We Got Lucky To Have Tom Petty

Man, it has been a really sad year with respect to titans of the music world.

In recent months, we have lost David Bowie, Prince, Glenn Frey, Glen Campbell and now Florida's own Tom Petty.

It was this weekend, with the nation reeling from the evil terrorist act in Las Vegas, we learned of the passing of Petty.  Given the news, his loss was not given proper credence.

The entire story of the rise of Tom Petty is astounding.  The music he gave us was wide ranging, soulful and uplifting.  Most of the tunes he wrote and remade were sing along songs, which helped solidify the close relationship he had with his legions of fans.

Of those mentioned above who we have lost, I had occasion to see my favorites among them, Campbell, Frey and Petty, live.

The body of work of Tom Petty is lengthy, but my three favorite TP & The Heartbreakers tunes are as Petty often put it; MACH 1 Heartbreakers. Here they are:

1.  She's A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)
 
2.  You Got Lucky

 
3.  American Girl

 

Heaven Has A New Kid In Town

Eagles Co-founder Glenn Frey

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of husband, best friend, father, comrade, and Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2016. Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide. Cindy Frey • Taylor Frey • Deacon Frey • Otis Frey, Don Henley • Joe Walsh • Timothy B. Schmit • Bernie Leadon • Irving Azoff"

Glenn Frey, co-founder of the Eagles, died today at the age of 67.

As TMZ reported, "Glenn co-wrote and sang most of the Eagles hits, including "Take It Easy," "Tequila Sunrise," "Lyin' Eyes," and "Heartache Tonight," to name a few. He also co-wrote "Hotel California" and "Desperado" with Don Henley and took home 6 Grammys with the band. After the Eagles' 1980 breakup, Glenn launched a successful solo career, recording numerous hits ... most notably "The Heat Is On" and "You Belong to the City." Glenn also got into acting, snagging a recurring role on "Miami Vice" recording the hit Smugglers Blues for the show.

For most, the power of the Eagles rested with either Frey or Dan Henley, both of whom were superstars, along with Uncle Joe Walsh, on their own.

While, of course, I am fans of both Henley and Walsh, I preferred the material from Frey. Among my favorite Eagles songs which highlighted Frey were "Lyin Eyes" and "A New Kid in Town".



The Eagles have a boatload of great songs; they were simply tremendous and without question one of America's top super groups.

Three songs from his solo career are among my favorites. Two are from the Miami Vice material, "You Belong to the City" and "Smuggler's Blues", but my favorite is a ballad from his first solo album called "The One You Love".



Damn it man. I am very saddened to learn of the death of Glenn Frey.  Heaven has a new kid in town.

Travel Safe, Have Fun and Take It Easy. RIP Glenn Frey.

Sunday Night Song

Who are the Occupy Wherever protesters? It is a widening collection of village idiots with global associations.

When you get past the radical left, the peacenicks, CAIR, ACORN, the Socialists and the Communists, you find a youthful contingency lacking in the skill set, complete with hard work ethic, integrity and competitiveness, to achieve the success they desire. This is the same group where everyone got a trophy in little league.

These folks think that rewards come without paying the necessary price, and when these rewards are not forthcoming, they are victims. Hence, they demand wealth transformation. Somehow, they think they are deserving. God forbid they put in the work and still come up short!

I grew up wanting to win The Heisman Trophy. I got over it.

Decisions made have consequences. If you graduated from say, Cornell, with a degree in Liberal Arts specializing music of the Orient and have $50,000 of tuition debt, it would be logical to assume a high paying job does not await your graduation and you may find difficulty is satisfying that debt. Perhaps a more suitable major should have been selected?

Instead of camping out, get a job; any job. Rather than claiming your a victim, chart your own path. In fact, quit bitching. The big bad world doesn't owe you a thing! Get Over It!

From Don Henely and The Eagles, a Sunday Night Song message for the protesters:

Get Over It!

Sunday Night Song

It is week two of my new feature, Sunday Night Song, where I highlight a favorite tune of mine.

With the Eagles hitting Orlando Tuesday night, it seemed rather obvious to choose one of the many great tunes this fantastic group of musicians have put out. Glenn Frey and Don Henley are the two leaders of the group, which also includes Uncle Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit. The Eagles have been going since the early seventies, so there is an extensive list of tunes to choose from. While I like them all, I do seem to favor the influence of Glenn Frey. With that in mind, here is "New Kid In Town" from Glenn Frey and the Eagles. Hopeless romantics, here we go again!