Today is the birthday of novelist, historian, and critic H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
"Long Live H. G. Wells" - an Iannan patriotic song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSxBdZFa-k8
And, 89 years ago today, J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was first published
"Misty Mountains" - Peter Hollens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEwzFF4HeB8&list=PLUcJ_HmO2bE9ct1GtRlV2486p6PNpRXB2&index=15
It's also the birthday of British composer Gustav Holtz, best known for his orchestral suite The Planets
"Jupiter" - a flash mob from the Berkee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3cpOrB1GW8
Frances Mary Albrier (1808-1987) was a civil rights activist born on this date; she played an important role in eliminating discrimination of Black teachers in Berkeley, California public schools; during World War II she was a welder at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond California, and became (after much protest) the first Black woman to join the Boilermakers Union. I thought this song would be good tribute to her.
"Step by Step" - John McCutcheon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uybcmVIrou4
Preston Tucker (1903-1956) was an automotive entrepreneur who developed the Tucker 48 sedan (aka The Tucker Torpedo), whose innovative deign called for a water-cooled aluminum block flat-6 rear engine, disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, fuel injection, all instruments within reach of the steering wheel, seat belts, and a padded dash -- unusual for 1948. a campaign to discredit Tucker (perhaps orchestrated by the Big Three automakers) led to the decease of the model.
"Tucker Torpedo" - Electric Land
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iXW0FPailI
I hope Chuck Jones (1912-2002) needs no introduction. Here's the Monteral FILMHarmonique Orchestra with backing up the classic 1957 cartoon What's Opera, Doc?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzofK0r7Gw0
Fred Hunt (19023-1986) was a British modern and trad jazz pianist.
"St. Louis Blues"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHpDRR1wWjk
The legendary Leonard Cohen's (1934-2016) background as a poet and a novelist influenced many of his songs. Here's one of my very favorites.
"Dance Me to the End of Love"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGorjBVag0I
Royden Dickey Lipscomb ("Dickey Lee," b. 1936) -- has there ever been anyone better with teenage tragedy songs?
"Patches"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpjs9nEBVOQ
Don Felder (b. 1947) was the lead guitarist for The Eagles
"Hotel California"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLl4PZtxia8
Keith Harris (1947-2015) was a British ventriloquist who gained fame with puppets Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey
"Orville's Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=795ZcTlIH9Q
Stephen King (b. 1947) is one of the world's best-selling authors, but he was also a member of The Rock Bottom Remainders (other members included -- among others -- Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, Scott Turow, Mitch Albom, Roy Blount, Jr., Barbara Kingsolver, Matt Groening, Greg Iles, Al Kooper, Roger McGuinn, and honorary member Maya Angelou.
"Hey, Little Girl"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wCX4i2kp04
Corinne Drewery (b. 1959) has a dual career as a fashion designer and as a singer/composer, most notably with Swing Out Sister
"Don't Let Yourself Down" - Swing Out Sister
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQdVUU0DeiE
Cheryl Hines (b. 1965) is an actress and (really?) comedian who happens to be married to a waste of protoplasm. I don't know if she is a singer and if she is, whether she is any better at it than Lara Trump, but she does have some ideas on how singers should breathe. I suppose I really should be guilty for knocking her, but I don't. Not a bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aTwWnCInFI
Faith Hill (b. 1967) is one of the most successful country music stars of all time
"Wild One" - her first #1 country hit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WifpCsOQ3JM
Wale (Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, b. 1984) is an award-winning rapper and professional wrestling enthusiast. He played Chango in Season 3 of American Gods
"Overthink" (featuring Elmiene)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEfoHSFeTII
Wang Junkai (b. 1999) is a Chinese singer and actor; he debuted as leader of the TFBoys in 2013.
"Ode to a Tree" (with English subtitles) - written when he was sixteen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdfDqznPxnc
Happy Birthday or anniversary to all!
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