"Ticket to the Moon" by ELO

Given what I have been though this month, not to mention a certain anniversary coming up this Monday, I feel a bit melancholy today. For that reason, I thought rather than a full post I would leave you with a melancholy song. The song is "Ticket to the Moon," from the Electric Light Orchestra's 1981 album Time.

The Late Great Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts, the sharp-dressed drummer of The Rolling Stones, died on August 24 2021 at the age of 80.

Charlie Watts was born on June 2 1941 in Bloomsbury, London. He spent his early years in Wembley. As a boy, Charlie Watts developed an interest in jazz. Among the first records he owned as a boy were ones by Jelly Roll Morton, Charlie Parker, Johnny Dodd, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. His family eventually moved to Kingsbury. It was when he was thirteen that he became interested in drumming. He received his first drum kit in 1955 from his parents He practised by playing along to the various jazz records he owned. He later enrolled in Harrow Art School. He worked for a time as a graphic designer for the advertising firm Charlie Daniels, and played drums in a Middlesex band called Jo Jones All Stars.

It was in 1961 that Alex Korner invited Charlie Watts to join Blues Incorporated. He played with Blues Incorporated while continuing to work in advertising for the firm of Charles, Hobson, and Gray. It was in 1962 that Mr. Watts met Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, and Keith Richards, who had recently formed a band then called "The Rollin' Stones." It was in January 1963 that he first played with The Stones and in February 1963 that he became The Rolling Stones' permanent drummer. In addition to being The Rolling Stones' drummer, as a graphic artist Charlie Watts would also add artwork to the band's early album sleeves. Ultimately, Charlie Watts drummed on all forty of The Rolling Stones' albums.

Charlie Watts also worked outside of The Rolling Stones. It was in the late Seventies that he formed the boogie woogie band Rocket 88 with Ian Stewart, Alex Korner, and Dick Morrissey. In the Eighties he formed his own big band, The Charlie Watts Orchestra. In 1991 he formed The Charlie Watts Quintet. In 2009 he began performing with the ABC&D of Boogie Woogie. He also owned an Arabian stud farm in Devon. While he never received a driver's licence, he also collected cars.

Both on stage and off stage, Charlie Watts offered a sharp contrast to his band mates in The Rolling Stones. Impeccably dressed in his Saville Row suits and quiet, he avoided much of the drug abuse and infighting that sometimes occurred in the band. He was married to his wife Shirley for 57 years and never strayed from her. On stage he avoided the flamboyance of his band mates as well, his the power of his drum beats, his keeping time, and his sheer speed as impeccable as his suits. Although sometimes he was not counted among the greatest drummers of all time, he truly was one of them. He was easily the match of Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, and John Bonham. By his own admission he did not like drum solos, but in truth Charlie Watts never needed them. His talent was obvious on such songs as "Paint It, Black," "Gimme Shelter," "Brown Sugar,' and many, many others. What is more, Charlie Watts wasn't just a great drummer, he was a very versatile one. He was as at home playing The Rolling Stones' songs as he was jazz standards. He was so important to The Rolling Stones that Keith Richards called him, "the Key." What made Charlie Watts even more charming was that he refused to take being part of one of the most legendary rock bands seriously. He did not particularly care to talk about his place in the history of rock music, and he was often self-effacing when he did. In the end, it can be said that Charlie Watts was a class act all the way.

The Late Great Don Everly

Legendary musician and singer Don Everly of The Everly Brothers died on August 21 2021 at the age of 84.

Don Everly was born on February 1 1937 in  Brownie, Kentucky. His brother Phil Everly would be born nearly two years later in Chicago. Their parents, Ike and Margaret Everly, were country musicians who moved to Kentucky to Chicago in order to pursue opportunities in the music industry there. It was not long after Phil's birth that they moved to Iowa. Ike would have his own radio show on radio stations  KMA and KFNF in Shenandoah, Iowa, on which both his wife and sons also sang. Don and Phil Everly made their singing debut on Ike Everly's show in 1945. When Don and Phil Everly were teenagers, they left for Nashville to pursue their own careers in music. The two of them were hired as songwriters for Roy Acuff's publishing company. The first hit Don Everly ever wrote would then be "Thou Shalt Not Steal", sung by Kitty Wells. "Thou Shalt Not Steal" went to number 14 on the Billboard country music chart in 1954.

