Ending March: Gas, Trivia, Donovan's, First Theater Movie in Two Years 'The Godfather' and the Tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Gas at $3.90 ($3.89.9) in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and $4.40 in Illinois.  Went to Donovan's and played trivia.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

My first movie in a theater since February 28, 2020, (and, you-know-why).  Since this is the 50th anniversary of the release of the movie "The Godfather" and the Fox Lake Theatre was showing it, this seemed like a perfect time to go.  They're still charging $6 for matinees (and seniors) and I bought a large container of popcorn (still at $8, but at least you get free refills) to welcome me back and help support them.

These last two years have been quite hard on theaters.   I was expecting there to be a big crowd to see "The Godfather" but I was the only one there.  You might say I had my own personal showing.  That is one magnificent movie.  And, to have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.  Wow!!

Went home and enjoyed Margaritaville, the Ultimate Jukebox and four of the best basketball games in the Tournament that you can imagine.

Sure Good to be Back at the Movies.  --RoadDog

Today Is National Vietnam War Veterans Day

And, I am sorry to say, this snuck up on me.  It wasn't until I went to Granny's Diner in Johnsburg this morning and met up with the group from Sunnyside Tavern that someone mentioned it.  We had two Vietnam veterans there, George and Kevin.  

I thank you both for your service.

The McHenry American Legion in McHenry, Illinois, is having an open house for any and all Vietnam veterans today with sandwiches and thank yous.

My flag is flying today.

All my blogs except one today will be about the Vietnam War.

The Second St. Patrick's Weekend: That Great Tournament!! Margaritaville, Ultimate Jukebox, CB&C, Stucky's and the PLAV

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Yesterday was a great day for college basketball, especially with that St. Peter's (#15) upset of Kentucky (#2).  I had to loon up to find it where this college was.  It turns out to be in Jersey City, New Jersey, two miles from New York City. I don't like Kentucky at all.  

Anyway, it was just one upset or close game after another on Friday.  That's the way I like my NCAA Tournament games.  We didn't even go anywhere.  I just enjoyed my Margaritaville Bar in the basement.  I've got a fully stocked refrigerator, a TV in the corner of the bar and the Ultimate Jukebox (300 discs).

Why go anywhere else?

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Again, saw a bunch of games in Margaritaville before going to Stucky's in Johnsburg where we had the corned beef & cabbage (cb&c) dinners.  I sure wish we had cb&c dinners more often during the year besides just around this time.

Now, a perfect cb&c bite consists of equal parts corned beef and cabbage, heavily peppered and with a dash of horseradish and/or mustard.  But, I hate when I run out of corned beef or cabbage before the other.  Not cool man.

Had a great time watching the tournament games and singing karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

We were hoping to check out the newly remodeled McHenry American Legion, but there were too many cars parked outside it.  So ended up at the Polish Legion of American Veterans around the corner and had a great time as we know a lot of people there as well.

Afterwards, we found Stucky's was closed so went home and watched some more great Tournament games at Margaritaville.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for Week of March 27, 1972: 'I Gotcha'

That's right, fifty years ago.  Where does the time go?

1.  HORSE WITH NO NAME--  America

2.  MOTHER & CHILD REUNION-- Paul Simon

3.  PUPPY LOVE--  Donny Osmond

4.  HEART OF GOLD--  Neil Young

5.  I GOTCHA--  Joe Tex

6.  JUNGLE FEVER--  Chakachas  It was a wonder that they could play this song on the air.

7.  ROCK & ROLL LULLABY--  B.J. Thomas

8.  WITHOUT YOU--  Nilsson

9.  ROUNDABOUT--  Yes

10.  DOWN BY THE LAZY RIVER--  Osmonds

*******************************

DEBUTS

15.  CRAZY MAMA--  J.J. Cale

22.  DAYDREAMING--  Aretha Franklin

26.  TAURUS--  Dennis Coffey

28.  IN THE RAIN--  Dramatics

THE FAMILY OF MAN--  Three Dog Night

THE DAY I FOUND MYSELF--  Honey Cone

Quite an array of music here.  Stuff you don't hear all together on today's segmented stations.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Want To Live, I Want To Give, I've Been a Miner."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Heart of Gold"

The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 2: Blogs, Irish Music, Stucky's, Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Jim Seig and MargaritaO'ville

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Like I said in an earlier post, this St. Patrick's Day was a whole lot more fun than the one in 2020.

