RightOutTV Awards 2013 • Best Pop Song & Best Rock Song

Left: Kari K & the Stonewall Riot. Right: Michael V. Doane

I am pleased to showcase the recent winners of the 2013 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards, pointing a spotlight on a few of the many talented members of the LGBT community making music. This year, awards were given in 18 different categories, with 17 different acts receiving them. The awards are given by RightOutTV, a website founded by Marlee Walchuck and Tully Callender. The website promotes Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender artists, allowing a platform for their voices to be heard, and a place for those wanting to support them to visit on a regular basis. “If you watch the awards show you’ll see that we don’t just promote and award these artists because they’re gay. These are high-level, multi-talented, professionals with star quality,” says Marlee Walchuk, co-producer of the awards. “Even though most of these artists are not being heard on mainstream radio yet, they deserve every success enjoyed by their straight counterparts."

Following the studied consideration of the judging panel, the award for Best Pop Song was given to Kari K. & The Stonewall Riot for their wonderful song, "I’m Not the One". I'll be honest, I wasn't on the selection committee for this category, but if I were, I would be hard pressed to come up with a stronger winner! This song, which has a beautiful balance between Rock and Pop, is a bold yet nuanced recording, a standout in any group you could find it in. The band from Austin, Texas, is made up by Kari Kuwamura on vocals, Naomi Toledo on bass, and Selina Maldonadoon drums. This is the official music video for Kari K & the Stonewall's "I'm Not the One".

To learn more about Kari K & the Stonewall Riot, visit their official ReverbNation page. You can also 'like' the band on Facebook, and 'follow' Kari on Twitter. You can purchase the single "I'm Not the One" from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon.

New York-based singer/songwriter Michael V. Doane is the next featured artist, having been awarded Best Rock Song for "Keep Running". The song, a non-album single released in September, beautifully weds Soul and Rock to separate from the pack. Doane's vocals are strong and crisp, always hitting the notes with a laser precision. There is a wonderful density to the chorus, the sound enveloping the listener like a glove looking to keep you warm. I love it, and hope you enjoy the official music video for Michael V. Doane's "Keep Running".

To learn more about Micheal V. Doane, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase the single "Keep Running" from iTunes, and Amazon. For more about RightOutTV, visit their official website. There you can find music videos and interviews of LGBT artists from around the world. you can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

The LGBT RightOutTV Music & Video Awards Announces the Nominees for 2013!

After much deliberation our distinguished panel of celebrity and music industry judges for the 2013 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards have announced the nominees. The global reach of this year’s awards included LGBTI artists from New Zealand, Germany, Portugal, China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Tully Callender, left, and Marlee Walchuk, right.

“This was our biggest year so far, which also means the judges' jobs became significantly more difficult,” says Marlee Walchuk, co-producer of the RightOutTV awards. “We are already making plans for next year’s awards to adjust to the rapid growth and obvious need for acknowledgement of this kind in our community.”

Co-producer Tully Callender adds, “We truly wish everyone could be nominated. There is so much amazing talent in this competition and we look forward to adding new artists we have discovered through this awards process and continuing to promote all of the artists on our website at RightOutTV.com throughout the year.”

Members of the public may still vote until Oct. 21, 2013 (one vote per person, please) for one LGBTI artist to win the RightOutTV 2013 Fan Fave Award at the official website.

Award winners in 18 categories will be announced in an online awards show featuring many of the nominees on October, 30 2013 at the RightOutTV Awards website.

NOMINEES

SONG OF THE YEAR
​Athena Reich - It's Our Time
Summer Osborne - Battleground
Horse (McDonald) - I AM
Matt Fishel - Radio-Friendly Pop Song
Sir JET- Shout Out to the Lonely
Kevin Wood - Hopeless Romantic
​
BEST POP SONG
Kari K. and The Stonewall Riot - I'm Not The One
A.D. DeLory - Goodbye
Kevin Wood - Hopeless Romantic
Alex Woburn - Understand That (acoustic version)
Matt Fishel - Radio-Friendly Pop Song
​
BEST ROCK SONG
Corey TuT - Pretty Little Liar
Corday - Second Shot
Michael V. Doane - Keep Running
Scott Free - Happy Pride Day Moscow
Doug Strahm - I'm Gonna Go
...Silenze - Dear John

​BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE SONG
Sponge Finger - Where The Boys Are
Athena Reich - It's Our Time
Kevin Wood - Garden of Eden (Between the Sheets)
Maor - Exit
Darren Ockert - You Don't Know Me
​
BEST HIP HOP / R&B SONG
Darren Ockert - Crumbs
Marck Angel - Positions
Lunatic-Flo feat. Cha'rese - Fly Away By
Nastaij - Where I Want To Be feat. Alisha Todd
Unspok3n Conc3pt - Take You Home
Lester Greene and Scott Free - He's My Shortie
​
BEST FOLK SONG
Kat Devlin - Unstoppable Force
Shawn Thomas - Separated
Tret Fure - Bucket of Tears
Ferron - The Pledge
Tym Moss - I Love New York At Christmas!

BEST COUNTRY / JAZZ / BLUES / ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONG
Janis Mullan - That's What That Feels Like
Sarah Golden - Who Gives a Damn
Summer Osborne - Solution
Norine Braun - 99%
Suzanne Nuttall - Trophy Wife (Your Body Won't Lie)
​
BEST SONG SO FAR
Stephan Nance - Song for Losers
Jen Foster - Venice Beach
Ryan States - Under The River
Matt Zarley - Had I Known
Avi Wisnia - Something New
​
​BEST VIDEO DIY (Do It Yourself)
Doug Strahm - Better This Way
Rachael Sage - California
Sonasfly - God
Freddy Freeman - Just Bear With Me
Kat Devlin - Unstoppable Force
Perpetual Detour - What if it was you?
​
BEST VIDEO (PRO)
Saturn - Top of the World
Matt Zarley - Change Begins With Me
Matt Fishel - When Boy Meets Boy
The Cliks - Savanna
Darren Ockert - Crumbs
Melissa Ferrick - Home
​​
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LIVE VIDEO
Avi Wisnia - Art After 5: Rabbit Hole
Robert Urban - Kashmir
Kevin Wong - Something More
Kevin Wood - Stand Firm
Jen Foster - I Didn't Just Kiss Her
Summer Osborne - Grace
​
BEST COMEDY VIDEO
VonTanner - So Gay
I'Wante - Tiffany's
Toni Vere & Amy Bishop - Bacon
Drake Jensen featuring Willam Belli - Stand By Your Man
Perpetual Detour - What If It Was You?
Summer Osborne - Lesbian Woman
​
MOST MOVING VIDEO
Doug Strahm - Leaving It Behind
Anna Gutmanis - Another Way Out
Shawn Thomas - Orphans of God
Michael V. Doane - Betty Louise (The Other Side)
Drake Jensen - Scars
Jen Foster - Square Peg
​
BEST POP / ROCK VIDEO
Matt Fishel - When Boy Meets Boy
A.D. DeLory - Goodbye
Michael V. Doane - Keep Running
Sir JET - Shout Out to the Lonely
Josh Zuckerman - The Turn Around
Rachael Sage - California
​
BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE / HIP HOP / R&B VIDEO
Saturn - Top of the World
Nastaij - Where I Want to Be feat. Alisha Todd
Darren Ockert - Crumbs
Lester Greene and Scott Free - He's My Shortie
Eric Himan - Red Hot Tears

​BEST FOLK / COUNTRY / JAZZ / ADULT CONTEMPORARY VIDEO
Gallavin - Like Someone in Love
Rachael Sage - California
Drake Jensen - Fast Enough For Me
Melissa Ferrick - Home
Rachael Sage - Invisible Light
Kat Devlin - Unstoppable Force
​
BEST VIDEO SO FAR
Marck Angel - Deep
Kevin Wood - Make it in L.A.
Andy Fraser - Beautiful
Michael V. Doane - We Did It Right
Troy Jackson - The Batty Boys Revenge
​

Dan Paul • The Make Up

I am always excited when I hear about new music, so I was very happy when Dan Paul emailed me about the release of his new album, 'The Make Up'. It seems my buddy JD Doyle of Queer Music Heritage suggested Dan contact me, and am I glad he did. But first, I wanted to learn a little bit about the man. Dan grew up a boy with a dream in Dallas, Texas, and he moved to Brooklyn, New York, to pursue a career in music. And as you can tell from the picture above, Dan is a sexy out and proud man who certainly gets my attention right away. But when it comes down to it, it's all about the music, and man, I can't wait to press play on his new album, 'The Make Up'.

