Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

08 November 2024

Classic Movies : 'Mahogany' Taught the True Value of Being a Success

"Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with."


That's my takeaway quote from the 1975 film "Mahogany".

Agree or disagree?


There was once a time when Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams were an "item"; for movie couples, that is. They had great onscreen chemistry but never a real-life romance.

They had a romantic relationship in the film Mahogany (1975).  A movie that is memorable for its really nice theme song and great fashion; especially that Bob Mackie rainbow dress Ms. Ross wore in one of the scenes. When it comes to fashion, beauty, and style though, in real life, Ms. Ross was and still is one of the best-dressed women in the entertainment business; onscreen and off. Click through to view a fabulous gown she's wearing in the video for this September 2014 article:

Diana Ross : Still a 'Supreme' Performer



Diana Rossby peterpicture /  /  / ©2018 peterpicture


Nothing much to say about this motion picture that you can't look up on Wikipedia. That quote about success struck a chord with me though.  That's it!  That's my movie review.

Mahogany (1975)

 


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http://mabellonghetti.tumblr.com/post/145188247227/diana-ross-photographed-by-steve-schapiro-1970s

22 April 2024

Music Entertainment: Bob Marley - Rastaman Trivia

Bob Marley is a personality that many people like to write about, including yours truly. There are many things about his lifestyle I did not agree with, but there are lots of things about his music that I like, such as the fact that some, if not most of his song lyrics were based on scriptures. 

Bob Marley (1945 - 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, guitarist, and activist who was a pioneer of reggae music. His music blended elements of ska, rocksteady, and reggae with American soul harmonies, and he became known for his distinctive vocal style and spiritual lyrics. Marley's music increased the visibility of Jamaican music around the world, making him the first international superstar from the Third World and selling more than 20 million records. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and won a Grammy Award.

Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945 in Nine Miles, St. Ann, Jamaica and died on May 11, 1981 in Miami, Florida at the age of 36 from acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). He became a Rastafarian icon and a symbol of peace and unity. In 1957, he moved to Kingston with his mother and formed the group the Wailers with Neville (Bunny Wailer) Livingston, Peter Tosh, Beverley Kelso, and Junior Braithwaite.

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Google AI-Generated Content. Based on these References:

“Bob Marley | Biography, Songs, Albums, Death, & Facts | Britannica.” In Encyclopædia Britannica, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bob-Marley.‌

Wikipedia Contributors. “Bob Marley.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, April 16, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley#:~:text=Robert%20Nesta%20Marley%20OM%20(6,with%20a%20sense%20of%20spirituality..

‌“Bob Marley.” YouTube Video. YouTube, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlTDckOOQ2jREOvuCShGbw#:~:text=Jamaican%20singer%2C%20musician%2C%20songwriter%2C,the%20so%2Dcalled%20Third%20World..

‌Hsu, Hua. “Manufacturing Bob Marley.” The New Yorker. The New Yorker, July 17, 2017. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/07/24/manufacturing-bob-marley.

‌“Tragic Death of Bob Marley from Toe-Nail Melanoma | Dr. Michael Steppie,” 2024. https://www.dermorlando.com/blog/tragic-death-of-bob-marley-from-toe-nail-melanoma#:~:text=Prior%20to%20his%20diagnosis%20of%20skin%20cancer...&text=Unfortunately%2C%20a%20dark%20lesion%20under,acral%20lentiginous%20melanoma%20(ALM)..

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27 December 2023

My Worry-Free Philosophy (Humor and Serious Truth)

“Revenge it's a kiss, this time I won't miss, now I've got you in my sight.”

( Lyrics from GoldenEye - http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tinaturner/goldeneye.html )

I love me some Tina Turner. Her being picked to sing a James Bond theme song? So worthy to be chosen to become a member of the same club as Dame Shirley Bassey. She performed this song well, but alas … Revenge is not a part of my worry-free philosophy. 




The advice in the image above (found at glitter-graphics.com) says: “Never go to bed angry. Stay up and plot your revenge.”

Eh! That's great for a joke! But not a route one should take in real life.

 Never go to bed angry. Anger is an emotion that you can fully control. CONTROL IT!! Anger, more often than not, makes you do things you regret for a long long long time.

Say what? Jesus got angry with the money changers in the temple? Yeah well, you're still trying to get to heaven. Don't screw up your chances! Jesus is already there! He can lock the gates!! ☺


Also, don't give me that crap about anger management or you'll make me angry!!  


 Stay up and ... Stay up? WHAT???!!! I get precious little sleep as it is!! You want me to choose between beauty rest versus wrinkles, extra gray hair, and bloodshot eyes? What are my other options?


