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.

The Voices of January

All of these musicians – each one especially revered for her/his unique and extraordinary voice – were born in January. Elizabeth Cotten – January 5 Elvis Presley – January 8 Joan Baez – January 9 Janis Jopin – January 19 … Continue reading

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This Historic Day In Music: “Mr. Tambourine Man”

The first time Bob Dylan recorded “Mr. Tambourine Man” was on June 6, 1964. It was one of fourteen songs he recorded that day at Columbia Records’ Studio A in New York City. Eleven of those songs – “Mr. Tambourine … Continue reading

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A Hymn For The New Year

When I wrote “Sing To The World,” I did not envision that it would one day become my personal “Greetings to the New Year” song. But for all the times I’ve sung this song – this hymn – at this … Continue reading

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The Ballad of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Ballad: “A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas, or verses.” Prelude I can hear you. “Christmas is over!” However, according to the calendar of the festive Christian season known as Twelvetide, today is the Fourth Day of … Continue reading

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Sparklers: “Buffalo” by John Renbourn

This is the seventh installment of this category featuring recordings of outstanding performances by noteworthy guitarists – or – outstanding guitarists giving noteworthy performances. So, Ladies and Gentlemen! Let me introduce to you… “Buffalo” by John Renbourn. Give a listen. … Continue reading

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“Blue Friday”

I found this recording in the Voice Memos app on my phone back in early June when I was looking for something else. What I think of as an “audio snapshot,” it was dated February 22, 2019 and titled “Blue … Continue reading

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This Historic Day In Music: John Lennon

Like every other obsessed fan of The Beatles that I know, I have accumulated a sizable collection of books about The Beatles. One of those books is Beatlesongs by William J. Dowlding. The front cover of this 1989 Fireside paperback … Continue reading

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Finding Covers – “Boots of Spanish Leather”

I awoke this morning with a song in my head. The song was “Boots of Spanish Leather” by Bob Dylan. But Bob wasn’t singing it. Martin Simpson was. Martin Simpson is the exceedingly accomplished British Folk musician rightfully revered as … Continue reading

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Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five + One

The legendary Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five… Edward “Kid” Ory – Trombone Louis Armstrong – Cornet & Vocals Johnny Dodds – Clarinet Lil Hardin Armstrong – Piano Johnny St. Cyr – 6-String Banjo …made their first recordings – for … Continue reading

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Light Amidst Dark – “Six Feet Apart”

My son turned me on to this song by Luke Combs in August. He asked if I could teach him how to play it and, over the course of a couple of Sunday afternoon FaceTime guitar lessons, I did. “Six … Continue reading

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