Bikes, Music and Stuff

11 Great Love Songs From the 1970s

2025-06-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Most people know what it feels like to be in love. A special few have the ability to lay bare their own emotions and expose them to the world through words and music. Even if an intense and transformative love is unrequited (or it does not last a lifetime), once it has been immortalized in song, it can become a symbol for all love.

How magical it is to find a melody that plays your heart strings with lyrics that touch your soul. These are the songs that say what you would say, if you only knew how. These songs are listed in chronological order.

"Moondance," Van Morrison (1970)
"Your Song," Elton John (1970)
"Layla," Derek and the Dominos (1970)
"Let's Stay Together," Al Green (1971)
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder (1971)
"Tupelo Honey," Van Morrison (1972)
"You Are So Beautiful," Joe Cocker (1974)
"Fooled Around and Fell in Love," Elvin Bishop (1975)
"Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille (1975)
"Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton (1977)
"Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel (1977)

1. "Moondance," Van Morrison (1970)

"Moondance" is the title song on Van Morrison's third studio album. It was released in February of 1970. The album was Morrison's first big commercial success, and it is still my favorite of his many albums.

"Moondance" is one of Morrison's most popular songs. His soulful voice gives it a romantic, old-school jazz and lounge vibe, and it includes a moving saxophone solo. The song was not released as a single until 1977.

2. "Your Song," Elton John (1970)

How I loved this song when I first heard it. It was on Elton John's self-titled album, released in April 1970. He composed the music and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, wrote the lyrics. Elton John was his second album, but it was the first I'd heard of him. What an album it was, too. I listened to it straight through every day for a month.

"Your Song" had already been released by Three Dog Night in March 1970 on their album, It Ain't Easy. Elton John was an opening act for Three Dog Night at the time, and he allowed them to record the song.

3. "Layla," Derek and the Dominos (1970)

The song "Layla" first appeared on the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. by Derek and the Dominos. That band consisted of Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, Jim Gordon. and occasionally, Duane Allman. Writing credits for the song go to Clapton and Gordon.

Clapton had originally conceived the song as a ballad; it was Duane Allman who provided the song's signature guitar riff. That's what turned "Layla" into the rock power ballad that it became. The lyrics, of course, were inspired by Clapton's frustration over the infamous love triangle involving George Harrison’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd.

Released in November 1970, the album didn't make much of a splash at that time, and neither did the song. Part of the reason could be that Eric Clapton's name and image were not prominently displayed on the album cover.

It wasn't until the song was re-released in 1972 as a single, and then on Clapton's compilation, The History of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's, An Anthology, that it finally became a hit.

4. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green (1971)

The iconic song "Let's Stay Together" is classic piece of Memphis soul. It was featured on the 1972 album of the same name. Released as a single in 1971, it became Green's signature song, and his only number-one pop hit single.

A fine example of Al Green's unique sound, it is equal parts sad song and love song.

5. "Tupelo Honey," Van Morrison (1971)

"Tupelo Honey" is the title track of the fifth studio album by Van Morrison. It was released in October 1971. The album features various musical genres, country, R&B, soul, folk-rock and blue-eyed soul.

The lyrics reflect domestic bliss, celebrating his rural life with his then-wife Janet "Planet" Rigsbee. Most of the songs on the album were written in Woodstock, NY, but the couple moved to Marin County, California, before recording it. The sessions began at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, but were finished at Columbia Studios in New York.

6. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder (1972)

"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," was the second single from Stevie Wonder's 1972 album, Talking Book. It was his third number one single. It won him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The first two lines of the song are sung, not by Wonder, but by Jim Gilstrap. Lani Groves sings the next two lines. The two of them, along with Gloria Barley, provide backing vocals for the rest of the song. The single version is a little different from the album version in that horns were added to the mix.

The song was inspired by Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder's wife at the time. He expresses his undying devotion, and remembers why he loves her and always will. Of course, it didn't work out that way. The couple soon divorced, but love shined brightly while it lasted, and we still have this beautiful song.

7. "You Are So Beautiful," Joe Cocker (1974)

"You Are So Beautiful" was written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher. It was first released in 1974 on Preston's ninth studio album, The Kids & Me.
Later the same year, Joe Cocker released his own version of the song on his album, I Can Stand a Little Rain. It became one of his Joe Cocker's biggest hits.

8. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," Elvin Bishop (1975)

Elvin Bishop wrote and played guitar on "Fooled Around and Fell in Love." It made its debut on his 1975 album Struttin' My Stuff and was released as a single the following year.
Bishop had a background singer in his band, Mickey Thomas, sing the song on the album. He felt that his own voice could not do the song justice. Maybe he made the right call because the song went to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1976. Thomas later became the lead singer of Jefferson Starship.

9. "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille (1975)

The first hit single for kitschy '70s duo, Captain and Tennille was a cover of Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield's "Love Will Keep Us Together." The song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart nine weeks after its debut in 1975, and it went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
This is not normally my kind of music, but it was so popular, it was hard to avoid back in its day. It does evoke strong memories of that time period, and it's a pretty catchy tune.

10. "Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton (1977)

"Wonderful Tonight" is a sweet ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album, Slowhand.
This is the second song by him to be inspired by Pattie Boyd. This time though, she was his wife, and he was happily in love. It is said that Clapton composed the song while he was waiting for her to get ready to go out.

11. "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel (1977)

In 1977, Billy Joel released his album, The Stranger. "Just the Way You Are" was the lead single. It was his first critical and commercial success.
Billy Joel has said he dislikes the song, which he describes as a "chick song." He even refuses to play it in concert anymore. Apparently he associates it with his first marriage, which ended very badly. I hope he doesn't stop playing "Uptown Girl" because of Christie Brinkley.
Since I'm a "chick," I guess it's natural that I should like the song. Since half of the population, and many of Joel's fans are too, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing. I especially love the lyric:
"I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are"

10 Popular Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

2025-02-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Young Dolly Parton By RCA Records - eBayfrontback, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54429601

I'm always surprised when I find out that one of my favorite songs is actually a cover. I love a good cover song, as long as the new version is an improvement or the artist puts their own spin on the music. I think all of these great cover songs meet those requirements.

"And When I Die"—Blood, Sweat, and Tears (original by Peter, Paul, and Mary)
"Respect"—Aretha Franklin (original by Otis Redding)
"Superstar"—The Carpenters (original by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends)
"The Tide Is High"—Blondie (original by The Paragons)
"I Will Always Love You"—Whitney Houston (original by Dolly Parton)
"Take Me to the River"—Talking Heads (original by Al Green)
"Get Together"—Youngbloods (original by Chet Powers)
"Gentle on My Mind"—Glen Campbell (original by John Hartford)
"Papa Was a Rolling Stone"—The Temptations (original by The Undisputed Truth)
"Get Ready"—Rare Earth (original by The Temptations)

1. "And When I Die"—Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Album: Blood, Sweat & Tears (Expanded Edition)

Released: 1968

Original: Peter, Paul, and Mary

“And When I Die” was one of Blood, Sweat, and Tears' biggest hits. It was written by Laura Nyro. Nyro also recorded the song in 1967, but that was not even the first recording of the song.

Peter, Paul, and Mary made the first recording of "And When I Die" in 1966. They omitted the lyrics, "Don't wanna go by the devil, don't wanna go by the demons."

Blood, Sweat, and Tears released their famous version in 1969. I just love the Blood, Sweat, and Tears video above. It's hard to beat David Clayton Thomas' voice, and the tuba solo is to die for.

I've always loved the Blood, Sweat, and Tears version of this song. I hadn't heard the one by Peter, Paul and Mary before, but I have to say, it's not bad.

And when I die
and when I'm dead, dead and gone,
There'll be one child born and
a world to carry on, to carry on…

2. "Respect"—Aretha Franklin

Album: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Released: 1967

Original: Otis Redding

Few people remember that Otis Redding originally wrote and recorded "Respect" in 1965. In 1967, it became a signature song for Aretha Franklin.

The two versions have completely different vibes. Redding's version reeks of desperation from a man begging his woman to come back; all he asks for is just a little respect when he brings home the money.

Aretha's song is an ultimatum. She has never done her man wrong, and she promises him everything, but one thing she demands is his respect.

What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?…

3. "Superstar"—The Carpenters

Album: Carpenters

Released: 1971

Original: Delany and Bonnie and Friends

“Superstar” was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and originally recorded by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. The original title was “Groupie (Superstar).” It’s a poignant song about a woman pining for a man who's not coming back.

Several other people recorded the song before The Carpenters. They included Joe Cocker, Cher, and Bette Midler. Most people immediately associate the song with The Carpenters, but I think Bonnie does an excellent job of singing it also.

The Carpenters’ music could be a little smarmy sometimes, but you can't deny that Karen had a voice beyond compare. “Superstar” was one of three hits from the Carpenters’ self-titled third album (the other two were “For All We Know” and “Rainy Days and Mondays”).

Don't you remember, you told me you loved me baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do…

4. "The Tide Is High"—Blondie

Album: The Tide Is High

Released: 1980

Original: The Paragons

John Holt wrote “The Tide Is High" in 1966. It was originally performed by Holt and the Jamaican group The Paragons (Holt was the lead singer). It's a good song, and I'm glad Blondie found it and saved it from obscurity.

