Elton John - Skyline Pigeon (Ryan White funeral) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-12-03 | Ryan White December 6, 1971 -- April 8, 1990 On April 11, 1990,1500+ people attended Ryan White's funeral, in a sad chapter in America's history. (I wrote about it here: http://tinyurl.com/24xlu4m) Ryan~ In times of sheer darkness and despair, you shone brighter than the most brilliant star and displayed a bravery rarely matched. Happy 39th birthday to the little boy with the bright smile. Happy birthday, skyline pigeon... Turn me loose from your hands Let me fly to distant lands Over green fields, trees and mountains Flowers and forest fountains Home along the lanes of the skyway For this dark and lonely room Projects a shadow cast in gloom And my eyes are mirrors Of the world outside Thinking of the way That the wind can turn the tide And these shadows turn From purple into grey For just a Skyline Pigeon Dreaming of the open Waiting for the day He can spread his wings And fly away again Fly away skyline pigeon fly Towards the dreams You've left so very far behind Just let me wake up in the morning To the smell of new mown hay To laugh and cry, to live and die In the brightness of my day I want to hear the pealing bells Of distant churches sing But most of all please free me From this aching metal ring And open out this cage towards the sun For just a Skyline Pigeon Dreaming of the open Waiting for the day He can spread his wings And fly away again Fly away skyline pigeon fly Towards the dreams You've left so very far behind ~Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Stevie Nicks - Rhiannon (Solo Piano 4.14.94) jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-04-17 | Recorded in her home in California on April 4, 1994 for fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger's rarely seen TV special THE TIP, Stevie sings a piano-solo version of "Rhiannon". I will posting the full hour-long interview soon on my other channel: http://www.youtube.com/thejeffreychrist (bookmark it!), which will include her long discussion with Hilfiger about her life as a rock fashionista, which includes a rare inside look into the sanctuary of her home and a lengthy spelunking of Stevie's closets and jewelry.
Sandra Berhnard - I Am Woman (Roseanne) jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-04-09 | Sandra Bernhard sings the 1970s woman's movement anthem, Helen Reddy's I AM WOMAN, on Roseanne's debut episode of her short-lived talk show.
Bonnie Tyler Interview Wales 1999 4/4 - Lifes Been Good To Me jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | Bonnie performs (okay, lip synchs, but that' s okay) to the then-new (and still-unreleased) "Life's Been Good To Me" in her recording studio at her estate in Wales 5.19.1999
Bonnie Tyler Interview Wales 1999 3/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | Bonnie Tyler is interviewed in her home in Wales on May 11, 1999 for one of those silly "Where Are They Now" segments. At the time of this interview, almost 12 years ago, Tyler was still a vital performer all around the world, selling millions of CDs and concert tickets. And still does in 2011.In this clip, she gives a tour - and there's also B-Roll footage of her estate.
Bonnie Tyler Interview Wales 1999 2/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | Bonnie Tyler is interviewed in her home in Wales on May 11, 1999 for one of those silly "Where Are They Now" segments. At the time of this interview, almost 12 years ago, Tyler was still a vital performer all around the world, selling millions of CDs and concert tickets. And still does in 2011.
Bonnie Tyler Interview Wales 1999 1/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | Bonnie Tyler is interviewed in her home in Wales on May 11, 1999 for one of those silly "Where Are They Now" segments. At the time of this interview, almost 12 years ago, Tyler was still a vital performer all around the world, selling millions of CDs and concert tickets. And still does in 2011.
K.T. Oslin - Hold Me (Live 1989) jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | K.T. Oslin sings her classic #1 single "Hold Me" on this 1989 awards show, where she won Best Country Female Vocal for the song.
Stevie Nicks - Loves A Hard Game To Play (Arsenio Hall) jeffreychristIsAlive 2011-01-12 | Promoting her TIMESPACE: BEST OF STEVIE NICKS CD, Stevie Nicks appears on a talk show in 1991 to sing one of the two new songs from the album, the Brett Michaels penned "Love's A Hard Game To Play".
