Dallas Live Tonight

Today, April 21, we premiere our next installment in the Ghosts of Dallas series. This is about the life and times of Lee Harvey Oswald. It will be released in three parts. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think about it. 

Dallas, Texas was a city of ghosts, or so they said. Some of the most famous people in history had died or hailed from this great city, and their spirits lingered in the streets, buildings, and parks.

One of the most famous ghosts of Dallas was that of John F. Kennedy. The former president was assassinated in Dallas in 1963, and ever since then, people have reported seeing his ghost wandering around Dealey Plaza, where the shooting occurred. Some have even heard his voice whispering in their ear, as if he were trying to communicate some important message.

Another famous ghost of Dallas was that of Bonnie Parker, the infamous outlaw who, along with Clyde Barrow, robbed banks and eluded the law for years. Bonnie was born and raised in Dallas, and her spirit was said to haunt the apartment building where she once lived with her mother. Some people claimed to have seen her ghost sitting on the stoop, smoking a cigarette and looking out into the night.

But not all of Dallas' ghosts were famous criminals or politicians. Some were everyday people whose lives had been cut short by tragedy. A young couple parked on the shore of White Rock Lake. When they switched their headlights on, they saw a white woman approaching them. A young girl dressed in a sheer, wet, white dress. She spoke in a faltering voice.

I‘m sorry to intrude, and I would not under any other circumstances, but I must find a way home immediately. My boat overturned. The others are safe. But I must get home.

She climbed into the rumble seat, saying that she did not wish to get the young lady wet. She gave them an address in Oak Cliff. When they asked her for directions, they turned around to find their rumble seat empty and wet. The couple went to the address she gave them. A sad man met them at the door. The man told them:

“This is a very strange thing. You are the third couple who has come to me with this story. Three weeks ago, while sailing on White Rock Lake, my daughter drowned.”

In 1953 a similar but much more detailed account of the Lady of the Lake legend was included in Dallas author Frank X. Tolbert’s book, Neiman-Marcus, Texas: The Story of the Proud Dallas Store. In this account, a beautiful blonde girl appears on the road near White Rock Lake.  Mr. and Mrs. Guy Malloy, directors of display for Neiman-Marcus, spot her standing as if she had just walked up from the beach. Upon seeing the girl standing in the beams of their headlights Mrs. Malloy said:

“Stop, Guy. That girl seems in trouble. She must have fallen in the lake. Her dress is wet. Yet you can tell that it is a very fine dress. She certainly got it at the Store.”

Meaning, of course, Neiman-Marcus. The friendly girl asked them to take her to an address on Gaston Avenue in nearby Lakewood. She didn’t explain her state, and the Malloys were too polite to ask. Her long hair began to dry in the night breeze. Mrs. Malloy was now sure the girl’s dress was from Neiman-Marcus. The girl got in the back seat of the two-door sedan. When the car started, Mrs. Malloy turned to discover the girl had vanished. The only trace of her was the damp spot on the back seat. Puzzled, the Malloys went to the address she provided them. A middle-aged man met them at the door. He informed them that his blonde daughter, who wore nothing but Neiman-Marcus clothes, drowned when she fell off a pier at White Rock Lake two years before.

Another ghost that was often seen in Dallas was that of a soldier who had died in Vietnam. His spirit was said to haunt the park where his family had scattered his ashes, and some people claimed to have seen him sitting on a bench, staring out into the distance as if he were waiting for someone.

As the years went by, more and more ghosts were said to be haunting the streets of Dallas. Some were famous people, while others were just ordinary citizens whose lives had been cut short. But despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, all of these ghosts shared one thing in common: a deep attachment to Dallas. And even in death, they continued to watch over Dallas, protecting and guiding its citizens in ways only ghosts could.

The Ghosts of Dallas on YouTube

I suspect that the FBI had quite the dossier on David Crosby. From his anti-war activities during the 60s and his drug arrest in Dallas in the 80s, he would leave a trail of activities and arrests that made for a full folder. Yet in spite of it all, there was no denying his considerable talents: singer, songwriter, counter-culture icon, drug addict, egotistical, and by his own words, an "asshole." He got tossed out of the Byrds for being a jerk, and his bigger-than-God ego, combined with massive drug use, would put the torpedo in CSN, more than once. Yet you have to put all of this into the context of the era. Heavy drug use among rock groups in the 60s and 70s was commonplace. Chicago once had a set built for a tour that had a telephone booth on it. During the show, band members would go into the booth to snort cocaine. This way they could stay high without leaving the stage. The days of sex, drugs, and rock n roll were born. This was, of course, before the AIDs epidemic, and sex was part of the rock n roll equation. 