In 1956 The Everly Brothers recorded their first single, the country song "Keep A-Lovin' Me" on the Columbia label. It was in 1957 that they signed with the Cadence label. Their second single, "Bye Bye Love," released in March 1957, turned out to be their first hit. It went to went to #2 on the Billboard singles chart and #1 on the Billboard country music chart. Their third single would prove to be an even bigger hit. Released in September 1957, "Wake Up Little Susie" went to no. 1 on the Billboard singles chart and no. 1 on the Billboard country chart.

In the following years The Everly Brothers would have several hits. "All I Have to Do Is Dream" and "Cathy's Clown" both went to no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Bird Dog", "Devoted to You", "Problems", "(Till) I Kissed You", "Let It Be Me", "When Will I Be Loved", "So Sad", "Walk Right Back", "Ebony Eyes" "Crying in the Rain", and "That's Old Fashioned" all hit the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The Everly Brothers may have been ever bigger in the United Kingdom, where they had no less than six no. 1 singles.

In 1960 The Everly Brothers left Cadence for the Warner Brothers label. In November 1961 The Everly Brothers both enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. They would be largely out of the public eye for six months. Their appearance on February 18 1962 edition of The Ed Sullivan Show was one of their few appearances during this era. Perhaps as a result, their career would stall in the United States in 1962. Their last top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 would be "That Old Fashioned" early that year. The would have only two more top forty hits in the United States (in 1964 Gone, Gone, Gone", which went to no. 31, while in 1967 "Bowling Green" went to no. 40). Despite their career having stalled in the United States, The Everly Brothers continued to have several more hits in the United Kingdom.

Despite no longer doing well on the charts, The Everly Brothers continued to be a creative force in music. They recorded the album Two Yanks in England with The Hollies, and combined The Everly Brothers' earlier style with The Hollies' jangly guitars. The album would be considered crucial in the evolution of power pop. Their 1968 album, Roots, would prove pivotal in the development of country rock.

Warner Brothers Records ultimately allowed The Everly Brothers' contract to expire after several years without any hit records in the United States. They signed with RCA Victor in 1971. That same year they also had their own summer television replacement show, The Everly Brothers Show, on ABC. Unfortunately their two albums on RCA Victor would not prove successful. To make matters worse, tensions between Don and Phil Everly had been growing for years. It was at a concert on July 14 1973 that it became obvious that The Everly Brothers would not be recording together any time soon. The two argued between each other on stage until Don finally left with the words, "I'm through being an Everly Brother!" Phil finished the concert by himself.

Even before the break up, Don Everly had recorded a self-titled solo album in 1970. It would be followed by Sunset Towers in 1974 and Brother Juke-Box in 1976. He recorded "Everytime You Leave" with Emmylou Harris for her 1979 album Blue Kentucky Girl.

Don and Phil Everly reunited ten years after their break up at the Royal Albert Hall in London on September 23 1983. The concert was recorded for a live album and for cable television broadcasts. The Everly Brothers recorded three more albums together: EB 84 in 1984,   Born Yesterday in 1986, and Some Hearts in 1988. The Everly Brothers recorded no more studio albums, although they continued to tour together.

The Everly Brothers would record with other artists. They appeared on Johnny Cash's single "Ballad of a Teenage Queen." They performed the song "Cold" for for  a concept album based on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman's musical Whistle Down the Wind. In 2003 and 2004 The Everly Brothers toured with Simon & Garfunkel during the latter duo's Old Friends reunion tour. In 2014 Don Everly performed "Bye Bye Love" at the Annual Music Masters as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame  on October 24 2014. In 2018 he made his final appearance, performing with Paul Simon in Nashville on Paul Simon's farewell tour.