Stevie Nicks - Silent Night Suite jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-12-24 | Here is a video I put together called "Silent Night Suite". It begins with an excerpt of an old MTV special about the making of the classic A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS album (which includes an interview with Stevie and album producer Jimmy Iovine), and then the actual full footage/interview of Iovine's interview. The sterling live version (with two-hit wonder Robbie Nevil lending his vocal), was performed on the "A Very Special Christmas" concert TV special that aired on CBS in 1987. Hosted by "Fame" actress Nia Peeples, it featured some of the album's artists performing their tracks. The show closed with "Silent Night". When Stevie sings with her long-time backup singers Lori Perry-Nicks and Sharon Celani, the result is always stunningly ethereal, and here is no exception...blending with Robbie's call-and-response, this live version is actually more exquisite than the recorded version, and sweeps you away into another dimension.Open your eyes, and you see a Rock 'N Roll queen sing in celebration. Close your eyes and you are encompassed by the beauty of the song, the luxurious harmony, and the spirit of the holidays.
Fleetwood Mac - Behind The Mask London News Report jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-12-12 | Here's an old European tour report regarding Fleetwood Mac's 1990 tour of the UK. Not sure if this was for the BBC or Channel 4 (if you know, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly)
Fleetwood Mac - THE DANCE Rehearsal Interview + Performances Part 4/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-17 | Read my blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/2dtbu3b It would have been easy, even in 1997, to discount Fleetwood Mac's Phoenix-from-the-flame resurrection. Yes, it had been, at that point, almost 7 years since their last quasi-hit album, the Top 20 Buckingham-less BEHIND THE MASK, and a full decade since their last Top 10 (1987s TANGO IN THE NIGHT). Their last #1, MIRAGE, was in 1982. But the Mac's legend supersedes such frivolities. One should never underestimate the power of hundreds of millions of sold albums, or a Rock n Roll soap opera nonpareil. Fleetwood Mac might have been dinosaurs by the late 1990s, but they were far from extinct. Of course, with all the turmoil that imploded the band, it was a pipe dream for any ardent Mac fan to ever hope that the classic line-up -- obviously it's most artistic, and not the mention, lucrative -- would ever reform. McVie retired in her English castle, Buckingham was busy with his own career, and Nicks had her own solo career with varying degrees of success, half of which was riddled with drug addiction and recovery. This line-up's last public performance was at the request of the White House. Throughout his campaign for president, Bill Clinton used "Don't Stop" as his official theme song, and President-elect Clinton requested the Mac perform it at his 1993 inauguration. But reuniting wasn't even on their radar. But, reunite they did, and the result was a wonderful live album called THE DANCE. The Grammy-nominated CD hit #1 and a refreshed, healthy, sober and exhilarating Fleetwood Mac embarked upon a comeback for the ages, mounting a monumentally successful tour and reigniting the world's passion for the classic assemblage. In the following clips, Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are interviewed in North Hollywood, California, during their rehearsals that begot the CD and live TV concert. The interview took place on April 18 1997. Enjoy these rare, behind the scenes interviews and performances from Fleetwood Mac!
Fleetwood Mac - THE DANCE Rehearsal Interview + Performances Part 3/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-17 | Read my blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/2dtbu3b It would have been easy, even in 1997, to discount Fleetwood Mac's Phoenix-from-the-flame resurrection. Yes, it had been, at that point, almost 7 years since their last quasi-hit album, the Top 20 Buckingham-less BEHIND THE MASK, and a full decade since their last Top 10 (1987s TANGO IN THE NIGHT). Their last #1, MIRAGE, was in 1982. But the Mac's legend supersedes such frivolities. One should never underestimate the power of hundreds of millions of sold albums, or a Rock n Roll soap opera nonpareil. Fleetwood Mac might have been dinosaurs by the late 1990s, but they were far from extinct. Of course, with all the turmoil that imploded the band, it was a pipe dream for any ardent Mac fan to ever hope that the classic line-up -- obviously it's most artistic, and not the mention, lucrative -- would ever reform. McVie retired in her English castle, Buckingham was busy with his own career, and Nicks had her own solo career with varying degrees of success, half of which was riddled with drug addiction and recovery. This line-up's last public performance was at the request of the White House. Throughout his campaign for president, Bill Clinton used "Don't Stop" as his official theme song, and President-elect Clinton requested the Mac perform it at his 1993 inauguration. But reuniting wasn't even on their radar. But, reunite they did, and the result was a wonderful live album called THE DANCE. The Grammy-nominated CD hit #1 and a refreshed, healthy, sober and exhilarating Fleetwood Mac embarked upon a comeback for the ages, mounting a monumentally successful tour and reigniting the world's passion for the classic assemblage. In the following clips, Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are interviewed in North Hollywood, California, during their rehearsals that begot the CD and live TV concert. The interview took place on April 18 1997. Enjoy these rare, behind the scenes interviews and performances from Fleetwood Mac!
