Sandy Benefit Brings ‘Hope and Dreams’ (and Money)
In the end, Bruce Springsteen did not sing “My City’s in Ruin,” which he did for the 9/11 telethon. Nor did he do “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).” For…
Here Comes Bootsy
I appear to have underestimated, after all these years, the power of William “Bootsy” Collins in the realm of funk. Though I’m not sure he’s quite the title holder of…
Bruce Back on the Campaign Trail
Bruce Springsteen changed his mind about sitting out the current political season, sending a letter to fans explaining it, and taking to the stage in Parma, Ohio and Ames, Iowa…
Springsteen to Campaign for Obama
After a fall concert season where Bruce Springsteen didn’t mention the presidential race in his concerts and didn’t even remind fans to vote, the Boss abruptly changed his tune Saturday,…
Recalling Johnny Cash, Song by Song
The new Ovation series “Johnny Cash: Song by Song” is, as the title might indicate, a little different approach to looking at the life of an artist. The six part…
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Hits Bottom
Let’s just say pickings are getting mighty slim for the inductions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You’re 2013 nominees include Rush, Heart, Deep Purple and Chic. Paul…
Andy Williams, Huckleberry Friend
It’s difficult to imagine how influential Andy Williams was in American cultural life, and not just because kids like me had to growup wearing matching red sweaters with his brother…
Randy Newman on Mitt Romney (in Song)
He spends a lot of his time coming up with agreeable pop for the animated film market, just as his uncles used to score for old Hollywood movies. But when…
Springsteen at Nationals Park
The organ played “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band took to the stage at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. Friday. It was…
On Tonight: McCartney Croons Classics
Despite what happened during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics when he couldn’t quite hit “Hey Jude,” Paul McCartney has a pretty nice tone to his voice at age 70.…