Listened to CDs by Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.  Irish music with an edge as you might guess with names like that.  Listened to that great You Tube mix of Irish Drinking Songs.  

Posted to all blogs.

Met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg for our St. Patrick's Day meal.  Kevin and Liz had the corned beef & cabbage while Kelly and I had the shepherd's pie.  I don't remember ever having shepherd's pie before and it is excellent.

We had a discussion as to where shepherd's pie came from.  I kind of thought it was from England, but Kelly said it was from Ireland.  I looked it up later and she was right.

Lots of green being worn for some reason and Krystal was quite an eyeful.  Watched some more of the NCAA on TV.  More great games.  Jim Seig and his band performed as they do every Thursday at Stucky's.  We've been listening to him for at least 30 years.  Great time.

Came home and watched more NCAA Tournament in Margaritaville, our basement bar.

Quite warm for this time of the year.  Made it even nicer, especially after how cold it was last weekend.

A Touch O' the Irish.  --RoadPie

The Real St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Some Music To Get You in the Mood

THURSDAY MARCH 17

 A far cry from St. Patrick's Day 2020 when you-know-what hit.  And, a nice day as well.  I even got to sit out OD  (On Deck).

Bob Stroud did his Ten at Ten on St. Patrick's Day.  Lots of green songs as well as Irish bands, etc.

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

WILD NIGHT--  Van Morrison

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN--  Thin Lizzy

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf

GREEN EARINGS--  Steely Dan

GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY--  U2

GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green

Irish?  --RoadGreen

Even Greener Day-Before St. Patrick's Day: 1983, Irish Party Music, Donovan's Coronavirus Anniversary and Da Tournament

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV was on the year 1983.  A great year for music and my deejay business.  Ten great songs, but my pick was "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis & the News.  I tuned in to You Tube and searched "Party Music: Irish Drinking Songs" and man was that a taste of the old country.  Give it a listen.  Kicks off with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys.  Now, if that doesn't get you in the mood for green beer, Irish whisky or corned beef & cabbage, nothing will.  Well worth a listen.

We met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  We remembered it was two years ago tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day 2020 that the you-know-what closed down Wisconsin.  And, we were in Donovan's when it closed.  

Came home and watched the First Four NCAA Tournament game between Notre Dame and Rutgers.  And, what a game!!   Double overtime!!  Is this an indication of a good time forthcoming?

I didn't even pick a bracket for myself.  It is pretty much impossible to do with all the upsets.  

--RoadO'Dog

JSS: Tired of Da Snoop Dogg-- Tired of Da Gambling Spots-- Not Tired of Da Tournament

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  TIRED OF DA SNOOP DOGG--

I think this guy is on TV pitching something every commercial break these days.  Kind of reminds me of the bad old days when you couldn't avoid Michael or Mike.  (Michael Jordan and Mike Ditka)

2.  TIRED OF DA GAMBLING SPOTS--

And man, are there commercials to get you into the clutches of gambling.

3.  NOT TIRED OF DA TOURNAMENT--

But, the NCAA Basketball Tournament has sure not failed to live up to its hype.  By my rough count e have had 26 games I consider great games.  I mean, real close.  Also, there have been 11 upsets.  Especially that win by St. Peter's over Kentucky.  

I don't know about you, but I sure had to look up and see where St. Peter's was (in New Jersey a few miles from New York City) much like I had to do Gonzaga in the early days of their dominance.

And, We Start the Sweet Sixteen Today!!!  