Fleetwood Mac - THE DANCE Rehearsal Interview + Performances Part 2/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-17 | Read my blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/2dtbu3b It would have been easy, even in 1997, to discount Fleetwood Mac's Phoenix-from-the-flame resurrection. Yes, it had been, at that point, almost 7 years since their last quasi-hit album, the Top 20 Buckingham-less BEHIND THE MASK, and a full decade since their last Top 10 (1987s TANGO IN THE NIGHT). Their last #1, MIRAGE, was in 1982. But the Mac's legend supersedes such frivolities. One should never underestimate the power of hundreds of millions of sold albums, or a Rock n Roll soap opera nonpareil. Fleetwood Mac might have been dinosaurs by the late 1990s, but they were far from extinct. Of course, with all the turmoil that imploded the band, it was a pipe dream for any ardent Mac fan to ever hope that the classic line-up -- obviously it's most artistic, and not the mention, lucrative -- would ever reform. McVie retired in her English castle, Buckingham was busy with his own career, and Nicks had her own solo career with varying degrees of success, half of which was riddled with drug addiction and recovery. This line-up's last public performance was at the request of the White House. Throughout his campaign for president, Bill Clinton used "Don't Stop" as his official theme song, and President-elect Clinton requested the Mac perform it at his 1993 inauguration. But reuniting wasn't even on their radar. But, reunite they did, and the result was a wonderful live album called THE DANCE. The Grammy-nominated CD hit #1 and a refreshed, healthy, sober and exhilarating Fleetwood Mac embarked upon a comeback for the ages, mounting a monumentally successful tour and reigniting the world's passion for the classic assemblage. In the following clips, Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are interviewed in North Hollywood, California, during their rehearsals that begot the CD and live TV concert. The interview took place on April 18 1997. Enjoy these rare, behind the scenes interviews and performances from Fleetwood Mac!
Fleetwood Mac - THE DANCE Rehearsal Interview + Performances Part 1/4 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-17 | Read my blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/2dtbu3b It would have been easy, even in 1997, to discount Fleetwood Mac's Phoenix-from-the-flame resurrection. Yes, it had been, at that point, almost 7 years since their last quasi-hit album, the Top 20 Buckingham-less BEHIND THE MASK, and a full decade since their last Top 10 (1987s TANGO IN THE NIGHT). Their last #1, MIRAGE, was in 1982. But the Mac's legend supersedes such frivolities. One should never underestimate the power of hundreds of millions of sold albums, or a Rock n Roll soap opera nonpareil. Fleetwood Mac might have been dinosaurs by the late 1990s, but they were far from extinct. Of course, with all the turmoil that imploded the band, it was a pipe dream for any ardent Mac fan to ever hope that the classic line-up -- obviously it's most artistic, and not the mention, lucrative -- would ever reform. McVie retired in her English castle, Buckingham was busy with his own career, and Nicks had her own solo career with varying degrees of success, half of which was riddled with drug addiction and recovery. This line-up's last public performance was at the request of the White House. Throughout his campaign for president, Bill Clinton used "Don't Stop" as his official theme song, and President-elect Clinton requested the Mac perform it at his 1993 inauguration. But reuniting wasn't even on their radar. But, reunite they did, and the result was a wonderful live album called THE DANCE. The Grammy-nominated CD hit #1 and a refreshed, healthy, sober and exhilarating Fleetwood Mac embarked upon a comeback for the ages, mounting a monumentally successful tour and reigniting the world's passion for the classic assemblage. In the following clips, Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood are interviewed in North Hollywood, California, during their rehearsals that begot the CD and live TV concert. The interview took place on April 18 1997. Enjoy these rare, behind the scenes interviews and performances from Fleetwood Mac!