Part of the joy of hitting play with new music, and, in fact, a new musician, is the electricity you feel when you are the verge of discovery. You might not be finding a new planet, or a new continent, but you must might be finding someone who speaks to you, connects with you on a very personal level. I wasn't listening to 'The Make Up' very long before I knew that was the case with Dan Paul. There is a disarming honesty I felt from the start, like Dan was sharing something very personal that could easily be mine to tell. The music Dan Paul makes is really a 'Personalized Pop', and at times 'Confessional Pop', moody and real, telling stories from the heart. With simple instrumentation, the evocative musical landscape can feel moody and dark, or romantic and bright. Paul never shies from looking at his life, staring it down until he makes sense of it. That is obvious from the start, when the first bars of "Come Clean" invites you in to examine why and how we might want to be expel a demon or two. Join Dan Paul in the shower while he looks to "Come Clean".

As a light piano opens "All My Life", followed by Dan's voice, we hear questions we've all asked at several points in life. How do we handle the questions, and our feelings for others? Next up, we have the title song, "The Make Up". Paul explores the literal definition of the term, not the powder or colors of make up, but the very essence of our being that truly means something. It's not the mask we wear, but the life we live that matters. In the next track, Dan reminds me how the soundtrack to our lives, the music we hear, can really be tied to important events. When he broke up with me, what was playing on the stereo? Might it have been "Etta James"? Will it remind me of him for the rest of my life? There is a lovely lightness to the start of "Painted Over Portraits". There is a lovely feeling of prose to the lyrics, capturing a warm memory in words. "You and Me Right Now" continues that warmth, adding harmonies to the mix. There is an introspection that seems to be a preparation to opening ourselves up to others. That brings us to a place for "City Romance", when you can take an honest look at a relationship, and how much someone can mean to you, to your life. Check out the music video for "City Romance".

On "No Patching Up", we instantly know there are problems in paradise. There is the fine line between rumor and reality, and that is a tough spot for any relationship. When this goes too far in a relationship, it leaves a wound that might never be patched up. There is a simple and lovely start to "Catalyst", an introspective song searching for answers. What really draws things together to combust, to trigger what goes on. There is a lovely ethereal moodiness that floats with "Subtle Casting", as much a pastoral elegy as anything else. The final track on album is "City Romance Remix", a driving dance interpretation of the earlier cut. There is an easy sexiness to it, but it still maintains a dreamy romantic quality that I love.

I can't tell you how happy I am JD sent Dan Paul my way. Like every Christmas, there is an excitement to opening every present, but when there is a present that really touches our heart, that really connects to us, there is an extra jolt of something that tells us this was a special gift. That is how I feel when I hit play, and find music that touches my heart, and speaks to my soul. And that is what Dan Paul's 'The Make Up' does, on so many levels. It found it's way onto my iPod, and I don't think it will be coming off any time soon. To learn more about Dan Paul, you can check out his official Tumblr page. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. To download your own copy of 'The Make Up', find it on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

EvOn the Music Bully & Ryz Hope

As it is Friday, I thought this would be a perfect time to showcase some great music from EvOn, the Music Bully. EvOn is an incredible Hip-Hop artists making some great music in the UK. The Music Bully is an Lodnon-based lesbian, always looking to stretch herself and her music, making for some great stuff. Last year, she released her 'BBOI Mixtape 2012' featuring great music, as well as some awesome collaborations. One of my favorites off the collection was the sexy "Blud". I was thrilled when she made the video, so I am truly happy to include it here. But I might warn you there is some adult language, so it might not be safe for work. That may be true, but turn it up and hit play...

