Happy Birthday to the English actor Tim Curry, who is turning 79 today. What’s an actor doing in this topic then? Well, Tim Curry is a very good singer too. He released three abums around 1980, I still have two of them on LP. The albums didn’t do much, so he did not pursue a career in music. Still there is some fine music on these albums.
Among the songs that stand out, is one of the best versions of the old classic I Put A Spell On You (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) I’ve ever heard. So Tim Curry belongs in this topic. Happy Birthday!
I’d like to give a shout out to Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention and solo artist). After all these years, still my all time favourite female singer. Today it’s 47 years since the music world lost her, at the age of 31.
I’d like to pay tribute to the Welsh musician Mike Peters, who passed away yesterday at the age of 66. He was the lead singer and second guitarist in The Alarm, a band who had some success in the UK and in Europe in the 1980’s and 90’s, with several singles and albums charting, the highest being their debut album from 1984, which peaked at number 6 in the UK.
The Alarm’s blend of folk, punk and pop, with sing-along choruses, could be a little too much sometimes. Still the band has left us some fine songs, among them is The Stand. So thank you for the music Mike, may you be remembered.
John Prine (1946-2020) is one of the best songwriters! This is a song from his self-titled debut album from 1971. He was 24 when he wrote it. Talk about wise beyond his years! If you like this song, there is a treasure trove for you to explore.
Early during the pandemic, John Prine fell ill with Covid. Joan Baez posted her version of this song back then, telling it was one of her most requested songs in her repertoire for over 40 years. John Prine passed away shortly after this.
Happy Birthday to Welsh singer Mary Hopkin, who is turning 75 today. Although mostly gorgotten today, she was quite big for a few years around 1970, her best known song being Those Were the Days, which I have posted before in this topic…twice
Mary Hopkin’s is still active, her latest album was released in 2024. Since I’ve posted her big hit…twice…I’ll go for a newer song this time. So for Mary’s birthday, here’s a lovely tune penned by her, taken from her 2014 album Painting By Numbers. Happy Birrthday to Mary Hopkin
Allow me to share this with you guys here. On Good Friday I got to know that one of my oldest, best and dearest friend had been diagnosed with cancer. He’s out of hospital now, and I visited him yesterday. It was almost like the countless evenings we’ve spent together for over 40 years. We even went for dinner and a be-er. Still it was something different.
My old friend is a music lover like me. One of his biggest favourites is Tom Waits. So I dedicate this song to him. Stay strong, my brother. Don’t give up!
The American singer and songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore, is turning 80 today! Yet another good songwrwiter who’s never really made it big. It seems he’s been content with making records, touring and getting respect from his fellow artists, among them Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. Happy Birthday Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Chase the Wind (1991)
Jimmie Dale Gilmore is still playing live now and then, has a few shows scheduled until September. Here he is live from July last year, together with Dave Alvin.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Dave Alvin - We’re Still Here (2024)
The very fine Irish singer Christy Moore is turning 80 today. Happy Birthday
Christy Moore - Bright Blue Rose
Christy Moore - Lingo Politico/Don’t Forget Your Shovel
Christy Moore is still active. On March the 30. this year he began a 30 date tour in Ireland, which will run until September. Almost all the gigs are sold out.
Got flashbacks to the 70s at Club 7. The last one was like listening to “Øystein’s hunting talk” (for natives only, the last comparison). In the first one he mentions “Dolphins”. The club closed in -70. You’d think the “guys” there were inspired by him!
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