Dolly Parton - Holding On To You/The Seeker (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 13/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** "Holdin' On To You"/"The Seeker" is a medley of two tracks from two Parton albums. "Holdin'" is taken from Parton's 1977 NEW HARVEST...FIRST GATHERING and "The Seeker" is a track from her 1975 DOLLY: THE SEEKER/WE USED TO.
Dolly Parton - How Does It Feel (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 12/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** "How Does It Feel" is a track from Parton's #1 1977 NEW HARVEST...FIRST GATHERING LP.
Dolly Parton - Getting In My Way (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 10/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** "Getting In My Way" is a track from Dolly's #1 1977 NEW HARVEST...FIRST GATHERING LP.
Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 9/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** "I Will Always Love You" is Parton's signature masterpiece. Nothing needs to be said of it~
Dolly Parton - (Youre Love) Keeps Lifting Me Higher (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 1/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** Parton covers Jackie Wilson's 1967 soul classic, which was recorded for her #1 Country album, 1977s NEW HARVEST...FIRST GATHERING~
Dolly Parton - All I Can Do (LIVE Der Musikladen) Part 2/13 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-11-16 | Read my blog post here: http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/11/17/dolly-parton-legendary-sparrow Remove the glitz, de-glimmer the glamour, abandon the wigs, and disregard the tits (and forget the plastic surgery) and what you get in Dolly Parton is one of the singular greatest forces of nature in the history of Pop or Country -- not only a singer for the ages, but a songwriter nonpareil. Of course the world recognizes Parton's unabashedly proud garishness. As Stephen Sondheim once wrote, "You Gotta Get A Gimmick". But unlike the siren strippers in GYPSY, Parton was never dependent on gimmickry as a pathway to mega-stardom - she merely sprinkled it on a little something extra. And, too, one cannot depend on such stratagem on the sojourn toward iconic status. It takes a helluva lot of genius and talent to back up such hosannas. And for nearly 5 decades and going strong, Parton has made a comfortable home upon the mountaintop of Country Music and sustained where few have -- living immortality. Country music is one of the purest of American art forms and Parton its Norman Rockwell, for few have been able, as Parton, to paint such archetypal songscapes that would require an elongated scroll utilizing the most reserved superlatives. Already established as a Country Music icon, even in 1977, she was slowly penetrating Pop culturism (to the extent that "Pop Culture" existed in 1977) -- countless TV appearances, film, and even adding Pop and Disco to her musical oeuvre ("Here You Come Again" and "Baby I'm Burning" respectively, as e.g.'s). The force still hasn't stopped -- happy for us. Parton's popularity has never waned across the world. In 1977, she appeared on the popular West German music show Der Musikladen (which was the continuation of the defunct Beat Club). The extraordinary thing about watching these clips -- over three decades past -- is how astonishing Parton's voice has remained almost exact. Her vocals have aged in knowledge only -- but that timbre, that soul, that range and that innate lovability, even in the face of adversary -- remain astonishingly clarion-like. Enjoy this rare and enchanting concert~ ***** Dolly sings the title song of her 1976 album ALL I CAN DO; both the album and the single reached #3 on the Billboard Country Album charts and Singles charts respectively~