The song didn't get much attention until 1980, when Blondie covered the song on their fifth album, Autoamerican. She kept the reggae-style but with horns and strings. It was a number-one hit single in the U.S. and many other countries.

5. "I Will Always Love You"—Whitney Houston

Album: The Bodyguard soundtrack

Released: 1992

Original: Dolly Parton

I hope most people already know that “I Will Always Love You” is a cover. I'm sure my fellow baby boomers will. Dolly Parton wrote and recorded the song in 1974.

It enjoyed great success, hitting number one on the country charts twice (once when it was new and again when it was re-recorded for the 1982 movie, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). I love Dolly's versions. Her voice may not be as powerful as Whitney's, but it's so pure and sweet. If anyone only knows Whitney's version, I hope you will take a few moments to listen to Dolly singing her song.

Houston's remake is awesome but in a completely different way. Her version was originally recorded for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard. It brought the song to a whole new audience and topped almost every chart that existed. It became the all-time bestselling single by a woman.

If I should stay, I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way
And I will always love you…

6. "Take Me to the River"—Talking Heads

Album: More Songs About Buildings and Food

Released: 1978

Original: Al Green

Al Green originally recorded “Take Me to the River” for his 1974 album, Al Green Explores Your Mind. Green wrote the lyrics and collaborated with Mabon Hodges on the music.

In 1978, it was a breakthrough single for Talking Heads. They redid the song without sacrificing its funk. The Talking Heads slowed the tempo and made the song their own for their 1978 album More Songs About Buildings and Food.

Green approved and jokingly commented that he hoped to cover one of Talking Heads' songs one day.

I want to know that you'll tell me
I love to stay
Take me to the river, drop me in the water
Push me in the river, dip me in the water…

7. "Get Together"—Youngbloods

Album: The Youngbloods

Released: 1967

Original: Kingston Trio

"Get Together" was written by Chet Powers in the mid-1960s' he was also known as Dino Valenti. He sold the publishing rights to Frank Werber, the manager of The Kingston Trio, when he needed money to fight a possession of marijuana charge. Under the name Dino Valenti, he later became the lead singer of the rock group Quicksilver Messenger Service.

The song was originally recorded as "Let's Get Together" by the Kingston Trio. It was on their album Back in Town in June 1964. I think it was just OK.

The song first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 when the band We Five did a version in 1965. It peaked at #31. It was a little better than the Kingston Trio's version, but still not great.

Quite a few other singers and bands did their own versions of the song, but as far as I am concerned, none compare with the Youngbloods'. They first released the song in 1967, then again in 1969 (when it peaked at number five).

Come on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another…

8. "Gentle on My Mind"—Glen Campbell

Album: Gentle on My Mind

Released: 1967

Original: John Hartford

I have always loved the imagery in this song. Those lines seem to put you right there in the train yard around the campfire.

John Hartford wrote “Gentle on My Mind.” In 1969, his recording of it won a Grammy for Best Folk Performance. He also won a Grammy with it as the songwriter for Best Country & Western Song.

However, the artist most people associate with this song won two more Grammys for it that same year, Glen Campbell.

It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch…

9. "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"—The Temptations

Featured artist: Paul Riser

Album: All Directions

Released: 1972

Original: The Undisputed Truth

Most people associate this song with The Temptations, but many are surprised to discover that Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong originally wrote “Papa Was a Rolling Stone" for a different band, The Undisputed Truth.

They recorded the song in 1972. It was a moderate success, charting at number 24 on the R&B Charts and number 63 on the Pop Charts.

When The Temptations took their 12-minute version to number one and won three Grammy's for it in 1973, The Undisputed Truth's version was virtually forgotten.

Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died,
all he left us was alone

10. "Get Ready"—Rare Earth

Album: Get Ready

Released: 1969

Original: The Temptations

Rare Earth was the first Caucasian Motown band to have any success, but they really knocked it out of the park with this song. They recorded "Get Ready" for their album of the same name in 1969.

But that wasn't the first time it was a hit. In 1965, the Temptations recorded the Smokey Robinson-penned tune and had a moderate pop—and #1 soul—hit with the song.

As a result, there are two distinct versions of this classic tune: the Temptations R&B classic and Rare Earth's hard-rocking FM staple.

New Music From Old Friends: 9 Contemporary Albums From Classic Rock Artists

2025-02-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

Many musicians from the Classic Rock era are still making great music today. Here, in no particular order, we will take a look at a few who have recently made albums.

Classic Rockers Who Didn't Quit

Paul McCartney
Tony Joe White
Jeff Beck
Savoy Brown
John Mayall
Mick Fleetwood
Van Morrison
Billy F. Gibbons
Rita Coolidge

1. Paul McCartney: Egypt Station

Paul McCartney is like a Pop/Rock energizer bunny. When will this guy ever run out of steam? Egypt Station is his 17th post-Beatle studio album. It was released in September of 2018.
The title Egypt Station is the same as the name of a painting done by McCartney. That painting is the cover art.
At 76, McCartney will probably never make another Sgt. Pepper's, or Band on the Run, but he's still not ready to throw in the towel.
Egypt Station, is almost a concept album. It is like a musical journey. It makes stops along the way that revisit McCartney's past and new places too. Sir Paul's voice is not what it once was, but songwriting skills have stood the test of time.

2. Tony Joe White: Bad Mouthin'

Sadly, we lost Tony Joe White on October 24, 2018. He was best known for his 1969 hit "Polk Salad Annie." He also wrote, "Rainy Night in Georgia," but he was never satisfied with the way he sang that song. I could never understand that, because I've heard him play and sing it, and I thought he was great. In any case, it was a huge hit for Brook Benton in 1970.

White also wrote "Steamy Windows" and "Undercover Agent for the Blues." They were hits for Tina Turner in 1989.
He was known as a swamp legend, but he had a lifelong admiration for blues musicians and songwriters.
Hist last album, Bad Mouthin,' was released in September 2018. It features six of White's original songs and five blues standards written by such notables as Charley Patton and John Lee Hooker. He also included a cover Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel.” White plays guitar, both acoustic and electric, and the album was produced by his son Jody White.
Only a month after the album's release, Tony died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 75.

3. Jeff Beck: Live at the Hollywood Bowl

Jeff Beck is one of the three notable guitarists to have played with The Yardbirds (the other two are Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page). Despite his incredible talent, and an impressive list of band mates, Beck has not maintained the commercial success of many of his contemporaries.
He has focused on instrumental music and innovative sound. He did have two hit solo albums, Blow by Blow in March of 1975 and Wired in 1976.
Beck has played on many albums by other artists including Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Donovan, Diana Ross, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, ZZ Top, and Toots and the Maytals. He has also continued to produce solo albums, though to limited commercial success.
Rolling Stone's put him at number five on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and described him as "one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.”
So, why has Jeff Beck not seen the fame and fortune of his contemporaries and former band-mates? It's certainly not lack of talent. One thing is, he doesn't sing. His guitar is his voice. Maybe he doesn't have the personality for it, then again, maybe he just wasn't lucky in that way.
He has a new CD/DVD out, Live at the Hollywood Bowl. It is a recording of a concert in 2016 celebrating Beck's 50th year in the music business.

4. Savoy Brown: Witchy Feelin'

Savoy Brown was originally known as the Savoy Brown Blues Band. They had the most success in the US, where they promoted their albums with heavy touring. I loved their 1970 album Lookin' In. Only singer/guitarist and founding member Kim Simmonds remains from the original line-up.
They were one of the first racially integrated groups in the UK, notable for their Chicago-style blues. The band released over 30 albums.
If you've loved Savoy Brown and Kim Simmonds then you won't be disappointed with this new album, Witchy Feelin.' Simmonds has still got what it takes. It’s an enjoyable set of brand new songs all written by him.
The song, “Thunder, Lightning & Rain” has my vote for favorite track.

6. Mick Fleetwood Blues Band: Live at the Belly Up

Mick Fleetwood, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, celebrates his blues heritage with The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, featuring Rick Vito.
The band pays tribute to the original Fleetwood Mac, the blues band that started it all in 1967, before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks came along.
Those ladies were great, but they did change the band into something different. I love Fleetwood Mac in all of its incarnations.

7.Van Morrison: The Prophet Speaks

This is Van Morrison’s 40th studio album. He has been a consistent and prolific musician. The record follows a run of well-received albums including Roll With The Punches (all blues), Versatile, and You’re Driving Me Crazy.

On this album Van covers classics by the likes of John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke and Solomon Burke, to name a few. He puts his own spin on the classics, and adds six all-new Van Morrison originals.

8. Billy F. Gibbons: The Big Bad Blues

Billy F. Gibbons is best known as the guitarist and lead singer of American rock band ZZ Top. Gibbons formed ZZ Top in late 1969 and they released the aptly titled record, ZZ Top's First Album, in 1971.

Gibbons has played with many other musicians, and has acted on the television show, Bones. Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time of 2011 ranked him at number 32.

His latest album, The Big Bad Blues, is focused on his love of the blues and rock & roll. It showcases the blues-influenced vocals and guitar licks that have been the foundation for his many hits over the past fifty years.

The album features 11 tracks including some classic covers like “Rollin' And Tumblin,” and “Standing Around Crying” along with Billy's new blues originals.

