Category: In The Spotlight

‘Friends Of Mine’ Returns, a J.D. Souther Spotlight Feature and Live Warren Zevon Awaits on Saturday, July 6, 2024

Good morning, musicologists, and welcome to the dog days of summer here in The Mermaid Lounge where the days are hot and the music is even hotter.

Here’s your Saturday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Friends of Mine: Various Artists

This one has been on hiatus for a few months, but it’s back and so are The Guess Who, Willie Nelson, War, The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Todd Rundgren, Linda Ronstadt, Queen, REM, Simon & Garfunkel, John Prine, Carole King, Grateful Dead, Lou Reed, Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, The Kinks, Joan Baez, The Beatles, Carly Simon, Tracy Nelson, The Byrds, Desmond Dekker, Jackson Browne, Steppenwolf, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elton John, Argent, Maria Muldaur, Otis Redding and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of John David Souther

Here’s another artist known more for his songwriting than his singing, but that’s too bad. He’s got a great voice. I’ve never seen him live myself, but I have seen him grace the stage once with Linda Ronstadt, and that was a religious experience. This playlist has a little bit of that, some of his music from Souther-Hillman-Furay, and plenty of his solo stuff.

8:00 p.m. Warren Zevon Live at Club Metro, Boston, MA, September 29, 1982

Club Metro is gone, but it does have its own Facebook page for nostalgia freaks. And Warren Zevon is gone. But his music lives on. Another great songwriter whose songs became a staple for the likes of Linda Ronstadt and others. He was struggling until she began to sing his songs, and he took it from there. One of the best.

We’ve made it to the weekend. After today, I am on hiatus from hardware hell for two full days. But we’ll be here in The Mermaid Lounge cueing up great music. All you need to do is push the button below to check it out.

Welcome To The Weekend!

A Janis Joplin Spotlight Feature, A Playlist About Shoes, and Live John Hiatt Awaits You On Friday, July 5, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! Once again we’ve made it to the end of the working week. We’ve got some great stuff to get you through this last day before the weekend arrives!

Here’s your musical lineup:

10:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Janis Joplin

The reigning queen of blues-rock with Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Kozmic Blues Band and as a solo artist kicks off the festivities at 10:00 a.m.

3:00 p.m. Those Shoes: Various Artists

Who knew there were so many songs about shoes? You’ll hear from Steve Winwood, Elvis Presley, The Eagles, Little Feat, Norah Jones, Laura Nyro, Leon Russell, Traffic, The Beatles, Supertramp, Betty Everett, The Band, Paul Simon and more!

8:00 p.m. John Hiatt Live at The Bottom Line, New York City, NY, October 7, 1988 NEW!

John Hiatt is another of those singer-songwriters who puts people on the map. His songs of redemption and relationships have been covered by nearly one hundred artists, from Linda Ronstadt (a brilliant rendering of his We Ran), to Steve Earle to Iggy Pop. Today we put him In The Spotlight singing his own music.

Here we are on the cusp of another weekend. We’ve got your back as we work our way through the day. Before, in between, and after this programming we give you our big, wide Open Stream on a 24/7 basis, at no charge and with no commercial interruption. Just use the button below.

Just Push Play. Okay?

We’re At Midweek With Our ‘House’ EP, the Band Called Love In The Spotlight, and Surf Music! Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Good morning, surfer dudes and dudettes…and everyone in between. We are kicking off summer this week here in The Mermaid Lounge and we’re beginning a Summer of Love celebration tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Here’s your midweek musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The #BecomeUngovernable House Playlist: Various Artists

This was one of our very first (and small) playlists that grew into our little musical manifesto. You’ll hear Barry McGuire, The Temptations, Edwin Starr, Peter Tosh, T. Rex, The Beatles, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, Country Joe & The Fish, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Joan Baez, CSNY, Pink Floyd, The Animals, Ten Years After, Plastic Ono Band, Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Three Dog Night, Jimmy Cliff, The Association, Richie Havens, Marvin Gaye, Phil Ochs, Janis Joplin, Tom Rush, Pete Seeger, Nina Simone and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Love NEW!

Nope. Not music about love. But music from the band named Love, one of the best of the sixties bands that you may not even know. It was Tom Petty who got me started on Love. It was not an intuitive discovery. If you have heard of them, then congratulations! If you haven’t, give a listen.

8:00 p.m. Going To Surf City: Various Artists

Surfer music is a musical genre all its own, and we haven’t spun this one in forever, so it’s time to break it out. You’ll hear The Beach Boys, Dick Dale & His Deltones, The Trashmen, The Challengers, Jan & Dean, The Surfaris, The Chantays, The Blue Stingrays and more! And here we have another connection to Tom Petty. The Blue Stingrays are essentially The Heartbreakers without Tom Petty, playing some of the coolest surfer music on record, and led by one of the best guitarists on the planet, Mike Campbell.

We’re on 24/7 at no cost to the listening public, and with absolutely no commercial interruption. Drop by The Mermaid Lounge. The button’s below.

Celebrate Summer With Us!