Stevie Nicks - Fleetwood Mac HOLD ME Video Shoot - Rare Footage jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-10-23 | http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/10/25/stevie-nicks-lady-in-red Released in 1982, after a short hiatus following the successful TUSK tour, Fleetwood Mac's MIRAGE brought them back to the #1 spot on Billboard's Top 200 chart, something that eluded them since 1977s mega successful RUMOURS LP, which remains one of the Top 5 selling albums in history. The first single was the Christine McVie's "Hold Me", which reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100, and remained there for almost 2 months (it was the 31st biggest single of that year). With McVie's husky, smoky delivery and her impeccable gift of writing great pop melodious gems, "Hold Me" remains one of Fleetwood Mac's most indelible classics. In the summer of 1982, with temperatures reaching more than 100 degrees, director Steve Barron (who had recently directed the classic video "Don't You Want Me Video" for the Human League) took Fleetwood Mac to the Mojave desert to shoot the video for "Hold Me"; the video, like so many other videos from that era, makes little-to-no sense, especially when married to the song. John McVie and Mick Fleetwood goofily "play" archaeologists unearthing ancient guitars. As Christine spies through a telescope, Lindsay paints Stevie in the blistering heat, then Stevie paints Stevie in the blistering heat, who , in turn, traipses across the desert in her red platform boots carrying her canvas. It was/is all quite ridiculous, but the video was a huge hit for MTV at the time and remains a fan favorite. Barron directed other classics of the early days of music videos, such as a-ha's "Take On Me" and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", but "Hold Me" is inexplicably left off of his Wikiepedia page. In this rare behind the scenes footage, Barron directs a breathtakingly beautiful Stevie Nicks for her scenes in the video. The clapper board dates this as June 24, 1982.
Sandra Bernhard - Downtown Train (Cover Of Rod Stewarts Cover of Tom Waits) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-30 | Sandra pays tribute to Rod Stewart, explaining why Stewart's original music has always been inspiring, and why no one does a cover better than he. "I've loved every single thing he's ever covered...every song...except this one..." Somewhere, Tom Waits is a-smilin'...
Sandra Bernhard - Songbird (Fleetwood Mac Cover) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-30 | Sandra hilariously "recalls" her run in with Christine McVie - you know, the "other girl from Fleetwood Mac"; on a break from the band, she took a part-time gig as a waitress. One of Bernhard's funniest~
Sandra Bernhard - Cruel War (Peter, Paul & Mary cover) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-27 | A gorgeous reading of the Peter Paul & Mary song from Arsenio, circa the Gulf War in 1991. The song's relevance is even more palpable during this almost decade-old, senseless, unjust Iraqi War. Cruel war, indeed...The cruel war is raging, Johnny has to fight I want to be with him from morning to night. I want to be with him, it grieves my heart soWont you let me go with you? No, my love, no. Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day That your captain will call you and you must obey. Your captain will call you it grieves my heart so, Wont you let me go with you? No, my love, no. I'll tie back my hair, mens clothing I'll put on, I'll pass as your comrade, as we march along. I'll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know. Wont you let me go with you? No, my love, no. Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I fear you are unkind I love you far better than all of mankind. I love you far better than words can ere express Wont you let me go with you? Yes, my love, yes. Yes, my love, yes.