Recently, she worked on a collaboration with Ryz Hope, who also worked with her on 'BBOI Mixtape 2012'. The trio of songs are under the collective banner 'Bully Music Series', EvOn and Ryz make some memorable music. One of those is definitely "In The Game". I was quite happy they decided to make music, too.

There was also a music video made for another strong duet, "U Don't Know Me". The song is another strong collaboration between EvOn and Ryz Hope, featured on 'Bully Tape Series'. In the song, they take a look at the relative nature of casual sex.

For more about EvOn the Music Bully, visit her official website. On the website you can find links to download some great FREE music! You can also find her on Twitter as well as on LGBT Underground website, promoting great Hip Hop from the LGBT community. Ryz Hope can be found on his official ReverbNation page. And have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Chely Wright

Today we celebrate the birthday of Country singer Chely Wright. Chely was a thriving star in the Country world, both as a performer and a songwriter. In fact, her songs have been recorded by Brad Paisley, Richard Marx, Indigo Girls, Mindy Smith and Clay Walker, among others. But it was her announcement in 2010 that she is a lesbian that garnered her the attention of many, from the people who embraced the talented singer/songwriter, to those small-minded bigots who felt the need to spew anger and fear to cover their own insecurities. It was during this time Chely met Lauren Blitzer, and last summer, the couple married.

About the same time she was coming out, Chely released a new album, 'Lifted Off The Ground'. It is a beautiful 12-song collection that is still in rotation on my iTunes. So, in celebration of her birthday, I thought we could listen to a couple of the songs from the album. I will start with the sixth cut on the album, "Like Me".

I also love the song steeped in memories, "Snow Globe". It has a haunting beauty, a sweetness and innocence that can touch my soul in a delicate way.

I also love the complex and delicious "Heavenly Days". The song was co-written by Nashville legend Rodney Crowell, who also played on the song. Not long after coming out, Chely was joined by Rodney on the stage at the 21st GLAAD Media Awards.

Chely also participated in a documentary about the process of coming out in Country music. 'Wish Me Away' has been a strong presence on the Festival circuit. Check out the trailer for the film.

You can purchase 'Lifted Off The Ground' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also purchase the documentary 'Wish Me Away' from Amazon,  and also from the artist's website. For more about Chely, visit her official website. You can also "follow" her on Twitter.

Holcombe Waller • Into The Dark Unknown

Recently, I was on Facebook minding my own business, when I happened across a mention of the latest artist on the blog, Holcombe Waller. Singer/songwriter Andy Moore mentioned him, and as much as I love her music, I knew I'd have to check Holcombe out. Now that I have, I just gotta say, if Andy recommends something, check it out. Don't ask questions, don't dawdle. Look them up, and get ready to buy it. I am mad about Holcombe's music, and, by extension, about Holcombe. He makes his home in Portland, Oregon, I am not exactly sure how to describe Holcombe, or categorize his music. There is a Folk feel that I can't resist, but he blends it with a bit of Roots music, a dash of World music, and the layered construction of Classical music. And all the while, allows the songs and music to speak for itself, never trying to throw a stick of dynamite when a birthday candle is called for. And while 'Into The Dark Unknown' was released about a year ago, I will take a look at it, as it is brand new to me. 

'Into The Dark Unknown' was released in November 2011, a beautiful twelve song collection. The smart "Atlas" kicks it off with a light and airy opening that turns to a slight melancholia with the addition of the expressive cello. The song in moody, slipping in and surrounding you like a fog descending on the field. The second track is "Risk Of Change", a hint of Country barely hidden under the Folk veneer. It highlights the scare we all undertake when thinking about trying something new in our lives. Track three, "The Unicorn", offers up a lazy opening with a moody piano and a shimmering vocal, reminding me of some of the Celtic sound from the early 1990s, with groups like Clannad. But somewhere in the middle of the song, a shift in gears happens, and Holcombe takes a bigger bite of the listener. "Baby Blue" opens with a sweet acoustic guitar taking the focus, each note a separate brush stock to paint the mood. The fifth track begins with some Electronica that belies what is going to come. Check out the official video for "Hardliners".

