Good Friday afternoon, dear friend. Today I'm going to share 5 facts about Memorial Day, although these five facts may not be on the weird side I'm still going to share them here.   It was originally called Decoration Day. After the Civil War, people decorated soldiers' graves with flowers, leading to the name. It may have started as a celebration of African American freedom. In 1865, formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina, held a ceremony to honor fallen Union soldiers, reburied them, and sang songs of freedom. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance because of a poem—Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields after seeing poppies growing on battlefields during World War I. This inspired the tradition of wearing poppies to honor fallen soldiers. Some families used to picnic in cemeteries—In the early days of Memorial Day, people would gather at gravesites to honor loved ones, sometimes bringing food and spending the day there. The holiday wasn’t official until 1968—Despite being widely observed, Memorial Day only became a federal holiday with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend, friend, take care, and GOD bless.   ... View more

Good Friday afternoon, friend. Welcome to This Day In The History Of Music. Today I want to give a special Birthday wish to my overall favorite music artist, Jewel Kilcher, who turns a young 51 today. Happy Birthday, Jewel, and may GOD bless you with many more. Enjoy the read. 1) On this day in 1921, Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake's musical revue Shuffle Along was a musical composed by Eubie Blake, with lyrics by Noble Sissle and a book written by the comedy duo Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles. One of the most notable all-Black hit Broadway shows, it was a landmark in African-American musical theater, credited with inspiring the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s. 2) On this day in 1960, the Everly Brothers started a five-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Cathy's Clown'. which also spent seven weeks at No.1 in the UK. It became the Everly Brothers' biggest hit single and their third and final US chart topper, selling eight million copies worldwide. 3) On this day in 1964, Ella Fitzgerald became the first artist to have a hit with a Beatles cover when her version of 'Can't Buy Me Love' entered the UK chart. 4) On this day in 1969, the British rock group The Who released the double-album rock opera, Tommy. Commercially, the record went Gold in the UK and Double Platinum in the US. Several of the songs were released as singles that charted in the Top 20 in both the UK and the US. Its success signified a breakthrough for the band and elevated The Who to a world-class touring and studio band. The album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, representing about a fifth of their total records sold. 5) On this day in 1970, Paul McCartney's debut solo album, McCartney, started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart. Apart from Linda McCartney's vocal contributions, McCartney performed and recorded the entire album solo. The album featured 'Maybe I'm Amazed', which Rod Stewart and the Faces featured on their 1971 album Long Player. 6) On this day in 1970, The Beatles' 12th and final studio album 'Let It Be' started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK chart, featuring 'The Long And Winding Road', 'Across The Universe' and the title track. 7) On this day in 1970, The Grateful Dead played their first gig outside the US at 'The Hollywood Rock Music Festival', in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, England. Also appearing at the festival were Free, Ginger Baker's Air Force, Colosseum, Family, Black Sabbath, and Traffic. 😎On this day in 1973, Jefferson Airplane was prevented from giving a free concert in Golden Gate Park when San Francisco authorities passed a resolution banning electronic instruments. The group later wrote 'We Built This City' about the ban. 9) On this day in 1974, George Harrison  announced the launch of his record label, 'Dark Horse.' 10) On this day in 1982, the UK Musicians Union passed a resolution to ban synthesizers and drum rhythm machines from sessions and live concerts, fearing that their use would put musicians out of work. 11) On this day in 1987, twelve former members of the Doobie Brothers reunited for a charity concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The show raised $350,000 for Vietnam veterans, about two thousand of whom attended the show for free. 12) On this day in 1991, Photographer Michael Lavine took what would be the publicity shots for Nirvana's Nevermind album at Jay Aaron Studios in Los Angeles. The idea for the front cover shot of the baby swimming was taken after Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl saw a TV documentary on water babies, and was taken by Kirk Weddle. Several babies were used; five-month-old Spencer Eldon's photo came out best. 13) On this day in 2000, Eminem released his third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP. It debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, staying atop for eight consecutive weeks, and went on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide. The album is one of the most groundbreaking and controversial albums in the history of American music. The Marshall Mathers LP has been named on several lists of the greatest albums of all time and is widely regarded as Eminem's best album. 14) On this day in 2002, winners at the 47th Ivor Novello awards included Dido for Songwriter of the Year, and the best song went to U2, 'Walk On.' Kylie Minogue  won The Dance Award and Most Performed Work and International Hit for 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head.' Hear 'Say won Bestselling UK single for 'Pure And Simple'. Mick Hucknall won Outstanding Song Collection, and Kate Bush was awarded Outstanding Contribution to British music. 15) On this day in 2006, the King of Sweden presented the surviving members of Led Zeppelin with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, recognising them as "great pioneers" of rock music. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones were joined by the daughter of drummer John Bonham, who died in 1980. The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, manager of Swedish pop group ABBA, who named it after his record label, Polar Records. 