9. Rita Coolidge: Safe in the Arms of Time

After a ten year break, Rita Coolidge has returned. She's released, her 18th album, Safe In The Arms Of Time. Rita Coolidge played a remarkable part in the history of the ‘70s L.A. music scene. She sang backup on Stephen Stills’ “Love the One You’re With” and Eric Clapton’s “After Midnight.” She composed the piano coda (credited to her ex-boyfriend, Jim Gordon) to Derek & the Dominoes’ “Layla.”

On this album, she took an active role in co-writing some of the songs. She also utilized the writing talents of artists including Keb’ Mo’, Stan Lynch, Jill Colucci, Chris Stapleton, and Graham Nash. She sings a duet with Keb' Mo.' Coolidge says, “This is the best record I’ve ever done. I’m extremely proud of it.”

Still Boomin'

As a generation, baby boomers have changed the culture of the US and the world at every stage of life. Now that we are growing older, we are still leaving our mark on the world.

We came of age in a time of musical exploration, and many of the musicians who made the music we love are still exploring.

My Blogging Journey

2025-02-24T19:32:00.000-08:00

My husband and I spent 30 years touring the western United States on a vintage Harley Davidson. This blog is about some of the adventures we've had. This was my first time dipping my toe into the world of online writing, but I hope some might enjoy my stories.

I have been looking for some like-minded bloggers, and I have yet to find one. Every "biker" blog that I have come across is selling T-shirts or Harley paraphernalia. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm looking for stories. If you know of such a website or blog, please leave a link in the comments.

When folks didn't flock to my site, I moved on to HubPages, where I wrote on a variety of subjects. Eventually, I found that most of my writing was about music. Lately though, HubPages seems to be a dead end. I've decided to start moving some of my music articles over to this site.

I'm a boomer, so my musical tastes began with classic rock of the 60s and 70s, but I have eclectic taste and I hope you might find something here you will enjoy.

Thanks for coming to my site. I hope you find something here that interests you.

Murder Ballads: 10 Killer Songs About Homicide

2025-02-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

Ralph Stanley and his son, Ralph Stanley II, on stage at the 2008 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Music Festival. Stanley's version of "Pretty Polly" might be the definitive version of the quintessential murder ballad.

10 Awesome Songs About Murder

Murder ballads are a longstanding tradition in country and bluegrass music. Here are a few of my favorites, including "El Paso" by Marty Robbins, "Delia's Gone" by Johnny Cash, and "Pretty Polly" by Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless.

These are all great songs in themselves. I was looking for songs that told the story of a murder, not just songs that mentioned or intimated that one had occurred.
A common theme for a murder ballad is the killing of a lover; love can be a dangerous game. However, there are plenty of motives for killing and just as many songs about it.

"I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye"—Willie Nelson
"Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair"—David Bromberg
"Blood on the Floor"—Fleetwood Mac
"El Paso"—Marty Robbins
"Me and My Uncle"—Grateful Dead
"Delia's Gone" – Johnny Cash
"Duncan And Brady"—New Riders Of The Purple Sage
"Staggolee"—Pacific Gas & Electric
"Coldwater Tennessee"—Robbie Fulks
"Pretty Polly"—Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless

1. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye"—Willie Nelson

I could have included a song from The Red Headed Stranger. That album was pretty much all about murder. However, I decided on one of Willie’s lesser-known songs. This creepy tale is a perfect lead-in for an article on murder ballads. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye" uses a common theme; a man kills his lover to keep her from leaving. Unusually, the narrative is spoken by the killer, addressing his victim.

“I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye” was released as a single in 1965. I first heard it on the Willie Nelson Live album, recorded at the Panther Ballroom in 1976. It's an album I enjoyed very much.

A new recording of “I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye” was included on Willie's album Teatro in 1998. Emmylou Harris sings backup on that version.

"The flesh around your throat is pale
Indented by my fingernails
Death is a friend to love and I
'Cause now you'll never say goodbye"

2. "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair"—David Bromberg

George Brooks wrote this jazzy, gleeful murder ballad. Bessie Smith and Her Blue Boys first recorded it in 1927. Other musicians have covered it, but the version I love best is this one by David Bromberg. Who knew a murder ballad could be so much fun?

This song can be found on the album Best of David Bromberg: Out of the Blues, released in 1977. It also includes a great live version of "Mr. Bojangles." It's one of my favorite Bromberg albums, and he is one of my favorite musicians. If you don't know him, check him out.

"First I cut her with my barlow
Then I kinda kicked her in the side
And I stood here laughing o'er her
While she bubbled up and died"

3. "Blood on the Floor"—Fleetwood Mac

This song is from Kiln House, the fourth album by Fleetwood Mac. It was released in 1970. This was their first album after Peter Green left the band and the last one to include Jeremy Spencer. Spencer is responsible for this tongue-in-cheek parody of a country western song.

This was before Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks period. Christine sang backup on some songs and drew the picture for the album cover.

"I came home one night
She were lyin',
With her legs around
Another mans bum
She saw me, started laughin'
But she cried, when she saw my gun"

4. "El Paso"—Marty Robbins

Written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, “El Paso” made its debut in 1959 on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs. The single was a crossover hit, charting at number one on pop and country charts.

Most people are familiar with this great old song. It tells the tale of a cowboy who shot a romantic rival in a fit of jealousy.

It has been covered by many artists. It was a concert favorite of the Grateful Dead. Their version of it can be found in Dick’s Picks Volume 11. It was recorded at the Stanley Theater in Jersey City on September 27, 1972.

"In anger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor"

5. "Me and My Uncle"—Grateful Dead

A couple years before he started The Mamas and The Papas, John Phillips wrote this chilling tale of cold-blooded murder in 1963. It tells the saga of a young cowboy and his uncle traveling on horseback together. After an incident at a barroom poker game, their seemingly tight relationship takes an unexpected turn.

"Me and My Uncle" was first recorded by Judy Collins in 1964 on her album, The Judy Collins Concert. The Grateful Dead began playing the song in 1966. They soon incorporated it into their standard lineup. It was one of their most often played songs throughout their "long strange trip." It can be found on their self-titled album, released in 1971.

One of them cowboys he starts to draw,
And I shot him down Lord, He never saw"

6. "Delia's Gone"—Johnny Cash

This is a great murder song, but I think I would have had to include it here for the video alone. I think this is the creepiest murder ballad video I've ever seen. A traditional song of the southern U.S. that dates to the early 1900s, the earliest recording dates back to the 1920s.

A pair called Karl Silbersdorf and Dick Toops copyrighted "Delia’s Gone" in 1959. It is unclear whether they actually had anything to do with writing or modifying the song, but many covers of it give them the writing credit.

The song is said to be inspired by the Christmas murder of 14-year-old Delia Green by her 15-year-old boyfriend, Moses Houston. The killing took place in Savannah, GA, in 1900.

Johnny Cash first recorded the song for his twelfth album, The Sound of Johnny Cash, in 1962. He recorded this new version for his 1994 album American Recordings.

I went up to Memphis
And I met Delia there
Found her in her parlor
And I tied her to her chair"

7. "Duncan and Brady"—New Riders of the Purple Sage

The song was originally recorded by Wilmer Watts and His Lonely Eagles in 1929, and it has been covered many times since then. The story told in the song is based on an actual shooting in St. Louis, Missouri. It took place in 1890. Police officers, including James Brady, were called to the scene of a bar fight.

During the confrontation, shots were fired, and Brady was killed. Harry Duncan, the bartender, was arrested for murder, but he claimed it was the bar owner Charles Starkes who had really pulled the trigger. Duncan was convicted and hanged.

The New Riders of the Purple Sage began as a spin-off from the Grateful Dead. It was Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart, along with John Dawson and David Nelson. In the beginning, they were considered a warm-up for the Grateful Dead, and they soon developed their own following.

“Duncan and Brady” was on their 1976 album Powerglide. By then, the Dead members had left the group. The lineup consisted of, Buddy Cage, David Nelson, Michael Falzarano, and Stephen A. Love.

Well, it's twinkle, twinkle little star
Along came Brady in his 'lectric car
Got a mean look right in his eye
Gonna shoot somebody just to see him die"

8. "Staggolee"—Pacific Gas & Electric

"Stagger Lee," or "Staggolee," is based on the true story of "Stag" Lee Shelton and William "Billy" Lyons. Stag Lee shot Billy during an altercation and was convicted of murder. Although he was later pardoned, Stag Lee died in prison for another crime.

The story soon became American folklore; the song was first published in 1911. Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians made the first recording in 1923. Many Artists have covered this song, including Ma Rainey, Mississippi John Hurt, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Woody Guthrie. In 1959, Lloyd Price had a number-one hit with it.

The song persisted into the 1960s when Pat Boone recorded it. Other versions were offered by such notables as Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Johnny and the Hurricanes and Tom Rush. The Youngbloods included a version of the song on their 1971 album, Good and Dusty.

The Grateful Dead recorded a version focusing on the fictionalized hours after the death of Billy when Billy's wife takes revenge on Stagger Lee. A 1985 version by the Fabulous Thunderbirds is featured on the Porky's Revenge soundtrack.