Sandra Bernhard Serenades Boy George - Next Time jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-27 | Sandra Bernhard spontaneously serenades "Next Time" to a surprised, visually moved Boy George. "That's the first time anyone's ever done that to me, it was beautiful..." He was right. It was. The first time I heard "Next Time" was on Sandra's 2001 HERO WORSHIP, the live recording of her one woman show of the same name. Originally, the CD was sold exclusively at her show, but was eventually also available via her official website. Next time I will hold you in my arms Next time...I will blow your mind with all my charms Oh baby you know I love you Travel near and far And I don't care if you walk on me You will always be my shining star Next time don't look me in the eye and tell me that you love me No! I wont believe you But you know I'd never, never deceive you Baby sometimes when you hold me at night You stroke my face, you say it's gonna be fine But next time don't lie to me Next time don't find a reason To walk out on me baby, next time To hold me close and then abandon me baby Next time Next time You know I love you, next time
Stevie Nicks - ROCK A LITTLE Interview Part 3 of 3 (5.11.85) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-27 | http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/09/27/women-in-rock-stevie-nicks Interviewed in Los Angeles, on May 11 1985, a few months before the release of her 3rd solo LP ROCK A LITTLE, Stevie talks on a myriad of subjects. In the final part, her painting Sister Honey is brought into the room and Nicks explains her origins and again states that this is all still very new to her. Stevie is then asked about her "book that is coming out". It's called "The Wild Heart" and what's in it - "a lot of poetry, it's some journalistic stuff; it's a lot of the actual nights of recording of THE WILD HEART and the experiences that happened during that 2-3 year period. There are some things from my Fleetwood Mac stash of 10 years of writing....the real essence of that isn't in this book because that's a book in itself...it's my life, and it's very honest." The book has a lot of "advice" and "philosophy" and a way to "give a little bit more of me". She's "very excited about them (her fans) receiving it" more than actually putting it out (We fans have been wishing for years for any book from Stevie - but sadly, "The Wild Heart" was never published. Oh, to read even one chapter!!) She talks about what she does in her down time - which is no time. She's been working non-stop for over a year and a half, and hopes to take a vacation when it's over. She talks a little about love, and the possible resurrection of Fleetwood Mac and the bond they share...and how she liked Christine McVie's solo album and loved the video for McVie's "Got A Hold On Me" video. Before the interview is over, Stevie wants to add onto her earlier philosophy of love and how she doesn't want anyone to think it's impossible - it is possible...her advice? You just have to look hard...
Stevie Nicks - ROCK A LITTLE Interview Part 2 of 3 (5.11.85) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-27 | http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/09/27/women-in-rock-stevie-nicks Interviewed in Los Angeles, on May 11 1985, a few months before the release of her 3rd solo LP ROCK A LITTLE, Stevie talks on a myriad of subjects. In this part, Stevie discusses her influence on other artists and how she hopes that, through her energy - if not her singing - those artists could learn something, her fashion influences (Madonna gets out of such comparative influences easily, Prince does not!), the admiration she has for up-and-coming newbie Cyndi Lauper's strength and Tina Turner's tenacity and fortitude. She also happily discusses her back-up singers Lori Perry and Sharon Celani (and "Minnie" - you have to watch) and how having them as friends and support make her life so much easier, and the relations and alleged competition between women in general, in music and in life. She also discusses where her passion for her love of painting comes from, how it sedates her and grounds her and how it's never been an innate ability or desire until only a few years prior. She opens up about how this passion started due to the sickness of her friend Robin (whom she doesn't mention by name) and how she started drawing so, when Stevie could not be with her, the image of her drawings kept them connected. She "summons" Sister Honey for the interviewer (which can be seen in the next part of the video), a painting that has become a favorite over the years for Nicks' fans. ***Please note a portion of this video is damaged around the 7 minute mark, but it's only briefly - and you can still hear the audio.
Stevie Nicks - ROCK A LITTLE Interview Part 1 of 3 (5.11.85) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-27 | http://mynewboyfriend.com/2010/09/27/women-in-rock-stevie-nicks Interviewed in Los Angeles, on May 11 1985, a few months before the release of her 3rd solo LP ROCK A LITTLE, Stevie talks on a myriad of subjects. In part 1, Stevie discusses the hopefully-imminent release of ROCK A LITTLE and what it means (including the title track), working with her band and the recording of a few of the tracks in a Dallas church, music videos (at this point, the first single wasn't even chosen - eventually it was "Talk To Me", which hit #4 on Billboard's Hot 100) and touring, the surge of women in Rock N Roll that year and how Fleetwood Mac helped her become the rock star she is and how they protected her as the little sister.
