My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2025 the theme is a random assemblage of things that are on my mind--or that just pop into my mind. Whatever! Let's just say I'll be "Tossing It Out" for your entertainment or however it is you perceive these things.
If I lived in a White House I would never paint it red. If I did, I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't like it and my neighborhood association would fine me big time....
My most recent Battle of the Bands featured Paul Robeson and Sam Cooke doing their versions of "The House I Live In" which was first popularized by Frank Sinatra. I was pretty sure going in that Robeson didn't stand much of a chance with his operatic baritone when put up against the more pop styling of the great Sam Cooke. And my hunch was correct with a big win going to Sam Cooke.
From the standpoint of listening pleasure (comfort?) I would prefer to hear Cooke's version for repeated listening. However, I'm going to give my vote in this match to Robeson. I agree with the voters who suggested that Robeson's version had a greater authenticity. In comparing the two versions, to my sense of hearing Cooke offered a slick pop sound that is smooth like honey. On the other hand, Robeson's version had a gravitas that made the song almost like a patriotic prayer. Listening to each version with eyes closed I could imagine Cooke professionally laying down his vocal in a studio where as I listened to Robeson I could picture walking along with him through his hometown as he proudly points out the places and people he is singing about.
My vote doesn't change anything in the outcome, but I thought it was a song worth sharing at this time. Even though I was very sure that Robeson would lose, I wanted to have this particular Battle at this particular time because it just seemed like a good time to do it. I hope you enjoyed the song.
Final Vote Tally
Paul Robeson 5 Sam Cooke 16
Next Battle on Friday February 15th
That's next Friday and this might be a Battle that I think most of you will enjoy. Since the music I'll be using relates to the Oscars (coming up soon!), I will also be including my rant against the Academy. I'm not a fan of those awards and something regarding my Battle music choice made me even more disgusted with them. Maybe you'll agree with me, but maybe you won't. We'll find out I guess.
Before that Friday post I might have a big announcement to make. That might come on Monday if I get motivated enough to compose that post. Then again, Friday's post might be my next one. I'll have to think on this a bit.
Are you looking forward to the Oscars? Any inkling about what my Oscar beef is about and what Oscar related song I'll be using? Want to dare a guess about my special announcement?
“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.” —Coretta Scott King
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” —Langston Hughes
These quotes state truths that more people in our time need to hear and think about. At times I get so cynical about the way things are, but that is likely because we get bombarded every day with negativity and dishonesty.
In honor of Black History month I offer for my Battle of the Bands two notable black male vocalists with their renditions of a song first made popular by Frank Sinatra...
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bandsisthe blogging event started byFar Away Seriesand now hosted byStMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This event happens each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month. My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month. The premise is simple: Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it. Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.
The House I Live In
To some these days this song might sound rather mushy and maudlin, but it does express a sense of tradition and love for country of which many might approve. Though the song first appeared in a stage musical review in 1942, it was embraced by the public in 1945 when it was used as the centerpiece of the opposition to anti-Semiticism film The House I Live In.
Ironically the music was written by Earl Robinson, a member of the Communist party who was blacklisted during the McCarthy hearings, with lyrics by Abel Meeropol, a liberal activist who had also at one time been a member of the Communist party.
I'm sure this music won't be everyone's cup of tea, but maybe if you don't care for it you can chill a bit and pretend it's a big glass of ice cold sweet tea on a sweltering hot summer day. If you'd like to hear how Sinatra did the song you can go here or this link will take you to the entire Oscar winning short film it came from (it's only about 10 minutes long, but it carries a worthy message). Please don't vote on this version--save your vote for one of the two artists featured below....
Paul Robeson "The House I Live In" (1947)
Sam Cooke "The House I Live In" (1960)
Time to Vote! Let's join together and vote! What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours. Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts: StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands 'MIKE'SRAMBLINGS' 'Curious as a Cathy' Sound of One Hand Typing Angel's Bark Debbie Doglady's Den Jingle, Jangle, Jungle Cherdo on the Flipside A I Love Music Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday February 8th Next Wednesday I'll have an Insecure Writer's Support Group post so I do hope you'll drop in before then. But definitely come back to see if your favorite song version came out with the most votes. I think I can predict this outcome pretty easily, but we've all been surprised by these Battle outcomes in the past. We'll see! Do you think the USA has changed for the better or worse since World War 2? What do you think is better? What do you think is worse?