16) On this day in 2007 American singer-songwriter Paul Simon receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. 17) On this day in 2010, The Rolling Stones scored their first UK No.1 album in 16 years with the re-release of their classic 1972 double LP Exile On Main Street. The album, which was first released in 1972, had been reissued with previously unheard tracks. Their last No.1 album was 1994's Voodoo Lounge. 18) On this day in 2014, the parents of a camera assistant who was killed after being hit by a train while shooting footage for a biopic about Gregg Allman were suing the musician and the film's producers. The case claimed film-makers "selected an unreasonably dangerous site for the filming location" and failed to take actions to adequately protect the crew. 19) On this day in 2019, Richard Ashcroft regained rights to his song ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ after more than two decades. The Verve singer lost the rights to his most recognisable song, which ended up in the possession of The Rolling Stones ’ Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Released in 1997 on Urban Hymns, the track sampled The Rolling Stones’ song ‘The Last Time’, using a composition by Andrew Oldham, and became the centre of lawsuits, which saw Ashcroft stripped of rights and royalties. 20) On this day in 2024, Lauryn Hill's iconic debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, is ranked No. 1 on Apple Music's 100 best albums of all time list.  Born On This Day In The Music World: 1) Born on this day in 1696, Johann Caspar Vogler, German composer and organist, was born in Hausen, Schwarzburg-Arnstadt. Best known for his connection to Johann Sebastian Bach. Born in Hausen near Arnstadt, he studied under Bach from 1706, when Bach was the organist there. He later continued his studies in Weimar under Bach from 1710 to 1715, during which time he copied Jacques Boyvin's organ works.  2) Born on this day in 1897, Fred Guy was an American jazz banjo player and guitarist. He was raised in New York City and played with Joseph C. Smith's Orchestra before joining Duke Ellington's Washingtonians in the early 1920s. He transitioned from banjo to guitar in the early 1930s and remained with Ellington's orchestra until 1949. After retiring, he moved to Chicago, where he ran a ballroom for twenty years. Sadly, he passed away on December 22, 1971.  3) Born on this day in 1910, Scatman Crothers, born Benjamin Sherman Crothers from Terre Haute, Indiana, was an American actor, musician, and voice artist. He started his career as a musician, playing guitar and drums in speakeasies before forming his band in the 1930s. His nickname "Scatman" came from his scat singing, which became a defining part of his musical style. Crothers had a prolific career in film and television, appearing in movies like The Shining (1980), Silver Streak (1976), and Bronco Billy (1980). He was also a well-known voice actor, lending his voice to Hong Kong Phooey, The Transformers, and The Aristocats, where he voiced Scat Cat. He was close friends with Jack Nicholson, appearing in four of his films, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and The Shining. Crothers passed away on November 22, 1986, in Van Nuys, California, due to lung cancer. 4) Born on this day in 1928, Rosemary Clooney, American singer who came to prominence in the early 1950s with the novelty hit 'Come On-a My House', which was followed by other pop numbers such as 'Botch-a-Me', 'Mambo Italiano', and 'This Ole House'. She died on 29th June 2002. 5) Born on this day in 1934, Robert Moog, inventor of the synthesiser. He built his first electronic instrument, a theremin, at age 14 and made the MiniMoog, "the first compact, easy-to-use synthesiser" in 1970. He died on 21st Aug 2005 at his North Carolina home aged 71, four months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. 6) Born on this day in 1939, Marvin Stamm is an American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player known for his versatility and technical skill. He started playing trumpet at age 12 and later attended North Texas State University, where he was part of the renowned One O'Clock Lab Band. His career took off when he joined Stan Kenton's Mellophonium Orchestra (1961–1963), followed by a stint with Woody Herman (1965–1966). He gained recognition playing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (1966–1972) and Benny Goodman (1974–1975). In the 1970s, he became a sought-after session musician, recording with artists like Paul McCartney, Bill Evans, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, and Freddie Hubbard. He played the flugelhorn solo on "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" by Paul McCartney. In the 1980s, Stamm shifted focus back to jazz, performing with John Lewis' American Jazz Orchestra, Bob Mintzer Band, and Maria Schneider's ensemble. He has also been a member of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra since 2002. His discography includes albums like Machinations (1968), Stampede (1983), and Bop Boy (1991). 7) Born on this day in 1943, Norman Johnson (General Johnson), Chairman of The Board, who had the 1970 UK & US No.3 single, 'Give Me Just A Little More Time'. He also wrote the Grammy Award-winning 'Patches' for Clarence Carter (Jerry Reed also recorded a country music cover version). Johnson died on October 13, 2010, in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. 😎Born on this day in 1953, English rock guitarist Rick Fenn, best known for being a member of 10cc since 1976. He has also collaborated with Mike Oldfield, Rick Wakeman, and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. 