Honoring Bonnie

Honoring Bonnie

For many years, I have advocated for Bonnie Raitt to be named a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. Well, the wait is over.

Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt

I first fell in love with Bonnie Raitt 47 years ago when she did a concert at my college. Seeing her again this weekend only reinforced my affection for her, so I wrote this piece.

The People vs. Piano Man

The People vs. Piano Man

Billy Joel’s CBS concert special tonight reminded me of this piece by Tom Smyth, in which he imagines what it was like the first time Billy played “Piano Man” for the bar regulars he wrote about in the song.

Is It Done Yet?

Is It Done Yet?

Musings on how a songwriter — or any creative person — knows when the project they’re working on is done.

Turn The Lights Back Off!

Turn The Lights Back Off!

Watching Billy Joel perform his new song at the Grammys was painful — not because of the tune, which was fine, but because of the way it was broadcast. Allow me to elucidate.