Paul Rappaport
Articles by Paul Rappaport
Billy Joel, Still Relevant
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Recently there was a national television relief benefit concert called “Rise Up New York!” to support New Yorkers most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was put on by the Robin Hood Foundation, whose mission is to fight poverty in New York City. It was a joy to see so many great artists come together … Continue reading Billy Joel, Still Relevant
Catching Up With My Old Friend Jim Messina
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Any time my wife Sharon and I can see Jim Messina or Kenny Loggins on tour we try and go to the show. Not only do we enjoy their music but they are also old friends. Jim Messina built his reputation from being in the bands Poco and Buffalo Springfield and also acting as producer … Continue reading Catching Up With My Old Friend Jim Messina
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band — Truth Or Whitewash?
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I recently saw Once We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, in a theater, and given the givens, I hope it will be placed on one of the TV streaming services soon. I know it’s due to air on Canada’s Crave network but not sure when. I feel funny writing a blog without first … Continue reading Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band — Truth Or Whitewash?
Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution
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Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution is a traveling exhibit now on display at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library. I was invited to attend the opening ceremony in which there was a panel discussion about Bill’s early years and some of the more memorable moments and concerts he promoted. Many of … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution
Grammy Scandal: What Happened to Music’s Biggest Night?
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In the wake of the recent Grammy scandal (if you’re not up on it, keep reading), we must ask ourselves… how did it happen? And what does a Grammy even mean anymore? In 1969 when I first started in the music business, the two big award shows were the Oscars and the Grammy Awards. As … Continue reading Grammy Scandal: What Happened to Music’s Biggest Night?
WHO? Yes, And You’re Going Love It!
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If you are a true Who fan, you’re going to love this band’s first new release in thirteen years, titled WHO — despite Pete Townshend’s opening cynical lyric, “I don’t care/I know you’re gonna hate this song.” I’ve wanted to write about this album since I first heard it in early November of last year. … Continue reading WHO? Yes, And You’re Going Love It!
Bill Wyman The Quiet One – An Extraordinary Film With A Remarkable Perspective
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I’ve just seen the most remarkable rock documentary, which I think may be my favorite so far. Bill Wyman’s, The Quiet One, available on Amazon and a few other streaming services. I am actually writing this review on an airplane flying home from visiting family in southern California for Thanksgiving, and I’ve literally just seen … Continue reading Bill Wyman The Quiet One – An Extraordinary Film With A Remarkable Perspective
Rob Halford and the Secret Lives of Metal Gods
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I was perusing CDJ, when I spied a great interview with Rob Halford by my old friend Jim Villanueva. New music by iconic veterans is most always something to shout about. The idea of always “becoming” keeps an artist fresh and vibrant. A metal Christmas album is perfect, and Celestial delivers on all fronts. The … Continue reading Rob Halford and the Secret Lives of Metal Gods
ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas – Inside The Top
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I listen to more ZZ Top than ANY other band or artist. And I listen over and over again, with seemingly very little burnout. The music is a combo of rock and blues that I just can’t get enough of. The new documentary, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, states that ZZ Top … Continue reading ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas – Inside The Top
Remembering Eddie Money
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Eddie Money is the only recording artist I know who was loved by everyone. He had the biggest and warmest personality and made you feel like a best friend immediately upon meeting him. I remember the first time we met. It was right before his debut album was released on Wolfgang/Columbia Records. It was 1977 … Continue reading Remembering Eddie Money
David Crosby: Remember My Name – Melancholy Movie
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Usually “Must See” appears at the beginning of my description of music films or documentaries I write about. I have to admit — I can’t say that about Remember My Name. Not that it isn’t interesting, or that you won’t learn some cool things about David Crosby by watching it. But overall, it doesn’t possess the … Continue reading David Crosby: Remember My Name – Melancholy Movie
Reliving The Rolling Thunder Revue — More Bob Dylan Revealed
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The Rolling Thunder Revue documentary by Martin Scorsese is a fabulous piece of music history as it captures a time when pure art was celebrated, when art was what the counter-culture musicians of the 60’s and 70’s were striving for. And when that counter-culture found a mass audience in the Baby Boomer generation, even the … Continue reading Reliving The Rolling Thunder Revue — More Bob Dylan Revealed