A Night To Remember: John Joins John Onstage

"I'd like to thank Elton and the boys for having me on tonight."

So said John Lennon on November 28, 1974 as he intro'ed the last of three songs he sang at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Months before, as Elton John and John Lennon had guested on each other's albums, Elton asked John if he would appear on stage with him in the event that John's single "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," became a #1 song. Lennon, who had never had a #1 solo hit, figured, what the hell, and agreed.

On November 16, the song was on top of the Billboard charts and twelve days later John Lennon would make the last live concert appearance of his life.

Today, let's taste the songs he sang that night, thirty-eight years ago.

"Whatever Gets You Through The Night"
"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds"
"I Saw Her Standing There"

All these years later, the thought of what might have been still breaks my heart.
But today we celebrate what was.

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A Legend is Born: That's All Right

Growing up, I was not a huge Elvis fan. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the music..it was more that he wasn't the Beatles.

I was really young when the Beatles literally, opened up a world I barely knew existed. That world was rock and roll. Elvis was already having an impact, but I was just a little too young and missed those early years. As the years went by, I'd watch him on TV, hear him on the radio and finally appreciate the man and his music.

Fifty eight years ago today, Elvis released his first single, and this boy from Memphis was on his way to becoming a legend.

A quick taste today of that song which started it all. Written by Arthur Crudup in 1946...

"That's All Right"  Elvis Presley

And that's how you do it son.

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I feel fine...listen and you will too

One note of bass, bring in the guitar...so begins "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles.  Loved that beginning from the first time I heard it.  As my first true musical influence (am I really that old...indeed  I am) The Beatles induced an internal joy rarely matched by other things in life...yes, music.


In January 1965, "I Feel Fine" was Number 1 on the Billboard chart.  While not their most influential, important or celebrated song, it is just a refreshing delight.  Enjoy the taste.