Please, Give Us A Break from the Dogg.  --RoadTourn

Going Green for Paddy's Day: Stucky's for Fish Fry and Dublin Burger, Moose Lodge for CB&C and Back to Stucky's

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

We met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg.  Everyone had a fish fry but me since they have one of my favorite hamburgers, the Dublin Burger for just the month of March, something about a St. Patrick's thing.

This burger consists of a half pound of beef on a marble rye bun along with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  This is one of my all-time favorites.  But just once a year in March, so gotta eat 'em when I can.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Just found out that they will be tearing down my freshman dorm at NIU, Lincoln Hall.  A bit of history goes with it.  They already have torn down Liz's dorm, Douglas Hall.  Lincoln and Douglas Halls were built at the same time in the early 1960s.

This is the day many places are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, especially McHenry and Lake Villa.  McHenry has a parade, bar crawl, dying of the Fox River to green and a huge tent with bands all day and e into the evening.  But, today and yesterday are two of the coldest days I ever remember.  Temps were in the low 20s, but the wind really blew it through you.

As such, we didn't go to anything.  We did drive to McHenry to go to the Legion, but there were cars parked all over the place so decided not to try to get in.  Drove over to the McHenry Moose Lodge and had a corned beef & cabbage dinner and then to Stucky's for $1 drafts and karaoke.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

We went to Stucky's on the afternoon for their NASCAR party.

--RoadO'Dog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.

Music Deaths: Sister Janet Mead, Rock Star with a Habit

SISTER JANET MEAD, 83

Died 26 January 2022

Nun / pianist ' singer who had a hit sing in 1974 with "The Lord's Prayer."  It was a Top Ten song, #4, in 1974.   From Australia.

Neat video.  

One really funny comment in the video:

"I was  in Catholic grade school when this came out.  I remember not all Catholics being thrilled with this 'funky' version of The Lord's Prayer.  When our choir wanted to perform this at mass our pastor (an older Irish priest) threw his hands up and said, 'I guess we're all Baptists now!' "

You should go to You Tube and give it a listen.

WLS Top Ten for Week of March 20, 1972: 'Glory Bound'

That's right, fifty years ago.  Half a century for those of you who are counting.

1.  HEART OF GOLD--  Neil Young

2.  A HORSE WITH NO NAME--  America

3.  MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION--  Paul Simon

4.  WITHOUT YOU--  Nilsson

5.  PUPPY LOVE--  Donny Osmond

6.  DOWN BY THE LAZY RIVER--  Osmonds

7.  THE WAY OF LOVE--  Cher

8.  BANG-A-GONG (GET IT ON)--  T. Rex

9.  GLORY BOUND--  Grass Roots

10.  THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT--  Robert John

*********************************

DEBUTS

18.  A COWBOY'S WORK IS NEVER DONE--  Sonny & Cher

21.  THE FIRST TIME I EVER SAW YOUR FACE--  Roberta Flack

22.  ROCKIN' ROBIN--  Michael Jackson

CRAZY MAMA--  J.J. Cale

DAYDREAMING--  Aretha Franklin

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "No I Would Not Give You False Hope On This Strange And Mournful Day."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

Music Deaths: Dallas Frazier, Country (Wrote 'Elvira' and 'Alley Oop')

DALLAS FRAZIER, 82

Died 14 January 2022

From Oklahoma.  Had eight country songs that rose  to  between #28 and #63 between 1967 and 1972.  But really hit it big writing "Alley Oop" for the Hollywood Argyles (#1-1957), "There Goes My Everything" for Jack Green, "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" for Charley Pride and especially, "Elvira" for the Oak Ridge Boys.

I remember my sister Julie and brother Bob having a great time playing and singing along with his last country hit "North Carolina" on the jukebox at Silver Dollar Saloon at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, in 1976.  We sure had a great time with that song.

Music Deaths: Jimmy Johnson, Bluesman

JIMMY JOHNSON, 93

Died 31 January 2022

Blues guitarist and singer.  Brother of soul singer Syl Johnson.

