Not A Perfect Day As Rocker Lou Reed Takes His Last Walk On The Wild Side

Lou Reed - Monday 2 March 1942 Brooklyn, New York to Sunday 27 October 2013 Southampton, New York

Today guitarist and singer Lewis Allen “Lou” Reed died. A founding member of The Velvet Underground and a solo artist, Lou’s music career spanned fifty years. The only time I saw Lou in concert was on Friday 15 September 2000 at the Cirque Royal in Brussels, Belgium. It was the European Fall leg of his 2000 Ecstasy World Tour. I don’t remember specifics about the concert (though I did sit next to a nice Dutch-speaking man), however, I enjoyed it immensely. Here is the set list for that concert:

Paranoia Key of E - Turn To Me - Modern Dance - Ecstasy - Smaltown - Future Farmers of America - Turning Time Around - Romeo Had Juliette - White Prism - Rock Minuet - Mystic Child - Tatters - Set the Twilight Reeling - Baton Rouge - Busload of Faith - Dirty Blvd. - Sweet Jane - Perfect Day - loureed.es/live2000.htm

The one Lou Reed song that I’ve heard most often is “Sweet Jane”. Why that particular song you ask? Well, when I lived in Worcester, Massachusetts, I had friends who published a literary magazine called The Apple. And to support the magazine, “Apple” parties were held. They were lots of fun – food, beverages, dancing and a live band. I’ve forgotten the name of the band, but the leader was a guy named Donny and the parties always ended with his rendition and unique performance of Lou’s “Sweet Jane”. Since I went to “Apple” parties often, I heard “Sweet Jane” often. A most enjoyable memory! So in tribute to Lou Reed and to a blast from the past, I present “Sweet Jane”. Lou, I’m sure all your days are perfect wherever you are. Rock on Reed!



Top of post: Front of my personal Ecstasy Tour t-shirt

Multi-Talented and Multi-Troubled Singer Whitney Elizabeth Houston Dies On Eve Of The 54th Grammy Awards

Whitney Elizabeth Houston – Friday 9 August 1963 Newark, New Jersey to Saturday 11 February 2012 Beverly Hills, California

World Will Always Love Whitney

Images:
Left: Whitney Houston from the website Whitney-Houston-Fans.blogspot.com
Center: Whitney Houston from the website photos.express.ge
Right: Whitney Houston from the website userserve-ak.last.fm

The Blues Sound A Little Bluer Today With The Passing Of Award-Winning Singer Etta James

Etta James – Tuesday 25 January 1938 Los Angeles, California to Friday 20 January 2012 Riverside, California

At work KKJZ is our radio station of choice and on this day of her death, the station played a number of Etta James’ songs in tribute to her life. I never had the pleasure of seeing her in concert, but I have always felt deeply for her song “At Last”. The song resonates with me and gives me hope in the possibility that my love will eventually find me. Thank you Etta for all the music!



Images:
Left: Etta James from the website newsone.com
Center: Etta James from the website afrobella.com
Right: Etta James from the website yaare.com