Happy 80th Birthday, Willie Nelson!

If Willie Nelson's career had ended 40 years ago, he still would have been one of the most important songwriters in country music ever.

The first concert I ever went to was Willie Nelson in the UNI Dome. I'm not sure of the exact year, but it was sometime during the "On The Road Again" period. My parents became big Willie fans around that time--and that song remains one of their favorites. While I love his original songs, I have to admit that Stardust, his album of songs from the "great American songbook," is what made me a life-long fan. The whole thing is beautiful--sometimes achingly so.



Lastly, and most importantly, a big shout out to Willie for his advocacy on issues that are dear to both our hearts. From the founding of Farm Aid to support family farmers to his outspoken views on drug policy reform (best line: Marijuana "won't kill you unless you let a bale of it fall on you"), he has gone far beyond the typical light-weight celebrity dabbling in politics to become a real leader in social change.

One sign: two great causes

Recently, Willie has spoken out in favor of Marriage Equality:

I never thought of  marriage as something only for men and women. But I'd never marry a guy I didn't like. ...It's about human rights. As humanity, we've come through so many problems from the beginning to here.  I guess it finally had to come around to this. This is just another situation, another problem. We'll work it out and move on.

Something good must have been going on in 1933--the year produced two of my favorite progressive men, Willie Nelson and Paul Hogan, my Dad. This year, 80 is the new fabulous.

Dance, Billy, Dance Like The Wind!

 Last night, as I went down the the Internet rabbit hole chasing music that Margaret Thatcher (to put it kindly) "inspired", I eventually rediscovered this amazing scene. While this number doesn't directly reference the Iron Lady, there's no doubt that "Town Called Malice" and Billy Elliot are both products of Thatcherite England. By the way, Billy Elliot had me at being pro-labor and gay-positive--the great 80's music was just icing on the cake. Since I can't embed the video, so go watch the whole thing at YouTube. Or, you can listen to the song here and look at pictures of the "Billy Elliot" a.k.a. Jamie Bell all grown up and looking mighty fine.

PS: If the fact that "Town Called Malice" was released 31 years ago doesn't make you feel really old, how about the news that Billy Elliot is going to be a father? Yikes.

Sing It High, Sing It Low

 

In a more just and loving world, Klaus Nomi would be alive to sing this today.

Ding! Dong!

My Two Favorite Videos Of The Week

One is satire and the other is (sadly) reality.

1. Tina Fey revives her Sarah Palin impression for Inside The Actors Studio:

2. Michele Bachmann literally runs from CNN reporter, Dana Bash:

While I hope Sarah Palin never again holds public office and Michele Bachmann gets voted out in 2014, Is it wrong that I really want the two of them stay in the public eye for years?

Thanks

To all those who have marched for civil rights, equality, social justice and peace: I am truly grateful for all you've done and continue to do. Please accept this groovy tribute as a small token of my appreciation.

Eric Andersen sings "Thirsty Boots"

PS: I covet his outfit, but sadly, I don't think I could pull off the scarf.