Songs for May 19

Rick Wakeman, Alma Cogan, Mickey Newbury, John L. Watson, The Who, Grace Jones, ZZ Top, Telex, The Ramones, The Human League, and Passion Pit

Good morning, early risers! It’s May 19, and on this day in 1536, Ann Boleyn, second of Henry VIII’s six wives, was beheaded.

Alma Cogan was born this day in 1932. Here she is singing about CEOs’ lucrative severance packages. Or maybe not.

Mickey Newbury, one of the great unsung, was born this day in 1940. He wrote this one, which was of course a big hit for Kenny Rogers and The First Edition. My friend Mike Belitsky, drummer for The Sadies and Pernice Brothers once made this great joke that still makes me LOL, having to do with Kenny changing the name of the song to “Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Chicken Was In.” He ALMOST ruined the song for me, but not quite.

John L. Watson was born this day in 1941. I don’t know much about him, but this is good.

Pete Townsend was born this day in 1945, and on this day in 1965, Pete Townsend wrote “My Generation.” Yes, on his 20th birthday. Here is a different song.

Grace Jones was born this day in 1948, though I find it a bit difficult to picture that. I think she sprang fully formed from the forehead of Little Richard.

ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill was born this day in 1949. He co-wrote this one.

And Dan Lacksman was born this day in 1950.

Joey Ramone was born this day in 1951, and he wrote this one.

The Human League’s Martyn Ware was born this day in 1956. He co-wrote this.

And finally, Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos was born this day in 1987.

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