MAY 20, 2018

Song of the Day: That's the Way Love Goes features the words and music of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Charles Bobbit, and Janet Jackson, with samples credited to James Brown, Fred Wesley, and John "Jabo" Starks. This sensual Grammy-winning R&B downtempo song was the lead single from Jackson's fifth studio album, "Janet," topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks (the longest reign atop that chart of any Jackson family member!), and remains the only single in chart history to debut at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay Chart. Check out the music video and the soulful album version [YouTube links]. At the end of a weekend of Royal love, and with Justify now vying for a Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Royalty, tonight Janet ("Miss Jackson, If you're Nasty") will offer up a bit of American musical royalty with a medley of her hits as she receives the Icon Trophy on the Billboard Music Awards, televised on NBC.

MAY 14, 2018

Song of the Day: As Long as I'm Singin' features the words and music of Bobby Darin, who was born on this date in 1936. Recorded in 1964, it was one of those songs that went unreleased in Darin's tragically short lifetime (he died at the age of 37). The song can be heard on the soundtrack to the 2004 Kevin Spacey-biopic of Darin,"Beyond the Sea." But the original recording showcases Darin's swingin' ways. Gone but never forgotten. Check it out on YouTube.

MAY 13, 2018

Song of the Day: Mama Said, words and music by Luther Dixon and Willie Denson, was a huge hit for the Shirelles, who took the song to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B chart. It has been covered by many artists through the years, but the original Girl Group hit remains my favorite. What better way to wish all the mothers out there "Happy Mother's Day." Check it out on YouTube.

MAY 12, 2018

Song of the Day: How Long features the words and music of James Kasher Hindin, Justin Franks, and Charlie Puth, who recorded this song for inclusion on his long-awaited second studio album, "Voicenotes," which was released yesterday, May 11, 2018. The 26-year old Puth, a New Jersey native, is a talented artist, with perfect pitch, who graduated from Manhattan School of Music Pre-College, where he majored in jazz piano, with a classical music minor. He later earned a degree from Berklee College of Music. I first noticed this guy when he performed "Attention" on "The Tonight Show," hosted by Jimmy Fallon. He played an electric piano solo that exhibited some really nice jazz chops; the song eventually was a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by the equally hook-laden "How Long" [YouTube link]. As if speaking to his jazz roots, one of the lyrics to the chorus of this song is "How Long Has This Been Going On?"---a clear allusion to the great Gershwin standard. Bravo, Charlie! Great new album! [Ed.: And for a chuckle, check out the Trump Mix [YouTube link].]

MAY 05, 2018

Song of the Day: Livin' on a Prayer, words and music by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Album Rock Track charts and became a signature song for the American rock band, Bon Jovi. Check out the hit song as well as a hilarious Karaoke version at a gas station [YouTube links]. Congratulations to the band for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14th; the ceremony is being televised tonight by HBO.