The Substack Jukebox 🎵🎶🎵🎶

Why do they call it the blues when it makes us so happy? And a nod to the late Dave Mason (Traffic), Jimmy Cliff, and Glen Campbell. Turn it up!

The Substack Jukebox 5/4/2026

If you love music as much as I do, then you’ve landed in the right place.

I try to find music and artists outside of the mainstream and new versions of your favorites, with a little backstory on the work.

Send us what you love and we’ll try to share them! Thanks for listening and turn it up!

---

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” — Bono

---

It was my subscriber and friend Geoff Anderson (He writes Sweaty Spice and he is absolutely worth your attention) who turned me on to Joanne Shaw Taylor. He knows me! Born in England, she was only 16 when discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurthymics. Here is Joanne performing the classic ‘Summertime’ with Joe Bonamassa. Joe also produced her 2022 album "‘Blues From the Heart-Live”. Her voice is so rich and strong. ❤️

If you loved Traffic, you know Dave Mason. He was a founding member of the band. (TRIVIA: Dave was also a member of Fleetwood Mac.) Dave passed away on April 19th of this year in Nevada. Evidently, after making dinner with his wife, he sat down in his favorite chair to take a nap. His pet Maltese was at his feet and Dave passed away peacefully.

You know his song, ‘Feelin’ Alright’. He wrote this when he was 19 years old! Some great musicians are gathered in their respective home studios to play with him during Covid… and it’s just wonderful energy. Turn it up!

Glen Campbell. It was Tim, my sweetheart, who taught me to appreciate Glen and his song, ‘Witchita Lineman’. It was written by Jimmy Webb for Campell. (Webb also wrote ‘By The Time I Get to Phoenix” and many other huge hits). In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" ranked "Wichita Lineman" at number 206. Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan said it was "the greatest song ever written".

What makes this performance so special is that Campbell was publicly battling Alzheimers at the time. He toured one last time with his children while he could. He passed in August 2017 at age 81 in Nashville.

Jimmy Cliff. This cut comes from subscriber Michael. I can see why Michael likes this… it’s happy! Jimmy Cliff was really James Chambers, one of the most famous musicians out of Jamaica. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, he was one of only two Jamaicans in the Hall, the other being Bob Marley. Beyond music, he was also an actor, appearing in a variety of roles, especially known for ‘The Harder They Come’ in 1972.

Jimmy was 81 when he passed just this last November. What a legacy he left!

Did you heard something to add to your playlist? I hope so! Send us your music so we can share new work!

Like what you’re hearing? Please make a one-time donation here. It would help me keep writing and researching!

Thanks for being a part of my digital family! You guys are awesome. 💙

Come back for Photo Friday, where we look at things differently! 📸