9) Born on this day in 1967, Philip James Selway, drummer with Radiohead. Their 1993 debut single 'Creep' was initially unsuccessful, but it became a worldwide hit several months after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey. Their 1997 album OK Computer appeared in many 1997 critics' lists and listener polls for best album of the year. 10) Born on this day in 1973 (Gerald) Maxwell [Rivera], He is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is widely credited with helping to popularize neo-soul in the late 1990s alongside artists like Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu. His debut album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite (1996), was a breakthrough, earning critical acclaim and spawning hits like "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" and "Sumthin' Sumthin'". His follow-up albums, Embrya (1998) and Now (2001), both achieved platinum certification, with Now debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200. His 1999 single "Fortunate", featured on the Life soundtrack, became his highest-charting song. After an eight-year hiatus, Maxwell returned with BLACKsummers'night (2009), which won two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. His 2016 album BlackSUMMERS'night continued his success, featuring the single "Lake by the Ocean". Over his career, he has won three Grammy Awards, six Soul Train Music Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards. Maxwell's music blends R&B, neo soul, and progressive soul, and he is known for his smooth falsetto and sophisticated production. 11) Born on this day in 1974, Richard Jones, bassist from Welsh rock band Stereophonics, who had the 2001 UK No.5 single 'Have A Nice Day'. Their 1999 UK No.1 album, Performance and Cocktails, spent 97 weeks on the UK chart. 12) Born on this day in 1974, Jewel Kilcher. She is an American singer-songwriter, poet, author, and actress. She grew up in Homer, Alaska, where she performed alongside her father, Atz Kilcher, developing her distinctive folk-influenced style. At 15, she earned a scholarship to the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she studied operatic voice before transitioning to songwriting and guitar. Her debut album, Pieces of You (1995), became one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, going 12 times platinum. It featured hits like "Who Will Save Your Soul," "You Were Meant for Me," and "Foolish Games." She followed up with Spirit (1998) and This Way (2001) before experimenting with dance-pop on 0304 (2003) and country music on Perfectly Clear (2008), which topped the Billboard Country Albums chart. Beyond music, Jewel has published poetry, acted in films like Ride with the Devil (1999), and won Season 6 of The Masked Singer as Queen of Hearts in 2021. She is also a dedicated activist, founding Higher Ground for Humanity in 1998 and launching the Never Broken initiative to support emotional wellness. 13) Born on this day in 1983, Heidi Range, singer who was an original member of Atomic Kitten and then joined The Sugababes, who had the 2003 UK No.1 single 'Hole In The Head'. 14) Born on this day in 1983, Jennifer Bellor, an American orchestral and jazz composer. Known for her unique fusion of jazz, classical, and contemporary orchestral music. She was born in northern New York State and has gained recognition for her evocative compositions that blend rich harmonies with storytelling elements. Her works have been performed by ensembles like the Washington National Opera, Lviv Philharmonic, Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and American Composers Orchestra. Bellor’s music often incorporates jazz-infused harmonies, and she has released several acclaimed albums, including: Stay (2016) – A genre-blending album inspired by poetry. Reflections at Dusk (2019) – Instrumental music inspired by Nevada sunsets. Oneira (2022) – A collaboration with the percussion quartet Clocks in Motion. Long These Days (2024) – A concept album featuring art songs and instrumental interludes. She has also composed for opera, with her work Duffy’s Cut premiering at the Kennedy Center. Bellor holds a Ph.D. in music composition and serves as an assistant professor at UNLV, where she teaches composition and directs the Nextet contemporary music ensemble. Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend, friend, take care, and GOD bless.       ... View more

@Rxnin It sounds like you might be thinking of "What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani. The lyrics include the phrase "What you waiting for?"  Have a blessed night. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

The music that Pandora puts together is amazing. @AdamPandora with new music that has just come out, @Pandora with Mental Health Awareness Month, adding great melodies for people who are struggling with Mental Health to find some escape with music. Then you, @AlyssaPandora, @ErickPandora, along with @TannerPandora adding music challenges for the Community to participate in, adding a way for all to get to know each other through the music we love and appreciate. Thank you, @Pandora, for creating a wonderful place for us to make friends and meet new members. Take care and GOD bless.  ... View more

  Good Thursday morning, dear friend, welcome to This Day In The History Of Music. Enjoy the read. 1) On this day in 1836, St. Paul (in German Paulus), Op. 36, is an oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn. The composer oversaw versions and performances in both German and English within months of completing the music in May 1836. The libretto  "after words of holy scripture" was begun in 1832. The composer, with pastor Julius Schubring, a childhood friend, compiled passages from the New Testament, chiefly the Acts of the Apostles, and the Old Testament, as well as the texts of chorales and hymns, in a polyglot manner after Bach's model. The composition of the music started in 1834 and was completed in May 1836. 2) On this day in 1900, Edwin Scott Votey was an American businessman, inventor, industrial designer, and manufacturer of pianos and organs. He worked in the organ field all his adult life and had over twenty patents. He invented or co-invented several inventions for World War I. One was a pilotless airplane that was going to be used to drop bombs on the enemy, but was never used. He invented the first practical piano player in 1895. It was a cabinet-like box mechanism attached to a conventional piano that automatically played the piano. It was foot-operated and played a song through a programmed perforated paper roll. The mechanism was given the name Pianola and was made commercially available to the public in 1898. The original was given to the Smithsonian Museum. 