Twelve years ago today, March 31, 2011, the Australian band Men At Work lost the appeal against a ruling that their now 40 year old 1983 hit song “Down Under” was plagiarized from the folk tune “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.” More than a baseless allegation, it’s an argument that appears beyond ridiculous. You be the judge:
Men at Work Flautist Greg Ham, depressed and dejected in the wake of such accusations, no longer laughing in the old gum tree, died soon thereafter in 2012, perhaps of a broken heart. Their song serves as a springboard for today’s playlist “Flute Thing – Pop & Rock Songs Featuring Flute.” Speaking of copying, the Beastie Boys “Flute Loop,” borrows the flute line from Al Kooper’s playlist title song “Flute Thing.” I suppose they credited the sampling, making it legal and acceptable.
So songs you know and love prominently featuring the flute include Firefall’s “You Are The Woman,” The Mamas & The Papas “California Dreamin’,” Canned Heat’s “Going Up The Country,” this video a cool glimpse into the early ‘70s:
The Beatles “The Fool On The Hill” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” The Rolling Stones “Ruby Tuesday,” Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” one of the best known flute intros to a popular song:
as well as their “Heard It In A Love Song” and “Fire On The Mountain,” and several songs by Jethro Tull, The Moody Blues, Genesis, and Traffic. Flute seems to have been a popular instrument among progressive rock bands of the ‘70s.
Other bands of the ‘70s explored the flute as well, including Heart with “Dreamboat Annie,” Eric Burdon’s “Spill The Wine,” The Association’s “Along Comes Mary,” The Guess Who’s “Undun,” and Manfred Man’s “The Mighty Quinn.” Of note, another ‘70s song, Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” also appropriately on the list, also makes the list of songs with great piano solo, saxophone solo, flute work, and bass line, appearing on my playlists highlighting songs prominently featuring each of those instruments, making it in my humble opinion one of the most musically well-rounded songs ever recorded.
A few sleeper songs include Bob Seeger’s “Jody Girl,” such a beautiful song, and Cat Stevens “Katmandu.” And for better or for worse, who can forget Van McCoy’s “The Hustle.” I remember that song being played as a highlight, or perhaps lowlight of our sixth grade dance. And of course there’s this, one of the most epic flute solos to start a song (click hot link below):
On to the playlist:
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
When I was involved in youth ministry, we used to talk about “God sightings,” something that happened during the day that made us acutely aware of God in our life. Well today was a pretty big God sighting. There have been lots of recent happenings in my family that have created stress and change, with my nephew being in a serious car accident, still working on his recovery, and my uncle recently passing away.
So on my way into work today, heading to Hilton Head Island to round on babies at the hospital, I forgot to open Spotify as I usually do to stream music, often one of my hundreds of playlists, or an artist I really like. When I forget to do so, my car somehow randomly streams music from my phone, without Spotify or iTunes being open, and not songs that are even on my old iTunes account, downloaded on my phone, or ever played on Spotify. Usually they are random pop or rock songs, many I’ve never heard before from artists I am unaware of. I usually quickly open Spotify to rectify my error and listen to something I want.
But today, when the first song, “You Already Know,” started playing, I really liked it, actually listened to it twice it was so good, and spoke to me. I wasn’t sure if the artist was singing about her boyfriend or God, though on the second listen I felt it was the latter. The next song, “My God Is Still The Same” was a song I was unfamiliar with as well, but by an artist I knew at least, the Christian band Scantus Real. I listened to that one twice as well, as it really hit home. As the next dozen or so songs unfolded, they more and more pierced by soul, touching me spiritually in a way music hasn’t in a long time. Who was the DJ of this profound, amazing playlist? How were these songs being chosen just for me, crafting such a meaningful collection of music that I felt I was being called to share with my family, many of whom are grieving and struggling. I think God was in control of my phone, streaming to me from Heaven. Many would say it’s just some AI, offering me songs that I like, but many of the songs and artists I had never heard of before, though a few I have listened to with some regularity. But why all Christian music this morning, when my phone has never randomly streamed such music to me before?