The Everly Brothers are legends for a very good reason. Quite simply, they were extremely influential in the development of rock music. Their vocal harmonies could be a major influence on The Beatles, who utilized Everly-style harmonies on their early songs. They would also have an impact on other British Invasion bands, including The Hollies, Freddie and the Dreamers, Peter and Gordon, Herman's Hemits, and yet others. In the United States they would influence such music acts as The Beach Boys, They Byrds, and Simon & Garfunkel.

>Indeed, The Everly Brothers would have an impact on entire subgenres of rock music. Arguably, the genre of power pop would not exist without them, as it is the blend of close harmonies and guitars that define the genre. Folk rock also owes a debt to The Everly Brothers, with two of the biggest folk acts (The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkel) showing the influence of The Everly Brothers. Even their album Roots would have an impact on country rock.

Along with his brother Phil, Don Everly changed rock music forever. The Everly Brothers influenced major artists to come and even led to the development of entirely new subgenres of rock music. It is quite possible that without The Everly Brothers we would not have The Beatles, The Hollies, Simon & Garfunkel, or The Byrds, at least not as we known them. Indeed, to this day The Everly Brothers still hold record for the most hit singles of any duo to reach the Billboard Hot 100. Few music acts have ever been as influential as The Everly Brothers.

Godspeed Sonny Chiba

Sonny Chiba, the actor and martial artist who starred in such films as The Street Fighter (1974), Goglo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977), and Samurai Reincarnation (1981), died on August 19 2021 at the age of 82. The cause was complications from COVID-19.

Sonny Chiba was born January 22 1939 in Fukoka,  Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. His father was a pilot in the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. In high school Sonny Chiba participated in artistic gymnastics, track and field, baseball, and volleyball. He was also an avid movie buff, and watched such Westerns as Shane (1953) and High Noon (1954).  In 1957 he began attending the Nippon Sport Science University. Until his career was derailed by a back injury, Sonny Chiba was a serious contender for the Japanese Olympics team. While still attending university, Mr. Chiba began studying martial arts with  Kyokushin Karate master Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama.

Sonny Chiba was discovered in a talent search conducted by Toei Company. Toei gave him the stage name Chiba Shin'ichi. He began his career in 1959 in the tokusatu TV series Nana-iro kamen. In 1960 he appeared in the TV series Arâ no shisha. In the Sixties he appeared on such Japanese TV shows as JNR Inspector No. 36 and Jûdô itchokusen. He made his film debut in 1961 in Keishichô monogatari: Fuzai shômei. In the Sixties he appeared in a variety of movies, from action films to science fiction. They included such films as Fūraibō tantei: akai tani no sangek (1961 Drifting Detective: Tragedy in the Red Valley), Uchû Kaisokusen (1961 Invasion of the Neptune Men),  Kamikaze yarō: Mahiru no kettō (1966 Kamikaze Man: Duel at Noon), Ōgon Batto (1966), Soshiki bôryoku  (1967), and Yakuza deka (1970).

In the Seventies, The Street Fighter (1974) brought Sonny Chiba an international audience. In the United States, the film was rated X by the MPAA Ratings Board for its extreme violence. In the U.S. he was billed as "Sonny Chiba," which would be the name he would use for most non-Japanese projects from that time forward. The Street Fighter proved successful enough to be followed by two sequels, Return of the Street Fighter (1974) and The Street Fighter's Last Revenge (1974), as well as spin-off projects such as Sister Street Fighter (1974). In addition to the Street Fighter films, Sonny Chiba also appeared in such movies as Karate Kiba (1973), The Executioner (1974), The Bullet Train (1975), Champion of Death (1975), Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977), Shogun's Samurai (1978), Message from Space (1978), and Shogun's Ninja (1980).  He starred on the TV series The Bodyguard, The Gorilla Seven, The Yagyu Conspiracy, and Shadow Warriors, and appeared on such shows as Robot Detective and Crossroads.

the Eighties Sonny Chiba starred in the cult film Samurai Reincarnation (1981), as well as such movies as Fall Guy (1982), Ninja Wars (1982), Legend of the Eight Samurai (1983), and Shogun's Shadow (1989). He starred on the television shows Shadow Warriors II, Shadow Warriors III,  Shadow Warriors IV, and Shadow Warriors: The End of an Era.