3) On this day in 1961, "Mother-in-Law" is a 1961 song recorded by Ernie K-Doe. It was a number-one hit in the U.S. on both the Billboard Hot 100  chart and the Billboard R&B chart. The song was written and produced by Allen Toussaint, who also played the piano solo. It was issued by Minit Records. After several unsuccessful takes, Toussaint balled up the composition and threw it away as he was leaving the room. One of the backup singers, Willie Harper, thought that it was such a good song that he convinced K-Doe to give it one more try. 4) On this day in 1965, The Beatles went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Ticket To Ride', the group's eighth US No.1. The American single's label declared that the song was from the United Artists release Eight Arms to Hold You. This was the original title of the Beatles' second movie; the title changed to Help!  after the single was initially released. 5) On this day in 1971, the Rolling Stones' album Sticky Fingers started a four-week run at No.1 on the US charts, the group's second US No.1 album. The artwork for Sticky Fingers, which, on the original vinyl release, featured a working zipper that opened to reveal cotton briefs, was conceived by American pop artist Andy Warhol. The cover, a photo of Joe Dallesandro's crotch clad in tight blue jeans, was assumed by many fans to be an image of Mick Jagger. The album also features the first usage of the "Tongue and Lip Design" designed by John Pasche. 6) "Julie and Jackie: How Sweet It Is" is a music and comedy variety special that aired on May 22, 1974, starring Julie Andrews and Jackie Gleason, featuring skits and musical performances celebrating Gleason's career. Jackie Gleason plays "The Poor Soul" and "Joe the Bartender", and a "Honeymooners" skit with Julie playing Ed Norton. These two work well together. This is probably the last time that Gleason did his pre-Ralph Kramden characters. This special was produced specifically for the American market (with Jackie Gleason's famous catchphrase making up half the title). Because Gleason was not as well known in England at the time, the program was re-titled "Julie Andrews and Jackie Gleason...Together" when it was shown on British television three months after its US broadcast. To get to London to make this special, Jackie Gleason flew by airplane for the first time in twenty years. 7) On this day in 1976, Wings started a five-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Silly Love Songs', McCartney's fifth US No.1 since leaving The Beatles. Paul McCartney had often been teased by music critics as well as former Beatle and friend, John Lennon for writing lightweight songs, and he wrote this number in response.  😎 On this day in 1991, Swedish group Ace Of Base started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All That She Wants', a No.2 hit in the US. 9) On this day in 2005, Dave Matthews Band were at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Stand Up.' The album entered the chart at No.1 with sales of 465,000. Features the singles 'American Baby,' 'Dreamgirl,' and 'Everybody Wake Up.' 10) On this day in 2014, Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie was honoured with a lifetime achievement at this year's Ivor Novello songwriting awards. McVie played with Fleetwood Mac for 28 years and wrote some of their most famous songs, including 'Don't Stop' and 'Little Lies'. Other winners at the ceremony in London included London Grammar, The Chemical Brothers, and Nile Rodgers. 11) A guitar that Elvis Presley was given by his father sold for $334,000 (£230,000) at an auction in New York. It was thought that Vernon Presley changed the finish on the Gibson Dove to black after his son earned a black belt in karate. Presley later gave the guitar to a fan during a concert in North Carolina in 1975. Auctioneers Julien's also sold John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for The Beatles ' 'Being For The Benefit of Mr Kite!' for $354,400 (£244,000) and a red neoprene vinyl jacket which Michael Jackson wore for his 1996-97 HIStory world tour, which sold for $256,000. 12) On this day in 2017, A suicide bomb attack outside an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena killed at least 22 people, including children, and was carried out by a lone suspect carrying a bomb, Manchester Police said. 13) On this day in 2023, A blue plaque was unveiled at Bristol Hippodrome to mark the spot where Eddie Cochran performed his last ever gig. The American Rock and Roll star was just 21 when he performed there. On the final night of his residency, he was travelling back to Heathrow Airport to catch a flight home to America when he was killed in a car crash. He died from the injuries he sustained in the crash just outside Chippenham on 17 April 1960. Born On This Day In The Music World:  1) Born on this day in 1722, Johannes Schmidlin, Swiss composer, born in Zürich, Switzerland (d. 1772) 2) Born on this day in 1813, Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig  [Germany]—died February 13, 1883, Venice, Italy) was a German dramatic composer and theorist whose operas and music had a revolutionary influence on the course of Western music, either by extension of his discoveries or reaction against them. Among his major works are The Flying Dutchman (1843), Tannhäuser (1845), Lohengrin (1850), Tristan und Isolde (1865), Parsifal (1882), and his great tetralogy, The Ring of the Nibelung (1869–76). 3) Born on this day in 1924, Charles Aznavour, French singer, actor, public activist, and diplomat, famous for his 1974 UK No.1 single 'She'. He was one of France's most popular and enduring singers and was dubbed France's Frank Sinatra, selling more than 180 million records, recording more than 1,200 songs (interpreted in nine languages), and he wrote or co-wrote more than 1,000 songs for himself and others. On 1 October 2018, Aznavour was found dead in a bathtub at his home in Mouriès at the age of 94. 4) Born on this day in 1930, Kenny Ball, English jazz musician, best known as the bandleader, lead trumpet player and vocalist in Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, who had the 1961 UK & US No.2 single 'Midnight In Moscow'. Ball died on 7 March 2013 at Basildon Hospital, Essex, where he was being treated for pneumonia. (Side Note On This Day and Wikipedia have Kenny Ball born in 1930, This Day In Music has him born in 1931)  5) Born on this day in 1950, Bernie Taupin, English lyricist, poet, and singer, and Elton John's long-time songwriting partner. Rod Stewart, Cher, The Motels, John Waite, Starship, and Alice Cooper have all recorded his songs. In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement placed in the UK music paper New Musical Express by Liberty Records, a company that was seeking new songwriters. Elton John responded to the advertisement, and the pair were brought together. 