Donna Summer: Gone But Not Forgotten

Ten years ago, Disco Legend Donna Summer passed away. But it was clear listening to the woman that she was so much more than a singer. When this was brought to my attention, I was shocked. I remembered reading about it, but how quickly time goes by! 

Interestingly, the world and the media has not forgotten her.  Author Greg Laurie has written a new book entitled, Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus: The Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll.  

The woman behind such hits as Last Dance, MacArthur Park, She Works Hard for the Money, and an iconic album produced by Quincy Jones of Thriller fame that carries her name, gets more than a passing mention. (You've got to read about the album here.)

Donna states: "I never stopped being a Christian. Being born-again is an affirmation that the person is going to make a personal effort to walk closer to God and bring Him into one’s life and start following His way. There are parts in your life where you can look back and laugh: “I can’t believe I did that; how could I have said that; where’s my head at?” I’m sad that all the running I did was only running; it didn’t get me anywhere. The spirit of rebellion in myself and in my songs would not let me rest. But I’ve chosen to stay in the world’s eye, to give a positive image. It’s a very spiritual and a very helpful place to be. I love it."  

Her legacy is passed on through her husband Bruce Sudano, and through the popular band Johnnyswim led by daughter Amanda Sudano and her husband Abner Ramirez. Even if you don't know them, you probably do: If you've ever watched Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines, it's their song that gets used over the opening scenes.

With a stage show dedicated to the story of her life, new music on its way, and a continued interest in music of decades past, Donna Summer is, as her autobiography was titled, No Ordinary Girl. May she rest in peace.

             

By the way, what's a Carpenters fan to like here? Check out Donna's version of the duo's hit Superstar, with piano backing by none other than Mr. Richard Carpenter himself.

The Beatles Carry That Weight

Were you a fan of Peter Jackson's epic Get Back? I was! There has probably never been as successful a songwriting duo as Paul McCartney and John Lennon nor a pop group as beloved. After all these years, The Beatles still rock. Here's another documentary that might be worth your time, The Beatles: Carry That Weight. 

The Beatles' epic Carry That Weight holds some harrowing lyrics-

"Boy, you're gonna carry that weight

Carry that weight a long time

Boy, you're gonna carry that weight"

The ups and downs up the group are an epic story with a rather tragic ending. Our own stories carry that same potential. The burden of life's difficulties and our shortcoming weigh heavily. I know they do on me when I fall flat on my face or think backwards about how I've fallen short. But there's hope. When the weight of sin is too hard to bear, Jesus alone offers the solution to the problem. His words echo in my ears, 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

These words found in the Bible's book of Matthew give me hope and an invitation to find lasting peace as I look to Jesus, God in the flesh whose sacrifice of death on the cross and resurrection from the dead bring me life as I accept Him as the payment due for my sin and turn away from it. The offer still stands two thousand years later. In this Christmas season, it's the gift of eternal life that is offered to you. Do you need it? Absolutely. Do you want it? The choice is yours.

Will Richard Carpenter Follow Elton John's Lead?

Elton John's massive Jewel Box, coming out Friday (pun intended for humor's sake), contains almost 150 rarities. 150! He's a pretty prolific artist, I'd say. He and Bernie Taupin wrote some of the most beloved songs of the 1970s. His Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album may even bar on par with the Beatles' best work. Here's hoping the release of this box will begin a trend.

As a major fan of the other iconic act from the 70s, Karen and Richard Carpenter, I can only hope that Richard is watching closely- and chooses to release a new box of his own. The style may be different from both Elton and the Beatles, and he and writing partner John Bettis were not nearly as prolific as John and Taupin or Lennon and McCartney, but Carpenters created their own legacy of incredible art. Karen's voice is still the purest from of the craft of singing. No one can compare. Not at 50 years since their biggest hit, Close to You. No one comes close. 

 

I Believe in Yesterday

While enjoying the Lufthansa film festival during a flight for work, I made the decision to watch Yesterday, a fantasy tribute to the Beatles. If you're a lover of the Fab Four or of music in general, this is truly worth your time.

Jack Malik is a hardworking but overlooked performer who discovers that the entire world has no idea who the Beatles are- except him. In a moment of weakness, he decides to further his career by performing their songs and claiming them as his own. As you'd imagine, this catapults him to fame and brings with it a host of problems.

Himesh Patel is perfectly cast with a pleasing voice and engaging presence, and Lily James is every bit as lovely as when she donned Cinderella's slippers. Don't be fooled by the ads- Ed Sheehan plays himself in more than a cameo, showing his fans he really can take himself with a grain of salt- and the film gives him some of the best one liners ever.

Paul McCartney must be pleased with this work of love, and so will you.

Yesterday: The Beatles Invasion- 50 Years

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Beatles invasion, here are just a few of my favorite tunes by the group that changed musical history:

• "I Saw Here Standing There"- I grew up on Motown, so unbelievably, I did not know the Beatles music as theirs until after 1970. This song, among the first I'd heard with knowledge, stands out for its playful, youthful vibe- the power of boy sees girl. And isn't that the fun part of Rock and Roll?
• "Day Tripper" - The opening notes are instantly recognizable, the melody sinks into your brain and never leaves. 
• "The Long and Winding Road" - Sentimental and symphonic, the pure emotion of the piece overwhelms me at times. If there was any doubt Paul McCartney and John Lennon would be legends, this puts the argument to rest.
• "Back in the USSR" - I just love to listen to this as I run! With its lyrical tongue in cheek tribute to the Beach Boys, the song is just Fun, Fun, Fun.
• "Yesterday" - no explanation needed, is there?

Best Beatles Remakes

Any music fan will have their own list, but here's mine, in no particular order:

"You Wont See Me" – Anne Murray.

Playful and fun. Better than the original!

"Got to Get You into My Life"- Earth Wind and Fire.

Snappy R&B, great guitar solo. I never get sick of hearing this one.

"Ticket to Ride"- Carpenters.

Karen and Richard's 1973 version is amazing, turning this upbeat pop smash into a slow boil heartbreaker. Another testimony to Richard's arranging skills and Karen's vocal power.

"We Can Work it Out"- Chaka Khan.

Searing vocals, red hot instrumentals. Makes Stevie Wonder's cover version look like warm milk.

"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - Elton John.

As freaky as the original.