The Ladies Open Up Tuesday Bluesday, Followed by Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix, July 2, 2024

Good morning, bluesologists! We’ve got yet another great Tuesday Bluesday in store for you all today, beginning with our ‘Ladies Sing The Blues’ multi-artist EP.

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Ladies Sing The Blues: Various Artists

The ladies are large and in charge to start the festivities, including Billie Holliday, Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Christine McVie, Marcia Ball, Ellen McIlwaine, Susan Tedeschi, Irma Thomas, Tracy Nelson, Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, Sippie Wallace, Bessie Smith, Shawn Murphy, Angela Strehli, Aretha Franklin, The Blues Broads and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Robert Johnson

Although Johnson’s recording career spanned only seven years, he is one of the most influential artists in the history of blues music. Robert Johnson passed away at the age of 27 and is one of the earliest members of the fabled ‘27 Club‘.

8:00 p.m. Jimi Hendrix and The Blues NEW!

When we think of Jimi Hendrix, we think of rock and psychedelia. But guess what? Jimi Hendrix loved the blues and he did play the blues too. We bring the receipts tonight.

It’s another great Tuesday Bluesday here in the lounge, and we’re working on adding new blues music. We started today with Hendrix. Drop in and visit. It won’t cost you a penny. Just use the button below.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday!

We Step Into July With Our ’27 and Gone’ Playlist, a David Crosby Spotlight Feature and Live Little Feat, Monday, July 1, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We turn the page on a new chapter today with a pretty great playlist, including one from members of the fabled ’27 Club.’

Here’s your Monday musical lineup:

10:00 a.m. 27 and Gone: Various Artists

The lore and legend behind the ’27 Club’ is often the stuff of conspiracy theories. It reminds me of the ‘Paul is dead’ hysteria that spread across the nation back in the day. What we essentially have here is a bunch of really great musicians who left us far too soon; no big conspiracy needed: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Pete Ham (Badfinger), Blind Al Wilson (Canned Heat), Amy Winehouse, Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (The Grateful Dead), bluesman Robert Johnson, and Spanky McFarlane (Spanky & Our Gang). Today we pay them remembrance.

3:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of David Crosby

A founding member of both The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes Young), and a formidable solo artist was he. Yes, he was a bit prickly, but some people are.

7:00 p.m. Little Feat Live at Ultrasonic Studios, Hempstead, NY, April 10, 1973

We close out the programming today with Little Feat live in-studio from 1973.

We’re here 24/7; not just when there’s programming. Before, in between and after our programming, you’ll hear more than 27,000 songs circulated all day, all night by our resident Music Mermaid. And there’s no endless DJ chatter or commercial advertising. Did I mention we’re 100% free?

Monday, Monday.

We Close Out The Month With Wendy Waldman, The ‘Ladies Day Out’ EP, and Live Carole King, June 30, 2024

Good morning, musicologists. When we say nobody plays the women of music like we do, we mean it. And we back it up. It’s a Ladies Only kind of day here in The Mermaid Lounge.

Here’s your Sunday Funday lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Wendy Waldman

I dare say some may not know who Wendy Waldman is, but those who were enmeshed in the women of music during the seventies will. She was one of those women during an era where women banded together over music in the face of a totally male-dominated environment, and helped each other out by appearing on each other’s albums. It was certainly a great time in music. There was minimal competition among the women, and a whole lot of camaraderie. Wendy Waldman may not have been a ‘star’ in that sky, but she made some amazing albums and has a great voice, and her peers knew it. Tune her in.

1:00 p.m. Ladies Day Out: Various Artists

We close the month with one of our favorite EP’s featuring Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Emmylou Harris, Petula Clark, Laura Nyro, Cilla Black, Irma Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Maria Muldaur, Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Eva Cassidy, Wendy Waldman, Shawn Colvin, The Ronettes, The Supremes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Norah Jones, Phoebe Snow, Nicolette Larson, Sheryl Crow, Susan Tedeschi, Valerie Carter, Dusty Springfield, Dolly Parton and more!

8:00 p.m. Carole King Live From Central Park, New York City, NY, May 26, 1973 NEW!

Billed as the ‘Home Again’ show, it was all that. Carole King is a legend in the annals of women’s music, starting out as a songwriter in the famous Brill Building. She then went on to build an amazing solo career highlighted by the release of Tapestry, a legendary album. We have her live from Central Park tonight.

We’re on 24/7 with absolutely no commercial interruption. And best of all, we’re totally free every day. No lie. No bait and switch. See for yourself. The button’s below.

Ladies Day Out Indeed!

It’s Saturday in The Lounge With ‘Folk Music From A-To-Z’, Jesse Winchester and Jefferson Airplane, June 29, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We’re making our way into the dog days of summer. But we’re cool in The Lounge with a folk music start and a psychedelic finish.

Here’s your Saturday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Folk Music From A-To-Z: Various Artists

Songs about hope and bravery is what the early folk music movement was all about. In this EP, you’ll hear John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Odetta, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Rush, Joan Baez, The Band, Eric Andersen, Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Jesse Winchester, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Lead Belly, Tim Hardin, The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Richie Havens, Phil Ochs, James Taylor, Townes Van Zandt, The Carter Family, Neil Young and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Jesse Winchester

We continue the folk music vibe before we swing into something a bit more…psychedelic. I was fortunate enough to have seen Jesse Winchester perform twice, the first time as the opening act for Emmylou Harris; the second as the headliner. Bob Dylan, the master songwriter himself, once said of Jesse Winchester, “You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” Indeed.

