The Substack Jukebox 🎶🎵🎶

You've found a space for people who love to explore music. Listen to The Mavericks, Lawrence, Peter Frampton, and jazz pianist Kenny Banks Jr. Turn it up! 👆

The Substack Jukebox 3/16/2026

Let’s listen to some good music. We created this stack so you can discover new artists, new versions of your favorites, and learn a little backstory on the work. Send us your favorites and we’ll try to share them here! Thanks for listening!

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“The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” — Roy Ayers

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Let’s start with this version of ‘Take Five’, sent to me by Geoff Anderson, a long time supporter of Susan Speaks. Kenny Banks Jr. was born into a musical family and started playing when he was 7 years old. He’s a pianist, composer, arranger, and a finalist in the 2019 American Pianists Awards.

Inventive, unique, and just plain gifted. Enjoy this!

You don’t have to be a Beatles fan to know “While my Guitar Gently Weeps”. Written by George Harrison, we’ve all heard it, but maybe not like this. This performance features Trey Anastasio, a founding member of Phish and wildly talented in other genres, Peter Frampton (how is he already 75 years old??) , and Grace Bowers. Grace is only 19 years old, a blues rock guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader from Nashville. We have lots to look forward to with this young woman. She can play! Take a listen.

Now, get ready to feel pure joy because these kids bring it. Bet you’ve never heard of Lawrence, but you’ll be wildly impressed and full of energy after watching these amazing kids! Lawrence is a US-based pop-soul group, founded by Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, a sibling duo who are from New York City. ‘Whatcha Want was produced in 2025’. This is SO MUCH FUN! 😃

Subscriber Maggie suggested we introduce everyone to The Mavericks. I had never heard of this group! They began in 1989 in Miami as a country music band formed by Raul Malo. The Mavericks appeared 15 times on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, won a Grammy, two Country Music Association awards, and three Academy of Country Music awards. Their easy going sound is influenced by other musical styles like Tejano, Latin, Americana, and the pop music of the 1950s, with an emphasis on Malo's singing voice. They’ve toured all over the world and I chose the Tiny Desk Performance to share with you. What do you think?

Sadly, Raul Malo passed from colon cancer on Dec. 8, 2025.

What are you hearing when you put on your headphones? We wanna know. Share with all of us in the comments so we can expand our music libraries.

There are all kinds of people and all kinds of music. It’s good to hear new artists and I hope you heard something to add to your playlist.

If you can, support my work with a paid subscription, only $35 a year! Or, just make a one time donation here… it helps me keep writing and sharing!

Love you all. See you back here Friday!

Thank you for being part of this community. 💙

When you restack or share, it helps Susan Speaks grow!!