H is For Hunter Hayes

Lines of Inspiration

 Melodious expressions, Enduring Truisms

H

Hunter Hayes

“She rode in from the west in a summer sundress…”

Song Title:  Storm Warning

Songwriter:  Hunter Hayes

At 25, this American singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Louisiana (plays more than 30 instruments) rocketed to country fame so fast that Billboard has dubbed him “The Leader of Country Music’s Youth Revolution”. He’s been nominated by both ACM and CMA for Best Breakthrough Artist. His debut single “Storm Warning” won USA Breakthrough Video, and BMI top 50 awards - two years in a row. Fun Fact: Not only did he co-write, sing, and co-produce the self-titled, major- label debut album, he played every instrument too!

In addition to multiple tour appearances with Taylor Swift in 2011, and Carrie Underwood (beginning in 2013), Hunter Hayes broke the record (set in 1973) for youngest solo male act to Top Hot Country Songs and in 2014, broke a Guinness World Record for the most concerts played in multiple cities in 24 hours. Of course, that was before he sang the National Anthem at Game 6 of the 2016 World Series.  Hope you like the song and lyrics as much as I do!

So, how about that line? Does it call to mind a memory? Instill a sense of wonder? Are you familiar with the artist or song?

There’s a whole lotta blogging going on right here!

E is for Gloria Estefan

Lines of Inspiration

 Melodious expressions, Enduring Truisms

E

Gloria Estefan

“At night when you turn off all the lights…”

Song Title:  Rhythm is Gonna Get You

Singer/Songwriter:  Gloria Estefan

The Artist/Band: Closely associated with Miami Sound Machine (and Solo Artist Sensation)

Known as the “Queen of Latin Pop”, Gloria and her family escaped the turmoil of the Cuban revolution for the tranquil beaches of Florida, USA.  After a fairly secluded childhood, Gloria met a Bacardi salesman by the name of Emilio Estefan, who also happened to lead the band that would later (with the addition of Gloria’s contralto vocals and exhaustive energy) be called Miami Sound Machine.  She ended up marrying her “first and only boyfriend” Emilio, and along with the band, enjoyed instant and lasting success as premier Latin Pop artists.  In addition to two children, Gloria’s accomplishments and accolades include: Winner of seven Grammy awards, a star on Hollywood (as well as Las Vegas) Walk of Fame, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to music, and being inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.  She is (reportedly) the most successful crossover Latin performer to date, and has written two picture books for children.

So, how about that line? Does it call to mind a memory? Are you familiar with the song or band? Did it get your feet tapping to the beat?

There’s a whole lotta blogging going on right here!

D is for Dr. Hook

Lines of Inspiration

 Melodious expressions, Enduring Truisms

D

Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show

“I’m your friend; you can talk to me…”

Song Title: Better Love Next Time  

Songwriter: Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show

The Band:

Consisting of three humble southerners; having outgrown a band called the Chocolate Papers, set out to blaze a remarkable trail of their own. But first, they needed a name. Glancing around the establishment they were to play at, George Cummings came up with ‘Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show’, which had nothing to do with the establishment, Dr. Hook the pirate (who wasn’t a doctor anyhow), or fellow bandmate Ray Sawyer, who wore an eyepatch (much like Dr. Hook’s) due to a nearly fatal car crash a few years prior. Though eventually shortened to just “Dr. Hook”, the name stuck and the band soared to fame with a dozen hit singles (several certified million-sellers) in as many years, albeit without much success in album sales.

The Connection:  Shel Silverstein!

Because of his poetry, screenwriting, and empathetic books for children, entitled “Where the sidewalk ends”, and ‘The Giving Tree”, because of his many contributions to the music world; penning such songs as “A Boy Named Sue” (Johnny Cash) and “Sylvia’s Mother”, popularized by Dr. Hook ;-) And because it’s the first Wednesday of the month – Insecure Writers Support Group day!  Shel Silverstein may not have suffered many rejections, but he sure knows how to roll with the changes, doesn’t he?

Happy Writing!

So, how about that line? Does it call to mind a memory? Instill a sense of wonder? Are you familiar with the songs, the writer, or the band?

There’s a whole lotta blogging going on right here!

C is for Crosby, Stills and Nash

Lines of Inspiration

 Melodious expressions, Enduring Truism

C  

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

“Now everything is easy ‘cause of you”

Song Title:  Our House  

Songwriter:  Graham Nash

Before co-founding the Hollies  in the early 60’s, British rocker, Graham Nash was already known for his light tenor voice, songwriting gift, and as a collector of photography; whose own photography would later be published as well (San Francisco Art exchange). Having met the band Crosby and Stills while on tour with the Hollies, Nash met up with them again (alone) in the United States and by 1968 the band was called Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Written in under an hour, this sweet musical tribute to an actual event, an “ordinary moment” (Nash later recalled) in Graham Nash’s life has been called a “trite ditty”, though most often praised for its “innocent elegance”.  It sounds to me like a moment one might want to “Carry a torch” for.

So, how about those lines? Does either one call to mind a memory? Instill a sense of wonder? Are you familiar with the phrase, song, or bands?

There’s a whole lotta blogging going on right here!