Born into poverty in Arkansas during the Great Depression, the life journey of Johnny Cash, the iconic country music legend, was a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. Yet, one constant thread ran through it all: his sense of responsibility and compassion for his fellow humans.
Cash’s musical contributions are legendary. His hits like “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line” resonate across generations. But it’s not just the catchy melodies or poetic lyrics that set him apart. Cash’s raw authenticity and ability to capture the human experience made him a true troubadour. His songs weren’t mere entertainment; they were anthems of rebellion, redemption, and resilience.
The classic “Folsom Prison Blues” deserves special mention. Inspired by a movie he saw while stationed in Germany, Cash penned this song from the perspective of an inmate. He stepped into the shoes of the forgotten, the incarcerated, and sang their pain. His live performances at Folsom Prison and San Quentin Prison weren’t just concerts; they were messages of hope. Cash believed in rehabilitation over punishment, advocating for counseling and reclassification of offenses. His empathy for prisoners fueled his lifelong commitment to prison reform.
Cash also championed Native American rights, especially through his haunting song, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes.” The tragic tale of a Pima Indian who raised the flag at Iwo Jima only to face discrimination back home struck a chord with Cash. He used his platform to amplify voices that society often silenced.
From the rebellious spirit of “A Boy Named Sue” to the spiritual depth of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” Johnny Cash’s music transcends time. It’s the voice of a man who understood pain, redemption, and the human condition. Let’s honor Johnny Cash—the Man in Black—by not only tapping our feet to his tunes but also by carrying forward his spirit of empathy, justice, and love for all.
A used unwashed black t-shirt worn by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong during the promotion of the band’s American Idiot album sold for $2500 at a charity auction, with the proceeds going to the Oakland School of the Arts. I would love to dispose of my laundry pile the same way, but I doubt anybody would pay more than $400 for my sweat-stained socks.
Billie Joe Armstrong was born on this date in 1972. Tracks from his band are included on today’s playlist.
Joy Division and New Order are two of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. They emerged from the punk scene of the late 1970s and evolved into different styles and genres, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and albums.
Joy Division was formed in 1976 by four young men from Manchester, England: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). They were inspired by the energy and attitude of the Sex Pistols, but they soon developed their own distinctive sound and vision. Their music was dark, atmospheric, and haunting, reflecting the bleakness and alienation of their industrial surroundings. Their lyrics were poetic, complex, and literary, dealing with themes such as love, death, isolation, and mental illness. Curtis, who suffered from epilepsy and depression, delivered his vocals with a deep, expressive, and sometimes erratic voice.
Joy Division released two albums in their short career: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980). Both are considered masterpieces of post-punk, a genre that emerged after the initial wave of punk and experimented with new sounds and influences. Joy Division’s songs, such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Atmosphere,” “Transmission,” and “She’s Lost Control,” are among the most iconic and influential of the era. They also created a distinctive visual identity, with minimalist and abstract album covers designed by Peter Saville.
Joy Division’s career was tragically cut short by the suicide of Curtis on May 18, 1980, the eve of their first American tour. His death shocked and saddened the music world, and also mythologized the band as a symbol of intensity and authenticity. Joy Division’s music has inspired countless artists across genres and generations, from U2 and Radiohead to Nine Inch Nails and The Killers.
After the death of Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to continue making music under a new name: New Order. They were joined by Gillian Gilbert, a keyboardist and guitarist who added a new dimension to their sound. New Order’s music was a radical departure from Joy Division’s. They embraced synthesizers, drum machines, and dance music influences, creating a fusion of rock and electronic music that was groundbreaking and influential. Their music was also more upbeat, colorful, and optimistic, reflecting their personal and artistic growth.
New Order released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, each one exploring new musical directions and possibilities. Their most famous and successful song is “Blue Monday,” a 1983 single that is the best-selling 12-inch record of all time. The song is a synth-pop masterpiece, with a catchy melody and a pulsating rhythm. Other notable songs by New Order include “True Faith,” “Regret,” “World In Motion,” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.” New Order’s music has influenced many artists in the fields of synth-pop, techno, house, and alternative rock, such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Chemical Brothers, and LCD Soundsystem.
