Forgotten folk - Robert Palmer

For many, Robert Palmer may not be forgotten, but a lot of kids from this generation have never heard of him.  For masses of music lovers such as myself in the 80's and 90's, Robert Palmer was the epitome of class and coolness.   As fashion in the 80's went crazy with color and mismatched pairings of garments, Robert Palmer made it cool to again to wear suits and look sharp.  In fact..  Rolling Stone magazine voted him the best dressed rock star of 1990.

Robert Palmer had a long and successful career spanning from the 1960's to 1995.  One of my favorite projects he took on however, was the formation of his group 'The Power Station'.  The band consisted of Robert Palmer, brothers Andy and John Taylor from Duran Duran, and drummer Tony Thompson from the band Chic.  I actually wore out two cassettes and one CD of their first album which was also named "The Power Station".   The album featured the two smash hits 'Some like it hot' and 'Bang a Gong', but every other song on the album was excellent as well.  "The Power Station" was one of those albums that you could let play from start to finish and never get tired of.

Robert Palmer may be best known for his music video "Addicted to Love".   The video featured beautiful women identically dressed in tight dresses, with white painted faces and bright red lipstick, making them resemble women in the art of Patrick Nigel paintings which were so popular in the 80's.

Robert Palmer passed away from a heart attack in September 2003, two months prior to Power Station band mate Tony Thompson, who died of liver disease in November.  He was an immensely talented artist whose style, talent, and soulful voice will continue to impress and influence music lovers for years to come.

Forgotten Folk's - Willie Tyler and Lester

I remember seeing Willie and Lester on television a lot when I was a kid.  Willie Tyler was and still is an incredibly skilled ventriloquist, and his comedy acts with his partner/dummy Lester were always funny.  I remember Willie and Lester popping up on various sitcoms throughout the 70's, 80's, and 90's, such as Laugh In, Sanford and Son, What's Happening, and tons of commercials.



They were an act people truly loved seeing, and spontaneous laughter & applause would usually ensue whenever they'd make an appearance.

If you're a bit hazy on this comedy act, here are a few clips that may jog your memory.  If nothing else, they will give you a good feel for Willie and Lester's shtick..

If you're wondering, Willie and Lester are both alive and well. You can see what's new with them at their website... Willie and Lester.com

Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys

It's been exactly three years since I got back from a wonderful 11 mile bike ride, opened up my laptop, and learned that Adam Yauch from the Beastie Boys had passed away.  This terrible news ruined my week, and had me bummed out on so many levels.

I had heard in the news in the years prior, that he was battling cancer (cancer of a salivary gland of all things).  Mike Yauch expected to make a full recovery, as it was thought that the cancer was very treatable.

The release of the Beastie Boys newest album at the time "Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2." was postponed in 2011.  When Adam wasn't in attendance for the Beastie Boys induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2012, I wondered if his health was suffering again, and sadly it obviously had been.

What kid didn't dig the Beastie Boys in the 80s?  When "You Gotta Fight for Your Right To Party" came out, almost every kid in my school were instant fans of the song.  It didn't matter what kind of music you were into, or what high school social class you belonged to.  The song transcended all of that, and simply made you happy (and maybe a wee bit rebellious).

I've always been a fan of the Beastie Boys, and it was truly sad that one of the founding members of a band I had followed since my youth, was now gone forever.  I'm sure millions of folks worldwide felt the same way.

I leave you now with a Beastie Boys video from 1986 called "Hold it now hit it".  It features Adam Yauch (in the plaid shorts) as I like to remember him.. Rowdy as ever, and full of laughs.

Rest in Peace MCA.  You are still sorely missed.