I just love that song, with the build that takes you places you never saw coming, to the emotional climax. That is followed by an interesting choice, to be sure. Waller takes on Buffy Sainte-Marie with "Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan", originally recorded in 1976 by the Canadian Cree to celebrate her birthplace and heritage. Waller's voice becomes another instrument, not only holding a cadence, but also adding texture to the song. That is followed by another song with a mystical feel, with depth not only in the lyrics, but in the very essence of the music. See for yourself with "Shallow".

We finally roll into the title cut off the album. "Into The Dark Unknown" has an earnest honesty, with a slice-of-life realness of a Steinbeck novel. There is a sweetness in telling this story, a true warmth in Holcombe's live performance. "About Time" is a song driven by the cadence of the chorus, Waller's voice punctuating the song, allowing a build to offer a crescendo, and a natural ebb and flow. When the opening bars of "Bored of Memory" kick off, there is a return to a more languid feel, the harp and piano blending with a beautiful harmony, a lovely counterpoint to Waller's vocals. There is something about "Down & Cried" that makes me think of traditional Folk music, something unearthed from 2 centuries ago, without feeling the age, a beautiful blend of the old with a new twist, a shot of a spiced rum. And that leads us the the final offering, "I Can Feel It". There is something so bright, so uplifting about this song. It seems the perfect way to complete this album, to draw to a close this emotional journey with Holcombe Waller.

I'm telling you, Waller is one of my new favorites. His music has this regenerative quality for me, replenishing my soul. He manages to splice together a variety of sounds that might seem very different, and weave them into a wonderful tapestry. You can purchase 'Into The Dark Unknown' on iTunes, Bandcamp, CD Baby, and Amazon. For more about Holcombe Waller, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Happy National Coming Out Day!

Clockwise from top: Tom Robinson Band; Pansy Division; Tegan And Sara; Marcus Collins; and Indigo Girls.

To celebrate the holiday, I thought I would feature some artists who have been out and proud in the last four decades, as well as a more recent addition to the group. Mind you, there have been many others, so I was just looking for artists from particular decades that have not gotten as much coverage as others, and perhaps deserved a great deal more than the received. I will begin with an group from the 1970s who made music in the UK, and were fearless in doing so. Singer/songwriter and bassist Tom Robinson was behind the band, and was himself an out gay man. That alone was not an easy thing to do in the 70s, but he never wanted it any other way. In 1977, Tom Robinson Band had the great single, "(Sing If You're) Glad To Be Gay". The song was featured in the Monty Python film, 'The Secret Policeman's Other Ball'. And feel free to sing along!

There of course were an amazing amount from which to choose for the 80s, although some of them didn't come out until later. But there was a folk duo that first was noticed in 1985, but really took the world by storm in 1989 with an amazing single. After a couple of indie releases of their own, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers were signed to Epic Records in 1988, who loved their beautiful harmonies and amazing songwriting. We know them now, of course, as the Indigo Girls, who had their first big hit with "Closer To Fine" in 1989. Both Amy and Emily are out and proud lesbians, and still making great music!

The next group formed in San Fransisco in 1991, part of a Punk movement that later garnered the name Queercore. I am positively nuts for The Pansy Division, and have been for a long time. Their music combines so many different genres, from Punk to Pop to Country to, well, just about any one you can name. Their music is fun, and the lyrics are smart, funny, and at times have a pinpoint accuracy. It is also unapologetically gay. Jon Ginoli and Chris Freeman make up the core of the band, now joined by Luis Illades and Joel Reader. If I remember correctly, Jon, Chris, and Luis are gay, while Joel is the token straight boy. The band was certainly noticed in the 90s, touring with bands like Greenday, who are big supporters of the guys. Here are the Pansy Division with the 1995 single "I Really Wanted You", off the 1996 album, 'Wish I'd Taken Pictures'.

