Rick Henry's Rock Show

Welcome to Rick Henry's Rock Concert! Or as I like to call it, "Rick's Trip Down Memory Lane, with a Side of Rock." So, buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a ride through the ages and stages of my life. And don't worry, there won't be any pit stops for diaper changes, I promise.

We're kicking things off with the legendary Frankie Avalon, who topped the charts on the very day I was born (December 29, 1959) with his hit "Why." So, let's give it up for Frankie, the man who started it all!

Now, let's fast forward a few years to 1965 when my mom was driving a sleek black VW Bug with a beehive hairdo that would make even Amy Winehouse jealous. And speaking of Motown girl groups, my mom was all about Diana Ross and the Supremes. But right now, we're gonna groove to Martha and the Vandellas' classic "Dancing in the Streets."

As a kid, I loved to sing. And apparently, I was pretty good at it because the little French girl down the street had a crush on me after I serenaded her with "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Sorry ladies, I'm taken now. But let's hear it for the one and only Frankie Valli, singing the song that made me the heartthrob of my neighborhood.

In late 1971 I was introduced to Karen Carpenter’s one a of kind voice. From that first listen I was hooked, and she had me captive for the next five years. So, let's take a moment to appreciate her incredible talent. Up on Center Stage we have the Carpenters with their sweet and soulful performance of "Bless the Beasts and Children."

As the 1970s marched on, music shifted from easy listening to the thumpin' sounds of disco. I wasn't a fan. I was like a one-man No Disco parade. But then Donna Summer came along and stole my heart with "I Feel Love" in 1977. The song became the catalyst for all Electronic Dance Music. So, let's get groovy with Donna, baby!

Fast forward to December 1978 when I walked into Licorice Pizza, a hip record store where two guys greeted me. One had a full beard and mustache, the other looked like Daryl Hall. They were playing music heavy on guitars, strong drums, and a lead vocalist with his own style. It was a slightly heavier, more alt sound than what I was used to, but I dug it. Turns out, it was The Cars. I bought the album and played both sides without skipping a song. I became an avid Cars fan. So, let's rev our engines for The Cars!

Thanks to The Cars, I finally got into other rockers like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.

Jimi was my man - a rocker, a soulful balladeer, a master jazz musician. He had it all going on. It's just too bad he had been gone for nine years by the time I discovered him. Let's jam out with Jimi!

And let's not forget about Pink Floyd, who dug their hooks in me deeper and deeper with their pre-Dark Side of the Moon albums. They've been my favorite musical entity for more than two decades now. So welcome, Pink Floyd!

By 1980, I was rockin' and rollin' with the post-punk and new wave scene, and boy, did I have some favorites on repeat! The Talking Heads, David Bowie, and Adrian Belew - what a trio!

Now spinning… The Talking Heads!!!

Welcome to the stage… David Bowie…

A round of applause for Mr. Adrian Belew:

But wait, let's not forget the queen of dancefloor new wave quirk, Lene Lovich, who I overplayed to death.

And then there was K.D. Lang, in the late 1980s who could light up any dance floor or stage with her special brand of cowpunk. Talk about energy!

The '90s were a bit of a musical drought for me, but then came Bjork in '99, and my heart was stolen by the Icelandic wonder.

The New Millennium

It wasn't until I listened to Coldplay's Parachutes with headphones on that I really felt the sparks fly.

And don't even get me started on Liam McKahey's deep, dark voice in Cousteau.

The 2010s were all about jazz

Esperanza Spalding reigns as my current day favorite female musician. She writes and produces her songs and plays standup bass and electric bass.

Roller Trio and their unique brand of electronic experimental jazz left an indelible mark on me.

Let’s not forget about Stefon Harris who proves to be one of the world's greatest vibraphonists that hardly anybody knows about.

Up to the Current Day 2020-2023

Now, I want to take a moment to honor the late, great Donna Summer - beyond the flashy disco lights, she was a phenomenal singer and my all-time favorite female artist.

And speaking of favorites, my mom's ultimate favorite is Diana Ross and The Supremes, so they hold a special place in my heart.

And finally, let's end on a high note with Little Sister, my favorite South African band. Lead singer Jen Lonmon is one of my personal besties, she is a crazy prankster. I suggest you avoid her on April Fool’s Day.

Here is a link to the Little Sister fan club on Facebook:

And that, my friends, is the rock show of Rick Henry from birth to now - with plenty of humor and good tunes along the way!