Carole King - "The Legendary Demos (2012)

When I walk into the library I never know what treasure I will find. Sometimes it’s a book; other times a video; and on some occasions it’s a bit of music which I may have missed out on. The latter is the case with this remarkable collection of “demos” made by Carole King in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s; most of which went on to become monster hit records for other artists and even Ms. King herself.

Some of Ms. King’s best work was done in her earliest years while working New York’s famed “tin pan alley” in its final heyday. The basis for much of her first album was written during this time as well. The album contains not only the demos of Ms. King’s hits from “Tapestry”, but also such hits as “Crying In the Rain” which was big hit for the Everly Brothers.

That song was the only written with Howard Greenfield; who did the lyrics; and Ms. King; who wrote the music. They were both contracted to Aldon Music and decided to switch writing partners for the day. Ms. King usually wrote with Gerry Goffin. As a lark the two songwriting teams decided to switch partners for the afternnoon, with Gerry Goffin working with Greenfield's writing partner Jack Keller; and King and Greenfield pairing up to write this timeless classic.

A full full rock band demo of “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, which was such a smash for the Monkees, opens this remarkable album of hits in their nascent stages.  “Natural Woman” is featured in its original form with just Ms. King on vocals accompanying herself on piano.

Rounding out the album are several of the songs which she made famous herself with the release of her signature album “Tapestry”, and those songs are represented here in their striped down versions. Kind of what we now refer to as “unplugged.” The effect is magical and almost akin to having Ms. King playing in your living room. My favorite on the whole album is the original version of “Take Good Care of My Baby”, the iconic hit for Bobby Vee in 1961 and also was covered, but rejected, by the Beatles in their audition for Decca in 1962. A delightful treat for fans of Ms. King.

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Richie Havens - Freedom

No one who remembers Woodstock can ever forget this dynamic performance by Richie Havens doing "Freedom". The song is really composed of 3 songs, "Freedom", a traditional folk song; "Motherless Child", a blues standard; and featuring  "Handsome Johnny," which was co-written with actor Louis Gossett Jr. The Woodstock Era didn't last long - but for those who were there - or even at home - the spirit of those times will always be alive thanks to videos like this. RIP Richie.

Havens and Domingo - The Cosmos at Work

Each morning when I wake up I grab my morning paper and scan the headlines. Then I look inside the front page at “This Day In History”, to gain context I suppose. And then I look at "Today’s Birthdays", which always holds a surprise of one sort or another.

For instance, last year when Olivia De Havillandturned 94, I hadn’t even realized she was still alive! So,  I like to keep track. But every now and then I look and see two people born on the same day, same year and doing the same thing as one another all their lives. And it always strikes me as odd.

Was there something in the air that January day in Brooklyn when Richie Havens was born in 1941? And what was going on in Madrid, Spain that same day when Placido Domingo made his entrance into the world?

Richie Havens was one of 9 children. From an early age he began singing on street corners in “Doo Wop” groups and by 1957 was with The McCrea Gospel Singers.

His first influences were Nina Simone and then Dino Valenti. As he began to frequent Greenwich Village he started doing portraits and eventually began singing in the coffee houses that were the mainstay of the Village in the late 1950’s. By the time 1960 rolled around he was in demand on most college campuses as a singer from coast to coast.

Meantime, in Madrid, Placido Domingo was on a parallel path. By age 7 he was studying and performing with his parents, who were Zarzuela singers in Mexico City. He was a busy little man, also studying piano with Manuel Barajas and taking voice lessons at the National Conservatory.

Making his debut as Borsa in Rigoletto at about the same time that Richie Havens was appearing for the first time in New York- these two would continue on parallel courses that continue to this day.

By 1966 both were established in their respective careers, although they would not reach their respective peaks for a few more years.

In 1966 Havens was appearing at The Newport Folk Festival and Domingo was appearing in New York as Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly with the New York City Opera. When 1968 rolled around Havens was appearing at Monterey Pop while Domingo made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

The big year for both came in 1969, when Havens opened Woodstock and cemented his place in Rock and Roll History, just as Domingo was joining Milan’s La Scala and London’s Covent Garden Opera Company's. From this point on both would be recognized as leading talents in their respective genres. Both would go on to do Television and Movie appearances as well as pursue Cultural and Philanthropic goals.

I have no conclusions; and maybe it’s all just a meaningless coincidence. But 2 of the world’s most passionate singers share more than just great voices and a love for music. They share a birthday.