Elton John 75 -- March 25, 2022

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Happy 75th birthday to Elton John, singer, composer and really good piano player. I always enjoyed his music when it played on KFRC, especially "Rocket Man." I admired his keyboard playing, and that he wore hats, caps and glasses. Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin wrote a long string of hit songs. 

"Bennie and the Jets" got stuck in my head recently. 

A lot of his music turns up in movie soundtracks. 

He has raised a pot of money for AIDS-related charities. 

Daniel Berrigan 100 -- May 9, 2021

 

Time, 25-October-1971

Father Daniel Berrigan SJ, Jesuit priest and antiwar activist, was born 100 years ago today, on 09-May-1921. Daniel was probably the first Jesuit I knew anything about. Daniel and his brother Josephite Father Philip were leaders in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Daniel served six years in prison for his War protests with the Catsonville Nine. Daniel gave pastoral care to AIDS patients, who were often cut off by their families and their churches. 

 “Start with the impossible. Proceed calmly towards the improbable. No worry, there are at least five exits.”

Jimmy Cobb, Larry Kramer, RIP -- May 28, 2020

Drummer Jimmy Cobb died of cancer.  He was the last survivor from the Kind of Blue sessions with Miles Davis. 

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Playwright and activist Larry Kramer died of pneumonia.  I didn't like some of his methods, but he was working for a good cause.