February has been designated as Black History Month in the United States and Canada. The month-long observance was officially recognized by the U.S. in the 1976 bicentennial year. Prior to that time a week in February had been set aside as Negro History Week. Some consider the observance to be racist while others believe that recognizing the accomplishments of blacks in America and elsewhere is an important step in establishing greater harmony between races and instilling a value of tradition and pride within the black community.
Do you know these figures from Black History? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I was growing up I was never around black people to any great extent. I never had any black classmates until I started high school in East Tennessee and even then there were probably not more than 20 black students in our entire school which probably had about a thousand students. To my recollection there was never any emphasis on black history, but apparently I did receive information about many aspects of black history because I did have a fairly extensive awareness about it. Maybe I learned a lot on television or elsewhere since I grew up in the 50's and 60's when the Civil Rights Movement was taking a powerful hold on the nation.
According to Wikipedia, Morgan Freeman is quoted as having said, "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Freeman has argued that there was no White History Month, because white people did not want their history relegated to just one month.[14]
I think Freeman makes a reasonable point. The way I see it, teaching of history should be homogeneous with events examined according to a historical timeline with references to preceding events as they apply to that timeline. However, in defense of the the celebration of black accomplishment, I think it is reasonable for communities to have special events designated for the appreciation of what black Americans have accomplished. Mostly though this is probably more of an issue for specific communities.
There is no doubt that the descendants of African diaspora have made important contributions throughout the world, but so have the peoples from many other cultures. My preference is to become aware of as much history as I can absorb and have a very keen knowledge of the history that made my country of the United States of America what it is and to discern where it can go in the positive sense.
In any case, the following Battle of the Bands post is my recognition of Black History Month.
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bandsisthe blogging event hosted byFar Away SeriesandStMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th. The premise is simple: Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it. Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.
"A Change Is Gonna Come"
Sam Cooke was a highly influential singer and songwriter who was known as the "King of Soul". Cooke had first hand experience with racial injustice. His experiences led him to compose "A Change Is Gonna Come" which became a civil rights anthem. Over the years many artists both black and white have recorded this amazing song.
An incident in 1963 where Cooke and his band were turned away from a "whites only" Holiday Inn in Shreveport, Louisiana prompted him to write the song. He had already felt a prodding to write an important song about change after being inspired by Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind". Cooke's song also pays homage to the song "Ol' Man River" from the Jerome Kern musical Showboat.
To read an interesting article about Cooke's song, refer to an article in The New Yorker magazine. And now take a listen to two amazing live performances by a couple of legendary performers.
Luther Vandross "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Date uncertain) Vandross has such a fine voice and that certainly comes across in this recording. Luther Vandross departed this Earth in 2005 at the far too early age of 54 years.
While the recording of Luther Vandross was done at a church, the Reverend Al Green's performance sounds like he's preaching a sermon in church--but after all he is a preacher. When not performing as a singer, Al Green preaches at his church in Memphis, Tennessee. The recording here is from a post 9/11 benefit concert for United We Stand.
Time to Vote! Well, let us know what you think about these versions. There must be one that you prefer over the other though I'll admit that I'm having a tough time deciding on this Battle. If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you prefer over the other. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
Be ReInVintaged Results on Monday February 22nd Cast your vote now so you don't forget! Maybe another post or two will appear between then and now, but I'll definitely be back on the 22nd with the voting results. My blogging has become a bit unpredictable of late so be ready for some surprises. Let's hear a cheer for whimsicality in blogging!
Do you think Black History should be focused upon in schools during the month of February? When you were growing up did you receive much specific information about the accomplishments of blacks? Do you prefer using the term "Afro-Americans" or "Blacks"?