Played with Blues greats B.B. King,  Albert King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy and others.  Also solo and with his own band at times.

Released 13 albums from 1977 to 2019.

Music Deaths: Willie Leacox of the Group America

WILLIE WILCOX. 74

Died 2 February 2022

Drummer with America 1973-2014

Replaced David Atwood as drummer for America where he was on Top Ten hits:

"Tinman"  (#4-1974)

"Lonely People"  (#5-1975)

"Sister Golden Hair"  (#1-1975)

"You Can Do Magic"  (#8-1982)

Of interest, Willie Leacox is from the small town of Shenadoah, Iowa (population 4,925 in 2020).  Phil and Don Everly spent their childhoods there.

WLS Top 30 for Week of March 13, 1972-- Part 5, the Top Ten: 'Heart of Gold'

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

*  Means the song is climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

10.  *MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION--  Paul Simon

9.  HURTING EACH OTHER--  Carpenters

8.  *HORSE WITH NO NAME--  America   For some reason this song always reminds me of the #1 song this week.

7.  JOY--  Apollo 100   A joyful little instrumental.

6.THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT--  Robert John   It was good back then, still good now.

5.  DOWN BY THE LAZY RIVER--  Osmonds

4.  *BANG-A-GONG (GET IT ON)--  T. Rex

3.  THE WAY OF LOVE--  Cher

2.  WITHOUT YOU--  Nilsson

1.  HEART OF GOLD--  Neil Young  

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "On The First Part Of The Journey, I Was Looking At All The Life."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Horse With No Name"

WLS Top 30 for Week of March 13, 1972-- Part 4: 'Sweet Seasons'

That's right, 50 years ago.  That's half a century for those of you counting.

* means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist means how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National chart.  WLS, of course, was just in the Chicagoland area.

15.  *I GOTCHA--  Joe Tex      #2     Just try not to move with this song.  One of my favorites.  His biggest hit.

14.  *FLOY JOY--  Supremes     #16     The Supremes now consisted of Mary Wilson, Jean Terrell and Cindy Birdsong.

13.  MY WORLD--  Bee Gees     #16     I sure don't remember this one.  But, I was going to school at the University of Georgia and maybe they didn't play it all that much in the state.

12.  SWEET SEASONS--  Carole King    #9    Born Carole Klein in 1942.  Neil Sedaka's 1959 hit "Oh Carol" was about her.

11.  *GLORY BOUND--  Grass Roots   #34   San Francisco group formed in 1964.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Thought I Didn't See Ya Now, Didn't Ya."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Gotcha"

It Was Two Years Ago Today That You-Know-What Began

When I used to write about the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu outbreak that killed so many people all around the world, I never ever thought I would have something like it happen to me.  But, I was sure wrong.  We most certainly did.

Yesterday, we were up north across the border at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, when Liz mentioned we were there when the COVID-19 officially hit two years earlier on St. Patrick's Day 2020.

Illinois had already closed down the previous day on March 16.  Since we live just eight miles from the Wisconsin border, and Wisconsin was still open, we decided we'd get our St. Patrick's celebration in up there.

We drove there to Donovan's Reef  in Twin Lakes.  A  friend, Jeff,  from Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, Illinois, had the same idea and was already there.    We were having our beer and think corned beef & cabbage, but Barb the bartender, was on the phone a lot calling around Kenosha County and said she was starting to hear that he state of Wisconsin was going to shut down at some point that day.

Finally, she learned that all bars and businesses had to close down by 5 p.m.  A real bad thing as she had a whole lot of corned beef & cabbage to sell. We had drinks until 4:30, and sadly said our goodbyes for whatever lay in store for us.

Two Years Ago.  Oh Well.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 30 for Week of March 13, 1972-- Part 3: 'Rock & Roll Lullaby'

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Hit 100 chart.

20.  PRCECIOUS AND FEW--  Climax      #3      Talk about a song that will take you back a half century!!   Their only Top 40.  Makes them a you-know-what.