This is merely a partial list of the many artists who have covered this song. With so many to choose from, it was hard to pick which one to share here. In the end, I chose this version of the song performed by Pacific Gas & Electric. It was originally released as a B-side to their 1970 hit single "Are You Ready?" and was later included on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film, Death Proof.

"He shot him three times in the shoulder, lord
He shot him three times in the side
Well, the last time he shot him
Caused Billy Lyons to die"

9. "Coldwater Tennessee"—Robbie Fulks

Most people would describe Robbie Fulks’ music as alternative country or folk, and it’s hard to pin down. He is notorious for his humorous or silly songs, but he is also a gifted songwriter and musician.

With “Coldwater Tennessee,” Fulks shows a serious side. From his 2005 album Georgia Hard., the song tells the tale of a struggling country artist with a poor but loving home and family. He abandons his family and finally makes it big in music. That rejection is too much for the young son left behind

The crowd draws close, the door swings open
Cameras flash, and the pretty girls scream
Then a burst of fire, and a shout from the shadows
"This is from your fans in Coldwater Tennessee"

10. "Pretty Polly"—Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless

"Pretty Polly" is probably the quintessential murder ballad. It is a traditional English folk song from the British Isles, Canada, and the Appalachian mountains of the U.S. It tells the tale of a young woman whose lover lures her into the forest to her doom.

In some versions of the story, the killer promises to marry Polly but murders her when he learns that she is pregnant. Often, in American versions, that part is left out.

"Pretty Polly" has become a popular banjo tune. Here, it is sung by the amazing Ralph Stanley, one of the first generation of bluegrass players, and Patty Loveless, a darling of neotraditional country music. The duet can be found on the album Clinch Mountain Country by Ralph Stanley and Friends, released in 1998.

Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right
I dug on your grave the biggest part of last night"

10 Modern Female Blues Singers

2025-02-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

Beth Hart

Women Are Blues Pioneers

Women have always been an integral part of the blues. Some of the pioneers, like Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, and Bessie Smith, had an enormous influence on the genre. Many of them were powerful vocalists; some were also skilled instrumentalists.

After the 1930s, the feminine influence diminished. There were still some powerful blues women, like Big Mama Thornton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the "Queen of the Blues," Koko Taylor, who maintained the presence of ladies singing and playing the blues. Still, they were few and far between.

Currently, there seems to be a resurgence of modern female blues singers and band leaders. Here are ten of my favorite contemporary blues women.

10 Contemporary Women of the Blues

Anna Popović
Beth Hart
Danielle Nicole
Janiva Magness
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Larkin Poe
Ruthie Foster
Shemekia Copeland
Sue Foley
Susan Tedeschi

1. Anna Popović

Popović is an exceptional guitarist and singer from Belgrade, Serbia (born May 13, 1976). Although she is beautiful, she's more than just a pretty face. She played guitar from childhood and performed with the band Hush from 1995 to 1998. They recorded a well-received album, Hometown. After Hush split up, Anna formed the Ana Popović Band in the Netherlands.

In 2000, she covered "Belly Button Window" on the Jimi Hendrix tribute album Blue Haze: Songs of Jimi Hendrix. The next year, she released her successful first solo album, Hush! The album was recorded in Memphis, TN. It was just the beginning for this talented young musician. She has earned many awards and much acclaim. In 2012, she relocated to Memphis, Tennessee.

Anna Popović is a prolific artist; these are the albums she has released.

2001—Hush!
2003—Comfort to the Soul
2005—Ana! Live in Amsterdam
2007—Still Making History
2009—Blind for Love
2010—An evening at Trasimeno Lake
2011—Unconditional
2013—Can You Stand the Heat
2015—Blue Room
2016—Trilogy
2018—Like It on Top
2023—Power

2. Beth Hart

Beth Hart is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Besides singing, she plays piano, guitar, bass, cello, and percussion. She was born on January 24, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, where she grew up and still lives.

She got her first taste of fame when she had a top ten hit with her 1999 single "L.A. Song (Out of This Town)." Her music has been very successful in Europe. She has become closely associated with Joe Bonamassa, touring and collaborating with him.

I don't know what it is about her voice; it's not the sweetest, and it doesn't have the most range, but she puts so much of herself into it. When Beth Hart sings, it gives me goosebumps.

Perhaps it's because of the hardships she's had to overcome. She has a complicated relationship with her father and has struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder, but she seems to have her life going in a good direction.

1993—Beth Hart and the Ocean of Souls
1996—Immortal
1999—Screamin' for My Supper
2003—Leave the Light On
2007—37 Days
2010—My California
2011—Don't Explain with Joe Bonamassa
2012—Bang Bang Boom Boom
2013—Seesaw with Joe Bonamassa
2015—Better Than Home
2016—Fire on the Floor
2018—lack Coffee with Joe Bonamassa
2019—War in My Mind
2022—A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
2024—You Still Got Me

3. Danielle Nicole

Founding member, lead singer, and bass player of Kansas City blues-rock band Trampled Under Foot, Danielle Nicole (formerly Danielle Nicole Schnebelen) went solo in 2015 with her debut album “Wolf Den.”

Trampled Under Foot was a collaborative effort with her brothers, Kris and Nick Schnebelen. She started playing the bass to keep it a family band. She fell in love with the instrument and the challenge of it. Her distinctive style helped her become the first woman to win the Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist, Bass, from the Blues Foundation in 2014.

Danielle says, “From my years of playing blues festivals, I've seen that younger and younger audiences are getting into the blues. I think that people want to hear authentic music again.”

If authentic is what they want, they've got it. This girl is the real deal.

2015—Wolf Den (September 15, 2015)
2017—Live at the Gospel Lounge (May 22, 2017) (sold only at concerts)
2018—Cry No More (February 23, 2018)

4. Janiva Magness

Janiva Magness has earned the right to sing the blues. The singer/songwriter was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 30th, 1957. She lost both of her parents to suicide when she was still a child. She was raised in foster care. When she was 16, she became pregnant and put her baby up for adoption.

Magness was drawn to the blues by the music of Otis Rush. The music touched something inside her. It not only helped her heal, but it also provided her with a means of supporting herself.

Known for her smoky, sultry voice, Magness has become a blues star. She has received many awards and released many albums.

When I first heard her, I could not stop listening.

1991—More Than Live
1997—It Takes One to Know One
1999—My Bad Luck Soul
2001—Blues Ain't Pretty
2003—Use What You Got
2004—Bury Him at the Crossroads
2006—Do I Move You?
2008—What Love Will Do
2010—The Devil Is An Angel Too
2012—Stronger for It
2014—Original
2016—Love Wins Again
2017—Blue Again
2018—Love is an Army
2019—Change in the Weather
2022—Hard to Kill

5. Joanne Shaw Taylor

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a talented blues rock guitarist and singer. She grew up in Wednesbury, England. Taylor began playing the blues in her early teens, inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In an amazing bit of luck, David A. Stewart (Eurythmics) heard Taylor play and, in 2002, invited her to join his band, D.U.P., on tour in Europe.

Her first solo album, White Sugar, debuted in 2009. Since then, her career has taken off like a rocket. She's a star of the blues-rock world in the UK. She has toured extensively around the world, released critically acclaimed albums and won a global following.

Honestly, I enjoy her guitar playing more than her singing, but I love to watch her face when she plays.

Shaw is set to release her sixth studio album, Reckless Heart in 2019.

2009—White Sugar
2010—Diamonds in the Dirt
2012—Almost Always Never
2013—Songs from the Road
2014—The Dirty Truth
2016—Wild
2019—Reckless Heart
2020—Reckless Blues EP
2021—The Blues Album (2021)
2022—Blues from the Heart: Live
2022—Nobody's Fool

6. Larkin Poe

Wow! As a Blues fan, I don't know how I have missed these incredible young women for so long. I only recently heard them for the first time, and they blew me away.

The band, Larkin Poe, out of Atlanta, GA, is led by sisters Rebecca Lovell (born January 30, 1991) and Megan Lovell (born May 12, 1989). Rebecca is amazing on lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano. Megan is fantastic on vocals and lap steel. Their voices blend together as if they can read each other's minds.

The sisters started out in a band called The Lovell Sisters, along with their older sister Jessica. When that band called it quits, Rebecca and Megan went on to become Larkin Poe. The band is named after their great-great-great-grandfather, and they are distantly related to the poet, Edgar Allen Poe.

Besides cutting numerous independent albums, they have 7 studio albums under their belt:

2014—KIN
2016—Reskinned
2017—Peach
2018—Venom & Faith
2020—Self Made Man
2020—Kindred Spirits
2022—Blood Harmony

7. Ruthie Foster

Ruthie Foster was born in a small town in Texas on February 10, 1964. She first learned to sing in church, and that gospel influence has stayed with her all of her life.

When Ruthie left her home to join the Navy, she put her musical talents to good use performing at recruitment drives nationwide. When she was discharged from the Navy Ruthie moved to New York City to try her hand at a music career, but she found she could not get a record company to let her make the kind of music she loved.

Ruthie moved back to Texas and settled in Austin. Several years later she self-produced her first album. Full Circle was released in 1997, followed by Crossover in 1999. The two albums caught the attention of Texas independent label, Blue Corn Music. Since then, Ruthie has released seven albums with Blue Corn over the past twelve years.