6) Born on this day in 1955, Iva Davis, singer-songwriter, musician from the Australian rock band Icehouse, who had the 1983 UK hit single 'Hey Little Girl'. Their best-known singles on the Australian charts were 'Great Southern Land', 'Crazy', and 'Electric Blue'. 7)  English singer, songwriter Steven Morrissey from The Smiths, who scored the 1984 UK No.10 single 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles. As a solo artist, he scored the 1988 UK No.5 single 'Suedehead' plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles. Widely regarded as an important innovator in the indie music scene, he has also attracted media attention for his advocacy of vegetarianism and animal rights. 😎 Born on this day in 1981, Su-Elise Nash, from British girl group Mis-Teeq, who had the 2001 UK No.2 single 'All I Want' and seven consecutive top-ten singles. Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Thursday morning, friend. Here are the next three songs for GSOTD for today. Enjoy the music. Hip-Hop: My Projects by Coo Coo Cal. In “My Projects,” Coo Coo Cal reflects on his experiences growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, where opportunities were scarce, and the odds seemed stacked against him. The song serves as a platform to express the frustration, pain, and perseverance he and countless others have encountered in their journey to overcome adversity.  Pop/R&B/Soul: With Love by Christina Grimmie. With Love is the first full-length album by American singer Christina Grimmie, two years after her debut EP Find Me  (2011). The album was released on August 6, 2013, and was first announced through her YouTube channel. To support the album, Grimmie toured as one of the opening acts on Selena Gomez's Stars Dance Tour on US and Canadian dates. While the album was made independently, Maker Music handled the internet sales worldwide. After With Love, Grimmie recorded many more song ideas in the studio. She released the EP Side A  in early 2016. Christina Grimmie was tragically murdered on June 10, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. She was shot while signing autographs after a concert. Her passing was a heartbreaking loss for the music community and her devoted fans.  Folk-pop/Singer-Songwriter: Goodbye Love by Liz Longley. Liz Longley was born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a musical environment that deeply influenced her passion for music. She graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied songwriting. Her early exposure to music has shaped her career, leading her to perform in various clubs and festivals throughout the northeastern United States. After moving to Nashville in 2011, Longley quickly made a name for herself in the competitive music scene. Her debut album, released in 2013, showcased her distinct voice and songwriting talent, earning critical acclaim.  Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Wednesday afternoon, welcome to GSOTD. Here are today's selections. Enjoy the music. Pop Soul and Adult Contemporary: Run performed by Leona Lewis. "Run" is a song by Northern Irish–Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol, released in the United Kingdom on 26 February 2004 as the second single of their third album, Final Straw (2003). "Run" has been covered by multiple artists, including Leona Lewis, who released it as a single in November 2008. Her performance received critical and commercial success, topping the charts of Austria, Ireland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, where it became the fastest-selling download ever, selling 69,244 copies in just two days. Country Pop: Just A Fool by Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton. The song peaked at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 on December 8, 2012. It spent a total of two weeks on the chart. Just A Fool was written by Claude Kelly, Wayne Hector  & Steve Robson.  Christian Contemporary/ Country: Hard Fought Hallelujah (with Jelly Roll), Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll.  Originally released by Contemporary Christian trailblazer, Brandon Lake, as a solo track in November 2024, ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ exploded into a viral hit in subsequent weeks. Following this, Lake decided to reimagine the dramatic, faith-filled anthem into a powerhouse duet with Jelly Roll, with their collaborative rendition arriving on February 7th, 2025. It's a soaring, stirring reflection on the internal battles and struggles that can foreshadow the euphoric breakthrough of belief, with Jelly Roll powerfully explaining in a pre-release conversation with Brandon Lake how ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ had inspired the ‘Need a Favor’ crooner to start worshipping again in a way he hadn't in years. Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless.   ... View more

Good Wednesday morning, friend, welcome back to This Day In The History Of Music. Enjoy the read. 1) On this day in 1892, Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera "I Pagliacci" premiered at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan. Pagliacci (Italian pronunciation: Players, or Clowns), sometimes incorrectly rendered with a definite article as I Pagliacci, is an opera consisting of a prologue and two acts written and composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo. It recounts the tragedy of a jealous husband in a commedia dell'arte troupe. It is the only opera of Leoncavallo that is still widely staged. Pagliacci premiered at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan on May 21, 1892, conducted by Arturo Toscanini with Adelina Stehle as Nedda, Fiorello Giraud as Canio, Victor Maurel as Tonio, and Mario Ancona as Silvio. Nellie Melba played Nedda in London in 1892, soon after its Italian premiere, and in New York in 1893. 