19.  EVERYTHING I OWN--  Bread    #5      Five of their first seven songs went Top Ten including "Make It With You" which went to #1 in 1970.

18.  I JUST CAN'T HELP MYSELF--  Donnie Elbert      #22   Full title:  "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)".   Beach Music doesn't get any better than this.  Thanks Four Tops.

17.  ROCK & ROLL LULLABY--  B.J. Thomas     #15     Not one of his better known ones.  Good one, though.   That's Duane Eddy on guitar.

16.  PUPPY LOVE--  Donny Osmond      #3       Oh the jump suits in the video.  Our love is the real deal, baby.  His first three songs all were Top ten, including this one.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Quiet And Blue, Like The Sky, I'm Hung Over You."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Precious and Few"

WLS Top 30 for Week of March 13, 1972-- Part 2: 'Roundabout'

Fifty years ago, you know.

25.  RUNNING AWAY--  Sly & the Family Stone      #23     I don't remember it.  Too bad as it is a very good song.  Love the horns.

24.  ROUNDABOUT--  Yes     #13     A great bathroom break song for deejays at *:36.  Had a little bit of everything in it.

23.  JUNGLE FEVER--  Chakachas      #8     What was she saying?  What were they doing?  I don't get it.   Their only Top 40.   Six Belgian  studio musicians.

22.  ANTICIPATION--   Carly Simon      #13     I can only thing catsup or ketchup?

21.  DON'T SAY YOU DON'T REMEMBER--  Beverly Bremer     #15      Takes me right back to those old girl/girl groups sound.   Born in Chicago.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "WE Can Never Know About The Days To Come."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Anticipation"

WLS Top 30 for Week of March 13, 1972-- Part 1: 'Never Been to Spain'

These were the Top 30 songs in Chicago fifty years ago today.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Hot 100 national charts.

Hit Bound:  *A COWBOY'S WORK IS NEVER DONE-  Sonny & Cher       #8      A really cool song I'd forgotten about.  Interesting instrumentation.   Their last Top Ten together.  Of course, Cher had some success solo.

30.  DAY AFTER DAY--  Badfinger      #4      Beatles?    That's George Harrison on   guitars and producer.  Leon Russell on piano.

29.  NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN--  Three Dog Night      #5     Yep, I've never been there either but would sure like to.   Written by country star Hoyt Axton.   Played the father on "The Gremlins."  Also wrote "Joy to the World,"  "The Pusher"  and the "No No Song."

28.  *SON OF MY FATHER--  Giorgio      #46       I'd also forgotten this one.  Great song.  try this at Name That Tune and see if anybody gets it.  Most of the comments in a foreign language.  Giorgio Moroder from Italy.   Produced seven of Donna Summer's albums.

27.  LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green     #1      The pride of Forrest City, Alabama.

26.  AMERICAN PIE--   Don McLean     #1    From New Rochelle, New York.  Wonder if he knew the Petries?

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "A Long Long Time Ago I Can Still Remember How That Music Used To Make Me Smile."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"American Pie"

Music Deaths: Howard Hesseman (Dr. Johnny Fever)

HOWARD HESSEMAN, 81

Died January 30, 2022

Okay, he didn't sing any songs and wasn't in a band, but he was one of the greatest not-real deejays ever as Dr. Johnny Fever in "WKRP in Cincinnati."  My all-time favorite TV sitcom. I also liked him as teacher Charlie Moore in "Head of the Class."

"WKRP" ran from 1978 to 1982 and had one of the greatest casts ever.  It could and should have been on longer, but the show kept switching days and times.

Fellow babies.

Beware the Phone Police.

Music Deaths: Hargus 'Pig' Robbins, Recorded with Many Country Stars

HARGUS "PIG" ROBBINS, 84

Died 30 January 2022

Keyboard player / session musician who recorded with country music's biggest stars.

Lost his sight at age 4.