She has also collaborated on stage with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers, and Susan Tedeschi. She has recorded with Warren Haynes, Big Head Todd, and The Blind Boys of Alabama, just to name a few. She has won awards and honors too numerous to mention

1997—Full Circle
1999—Crossover
2002—Runaway Soul
2004—Stages
2007—The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
2009—The Truth According to Ruthie Foster
2011—Live at Antone's
2012—Let It Burn
2014—Promise of a Brand New Day
2017—Joy Comes Back
2020—Live at the Paramount
2022—Healing Time

8. Shemekia Copeland

Born Charon Shemekia Copeland in Harlem on April 10, 1979, Shemekia is an electric blues vocalist. Her father is Texas blues guitarist and singer Johnny Copeland.

Shemekia began singing as a child. She performed at the Cotton Club when she was ten years old. She made a name by herself in her teens by touring with her father as his opening act.

At the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival, Copeland was presented Koko Taylor's crown, and honored as the new “Queen of the Blues,” by Koko Taylor's daughter, Cookie Taylor.

In 2016, Copeland won a Blues Music Award in the Contemporary Blues Female Artist category

In October 2015, her album Outskirts of Love peaked at number 6 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart.

1998—Turn the Heat Up
2000—Wicked
2002—Talking to Strangers
2005—The Soul Truth
2009—Never Going Back
2011—Shemekia Copeland (Deluxe Edition)
2012—33 1/3
2015—Outskirts of Love
2018—America's Child
2020—Uncivil War
2022—Done Come Too Far

9. Sue Foley

Originally from Canada (born March 29, 1968), Sue Foley is multi-award-winning musician. She played her first blues gig at the tender age of 16.

Foley moved to Austin, Texas, and she made her first album, Young Girl Blues, when she was 21. That first album proved her talent as a proficient blues guitarist, inspired songwriter, and captivating vocalist.

Since then she has toured steadily, recorded many albums, and shared the stage with such legends as BB King, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, and Tom Petty.

In addition to playing music, Foley is working on a project called Guitar Woman. She has conducted dozens of interviews with the world’s leading female guitarists.

Between 2001 and 2008, she was busy writing articles, organizing and promoting concerts, and working on a book. She is fascinated by gender studies in music and wants to promote great women guitar players.

She also returned to university to get her graduate degree, so you can see why it took a little longer to get this latest album out.

In 2016 Foley returned to Austin to collaborate with old friends and Texas music legends including Jimmie Vaughan and Billy Gibbons. She's released her first new album in six years, with a little help from her friends.

1992—Young Girl Blues
1993—Without a Warning
1995—Big City Blues
1996—Walk in the Sun
1998—Ten Days in November
2000—Love Comin' Down
2000—Back to the Blues
2002—Where the Action Is ...
2004—Change
2006—New Used Car
2007—Time Bomb
2009—Queen Bee: The Antone's Collection
2010—He Said She Said
2012—Beyond the Crossroads
2018—The Ice Queen
2021—Pinky's Blues

10. Susan Tedeschi

Susan Tedeschi has a powerful and earthy singing voice. Her guitar playing has been influenced by artists such as Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Born on November 9th, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, Susan Tedeschi sang from an early age. By the time she was 18, she had her own band. She started the renowned Susan Tedeschi Band in 1994.

The Susan Tedeschi Band made its reputation opening for acts including B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan, and The Allman Brothers. They gained national exposure when they opened for The Rolling Stones in 2003.

She has been married to Derek Trucks, slide guitarist from the Allman Brothers Band, since 2001. They have pooled their talents in The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Anybody who thinks a girl can't play blues guitar has not heard her yet, and Tedeschi's voice is a perfect complement to her husband's intense slide guitar.

2011—Revelator
2012—Everybody's Talkin'
2013—Made Up Mind
2016—Let Me By
2017—Live From the Fox Oakland
2019—Signs
2021—Layla Revisited (Live at Lockn')
2022—I Am the Moon

The Tip of a Bluesy Iceberg

Plenty of other great women are playing the blues in the 21st century. Here, I have focused, first of all, on those I love. Also, these are women who are currently active (touring and making albums). I think it's wonderful that there are so many fabulous women playing the blues that I have the luxury of picking and choosing who goes on my list.

The Old Man Sold Some Gas Tanks on eBay!

2015-02-26T22:22:00.001-08:00

We were starting to get kinda worried about where next month’s house payment was coming from, but it’s all good now. Yesterday the old man dug through his parts pile and I helped him list a few things on eBay this morning.

When I logged in this evening to see how things were going, I saw that he had sold a set of Harley Knucklehead, 1940-era gas tanks for $2000!

The opening bid was $1500, and the Buy it Now was $2000. I thought maybe that price was too low, because the auction only lasted about three hours, but a few months ago the same tanks sat there a week and didn't sell. In any case, the payment is already on its way, so I'm doing my happy dance.

23rd Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run

2014-12-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

After the severe wind and rain we had in northern California last week, we had a very welcome break in the weather for the weekend. Saturday, December 14, 2014, we participated in the 23^rd Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run.

We have been attending this toy run since the first year, when there were only 90 riders. It becomes more popular every year, drawing two to three thousand motorcyclists, providing gifts for hundreds of local children and food for their families.

The best thing about this toy run is how the community embraces it, the police department does a great job of controlling traffic for the event, and everybody is all smiles along the way. The children are there at the end, thanking us for our efforts.

Biker Games at the Old Hope Valley Run

2014-12-06T17:05:00.001-08:00

On the way to Hope Valley - Mid-80s

Years ago, we used to take the Knucklehead up to the Hope Valley Run, in Tahoe. It was held at a very rustic campground; there were few rules, so I guess it suited us pretty well.

It got cold up there in the mountains at night in September, you needed your warm sleeping bag for this one.

At bike runs, they always had games, the Slow Race for instance. In the Slow Race you have to take as long as possible before crossing the finish line without falling or putting your feet down.

Then there was one, I don't remember the name of it, where you had to pile as many people as possible on a bike, and ride it across the finish line. Whoever went the distance with the most people won.

It was at the Hope Valley Run that I saw the craziest biker game ever. The game was The Chariot Race. It's the only time I have ever seen this done. One person rode the motorcycle dragging a tire behind it. His partner ran and took a flying leap to grab onto the tire and be dragged.

The one who was dragged the furthest without falling off was the winner. The dust was thick in the air, and on the faces and bodies of the people being dragged. Of course, they were all wearing their leathers, goggles, and whatever they could tie around their faces to keep the dirt out of their mouth and nose.

The guy who won got a 4-foot-tall trophy. He said that was the biggest trophy he ever got and the stupidest thing he ever did.

Slow Race - Hope Valley Run

Chariot Race - Hope Valley Run

The Knuckleheads Find the Lost Coast

2014-12-03T20:41:00.001-08:00

The Redwood Run's Over,
You Don't Have to Go Home,
But You Can't Stay Here

Funny thing about a motorcycle rally like the Redwood Run, on Friday night the bikes come rumbling in, the tents spring up all around and soon it's like a biker city in the redwoods.

Saturday they ride and play biker games, drink, and party and stay up all night. But, come Sunday morning they're up with the sun, packed and ready to hit the road. They've got miles to ride and need to get some road behind them before breakfast. As for the laggers, the campground shuts off the water at 11:00 a.m. as a subtle hint that it's time to go.

That first year that we went to the Redwood Run, in 1985, when the run was over we weren't ready to go home. So when everybody else headed home, we got on the Knucklehead and headed for the coast.

Shelter Cove

I used to live near there in a town called Whitethorn, a long time ago, and I knew about a place called Shelter Cove.

When I used to know it, it was sort of a town that never was. There was an airstrip there and roads with street signs. It was all flagged into lots, but there were no houses. People used to go out there to hunt deer; it was spooky in a way.

People said there was a plane crash and all the developers were killed. I don't know if that's what happened, but for some reason development was started and then stalled for over a decade.

The area is known as the Lost Coast because the main highways have bypassed it and the road that leads to it dead-ends there. Therefore, you have to leave the same way you came.

We headed up 101 to Garberville and took Briceland Road. Crossed the Eel River and went through a grove of giant redwoods and through Briceland. We continued out the narrow, winding road. It's only 23 miles, but it seems a lot longer. The final descent is quite steep.

Once we got to the bottom of the grade, I could see that some development had taken place in the 12 or so years since I had been there. There were a few houses and in a large grassy area we saw two elk. We stopped and took a few pictures; they appeared to be fairly tame. Then we continued on up to a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean.

Welcome

There was a group of locals there. They were cooking burgers and had a keg of beer. They welcomed us in as if they had just been waiting for us to arrive, gave us food and drink and everyone wanted their picture taken with us.

I guess it had been a long winter and they were glad to see some new people. We pitched our tents there on the grass.

Going to Shelter Cove after the Redwood Run became our yearly pattern. The second year we went and camped on the black sands beach on the other end of town. It was an extremely windy day. When our friends tried to set up their dome tent, it got away from them and tumbled away down the beach.

Who Says Vintage Harleys are not Dirt Bikes?

The next morning, my husband and our friend George both decided to ride their knuckleheads down the beach. The bikes were sinking in the sand, but with a couple of people pushing, they got going and were able to ride all the way down the beach out of sight.

