Songs for May 16

Hollies, Liberace, Betty Carter, Young-Holt Unlimited, Billy Cobham, Giles, Giles & Fripp, Chiffons, Jonathan Richman, Hazel O’Connor, Janet Jackson, Tom T. Hall, and Jake Xerxes Fussell

Good morning friends and others. It’s May 16, and on this day in 1770, 14-year-old Marie Antoinette married 15-year-old future King Louis XVI.

Liberace was born this day in 1919, and

Betty Carter was born this day in 1929.

Isaac “Red” Holt of Young-Holt Unlimited, was born this day in 1932. This clip is such a delight to watch.

And speaking of delightful to watch, drummer Billy Cobham was born this day in 1944.

Robert Fripp was born this day in 1946. He is of course known for being in King Crimson, and for his collaborations with, well, pretty much everyone. This was his first band.

The Chiffons’ Barbara Lee was born this day in 1947. This is such a great song.

And Jonathan Richman was born this day in 1951. I assume everyone knows my sad JR saga, but just in case, you can peruse it here. Anyway, Jonathan loves New England.

Hazel O’Connor was born this day in 1955,

and Janet Jackson was born this day in 1966.

On this day in 2013, Pope Francis called for ethical financial reform to fight speculation. Still waiting for that one!

And finally, it’s the Feast of St. Brendan the Navigator, the Irish patron saint of sailors and mariners, for whom my grammar school was named. Despite what our parish monsignor told us, there is no reliable evidence that he discovered America in the 6th century. There is also no reliable evidence that he didn’t. Therefore, he may have.

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