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The Story Behind Jackson Browne's 'Somebody's Baby'

Well, here we go again–another Jackson Browne song. I tried not to do it, but when no songs came flying into my head, I went to Jerry’s Guitar Bar for inspiration. And there it was–a brand new Jackson Browne lesson. I just couldn’t resist. “Somebody’s Baby” is reminiscent of a fifties Rock and Roll song. Only, it’s much better. Like they always said on American Bandstand, “It has a good beat.”…

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The AndroBiotica Adventures Are Coming Soon

An entertaining glimpse into the future of AI captured in a riveting story across space and time. World Book Awards Gold Medalist—Science Fiction: Crime & Mystery World Book Awards Gold Medalist—Science Fiction: Romance The AndroBiotica Adventures chronicles the futuristic life and times of Derrick Faulk, an agent, investigator, and explorer surrounded by a rare breed of extraordinary friends…

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The AndroBiotica Adventures Are Coming Soon

An entertaining glimpse into the future of AI captured in a riveting story across space and time. World Book Awards Gold Medalist—Science Fiction: Crime & Mystery World Book Awards Gold Medalist—Science Fiction: Romance The AndroBiotica Adventures chronicles the futuristic life and times of Derrick Faulk, an agent, investigator, and explorer surrounded by a rare breed of extraordinary friends…

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Why "Always On My Mind" Became a Hit for Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson made “Always On My Mind” one of his signature songs. Upon hearing the song for the first time, Nelson knew that he wanted to add “Always On My Mind” to his repertoire. Several recording artists, including Elvis Presley, released the song unsuccessfully. When Nelson recorded it in 1982, the song became a smash hit. Nelson’s sensitive rendition made the song a top 5 hit and a Grammy…

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'For A Dancer': Life Lessons in Jackson Browne's Lyrics

Jackson Browne wrote “For A Dancer” in memory of a modern dancer friend who died tragically in a fire. When Jackson’s wife, the model Phyllis Major, died suddenly in 1976, “For A Dancer” mysteriously took on a new meaning. “That’s how songs work,” Brown said in an interview. “They migrate into other parts of your life and other experiences.” Browne eventually played the song at the funerals of…

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An Insight Into Jackson Brown's Creative Music

Jackson Browne’s guitar techniques, lyrics, and melodies stand apart from the crowd. What he says through his music is sometimes searing, sad, and occasionally, happy. However, all of Browne’s songs have something in common: an incredible sensitivity and beauty. Browne wrote “These Days” when he was only sixteen years old. Despite his youth, Browne demonstrated a keen sense of heartbreak. I’m…

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Take an Unpredictable Deep Space Journey in "Return to Aneleya"

The Newest Addition to the Popular Silver Sphere Series Writer and adventurer Jacob Casell,  his lovely Astronomer wife Amy, and their brilliant but moody AI friend, Arcon, are at it again. Joined by new crew members, the trio embarks on a training mission in preparation to chauffeur a group of world leaders around the solar system to impart perspective and promote peace. As is often the case,…

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Discovering the Beauty of Kate Wolf's 'Cornflower Blue'

I first heard “Cornflower Blue” as the opening song on Kate Wolf’s 1983 double album “Give Yourself to Love.” As I listened to the album many times over, “Cornflower Blue” grew on me (no pun intended). I began to appreciate the exquisite beauty in the lyrics and in Kate’s lovely singing voice. Oftentimes, songs like this one will find their way into my heart and I feel compelled to play them…

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Nanci Griffith Remembers the Dust Bowl Days With: "Trouble In The Fields"

“Pluck” is the word that comes to mind when I think of Nanci Griffith and her music. In terms of stature, Nanci can be described as diminutive, or perhaps petite is a better, if overused, description. Ironically, the essence of Nanci Griffith is anything but small. She imbued her songs with a crystal clear, powerful voice and confident stage presence. In her simple way, Griffith is remembered as…

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The Magic of Moonshadow: Embracing Life's Moments

In a 2009 interview, Cat Stevens (by then Yusuf Islam) is quoted as saying: “I was on holiday in Spain. I was a kid from the West End [of London]- bright lights, etc. I never got to see the moon on its own. In the dark, there were always streetlamps. So there I was on the edge of the water on a beautiful night with the moon glowing, and suddenly I looked down and saw my shadow. I thought that was…

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The Story Behind Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot

On a musical tour of the Western United States, Gordon Lightfoot discovered a highway sign that read, “Carefree Highway.” The words on the sign led Gordon to write a song about a carefree lifestyle and a lost love. Lightfoot put the lyrics away in the glove compartment of his car. Eight months later, Gordon wrote the music for “Carefree Highway” after almost forgetting about the song. Wouldn’t…

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Tom Paxton: An Emergent Folk Music Icon

Tom Paxton released “The Last Thing On My Mind” in 1964 on his album, Ramblin’ Boy.” The inspiration for the song came from Dave Van Ronk and Bob Dylan’s versions of “He Was A Friend of Mine.” This lost love ballad became one of Paxton’s biggest hits. He is also known for his protest songs against the Vietnam War and other social injustices. (What Did You Learn In School Today?) “The Last Thing…

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John Fogerty's Emotional Journey in 'Have You Ever Seen The Rain'

John Fogerty wrote “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” about his brother, Tom Fogerty, who left Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971 at the apex of the band’s popularity. The departure of his brother was a sad time for John. Eventually, the hurt healed, and the meaning of the song changed. In Fogerty’s own words, “This song was originally written about a very sad thing that was going on in my life.…

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John Fogerty's Emotional Journey in 'Have You Ever Seen The Rain'

John Fogerty wrote “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” about his brother, Tom Fogerty, who left Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971 at the apex of the band’s popularity. The departure of his brother was a sad time for John. Eventually, the hurt healed, and the meaning of the song changed. In Fogerty’s own words, “This song was originally written about a very sad thing that was going on in my life.…

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Exploring Bob Dylan's Tomorrow Is A Long Time: A Love Song

Bob Dylan recorded the first version of “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” in 1962. He didn’t release it until 1971 on his “Greatest Hits Album.” Oddly, Ian and Sylvia were the first recording artists to release the song in 1963 on their album “Four Strong Winds.” The song is about longing for a loved one, specifically Suze Rotolo, who Dylan dated from 1961 to 1964. It is widely believed that another…

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Finding Love: Insights from Jackson Browne's Song

Relationships, and especially love relationships are difficult. Here’s my cover of “I Thought I Was A Child,” a song about the universal search for love and Browne’s admiration of the wisdom of an older woman.

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Remembering Kate Wolf and Her Timeless Songs

In her brief lifetime, which was cut short by Leukemia, Kate Wolf became a major influence on the folk scene with songs like “Give Yourself to Love,” “Across the Great Divide,” “Green Eyes,” “September Song,” and many more. Kate’s audience has continued to grow since her unfortunate passing. As an example, I found her late in my life. Here’s my cover of “Green Eyes.”