Bryan and George were gone for a long time, finally it was almost dark and they came back all wet and laboriously pushing their bikes through the sand. They said once they got to the bluffs at the other end of the beach they had to stop, and then they couldn't get the bikes going again. The tide came in and slapped them off their bikes. It almost carried them and their bikes out to sea.

We came back to that same beach the next year, after a heavy winter, and it was gone, completely washed away. The road we had ridden in on just ended into the ocean. At least I have a few photos to show it existed.

Shelter Cove developed quite a bit over the next decade. In later years, more and more other bikes started showing up there during and after the Redwood Run, so we became just part of the crowd. There were a couple of restaurants, a bar and a marina, and quite a few more people lived there. I have not been there in over 10 years. I think the Lost Coast has been discovered now. It's no longer our little secret.

Perfect Day for a Sunday Ride

2014-11-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

I just found these photo from a ride we took last winter. It was a warm Sunday, maybe 70 degrees. Amazing for the end of February.

It was perfect day for a motorcycle ride. It was an extremely dry winter, but we had finally had a little rain, so the grass was getting green. The daffodils and crab-apples were in bloom.

We met up with some other motorcycle enthusiasts for breakfast, then headed down to the Valencia Club in Newcastle, CA for the Sunday Blues Jam.

The Blues Jam takes place every Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Anybody who wants to play music can just sign up and play. The music was wonderful.

A really cute older couple got up and danced, the man was in a wheelchair and his wife walked with a cane.

She had the tips of her white hair dyed electric blue. They were all smiles and seemed to be having a great time.

We went outside to socialize between sets.
Here's a nice shot of our friend's 41 Knuck.

My husband and I were on our 1965 Panhead. One reason we chose it was that it was the first year Harley to have an electric starter.

That was a big change for us, since we had always ridden a 1947 Knucklehead with a only a kick starter.

Well, wouldn't you know it, when we got ready to go home the bike wouldn't start when he pushed the button!

Everybody was sitting there with their bikes running, waiting for us, I had to get off the bike so he could kick-start it. Fortunately, it did start and we rode home with no further problems.

Since the sun goes down so early in winter, and it gets cold, we didn't stay too late. I love that you can see our shadow in this shot.

All photos by the author

How We Got the Knucklehead Chopper

2014-11-17T17:39:00.001-08:00

The Panhead Came First, But it Didn't Last Long

Back in the early 80's my husband got his very first Harley Davidson motorcycle. It was a 1949 Panhead, but it only ran for a few weeks before it blew up, so I really consider the Knucklehead to be the beginning of the story.

It was through riding the Panhead that he met Donta, who was an old Knucklehead rider. Donta became his good friend and helped him learn the ropes when it comes to working on and riding vintage Harleys.

It was 1981, and they were in the process of rebuilding the Panhead after it blew up, when he went down to the motorcycle swap meet in Costa Mesa looking for parts. He ended up coming home with a 1947 Knucklehead motor (all in pieces of course) for the bargain price of $546.

The Panhead motor was soon set aside and over a period of months, the frame that was going to hold the Panhead was prepared for the knuckle motor. The first time he built the Knucklehead, it was a chopper in a pan wishbone frame, it had a glide front end, a suicide clutch, jockey shift, and mechanical brakes.

Wrenching on the Sidewalk

When the Knucklehead was first built we were living on 80 acres down in the San Bernardino Mountains, but in 1984 we moved to a small town in Northern California.

We rented a little house right in town. At our first house, there was no shop, not even a yard in front, just a sidewalk. In those days it was not uncommon for us to have Harley parts on the kitchen table for extended periods of time. Then my sweetie would work on the bike out on the sidewalk in front of the house.

There Was No Helmet Law in California Then

When we first moved up north, we took a lot of day rides exploring the surrounding area. It was a good way to get the lay of the land and cheap entertainment for us.

In those days we made do with what we had. Since there was no money for hotels, and we had no sleeping bags, if we would be spending the night on the road we would just grab my homemade quilt off the bed and bungee it onto the front of the bike.

Roadside Repairs

We were on our way to the Redwood Run up in Humboldt County in these photos. I think it was maybe 1984. The Redwood Run was an annual tradition with us for about 15 years.

When you're traveling on these old motorcycles it's almost inevitable that someone will have an issue with their bike.

Some people like to travel with a "chase truck" to carry their gear, and you can load a bike into it if it breaks down. But we never did, we carried whatever we needed on the bike.

This time it was just a flat tire, so the problem was easily solved.

Those were some good times. Now I like to take things a little easier, but it was all part of the adventure back then.

King Bill's Panhead at the Dixon Swap Meet

2013-05-07T11:14:00.003-07:00

The 51 Flathead is on ebay

2012-09-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm so sad. We put the 51 flathead on ebay today. I just love seeing this beautiful, rusty old piece of history out there.

The Liberator

This is a 1951 WL 45 cu in flathead that has a 1942 WWII motor. The WL was nick named liberator for its wide use in the Pacific and Europe during WWII. The solo model flathead 45 cu was discontinued in 1952, making all post war solo models rare. The 45 cu in flathead 3 wheeler was made clear up into the 70's for police and other municipal functions due to its dependable motor and economical cost of use.

The Flathead is sold, it just left yesterday 12/16/2012 :(

Redwood Run 2012 - First Road Trip on the '65 Panhead

2012-06-12T13:24:00.002-07:00

We just got back from the Redwood Run. First time we've been in 13 years. Still as always the ride was the best part. The weather was perfect and everything, even Yuba City and Williams, are still beautiful and green. I'd almost forgotten how special the Redwoods are, we rode up the Avenue of the Giants, it's like those thousand year old trees make their own climate, so cool and green under there.

We didn't care for any of the music, Fryed Brothers, same old same old. Billy Idol was supposed to be there but didn't show. The one exception was Lucas Nelson, Willie's son, he was excellent, and we'd never heard of him before, so it's always nice to make a new discovery.

There was no steak dinner on Saturday either, and security was a little uptight it seemed to me, especially since the turnout was really low. It wasn't crowded at all, that was really nice. A great camp spot was easy to find, and lines were not long for anything.

I finally feel like I've bonded with the Panhead after this trip. It feels so different after riding the '47 Knucklehead all these years. It has nowhere near the speed, and sure doesn't corner like the Knuck, but it sure is pretty, and the electric start is nice. With the shocks I didn't feel nearly as beat up after riding for 4 days as I used to, and it goes plenty fast enough for me.

We've got New Rust - An '80 Shovelhead, and a '50 Flathead

2012-04-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

We've got new rust in the yard. These were burned in a fire. But I still think they're beautiful. In fact they'd make great yard art. But someday they'll be riding down the road again.

The Flathead

This is a 1950 WL 45 cu in flathead that has a 1942 WWII motor. The WL was nick named liberator for its wide use in the Pacific and Europe during WWII. The solo model flathead 45 cu was discontinued in 1952, making all post war solo models rare. The 45 cu in flathead 3 wheeler was made clear up into the 70's for police and other municipal functions due to its dependable motor and economical cost of use.

The Shovelhead

This 1980 Shovelhead is a little too new for the old man's taste. It only had a short stay with us, in fact as I write this, it is already gone. I'm sure it will get the TLC it obviously needs.

Goin' Down in Downieville on the '47 Knuck

2012-03-11T22:31:00.002-07:00

It has often been said that there are two kinds of bikers, those that have been down, and those that haven't yet. I've been pretty lucky in my thirty years as a p-pad passenger, I've only hit the pavement twice. It just so happens that both times were within three miles of each other.

The first time, was in about '87. Me and my old man were coming back home from a long week-end up by Graeagle on the Knucklehead chopper. It was a low-budget trip, we camped in a cow pasture, had canned chili for dinner and whiskey for breakfast. I know, not a good idea, and he gave up drinking altogether twenty years ago, but that's how we did things back then.

We were just a couple of miles this side of Downieville, and were leaning into the first curve on a long switchback, when suddenly I noticed that my right hand was dragging along the pavement. The old man says that we hit some sand, all I know is that we laid it down and were sliding at about sixty mph on the right side of the bike. Lucky for us our path was unimpeded and we had plenty of room to slide.

In a situation like this, time seems to slow down, and he had time to look at me and ask me if I was OK. I just said "we'll see." I had climbed up on top of the bike to get my skin off the road. As the bike slowed down we were nearing the edge of the road and headed straight for a "curvy road" sign. I kicked myself free and landed on my butt in the road. By the time he and the bike hit the sign their speed was low enough that it was a good thing, as it stopped them from going off the cliff.

When it was over, we both got up and after a quick check to see if I was OK he went to pick up the knuck. As it turned out all three of us had relatively minor scrapes. The old man had more road rash than I, as he had been stuck between the bike and the road. His knee and forearm were pretty skinned up, and my right palm was ground down pretty deep. The bike fired right up though, and after nursing our wounds a bit at the next watering hole, we rode home.

Read another of my stories:

The Redwood Run in the Old Days

The '47 Knuck's Reincarnation as a Stock Bike and the '65 Panhead

2012-02-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

When the California Motorcycle Helmet law took effect in 1992, the old man decided if he was going to have to look like a dork, (what he referred to as the Peewee Herman look), it wasn't right to be riding a chopper. So he rebuilt the '47 Knucklehead as a stock bike. He had been collecting the parts for it for years. When he got the stock original frame and the springer front end it all began to come together. I loved it from the beginning.

