Let’s celebrate John Fogerty’s birthday by watching him play CCR’s classic, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”

Happy Rock & Roll Birthday to John Fogerty.

John was the heart and soul of Creedence Clearwater Revival, a treasured roots rock band.

Although he plays several instruments, Fogerty is identified chiefly with his swamp rock/blues guitar style…and he is the master of it.

When I hear him sing “Born on the Bayou,” I actually feel like I’m right there in the bayou with him.

As much as I love CCR, I have to admit that much of the time I cannot understand what the hell Fogerty is singing, as diction has never been his strong suit…but it still sounds great to me.

Since he just turned 71 earlier this week, I thought I’d point out that 50 years ago today, Bob Dylan’s second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, was released.

I’ve always been partial to the very early Dylan and Freewheelin‘ is one of my Desert Island Discs.

It blows me away that he was in his early twenties when he wrote “Masters of War,” “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” “I Shall Be Released,” “Girl from the North Country,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

Sweet Loretta, it’s a freakin’ greatest hits album and it was only his second record!!!!

Let’s celebrate Pete Sears’ Rock & Roll birthday by watching his jammin’ bass solo as Moonalice  launches  into “Somebody to Love.”

Enjoy the video and have fun.

Happy Rock & Roll Birthday to the venerable multi-instrumentalist Pete Sears of Moonalice.

Dating back to his days with the band Sons of Fred, Pete’s miles-long resume includes bass & keyboard work as an original member of Jefferson Starship as well as stints with Rod Stewart, Long John Baldry, Hot Tuna and a host of others.

A veteran of more than 100 studio albums with a slew of rockers, Pete is currently a member of the Moonalice tribe…which just happens to be one of my favorite touring bands.

“I’ve had all the lessons I could get. I’ve learned from everybody I’ve ever met.”~Levon Helm

That’s a beautiful Rock and Roll Philosophy, Levon.

Everyone has something to teach us.

“I don’t fool with a lot of things that I can’t have fun with. There’s not much reward in that.”~Levon Helm

This represents the essence of my Rock and Roll Philosophy perfectly.

Happy birthday, Levon! We miss you and love you.

Today would have been Levon Helm’s 72nd birthday. I tried to write about him a couple weeks ago when he passed, but simply couldn’t find the words.

I was blessed to attend two of his final three concerts in March when he came to Milwaukee. I wasn’t planning to go the second night, but somehow I knew it would be my  last opportunity to see him.

Let’s celebrate Levon’s life and birthday with The Band rockin’ “Don’t Do It.”

Celebrating Stevie Nicks’ birthday watching her handle lead vocals for Fleetwood Mac on “Dreams.”

Happy Rock & Roll birthday to the lovely Stevie Nicks.

Stevie and her hauntingly beautiful voice helped make Fleetwood Mac a household name. She’s also had a stellar solo career, dating back to the Bella Donna album.

It’s hard to believe Stevie is 64…she can still pass for a whole lot younger.