I venture to our neighbors to the North for our next group. Indie rockers Tegan and Sara are also identical twin sisters, and both also happen to be lesbians. And they also make some great music. They began making it in the late 90s, and were signed to Neil Young's Vapor Records label in 2000. For this post, I am going to grab "Walking With A Ghost", the single off the 2004 album, 'So Jealous'.

Well, to grab someone from the current decade was tough, for I really wanted it to be someone fairly new to the blog. Frankly, there are many talented and deserving individuals, but I decided on the runner-up in the 2011 X Factor UK show, Marcus Collins. He is bold, beautiful, brash, and brimming with talent. I mean, his musical energy could explode all over you, making for quite the mess. He is also quite fun to watch, as he just exudes style and fun. Here is Marcus Collins with his single from earlier this year, "Mercy", off his eponymous debut album.

Have a great time enjoying great music by out musicians on National Coming Out Day. If you know anyone who isn't quite ready to come out, offer them a hug, and a link to listen to this great music, and just maybe, they will join in the fun!

Jobriath • A Rock 'N' Roll Fairy Tale

The cover of his first album, the eponymous 'Jobriath'.

Back in the early 1970s, Glam Rock was taking over much of the scene, with David Bowie donning his Ziggy Stardust drag, Freddie Mercury doing his own brazen thing, and Marc Bolan of T.Rex was about the prettiest boy you'd ever see. But there was also David Johansen and the New York Dolls, as well as Lou Reed, both wearing outlandish costumes and makeup. But they were not the only Americans doing it. There was also a young man who knew he was the real deal. Philadelphia native Bruce Wayne Campbell had dreams of being a famous rock star, only there was one problem. Bruce was gay, and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the world was a long way from accepting that news. But then the Glam movement spread from Europe to the United States, with Bowie bringing Ziggy Stardust over, and the long-haired rockers putting on extra makeup. Androgyny was the new buzz work, for it made much of the fans more comfortable than calling it drag. But it gave an opportunity to a young gay man, one who was struggling to make a living while he was chasing his dreams. Soon, Bruce Wayne Campbell didn't exist. He was now Jobriath, the new name in Rock music.

The cover of his second album, 'Creatures of the Street'.

There has been a bit of buzz about him lately, for a new documentary has appeared called 'Jobriath A.D.', using old footage and new interviews to speak to the life of Jobriath, to get beyond the hype about one of the most talked about Rock Superstars who never came to be. Check out the trailer for the movie.

Now, I had no idea who Jobriath was at the time, despite growing up just 90 minutes south of Philadelphia. I learned more about his a decade later, when I was living in New York City, and heard about this Glam boy whose star extinguished before having a real chance to shine. I actually have his albums in my iTunes collection. Long before Jobriath was discovered, he was a piano progeny, and continued to study music. By his teens, he was interested in making rock music, and was in a band, Pidgeon, that released an album just before they disbanded. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested by military police, for he was drafted earlier, and had gone AWOL before the band started. In custody, it is said he had a breakdown, and spent nearly six months in psychiatric care. It was at this time he started writing new material, songs that would be the centerpiece of his career. Music manager Jerry Brandt found a young man working as a prostitute to pay his bills in California. The manager thought he could use this story to make the talented musician the next big thing in rock music, the next David Bowie. Soon Jobriath was recording his music, and there were billboards in Times Square, and press everywhere wanting to talk to him. He didn't hide the fact he was gay, or that he turned tricks to earn a living. He looked ethereal and beautiful, with outlandish costumes. In 1973, the eponymous debut was released on Elektra Records. This marked a milestone, as he was the first ever out gay to release a studio album. The album included his own music, like the pointed "I'm A Man".

The entertainment industry lined up to check him out, and most thought he was remarkable and talented. There was only one problem - the audience didn't seem to feel the same way. Well, it's not they thought he wasn't talented, they just never came to hear him. When they heard he was gay, they were done. It is hard being the first, to blaze a trail that was yet untread. Here is a second song off the debut. This is Jobriath singing "Rock Of Ages".

