Category Archives: Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week March 10, 2013: Bret Michaels

Artist of the Week: Bret Michaels

Birth Date: March 15, 1963
Genre: Rock, Pop, Country, Americana

In my day job, I work for Bret Michaels, so this artist of the week feature will be a little bit different.

Over the years I have had an insider’s view of the artist Bret Michaels. There are many facets to Bret Michaels, but the songs he’s written during the time I have worked for him and being a part of the process of releasing some of those songs has been pretty amazing.

My favorite songs are probably different than most people’s favorites. That holds true for almost every artist I listen to. When you work for an artist you get to hear songs that don’t make it to the album or are just for special projects. I will admit that I have a few favorites I can’t share, but I will share my favorites of the released tracks.

If you have never seen Bret Michaels live, you should. I say that not from an employee standpoint, but from a music fan standpoint. He has so much fun on stage and it shows. He wins new fans with his down-to-earth, party-like-a-rock-star way about him. He enjoys what he does and does his best to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves at his shows.

My song choices for this Artist of the Week lean towards the country star in Bret, with a few fun rock songs, too. I am a big country music fan, but it’s not so much that some of  these songs are country that makes me like them, but the story within each song that I love. Bret writes music that he wants to write. While he’s been classified in one genre or another, he just writes what he writes and it comes out the way it comes out. He listens to and enjoys all kinds of music, and has his whole life, so it is expected that he write all kinds of music.

The music selections below are for the tracks I can share with you, with their Rhapsody links.  Someday I hope to be able to share with you some of the other tracks that he hasn’t released, there are a few good ones in there.

1) “Little Willy” (A Letter From Death Row) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/a-letter-from-death-row/track/little-willy

2) “Steel Bar Blues” (A Letter From Death Row) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/a-letter-from-death-row/track/steel-bar-blues–violent-endings

3) “Menace To Society” (Songs Of Life) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/songs-of-life-poor-boy-records/track/menace-to-society

4) “Forgiveness” (Songs Of Life) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/songs-of-life-poor-boy-records/track/forgiveness

5) “Songs Of Life” (Songs Of Life) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/songs-of-life-poor-boy-records/track/songs-of-life

6) “Fallen Angel” (Show Me Your Hits: A Salute To Poison) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/bret-michaels-presents-show-me-your-hits—a-salute-to-poiso/track/fallen-angel

7) “The Other Side Of Me” (Ballads, Blues and Stories) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/ballads-blues-and-stories/track/the-other-side-of-me-song

8) “Open Road” (Freedom Of Sound Vol. 1) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/freedom-of-sound-vol-1-a-collection-of-songs-past-and-presen/track/open-road

9) “Lookin’ For A Good Time” (Freedom of Sound Vol. 1) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/freedom-of-sound-vol-1-a-collection-of-songs-past-and-presen/track/lookin-for-a-good-time

10) “Future Ex-Wife” (Freedom of Sound Vol. 1) – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/bret-michaels/album/freedom-of-sound-vol-1-a-collection-of-songs-past-and-presen/track/future-ex-wife-country-demos

For everything Bret Michaels, including samples of all of his released songs and a few new ones – including “The App Song” – go to http://www.bretmichaels.com

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week March 3, 2013: Mavis Staples

Artist of the Week: Mavis Staples

Born: July 10, 1939

 

What makes Mavis Staples so special for me is the passion that she has for music and performing.  The 2013 Grammy’s just proved that without a doubt. She was so into what she was doing that she continued even after the rest of the band had stopped playing. Her style of performing transports her into the music – she feels it, she lives it.

My first introduction to Mavis Staples was in 1994 with the release of Rhythm, Country and Blues. Marty Stuart and The Staples Singers performed “The Weight” on that album.  That is the song I will always associate with Ms. Staples. It is what she performed at the Grammys and my first time hearing her sing 19 years ago.

Ms. Staples career has spanned decades, with her performing as part of the The Staple Singers and as a solo artist. The Staple Singers released nine albums between 1971 and 1984. As a solo artist she has released thirteen albums, the most recent in 2010. As a member of the Staples Singers she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information about Ms. Staples and what her schedule is, please check out her web site at MavisStaples.com.

