Category Archives: Music
Carol Channing at 92
From the New York Times: “When I’m working, I’m happy, like practically every actor I know,” said Ms. Channing, who makes appearances at benefits and for public-school arts programs and was the subject of “Larger Than Life,” a 2011 documentary. … Continue reading
Hal Blaine: Drummer Extraordinaire
Fifty years ago this month, “Be My Baby” was released. The Ronettes sang it, Phil Spector produced it, but what everyone who’s ever heard it will never forget is the most memorable downbeat in popular music and the break near the end … Continue reading
Jerry Jemmott: 40 Years as a Soul Bass Player
“Chances are, if you’re listening to a Soul hit from back in the day, you’re listening to Jerry Jemmott. In his prolific career spanning over 40 years, the bassist’s work helped shape the Atlantic Records and Muscle Shoals sounds. He … Continue reading
Wayne Shorter at Newport Jazz Fest
Saxophonist and influential jazz composer Wayne Shorter will be 80 on the 25th of this month. His celebrations include an appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival. Click here to hear an 80-minute performance with Herbie Hancock at Newport and click here … Continue reading
Muslim and Jewish Algerian Musicians Reunite After Fifty Years
“A chance encounter between a tourist and a mirror maker in an Algerian bazaar led to the reuniting of Jewish and Muslim musicians — friends who’d been apart for 50 years. Now they’re touring the U.S.” Click here to read … Continue reading
Jerrie Thill: Drummer Extraordinaire
On this blog, we don’t usually post about people who’ve passed on, but this video of 91-year-old drummer Jerrie Thill (1917 – 2010) was irresistible. “Thill began playing professionally at 18, working as a drummer, singer and bandleader in Chicago. She … Continue reading
A 92-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Makes a Touching Donation
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by donating musical instruments to under-funded music programs. Generous individual donors provide their beloved instruments when the time seems right. We were touched by Rina Stone’s story: “The violin … Continue reading