Just some of the great songs he was on:

"I've Been Everywhere"--  Hank Snow 1962

"I Will Always Love You"--  Dolly Parton 1974

"I Fall to Pieces"  --Patsy Cline  1961

"The Gambler"--  Kenny Rogers  1978

"Behind Closed Doors"--  Charlie Rich  1973

"Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"  -- Crystal Gayle   1977

"Lover Please"--  Clyde McPhatter   1962

"Anna (Go to Him)"--  Arthur Alexander   1962  (covered by the Beatles)

March Coming in Like a Gas Gouge: Gas Gouge!! Sunnyside, Legion, Band, Stuck's and Karaoke

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Gas prices are going nuts around here.  Yesterday I got gas for $3.60 in Wisconsin.  It was $4 at Rock Corner on Il-173 by the Wisconsin border.  Today, gas in Spring Grove and Johnsburg was $4.10.  And, we know the problem is the GRBs from Big Oil out to make a profit from the crisis.

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Well, the temps hit mid 60s.  Helps take the edge off the Gas Gouge.  I went to the Fox Lake American Legion in the afternoon and enjoyed watching the duo called the Hunnymooners from 3 to 6 p.m.  Then met Kevin and Kelly at Stucky's in Johnsburg for dinner and karaoke, not to mention the $1 draft beer pints.  Who'd have figured gas would cost four times a gallon than beers?

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

We went to Stucky's for the NASCAR race.  We aren't NASCAR fans, especially with the Bubba, but, it is a fun party there and every time there is a caution flag that is good for somebody.

--RoadDog

March Coming In Like a Gas Gouge: Ukraine, Donovan's Reef, Trivia, Magee Teachers, Gas Gouge and GRBs

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Who'd have figured at this date, we'd have a new Hitler grabbing land in Europe.  I have Ukrainian flags on two of my blogs, including this one.

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and met Kevin and Kelly and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie, and, of course, played along with Jeopardy.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 

Met the Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.

I see out wonderful folks in Big Oil and the 1 percenters are out to make their ill-got profits again.  gas was $4 in Illinois and $3.60 just over the border in Wisconsin.

Let the Gas Gouge Begin!!   --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for Week of March 6, 1972: 'Bang-A-Gong (Get It On)'

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

1.  WITHOUT YOU--  Nilsson

2.  DOWN BY THE LAZY RIVER--  Osmonds

3.  HEART OF GOLD--  Neill Young

4.  THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT--  Robert John

5.  THE WAY OF LOVE--  Cher

6.  JOY--  Apollo 100

7.  BANG-A-GONG (GET IT ON)--    T. Rex

8.  HURTING EACH OTHER--  Carpenters

9.  SWEET SEASONS--  Carole King

10.  MY WORLD--  Bee Gees

*******************************

DEBUTS

17.  MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION--  Paul Simon

22.  HORSE WITH NO NAME--  America

23.  ROCK & ROLL LULLABY--  B.J. Thomas

RUNNING AWAY--  Sly & the Family Stone

SON OF MY FATHER--   Georgio

 Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Want To Live, I Want To Give, I've Been A Miner."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Heart of Gold"

Last of February: Johnny's Cafe, Legion, MCCWRT, Half-Price Books, Sliders, Chili Cookoff, Band and Stucky's

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Went to Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, for their pasta special and then the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

*****************************

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26

I can't imagine doing more of the things I like to do around home as I did today.

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread (about Sherman's March to the Sea and Through the Carolinas).  Then, on to Algonquin for Half-Price Books where I bought eight CDs and then to White Castle for a ten-pack of Sliders.  Ate two on the way home.

In the afternoon, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion for their chili cookoff and they had entertainment in the bar.  Came home and watched some movies on TV.

*****************************

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27

We were going to go to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, but the parking lot was too full.  Ended up at Stucky's and had a great time there.

--RoadDog

Music Deaths: Don Wilson of the Ventures

DON WILSON, 88

Died 22 January 2022

Guitar player and co-founder of the instrumental band The Ventures.