Here are a few of my favorite Mavis Staples/The Staples Singers tracks (Rhapsody links included):

“The Weight” (Marty Stuart & The Staples Singers) from Rhythm, Country and Blues – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/rhythm-country-and-blues/track/the-weight

“I’ll Take You There” (The Staples Singers) from The Best of The Staples Singers – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/the-best-of-the-staple-singers-stax/track/ill-take-you-there

“Respect Yourself” (The Staples Singers) from Greatest Hits – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/greatest-hits/track/respect-yourself

 

“Let’s Do It Again” (The Staples Singers) from Let’s Do It Again – Greatest Hits – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/lets-do-it-again—greatest-hits/track/lets-do-it-again

 

“This Little Light” (Mavis Staples) from Live: Hope At The Hideout – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/mavis-staples/album/live-hope-at-the-hideout/track/this-little-light

Here are some video clips from YouTube:

“I’ll Take You There” – http://youtu.be/l64Bte5ygvM

“Touch A Hand, Make A Friend” (The Staples Singers) – http://youtu.be/MwAZ-xmuc74

“Respect Yourself” (The Staples Singers) – http://youtu.be/oab4ZCfTbOI

Here’s a link to see the 2013 Grammy’s tribute to Levon Helm – http://deadspin.com/5983262/heres-the-balls+out-levon-helm-grammy-awards-memorial-tribute-performance-of-the-weight?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Source: MavisStaples.com, Wikipedia, Rhapsody and YouTube.

Artist of the Week

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week: February 24, 2013 – Billie Holiday

Artist: Billie Holiday

Birth Date: April 7, 1915 Died: July 17, 1959

 

Billie Holiday was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised most of her young life in Baltimore, MD. She had a tulmutuous upbringing, but one surrounded by Jazz music.

Her talent was evident from a young age and she has one of the most unique voices, still to this day recognizable without ever hearing her name.

Lady Day as she became to be known was discovered in New York City by John Hammond at 18 years. Throughout her career she had worked with Count Basie, Artie Shaw, and countless others that helped to shape and create the American Jazz genre.

For more information about Billie Holiday, please visit the official web site at: www.billieholiday.com.

Here are some Fast Facts from her web site:

Birth name: Eleanora Fagan Gough
Name change: Changed her name to “Billie Holiday” because of her admiration for film star “Billie Dove.” She was also known as “Lady Day.”
Birth date: April 7, 1915
Birth place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Death date: July 17, 1959
Death place: New York City, New York
Burial location: Saint Raymond’s Cemetery in Bronx County, NY

Famous Tagline: “Lady Sings the Blues”
Occupation: Legendary jazz singer
Height: 5’5″ 
Hair color: Black 
Eye color: Brown 
Spouse: Louis McKay

  • The U2 song Angel of Harlem paid tribute to Holiday.
  • On September 18, 1994, the United States Postal Service honored Holiday by introducing a USPS-sponsored stamp.
  • Her early band was organized by pianist Teddy Wilson.
  • She was discovered by John Hammond
  • A statue of Holiday still stands today at the corner of Lafayette and Pennsylvania Avenues in Baltimore.

 

Her unique tone and singing style is why I love Billie Holiday, the songs are timeless and yet transport you back in time to when American Jazz was just beginning.  Below are a few of the many songs she recorded. (Rhapsody links are below.)

Stormy Weather – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/billie-holiday/album/billie-holiday-1925-1955/track/stormy-weather

What A Little Moonlight Can Do – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/billie-holiday/album/the-great-american-songbook/track/what-a-little-moonlight-can-do

Night And Day – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/billie-holiday/album/the-great-american-songbook/track/night-and-day

Until The Real Thing Comes Along – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/billie-holiday/album/the-great-american-songbook/track/until-the-real-thing-comes-along

I Got A Right To Sing The Blues – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/billie-holiday/album/billie-holiday-1925-1955/track/i-got-a-right-to-sing-the-blues

 

YouTube clips:

Strange Fruit – http://youtu.be/h4ZyuULy9zs

Fine And Mellow – http://youtu.be/ZtgUbJN8oPE

The Blues Are Brewin’ – http://youtu.be/bWtUzdI5hlE

 

For photos and more information about Billie Holiday, please visit her official web site at BillieHoliday.com

 

Artist of the Week, Live Music Photos

CreativelyMusical.com Artist of the Week: 2/17/2013 Rickey Medlocke

[Artist of the Week is a new feature on CreativelyMusical.com. It’ll be where I share some of the artists I like and have an interest in. These articles will include a few facts and some personal thoughts about each artist, plus some of my favorite songs as well. I won’t promise you’ll hear the most famous recordings they’ve done, as I have come to love deep album cuts more than radio singles. Sources for each article will be at the bottom where available.]

Photo: Christine A Ellis
Rickey Medlocke, Garry Rossington, Johnny Colt

Artist: Rickey Medlocke
Birth Date: February 17, 1950

Rickey Medlocke has been playing music nearly all of his life. While most famous for fronting Blackfoot and playing guitar in Lynyrd Skynyrd, he has been playing and performing since he was a child.

