enjoyed.

1. All in the Family (1971–1979)

2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)

3. Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980)

4. Happy Days (1974–1984)

5. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)

6. The White Shadow (1978–1981)

7. Sanford and Son (1972–1977)

8. The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977)

9. Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981)

10. The Love Boat (1977–1987)

11. The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978)

12. The Bionic Woman (1976–1978)

13. Columbo (1971–2003)

14. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)

15. Good Times (1974–1979)

16. Kojak (1973–1978)

17. Starsky & Hutch (1975–1979)

18. Wonder Woman (1975–1979)

19. Taxi (1978–1983)

20. What’s Happening!! (1976 – 1979)

21. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)

22. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979)

23. Fantasy Island (1977–1984)

24. Barnaby Jones (1973–1980)

25. Three’s Company (1977 – 1984)

26. Barney Miller (1975–1982)

27. The Rockford Files (1974–1980)

28. Chico and the Man (1974–1978)

29. Get Smart (1965–1970)

30. Soap (1977–1981)

31. Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983)

32. The Mod Squad (1968–1973)

33. McMillan & Wife (1971–1977)

34. Bonanza (1959–1973)

35. The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)

36. The Night Stalker (1974–1975)

37. Maude (1972–1978)

38. Police Woman (1974–1978)

39. One Day at a Time (1975–1984)

40. Room 222 (1969–1974)

41. Ironside (1967–1975)

42. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)

43. Gunsmoke (1955–1975)

44. S.W.A.T. (1975–1976)

45. Rhoda (1974–1978)

46. Baretta (1975–1978)

47. The Paper Chase (1978–1979)

48. Rawhide (1959 – 1965)

49. Magnum P.I. (1980 – 1988)

50. Airwolf (1984 – 1987)

I only listed 50 shows; I figured that was enough. I actually got close to nearly 75 shows. I think this is as much a memory exercise as anything else. It was fun reminiscing about my youth. One thing that occurred to me was that I watched too much television.

Late Night Grooves – Concert Edition

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Tonight on LNG, we are going to try something a little different. The concert crew has drug me out the house for my first show of the year. To see one of my favorite bands of the new stuff. They didn’t listen to my usual excuses for not going.

So, the band playing is Badflower. I got a special treat with Des Roc, which is one of the biggest surprises of last year before i got ill. Des Roc is out of New York, a piece band with a big sound.

Here is some live footage:

Des Roc jamming

Uploading video over my cellular network is slow.

This is the opening band for Badflower. Stay tuned for the next post featuring Badflower.

Late Night Grooves #107

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Tonight’s theme song comes from the long-running Soap Opera General Hospital. I was living in Germany and brought home a new CD by a jazz artist I had never heard of. While listening to the CD in my study my wife came in, excited about a track playing. Then she explained why.

“Faces of the Heart” is a smooth jazz instrumental piece by saxophonist Dave Koz. Released in 1993, it was the theme song for the long-running American daytime television drama “General Hospital.” The track is characterized by its emotive saxophone melodies. It has become one of Koz’s signature pieces, blending a mellow, romantic vibe with a sense of drama, making it a memorable and recognizable tune for jazz fans and the TV show.

Late Night Grooves #106

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Tonight on LNG, we are continuing with the TV theme songs. One of my favorites is the one from Barney Miller. I searched for years to buy the CD, but never found enough information. What I did see were several covers of the track. All of the covers were actually pretty good, but I still wanted to know the origin of this track. Even trying to find a video for this post was difficult.

The theme song to “Barney Miller” is a distinctive jazz-funk instrumental composed by Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson. It features a catchy bassline that sets a laid-back yet rhythmic tone, perfectly reflecting the show’s blend of humor and the everyday challenges faced by a New York City police precinct. The theme’s groove became iconic, capturing the essence of the 1970s era in which the show was set.

Cast of Musicians

Jack Elliot – Co-Composer

Allyn Ferguson – Co-Composer and Pianist

Dan Ferguson – Guitarist

Paul Humphrey – Drummer

Chuck Findley – Trumpeter

Chuck Berghofer – Bass Player

Late Night Grooves #105

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This week on LNG, we will feature TV theme songs. These songs are as much a part of culture as baseball and apple pie. Each generation uses its own genre of music in these shows. Tonight, I’m going to feature one of my favorites.

“Angela,” composed by Bob James, is a smooth jazz instrumental that gained popularity as the theme song for the TV show Taxi. Released in 1978 on Bob James’ album Touchdown, the song features a laid-back, mellow melody with a prominent piano line, characteristic of James’ style. The composition evokes a sense of calm and introspection, making it a standout piece in the smooth jazz genre and a recognizable tune for show fans. Its relaxed tempo and gentle harmonies have made it a timeless piece, often associated with nostalgia.

REBLOG: A Writer’s Path’s latest

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I think it’s essential to establish a routine as a writer. Many of the greats discuss this technique in several books about writing. The post below offers some tips.

