Updike at Easter, 2024 Edition

Seven Voices on 'Seven Stanzas" with new voices (including Updike's own) and appropriate gospel music interludes.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The First ‘First Thanksgiving’

THE FIRST 'FIRST THANKSGIVING'--More than half a century before the Pilgrims landed on American shores, Spanish settlers in what is now St. Augustine, Florida, celebrated a lavish Thanksgiving dinner celebration and Mass of Tha...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Thoughts on Passover

In 'Thoughts on Passover,' RABBIE STEPHEN LEWIS FUCHS reflects on this sacred occasion as a time 'to work for the day when all people everywhere are free of Pharaoh-like bondage and able to practice their religion freely.'
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bring ‘em Home: The Incompleat Listener’s Guide to Pete Seeger on Record

PETE SEEGER's album catalogue tally comes close to 100--so many we dare not suggest the 'essential' ones. So, how about some invaluable long players worthy of any collection? Part 2 of our Pete Seeger tribute.
by David McGee
 

 

 

A Half-Century+ of Classic Animated ‘Rudolph’

On Dec. 6, 1964 NBC premiered an animated version of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER with BURL IVES as host. It drew a 50 share and was an instant holiday classic. From a 50 share to 50+ years as a holiday staple, we pay tribute...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Marilyn & Alan Bergman: A Marriage of Two Minds

An exclusive excerpt from MICHAEL SIGMAN's second volume of HITS HISTORY OF THE MUSIC BIZ interviews, this one featuring the great songwriting team of MARILYN & ALAN BERGMAN
by David McGee
 

 

 

This New Year’s, Resolve To Give Yourself a Break

'Shooting for the moon with our New Year's resolutions and then falling short is a fast track to aggravation, self-loathing and the joyless consumption of massive quantities of week-old fruitcake,' writes contributing editor Mi...
by David McGee
 

 
 

You Live On, Chet

Legendary music journalist/editor and country music authority CHET FLIPPO passed away on Wednesday in Nashville. David McGee offers a personal tribute.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Miracle Of Jesse Winchester

In tribute to the late, great JESSE WINCHESTER, we reprint this feature from the May 20 issue of TheBluegrassSpecial.com. Jesse said it was 'the best piece anyone's written about my music.' We don't know about that, but we'll t...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Video Moment for the Ages

In 'When a Soldier Makes It Home' ARLO GUTHRIE reminds us of meaningful matters, and our editor remembers his friends who served their country honorably.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pandemic Passover: A Moment of Rupture May Lead to a New Path

RABBI MICHAEL ROTHBAUM, reflecting on Passover's history of being recreated in 'inhospitable worlds of exile,' sees the traditional as having lessons to teach a COVID-19 planet.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Revenge of the Band Geeks

The next time you hear anyone disparage or mock school marching bands, please, first, call them to account for the disrespect they show for what it takes to be part of a good marching band; and second, direct their attention to...
by David McGee