In the Nineties Sonny Chiba appeared in such films as Aces: Iron Eagle III (1992), The Triple Cross (1992), Immortal Combat (1994), The Storm Riders (1998), and Born to Be King (2000). On television he starred in the shows Tokugawa Buraichō and  Terakoya Yume Shinan. In the Naughts he played Hattori Hanzō in Kill Bill Volume I (2003) and Kill Bill Volume II (2004). He also appeared in such  movies as Deadly Outlaw: Rekka (2002), Battle Royale II: Requiem (2003), Explosive City (2004), The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), and Master of Thunder (2006). He starred on the TV shows Fūrin Kazan. In the Teens he appeared in such movies as Sushi Girl (2012), Take a Chance (2015), and April Fools (2015). His final film is Bond of Justice: Kizuna, currently in post-production.

Sonny Chiba is one of the most famous martial arts stars of all time, and there can be no doubt why. The style of fighting portrayed in his movies was a sharp contrast to previous martial arts on film, much more brutal. What further established Sonny Chiba as a star was that he also happened to be a very good actor. While in the United States he may be best known for such crime films as The Street Fighter, he acted in genres ranging from science fiction to  jidaigeki. Indeed, he portrayed Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi multiple times, as well as such other historical figures as  Miyamoto Musashi and even his mentor Mas Oyama. Regardless of genre, he always gave a good performance.

While Sonny Chiba played bad guys often and even his heroes could be merciless, in reality he was as far removed from his screen persona as one could get.  His agent, Timothy Beal, said of Mr. Chiba, "He was a great friend and an awesome client. Such a humble, caring and friendly man. I will surely miss him." Sonny Chiba was a true legend who changed cinema forever. His influence is still being felt to this day.

Alex Cord Passes On

Alex Cord, who starred on the TV series Airwolf and appeared frequently on television, died on August 9 2021 at the age of 88.

Alex Cord was born Alexander Viespi Jr. on May 3 1933 in Floral Park, New York. He was twelve when he caught polio. The family moved to Wyoming where he took up horseback riding. He went to New York University in New York City. He studied acting at the American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut. 

Alex Cord made his television debut in an episode of Laramie in 1961. In the Sixties he guest starred on such shows as Ben Casey, Frontier Circus, Cain's Hundred, Naked City, East Side/West Side, Route 66, Branded, and Bob Hope Presents The Chrysler Theatre. He appeared in the movies The Chapman Report  (1962), Synanon (1965)  Stagecoach (19660, The Brotherhood (1968), Stiletto (1969), and The Last Grenade (1970).

In the Seventies Alex Cord starred in the short-lived series W.E.B. and the unsold pilot Genesis II. He appeared on such TV shows as Night Gallery, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, Insight, The F.B.I., Police Story, Police Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Love Boat. He appeared in such movies as Chosen Survivors (1974), Inn of the Damned (1977), and Grayeagle (1977). 

In the Eighties Mr. Cord starred on the short lived show Cassie & Co. and Airwolf. He guest starred on such shows as Fantasy Island; Hotel; Murder, She Wrote; The Law and Harry McGraw; Simon & Simon; War of the Worlds; and Jake and the Fatman. 

In the Nineties Alex Cord guest starred on the shows High Sierra Search and Rescue; Kung Fu: The Legend Continues; Walker, Texas Ranger; and High Tide. He appeared in such movies as Roots of Evil (1992), CIA Code Name: Alexa (1992), and The Naked Truth (19920. His last appearance on screen was in 2009 in the movie Fire from Below.