3 Tips for Writing Every Day

Late Night Grooves #103

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I like to keep you folks guessing about what I’m feature each night. This one is even a surprise to me. I was watching a TV show and heard this song. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So, here is a little country …

Late Night Grooves #102

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We are switching gears again on LNG. I’m playing another from my 80s playlist. XTC is one of those bands that creeps up on you when you listen to the album. The most popular song from their Skylarking album is Dear God. However, I’ve always enjoyed this track.

Have a listen…

Late Night Grooves #101

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My friend Glyn commented about Ronnie James Dio’s vocal prowess during his time with Rainbow. I always forget about his time with Rainbow. Perhaps it’s because when I think about the band, I remember the tracks, All Night Long from the Down to Earth album (1979) with Graham Bonnet on vocals and Stone Cold from the Straight Between the Eyes album (1983) with Joe Lynn Turner lending with vocals.

Ironically, my favorite Rainbow track is done by Ronnie James Dio.

Here’s that track …

Late Night Grooves #100

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One of history’s most well-known rock & roll songs is Back in Black by AC/DC. Like many, I’ve jammed to that song and many others from that legendary album. When I started writing this post, I had decided on a song that I wanted to discuss, but I realized it wasn’t on this album. However, it fits a future post. The Back in Black features several other tracks besides the title track that cement it into Rock and Roll history as one the best albums.

My favorite track on that album is a little number called Shake a Leg. I can’t really explain it. Even now, I can hear Brian Johnson wailing,

“Idle juvenile on the street, on the street
Kickin’ everything with his feet, with his feet
Fightin’ on the wrong side of the law, of the law, yeah
Don’t kick, don’t fight, don’t sleep at night and shake a leg

Shake a leg
Shake a leg
Shake it again”

Perhaps it spoke to my restless soul. I can’t be sure, but I love that song …

Here it is …

Late Night Grooves #99

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We need to reset a bit tonight. I need to play a little something the Madre would love—the kind of thing that made her tap her feet and sway to the groove. The Madre turned me on to Otis Redding. Nah, she didn’t sit me down and tell me this is what music really sounds like and all that, but she played it in the house, which meant it was good.

Otis Redding …

Late Night Grooves #98

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One of the most popular albums of my youth was Dio’s Hold Diver. The best-known tracks from that album were Holy Diver and Rainbows in the Dark. The track Holy Diver has been covered more times than I can count. Some of the covers are rather interesting, but I still prefer the original. My nephew says I’m stubborn that way. I chuckle every time I think about it because he’s probably right.

Ronnie James Dio sang with Black Sabbath for a while, so many of my friends felt the necessity to discuss who the better singer was, Ozzy or Ronnie James. As that topic could be addressed adequately over a keg of beer, they tried until they were summoned by the porcelain god, Ralph. However, a buddy dubbed me a cassette of Holy Diver, and I listened.

As the album plays over my Sennheisers as I write this post, I find myself singing along with the track Invisible. It has always been my favorite track from the Holy Diver album. So, here it is …

I’ve always thought this album cover was righteous.

Late Night Grooves #97

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I’ve had a few conversations about the previous LNG, so I decided to continue that groove. So, this week, I will feature tracks from my childhood. I mean, the stuff that might not have been as popular with my friends but holds a special place with me. Tonight, we will feature the Canadian band Rush. Most of my friends were huge fans of Tom Sawyer and played endlessly. They’d hush conversations when it came on the radio and turn it up. You dare not utter a word turning Neil Peart’s drum solo. However, I always preferred Limelight. So, here’s Limelight by Rush.

Late Night Grooves #93

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As Jazz week concludes on LNG, we are featuring Jazz Legend Miles Davis, whose career spanned over 4 decades. Here is one of my favorites.

Miles Davis (1926-1991)

Late Night Grooves #92

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Tonight on LNG, we’re featuring another classic. In 1942, Dizzy Gillespie recorded the timeless track “A Night in Tunisia.” Here we have that with the Jazz Legend Charlie Parker on saxophone. Enjoy!

Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993)
Charlie Parker (1920-1955)

Late Night Grooves #91

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Jazz week continues with a little Dave Brubeck. It was one of the first jazz tracks I heard in my musical discovery.

Dave Brubeck (1920-2012)

Late Night Grooves #90

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We are continuing the jazz groove tonight on LNG with a classic featuring two music legends. One of my favorite collaborations. Ladies and gentlemen, Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers.

Grover Washington Jr. (1943 -1999)
Bill Withers (1938-2020)

As a bonus, here is an exciting cover of the classic. I enjoy their interpretation of the classic. Let’s give it a listen, shall we?

Late Night Grooves #86

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Back in the 90’s, one of my soldiers was playing this band in my office. At the time I had a hard rule “No Unauthorized Tunage.” He wasn’t expecting me, so I allow him to explain himself. There were words, but I didn’t hear them. I walked out of the office and checked on the team in the another location.

We went on training mission and he started playing this group while we were traveling. I’ve been hooked every since.

Here’s Pennywise …