ROCKOLLECTIONS: ROCKERS IN THE MILITARY PT.1

[Mike Pell]

A little History about this coming weekend.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

The Day is not about division.

It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

In my attempts to bring you our music in a slightly different way, I thought it might be interesting to give a listen to some- just some- of the Rockers who served in the Military.

In order to show no favoritism to any Branch of the Services, I will be approaching them in alphabetical order.

In this Part One, it's the Air Force and Army.

I believe there will definitely be some surprises for you in these two chapters.

This will be fun, but with an accompanying amount of deserved respect.

 

Here's the link to the opening half, at WLSO.FM:

 

http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/2267

 

 

Mike

[Mike Pell]

Oh man, the Concert for Kampuchea.

I wonder if I would ever have thought of that concert, never mind who played at it, lol!

Wish I could have seen Rockpile at some point in my life.

Nice research Jon...for an old guy, lol!

[Jon]

Ahhh...research DOES have benefits.

Rockpile did cover this song WITH Robert Plant at the Concert for Kampuchea. That's why I knew that Plant covered it and how I thought Rockpile did as well because I had this album when I was a lad.  

And my proof?

[Mike Pell]

Come to think of it, I have heard Robert Plant do it, on a solo album right?

The others I don't know about.

But I do know Rockpile very well- hell, they only made one official album and it wasn't on that, lol!

[Jon]

The "Little Siter" cover I have is by Robert Plant, but it's also been covered by Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, Pearl Jam & The Staggers. I think I've heard Cooder's version as well. I also thought Rockpile covered it, but they didn't.

[Mike Pell]

Jon,

ALRIGHT! Liked them all my man!
I don't know about that Little Sister by Elvis.

Are there that many others who have done it, and why has that escaped me?

Or am I the one who escaped, lol?

Glad you are with me on that, I did want to somehow honor those who served.

Thanks for listening and writing,

Mike

[Jon]

Like these all, even the Elvis song. I wonder how many different artists have covered that one song, I believe I have a few different versions stashed away.

Really nice list Mike, all in the name of those that have sacrificed themselves for this country!

[Mike Pell]

RJ,

I agree it is a good idea, and one I have been carrying around for years, lol!

One of those ideas I actually wrote down with a fairly short list, and finally got around to doing it this year.

I always have ideas for shows in various stages of completion.

Marvin Gaye ran away and joined the Air Force because he wasn't getting along with his father, the same father who shot and killed him many years later!

Talk about freakin' Family Feud!

I haven't heard Dwight Yoakam's version of Little Sister, but I like his singing.

That was the sensible choice made by Hendrix, lol!

Man, I am getting to know you.

After I posted this last night, I thought I'd guess which song would get the Golden Pell.

I guessed right...and have been doing so lately.

Good taste and nice choice, I wanted to play Garcia solo, and I've always liked The Wheel.

Thanks for listening, writing, and getting me to use my ESP, lol,

Mike

[RJhog (Admin)]

Now that's a twist.  Songs from folks that actually served.  Really cool idea bro.

 

I liked the Johnny Cash tune and the Michael Nesmith song.  I'm not familiar with that Marvin Gaye song or the history you gave on why he enlisted, but it was quite interesting.

 

Love Elvis as you probably know.  And I'd say he's definitely the most prominent celebrity enlistee ever.  I also like Dwight Yoakam's version of Little Sister, but I have no idea if he's a Veteran.

 

Can you ever go wrong playing Hendrix?  I don't think so.  But I had no idea he was in the Armed Forces.  Great reason to join though.

 

Finally, the Golden Pell is being presented to Jerry Garcia for The Wheel.  Nice track.