Dobie Gray - Drift Away (Original Official Video) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-09-06 | (Read my blog post here: Read my blog post here: http://bit.ly/hMObAq) Dobie Gray's version of "Drift Away" is, justifiably, the most famous and, by far, the most brilliant reading of the Mentor Williams-penned (that would be Paul Williams' brother) 70s staple. Originally released on John Henry Kurtz' 1972 REUNION album, the indelible classic always takes me away...to that far away place I used to reside -- within the deepest caverns of my soul. At times the song makes me weep, as I miss the halcyon days of my youth and the kinder world we thrived in. When any ills of the world would be swept away when reaching for your LP of your favorite music was all that was needed to, well, drift away. The song was covered hundreds of times these past 40 years, most famously and recently in a passionless 2003 recording by Uncle Kracker. Credited as Uncle Kracker featuring Dobie Gray, the track meandered along in karaoke sterility until finally Gray's soul chimed in mid-point and he infused it with a thrilling tremble. When the track reached #9 on Billboard's Top 100, Gray broke the record for the biggest gap between top US top 10 appearances (it had been 30 years between both). The Kracker version had a far more major impact on Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts -- it holds the record as the longest #1 on that chart, having reigned for 28 weeks in 2003-04. No doubt thanks to Gray. There was a story told by Kracker that the song was initially written for Elvis, but Presley turned it down once he heard Gray's version of it. Gray was a demo singer in Memphis at the time. Talk about decree. *************************** Dobie Gray (background vocals); Dobie Gray (vocals); Larry Byrum, Larry Byrom (guitar); Nashville Strings Players, Damon Seal (strings); Terri McMillian, Terry McMillan (harmonica, percussion); David Dunston (horns, programming); Jay Patton, Mark Douthit (horns); Gary Smith, Matt Rollings, Matt Rollins (keyboards); Dave Pomeroy , Mike Leech (bass guitar); John Hammond (drums); Bill Hinds (guitar); Ron Oates (strings, keyboards); Eddie Bayers (drums); The Nashville Strings. { - backup vocals}
Stevie Nicks - Are You Mine (Snippet) 10.1.91 jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-08-16 | While promoting her TIMESPACE hits collection back in October 1991, an interviewer asks Stevie if she remembers the very first song she ever sang - then asks an at-first reluctant Stevie to sing a little of it. This is a snippet of that 23 minute interview - I uploaded on my other YouTube channel: Part 1: http://youtu.be/m7Rj4mBbXUU Part 2: http://youtu.be/1Goy3TxvyMg
Patti LaBelle ~ Oh People (Statue Of Liberty 100th Birthday Celebration) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-26 | The legendary Patti LaBelle, donning her best Liberty weave, performs a rousing, astonishing live version of "Oh People" with organ accompaniment from the late, great Billy Preston and a gospel choir. Taken from the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty festivities closing ceremonies, broadcast live on television on July 6th 1986.
Kim Carnes - The Universal Song jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-26 | "The Universal Song" was a track from Kim Carnes' 1983 album CAFE RACERS. It wasn't released as a single in the United States, but the video was made as a promotional tool for the European markets.
Kim Carnes - Abadabadango jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "Abadabadango" was the second single released from Kim Carnes' 1985 BARKING AT AIRPLANES album. The song peaked at #67 on Billboard's Hot 100.
Kim Carnes - Crazy In The Night jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | Reaching as high as #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Crazy In The Night" was Kim Carnes' first single off of her 1985 album BARKING AT AIRPLANES, which peaked at #48 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart.
Kim Carnes - Divided Hearts jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "Divided Hearts" was the first single from Kim Carnes' 1986 album LIGHT HOUSE, which peaked at #117 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart. The song reached #79 on Billboard's Hot 100 survey. The video was another in a long line of Kim's videos directed by Russell Mulcahy.
Kim Carnes - Crazy In Love jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | Taken from her 1988 VIEW FROM THE HOUSE album, "Crazy In Love" was the second single released, reaching #13 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts and #68 on the Country chart. The album reached #39 on the Billboard Country Charts.
Kim Carnes - You Make My Heart Beat Faster jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "You Make My Heart Beat Faster" was the second single released from Kim Carnes' 1984 LP CAFE RACERS. The single reached #54 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The video was directed by Leslie Libman (http://www.leslielibman.com)
Kim Carnes - Invisible Hands jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "Invisible Hands" was the first single released from Kim Carnes' 1983 CAFE RACERS, another in a line of underrated, solid albums. The single peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot 100 and the album peaked at #97 on Billboard's Top 200. The video was directed by Jim Yukich.
