Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, and Olivia Newton-John's Unreleased Recording

An All Star collaboration that never made it past the studio: Producer David Foster with Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, and James Ingram. The number: What About Me? You might say "Wait a minute! That's a Kim Carnes trio recording, not Olivia!" And you'd be right and wrong. The single was released in 1984 with Carnes, but it was originally recorded with Olivia instead and never gone public. Rumors circulate that it will be on Olivia's next posthumously released album of duets. Some say it was never recorded at all. I think the proof is in this photo, don't you?

Pieces of Olivia's Legacy

Quite a stunning piece of eye candy, isn't it? Throughout each season of her life, Olivia Newton-John was always presented by her label in the most fetching of ways even if some photographs or music didn't always stand the test of time. The song itself is an 80's tune: frantic, lively, and ultimately a lot of fun but not one that is timeless. 

While out for a visit back home, my wife directed me to a large stack of vinyl as we were helping my recently widowed mother-in-law clean up/ clear out some belongings. These singles stood out to me (as did a copy of the Carpenters "Live at the Palladium" disc.) Which of her six children had such similar musical tastes? Hmmm.

As for The Best of Me, superstar producer David Foster set his sights on being an artist and more than a successful man behind the scenes. His voice on this 1986 release is adequate but not much more. Regardless, Olivia is as lovely as ever and the song ever more timeless. Certainly it will reflect a legacy of popularity and excellence. The song itself made the rounds as Kenny Rogers covered it as well. 

No, I didn't bring any of the finds home as my luggage was limited. But it got me to thinking, what will my kids take from my large collection of music and Disney memorabilia when I pass away? Some of it really is quite valuable as evidenced by what things sell for on e-bay. My legacy should be more than the things I enjoyed. What will yours be?

My Very Own Grown Up Christmas List

As I sit and reflect on the year that has passed, I see so much pain and loss. Maybe you do as well. Yet, I can still truthfully say "Merry Christmas to You!", and I mean it. In that spirit, and in no particular order, I offer my very own Grown Up Christmas List (with thanks to David Foster who wrote it and folks like Amy Grant, Natalie Cole, or Michael Bublé whose versions I love):

• A Peaceful United States During 2020: Election years are truly the worst since the Clinton days. Instead of civilly discussing issues, all parties and most voters seem to be willing to spew hatred toward each other, further damaging a country clearly divided. 

• An End to Hunger and Religious Persecution: If you read the Bible, you know this will not happen until Jesus returns to the earth. In the meantime, consider bringing food and hope to children around the world. It's too late to send gifts for Operation Christmas Child, but you can always sponsor a child through Compassion International. What a joy to help feed a child who is probably homeless and most certainly needy. You can go deeper and help those who face hardship and death because they are Christians in a nation where they are severely marginalized or tortured because of their faith. Open Doors is one of the best ministries to support. In the 1930's, Jews were being persecuted, and few stood up to the Nazis until millions had been executed. That is a fact, not fiction. Don't look the other way until a group you are part of suffers.

• More Family Friendly Entertainment: I get so tired of movies and television shows I cannot watch with my family! Filthy language is never needed to convey a character's thoughts or emotions. Violence can be tempered and discreetly shown or implied. And I do not want to see what happens in someone's bedroom. Period. The grooming of children toward a more animalistic nature is something horrible, and make no mistake, we will be judged for our words and actions. 

• An Awareness of God's Love: Can you imagine your life projected onto a screen for all the world to see? I would be so ashamed of some of the things I've done! Wouldn't you? Although God Himself is holy, pure, and righteous, He is also merciful and loving to those who come to him and express their remorse and brokenness, choosing to follow Him and live by the standards He designed the world by. His love drove him to send His Only Son to the cross to die for the sin we all deserve punishment for. No one gets a pass. We all have to answer to Him. Heaven for those who follow and trust. Hell for the rest. It was created for angels who rebelled against Him, and those who choose to reject God's great gift. It's your choice. Is this too blunt? The truth is watered down all too frequently. 

• Joy to the World: There's joy in the comfort that only Jesus Christ brings. All else is temporary at best. May the whole world stop- if just for one day- to enjoy a respite of peace, love, hope, and joy.

Merry, Merry, Christmas to You and those you love!

Whitney at Her Best

Whitney Houston in her heyday. The still amazing soundtrack to The Bodyguard may not be a full ten selection set, but it represents the incredible vocalist in her finest moments. From the iconic I Will Always Love You to the finest ballad she ever recorded, I Have Nothing, Whitney shows pure star power and why, at her zenith, no one could stop her. The hit film with Kevin Costner once proposed for Diana Ross and Ryan O'Neal. Imagine how different the soundtrack would have sounded.

If you think in her early days that Whitney's vocals were a trick of the studio magicians, think again- and watch the video below.

Turning New Tricks

Taking an old and tired but respected torch song and turning it into the next James Bond 007 theme is just one trick in Michael Bublé's latest bag. His Cry Me A River startles after hearing the same tune recorded by Olivia Newton-John a few years back on her Indigo disc. Who could ever have guessed the song could sound like this! An instant favorite once the jolt wears off.

The disc brims with cuts expected like Georgia on My Mind, which would do Ray Charles justice, and the title song orginally recorded by Van Morrison. However, it is the unexpected choices and arrangements that make the collection stand out.

Haven't Met You Yet surprises with its horn section similar to that found on Fleetwood Mac's Tusk. The following two songs move this album into greatness: All I Do is Dream of You sparkles while the gorgeous Hold On picks up on the relationship where his classic Home left off.

One of the biggest acts of magic is David Foster's production. Just when you think Michael needs a new producer and all you'll get another stylistic retread from past albums, David pulls off a remake of the Eagle's classic Heartache Tonight with such pananche. It's enough to make the listener think the tune always had this much swing. As fun as the arrangement and production are, it is the vocals of this new age Rat Packer that takes it to a new level.

The fun continues on- including an old song from Sandra Bullock's movie Two Weeks Notice: Baby (You've Got What it Takes) sounds absolutely terrific. The unexpected island influenced vocals on Startdust also startle, but ultimately the song is not as successful as with the opening cut. Lastly, the bonus cut, Whatever It Takes with Ron Sexsmith, surprises with its bromance anthem- maybe crossing over as a blatant bid for play at gay clubs. It is, in fact, a very tender song of hope with their voices playing beautifully against each other. Right about now, whether straight or gay, we all need a little hope.

In a tight economic market, gaining new listeners may be the biggest trick of all- and with a #1 debut on the Billboard charts, Crazy Love has just enough magic moments to pull it off.