If that isn’t proof enough about God’s profound presence in my life today, while eating dinner, I swore I could hear music softly being played in the background, but I checked my phone, and no music apps were open, and no music was emanating from its speaker. I continued to eat, and realized there it definitely music playing, and it sounded like Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go.” As I hunted around our first floor I realized it was coming from the screen porch. Upon opening the slider, I could clearly hear strains of the refrain:
Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me
You Never let go – matt redman
It was streaming through my Google speaker on the porch, yet I had no device streaming to the speaker. I had to kindly say “Hey Google, stop playing music.” I’m not making this up. God was speaking loud and clear.
So some of the lyrics of the songs:
Whatever I’m feeling Whatever is coming Whenever the ending You’re already there You go before me You go behind me Wherever I’m going You’re already there
You already know You already know Everything I’m scared of Everything I hope You hold my tomorrow And all tomorrow holds You already know
You Already Know – JJ Heller
Just ask the words You prayed in desperation if they’re heard They’ll say my God is still the same Ask the grave If it’s strong enough to keep hope in it’s chains It’ll say, “God is still the same” Yeah
When did He break His promise? When did His kindness fail? Never has, never will My God is still the same When did He lose His power? When did His mercy change? Never has, never will My God is still the same, yeah
My God Is Still The Same – Sanctus Real
They say it only takes a little faith To move a mountain Well good thing A little faith is all I have, right now But God, when You choose To leave mountains unmovable Oh give me the strength to be able to sing It is well with my soul…
I know You’re able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don’t My hope is You alone I know the sorrow, I know the hurt Would all go away if You’d just say the word But even if You don’t My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul
Even If – Mercy Me
I wanna tell the world out there You’re not some fable or fairy tale That I’ve made up inside my head You’re God the Son and You’ve risen from the dead
Well I wanna thank you know For being patient with me Oh it’s so hard to see When my eyes are on me I guess I’ll have to trust And just believe what You say Oh you’re coming again Coming to take me away
I wanna die and let You give Your life to me so I might live And share the hope You gave me The love that set me free
Make My Life A Prayer To You – Keith Green
And you’ve got the gift of mercy Don’t ever think it’s strange Not a curse, but it is a blessing to feel other people’s pain And always love without condition And trust with all your heart There’s healing in the story of your scars
Well, it’s been awhile Since you’ve been gone And sometimes I still catch myself trying to call your phone All the hopes and dreams we used to talk about They’re still alive in me and I just hope I make you proud Now I’m your legacy And it’s your love still holding me together And I still hear you say
It’s ok to cry It’s ok to fall apart You don’t have to try To be strong when you are not And it may take sometime to make sense of all your thoughts But don’t ever fight your tears ‘Cause there is freedom in every drop Sometimes the only way to heal a broken heart is when we fall apart Yeah, yeah, it’s okay to fall apart Sometimes the only way to heal a broken heart is when we fall apart
When We Fall Apart – Ryan Stevenson
Ooh, truth was crashing through the pride and the blame Cutting straight to the heart of me Ooh, long before I ever called Your name You were fighting for my victory Carved in Your flesh and bone The wounds that have said my soul’s forgiven Oh, now I can feel the darkness trembling
All of my fears like Jericho walls Gotta come down, come down All of my fears like Jericho walls Gotta come down, come down, oh Lord my prison turns to ruin When Your love moves in All of my fears like Jericho walls Gotta come down, come down, come down
Rebuild me from the ground up All I wanna see is You
Jericho – Andrew Ripp
You’ve been searching, carrying burdens If you’ve been lost and looking for a home If you’ve been drifting and something is missing You should know that you are not alone, hey
Brothers, sisters, come on down to that river Guaranteed you’ll never be the same There’s a fountain flowing from the heart of the Savior Bring your sins and all your guilty stains Let that river of life wash it all away
River of life – mac powell
And there’s a kind of thing that just breaks a man Break him down to his knees (oh, yeah, Lord) God, I’ve been broken more than a time or two, yes, Lord Then He picked me up (picked me up) And showed me what it means to be a man Come on and sing
All my hope is in Jesus Thank God my yesterday’s gone
All my hope – crowder
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want He makes me lie down in green pastures He leads me beside the still waters He restoreth my soul And guides my path in righteousness For His name’s sake
Surely goodness and loving kindness Shall follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever and ever and ever
Though I walk through the valley Of the shadow of death I will not fear, thou art with me Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
Thou preparest a table Before me in the presence of my enemies
Thou anointest my head with oil My cup’s overflowing
Surely goodness and loving kindness Shall follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever and ever and ever
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
The Lord Is My Shepherd – Keith Green
God’s playlist:
To paraphrase my usual closing:
I hope that this music, these lyrics and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to Faith. Rediscover the passion of God in your life. I saw God today in the melody and message of beautiful music. God is good.
