The Late General Norman Johnson

To some people, when they hear the phrase "Beach Music," their immediate thoughts are The Beach Boys and some may think Jimmy Buffett. Here in the Carolinas its a little different. Our Beach Music comes from bands like The Embers, The Chairmen of The Board, Band of Oz, Catalinas, Craig Woolard, and so many more to list it could go on for a while.

For some, they learn of this music when they get to college. For me, I grew up with it just as my parents did. This kind of music was simply just a staple of my life. Not that I want to sound snobby in that "I listened to it before you did," but its more of a fixture to me personally than drinking some beers and shagging to beach music band at a fraternity party. 

Growing up my favorite day of the week was Sunday. Turning the radio on Sunday afternoons and hearing "Sunday on the Beach" with Luke Vail and Jerry Wayne followed by "Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party" and Raleigh's "Big John on the Beach." These days were typically associated with PGA tournaments on mute and steaks on the grill or maybe some boiled shrimp and crab cakes. 

In October, Carolina Beach Music lost arguably its most famous singer, General Norman Johnson of General Johnson and The Chairmen of the Board. I went to work one rainy morning and I needed some to cheer me up, so I logged onto 94.9 The Surf's website (a beach music radio station from Myrtle Beach, SC) only to quickly learn the news of General Johnson's passing the morning the news was announced. I felt like a piece of my soul had been ripped out of me. Maybe it was because of the many times I saw him perform. The many times I shook his hand. The memories of all the Sunday afternoons. To me, it wasn't just a musician, it was a piece of my life. 

Last night watching the Grammy Awards with Belle, during their feature of musicians who passed away in the last year, I could not believe my eyes, General Norman Johnson made the list. Nearly brought tears to my eyes the way that "Patches" does. In an awards show that I felt was terrible, that one moment was worth all the other minutes of boredom. 

Through music, General Johnson will live forever and so will our Carolina Beach Music. 

via The News and Observer

More Snow?

So here's the deal...I'm tired of winter. I'm not a fan of cold weather to begin with. I like snow, I really do...but only if its on a weekend and its gone by Monday. Snow a kid was fun because you knew you were going to get a day off from school or at minimum a delay. As an adult in the work week, its nothing more than a nuisance. Its always nice to watch it fall, its just the aftermath that becomes the issue. 

Basically, at this point I think I'd much rather see a dusting of yellow pollen than a dusting of white snow. I can't be the only one who feels this way. Bring on spring and some warm weather!!

Superbowl Sunday

Welcome to Superbowl Sunday...The one day closet fans appear out of the woodwork and a pizza delivered to your house is definitely not coming within 30 minutes or less. This year, we match up the team from "Titletown" and the Land of Steel.Wiz Khalifa vs. Lil' Wayne. Black and Yellow vs. Green and Yellow. Don't really follow a whole lot about either team, but I think I'll pull for the Packers tonight. After all, it means I can say "Go Pack," something I'm quite familiar with.

Maybe this year I'll actually see some of the game. Unfortunately last years, was the day I have traveled to Orlando, and by the time I got settled in from my flight, a cab ride or two, a rental car, and everything else, it was the 4th Quarter and the bar of the Marriott Downtown Orlando (now a Sheraton) was my only option. It was the place to be on the night of a home game for the Orlando Magic while they still played at Amway Arena, but hardly the case of Superbowl Sunday.

This year will probably be far more subdued and relaxing. Maybe some afternoon beach music with Steve Hardy and picking up some Barbecue and settling in for some football and commercials. Strange how we hate commercials normally but will make sure we're seated on the couch with full attention to them on Superbowl Sunday isn't it?


Whatever the case...Eat some food and watch some football...Its the American Dream.

What I'm Playing Thursday

Sitting behind a desk all day, I listen to A LOT of music. Currently I'm listening to Power 96, a radio station out of Miami, Florida...and right now its "Aston Martin Music" by Rick Ross.