 Plot my revenge? Plotting is needed when writing a book or a script for a movie. If I have that kind of time to spare and can spend it on plotting, might as well write a book. Why not? I'm wide awake anyway!! You never know. Could be another Harry Potter series.

So the bottom line is: 
Revenge is _______________. In my life, it's a blank and I'm never going to fill it in.



Like to read more of my worry-free philosophy? Click this link: My Worry Free Philosophy You have my assurances that none of the quips and quotes were borrowed from Erma Bombeck.



IN MEMORY OF: Erma Bombeck (1927 – 1996) 
Ms. Bombeck is a beloved American humorist. She was noted for using the vehicle of comedy to aptly and succinctly express practical wisdom and advice encapsulated in witty, terse, hilarious statements.


March is Women's History Month and it seemed fitting to honor her and supply a link to an article which shares some of her selected quotations: http://womenshistory.about.com/cs/quotes/a/qu_erma_bombeck.htm

 

A salute is also due to the Bond goddesses: Tina Turner and Dame Shirley Bassey. My List of the Best Classic James Bond Theme Songs




Photos of Erma Bombeck and Shirley Bassey, Public Domain





(Post First published March 2015.)







22 December 2023

Introduction to Classical Music ~ Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and Tchaikovsky

Many of the famous classical music composers that we know of – Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky - are no longer with us.

Portrait Ludwig van Beethoven when composing t...
Portrait Ludwig van Beethoven when composing the Missa Solemnis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Popular singers, songwriters and musicians like the late Nina Simone, the late Michael Jackson, Sir Paul McCartney, and Alicia Keys have all said they draw inspiration from or have been greatly influenced by these composers. 

The above is regarded by historians as the mos...
The above is regarded by historians as the most accurate surviving likeness of Mozart, painted when the composer was 26 years old. It is a section of an unfinished 1782 portrait by Joseph Lange. The splotchy texture of the composer's cheeks, visible in the original painting on display at the Mozart Museum in Salzburg, was verified by Mozart's contemporaries. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You heard that most music store owners are tempted to put their classical music selections in a small room at the back of the store; however, it was just a bit of humor. The least we can do is display their masterful works – whether on the store shelves or in your home music library - in plain view so that the memory of these gifted musicians will live on.

Johann Sebastian Bach (aged 61) in a portrait ...
Johann Sebastian Bach (aged 61) in a portrait by Elias Gottlob Haussmann, Copy or second Version of his 1746 Canvas, private ownership of William H. Scheide, Princeton, New Jersey, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thinking about experimenting and expanding your musical taste?


You want to listen to classical music, but you don't know where to begin?



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Fascinating Facts about Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky.








The Health Benefits of Classical Music

There is no doubt that there are benefits to be found in many different genres of music. It can often seem to help when nothing else is able to change our mood or motivate us. For thousands of years, humans have been intrinsically linked to music in all its forms. It is part of our mourning, our celebrations, and our rituals.








Original source

29 August 2022

Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

Michael Jackson was so much more than an eclectic and consummate entertainer. He was an extremely generous humanitarian and would no doubt like for people to remember his love and genuine care and concern for children.

“HEAL THE KIDS” SPEECH at OXFORD UNIVERSITY 2001(Excerpt):


As you all know, our two countries broke from each other over what Thomas Jefferson referred to as “certain inalienable rights”. And while we Americans and British might dispute the justice of his claims, what has never been in dispute is that children have certain inalienable rights, and the gradual erosion of those rights has led to scores of children worldwide being denied the joys and security of childhood. I would therefore like to propose tonight that we install in every home a Children’s Universal Bill of Rights, the tenets of which are:



1. The right to be loved without having to earn it


2. The right to be protected, without having to deserve it


3. The right to feel valuable, even if you came into the world with nothing


4. The right to be listened to without having to be interesting


5. The right to be read a bedtime story, without having to compete with the evening news


6. The right to an education without having to dodge bullets at schools


7. The right to be thought of as adorable – (even if you have a face that only a mother could love).


03 June 2022

Entertainment: Music: Throwback: Joe Cocker (1944 - 2014)

I was a part of the Google Plus social network for a few years.  But then Google shut down its network.  When it was alive, one of the fun things people liked to do was called "Throwback" OR "Throwback Thursday". It was so much fun. People shared stuff from back in the day. Usually, my shares were YouTube videos.


31 May 2021

Bob Marley - Rastaman Trivia 2

February 6th was the singer’s birthday. But there was this interesting article at Bubblews about his memorial services with some trivia to be shared. You never know when you may need to know it! Rather than wait for May 11th, the anniversary of Mr. Marley’s death, my reasoning was that since it was still February, it could be considered a sort belated birthday remembrance.