What are we to do when tragedy befalls us, and one close to us is struggling for their life? Or what do we do when we are confronted with a life-changing diagnosis, illness, or injury? Who do we turn to? How do we find comfort, peace, and encouragement?
I hope this blog post will serve as just that, with words and music of encouragement for my youngest nephew who is battling to reclaim his life after a severe accident, and for his family, who is trying to stay strong for him and each other, to deal with the day to day demands of his health condition, as well as the mental anguish and heavy hearts. I hope they all may use the music to help heal their hearts, unburden their souls, lift their spirits, and encourage their son/brother to fight the good fight and battle back to health and happiness.
While I have used the following video clip from the Netflix Marvel Comics show “Daredevil” in a previous blog, a tribute to my brother, the youngest of 3 Storo boys befalling a tragedy, it seems appropriate here too. “God’s Plan is like a beautiful tapestry. And the tragedy of being human is we only get to see it from the back, with all the ragged threads and the muddy colors. We only get a hint at the true beauty of what would be revealed if we could see the whole pattern on the other side as God does.”
And God has offered words of comfort and encouragement in His Holy Scriptures, which often serve as the them of most of the songs included in the playlist.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish now what is being done, the saving of many lives.
genesis 50:20
This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will help you.’
2 Kings 20:5
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘
jeremiah 29:11
‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.
jeremiah 30:17
In the morning when I rise Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus Oh Give me Jesus You can have all this world Oh give me Jesus
GIVE ME JESUS – FERNANDO ORTEGA
I speak the name of Jesus over you In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move I speak the name ’cause it’s all that I can do In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven And pray this for you
I speak the name of all authority Declaring blessings, every promise He is faithful to keep I speak the name no grave could ever hold He is greater, He is stronger He’s the God of possible
I pray for your healing That circumstances would change I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name I pray that a breakthrough would happen today I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name In Jesus name
In Jesus Name (God of Possible) – Katy Nichols
We pray for blessings We pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering And all the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things
We pray for wisdom Your voice to hear And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love As if every promise from Your Word is not enough And all the while, You hear each desperate plea And long that we’d have faith to believe
When friends betray us And when darkness seems to win We know that pain reminds this heart That this is not, this is not our home It’s not our home
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears? And what if the thousand sleepless nights Are what it takes to know You’re near? And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
Blessings – Laura Story
Peace, be still Calm this soul I need You here now Restore my hope I confess, I’ve been afraid Remind my heart, Lord Increase my faith
So I will run into the waves As courage comes to take fear’s place With perfect love, perfect love
O, what can take away My hallelujah No darkness can contain My hallelujah Your cross has made the way For my hallelujah My hallelujah
My Hallelujah – Bryan & Katie Torwalt
I believe You’re my healer I believe You are all I need I believe
And I believe You’re my portion I believe You’re more than enough for me Jesus You’re all I need
You hold my very moment You calm my raging seas You walk with me through fire And heal all my disease
I trust in You, Lord I trust in You
Healer – Kari Jobe
This is where the healing begins, oh This is where the healing starts When you come to where you’re broken within The light meets the dark The light meets the dark
Healing Beings – Tenth Avenue North
Healing is here healing is here Healing is here and I receive it Healing is here healing is here Healing is here and I believe it
I reach my hands to the heavens I lift my eyes where my help comes from I look to You my rock my healer I trust in You
Freedom is here freedom is here Freedom is here and I receive it Freedom is here freedom is here Freedom is here and I believe it
Sickness can’t stay any longer Your perfect love is casting out fear You are the God of all power And it is Your will that my life is healed
Healing Is Here – Deluge
Every anxious thought that steals my breath It’s a heavy weight upon my chest As I lie awake and wonder what the future will hold Help me to remember that You’re in control
I will lift my eyes, I will lift my cares Lay them in Your hands, I’ll leave them there When the wind and waves are coming, You shelter me Even though I’m in the storm, the storm is not in me
You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight You are greater than the battle raging in my mind I will trust You Lord, I will fear no more
