The Evolution of The Allman Brothers Band

Gregg Allman photo by John Gullo

 

Southern Rock didn’t start with The Allman Brothers Band, but they were the beginning of a string of great rock bands that defined a certain style that became known as Southern Rock. I don’t know what differed between the South, the North, the East and the West that could cause such a distinct sound to emerge, but it happened anyway.  The Allman Brothers band just celebrated its 40^th anniversary as a band, even though it has changed members so many times that you need a scorecard to keep track. Each time a new member came on board, a little different style was added, which always made, and continues to make, the Allman Brothers one of the great rock bands around.

The Allman Brothers band was formed in 1969 with Duane Allman on guitar,  Gregg Allman on organ and vocals, Dickie Betts on guitar, Butch Trucks on drums, Berry Oakley on bass and vocals, and Jai Johanny “Jamioe” Johanson on drums and congas.

The band came on the scene and never looked back. They played the very long songs for which the 60’s are known, and because of that they have a well deserved reputation of being a jam band. Here is a hit song that shows the band in its early style. It is from their third album At Fillmore East, and is a T-Bone Walker song called Stormy Monday.

The Classical Touch of Copeland, Gershwin, Bernstein and Williams

 

This article is being written close to Thanksgiving,  and because I have always thought of Thanksgiving as a truly American holiday, it reminded me about the wonderful classical composers that America has produced.  So what better way to introduce you to classical music than through the ears of America. Here are four American-born citizens that all made significant contributions to the field of classical music. It is difficult to separate these composers from other styles such as ballet, musicals or film scores, but even those have all taken on an American flavor.  So Celebrate America and be thankful for brilliant American Composers.

Aaron Copeland was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1900, and is considered by many to be the “Dean of American Composers,” simply because his music touches the soul of America. The pieces such as ‘Appalachian Spring,’ ‘Rodeo’ and ‘Billy the Kid’ all use American themes and highlight tunes that are ours alone.  The first sample I have is a trumpet fanfare that musically states what has made America ours.

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon DVD Giveaway

Posted On Friday, November 18, 2011 By DivaCindy. Under Music, News Makers, Uncategorized  Tags: David Gest, Katherine Jackson, Michael, michael jackson, Michael Jackson Tribute Concert, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon, Rebbie Jackson, The Life of an Icon, Tito Jackson  +Edit Post

GossipDivaz is pleased to announce that we have joined forces with Universal Studios Home Entertainment to offer our readers and music lovers a chance to receive a DVD of the Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon documentary.

In the DVD, Producer David Gest imparts detailed facts about Jackson’s life, many of which have never been revealed before, but have been divulged by close friends and family members. Jackson’s musical talent is also explored, showing the reasons behind his spectacular rise to fame as one of the top selling artists ever. Fans will be treated to nostalgia, insight into an unimaginable life, music and historical footage. The DVD is a fitting tribute to an incredible musical talent and a fascinating enigma.

Don’t Miss Peter Gabriel’s Full Performance From Live on Letterman (Watch Here)

Posted On Friday, November 11, 2011 By DivaCindy. Under Music  Tags: Beady Eye, Ben Harper, Cake, Coldplay, Foster The People, Gorillaz, Incubus, Jennifer Hudson, Joe Jonas, Katy Perry, Live on Letterman, Peter Gabriel, Rascal Flatts, Snoop Dogg, Taylor Swift, Tinie Tempah, Wilco  +Edit Post

 

If you missed Peter Gabriel’s amazing performance on Live on Letterman, mourn no more. Just click this link and you will have Gabriel all to yourself as he introduces you to his New Blood Orchestra and performs a dynamic hour-long show for CBS’ ever popular webcast series.

Selections were taken from Gabriel’s most recent album New Blood, which features revamped, orchestral versions of fan and personal favorites from his solo career.  An orchestral “Red Rain” was a great treat, and many lesser known classics including “Mercy Street”, “Rhythm of the Heat”, and“Solsbury Hill” made for a perfect concert. 

Bee Gee’s Barry Gibb Selling Florida Mansion for $4.2 Million

Posted On Friday, November 11, 2011 By DivaCindy. Under Celeb Real Estate, Music  Tags: Barry Gibb, Bee Gees, Celebrity Homes  +Edit Post

This home in Miami, Florida belongs to Barry Gibb, and has been for sale for about ninety days or so. The famous Bee Gee has been sick for a while now, and most likely doesn’t need an extra home on his hands.

Radar Online reports that the home was purchased for $4.2 million in 2008, and is basically selling for the same price today.

Check out the Caldwell Banker listing and photos

Honoring Our Veterans In Song

Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Army

 

Veterans Day is a day that the United States of America has set aside to honor the men and women that served honorably in the Armed Forces of our great Country.  To this country of citizen soldiers, we take the time to remember our grandfathers and grandmothers, mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and many many good friends, and honor those who put on the uniform of our country and answered the call of duty.

Following are songs done by each of the bands or choruses that represent each of our services.

Check Out 4Count, Nick Cannon’s New Boy Band

Posted On Tuesday, November 8, 2011 By DivaCindy. Under Music  Tags: 4Count, Backstreet Boys, Music, New Kids On The Block, Nick Cannon, NSync  +Edit Post

 

 

4Count began their musical journey on America’s Got Talent with hip-hop duo New Boyz. Their debut single video, “Good to be Bad,” was directed by Nick Cannon himself, and Cannon believes these four guys are the next best thing on the music scene.

 

What a tremendous treat!

On Wednesday, November 9th, Peter Gabriel, music legend and founder of the band Genesis, will perform on CBS Interactive Music Group’s concert webcast series, Live on Letterman, from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. His performance will include selections from his New Blood album. For the first time in this music series, Gabriel will perform with a live 46-piece orchestra.

Peter Gabriel’s special Live on Letterman webcast will take place after his visit to the Late Show with David Letterman, which will be his first American television show performance in a decade.

Winter/Spring 2012 Primetime TV Premiere Dates

 

The fall television season has come and gone, and by now, so have many of your favorite (and not so favorite) new shows.

Some of the shows that barely made a splash were Charlie’s Angels (ABC), Free Agents (NBC), H8R (CW), How To Be A Gentleman (CBS) and The Playboy Club (NBC).

On the plus side, their departures give the networks a chance to dazzle viewers with even more new offerings, during the late fall and mid-season time periods, some of which you’ll find listed here.

You’re Invited To The World Premiere Live-Steam Event ‘Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon’

Posted On Saturday, October 29, 2011 By DivaCindy. Under Michael Jackson, Movies, Music, News Makers, Uncategorized  Tags: Davis Gest, Katherine Jackson, michael jackson, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon, Rebbie Jackson, Tito Jackson  +Edit Post

We are excited to announce, and are privileged to offer to our readers, a special two-hour  live-streaming event of the London premiere of David Gest’s new film ‘Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon.’ The documentary will be released for sale on DVD and Blu-Ray on November 1, 2011, the day before this grand event.

To bring fans an unprecedented look into the King of Pop’s fascinating life, David Gest spent many months traveling around the country interviewing family and friends of the musical icon, and he brings their words, and Michael Jackson, to life in this offering.

You are invited to have front row seats in the comfort of your own homes, to watch as more than 100 musicians, athletes, film and television stars, from all over the world, gather on the red-carpet to honor the memory and life of Michael Jackson on November 2, 2011.