Kim Carnes - Invitation To Dance jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "Invitation To Dance" reached #68 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1985, and #32 on the AC charts. It was a single released from the soundtrack to the MGM musical retrospective documentary THAT'S DANCING - Carnes was commissioned to write the song. It was played over the closing credits.
Kim Carnes - Does It Make You Remember jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-23 | "Does It Make You Remember" is a 1982 single release from Kim Carnes' 1982 album VOYEUR. It was the follow up single to "Voyeur". The single reached #36 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1983.
Kim Carnes - Voyeur jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-22 | "Voyeur" is the title track from Kim Carnes' 1982 album of the same name. The album was the follow up to her colossally successful masterpiece, MISTAKEN IDENTITY but failed to reach the same heights of popularity, stalling at #49 on Billboards album charts. The single reached #29 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, and the video was directed by legendary music video director Russell Mulcahy, who also directed Carnes' classic "Bette Davis Eyes" and "Draw of the Cards" vids, as well as "Say You Don't Know Me", also from the VOYEUR album.
Kim Carnes - Say You Dont Know Me jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-22 | "Say You Don't Know Me" is the 3rd track from Kim Carnes' underrated 1982 album VOYEUR. The song was not released as a single in the United States, but was issued as a special promo in Canada. The video was directed by famed and now-legendary music video director Russell Mulcahy, who also directed Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" and "Draw of the Cards" from her MISTAKEN IDENTITY album, as well as this song and "Voyeur"
Allison Iraheta - Elle (FULL Interview) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-22 | AMERICAN IDOL Season 8 4th place finisher Allison Iraheta is interviewed for Elle Magazine in August 2009.
Adam Lambert - Elle (FULL Interview) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-22 | American Idol Season 8 runner up Adam Lambert is interviewed for Elle Magazine in August 2009.
Kris Allen - Elle (FULL Interview) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-21 | AMERICAN IDOL Season 8 winner Kris Allen is interviewed for Elle Magazine in August 2009.
Betty Buckley - As If We Never Said Goodbye (live Sunset Boulevard) jeffreychristIsAlive 2010-07-17 | I saw Glenn Close as Norma Desmond in the original Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Weber's flawed, erratic SUNSET BOULEVARD the week it opened back in November 1994, and, despite her Tony Award win, it was not a great performance. It's been said that they had to lower the key for her limited singing range, rearrange the score, and, more often than not, Close seemed lost in the grand spectacle of the staging, something she wasn't used to as a great stage actress. It needs to be said that Close was only one of two actresses nominated as Best Actress in a dim year for musicals (the other being Rebecca Luker for SHOW BOAT) and Broadway overall.How Close garnered the role is legendary in itself...I just finished reading an advance of Patti LuPone's autobiography, PATTI LuPONE: A MEMOIR (release date is September 14 -- if you're a theatre buff, PRE-ORDER IT! It's craaaazy!), who reiterates the horror that was the experience of the show -- especially the back-stabbing and the mendacity attributed to the producers and, especially, Webber himself. The chapters of LuPone's book were a mesmerizing read.Once Close left the role, in stepped Betty Buckley -- and I was astonished at what she was able to do with the role. She brought Norma to life -- long a Broadway legend for her supernatural voice, Buckley's performance was stunning, each song a show-stopper.LuPone was treated like garbage by Weber and his minions -- and Broadway will never know what they missed. There are some YouTube clips posted of her performances that give us a minute taste of what this incandescent lady might have accomplished had she been given the chance...and here's a mere taste of what I experienced with Buckley in the role. I'm not sure if this was from the London production, or from Broadway -- I downloaded this clip from YouTube from SUNSET BOULEVARD uber-fan HouseOnSunset (go check out his page for all things "SB"), and it wasn't specified. The audio was low, so I encoded it at a much higher rate to better appreciate Buckley's aesthete...it's spellbinding.To witness Buckley on stage is to be beholden to one of the greatest forces of nature...an unparalleled gale force. And her replacement in Sunset robbed her of a second Tony Award.