2) On this day in 1955, Chuck Berry recorded 'Maybellene' at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago, Illinois. The song, adapted in part from the Western swing fiddle tune 'Ida Red,' is said to be one of the first rock and roll songs. The track became Berry's debut single in July of this year, and it peaked at No.5 on the US chart. 3) On this day in 1960, Leontyne Price became the first African American to sing the lead at Teatro alla Scala in Milan in "Aida". Mary Violet Leontyne Price is an American spinto soprano who was the first African American soprano to receive international acclaim. From 1961, she began a long association with the Metropolitan Opera. She regularly appeared at the world's major opera houses, including the Royal Opera House, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and La Scala; at La Scala. 4) On this day in 1966, The Castiles (with Bruce Springsteen on vocals) appeared at Freehold Regional High School in New Jersey. They were performing at their high school for the very first time. All five members of the band were Juniors at Freehold High School. 5) On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix signed with Reprise Records on the US Warner Brothers label. They released the guitarist's album Are You Experienced? Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland. 6) On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released the protest single Ohio, written and composed by Neil Young in reaction to the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard shot unarmed college students. The guardsmen fired 67 rounds over 13 seconds, killing four students and wounding nine others, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis. 7) On this day in 1971, Marvin Gaye released his eleventh studio album, What's Going On. The concept album, consisting of nine songs, tells the story from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing only hatred, suffering, and injustice. What's Going On is regarded as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history, and one of the greatest albums of the 20th century. 😎 On this day in 1977, Rod Stewart  was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the double A-sided single 'I Don't Want To Talk About It / First Cut Is The Deepest.' The Danny Whitten song 'I Don't Want To Talk About It' was also a UK No.3 hit for Everything But The Girl in 1988. 9) On this day in 1977 Stevie Wonder  started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with his tribute to Duke Ellington, 'Sir Duke', his sixth US No.1, it made No.2 in the UK.  10) On this day in 1981, Nesta Robert “Bob” Marley received a state funeral in Jamaica, which combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition. He was buried in a chapel near his birthplace with his red Gibson Les Paul (some accounts say it was a Fender Stratocaster). In 1977, Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma; he died as a result of the illness in 1981. 11) On this day in 1983, David Bowie went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Let's Dance', featuring blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. It was Bowie's first single to reach number one on both sides of the Atlantic. The music video was made by David Mallet on location in Australia, including a bar in Carinda in New South Wales, featured Bowie playing with his band while impassively watching an Aboriginal couple’s struggles against metaphors of Western cultural imperialism. 12) On this day in 1988, Prince  scored his first UK No.1 album with 'Lovesexy.' The cover (based on a photo by Jean Baptiste Mondino) caused some controversy upon release as it depicts Prince in the nude. Some record stores refused to stock it or wrapped the album in black. 13) On this day in 1988, Wet Wet Wet and Billy Bragg were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with With a Little Help from My Friends and 'She's Leaving Home.' The two Beatles  songs had been recorded for the childLine charity, sales of the single, which spent four weeks at No.1 on the UK chart, were over £600,000, all of which was donated to ChildLine.  14) On this day in 2006 Madonna played the first of three sold out nights at The Los Angeles Forum in California, the first dates on her Confessions Tour. The 60-date tour grossed over $260 million, becoming the highest grossing tour ever for a female artist.  15) On this day in 2011, Adele went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Rolling In The Deep', taken from her second studio album, 21. The video to the song was nominated for seven MTV Video Music Awards, and 'Rolling in the Deep' was also the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Number One Single of 2011. And on 12 February 2012, 'Rolling in the Deep' received three Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video. 16) On this day in 2013 American singer-songwriter Carole King receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize at the White House in Washington, D.C.  17) On this day in 2015, Black Sabbath received a lifetime achievement prize at the Ivor Novello songwriting awards. Guitarist Tony Iommi picked up the trophy, confirming the heavy metal band would embark on their "final tour" next year. Ed Sheeran was named songwriter of the year, and Annie Lennox was awarded the fellowship of the British Society of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) - the society's highest honour. 18) On this day in 2016, Nick Menza, a former drummer in the heavy metal band Megadeth, died after suffering a "massive heart attack" on stage, while performing with his band, OHM, in Los Angeles. 19) On this day in 2024, Geffen Records announced that Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, continued to smash records three years after its release. It had become the all-time highest-streaming album by a female artist on Spotify with over 12.3 billion streams to date. Rodrigo’s first single from Sour – 'Drivers License' earned the largest global weekly streaming debut on Spotify and became the first track to surpass 1 billion global streams in 2021. Born On This Day In The Music World:  1) Born on this day in 1633, Joseph Chabanceau de La Barre was a French composer, notably of the air de cour. Died 6 May 1678, in Paris. 