Besides their musical achievements, Joy Division and New Order have also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. One of their most notable contributions was their participation in the Artists Against Apartheid project, a campaign that aimed to raise awareness and funds for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In 1986, New Order recorded a song called “State of the Nation,” which denounced the racist regime and expressed solidarity with the oppressed people. The song was released as part of an album called Conspiracy of Hope, which also featured songs by U2, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and others. The album was a benefit for Amnesty International, a human rights organization that works to end injustice and abuse around the world.
Joy Division and New Order also supported the Hacienda, a legendary nightclub in Manchester that was owned by their record label, Factory Records. The Hacienda was a cultural hub that hosted many famous bands and DJs, such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Madonna, and Happy Mondays. It was also a place where people of different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations could mingle and enjoy music and dancing. The Hacienda was a pioneer of the rave culture, which promoted peace, love, and unity through electronic music. However, the club also faced financial and legal troubles, and eventually closed in 1997. Joy Division and New Order donated much of their royalties and profits to keep the club running, and also performed there several times.
Joy Division and New Order are two bands that have made a lasting impact on music and culture. If you want to listen to some of their best songs, check out this playlist.
“I’ll give you a million dollars to go and record another album. This is not happening, this is shit.”- The initial reaction of Doug Morris, then-president of Atlantic Records, after listening to what became INXS’s Kick album
The late Michael Hutchence of INXS was born on this date in 1960. A handful of the group’s songs are included on today’s playlist.
The theme of today’s playlist is cover versions of songs that originated in stage musicals. Here are the songs listed with the shows that introduced them:
Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin – From The Threepenny Opera (1928)
Till There Was You by The Beatles – From The Music Man (1957)
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by The Platters – From Roberta (1933)
Little Girl Blue by Nina Simone – From Jumbo (1935)
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers – From Carousel (1945)
I Am What I Am by Gloria Gaynor – From La Cage aux Folles (1983)
On The Street Where You Live by Vic Damone – From My Fair Lady (1956)
Everything’s Coming Up Roses by The Replacements – From Gypsy (1959)
Send In The Clowns by Judy Collins – From A Little Night Music (1973)
I Don’t Know How to Love Him by Helen Reddy – From Jesus Christ Superstar (1970)
Hair by The Cowsills – From Hair (1967)
Put On A Happy Face by Diana Ross & The Supremes – From Bye Bye Birdie (1960)
Losing My Mind by Liza Minnelli – From Follies (1971)
Tomorrow by Grace Jones – From Annie (1977)
My Favorite Things by John Coltrane – From The Sound of Music (1959)
Well Did You Evah? by Debbie Harry & Iggy Pop – From DuBarry Was a Lady (1939)
The Man I Love by Kate Bush – From Lady, Be Good! (1924)
If My Friends Could See Me Now by Linda Clifford – From Sweet Charity (1966)
Summertime by Big Brother & The Holding Company – From Porgy and Bess (1935)
Cabaret by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – From Cabaret (1966)
I Get A Kick Out Of You by Frank Sinatra – From Anything Goes (1934)
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina by Festival – From Evita (1978)
Somewhere by Pet Shop Boys – From West Side Story (1957)
The Lady is a Tramp by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – From Babes in Arms (1937)
I’ll Never Fall In Love Again by Dionne Warwick – From Promises, Promises (1968)
I Love Paris by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – From Can-Can (1953)
Night + Day by U2 – From Gay Divorce (1932)
There Are Worse Things I Could Do by Alison Moyet – From Grease (1971)
Corner of the Sky by The Jackson 5 – From Pippin (1972)
I Enjoy Being a Girl by Phranc – From Flower Drum Song (1958)
In the same room where Ian Fleming wrote James Bond novels Sting of The Police wrote what he called a “nasty little song” about his feelings of jealousy and obsession over his first wife following their divorce. I’m not sure if hearing the song everywhere helped him get over those feelings, but the money the song generated may have lifted his spirits.
Sting was born on this date in 1951. Lotsa Police songs on today’s playlist.
