As a writer, I’ve always been a fan of the Great American Songbook. The lyrics are simply amazing: so beautifully worked, alternately passionate and playful, clever and crafted.
Johnny Mercer is among the most prolific and inspired of the contributors to this canon. On what would have been his 100th birthday yesterday, Terry Gross put together a great centennial tribute, including an in-studio concert, on her program, “Fresh Air.” Enjoy.
This song was part of my introduction to the great music coming out of the townships of South Africa and other parts of Africa in the mid-to-late 1980s. I was working at European Travel & Life magazine and my friend had a cassette (remember those?) that we played in the office until it was all but worn out. Since then I have continued to enjoy the music of Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, King Sunny Ade, Ladysmith Black Mamabzo, and other wonderful African artists.
We used to dance around the office to this song — looking foolish, I’m sure — but keeping the energy level up and producing some great work.
I love this short film about sand artist Peter Donnelly. He works against the clock, except that he doesn’t see it that way (a powerful lesson) and is not possessive about what he creates.
