And now for something completely different. Sometimes you have to say “yes” to the goofiness. The other day this TV theme song from the 1960’s popped into my head and I was actually able to sing almost all the words from memory (a sad waste of brain space, I know). For those of you who are unfamiliar with “Gilligan’s Island,” it was a very silly sitcom that lasted for three seasons. “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Island,” written by Sherwood Schwartz and George Wyle, was probably the best thing about the show (other than Mary Ann). As I told my friend Randy Valdes, the whole time I was learning and recording this song I could hear him singing along with me, so I was delighted when he agreed to join me! Now, those of you who grew up with Gilligan can join us in singing along, too. Go ahead. You know you want to.

Like much of the early folk music of the 60’s, Donovan’s “Colours” is pretty simple both lyrically and musically, which was why any grade school girl with a ukulele was singing those songs back then. Still, there’s a lot to be said for delivering a simple love song sometimes.

From the “best songs you’ve never heard” files. Actor Keith Carradine wrote this song and performed it in the movie Nashville back in 1975. The song won the Oscar for Best Original Song that year and became a radio hit. Carradine recorded a couple of albums and tried to parlay his success into a music career, but I guess acting worked out better for him. I remember learning this song after seeing the movie but haven’t thought of it since the 70s. I think it popped back into my head because I’ve been watching Madam Secretary on Netflix and Carradine plays the POTUS in that series. I chose to slow it down some from its original performances because it felt right this way to me. Hope you like it, and, as always, thanks for listening and commenting when you can.

If you’re a Jim Croce fan, you probably know that his “sound” is inextricably linked with the incredible arrangements of his friend/sideman/second guitarist Maury Muehleisen. The story of their partnership is inspirational and worth looking up. Sadly, Maury died in the same plane crash as Jim in 1973. Jim was 30 and Maury was 24. Here’s “Lover’s Cross,” by Jim Croce.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my wife, Tina! She’s been with me “Through the Years”–42 of them, now–and she’s still the love of my life. Kenny Rogers recorded this song and it became a hit for him and a mainstay of his concert sets. Tina requested that I learn it for her, and how could I say “no”? Hope you find it as meaningful as we do.

“Secret Agent Man” was written by P.F Sloan and Steve Barri. The most famous recording of the song was made by Johnny Rivers for the opening titles of the American broadcast of the British spy series Danger Man, which aired in the U.S. as Secret Agent from 1964 to 1966. and it was one of his biggest hits. The Ventures also did an instrumental cover of it. The drum track for my cover is from Karaoke Version backing tracks. All other noise is made by me. I wore several hats in this one. 😄 Hope you have fun!

Not sure how this one popped in my head, but I thought it would be a fun one to learn and perform for you. “All of Me” is a great example of lyrical dissonance: sad lyrics set to an upbeat, happy melody.

From Songfacts.com: “Written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons, this song was introduced by popular performer Belle Baker in 1931 and was first recorded by Ruth Etting that December. It became the biggest hit of the songwriters’ careers as nearly every major performer of the era took a crack at the song, including Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Frankie Laine, and Dean Martin, among others.” Willie Nelson also did a great cover of it.

I must admit that my most vivid memory of a performance of this song is watching Flip Wilson do it as his “Geraldine” character. Anybody else remember Flip? As always, thanks for listening, liking, and commenting when you can.

Thankfulness edition: I’m thankful that in February we’ll be receiving our first grandchild into the family! In 1968 Kenny Loggins was just getting his start as a songwriter and he penned this song for his older brother, Dan, whose girlfriend had just given birth to their first son. Anne Murray recorded it in 1972 and made it a hit. With Kenny’s (assumed) forgiveness, “Danny’s Song” will become Andy’s song with my Thanksgiving dedication to my son Andy, his beautiful bride Mary, and their son who’ll be joining us soon.

My wife Tina bought me this hat and she said it would go well with a Willie Nelson song. I asked her which one she wanted me to learn and she said, “How about ‘Crazy’?” Hmmm. I can take a hint.

Anyhow, Willie wrote this one way back around 1960 and it was eventually pitched to Patsy Cline. Nelson’s demo was more in his signature off-tempo style and Cline couldn’t get a handle on it until the studio band settled in to the easy swing she recorded. The song took off and was quite a boost for both Cline’s and Nelson’s careers. My version takes it back to its roots, using plenty of Willie’s standard bass runs and fills. Hope you like it.

My brand-new sister-in-law, Karen, requested that I give this song a try, so I’m trying to get off on the right foot with family. “Catch the Wind” was Donovan’s debut single way back in 1965. Although he charted with some trippier songs like “Sunshine Superman” and “Mellow Yellow,” Donovan Leitch had his roots in folk music. This nice little song about unrequited love is very simple, but its memorable melody and poignant lyrics have made it a favorite and it’s been covered many, many times. Another example of how three chords and the truth are often all you need to make a hit.