What you couldn't deny was that rock music came of age, and creativity soared to heights. What is missing in the understanding of it all, is the grind of being on tour for months at a time. Artists typically make their big money from touring. Record sales can help but there are too many fingers in the revenue pie, and some artists got taken advantage of by record companies and their management. Constant touring helps record sales but it also wears on the artists, and with a party-like atmosphere going on every day at the gigs, self-restraint, and a willingness to let it all go created more than one trip to rehab for artists. 

The above photo of Crosby after his arrest and eventual prison sentence in Texas would be a turning point for him. The five months he spent in prison allowed him to get free from the grips of cocaine and heroin addiction. Phil Collins paid for his liver transplant, and David would be able to live a long life making music. His career had a late-in-life resurgence, and his last album made it to number 1 on Billboard. Quite a feat for an old guy. 

The musicians of the 60s, and 70s are now leaving us at quite a rapid rate. Their legacy is their music, and the impact it made on the world. I wonder if disco will leave much of a legacy, or for that matter, rap? Regardless, RIP Cros, you had an interesting life, and made great music and for that we say thanks!

Rap music has sometimes been associated with bad behavior, particularly in the media and among certain groups of people. This association can stem from many factors, including the lyrics of some rap songs and the image and behavior of some rap artists. 

One aspect of rap music that has been criticized is the lyrics of some songs, which can contain explicit language and themes of violence, drug use, and misogyny. Some argue that these lyrics promote or glorify negative behavior and can harm listeners, particularly young people. 

Another aspect that can contribute to the association of rap music with bad behavior is the image and behavior of some rap artists. Some artists have been involved in legal trouble and criticized for their actions, such as drug use and violent behavior, and have had a bad public image. Media coverage of these controversies can contribute to the perception that rap music is associated with bad behavior. A recent New York Times article discusses how one rap record label has been described as a street gang in Atlanta.  

It's important to note that not all rap music or all rappers are associated with bad behavior. The genre encompasses various styles and themes, and many rap artists have used their platform to address important social issues and advocate for positive change. There is a bad reputation of rap music in some cultures or in some parts of society due to stereotypes and misconceptions about the genre and the people who create and listen to it. 

It's also worth noting that other music genres have faced similar issues throughout history, as people have associated rock, heavy metal, and other genres with negative behavior and social problems.

Here are a few methods for learning how to play guitar: 

Take lessons from a guitar teacher: This is a great way to get personalized instruction and guidance. 

Use online guitar tutorials: Many websites and YouTube channels offer free guitar lessons. 

Practice regularly: The key to learning any new skill is to practice regularly and consistently. Set aside time each day to practice, and stick to a schedule. 

Start with the basics: Learn the basic chords and techniques first, and then build upon those as you become more comfortable with the instrument. 

Listen to music: Listen to guitar-heavy music and try to pick out the different chords and techniques used. 

Get a good guitar: Having a good quality guitar that is comfortable to play will make a big difference in how much you enjoy the learning process. 

Be patient with yourself: learning to play any instrument takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey of learning.

Blues music is often considered to be "black music" because it has its roots in the African American communities of the Southern United States. The origins of the blues can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when African Americans were facing the challenges of poverty, racism, and social marginalization. The music that developed in this context was heavily influenced by African rhythms, harmonies, and melodies, as well as the European-American musical traditions that were present in the South. 

One of the most notable characteristics of the blues is its use of the "blue" notes, which are microtonal inflections of the pentatonic scale. This use of blue notes gives the music a unique, soulful quality that reflects the emotional experiences of the people who created and performed it. 

Blues music was originally performed by African American musicians, often in rural communities and at "juke joints" (small, informal music venues) and later in cities like Chicago and Memphis, the music was amplified by electric instruments and became urban blues. 

These early blues musicians, who often had to contend with poverty and discrimination, sang about their struggles, hopes, and experiences, and in doing so, they created a powerful and enduring musical genre that has had a major influence on all forms of popular music, including rock and roll, R&B, and hip-hop. 

So it is because of its origins, the musical traditions that influenced it, the themes it addresses and its creators' identity that Blues music is considered to be black music.

Being a musician can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also comes with its own set of unique challenges. 

On the positive side, musicians have the ability to create and perform music, which can bring joy and emotional connections with audiences. Being a part of a band or performing solo provides a sense of camaraderie and collaboration that can be very fulfilling. Many musicians also find that music is a powerful form of self-expression and a way to communicate their emotions and thoughts to the world. 

On the other hand, being a musician also means dealing with a lot of uncertainty and instability. Musicians often have to contend with irregular income and a lack of job security. It is common for musicians to have to take on multiple jobs in order to make a living, and even then, they may not earn much. It can also be difficult to gain recognition and a sustainable career in music, with many talented musicians remaining unknown. Additionally, touring and performing can be taxing, and it can be difficult to maintain a work-life balance. 

