Over the years, October 3rd just happens to be another one of those days that seems to have a lot going on. So, for everyone who takes the time to read today’s post, you will get an eight course Ted Tocks special. Like every buffet, there should be something here for everyone’s taste.
To begin, early rock and roll pioneer, Eddie Cochran was born on this day in 1938. Here is a look back at a feature I did focusing on his classic song ‘Summerime Blues’
On this day in 1967 the legendary songwriter Woody Guthrie passed away after a lengthy battle with Huntington’s Chorea.
I have featured Woody Guthrie on a handful of occasions. The wisdom contained in his lyrics is awe inspiring and the endless influence his songs have had for about eight decades is almost unsurpassed in the history of music.
‘Deportee’
‘Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad’
The great American poet, political activist and generally speaking all around amazing human being, John Perry Barlow was born on this day in 1947. Barlow is perhaps best known for his role as songwriter for the Grateful Dead. Where Robert Hunter often worked with Jerry Garcia, John Perry Barlow partnered with Bob Weir on many Dead favourites. To a lesser extent, he also worked with Brent Mydland. Beyond that, Barlow led a fascinating and impressive life, dabbling in numerous exploits. He lived seventy years, but he jammed about 150 years of living in that time span. Here are two posts featuring John Perry Barlow songs. ‘Cassidy’ delves into a very brief summary of his extraordinary life, while ‘I Will Take You Home’ puts his heartfelt capabilities as a songwriter on full display.
This busy day continues with two remarkable guitarists. Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame turns 71 today. Here are some features including his work.
‘Rhiannon’
‘Dreams’
Five years later Stevie Ray Vaughan was born and eventually played a role in revitalizing the blues. Vaughan was well known in his native Texas for well over a decade before gaining worldwide notoriety as a guitarist. Through the ‘80s until his tragic death in a helicopter crash, Stevie Ray Vaughan was widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists alive. Here are some features that include Stevie Ray Vaughan.
‘Taxman’
On this day, or more accurately night in 1992 Sinead O’Connor ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live. This was a response to sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and the unending chain of corruption related to their cover ups. While children all over the world suffered, the Pope turned a blind eye. Enabler! Sinead, who was a victim of physical and emotional abuse as a child, determined she had seen and heard enough, and spoke out to a captive audience. In the firestorm that ensued NBC was fined $2.5 million by the Federal Communications Commission. Ironic, when you consider in present day the United States has a ‘President’ who incites violence and hatred on a daily basis, while network television gives him a platform. Never, has there been any real pushback. Hmmmm?
Here is the video of Sinead O’Connor making her point using the Bob Marley song ‘War’ as the foundation. Read along. If every student in every school worldwide had to say this before starting their day, maybe the world would be a better place. Choose your indoctrination.
Until the philosophy which hold one race superior
And another
Inferior
Is finally
And permanently
Discredited
And abandoned
Everywhere is war
Me say war.That until there no longer
First class and second class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man’s skin
Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes
Me say war.That until the basic human rights
Are equally guaranteed to all,
Without regard to race
Dis a war.That until that day
The dream of lasting peace,
World citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued,
But never attained
Now everywhere is war – war.And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes
That hold our brothers in Angola,
In Mozambique,
South Africa
Sub-human bondage
Have been toppled,
Utterly destroyed
Well, everywhere is war
Me say war.War in the east,
War in the west,
War up north,
War down south
War – war
Rumours of war.And until that day,
The African continent
Will not know peace,
We Africans will fight
We find it necessary
And we know we shall win
As we are confident
In the victoryOf good over evil
Bob Marley – War
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
I featured Sinead O’Connor and her well known cover of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ a while back. This is a song written by Prince, but definitely revitalized by the controversial Irish singer. I will always hold her in the highest regard for her talent, and for her courage. Most of all, I respect her for standing up for what is right, and the truth is, she is right.
Next up is the legendary Tom Jones. We shall call him Sir. A shout out to my friend Krystal here. I should have listened to you, but I am making up for lost time…
On this day in 1999 Tom Jones went to #1 in the United Kingdom for his album ‘Reload’. I have noted on several occasions that Sir Tom is a Ted Tocks gold mine and a talent that I had never given the proper attention. By writing this blog I was frequently exposed to his great work which include a couple from ‘Reload’ and a few others. Here they are.
So, there you have ten Ted Tocks featuring Tom Jones. Three of these features were from ‘Reload’. I marvel at his versatility. He is still somewhat active at age 80.
Unfortunately, we are closing on a sad note, but through music and memories we will focus on the positive. It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years since the music world lost Benjamin Orr of The Cars. He was only 53 years old when he died of cancer.
‘Drive’
Like I said, October 3rd is a busy day in music history. In this post I was able to focus on eight significant events. There were actually several others that got left on the table. By my count there are 31 songs here, so like every buffet, you can take what you want and enjoy.
By the way…I miss buffets.
Ted Tocks Covers 