Don Kirshner RIP (1934-2011)

Rock On, Sistahs remembers songwriter and producer Don Kirshner. His TV show "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" was a showcase for the top musical acts of the 1970's and the early 1980's. Thanks for the memories Brother Don! :-)

Rock Movies I Love: The U. S. Vs. John Lennon

In the wake of the Tuscon tragedy and to commemorate the King holiday, I feel compelled to shine a light on the brilliant rock documentary The U.S. Vs. John Lennon. This movie is not a rock doc in the traditional The-Song-Remains-The-Same-This-Is-It sense. It documents through extensively researched archival footage and interviews with his musical and political contemporaries how one of the most respected and beloved musician-humanitarians of the latter twentieth century was harassed, persecuted and killed in the country he affectionately considered his adopted homeland. The film does an extraordinary job in recreating the violent generational conflicts of the time as crystallized by the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and the riots that marred the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. It is this violence, as the movie notes, that Lennon protested against through his music and acts of vocal but non-violent dissent. Unfortunately, it was these acts of non-violent protest that caught the attention and ire of the Nixon Administration and J. Edgar Hoover's F.B.I., which kept him under surveillance and a file on his activities. The U.S. government's harassment of Lennon culminated in his four-year fight against deportation by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization. The film chronicles Lennon's exhaustive but victorious fight that resulted in his getting his green card, which allowed him to stay in the United States and start a family with his wife Yoko Ono. Sadly, three years later Lennon would be killed by a madman's gun in the country he loved. Lennon, like MLK, was a champion of social change through intelligent, non-violent means despite his violent death. To quote King, Lennon was a "drum major for peace." Viewing The U.S. Vs. John Lennon is a wonderful way to honor the courageous spirit of Lennon and King. Moreover, I hope that this movie does for you what it did for me. It amplifies the message that violence, especially gun violence, never solves problems and peace is needed now more than ever. Peace and love! :-)

Remembering the King and His Dream: Happy MLK Day!

Rock On, Sistahs! wishes everyone a Happy MLK Day!

The Best Rock 'N' Roll Covers Ever Made

They say there is nothing new under the sun and I'm sure that applies to covers, remakes of previously performed songs. Here's a sampling of the best Rock 'N' Roll covers ever made as compiled by Rock On, Sistahs! Enjoy!

The 90's masterpiece "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails is as powerful as a punch to the stomach.

This cover by Johnny Cash has the power to make me weep openly and deeply. Bravo, Sir!

Bob Dylan legendary "Knocking on Heaven's Door" puts a lump in my throat every time I hear it.

Guns 'N' Roses does proper justice to the song with their cover at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert that features an electrifying guitar solo by Slash. Wow! Look at Axel Rose B.C. (Before Cornrows):-)

There's Roy Orbinson's melancholy and soulful "Pretty Woman" that made the ladies swoon.

Pretty Woman was given the Van Halen makeover in the 80's that is as epic as it is memorable. Let's be honest, this intro kicks major ass!

Gerry Rafferty RIP

Rock On, Sisthas! pays tribute to Gerry Rafferty who "went home to Baker Street."

Happy New Year!!!!

Rock On, Sistahs! wishes you and yours a safe and prosperous new year!