I Will Fear No More – The Afters
Let faith arise In spite of what I see Lord, I believe But help my unbelief I choose to trust You No matter what I feel Let faith arise
Let faith arise For my Champion’s not dead He is alive Oh, and He already knows My every need Surely He will come and rescue me
God of miracles come We need Your supernatural love To break through Nothing’s impossible You’re the God of miracles
Let faith arise And see the Kingdom come I lift my eyes Oh, for the battle has been won My God is faithful Oh, and every single word He said is true This world is shaking
But You cannot be shaken My heart is breaking But I’m not broken yet Your love is fearless Help me to be courageous too Oh, there is nothing impossible
God of Miracles – Chris McClarney
Oh, my soul Oh, how you worry Oh, how you’re weary, from fearing you lost control This was the one thing, you didn’t see coming And no one would blame you, though If you cried in private If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows No one will see, if you stop believing
Oh, my soul You are not alone There’s a place where fear has to face the God you know One more day, He will make a way Let Him show you how, you can lay this down ‘Cause you’re not alone
Oh My Soul – Casting Crowns
Letting go of every single dream I lay each one down at Your feet Every moment of my wandering Never changes what You see I’ve tried to win this war, I confess My hands are weary, I need Your rest Mighty warrior, King of the fight No matter what I face, You’re by my side
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings There’s not a day ahead You have not seen So in all things be my life and breath I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less
You are my strength and comfort You are my steady hand You are my firm foundation The rock on which I stand Your ways are always higher Your plans are always good There’s not a place where I’ll go You’ve not already stood
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through When You don’t give the answers As I cry out to You I will trust, I will trust I will trust in You
Trust In You – Lauren Daigle
He came to walk in truth and grace Man of sorrows entered all our pain On the cross, He took our place Then He rose up out of the grave
Whether I’m in want or plenty Whether I’m in health or ill Our God promises His children He will, He will
He’ll bind up the brokenhearted Oh He will, oh He will He’ll set captives free from darkness So He will, oh He will He’ll breathe hope into the hopeless Help a restless soul be still Oh oh, oh oh He will, He will!
He Will – Ellie Holcomb
If I let go of it all I need You to break my fall Like a faithful child I’m calling out to You I’m reaching out for You
I’m giving up, I’m letting go ‘Cause I need You to take control I’m giving up, I’m letting go I’m trusting You with all my soul
With All My Soul – Jaci Velasquez
Life can take our breath away Tragedy can leave a wake A broken heart won’t ever beat the same Pain can stop us in our tracks Losing what we can’t get back Shaking the foundations of our faith
No matter what’s in my way No matter the battles I face
The questions keep us in the fight The answer’s never black or white We may not know until the other side But even in this in-between We fix our eyes on what’s unseen The shadows never overcome the light
No matter what’s in my way I know that You won’t ever change
You’re still my hope You’re still my peace You’re still my joy You’re all I need You’re still my strength When I am weak You’re still my God I still believe
You are still my God You’re still my rock My only hope Lord, You’re all I’ve got In every valley or mountaintop I’ll say hallelujah You’re still my God
Amadeo (Still My God) – Ryan Stevenson
The name of Jesus is a refuge A shelter from the storm, a help to those who call The name of Jesus is a fortress A saving place to run, a hope unshakable
When we fall You are the Savior, when we call You are the answer There is power in Your name, there is power in Your name
In the name of Jesus There is life and healing Chains are broken in Your name Every knee will bow down and our hearts will cry out Songs of freedom in Your name, oh, in Your name
Bring salvation, bring Your Kingdom Let all that You have made bring glory to Your name When we fall you are the Savior, when we call You are the answer There is power in Your name, there is power in Your name
The Name of Jesus – Chris Tomlin
In Your light, I find the pieces, every missing part And hope is found in hopeless places, everywhere You are Take my hand and lead me forward, forward to the start
‘Cause I need You, I need You It only takes a moment For You to fix what’s broken in me I need You
Only Takes a Moment – Cory Asbury
I call, You hear me I’ve lost it all And it’s more than I can bear I feel so empty
You’re strong I’m weary I’m holdin’ on But I feel like givin’ in But still You’re with me
I know I’m broken But You alone Can mend this heart of mine You’re always with me
And even though I feel so lonely Like I’ve never been before You never said it would be easy But You said you’d see me through The storm
And even though I’m walkin’ through The valley of the shadow I will hold tight to the hand of Him Whose love will comfort me And when all hope is gone And I’ve been wounded in the battle He is all the strength that I will Ever need And He will carry me