May 11th has come and gone, but it’s still May. When it comes to perfect timing … Eh! What can I say? My timing is off!! Found two more links which are being added to my collection of Marley trivia and tidbits.


#1) Bob Marley - The Life and Death Of a Reggae Legend

A condensed, concise and precise, well-written biography in a nutshell penned by BethanRose, a writer based in South Wales.

#2) How Bob Marley was Assassinated By the CIA 

Always suspected the attempt on Mr. Marley’s life had political motive, but must admit that this is the first time reading so much detail about CIA involvement. Written by Marvin (no last name given) using a pen name “rasta1”. It is an undeniable observation that many reggae entertainers have been shot and killed, but the writer states that the life of Bob Marley was “spared due to the mystical intervention of JAH Rastafari”. Can’t say whether this report is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, but can say – by way of my opinion – that the article certainly does have elements that sound convincing enough to be true!


Image credit:  Pixabay.com
Content previously share at TreasurePen.com.


See also

Bob Marley - Rastaman Trivia



12 March 2021

Priyanka Chopra Started Her Crossover Efforts With Music, But ...

Huge Priyanka Chopra fan and "In My City" is her collaboration with a talented American artist Will I. Am (of Black Eyed Peas fame) in order for her to “cross over” and expose her talent to more Westerners. Why not? American artists collaborate with American artists, all the time. That's how they survive. Why not mix and match?  The game plan seemed sound.  But the efforts were not very successful.

Continue reading.









*Bollywood Actress Priyanka Chopra to Play Lead Role in ‘Quantico’*



10 July 2020

Entertainment : The Beatles : Trivia and Tidbits About the Fab Four

Fans love to latch on to info about The Beatles aka the Fab Four, no matter if it's current or old news.


The late John Lennon, an original member of the Fab Four, known officially as The Beatles will always be a hot topic if you're discussing celebrity trivia, pop music history, etc. Linking back to an old post published a few months back sharing MY unofficial opinion of the unsuccessful musical career of Julian Lennon and connecting it to this link from The Guardian. Not that anybody in the Lennon family gives a hoot about my thoughts, observations or opinions. Not a hater, but the title of the article is a quote from Julian's step-brother Sean Lennon which perfectly summarizes the way I see him. LOL. 

Sean Lennon: ‘People only see me as the spoiled slacker son of John and Yoko’


People will always be curious about the lives of the offspring of music legends. You may not go looking for tidbits but when you see one, it's time for a conversation by the office water cooler. :)





Content republished from Persona Paper.

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Links of Interest:
(More chit-chat for the water cooler)

The History Of Pop Music In 5 Defining Decades

27 Children of Classic Rock Legends

Gift Ideas for Fab Four Fans


Long and Winding Road: The Greatest Beatles Stories Ever Told

20 February 2020

Entertainment: Music: Throwback: Randy Crawford ~ Everything Must Change

"Everything Must Change" is a timeless classic. - In life, everybody sings this song, if they live.

"Everything Must Change" is one of those songs that if an artist dares to mess this up when performing it, there will be no forgiveness for sins. Nope!! The song police will be called by me and I will demand that they are arrested! STOPPED!!!




* Randy Crawford – who could never sing any song in a way that would displease anybody – sang this song and stamped it in my memory. Nobody has a voice like this woman.

* My husband found a rendition by the late but still awesomely great Nina Simone.

* Found a duet performance with the inimitably soulful Chaka Khan and unquestionably soulful Simply Red.

They can all relax. Will not have to call the song police for any of them.


  • IN MEMORY OF:  Nina Simone (1933 – 2003)














Entertainment: Music: Throwback: I Don't Wanna Fight ~ Tina Turner

I admire Tina Turner. She was a strong soul sista. There came a time in her life when she was a “turning point”. She is a role model for women who are in abusive relationships. She shows them what they need to do. Especially if children are involved. I liked this song because I can feel Tina's heart and soul in it when she sings it. Her heart was bleeding and she knew the best way was to just move on. She picked up the pieces and walked off!!



Image credit:
Tina Turner Wallpaper by eltonandtinafan, on Flickr


In my opinion, “All the Best – The Hits” and “Simply the Best” are her “best”! 



She is retired now and for your information, she performed her last concert in Austin, Texas, my current hometown.  I did not attend but according to those who did, she was Tina Turner all the way to the end!!  :)









Gifts for Music Lovers : Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics

Gifts for Music Lovers: Duke Ellington Album: Far East Suite





Entertainment: Music: Throwback: It Came From the '90s: Janet Jackson (Reblog)

This is a great blog with a great blog post.  The link that the blog publisher meant to share was to a music video for one of my favorite Janet Jackson songs.  Unfortunately, the video in the post is no longer available.  But the post along with its content is available and it's a really good read.  Check it out!  (I found the YT video and put it in this post.)