So, he had the tank shift, suicide clutch and throttle. We still had the mechanical brakes. After the last trip to Sturgis he went ahead and put disk brakes and a stock windshield on it. It's still 6 volt.

The stock bike was so much more comfortable to ride than the chopper had been. I had a nice wide flat seat, and the foot pegs were positioned perfectly so my knees didn’t get all tweaked and I could use my legs as shock absorbers, because of course it was still a rigid frame and didn’t have them.

Besides all that, I think it looks pretty cool. I was just going through my old photos, and I don’t have many really good ones of just the bike, not packed or anything. We still have the ’47, always will, but it is not in prime shape at the moment. It’s sitting in a corner of the shop waiting for a rebuild, and it possibly will have a new paint job by the time it’s on the road again.

At the moment the riding bike is the “new” bike a 1965 Panhead (shown below.) It has a push button, electric start and shocks, which do soften the bumps some. At first I hated it. It just didn’t feel stable in the corners. But I am getting used to it, and it is pretty nice that he can start the bike while I am sitting on it.

For more of my stories, visit my Hubpages

What-to-Take-to Sturgis on your 1947 Harley Knucklehead

She's Gone... Goodbye to the '42

2012-02-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

The 1942 Knucklehead has been sold. We'll miss her, but she's off to a new home with many more miles ahead.

Visit my Hubpages at

http://sherryhewins.hubpages.com/

Our Trip to Sturgis on the '47 Knuck

2012-02-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Off to Sturgis on the Knucklehead

It was the year 2000, the year of the 60th annual Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis South Dakota. My husband Bryan and I were riding alone on a 1947 Knucklehead. It was the only time I have made that trip.

When we left home, our only real goal was to be at Buffalo Chip Campground on Thursday night to see Johnny Lang play.

We took kind of a long route through the bottom corner of Idaho, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Once we got to Idaho, there were dark clouds circling overhead. Although it did not rain on us, there were plenty of times we could tell it had just rained, since the road was still wet.

We camped all the way, and though we didn't cook all that much, we made coffee every morning, and had cold iced tea in the small ice chest we carried. That was a pretty nice thing to have going through Nevada when the temperature was in triple digits. Once we got to Buffalo Chip Campground we did do some cooking.

Sturgis Rally in Full Swing

When we arrived at Main Street in Sturgis on Wednesday afternoon, we saw half a dozen people we know from our hometown within 2 hours of being there. It’s funny how that happens.

The street was very crowded, lots of guys hot rodding up and down the street showing off, tattooed women in pasties and leather chaps and not much more, a woman dressed as Lady Godiva in a long blond wig, and plenty of cops keeping an eye on things.

It was a hot day. They had stands selling this killer lemonade that they made right in front of you. They squeezed fresh lemons into the cup, added water, ice, and simple syrup, covered it with another cup and gave it a good shake. Quick, simple and so refreshing.

We stopped at a vendor selling leathers, and ended up both buying new leather jackets. I had never realized how uncomfortable every other leather jacket I had ever worn was until I got my brand new soft as butter leather jacket.

Most of the bikes there were new. As usual, the old Knucklehead got a lot of attention. When we went to leave, Bryan was actually drawing a crowd by kick starting it.

Our friend Red Dog's mom lived right there in Sturgis, so we pitched the tent in her front yard that night, then headed out for Buffalo Chip the next day.

Can you pick out the Knucklehead in this photo?

It stands out like a sore thumb to me!

Equipment List

You may think I'm joking, but we really did take all these things with us when we rode to Sturgis from our home in Nevada City, California. As you can see from the photo at the beginning of the story, it was quite a load. We actually used most of the things we brought.

Canteen with Water

Tools

Bicycle Pump

Extra Tire Tube

Spare 3-brush Generator

Headlight and Taillight Bulb

Quart of Oil

Liter of Gasoline

Sunscreen

Chapstick

Rain Gear

60 Second Tent

Sleeping Bags

Clothes for temperatures

ranging from 45° to 110°

Camp Mattresses
Towel
Soap and Toiletries
Radio
Camera
Flashlights
Ice Chest
Food
Aspirin and Decongestant
P38 Can Opener
Camp Stove
Coffee and Tea Bags
Salt and Pepper
Knife
Cast Iron Skillet

Last but not least:

Credit Card

Sixty Second Tent - A Lifesaver

I think the best piece of camping gear we brought on this trip was our 60 second tent. It's a dome tent, but instead of threading the poles through sleeves on the tent, they are already in place, with hinges that lock open. It can literally be set up in 60 seconds. When you are riding and breaking camp every day it just makes life so much easier.

Sixty Second Tent

Buffalo Chip Campground

When we got to Buffalo Chip, it was already hot, the campground was almost full and the terrain was relatively flat with not very many trees.

My sweetie had camped there the year before, so he headed for his old camp spot under a big tree. Amazingly, it was available with only one other tent in
the area.

As soon as we pulled up a guy jumped out of the tent and said "Hey, a Knucklehead, is that the original paint?"

I said "Hell no, it's been painted twice that I know of."

He said his name was Hotdog, and he was from Florida. He was riding an evo, but it turned out he had a Knucklehead at home and was kind of a collector. He considered the Knucklehead an around town show bike. He sheepishly admitted that he'd had his bike shipped and he had flown in for the run. He didn't have enough time off to make the ride, but we said "Whatever, no big deal, at least you made it."

Being another Knucklehead guy, Hotdog and Bryan had plenty to talk about,
and we invited him for dinner, cooked up some steak and beans. While we were sitting around getting to know each other, we noticed the wind picked up, and the sky looked ominous. We threw everything we had inside the tent and went inside ourselves.

The storm hit fast with strong winds, rain and hail. It only lasted maybe 30 minutes, but when it was over there were tents and tarps blown down all over the campground.

It was only 2 hours before Johnny Lang was to hit the stage, so we were a little worried about that. We need not have been concerned though. The moon came out pretty as can be, the stars twinkling away, and the show went on as planned.

We got a nice spot about 25 feet from the stage. Since I am only 5'2", I usually can't see anything in a crowd like that, but there was a picnic table near us and I was able to stand on the bench so I got a fine view of the stage. There I was, on a beautiful clear evening, almost level with the stage, watching Johnny sing "Wander This World." It was just one of those perfect nights.

The next morning we woke up to a little Japanese guy who came looking for Bryan. He had met him at the same spot the year before. He worked for a Japanese magazine and wanted to take pictures of the bike and us. He actually sent us copies of the issue with our pictures in it a few months later.

We rode out to Deadwood, and went to see Mt. Rushmore (pretty amazing by the way, don't miss it if you're in the area), then back to Main Street one more time before we headed out.

We had already been on the road for 10 days I wanted to go home, but Bryan wanted to go to the San Juan Islands in Washington, so where do you think we went? That's a whole story in itself, maybe I'll tell you about it sometime.

The old man, stylin' his tie dye Sturgis shirt at the Idaho border

This was at the Grand Tetons

Me looking glamorous after a week on the road living
out of saddlebags

Sturgis is a great place to see blues music.

We saw some fabulous artists there.

The Redwood Run and Shelter Cove

2012-02-01T20:40:00.006-08:00

For years my old man and I used to go to the Redwood Run up by Garberville, CA on the 47 Knucklehead. We started in 1985 and the last time we went was about 1997. Most of the time after the run was over we went to Shelter Cove to camp for a couple of days. Here are some photos of those old times.

Pulling in to the KOA campground, across the street from the Redwood Run at Richardson Grove.

Big bikes, bigger trees

Knucklehead Lineup - Many of these bikes rode up to the Redwood Run

from southern California.

Winding my camera

Redwood Run in Garbervielle, CA circa 1987

Kick the starting the Knuck on a cold morning

Stock Knucklehead a scenic overlook

Grapewine Station Hwy 101

The Oasis CA Hwy 20

Takin' a little break

Sherry and Dwight

Stuck in the sand at Shelter Cove

Flat tire

There was always great music at the Redwood Run

It reminded me of the Hippie Music festivals back in the '60s.

If you like this, you might also enjoy: Motorcycle Camping, What to Take

The Old Man's Sold a Knucklehead on ebay

2012-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

My old man built this beautiful '42 Knucklehead himself. Sorry to say, it is sold and gone, but there will be another one coming along. I'll keep you posted.

The Toy Run - Christmas in Gold Country

2011-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

The procession begins at noon and ends at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. If you’re lucky you might even see Santa on vintage Harley with a giant Teddy Bear in the sidecar. The route is lined with throngs of parents and children cheering them on.

2011 marked the 20th annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run. It took place on December 10th. California State Senator Doug La Malfa presented a Senate resolution to to the CEO and founder of the group Thom Stacer to commemorate the anniversary.

For Stacer the Toy Run is a fulfillment of a personal dream. He saw a need for such an event as a youth when mines and mills in the area would close during the winter. Now, with a dedicated group of volunteers, he works all year planning for the annual pilgrimage. The nonprofit group works closely with law enforcement who provide traffic control for the procession.

