Just a short note to readers re: my planned activity for future posts. Since September, I’ve had the opportunity to write a monthly newspaper column – ‘Music in Me’ – and as such, I submit it every 3rd week in the month. (I’ve been simultaneously releasing it to the www.fredparry.ca blog.) It just means…
A word about Andy Rooney, (of ’60 Minutes’ TV fame) who recently past away at 92. “A writer’s job is to tell the truth.” (Andy Rooney) He said he had a knack for putting down on paper, what most people would have wanted to say. And, for the most part, he did. Not many of us can…
It seems clear that some people don’t understand the Wall Street protests that are going on now in New York City … and indeed, with similar protests in cities across America and around the world. They seem to share some of the same hallmarks: the rich getting rich and the poor getting poorer. Of course, to…
I can’t honestly say that I grew up in the U.S.A.; but by living in a country right next door, I can honestly say that I grew up steeped in the American culture … especially with music. And, other than having a few relatives living there, that came through loud and clear – whether on…
For decades, acknowledged as one of the greatest electric guitarist ever, is the legendary American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter B.B. King – winner of everything the music industry and governments can bestow on an artist – including 15 Grammy Awards, the American Presidential Medal of Freedom … and my youngest daughter’s enduring adulation. Now this…
What is the difference between famed country & western singer Hank Williams’ soulful, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry; contemporary songwriter Paul McCartney’s haunting Beatles song, Yesterday; and the timeless gospel anthem, Amazing Grace? In terms of their ability to encompass the full spectrum of emotion: none – no matter the genre. And what’s…
John Lennon once described the task of writing lyrics to that of writing post cards – not much space in which to say a lot. And when you take in both his earlier work with the Beatles and his follow-up solo work, it has to be said that no one did it better. Take for…
Recently, I came across a piece I wrote for Christmas 1995 which I would like to update here. This is because it strikes me now that the systemic situation described has not gone away; but to the contrary, has unfortunately worsened. It begins… A few weeks ago my youngest daughter, 15, was denied the opportunity…
John Lennon reminded us in a song that ‘Life is what happens to you when you’re making other plans’. This week ‘life’ happened with the news of the death of Alexander Martinez – an adult student attending a college night course that I teach. Alexander was a real gentleman and a genuine person. Originally from…
Dear Lord forgive me when I rage, I should be put into a cage. Like some wild animal or beast, Who has no respect for anyone in the least. Help me see, I must be blind, Not to feel your love sublime. And help me realize kindness, as the only way, To To grow a little every day. And for best price…
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