My friend David Gentiles posted an old Don McLean song on his blog today. That and my continued listening to Randy Newman’s Harps and Angels sent me on a little musical journey of my own this evening. And so, I offer a sampling of some of my favorite aging songwriters and some of their best work.
First, thanks to Davy, here’s another Don McLean song I’m glad he helped me remember, “Castles in the Air.”
It’s hard to let summer go by without a bit of the Boss,so here’s one of my favorite Springsteen songs, “If I Should Fall Behind.”
Back in an acoustic vein, here’s Jackson Browne’s solo acoustic performance of “In the Shape of a Heart.”
The Eagles covered Browne’s “Take it Easy” to start their career and added Tom Waits’ song, “Ol’ 55” to their On the Border album. (Well, at least it’s a segue to Tom singing it himself.)
Which brings me to another woderful writer of lyrics and melodies who sings them, well, creatively: Randy Newman. This song, “Losing You” was written for a friend who lost his son. It keeps knocking me out.
Thank you all, gentlemen. Keep up the good work.
Peace,
Milton
P. S. — Rick and Christy commented that the list lacked Guy Clark and John Hiatt. They are so right. Here then is John Hiatt singing “Through Your Hands,” which could just as well be a hymn —
and Guy Clark doing his best work with “Old Friends.” (Notice who is sitting in the circle.)
Their encouragement also led me to add another favorite from Lyle Lovett — who I took Ginger to see on our first date (singing a Steve Fromholtz song).
Peace, once again,
Milton
Milton, if you just add John Hiatt and Guy Clark to this list, it might be the most perfect line up of old white guy singers! Nonetheless, it’s a pretty good list! Thanks for doing it.
Thanks for the good word — and it sent me back to add Guy and John to the mix. And a little Lyle Lovett.
Peace,
Milton
Wow great list. I enjoyed that. Thanks.
You sure know how to pick ’em, Milton. Thanks for these, fits my mood right now. db