Michael Jackson > Billie Jean
Composed by Michael Jackson

It’s hard making MJ Week shorter than a month, but I couldn’t avoid Billie Jean, yes?

This was the track that made everyone take notice, since many thought MJ had just gone from being a Motown toy to a Q tool (not that Quincy wasn’t a force in his own right).

Michael Jackson Week #4
Legends of Soul #37
Legends of Pop #9 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #6

Michael Jackson > Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Composed by  Michael Jackson

I heard this record and realized that Michael’s talent seemed to come from somewhere in the sky, completely bypassing his brain and going right to his voice and his feet.

Michael Jackson Week #1
Legends of Soul #37
Legends of Pop #9 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #6

Van Morrison > Into the Mystic
Composed by Van Morrison

He writes great songs, makes great records, but he sings them even better.

Greatest Singers Week #9 (Pretty Fly for a White Guy Edition)
Legends of Rock #12 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #5

James Taylor > Shower the People
Composed by James Taylor

This song was James’ right on the nose Obama inauguration song, but it pretty much makes me cry anytime I hear. Especially with my family around.

Wimp Week #2 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #4

Carole King > You’ve Got A Friend
Composed by Carole King

I always loved the pop songs Carole King wrote with her then husband Gerry Goffin, and while I liked her mega super smash hit album Tapestry, it’s ubiquity caused me to not really pay attention.

Then, reading her biography last year I found myself admiring her all the more, and listening with a completely new ear. Instead of You’ve Got A Friend being merely a confection, I heard a completely personal, truthful, authentic song, telling a story with a voice that actually brought me to tears. It didn’t seem possible that a melody this infectious could be so moving, but there you have it, a wonder of modern pop.

Carole King Week #1 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #3 
Legends of Songwriting #1

Randy Newman > Louisiana 1927

Randy Newman couldn’t have anticipated Hurricane Katrina when he wrote this moving song (rerecorded with the Lousiana Orchestra for this benifit album in 1975, which unofficially became the anthem of the tragedy.

Hurricane Katrina Donation Week #5 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #2

Allen Toussaint > Yes We Can Can

Composed by Allen Toussaint

Before it was hope for the future, ‘Yes We Can’ was a call for self reliance. I’ve loved almost every version, but hearing the composer’s cry after Katrina has to be my favorite, musically and emotionally.

Please buy this album and you’ll get pleasure, chills, and the true satisfaction that comes when you know you’re continuing the work of putting America back together.

Hurricane Katrina Donation Week #2 
Legends of Singer/Songwriters #1 
Legends of Soul #14