8:00 p.m. Jefferson Airplane Live at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, May 7, 1969 NEW!

We had the Airplane soaring high over Golden Gate Park as we were moving out of the sixties and into the next decade. However, I beg to differ with people out there talking about 1969 as the ‘Summer of Love.’ Not true. The ‘Summer of Love’ happened in 1967. We have definitive proof, so stop spreading musical misinformation. But I digress, and I apologize.

Speaking of the ‘Summer of Love’, it happened during a banner year in music and we will be celebrating the ‘Summer of Love’ during July, so stick around. Remember, we’re totally free 24/7 with no commercial interruptions. No lie. No bait and switch. Nope.

Folk Music!

We’re at Midweek With ‘A Little Bit O’Soul’, Live Bob Marley and Ry Cooder In the Spotlight, Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Good morning, musicologists. We’re at midweek and we’ve got our ‘A Little Bit O’ Soul’ EP, The Wailers at The Record Plant and a brand new Spotlight featuring Ry Cooder.

UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Ry Cooder Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Here’s your midweek musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. A Little Bit O’ Soul: Various Artists

This is the big kahuna of soul with Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Ronettes, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Jimmy Ruffin, The Drifters, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, Carla Thomas, James Brown, The Shirelles, Etta James, Curtis Mayfield, Sam & Dave, The Staple Singers, Nina Simone, LaVern Baker, The Supremes, Sam Cooke, Edwin Starr, Fontella Bass, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Irma Thomas, The Box Tops, Jr Walker & The All Stars, Percy Sledge, Al Green and more.

4:00 p.m. Bob Marley & The Wailers Live at The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA, October 13, 1973

The Legend and his bandmates take over The Record Plant for a great performance.

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Ry Cooder NEW!

Truly one of the most incredible artists of our time. To this day, Linda Ronstadt calls Ry Cooder the best guitarist she’s ever worked with. He is a master of the slide guitar, and is one of the most sought-after studio musicians. He is also known for his collaborations with a variety of artists from a variety of musical backgrounds, like Taj Mahal, The Chieftains, and Ali Farka Toure. Ry Cooder has earned his place In The Spotlight.

Once we’re over the hump, we’re on the downslide to the weekend again. Tune us in and make the midweek mayhem easier. We’re totally free 24/7 and we do not run commercial advertising. Ever.

Just Push Play.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday With Our Big, Bad Blues EP, a Slim Harpo Spotlight Feature, and Live Muddy Waters, June 25, 2024

Good morning, bluesologists and welcome back to Tuesday Bluesday in The Mermaid Lounge. We start off with five hours of uninterrupted blues!

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blues: Various Artists

Our biggest, baddest blues EP with Delbert McClinton, Robert Johnson, B. B. King, Little Walter, Slim Harpo, Ry Cooder, Canned Heat, John Lee Hooker, The Animals, Albert King, Johnny Winter, Muddy Waters, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, The Yardbirds, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Bobby “Blue” Bland, the Allman Brothers Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elmore James, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Cray Band, J. J. Cale, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Marcia Ball, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Susan Tedeschi, Roomful of Blues, Howlin’ Wolf and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Slim Harpo NEW!

We’ve had this on our list for a long time and we’re happy it’s finally here. Slim Harpo was a great bluesman who was pretty popular in his time. He was also a master of the blues harp.

8:00 p.m. Muddy Waters Live at The Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA, November 4-6, 1966 NEW!

It’s a trip back in time in the Wayback Machine for this live performance at The Fillmore West, vintage 1966.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday. Pull up a chair and sit a spell. Or lock yourself in your office and pull up a tab. We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free of charge. Best of all, there’s no commercial advertising to interrupt the flow.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday!

Monday is Women’s Day With Linda Ronstadt, Etta James and The All-Girl Revue-Volume 4, June 24, 2024

On this, the second anniversary of Roe’s overturn, we are turning the programming over to the women of music. We don’t get into politics here. I have another life where I do that. But this isn’t politics. This is about basic human rights.

Here’s your Monday lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Linda Ronstadt

There wasn’t a musical genre that she couldn’t master. There wasn’t a musical genre that she chose to focus on that she didn’t master. The proof is in this playlist.

3:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Etta James

Etta James began her career in the year of my birth, 1954. Her deep, earthy voice can be heard across a variety of musical genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, rock n’ roll, and soul.

7:00 p.m. The All-Girl Revue, Volume 4: Various Artists

We close the women’s music programming with a multi-artist playlist including Carly Simon, Nicolette Larson, Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Valerie Carter, Stevie Nicks Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Martha & The Vandellas, and more!

Nobody plays as much women’s music as we do. Not an airwave station. Not an Internet station. And best of all is that we’re on 24/7, we’re totally free, and we accept no commercial advertising to clog up the flow of the music.

Just Push Play.