Brandt and the label were not ready to give up, and the following year there was a second album, 'Creatures of the Street'. Once again, they thought his back story of the prostitute who left the life for his art would sell. Unfortunately, it did not. While Bowie was selling out shows as his androgynous Ziggy Stardust, no one was buying tickets for Jobriath shows. While the New York Dolls played Punk in drag to large crowds, it was not the case for Jobriath. Not even an appearance on The Midnight Special could save him. Enjoy this video of his song "Scumbag", off 'Creatures of the Street'.

Shortly after the release of the second album, Jobriath was released by Elektra and not picked up by another label. Jobriath completed the planned tour, and had some support at some college shows. But the disheartened singer announced his retirement from the music business. He moved into a room at the Chelsea Hotel, and would pay his bills working as a cabaret singer using the name Cole Berlin, a nod to songwriters Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, whose music he was singing. When that wasn't enough to pay the bills, he would return to the world's oldest profession. At the start o the 1980s, he began to get ill, the first signs of AIDS. On August 3, 1983, Bruce Wayne Campbell dies from the complications of AIDS, the first big name to do so. He was 36 years old. This was one week following the 10th anniversary of his signing up with Brandt. And it would be a very long time before another American would come out of the closet while they still had a career in music. Well, I am still kinda waiting...

Checking Out Missy Higgins

I will admit I was a bit late to the party about Missy Higgins. Now, I can't tell you why, since I have a true affection for several Aussie musicians, and have always had a penchant for singer/songwriters who fall under the banner of the LGBT community. Although she would prefer to not discuss her personal life, she did say she has dated both men and women. The first time I heard her music was when I heard Canadian Theo Tams do a cover of her brilliant song, Where I Stood. That did lead me to check out her music, and I was delighted to discover I really loved it.



When I first started listening to her, I will admit there was a familiar feel, and she reminded me a bit of Shawn Colvin. And while I still hear some similarities, I quickly heard her making her own statement, her own sound in my brain. Scar off The Sound of White in 2004. It went to #1 in Australia. The song was written by Missy and Kevin Griffin, a member of the band Better Than Ezra. The song was also featured on the soundtrack to the CW hit, One Tree Hill. This is a wonderful song, and it has a certain freshness to it that I love.



The Special Two was the third single off The Sound of White in 2005. It went to #2 in Australia. The ballad was written by Higgins. It was certified Gold in sales, and some in the industry consider it to be Missy's finest work to date.



The next song is Steer, a brilliant song off the On A Clear Night album. It was the first single released in 2007, and went to #1 in Australia. I just love this song, and with a joyous feel and a clean,acoustic sound.



And, finally, we come to the song that kind of started it all for me. The first time I heard Where I Stood, it was being sung by singer/songwriter Tams. Little did I know that the song was the second single off the On A Clear Night album. I loved the song, filled with real emotions that were obviously heartfelt. It went to #10 in Australia. The song was also featured on several television shows, including Smallville, Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, Ghost Whisperer, The Hills, Lipstick Jungle, NCIS, Weeds, and Pretty Little Liars.



For more about Missy Higgins, check out her official website. You can purchase On A Clear Night on iTunes and Amazon.

Worth Another Listen • Lesley Gore

In the early and mid 1960s, the music scene was flourishing in a way it hadn't before. Part of the reason is a change that began in the 50s, which kids becoming more and more interested in popular music, and getting involved. And it was at this time a pretty high school junior in Tenafly, New Jersey, was recording some music, and it was making a big impact. Lesley Gore was going to school in Englewood, NJ, and recording in her free time. With a blink of an eye, her first single see to take off on the charts, and clearly connecting with her fellow teens. It's My Party went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. The song, written by Walter Gold, John Gluck Jr., and Herb Weiner, was the tale of young love gone wrong, and it felt so right to the listeners. Of course, she also had some help in the studio from her producer, a man starting to make a name for himself, Quincy Jones.



It only seemed natural that the next sing would be the sequel to her first hit, at least to those at the record company. The song was written by Beverly Ross and Edna Lewis, and further told the story of the teen and the girl who took her boy, Judy. The record was again produced by Quincy Jones, and make it to #5 on the Billboard charts. Here is Lesley Gore singing Judy's Turn To Cry.



