Songs for January 3

Good morning. It’s Monday, January 3, a big back-to-work day for many of us.

Philosopher Cicero was born this day in 106 B.C. “I shudder and I sigh to think that even Cicero/And many minded Homer were mad as the mist and snow.”

And on this day in1870, construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge with fireworks and revelry. It would be finished 13 years later, and at least 20 people died building it.

Beatles producer Sir George Martin was born this day in 1926. Before he became “The Fifth Beatle,” he worked at the famed BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and collaborated with Maddalena Fagandini on this single, released under the terribly clever pseudonym Ray Cathode.

Van Dyke Parks was born on this day in 1943. Perhaps best known for his collaborations with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, here’s something from his 1967 solo album, which the critics loved but audiences didn’t really take to. Harper’s Bizarre had a bit of a hit with it later.

Singer Zulema was born this day in 1947. Here’s her tribute to single moms who didn’t plan to be single moms.

In 1959, Alaska was admitted to the union.

Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter was born this day in 1975,

and Kurt Vile was born this day in 1980.

Finally, Merriam-Webster’s word of the day is palindrome. Is it actually a palindrome if one of the words is made up though? I guess this made a better title than “Do geese see God?” Anyway, now the question is on your radar.

Have a great day. Take time to hear a little music. Hope to see you tomorrow.