"Walk -- Don't Run"  (#2-1960)

"Walk -- Don't Run '64"  (#8-1964)

"Hawaii Five-O"  (#4-1969)

Music Deaths: Dick Halligan of Blood, Sweat & Tears

DICK HALLIGAN, 78

Died 18 January 2022

Keyboard player / composer, founding member of the jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears.

"You've Made Me So Very Happy"  (#2-1969)

"Spinning Wheel"  (#2-1969)

"And When I Die"  (#2-1969)"Hi-De-Ho"  (#14-1970)

"Lucretia  Mac Evil"  (#29-1970)

"Go Down Gamblin' "  (#32-1971)

That was Quite the Run of Music.

Music Deaths: R. Dean Taylor, 'Indiana Wants Me'

R. DEAN TAYLOR, 82

Died 7 January 2022

Singer ./ Songwriter

He only had one Top 40, but what a Top 40.  "Indiana Wants Me" (#5-1970).

I have never, ever driven into or out of Indiana that I haven't sung this song at the top of my lungs.  People looked and I'm in my car.

"Lord I Can't Go Back There."

Music Deaths: Calvin Simon of Parliament/Funkadelic

CALVIN SIMON, 79

Died 6 January 2022

Singer with Parliament Funkadelic  "Give Up the Funk."  Spearheaded by George Clinton.  

"Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk)"  (#15-1976)

"Flash Light"  (#16-1978)

Music Deaths: Meatloaf

MEATLOAF, 74

Died 20 January 2022

Singer (rock / pop) who had the 1977 hit album "Bat Out of Hell."

One of my favorites.  I'll never forget doing that duet with the gal bartender down on Bourbon Street in New Orleans of "Paradise By the Dashboard Light."

Born Marvin Lee  Aday in 1951.

"Two Out of Three Ain't Bad"  (#11-1978)

"Paradise By the Dashboard Light"  (#39-1978)

"You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth"  (#39-1979)

"I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)"  (#1-1993)

Somewhat bombastic but always fun and entertaining.

 

The Ukrainian National Anthem

Never more appropriate than right now.

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Ukraine is not yet dead, nor its glory and freedom,

Luck will still smile on us brother-Ukrainians.

Our enemies will die, as the dew does in the sunshine, 

and, we too, brothers will live happily in our land.

We'll not spare either our souls or bodies to get freedom

and we'll prove  that we brothers are of Kozak kin.

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The National Anthem of Ukraine

Music Deaths: Fred Parris, Lead Singer of Doo Wop Group The Five Satins

FRED PARRIS, 85

Died 13 January 2022

Lead singer of Doo Wop group The Five Satins.

Group from New Haven, Connecticut with Fred Parris singing lead.  Parris was stationed in Japan in the Army when "On the Still of the Night" charted.  The group had already broken up, but reformed with Bill Baker as lead singer until Parris returned in January 1958 and replaced him.

"In the Still of the Night"  (#24-1956)

"To the Aisle"  (#25-1957)

Even in Winter: From Cold to Warm, Woodstock Willie, Sunnyside, Stucky's, Karaoke, the the McHenry Legion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Well, it's winter here in the Midwest, so no surprise of about an inch of new snow on the ground this morning, high of 12 degrees and the wind just blew that cold through you.  Come on Woodstock Willie (our local groundhog prognosticator) who said it was going to be an early spring back on Feb. 2.

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Still cold, but at least the wind died down.  

Went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, ate dinner and did some karaoke.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Hey, temp in the upper 40s!!  Has spring arrived?  We were going to go to Cullom Knoll by McHenry, but it was way too crowded.  Went to the McHenry American Legion and watched the Daytona 500.  Enjoyed talking with folks as this is a "Cheers" kind of place.  Unfortunately they will be closing for a week or so while they do a whole lot of renovating.  One thing they'll do is make the  bar bigger as it only seats ten right now.

--RoadDog