In past years many riders have thrown candy to eager children on the sidewalks, but organizers and law enforcement have asked that this be discontinued for fear a child might run into the street after candy and be injured. Some participants have a hard time giving up this popular tradition, so it is an ongoing effort to get the practice entirely stopped.

Once they arrive at the fairgrounds the toys are taken to the main exhibit building and handed in to volunteers who lovingly arrange them on tables grouped by appropriate age range. Then the lucky children are let in to make their selections.
The socializing continues with vendors selling food and crafts. Speakers fill the audience in on all the new developments, amount of money raised, any problems or concerns law enforcement has with the run, and new procedures under consideration. The presentation concludes with the raffle. Prizes for the raffle are items donated by sponsors, usually they include lots of motorcycle accessories and some years the grand prize is a new Harley Davidson. As the Winter sun goes down and the temperature drops many of the attendees go on to celebrate at other local venues into the evening.

What began in 1991 with a small group of about 90 local bikers donating food and toys to local needy families has grown into a treasured tradition that draws as many as 1500 riders who come from from all over the state and beyond.
Lots of participants say they prefer the Nevada County Food and Toy Run to larger toy runs, like the Sacramento Toy Run, because of the small town feel the local involvement and the more intimate contact with the recipients as they actually get to see the people who benefit from their efforts. All proceeds are kept within Nevada County.

Of course there have been a few problems and complaints over the years. Traffic on the main thoroughfare between Nevada City and Grass Valley is stopped for an hour while the bikes wind their way along the 3 mile stretch, so some unprepared travelers who were caught unaware are kept sitting at intersections until all the bikes have gone by. Most people are able to take it in stride and appreciate the good works being done, and efforts are being made to warn the public in advance that the roads will be closed during that time so they can plan accordingly.

Area merchants were at first apprehensive of large groups of bikers going past their businesses at this, most busy, time of year. In fact, for this reason, for the first few years the procession was routed around the area of downtown Grass Valley. But business owners have come to appreciate the fact that the toy run attracts many people to the downtown area. They come to watch the spectacle, then stay and patronize local shops and restaurants.

No matter what the weather the toy run goes on. Even in 2009, through driving rain, a few hardy souls made the ride. Only 250 rode in the procession that year, but many showed up at the fairgrounds in cars and trucks bringing donations. 150 turkeys, 150 hams, 300 ten-pound bags of potatoes, and many bags of groceries were given away. No child went away empty handed.

The Nevada County Food and Toy Run is a tradition that exemplifies the true meaning of the season. It stresses good will towards man, and the importance of caring for others. It give us an opportunity to set aside the commercialism of modern Christmas. This is not to say that it isn’t a whole lot of fun for those involved.

I expect that the Nevada County Food and Toy Run will continue to grow in size and popularity for years to come.

Residents of the normal foothills town of Nevada City know Christmas coming when they hear the massive rumble of motorcycle engines making their way down Broad Street.

On the second Saturday in December, participants begin gathering at the Eric W. Rood Administration Center at 9:00 am. There they greet old friends, check out the motorcycles and socialize. Most are riding Harleys, but any make of motorcycle is welcome. Each rider brings a toy, many also bring food items and make cash donations. Coffee, hot cider and donuts are provided. T-shirts and raffle tickets are available for purchase.

Bikes, Music and Stuff

11 Great Love Songs From the 1970s

1. "Moondance," Van Morrison (1970)

2. "Your Song," Elton John (1970)

3. "Layla," Derek and the Dominos (1970)

4. "Let's Stay Together," Al Green (1971)

5. "Tupelo Honey," Van Morrison (1971)

6. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Stevie Wonder (1972)

7. "You Are So Beautiful," Joe Cocker (1974)

8. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," Elvin Bishop (1975)

9. "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain and Tennille (1975)

10. "Wonderful Tonight," Eric Clapton (1977)

11. "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel (1977)

10 Popular Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

1. "And When I Die"—Blood, Sweat, and Tears

And when I dieand when I'm dead, dead and gone,There'll be one child born anda world to carry on, to carry on…

2. "Respect"—Aretha Franklin

Released: 1967

What you wantBaby, I got itWhat you needDo you know I got it?…

3. "Superstar"—The Carpenters

Don't you remember, you told me you loved me baby?You said you'd be coming back this way again babyBaby, baby, baby, baby, oh babyI love you, I really do…

4. "The Tide Is High"—Blondie

5. "I Will Always Love You"—Whitney Houston

If I should stay, I would only be in your waySo I'll go, but I knowI'll think of you every step of the wayAnd I will always love you…

6. "Take Me to the River"—Talking Heads

I want to know that you'll tell meI love to stayTake me to the river, drop me in the water

7. "Get Together"—Youngbloods

Come on people nowSmile on your brotherEverybody get togetherTry to love one another…

8. "Gentle on My Mind"—Glen Campbell

It's knowin' that your door is always openAnd your path is free to walkThat makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bagRolled up and stashed behind your couch…

9. "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"—The Temptations

Papa was a rolling stoneWherever he laid his hat was his homeAnd when he died,

all he left us was alone

10. "Get Ready"—Rare Earth

New Music From Old Friends: 9 Contemporary Albums From Classic Rock Artists

Classic Rockers Who Didn't Quit

1. Paul McCartney: Egypt Station

2. Tony Joe White: Bad Mouthin'

3. Jeff Beck: Live at the Hollywood Bowl

4. Savoy Brown: Witchy Feelin'

6. Mick Fleetwood Blues Band: Live at the Belly Up

7.Van Morrison: The Prophet Speaks

8. Billy F. Gibbons: The Big Bad Blues

9. Rita Coolidge: Safe in the Arms of Time

Still Boomin'

My Blogging Journey

Murder Ballads: 10 Killer Songs About Homicide

10 Awesome Songs About Murder

1. "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye"—Willie Nelson

"The flesh around your throat is paleIndented by my fingernailsDeath is a friend to love and I'Cause now you'll never say goodbye"

2. "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair"—David Bromberg

"First I cut her with my barlowThen I kinda kicked her in the sideAnd I stood here laughing o'er herWhile she bubbled up and died"

3. "Blood on the Floor"—Fleetwood Mac

"I came home one nightShe were lyin',With her legs aroundAnother mans bumShe saw me, started laughin'But she cried, when she saw my gun"

4. "El Paso"—Marty Robbins

Down went his hand for the gun that he woreMy challenge was answered in less than a heartbeatThe handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor"

5. "Me and My Uncle"—Grateful Dead

One of them cowboys he starts to draw,And I shot him down Lord, He never saw"

6. "Delia's Gone"—Johnny Cash

I went up to MemphisAnd I met Delia thereFound her in her parlorAnd I tied her to her chair"

7. "Duncan and Brady"—New Riders of the Purple Sage

Well, it's twinkle, twinkle little starAlong came Brady in his 'lectric carGot a mean look right in his eyeGonna shoot somebody just to see him die"

8. "Staggolee"—Pacific Gas & Electric

"He shot him three times in the shoulder, lordHe shot him three times in the sideWell, the last time he shot himCaused Billy Lyons to die"

9. "Coldwater Tennessee"—Robbie Fulks

The crowd draws close, the door swings openCameras flash, and the pretty girls screamThen a burst of fire, and a shout from the shadows"This is from your fans in Coldwater Tennessee"

Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about rightI dug on your grave the biggest part of last night"

10 Modern Female Blues Singers

10 Contemporary Women of the Blues

1. Anna Popović

2. Beth Hart

3. Danielle Nicole

4. Janiva Magness

5. Joanne Shaw Taylor

6. Larkin Poe

7. Ruthie Foster

8. Shemekia Copeland

9. Sue Foley

10. Susan Tedeschi

The Tip of a Bluesy Iceberg

And when I die
and when I'm dead, dead and gone,
There'll be one child born and
a world to carry on, to carry on…

What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?…

Don't you remember, you told me you loved me baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do…

If I should stay, I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way
And I will always love you…

I want to know that you'll tell me
I love to stay
Take me to the river, drop me in the water

Come on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another…

It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch…

Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died,

"The flesh around your throat is pale
Indented by my fingernails
Death is a friend to love and I
'Cause now you'll never say goodbye"

"First I cut her with my barlow
Then I kinda kicked her in the side
And I stood here laughing o'er her
While she bubbled up and died"

"I came home one night
She were lyin',
With her legs around
Another mans bum
She saw me, started laughin'
But she cried, when she saw my gun"

Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor"

One of them cowboys he starts to draw,
And I shot him down Lord, He never saw"

I went up to Memphis
And I met Delia there
Found her in her parlor
And I tied her to her chair"

Well, it's twinkle, twinkle little star
Along came Brady in his 'lectric car
Got a mean look right in his eye
Gonna shoot somebody just to see him die"

"He shot him three times in the shoulder, lord
He shot him three times in the side
Well, the last time he shot him
Caused Billy Lyons to die"

The crowd draws close, the door swings open
Cameras flash, and the pretty girls scream
Then a burst of fire, and a shout from the shadows
"This is from your fans in Coldwater Tennessee"

Polly, Pretty Polly, your guess is about right
I dug on your grave the biggest part of last night"

The Redwood Run's Over,
You Don't Have to Go Home,
But You Can't Stay Here