John Fogerty at Radio City Music Hall

 

About a week ago, I saw an advertisement on Facebook for John Fogerty at the Radio City Music Hall.  I always liked him and Creedence Clearwater Revival, so I decided to get tickets.  The last time I was at Radio City was in September 2017 when I saw a tribute to Brian Wilson.

The opening act was Hearty Har, a psychedelic rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2012. Led by brothers Shane Fogerty (guitar/vocals) and Tyler Fogerty (guitar/vocals).  They are obviously John's sons.

This concert was unique since videos were shown in the background with every song played.  For example, when Have You Ever Seen Rain was playing there was a scene with rain.  The set list included hits from Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty as a solo artist.

Some of the hits played were:

• Fortunate Son
• Run through the Jungle
• Born on the Bayou
• Looking Out My Back Door
• Green River

During the encore set Lester Holt of NBC News played the bass guitar.

My favorite song of the evening was Centerfield

Three Versions of Maggie's Farm - One of My Favorites by Bob Dylan

 

Original Studio Recording from Bringing it All Back Home

Performed at Newport Folk Festival Summer 1965

(The folk music purists hated it)

Performed Live at Fort Collins, Co 1976

From the Hard Rain Album

My Favorite Harry Belafonte Song is Matilda

 

Today we learned that singer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte passed away at age 96.  May he rest in peace.

Several years ago, when I worked as a librarian AG was my best buddy.  When I worked the late shift, I met him on the train going home.  We would give code names to our co-workers.  Some of them were:

• Bumpkin
• Kojak
• Captain Crunch
• Norton

My favorite code name was Matilda whom AG called the Harry Belafonte girl.  We associated the song Matilda with her.

Random Thoughts of the Day

 

• Today Joe Biden announced that he will be running for a second term as president.  I am still concerned about his age as he would be 86 at the end of his second term.  He has very few challengers for the Democratic nomination.
• Donald Trump must never become President again.  As far as I am concerned he is a criminal.  His actions on January 6, 2021, alone should disqualify him from the presidency.  Sadly the wheels of justice are moving too slowly in this and his other alleged criminal actions.
• Happy 90th birthday to Willie Nelson.  I hope he continues to record and perform.
• So many baseball players get big contracts and end up on the injured list.  For example, Justin Verlander has not yet pitched for the Mets.  He got about $7 Million in salary for being injured.  Starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jose Quintana are also on the injured list.
• There will be another World of Bob Dylan Conference in Tulsa in June.  I decided not to go this time since the conference is a little too scholarly for me.  I enjoyed the conference in 2019, but I feel a little "Dylaned out".

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Completed its Japanese Leg and Will Come to Europe in June

 

Dylan will be 82 years old, but he continues to tour.  He obviously doesn't need the money so he must really love performing in concerts.  His set list for the Japanese leg of the tour includes mostly songs from the Rough and Rowdy Ways album, but he surprised his most avid fans by including covers of Grateful Dead songs.  Above is a recording of Tuckin'.

After a break in late April and May the tour resumes in June with concerts in cities including:

• Lisbon
• Madrid
• Lyon
• Milan
• Rome

Will he return to NYC?

Another Birthday - Where Did All These Years Go?

 

The days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years.  When I was born Harry S. Truman was the president.  Joe Biden is the thirteenth president of my lifetime.  It is hard to believe that it is 2+ years since Karen passed away and 5+ years since I retired.  I have an excellent autobiographical memory and often relive some of my good and bad experiences in my mind.

I sincerely appreciate all the birthday wishes that I receive on Facebook.  As of 9:15 AM, there are about fifty, but certainly, more will come later.

Pete Freckelton of Canada who runs a Bob Dylan internet radio station sends me the most imaginative birthday wishes.  A few years ago, he sent me a video of Mr. Met singing Happy Birthday.  Below is what he sent me this photo.

As Tears Go By/Marianne Faithful and Rolling Stones Versions

 

I just heard the Marianne Faithful version on 60s Gold with Phlash Phelps.  Mick Jagger and Keith Richard wrote the song.  I have also included the Rolling Stones version for your listening pleasure.