He Will Carry Me – Mark Schultz
Don’t you give up now The sun will soon be shining You gotta face the clouds To find the silver lining
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard Impossible is not a word It’s just a reason for someone not to try Everybody’s scared to death When they decide to take that step Out on the water But it’ll be alright
Life is so much more Than what your eyes are seeing You will find your way If you keep believing
Overcome the odds When you don’t have a chance (That’s what faith can do) When the world says you can’t It’ll tell you that you can
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains Hope that doesn’t ever end Even when the sky is falling I’ve seen miracles just happen Silent prayers get answered Broken hearts become brand new That’s what faith can do
What Faith Can Do – Kutless
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path When I feel afraid Think I’ve lost my way Still you’re there right beside me And nothing will I fear As long as you are near Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy word – amy grant
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want He makes me lie down in green pastures He leads me beside the still waters He restoreth my soul And guides my path in righteousness For His name’s sake
Surely goodness and loving kindness Shall follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever and ever and ever
Though I walk through the valley Of the shadow of death I will not fear, thou art with me Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Thou preparest a table Before me in the presence of my enemies
Thou anointest my head with oil My cup’s overflowing
Surely goodness and loving kindness Shall follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever and ever and ever
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
The Lord Is My Shepherd – Keith Green
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won’t turn back I know You are near
And I will fear no evil For my God is with me And if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me
You Never Let Go – Matt Redman
So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in And now I surrender (I surrender)
Savior, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever, author of Salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave
Mighty To Save – Jeremy Camp
There is strength within the sorrow There is beauty in our tears And you meet us in our mourning With a love that cast out fear You are working in our waiting You’re sanctifying us When beyond our understanding You’re teaching us to trust
You are wisdom unimagined Who could understand your ways Reigning high above the heavens Reaching down in endless grace You’re the lifter of the lowly Compassionate and kind You surround and you uphold me And your promises are my delight
Your plans are still to prosper You have not forgotten us You’re with us in the fire and the flood You’re faithful forever Perfect in love You are sovereign over us
Sovereign Over Us – Michael W. Smith
When I am alone Oh, when I am alone And when I am alone Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus Give me Jesus, ‘cause it’s all I need, give me Jesus
Give me jesus – jeremy camp
My heart goes out to my nephew along with his siblings, my brother, sister-in-law, and my mom, and to all those affected by this tragedy. Our family has known tragedy over the years, including the untimely deaths of my father and brother (included in tributes in previous blogs). I hope and pray for the healing of mind, body, heart and soul of my nephew; for encouragement of his long road back to life, love, joy, and happiness; and for strength and encouragement for his family to similarly return to life, love, joy and happiness. It is what God has promised us. We trust in Him and rest in His loving arms amidst tears and sadness as we look to the light.
Two weeks ago I blogged on One Hit Wonders, and promised to try to rectify the wrongs done to artists on the list wrongfully accused. The most egregious offenses were against Blind Faith, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Simple Minds, and the Grateful Dead. In defense of those categorizing such memorable bands with the ignominy of One Hit Wonders is these acts often only had one song to peak high on the charts. But charting doesn’t always capture the popularity of a band and their releases, with many other quality, well known songs being a part of the fabric of their generation. For instance, while the Dead’s only hit song on the charts was “Hell In A Bucket” most music listeners in the ‘70s and ‘80s even if not Dead fans know “Friend Of The Devil,” “Casey Jones,” “Ripple”, “Truckin’,” “Shakedown Street,” “Fire On The Mountain,” and “Uncle John’s Band.” And while Simple Minds was responsible for one of the true anthems of the ‘80s with “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” they also had well known quality songs in “Sanctify Yourself” and “Alive And Kicking,” the latter of which provides the title of the playlist, as these bands didn’t roll over and play dead, but were very alive and kicking.
Also included on this new Alive And Kicking playlist that had been previously featured among One Hit Wonder bands on my playlist Video Killed The Radio Star are the likes of Survivor, Shannon, General Public, A-ha, Dead Or Allive, Scandal, Cutting Crew, and even Tone-Loc.
