In recent weeks we’ve lost some talented musicians, and as a lover of ALL types of music I’d like to pay tribute to them here.
First up is Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. “Are You Ready?”
Stone was a musician, songwriter and record producer who truly made music a “Family Affair.”
Together the group gave us a beat that allowed us to “Dance to the Music,” and that added to our “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” It took us “Higher” than we thought we could go, where “Everyday People,” even an “Underdog” like me — yes, “Everybody Is A Star” of their own show, all in the name of “Fun!” Stone’s musical talent was explosive like “Dynamite!” To him I say, “Thank You” for lettin’ me be myself!
Another music legend we lost recently is Brian Wilson, who was a singer, songwriter and record producer for The Beach Boys.
The carefree style of this music sends out nothing but, “Good Vibrations” and is instantly recognizable in a way that can only be described as “Fun, Fun, Fun!”
When I was younger I’d often sit “In My Room” and listen to these songs over and over again. To me, they spoke of simple things like “The Warmth of the Sun” and “Girls on the Beach.” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” if we could go back to a time when things were SO much simpler than they are today?
Maybe one of their songs reminds you of a special friend. “Barbara Ann,” for example, reminds me of a very special lady who volunteers at The Contributor.
I also personally know three sisters named Sandi, Robbie (short for Roberta) and Sheryl who are good friends of mine and are indeed “California Girls,” though Sandi now lives in Tennessee and has for several years.
Maybe at some point in your life, you cried out in a time of need, “Help Me Rhonda” to a friend of yours who bears that name. The song reminds me of my former brother-in-law’s girlfriend Rhonda, who he dated for 10 years! I’d say he needed help with making a commitment, but the truth is his mother DID NOT approve of the relationship.
Could it be that Wilson’s music prompted you to learn a new skill like “Surfin?” This could be done locally like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” or maybe if you’d prefer something a little more exotic you could go on a “Surfin’ Safari.” I must say I truly admire those folks in particular because even when they “Wipeout,” they get right back on the board and “Do It Again!” Or maybe you’d rather be a “Surfer Girl” like Sandra Dee in the Gidget movies, but I suppose you have to be of a certain age to remember that.
Perhaps sailing is your thing. Well, all I can say is, “Sail On, Sailor!”
Wilson’s music can inspire you to take a trip even if only in your mind, and although I don’t drive, ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you “I Get Around” all the time, although it’s DEFINITELY not in a “Little Deuce Coupe.” It’s usually by way of Access on Demand (a service provided by MTA). Though that is a local service limited to Davidson County, make no mistake, I’ve done my share of “California Dreamin’!”
After hearing the song “Kokomo,” who doesn’t immediately want to go on a vacation to one of the exotic locations mentioned in the song?
“God Only Knows” why Brian Wilson left us when he did, but I’m sure if we were to ask him he’d say, “Don’t Worry Baby,” everything will turn out alright, and he’d be right because as long as “I Can Hear Music,” his legacy will live on.
Sadly, we also lost Wayne Lewis, one of the founding members of Atlantic Starr. Although he may not be as well known or as popular as the singers mentioned earlier in this article, Atlantic Starr had a “Masterpiece” or two of its own, and for that reason, “You Deserve The Best!” While their music IS NOT what I would call “Rock & Roll”, their smooth R&B sound could transport you to a different place and time and make you wonder, “Am I Dreaming?”
Similarly if you’ve somehow lost your way, this music can “Bring It Home Again.”
Atlantic Starr knew all along what it takes many of us a lifetime to learn, and honestly, some of us NEVER do — “If Your Heart Isn’t In It” life isn’t worth living!
You can rest in peace knowing that “I’ll Remember You” and I’m sure other music lovers will too, “Always!”
As you read this piece, hopefully it will bring ALL those memories to mind, and who knows, maybe you can make a few new ones along the way!
Even as I was writing this piece, I learned about the death of yet another influential musician: Mick Ralphs. You may not know him by name — I know I didn’t — but I DO know the group he was associated with. He was a vocalist and guitarist for Bad Company.
The hard core songs lyrics of Bad Company no doubt spawned many of their fans to indulge in their “Rock & Roll Fantasies.” By the way they went about their lives, they showed countless others how to “Live For The Music” while at the same time warning the consequences of leading such a lifestyle acknowledging they were “Bad Company” and would be “until the day they die.” Whether this was meant to be literal or figurative is left for the listener to decide.
The lyrics they chose were designed to vividly describe EVERY aspect of a relationship. “Love Me Somebody” is a simple ballad that describes the desire to have someone love you just as you are, but even when you feel you are “Ready For Love,” and you find someone who you think “This Could Be The One,” the lyrics remind us how difficult it can be to open our heart to someone new after we’ve been hurt. You may find yourself thinking, “Don’t Let Me Down.” Then when you’re sure you’ve discovered that “someone special,” you just “Can’t Get Enough,” and that stirs even stronger emotions and you “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
At this point in the relationship, you’re feeling “Rock Steady” until you discover all that “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” which serves as a reminder to us all about what happens when love doesn’t go according to plan, and once again, you find yourself “Movin’ On”.
Like the artists mentioned earlier in the article, Ralphs gave us music that helped shape our lives. Though he may be “Gone, Gone, Gone,” his music will continue to live on!