So What - Miles Davis & John Coltrane

And now for some substance after the fluffy sweetness of the last video I posted. I'm a day late (go figure), but in honor of Miles Davis's birthday, here is Miles and Coltrane with So What. Turn your speakers up and enjoy!

(And by the way, Coltrane is my next jazz portrait. Stay tuned for that!)

mmmm....cheese.....

Okay, here's the deal: I don't care if it's saccharine coated bubblegum with a side of Velveeta. It's bouncy, makes my head bop, and it just plain makes me happy!

Ry Cooder Dark End of the Street

I am wild about this song! And particularly this version of this song. I found other versions on youtube, but nothing comes close to this one. It's just beautiful. I'd love to know who the singers are.

Look out Lady GaGa! Sixth-grader sings Paparazzi

Thank you Lena Horne

When I think of Lena Horne I can't help but think of the the racism that she encountered being an African American performer in the first half of the 20th century. What she endured, I can only imagine. Somehow she even found the nerve to refuse to be cast in stereotypical acting roles such as maids. She was a pioneer.
But when I think of Lena Horne I also think of her in the second half of the last century. I think of the guest spots she did on the shows of my childhood; Sanford and Son, The Cosby Show and Sesame Street are the ones that spring to mind. Fred Sanford and Heathcliff Huxtable both loved Lena!
I found this video of her on Sesame Street today, and had to share it. It's thought provoking version of It's Not Easy Being Green with Kermit:



She had such grace, strength and sophistication. Check out this video: could she sell a song or what? Very inspirational.