Alex Cord was a particularly talented actor who played a variety of roles. He was the Ringo Kid in the 1966 remake of Stagecoach, Dylan Hunt in Gene Roddenberry's failed pilot Genesis II, and Archangel on Airwolf. He could play heroes as easily as he could play villains, and was as comfortable in Westerns as he was science fiction or action movies.

A Rough Past Few Days

I feel as if I have to explain why I haven't made any posts in the past few days. The simple fact is that they have not been easy. Last Thursday, August 11 2021, my brother had a massive heart attack. They put in a stent and he spent a few days in hospital. He is doing fine, although he will have to have another stent put in next Tuesday. As if that wasn't enough, my cat Malcolm has been sick. We got him some hairball medication and he seems better today. I have been worried about him. I also had two friends die recently, both from cancer. One was 82, the other was in her thirties. Suffice it to say, it has not been a particularly easy time since last Thursday.

August has never been a good month for me. It was the month that my best friend from college, Ron, died. It is also the month during which my dearest Vanessa Marquez died. It is a month I usually dread. Regardless, I do hope to get back to making posts regularly later in the week.

Godspeed Pat Hitchcock

Pat Hitchcock, the daughter of director Alfred Hitchcock and editor Alma Reville Hitchcock and an actress in her own right, died August 9 2021 at the age of 93.

Patricia Hitchcock was born on July 7 1928 in London. In 1939 the family moved to Los Angeles so her father could work in Hollywood. She was still a child when she decided that she wanted to act. She made her Broadway debut in 1942 in Solitaire. In 1944 she played the title role in Violet on Broadway. She graduated from Marymount High School in 1947. In 1949 she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She also appeared in plays on the West End and made her television debut in the TV movie The Case of Thomas Pyke on the BBC. She made her film debut in her father's movie Stage Fright in 1950. She also appeared in the movie The Mudlark (1950).

In the Fifties Miss Hitchcock appeared in her father's film Strangers on a Train (1951) as Barbara Morton, the younger sister of Anne Morton (Ruth Roman). She appeared in a bit part in The Ten Commandments (1956) and a role in her father's classic Psycho (1960). In the Fifties she made several appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents as well as her father's other series Suspicion. She also guest starred on the show Suspense, My Little Margie, Front Row Center, Screen Directors Playhouse, Matinee Theatre, The Life of Riley, and Playhouse 90. She appeared on Broadway in The High Ground in 1951.

Pat Hitchcock retired from acting to raise her children, but she appeared in the TV movies  feature film Skateboard (1978)  and in the TV movies Ladies of the Corridor and Six Characters in Search of an Author.

Following her retirement from acting, Pat Hitchcock continued to contribute to Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. She served as an executive producer on the documentary The Man on Lincoln's Nose (2000), which centred on art director Robert F. Boyle. She co-wrote a biography on her mother, Alma Hitchcock: The Woman Behind the Man, with Laurent Bouzereau.

I have always thought Pat Hitchcock was underrated as an actress. She only appeared in Stage Fright briefly, but she was memorable as an enthusiastic acting student. In Strangers on a Train Miss Hitchcock stole every scene she was in as the slightly morbid, plain spoken Barbara Morton. Beyond her appearances in films, there was also her many appearances on television. She shined in her many appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, whether as a daughter seeking her missing mother in "Into Thin Air" or a rural schoolteacher in The Belfry. I always wished Pat Hitchcock had appeared in more movies and TV shows.

Of course, Pat Hitchcock also did a wonderful job of keeping her parents' legacies alive. She regularly appeared in documentaries about her parents and gave many interviews about them over the years. And while a good deal of attention was always paid to her father, Alfred Hitchcock, Pat Hitchcock made sure her mother Alma always got attention too. As both an actress  and a living tie to film history, she was wonderful.