Songs in the Key of my Life

The title video is a song that’s been one of my favorites since I heard it the first time in the spring of 1991, when I was a freshman at Valdosta State University, in my friend Cap’s apartment. I absolutely adore this live version, especially Shawn Colvin in that silk dress with combat boots.

This one is a current favorite, Sturgill Simpson’s “Mercury in Retrograde.” I don’t know how to classify his music other than Southern, but I know I like it.

I fully relate to this new track from Kiefer Sutherland, off his latest album, Grey.

Me, too, Kiefer. Me, too.

I discovered Kiefer Sutherland’s music after I met him, and it blew me away. I listen to his songs frequently, have a few favorites on several playlists. He also tells great stories.

It would be remiss for me to continue this list without the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, The Godfather of Soul, and Soul Brother Number One, the late, great James Brown. What’s the connection to Kiefer? I knew Mr. Brown personally. When y’all show me you can behave, I might share the story of how Mr. Brown and I saved the Word of Mouth Cafe in 1997. Maybe.

The following track is my favorite of his, always has been. A good night at work was always guaranteed when he walked in the door.

It seems appropriate for the king to follow the Godfather. This king showed his respect and attended the Godfather’s funeral at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, posthumously renamed James Brown Arena. Here’s one from MJ that is indisputably one of the dance floor’s siren songs, “Don’t Stop . . . “

Moving along to what’s widely considered THE siren song of the dance floor, a go-to for DJs at weddings when they see too many butts in seats. Do you remember?

“September”

I’m not a DJ trying to fill a dance floor, so let’s shift gears and get into my roots. Waylon Jennings is a good representative of my early musical exposure (thanks, Mom and Daddy). This one has always been my favorite Waylon. Willie joins him here.

“Luchenbach, Texas”

Wille will always hold a special place in my heart. Here’s my favorite Willie

“Whiskey River”

This is one of the songs I want played at my funeral, if anyone decides I’m worth one. I was at this show, can tell you which voice in the crowd screams is mine. The Dave Matthews Band opened for Allgood, and most of this band stayed onstage and jammed out with Allgood. The whole show was spectacular.

“Trilogy”

Let’s move through some more good ol’ boys, starting with The Allman Brothers Band.

“Soul Serenade/You Don’t Love Me”

Let’s come on up from Macon to Athens before we hit Atlanta. I have so many favorite REM songs, but this one has always stuck with me.

“Don’t Go Back to Rockville”

May as well include some B-52s. Keep your love shacks and rock lobsters on ice, we’re heading to Idaho. Your private one.

“Private Idaho”

Now it’s time for some Panic, Widespread, not at the disco. I saw these guys multiple times when they were on the southern bar circuit tours, once with seven friends piled into my 1973 VW Beetle—it was essentially a clown car of hot girls.

“Drivin’ Song”

Let’s drive and cry to Atlanta, staying in the 80s for “Catch the Wind.”

Heading over to Spartanburg for Marshall Tucker. To hell with that pot of gold.

“Searching for a Rainbow”

Here’s something to help find a rainbow, from the Grateful Dead, pretty much everyone’s introduction to the Dead song.

“Box of Rain”

Dreams so Real put out one song that I’ll never stop listening to; I’ll always love it.

“Rough Night in Jericho”

Another one I play to death is Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue on Black”

This seems like a good place for one of my favorites from Shawn Mullins, for the story in the song. Maria, I feel your angst.

“Tannin Bed Song”

I’ll close this out with Steve Earle and one of my theme songs, “The Other Kind”

This is just a fraction of the songs that have stayed with me.

Gotta go, summertime’s calling me.