2) Born on this day in 1904, Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller. He wrote such jazz standards as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and earned fame for his comedic radio performances in the 1930s. While returning home from another West Coast trip in late 1943, he contracted bronchial pneumonia, an illness that silenced the beloved and influential jazz great for good during a stop in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 15, 1943.  3) Born on this day in 1916, Dennis Day. Actor, Singer, Comedian. Born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty in New York City, from the 1940s through the 1970s, he was a popular figure in feature films and on television. He began his career as a singer-comedian on NBC Radio in the 1930s and recorded "I Never Knew Heaven Could Speak," which he distributed to various radio producers himself. In 1939, he joined the staff of the popular radio show "The Jack Benny Show" and appeared in the Benny film "Buck Benny Rides Again" (1940). His other film credits include "Music in Manhattan" (1944), "Melody Time" (1948), "Golden Girl" (1951), and "The Girl Next Door" (1953). In addition to having his TV program, "The Dennis Day Show," he also appeared on "The Jack Benny Program," "The Bing Crosby Show," "Burke's Law," "The Lucy Show," and "Love American Style." He died in Brentwood, California, at age 72. 4) Born on this day in 1923, Doris Mae Akers. She was an American gospel music composer, arranger, and singer who is considered to be "one of the most underrated gospel composers of the 20th century [who] wrote more than 500 songs". Known for her work with the Sky Pilot Choir, she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. She learned to play the piano by ear at age six and wrote her first song, "Keep the Fire Burning in Me," when she was ten years old. Akers died on July 26, 1995, in Edina, Minnesota. 5) Born on this day in 1948, Gerard Hugh Sayer (Leo Sayer) in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex in England,  At the height of his commercial fame during the 1970s, he performed mainly disco and soft rock and helped define that era with such smash hits as "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "When I Need You." In 1970, he met British singer, songwriter, and producer David Courtney, and they began writing songs together. Along with many of Sayer's hits, they co-wrote such songs as "Giving It All Away," which became Roger Daltrey's first solo hit in 1973. Courtney also served as Sayer's co-producer and co-manager with former pop star and teen idol, Adam Faith. Sayer made his debut on the U.K. charts in 1972 with "The Show Must Go On," which reached #2 and went gold shortly thereafter. This Sayer/Courtney-penned song was later made famous in the U.S. by Three Dog Night. Sayer then went on to have six more hits through 1977 that also made the U.K. Top 10. Sayer made his debut on the U.S. charts in 1974 with the Sayer/Courtney-penned "One Man Band" (not to be confused with the same-named 1970 hit by Three Dog Night). He had his first Top 10 hit the following year with "Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)," also co-written by Sayer and Courtney. The peak of Sayer's chart success began in late 1976 when he scored two consecutive chart toppers, first with the disco-styled "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" followed in early 1977 by the romantic soft rock ballad, "When I Need You," which also topped the U.K. charts. Both songs are included on his critically acclaimed and platinum-certified 1976 album, "Endless Flight." Sayer's long string of hits throughout the remainder of the decade also included "How Much Love" (1977), "Thunder In My Heart" (1977), "Easy To Love" (1977), and "Raining In My Heart" (1978). He began the 1980s on a high note with his cover of a 1961 Bobby Vee hit, the Sonny Curtis/Jerry Allison-penned "More Than I Can Say," which topped the Adult Contemporary charts and made the Pop/Rock charts Top 5. Sayer's final U.S. chart entry came in 1981 with "Living In A Fantasy." 6) Adam Wade Gontier, lead singer and guitarist from the Canadian rock band Three Days Grace. The band has a string of No.1 songs on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart. 7) Born on this day in 1985, Mutya Buena, singer with British girl group Sugababes who had the 2002 UK No.1 single, 'Round Round'. In 2006, British Hit Singles & Albums named the Sugababes as the most successful female act of the 21st century with six UK No.1 singles and eighteen UK top ten hits. Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless.         ... View more

@MariaPandora Thank you for your thoughtful message—it means a lot. That social experiment you described is such a Fear may be present, but it shouldn’t stop us from moving forward. I’m really glad my post could offer a bit of motivation, and your response gave me a new perspective as well. Keep pushing forward, and know that every step, no matter how small, counts. Wishing you strength and courage in all that you do. Have a blessed day, take care, and GOD bless.  ... View more

@humm, I like your idea. I get my local concert information from Bandsintown.com. They inform you of all concerts in your area for the current calendar year. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Sunday afternoon, dear friend. Need a little humor to brighten your Sunday? Well, let's see if this will do the trick.  My wife looked a little down and out, so I asked her what was bothering her. She said she thinks she made a life-altering mistake, so I told my wife she should embrace her mistake. So, she rushed toward me and hugged me. Have a blessed day, friend. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Sunday morning, dear friend.  "You’ll never know the outcome unless you take the risk to move toward your goal. Fear and risk are intertwined—fear whispers doubts, urging you to stay still, while risk offers the chance for growth. But remember, fear loses its grip the moment you step forward in faith. The breakthrough you seek may be just beyond the leap you’re afraid to take." Have a blessed day, friend, take care, and GOD bless.   ... View more