These artists who often had 2 or 3 or more quality offerings inspired a follow-up playlist of bands who were Two and sometimes Three Hit Wonders. These bands were primarily known for 2 or 3 songs that were hugely successful, with a very significant drop-off in popularity of their other releases. That doesn’t always mean they didn’t have other quality songs, but often just that such songs were less well known to the general music listening unless big fans of the band. The playlist is titled “123 – Two (and Three) Hit Wonders” borrowing its name from the Len Barry 1966 song “1 2 3,” with the band’s only other song of significance “Like A Baby.” Other Two Hit Wonder bands featured include Steppenwolf, Gerry Rafferty, 10cc, Orleans, The Motels, The Romantics, Golden Earring, Power Station, Naked Eyes, Mr. Mister, Crowded House, John Secada, Blues Traveler, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Dido, Five For Fighting, Neon Trees, Owl City and even LMFAO as well as many others.
Three Hit Wonder greats include The Zombies, The Spencer Davis Group, Argent, Kansas, Don McLean, Seals & Croft, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Perry, Asia, A Flock Of Seagulls, UB40, Tears For Fears, Rick Astley, Spin Doctors, The Fray, Train, and Plain White T’s, among others. Steve Perry, Tears For Fears, Train, and Plain White T’s are examples of acts who undoubtedly had several other great songs, but not near attaining the popularity of the 3 songs that achieved such success, airplay, and popularity. Many of you will likely argue how many songs that you love by such artists aren’t included, and thus they are, similar to my One Hit Wonders listed above, falsely accused. But there’s no denying how popular the listed songs were, and it makes for a fun playlist and great fodder for argument and discussion.
If you are fans of music of the ‘70s and ‘80s, I trust you will thoroughly enjoy the music, if not be frustrated by some of the songs not included. But that’s the great part about such playlists – they can be a springboard to inspire further listening of other songs, artists, and albums from the past.
I thought I’d do such a wandering, inspired by the playlist, to highlight one of my favorite keyboardists, Steve Winwood, who is featured in these playlists as a member of The Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith. In addition to my first concert artist Billy Joel, and another favorite Elton John, Steve is one of the best keyboardists of all time, if not the most precocious. Steve started his career in his early teens backing on guitar and keyboards for the likes of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Chuch Berry, and Bo Diddley. At the age of 14 he joined his first band The Spencer Davis Group. They had to sneak him into clubs and bars to play, as he was so underage. He also played keyboards on “Voodoo Chile” on Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland album. Additionally he provided keyboards for David Gilmour on his About Face album
So as one of my friends likes to say, we’ll venture down that rabbit hole, borrowing a phrase from Alice In Wonderland. Though the choice is up to you. As Morpheus proposes in The Matrix:
You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
morpheus in The Matrix
So if you’re interested in a trip down Steve Winwood lane, take the red pill, and follow the rabbit down the hole to some great music and videos.
Here he is in his mid-teens with the Spencer Davis Group, with a song not included on my playlist, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out.” What white teen from England can sing and tickle the ivories like Ray Charles? Steve Winwood, that’s who!
Now just barely 20 with Blind Faith in Hyde Park, London, in 1969, along with Eric Clapton on guitar only 24, and Ginger Baker on drums the elder statesman at 30.
A great concert to watch Winwood and Clapton reunited is “Live From Madison Square Garden” from 2009 (currently available through Qello Concerts on Prime Video). It’s such a great concert, well worth a watch. A similar performance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007 paired Winwood and Clapton with Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II. Just amazing guitars.
His third band was another favorite of mine, Traffic. Here he’s featured on the almost 14 minute long classic “The Low Spark Of High Healed Boys,” a song featured for its saxophone on my playlist Sultans Of Swing:
And a newer performance of an old Traffic song “Glad” highlights Steve in one of his better piano performances, featured on my Piano Man playlist:
As an FYI, all of my playlists and their associated blogs are accessible via the menu on this blog, sub-categorized as genre, theme, or word centered playlists. So if you’re hunting for certain past playlists or blogs that’s where to find them.
