Songs for May 15

Eddy Arnold, Utah Phillips, Trini Lopez, Karin Krog, Jackie Shane, Lars Berghagen, Faragher Brothers, Brian Eno, Phil Seymour, Mike Oldfield, and Grandmaster Melle Mel

Good morning people of discerning taste. It’s May 15, and Eddy Arnold was born this day in 1918. This is from 1970, smack in the middle of his six-decade career in music, and it’s a song first released by The Box Tops.

Folk legend Utah Phillips was born this day in 1935,

and Trini Lopez was born this day in 1937. He died of COVID in 2020.

Norwegian singing great Karin Krog was born this day in 1937 as well.

Jackie Shane was born this day in 1940. She was a trailblazing transgender performer in the 60’s, who worked mainly in Toronto, though she was born and died in Nashville.

Popular Swedish singer Lars Berghagen was born this day in 1945,

and Danny Faragher of the Faragher Brothers was born this day in 1947. Does anyone else look at this and think Hanson owes them a little debt of gratitude?

Brian Eno was born this day in 1948,

and Phil Seymur was born this day in 1952.

Mike Oldfield, considered by some one of the greatest instrumentalists of all time, was born this day in 1953. He was just 19 when he wrote and recorded “Tubular Bells” all by himself. This is long, but well worth your time.

And Grandmaster Melle Mel was born this day in 1961, and he wants you to put down the coke. “Pound-for-pound/Costs more than gold.”

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