The Substack Jukebox 🎵🎶🎵

George Harrison, Aretha Franklin, The Ben Miller Band. It's ALLLLL Good!

The Substack Jukebox 6/29/2026

We LOVE music at Susan Speaks! I share artists outside the mainstream and new versions of your favorites, with a little backstory on the work.

I encourage you to tell me what you love and I’ll try to share it! Thanks for listening and turn it up!

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“If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.” — Gustav Mahler

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George Harrison

Charlie suggested this major hit by George Harrison. ‘What Is Life’ was written in 1969, released in 1971, with Eric Clapton playing in his backup band. It was on the B side to ‘My Sweet Lord’. The video was released in 2016 and, quoted from The Laughing Squid: is intended to remind viewers to appreciate the simple, beautiful moments of the world and to enjoy life with a carefree, untethered spirit. 🤷🏼‍♀️ ENJOY!

Aretha Franklin

Are you in a bad mood? Let’s fix that! This is one of my favorites by Aretha Franklin. ‘Freeway of Love’ was released in June 1985, on her 30th studio album ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who’, which went on to be her first platinum record.

She had 38 studio albums; six live albums; Grammy nominated 44 times and won eighteen. 🤯 She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She will always be an absolute legend.

This video… there’s so much joy! Gotta love the 80’s… the hair! LOL! Everyone is having a great time! And yes, that’s Clarence Clemons on the saxophone. Killer performance! Turn it up!

The Ben Miller Band

There’s a club called George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas… a great little venue for music. It was here that I first got acquainted with The Ben Miller Band. Seeing them perform live was absolutely invigorating!

Originating out of Joplin, Missouri, they’ve opened for ZZ Top and Buddy Guy, and perform extensively in Europe, the UK and North America. Their last album was in 2018 and I hope there will be more.

Apple Music notes says they are: “a gritty, modern mixture of various types of old American heritage music, including blues, bluegrass, folk, and country. What do you think of that assessment?

Take a listen! This is fun and has such good energy!

OH! Last minute addition! A special request from my friend Jeffery Lebowski. Who doesn’t love a little Cab Calloway!?

😂😂

It’s practically mandatory to have music in our lives, especially during the chaos we’re living through. What are you listening to? Send us your music so we can share new work! Did you heard something here to add to your playlist? I hope so!

If you like this Substack, I’d appreciate a one-time donation here. It would help me keep writing and researching!

Restacking and sharing helps me reach new people, so share with a music lover… it’s free! Smash that Share Button!

Come back for Photo Friday and let’s look at some cool photography! 📸 Here’s one from June 6! Take a look!

You guys are awesome. I appreciate all of you. 💙