As a solo artist he had many hits, including “While You See A Chance,” “Valerie,” and “Roll With It” and “Higher Love,” among many others:
He even parlayed his popularity to making beer commercials:
I’ve been fortunate enough to see Steve Winwood twice, once in 2004 on his About Time tour, and again in 2010 opening for Carlos Santana. He’s such a talented musician, with such a soulful voice, amazing keyboard skills, and great guitar chops. Sadly he was supposed to be on our Keeping the Blues Alive Mediterranean II cruise (see Mediterranean Blues blog and playlist), but had to withdraw for health reasons. I wish him well, and thank him for the amazing music.
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
For my daughter, on National Daughter’s Day, September 25th, a tribute to her, and all daughters. I won’t embarrass her with any photos of when she was younger or with any dumb dad jokes, but will express my overflowing and unending love for her, for she holds such a special place in my heart.
As is usual for my blogs, I have videos and a Spotify Playlist. The lyrics and videos below are among my favorites, and express more than I ever could some of the feelings I have for my little girl. Some highlights include a new song and video I just discovered, “Daddy Dance With Me” by Krystal Keith, Toby Keith’s daughter. Another new song I absolutely love is by a friend of mine, Sean Forrest, with “Stay A Little Longer.” Another great song and video are “Dance With My Daughter” by Jason Blaine. And of course there’s “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle, “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman, “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, and “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, and “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Al Martino, among others.
You’re Gonna Be
6 pounds and 9 ounces, lookin’ up at me Like I have all the answers I hope, I have the ones you need I’ve never really done this, now I know what scared is
Sometimes, I’ll protect you from everything that’s wrong Other times, I’ll let you just find out on your own But that’s when you’ll be growin’ And the whole time I’ll be knowin’
You’re gonna fly with every dream you chase You’re gonna cry but know that that’s okay Sometimes life’s not fair but if you hang in there…
…I’m afraid you’ll have to suffer through some of my mistakes Lord, knows I’ll be trying, oh, to give you what it takes What it takes to know the difference between getting by and livin’
Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way Just know you’ll have to live with all the choices that you make So make sure you’re always givin’ way more than you’re takin’…
…You’re gonna see that sometimes bad is good We just have to believe things work out like they should Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me You’re gonna be
Someone’s everything You’re gonna see Just what you are to me
You’re gonna fly with every dream you chase We just have to believe things work out like they should Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me You’re gonna be, always loved by me…
reba mcentire
In My Daughter’s Eyes
In my daughter’s eyes I am a hero I am strong and wise And I know no fear But the truth is plain to see She was sent to rescue me I see who I want to be In my daughter’s eyes
In my daughter’s eyes Everyone is equal Darkness turns to light And the world is at peace This miracle God gave to me Gives me strength when I am weak I find reason to believe In my daughter’s eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger How it puts a smile in my heart Everything becomes a little clearer I realize what life is all about It’s hanging on when your heart is had enough It’s giving more when you feel like giving up I’ve seen the light It’s in my daughter’s eyes
In my daughter’s eyes I can see the future A reflection of who I am and what will be And though she’ll grow and someday leave Maybe raise a family When I’m gone I hope you’ll see How happy she made me For I’ll be there In my daughter’s eyes…
martina mcbride
Lady
…I can make you laugh ’til you cry But she can make your tears dry, and When you get your heart broke by the wrong guy She can make it right
I hope you look just like your momma And love her like I do You’ll see close to perfect patience If you watch her every move You can always run to daddy You’ll always be my baby, but Look at her, baby girl And you’ll learn how to be a lady…
brett young
I’ll Be Your Man
You’re gonna make the finest momma someday Some man will take you away But until then Chase down your dreams Laugh all the time and believe That love’s gonna conquer all things So until then I’ll be your man
There was a time when I thought I knew love Until you came into this world Time keeps on flying But your always gonna be my baby girl
So as you walk through this life you will see The world’s what you want it to be But until then Go on and dance Dance like there’s no one around Never stop singing out loud And until then I’ll be your man…
…Go have a ball Take every chance that you make You know I’ll be one call away I’ll always be I’ll always be your man…
zac brown band
Stay A Little Longer
…Saw you coming down the stairs Blue dress, a high school dance Beautiful and free just like a dream Once I held a baby girl Now you’re taking on the world You know I’m your biggest fan And I always will be
Could you stay a little longer Before the strike of midnight takes you Off to your Prince Charming But you’ll always be my daughter It went too fast just like they say Wish you could stay, stay a little longer
