Author Archives: sixstrstories

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About sixstrstories

I am the son and only child of a registered nurse & a self-employed collector of wildflowers. I went on to become: a Beatles’ fan; a record collector; a drummer; a music magazine subscriber; a guitar player; a songwriter; a high school graduate; a college student; a music major; a performing singer/guitarist; a photography student; a yearbook photographer; a student teacher; a boyfriend; a letter writer; a college graduate; an elementary school music teacher; an apartment dweller; a husband; a guitar teacher/independent contractor; a homeowner; an independent music producer; the father of a daughter; the father of a son; a bandmate; a teacher of the history of popular music in America; an instructor of music/adjunct faculty member; a grandfather (x3); a condo dweller; and a blogger.

This Historic Day In Music: “Blackbird”

In June of 1968, The Beatles were well into the process of recording new songs for their next album. On Tuesday, June 11, however, only two Beatles were working at London’s Abbey Road Studios. With George and Ringo on a trip to the United States, John and … Continue reading

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National Jukebox

About a month ago, my father-in-law, Phil, sent me a link to a news article announcing the on-line arrival of something called the “National Jukebox.” After reading the article, I immediately logged onto this new website. My, oh my. It is amazing. Really, … Continue reading

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Summer’s Here…Again

The last day of my 36th year of teaching was Thursday, June 2.  That made the first day of my summer vacation yesterday, Friday, June 3. I spent the celebratory day – and a glorious, New-England-in-June day it was – in Boston, … Continue reading

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This Historic Day In Music: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

It was 34 years ago today, “Sgt. Pepper” was the disc to play. It never has gone out of style, It’s still guaranteed to raise a smile. So, let me send a thought to you, Treat yourself and your ears: … Continue reading

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Revisiting The “T-Bone Shuffle”

Back on April 21, 2010, my first “On This Day In Music History” post was about the song “T-Bone Shuffle” by Blues singer/electric guitarist T-Bone Walker. The date of that post was the anniversary of Walker’s recording of the song in … Continue reading

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Merseyside, Part 2

The subject was first broached in the Spring of 2010. It was Les’ idea. “What do you think about getting Merseyside together again?” Andy, Bob and Eric each basically gave him the same initial response. “What did the other guys say?” … Continue reading

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sixstr stories: The First Year

Today, April 18, 2011, is the first birthday of this blog. Thanks to my amazing daughter and her familiarity with WordPress, sixstr stories came to life as I sat next to her on her couch in her Somerville, MA apartment. … Continue reading

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Merseyside, Part 1

    It started as an idea, casually tossed out in a conversation between three friends with a shared passion.     “Hey, we should get together sometime and play some Beatles’ songs.”     “Yeah!”     But, they were two singer/guitarists and a … Continue reading

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This Historic Month In Music: “Louie Louie”

Through the walls of the dressing room, he could hear the band. It was summer, 1955. Richard Berry was the featured singer that night at the Harmony Park Ballroom in Anaheim, California. The band was Ricky Rillera and The Rhythm … Continue reading

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The Day Before Yesterday In Music History: Lightnin’ Hopkins

Sam Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas on March 15, 1912. Having two older brothers, John Henry and Joel, who played the Blues, Sam had learned enough on the guitar to be able to play and sing at local suppers and social functions when … Continue reading

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