He got his start playing with his grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, learning such instruments as the banjo, guitar and drums. He also learned to play the mandolin and dobro, as well as the keyboards as he got older.

Rickey played with Blackfoot from its inception until rejoining Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd in the early seventies, playing drums on the Muscle Shoals sessions. He also wrote and sang a few songs on those sessions.

Music is a passion for Rickey; he practices or plays every day and has an energy on stage that performers a third his age can’t match. For me, personally, that energy is what has captivated me and just made me a fan from the first time I watched him live.

I will rarely say I am the biggest fan because a lot of the time I’m late to the party. I had known a Blackfoot song or two and a Lynyrd Skynyrd song or two. But in 2010, the first time I got to see Lynyrd Skynyrd live I was hooked. I had to have everything I could get my hands on. Now I had seen Lynyrd Skynyrd and Montgomery Gentry on CMT Crossroads, I remember taping it. I am a Montgomery Gentry fan. I knew of Blackfoot from Warrant covering “Train, Train.” That was about it until 2010.

In 2010, my boss opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd. The rest as they say is history. I was hooked on everything Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot. I bought the “Lyve” DVD before I went to New Jersey to see Lynyrd Skynyrd live and I just fell in love with Rickey and the way he played. It is one of those things you can’t explain. He’ll often say that the pre-crash version of Lynyrd Skynyrd had this “magic” about them, well he does, too.

Through interviews, articles and stories I have learned a lot about Rickey, Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the whole scene that they emanated from. I still have much more to learn, but as time goes by I learn a lot about what drives people with longevity in this business. Rickey was once asked how to describe himself in three words. Those three words were “a real musician.” That is the definition of someone who would play no matter what, they live and breathe music and it is a big part of their soul.

I appreciate that, it is what has endeared me to the musicians that I admire. Many of those are guitar players – Marty Stuart, Keith Urban, Vince Gill – and they all have a passion for music that shows in everything they do. Rickey’s passion is evident, always front and center, he enjoys himself and that makes him fun to watch.

Rickey, of Native American heritage, is also working with First American Productions on a series of documentaries about reservations and Native heritage in America. The first episode of “Homeland Nation” was about the Mescalero Apache. Rickey narrated, interviewed guests and wrote and performed songs for the soundtrack. Additional episodes are in the works as well.

The music selections for Rickey’s Artist of the Week feature are selections from throughout his career with Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd and solo pieces as well. All of the following selections, except for “Guitar Slinger’s Song And Dance” can be found on Rhapsody and links are below (and iTunes).

1. “White Dove” – Lynyrd Skynyrd’s First -The Complete Muscle Shoals Album – Lynyrd Skynyrd
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/lynyrd-skynyrd/album/skynyrds-first-the-complete-muscle-shoals/track/white-dove

2. “Gimme Gimme Gimme” – Tomcattin’ – Blackfoot
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/blackfoot/album/tomcattin/track/gimme-gimme-gimme

3. “Every Man Should Know (Queenie)” – Tomcattin’ – Blackfoot
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/blackfoot/album/tomcattin/track/every-man-should-know-queenie

4. “Rattlesnake Rock ‘n’ Roller” – Marauder – Blackfoot
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/blackfoot/album/marauder/track/rattlesnake-rock-n-roller

5. “Fly Away” – Marauder­ – Blackfoot
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/blackfoot/album/marauder/track/fly-away

6. “Skynyrd Nation” – God and Guns – Lynyrd Skynyrd
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/lynyrd-skynyrd/album/god-and-guns/track/skynyrd-nation

7. “Guitar Slinger’s Song And Dance” – Medicine Man­ – Blackfoot

8. “Train, Train” – Strikes – Blackfoot
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/blackfoot/album/strikes-rhinoelektra/track/train-train

9. “Bandalero” – Homeland Nation Soundtrack – Rickey Medlocke and Mark Woerpel
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/homeland-nation-soundtrack/track/bandalero

10. “Native Colors” – Homeland Nation Soundtrack – Rickey Medlocke and Mark Woerpel
http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/homeland-nation-soundtrack/track/native-colors

You can also check out the following YouTube videos:

1. Native American Music Awards 2008 (Rickey was inducted into the Hall of Fame) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGmgbgB8Axk – This video contains the song “Guitar Slinger’s Song And Dance.”

2. German interview from 2012 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBUZfdXYlfw

3. Homeland Nation promo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wESBgfVupXY

4. Fashion Fights Poverty – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ployHbZ7vyo, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjCM23vZeZU

5. From Homeland Nation – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jSDSSSaxqs 

 

SOURCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickey_Medlocke

Various Interviews I’ve read over the last couple of years.

Music and video links, Rhapsody and YouTube

Photos are from my personal collection.