The following year, Lesley was still singing the songs the public wanted to hear. Gore was a senior in 1964, and was again at the top of the charts. Written by songwriters John Madara and David White, You Don't Own Me went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was really one of the early pro-woman songs, asking to be taken seriously as a person, not someone's possession. And once again, Jones was the producer on the song.



The next song made it's official debut in the 1965 film Ski Party, a beach-style film starring Frankie Avalon, Dwayne Hickman, Yvonne Craig, and Deborah Walley. The song was written by Marvin Hamlisch, and Howard Liebling, long before Marvin was working on his most famous work, Broadway's A Chorus Line. But in keeping with the bright and light motif of the film, Gore sang Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows, which went to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100.



Gore continued to make music that was in the charts for the rest of the 1960s. During the 70s, 80s and 90s, she made appearances on oldie tours and television shows. And in 2004, Gore co-hosted the PBS show In The Life, and came out as a lesbian, having been with her partner for more than 20 years. To learn more about Lesley Gore, visit her official website here. You can also find her 2005 release, Ever Since, on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find The Best of Lesley Gore on iTunes and Amazon.

Sunday Jazz with Dave Koz

While thinking about what music to offer you to close out the weekend, I had a bit of a revelation. What about a bit of smooth jazz... Yeah, that's the ticket. So I of course thought of Dave Koz. He is a talented smooth jazz musician. After playing in some great bands, the saxophonist went out on his in in 1990. He's had several solo albums, and his own jazz show on the radio. In 2002, he started a record company, Rendezvous Entertainment. In 2004, he gave an interview to The Advocate, coming out as a proud gay man. All along, he's been a strong musician, making great music. And looked damn good doing it.



So, with more than 20 years of music to call on, I thought I would just see what I could find that made me happy, and one of the first was a clip of Dave and Jake Shimabukuro doing a wonderful cover of The Beatles song Blackbird. Originally Dave performed the song with his brother Jeff for the Golden Slumbers: A Father's Lullaby album in 2002.



The first single off the Lucky Man album in 1993, You Make Me Smile featured some beautiful work by keyboardist Jeff Lorber. It was the first of Koz' songs to make it on a Billboard chart, having made it to #20 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The album was also a hit, making it on the jazz charts for a long time, and finally being certified Gold.



The song Starting Over Again features the wonderful voice of Dana Glover. The talented friend of Koz also wrote the song several years ago, and Koz always liked it. When it came time to record his latest album, Hello Tomorrow, he asked her if he could record it, with her featured on it. The friends were happy to work together. The song was released as a single in 2011 and went to #1 on the Jazz chart. They were also featured on an episode of Desperate Housewives singing the song.



Back in 1999, Dave was writing some material with his brother Jeff for a new album. One of the songs off The Dance was Together Again, song that went to #20 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It is wonderful smooth jazz, with a hint of Spanish in the spicy beat.



And the final entry for tonight goes to the song that topped the Jazz charts in 2011, Anything's Possible. The song was written by Koz and Brian Culbertson to appear on the Hello Tomorrow album. After listening to the song, it is no wonder it went #1 on the Billboard Jazz chart.



For more about Dave Koz, check out his official website here. You can purchase his music everywhere good music is sold. You can find Hello Tomorrow on iTunes and Amazon. It is a great addition to your music library, and I had a great time listening to it while I wrote this post!

Garrin Benfield CD Release Preview

The photos above were taken by me as Garrin Benfield prepared for the show.

On Saturday May 14, I went to the CD Release party in Manhattan for Garrin Benfield's new album, The Wave Organ Song. I have been looking forward to this show for some time, and it most certainly did not disappoint. While I gather my various materials together - video and photographs - I thought I would post this compilation tape with clips from many of the songs performed at the show at Sullivan Hall in the West Village.



While I was in town, I met with friends, some of whom accompanied me to the show. Mal & Helen met for drinks before the show, but had to get home to help son John with some homework. Brian and James had the whole evening set aside for drinks, a show, and a late dinner. It was a great night, filled with love, laughter and music. Can't ask for more!



Left to right: Helen, Mal, me, James & Brian. Below: Album Cover Art.