The last line in one of the greatest music movies of all time is also perhaps its best. “What do you love about music? To begin with…EVERYTHING.” – Almost Famous.
I couldn’t agree more.
This unexpected break from action has given me a lot of time to think. A professional sports bettors’ work never stops. It is a 24/7 job. Even when there are no games are in play, your mind is always thinking about finding an edge, the grind is always going. The one other love that I’ve had for pretty much my entire life is music. My father first got me into music as a very young child: his favorite, of course, was the King himself, Elvis Presley. I remember seeing Elvis perform for the first time on TV when I was around 5 or 6 and was hooked. Probably because my father knew every word to every song, but eventually I was singing them right along with him.
One of the few big indulgences that I partake in is going to concerts. I will splurge for great seats when my favorites are on tour. To me, the highest form of entertainment is good live music. While we do not have the luxury of live acts right now, watching great concerts on-demand and online is a great way to keep entertained. Here are my favorite songs from my Top 5 performers:
Elvis – American Trilogy.
The first real super star in my childhood, I still rank the King as the #1 performer of all time. His 1973 satellite live broadcast was the first of its kind and still timeless even 47 years later. The amount of free Elvis documentaries and videos online (especially YouTube) will take you a year to finish. He was such a generous, kind, and gentle soul.
Frank Sinatra – The Summerwind.
Not actually a Frank original, The Summerwind was written by German composer Heinz Meier and Hans Bradkie. It was then rewritten into English by Johnny Mercer. Though Wayne Newton, Perry Como and Bobby Vinton actually recorded it first, Frank’s 1966 version is the one that every one remembers.
The Doors – The Soft Parade.
This is an album that I listened to over and over during my high school years. Jim Morrison was always more of a poet than a lead signer to me. The Lizard King is one of my favorite front men of all time.
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here.
The 1994 Pulse Tour was one of the best concerts that I’ve ever attended. If you need a group that you can play wherever you are and in any situation, it’s Floyd.
The Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil.
I have seen Mick and the Stones live more than any band (over 20 shows and have loved every one). It is amazing that they are still touring like it’s 1969. Every time I go, I enjoy it more knowing that it may be the last time I see them. Sympathy for the Devil was actually named ‘Falling Angels’ and ‘The Devil Is My Name’ before winding up with its masterpiece name.
I hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy. Liven up your weekend with some good music! Stay tuned for movies next week…
