Tag: Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Tony Gwynn, “Mr. Padre”

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Wishing Tony Gwynn a happy birthday today.

You may ask why a baseball player is being featured on a music website…

TonyAlicia
Visit Tony and Wife Alicia’s Foundation!

If you follow this blog you probably know I am a huge sports fan. Growing up watching the San Diego Padres, was/is not much to root, cheer, (insert verb) for!

But in 1982 along came Tony Gwynn. As a kid you watch and cheer for your favorites. But over the years of following the team there was a ‘Tony Gwynn’ work ethic that was always discussed.

Tony was a tireless worker at his craft…hitting a baseball. He spent hours and hours watching film, studying the game and working on his game. That made a huge impression on me growing up.

It made me want to work that hard at guitar and I began to listen to guitarists who had that same work ethic. The guys who put in HOURS & HOURS day in and day out playing guitar.

Not only that he was and is a loyal citizen of America’s Finest City, San Diego! My hometown!

So that said Tony was a huge influence on me personally and professionally and that is why he is being a wished a happy birthday from me.

Thanks Tony and Happy Birthday!

Willie Nelson 80 Years Old Today, Happy Birthday!

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Willie NelsonGrowing up a rocker I never had much interest in country music or Willie Nelson. In 2002 a movie called, “The Rookie,” was released. Dennis Quaid starred as an aging high school baseball coach who, egged on by his students, tried out for the big leagues and made it all the to MLBs Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Good family movie and a true story.

The movie is centered in the American Heartland and I remember hearing, “City of New Orleans,” a Willie Nelson song on the soundtrack.

That is when it hit me…the intrigue and value of Willie Nelson…he is a true piece of Americana… The more I listened to his music the more I became a fan. The musicianship is there too. The guy is an American Legend and a great musician! I even went to see Willie live…great show!! He tours constantly and I highly suggest you see him. If you are not a fan of the music go just to see what it is all about, cause there will never be another like him again. Don’t miss your chance to take part in Willie’s legacy while he is still gracing our planet!!!

80 years old! Life is definitely too short.

Happy Birthday Willie….here’s to many more!

Happy Birthday Eric Clapton, 68

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Young ClaptonHappy birthday to guitar man Eric Clapton, 68 today!

What is your favorite Clapton song? Are you a Cream fan, Derek & the Dominos, late to the party and love songs like “Tears in Heaven?”

I would have to say one of my all time favorite Clapton songs isn’t even a Clapton song. It’s the Beatles, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Yep, for those of you who did not know EC is the axe man on that incredible slide guitar solo.

The first song I ever knew by Clapton was, “Lay Down Sally,” so that is what I included here.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Joe Walsh, 65, Life’s Been Good

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I remember being a little kid listening to Joe Walsh’s, “Life’s Been Good.” It was the coolest song ever at the time. Cool guitar riffs(yes I was hooked on guitar even as a kid) and funny lyrics. I have mentioned before in my blogs that I am not much of lyrics guy, but, c’mon what little kid doesn’t laugh with their friends over lines like, ‘I have a mansion forget the price …Ain’t never been there they tell me it’s nice.’  Actually, the tune has held its own for 34 years now….so it wasn’t just for kids.

I will always think of Joe Walsh, as mentioned above, as a combination of iconic rock guitar riffs and a silly side, including some of his performance faces…he took the ‘guitar face’ to new heights. To me he is the redeeming musician in the Eagles. His stylistic rock licks lifted the Eagles from country band to Rock Supergroup status. His mark is most notably etched on tunes like Life in the Fast Lane, The Long Run, In the City and his shared guitar work on the epic Hotel California solo.

Joe’s been at his career for just under 50 years now. He has achieved legendary success as a member of The James Gang, The Eagles and his solo gig.

Here is to Life ‘Being’ Good for years to come…keep rocking Joe!

Space Cowboy, Steve Miller, Turns 69 on Oct. 5

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Been a lot of Rock n Roll Birthdays this week.

Steve Miller is next on the list. October 5th , the Space Cowboy will turn 69.

From the time I was a little kid through high school, Steve Miller was one of my favorites! As a guitarist I think he is underrated and he has a great Rock n Roll voice. Couple that with the super cool synth tracks ie Fly Like an Eagle and a young rocker to be couldn’t resist. Music was like catnip for my developing internal music hard drive! I will always remember hearing him in the car driving around San Diego with my mom and at the beach blaring out of radios. Even back then when I was 7, 8 years old I couldn’t get enough music and Steve Miller was always on hand.

For some reason I think “Swingtown” was my all time favorite of his songs. It displays all the previously mentioned aspects; his voice, guitar riffs and the ambient synthesizers. Here it is…Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Sting!

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Sting is 61?

It can’t be! It’s really not cool of all these rock stars to keep aging, because as they get older…I am one step behind them.

Anyway, October 2, Sting bassist and vocalist for the Police did just that…turned 61. I guess it beats the alternative.
I had the honor of seeing The Police live in 2008 when they passed through San Diego. I thought it would be a cool show to see and be able to say I saw the Police. I wasn’t expecting much more. However, I was totally blown away with how incredible they were live. Their sound was super clean and the band was tight musically. It definitely ranks high on the list of concerts I have attended.

Here is “Walking on the Moon” live from Japan on the same 2008 tour.