Good Friday afternoon, friend,  "Struggles often stretch beyond our own capabilities, but we must never let what we cannot do overshadow what we can do. When we fixate on our limitations, the burden grows heavier, making the challenge feel insurmountable. Yet, by embracing what is within our power—no matter how small—we lighten the load and make the journey more bearable. Strength is found in action, no matter how modest. So today, focus on what you can do, and let that be enough." Have a blessed day, take care, and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Friday afternoon, friend. We have all heard about the dangers of hurricane winds hurling glass and other debris into the air, but have you heard about a planet doing that? Well, check out this weird and true fact, my friend. There's a planet where it rains molten glass sideways. HD 189733b, a planet 63 light-years away, has scorching temperatures and vicious winds that hurl molten glass across the atmosphere. Imagine the weather forecast: "Fiery shards with a high chance of extreme discomfort." This super-hot glass rain is just one consequence of the proximity between the gas giant alien planet HD189733b and its sun. which causes daytime temperatures to soar as high as 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (930 degrees Celsius), scientists said. (Source comes from On Giant Blue Alien Planet, It Rains Molten Glass | Space Have a blessed day, take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Friday morning, friend. How about we start the weekend with a good laugh or perhaps just a smile? This is a blonde joke, so please don't take it to heart if you are a blonde. A dairy farmer tells his two daughters, “I’m retiring. I don’t have much to leave you, but if you’re willing and able, the dairy farm is yours.” The older sister turns to her younger blonde sibling. “Sis, I know we can make it work. Are you in?” Her sister nods. “Of course! I’m with you.” “Great,” the older sister says. “The first thing we need is a strong bull from a good bloodline to keep our herd strong. I’ll take what money we have and go a few states over to buy one. When I call, you need to bring the truck and trailer to pick us up. Can you do that?” “You bet I can!” The older sister heads out and finds the perfect bull. But when she arrives, the seller tells her the price has gone up. After some hesitation, she agrees to the higher price and buys the bull—but now she’s broke. She asks where she can call her sister, and the seller directs her to the only place in town with an old wire service. She steps up to the window and requests a message to her sister: “Sis, I got the bull. Come pick us up with the truck and trailer.” The clerk nods. “That’ll be $20.” “Twenty dollars?! I only have $2—I spent everything on the bull!” “Well,” the clerk replies, “for $2, you get one word.” “One word?” she sighs. “Okay, fine. Send this: ‘Comfortable.’” The clerk frowns. “Comfortable? How is your sister supposed to know to come get you with the truck and trailer from that?” The girl grins. “She struggles with big words. When she pronounces it, she’ll say it real slow... ‘Com-for-the-bull.’” Have a blessed weekend friend. Take care and GOD bless.   ... View more

@AdamPandora, it is an amazing story, friend, and come full circle it did. Thank you for your friendly reply and support.  Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

@MariaPandora Thank you, dear friend, for the Birthday wish and your great support.  Have a blessed day. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

Good Thursday morning, dear friend. Today I'm going to share with you a short story that is amazing, true, and one that stands out to me about my grandfather Albert Carkees Sr.  Faith in the Mud My grandfather, Albert Carkees, was a man of deep faith. Born in Bethlehem, Israel, he immigrated to the United States and built a life rooted in hard work and belief. He loved watching the Evangelist Billy Graham on television whenever he had the chance. No matter the situation, he always leaned on his faith first. One day, while out in the fields with his farm tractor spreading manure, he hit trouble—his tractor sank deep into a mud hole. Stuck and alone, he headed back to the farm for help. But luck wasn’t on his side—his sons were either away at work (Jr, was picking up milk from other farms) or school, and his second eldest, Eddie, was serving in Vietnam. Standing in the field, ankle-deep in mud, my grandfather realized something—he had one more option. One that should’ve been his first. Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees in the thick mud and started praying, asking God for help in getting his tractor free. Before he could even finish his prayer, his neighbor, Howard, happened to drive by and saw him kneeling there in the field. Pulling over in his pickup truck, he called out, "Hey Albert! What on earth are you doing on your knees in the mud?" "I'm praying," my grandfather answered. "Asking God to get my tractor and spreader unstuck." Howard laughed. "Praying isn’t going to get you out of that mud hole, my friend. It’s going to take more than that, I’m afraid." My grandfather smiled, unfazed. "The hell it isn’t—you’re here, aren’t you? And I have a chain for you to hook to your truck hitch, so let’s get moving and start pulling!" Howard shook his head, but did as he was asked, and together they pulled the tractor free. Years later, when Howard had sold his farm and turned to logging, I had the privilege of working alongside him. Once he realized who my family was, he took me under his wing, teaching me everything I needed to know about logging and running equipment. One day, he brought up the story himself—the day he’d seen my grandfather stuck and praying in the mud. And in that moment, he told me something that stuck with me forever: "Ever since that day, I never picked on your grandfather or anyone else I’ve seen praying."   I believe faith works in ways we don’t always expect. And whether you believe in God or not, a friend who prays for you is a true ally—someone who sees your struggles and intercedes on your behalf. So today, I just want to encourage you—prayers are answered. Sometimes, they come in the form of a friend pulling up in a pickup truck when you need them most.  Have a blessed day friend. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more

@amendez, great post, and very interesting one as well. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts. Take care and GOD Bless. ... View more

@amendez, thank you, friend, for the birthday wishes and for the posts that you also create here in the Pandora community. Have a blessed evening, friend. Take care and GOD bless. ... View more