Some songs just seem tailor-made for posting on a Sunday morning. This song sung by Dolly seem like one of those. Go Tell It On The Mountain is an African-American spiritual song, compiled by John Wesley Work, Jr., dating back to at least 1865. Dolly sings it perfectly.
Dolly also recorded one of the most breath-taking songs ever written. The song, by John Lennon, has been recorded by so many, but seldom sung quite as well. So here it is, Dolly Parton singing Imagine.
His collaborations with Paul McCartney, as well as his solo work following his stint with the Beatles, Lennon must rank up there with Bob Dylan as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. He was born on this day in 1940, and laid to rest on December 8, 1980, the victim of a a senseless murder. While he started out in the public eye as a mop-head singer in a pop band, he grew to become one of the leaders of one of the most celebrated rock bands of all time, as well as to to create some beautiful and interesting solo work. He also became an activist, speaking out for peace and human rights; and a celebrated father, taking time away from the music business to help raise son Sean; and a dedicated husband to second wife Yoko Ono. He admitted he had much growing to do, as his relationship with his first wife, Cynthia, and son, Julian, were strained because he had issues he needed to work out.
A large part of his work was written with McCartney while they teamed up with George Harrison and Ringo Starr in the late 50s. By the time the British boys made it to the US, the teens were clamoring for their music, causing quite the sensation. It was songs like this that enabled them to top the charts. Here are John, Paul, George and Ringo with Ticket To Ride.
When he went solo, he sometimes worked with the Plastic Ono Band, as well as working by himself, delivering messages of peace, love, and understanding. A classic example of this and one of my favorite songs is Give Peace A Chance.
Perhaps one of his most famous and celebrated songs is Imagine. It is constructed brilliantly, and the lyrics touching and poignant. Here is John performing it.
Happy Birthday, John! Hope there is a big cake with plenty of candles.
Not only did Patti LaBelle take part in what many still consider one of the seminal musical moments of the 80s, she also tackled one of John Lennon's iconic songs, Imagine, as only she can. So from the 1985 concert, recorded in the Philadelphia segment of the concert, here is the lady herself, Patti LaBelle.
A couple of years ago on American Idol a young kid came out on the stage and sang with just the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar, making for a very special performance. David Archuleta has a beautiful voice, and really connects with the song in a way that was both surprising and moving. To Help celebrate John Lennon's birthday, here is that performance.