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Photo credit: By Rich Esteban - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link




20 January 2020

Entertainment Blogs: World Music - the Music Journey

Do you enjoy world music? So do I. I used to work in our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. There were two music stores within walking distance from my job, and they were a favorite place to spend my one hour for lunch break. Haven't been in D.C. since 1995 and the name of the stores escape me. But I do remember that they both had a wonderful world music section. In Texas, when we used to subscribe to cable TV, there was a show called “Musical Passport” that we watched often. Took you all around the world showcasing great music!
 



Currently, I work from home so I don't get out much to browse the stores anymore. Also, we no longer have cable TV. Sure I could shop online but don't always know who to look for. My significant other combs YouTube and finds all kinds of new artists. But I don't have the patience to do that. I have, however, stumbled across a blog that specializes in introducing its readers to musical artists from around the world: Germany, Greece, Mali, South Africa, Canada, Hungary, France, Caribbean and on and on and on. You can search this site by names of artists, by countries and/or by genres. As of March 2017, it had over 4000 followers. Their posts date back to 2011. The last post is dated December 2015.  They have so much variety, it makes me dizzy. But I love it!! Why don't you visit? If you love world music, you'll love this blog!

To put it in their words:
Join us on our musical adventure on www.xworldmusic.wordpress.com

If you see the banner below, you should be at the right site.
(Hope they don't change their banner.)



* * Cmoneyspinner Around the Web * *

* * * Fascinating Fact:



02 January 2020

Jazz, America's Original Art Form ~ Cool Tweets for Where to Find Great Jazz!

"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world."
- Ahmad Alaadeen















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* * * Do you know of any other sites where great jazz can be found?  Leave a comment.

03 November 2019

Gift for Music Lovers: Aretha Franklin is Still Queen

Aretha Louise Franklin 

(Mar 25, 1942 – Aug 16, 2018) 

“The Queen Of Soul”


"When it comes to listening to the undisputed Queen of Soul, no persuasion is needed. ... Her vocal performances never disappoint."

Con't reading ...

Gifts for Music Lovers : Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics






Inner Life of Music

© Photographer: Agsandrew | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Aretha Franklin birthplace at 406 Lucy Avenue ... 
Aretha Franklin birthplace at 406 Lucy Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. (Snow flurries in the pictures.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


01 August 2019

Women in History : The Story of Santa Lucia

Awesome find resulting from my “one thing leads to another” Internet travels. Searching for HUBs written by fellow freelance writer and blogger, Susan Duffy on HUBPages, and clicked the link on her profile which led me to her website, Senior at Large In a Sicilian Kitchen (published at susanduffy.com).  Her writings are impressive.  And … she’s from  Australia!  Never been there.  It’s on my bucket list.  But have crossed paths online with some really cool people who live there.


Image credit:  Lucy Before the Judge By Lorenzo Lotto, 1523–32 - Self-scanned, Public Domain, Link


Have you ever heard performers sing the song "Santa Lucia"?  I have heard it performed but never knew who the woman or that she was, in fact, a real person.  Just read a horrific story about a woman who is now honored as Santa Lucia.  Her remains were finally laid to rest in Siracusa (Syracuse).  “Venice was home to her for so long that the gondoliers’ song “Santa Lucia”, originally from Naples, has become part of that city’s identity.”

Santa Lucia












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15 June 2019

Your Song Lyrics Equal Your Money

Advice for budding new artists:
You Wrote the Song – You’re Entitled to the Money. 

Those aren’t the exact words the man said but he sure did drive his point home.

Your Song Lyrics Equal Your Money



03 May 2019

Hindi or Indian Entertainment ~ Yuvvraaj (2008) ~ Hurray for Bollywood Music!!

There was once a wonderful community on Google Plus called “Bollywood (Hindi/Indian) Music”.  Members are asked to share Hindi/Indian music they like or love.  G+ shut down April 2019, but the community was deleted even before that.  Nevertheless ...

Hurray for Bollywood Music!!


Two videos were submitted by me to the now-defunct community.  The music was actually American songs that had been performed by famous Bollywood stars.

Shahrukh Khan performed a timeless classic “Stand By Me”; and 

Priyanka Chopra performed, "In My City", a collaborative crossover effort with hip hop all-star Will I. Am.

The truth is, at the time, there were so many songs and so much music from Indian films that I've enjoyed it was difficult to choose.  But I finally settled on one.

The video below is a clip from a movie - Yuvvraaj.

The stars are Salman Kahn, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor. All of the music for this film is incredible! But this performance by Anil Kapoor is unbelievable!!





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