I knew this time would come One day you’d be out on your own And though my heart is aching I know that it’s ok I’ve got memories And I love the ones you made
Work was piling up so high Heavy on my mind You took my hand Said babe I’ve got to show you An amazing sunset And ou’re the one I want to see it with Lets pour a glass of wine And give thanks for all the good times
So lets stay a little longer And remember all the things That God has done With so much wonder Like the color that fade from the sky Its flying by too fast just like they say So lets stay, stay a little longer…
Sean Forrest
Butterfly Kisses
…She’ll change her name today She’ll make a promise And I’ll give her away Standing in the bride-room Just staring at her She asked me what I’m thinking And I said, “I’m not sure” “I just feel like I’m losing my baby girl” And she leaned over
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair “Walk me down the aisle, Daddy, it’s just about time” “Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy?” “Daddy, don’t cry” Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong I must have done something right To deserve her love every morning And butterfly kisses
I couldn’t ask God for more Man, this is what love is I know I gotta let her go But I’ll always remember Every hug in the morning And butterfly kisses…
bob Carlisle
Cinderella
She spins and she sways to whatever song plays Without a care in the world And I’m sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders It’s been a long day and there’s still work to do She’s pulling at me saying dad I need you There’s a ball at the castle and I’ve been invited And I need to practice my dancin’ Oh, please, daddy, please
So I will dance with Cinderella While she is here in my arms ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew Oh, I will dance with Cinderella I don’t want to miss even one song ‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she’ll be gone…
Steven Curtis Chapman
Dance With My Daughter
…Greatest gift in the world Is a new baby girl Feels like God took a chance Placing her here in my hands
Gonna dance with my daughter Spin her around under the lights ‘Cause I’m just a father Making the most of this moment in time Before she lets me go, I’ll hold her close Caught in this race against time Right now all I want is to dance with my daughter tonight…
Jason Blaine
I Loved Her First
…I knew the love of a father runs deep And I prayed that she’d find you someday But it’s still hard to give her away I loved her first
How could that beautiful woman with you Be the same freckle face kid that I knew The one that I read all those fairytales to And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her It was only a matter of time I loved her first, I held her first And a place in my heart will always be hers From the first breath she breathed When she first smiled at me…
Heartland
Daddy Dance With Me
I know what you see when you look at me As we walk down the aisle Little pink tutu, bows and tennis shoes In the wide eyes of your child Those are all the memories you will cherish and you’ll carry No matter how much time has come and gone
Daddy dance with me I want you to see the woman I’ve become. Daddy don’t let go I want you to know I’ll always need your love.
Today I became his wife But I’ll be your baby girl for life Don’t know what to do when I look at you Words can’t say enough What you’ve done for me
You gave me what I need You were tender, you were tough Cause the world you built around me Is the strength that will surround me And protect me now that I am on my own…
Krystal Keith
Daddy’s Little Girl
…He always used to tell me, “Don’t grow up too fast Love will come, love will go, your first won’t be your last” I didn’t always listen when he gave me advice No, I hate to admit it, but that man was always right
Used to wrap my hands around his little finger Turns out he was wrapped around mine He said, “You can be anything you want to in this great big world” But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl, daddy’s little girl
When I count my blessings, I know where to start He might not hold my hand no more But he’ll always, always hold my heart…
The Shires
My Wish
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow And each road leads you where you want to go And if you’re faced with a choice, and you have to choose I hope you choose the one that means the most to you And if one door opens to another door closed I hope you keep on walkin’ ’till you find the window If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile…
…I hope you never look back, but ya never forget All the ones who love you, in the place you left I hope you always forgive, and you never regret And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace, in every mistake And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small You never need to carry more than you can hold And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too Yeah, this, is my wish…
rascal flatts
My Father’s Daughter
I am my father’s daughter I have his eyes I am the product of his sacrifice I am the accumulation of the dreams of generations And their stories live in me like holy water I am my father’s daughter…
…I am my father’s daughter I have my Grandma’s eyes I am the product of such sacrifice
jewel featuring dolly parton
Daddy’s Little Girl
You’re the treasure I cherish, so sparkling and bright You were touched by the holy and beautiful light Like angels that sing, a heavenly thing And you’re daddy’s little girl
mills brothers
So on to my playlist, for my daughter, and daughters everywhere:
I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew. Rediscover the passion of music in your life.