Musicians must be prepared to work hard and be disciplined, developing their craft continuously and promoting their work. They also need to be prepared to deal with rejection and disappointment, as not all gigs, concert or festivals will lead to success. Furthermore, they must be prepared to adapt to an ever-changing industry that is transitioning to a digital medium. 

Overall, being a musician is a demanding and challenging pursuit, but for those who are passionate about music and willing to work hard, it can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling career.

There are many reasons why rock bands fail. Some common reasons include: lack of talent, lack of originality, lack of drive or commitment, lack of business acumen, and poor timing. Additionally, the music industry is highly competitive, and it can be difficult for new bands to stand out and gain traction. Even if a band has a unique sound and a dedicated fan base, they may struggle to monetize their music and make a living. Furthermore, creative differences and personal issues can also lead to the demise of a band.

Streaming services have become popular for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the convenience they offer. With streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, users can access a vast library of music on demand and listen to it on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This allows users to easily discover new music and create playlists without having to purchase individual songs or albums. 

Another reason for the popularity of streaming services is the affordability and flexibility they offer. Many streaming services offer a variety of subscription options, including free or low-cost plans, and allow users to cancel or change their subscription at any time. This makes it easy for users to try out a service and find the plan that best fits their needs and budget. 

The rise of the internet and mobile devices also contributed to the popularity of streaming services, as it makes it easier for people to access and listen to music wherever they are. 

Additionally, streaming services often offer a variety of other features, such as offline listening, personalized playlists, and exclusive content, that make them an attractive option for music fans. 

Lastly, streaming has become a crucial source of revenue for the music industry, many artist, record labels and music streaming providers offer exclusive content, behind the scenes footage and more, which is only available through streaming services. This helped the industry to counterbalance the decline of physical music sales. 

In summary, streaming services have become popular for their convenience, affordability, flexibility, and additional features, as well as the technological advancements, making it easier for people to access and discover music.

… Baby, do you understand me now 
Sometimes I feel a little mad 
Well, don't you know that no-one alive 
Can always be an angel 
When things go wrong I seem to be bad 

… I'm just a soul who's intentions are good 
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood 

… If I seem edgy, I want you to know 
That I never meant to take it out on you 
Life has it's problems and I've got my share 
And that's one thing I never meant to do 

… 'Cause I love you 
Baby, don't you know I'm just human 
And I've thoughts like any other man 
And sometimes I find myself alone and regretting 
Some foolish thing, some foolish thing I've done 

… But I'm just a soul who's intentions are good 
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood 

… If I seem edgy, I want you to know 
That I never meant to take it out on you 
Life has it's problems and I've got my share 
And that's one thing I never meant to do 

… 'Cause I love you 
Baby, don't you know I'm just human 
And I've thoughts like any other man 
But sometimes I find myself alone regretting 
Some foolish thing, some foolish thing I've done 

… But I'm just a soul who's intentions are good 
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood 

… 'Cause I'm just a soul who's intentions are good 
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood 

… Oh Lord, don't let me be misunderstood 
Don't let me be, don't let me be misunderstood 

… No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is a song written by Bennie Benjamin, Horace Ott and Sol Marcus for the American singer-songwriter and pianist Nina Simone, who recorded the first version in 1964. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" has been covered by many artists. Two of the covers were transatlantic hits, the first in 1965 by The Animals, which was a blues rock version; and a 1977 by the disco group Santa Esmeralda, which was a four-on-the-floor rearrangement. A 1986 cover by new wave musician Elvis Costello found success in Britain and Ireland.

And so it goes, Dallas Live Tonight seems to be misunderstood. Dallas Live Tonight was started by two Dallas musicians who wanted to help showcase local bands and venues. The pandemic closed the venues and put thousands of local musicians out of work. Even as the restrictions were lifted, people seemed slow to return. Many venues never re-opened. Others re-opened and then closed after a short time. Musicians used to working day jobs to support their music managed to survive. As the music scene began again, we decided to help give it an extra boost by going out to the venues, doing videos of the band's performance, and promoting it via Facebook and YouTube. 

Some bands and venues welcomed us, while others thought we had evil motives and turned us away. First, we don't make money from these videos - not a penny. All of our efforts are self-funded, and while we have a few t-shirts, old records, and such for sale, it doesn't amount to much. People ask why are you doing this - and the answer is simple - we want to give back to the musical community and the venues that we were a part of for many years. We enjoyed the success and notoriety of our early years, and again a decade later. We played in venues all over Texas, made decent money performing, and had great times together. We are not some distant corporate entity, we are two Dallas musicians who experienced so many great adventures, and we are enjoying returning the favor to the local music scene. 

We are just a couple of souls whose intentions are good

Oh Lord, please don't let us be misunderstood 

Jon & Paul