August 4, 2008
The other night while I was folding clothes and flipping through the channels, I came across “Best Videos of the ‘80’s” on VH1. I know I’ve seen these shows before, but I decided to watch anyway. Always love rehearing the old faves.
Now I’ve heard people over the years make fun of the music of the ‘80’s and personally I don’t get that. I think music from the 80’s is some of the best ever. It’s basically when I did most of my catering and I got to witness some really great bands, like: The Police, Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, Dire Straits, Van Halen, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, The Cars, Tom Petty, Devo, Elton, and John Cougar Mellencamp, just to name a very few. And that was just the men.
What I really started thinking about was all the women of rock and roll. The women who are BoomerGirls and there are plenty of them. Women who are in their 50’s & 60’s and are still rockin’ hard. Here is a list of some of the most prominent ones and I’m sure I’m leaving some out. Of course there is Joni Mitchell (65), Carly Simon (63), and Carole King (66). Bonnie Raitt (58), Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics (54), and Debbie Harry of Blondie (63). Patti Smith (62), Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders (57), and Joan Jett (50). Stevie Nicks (60), Ann (58) and Nancy Wilson (54) of Heart, and one of my very favorite artists, Cyndi Lauper (55). There are the ladies of the Bangles and the Go Go’s. And I can't leave out Tina Turner, who is still awesome at 69. (I guess it's only fair to say that Madonna is still rockin' or dancin' at age 50.)
All of the women I’ve mentioned are still singing, recording, and most are still touring. Can you imagine touring? With all of our menopausal symptoms, like: short-term memory loss, hot flashes, achy bones, fragile digestions, ringing ears, wanting to sleep in our own beds, and so much more. I can’t. I can’t imagine it at all. These women are amazing for doing it and should be commended. I’m sure if you asked any one of them why they still do it, the answer would be. “Because it’s what I do.” Music is in their blood and hearts and souls and they can’t not do it. Lucky for us, we still get to be in on it.
Let’s hope they all keep rockin’ for a good long time.
To close my musing, I would like to offer you a real treat. One great singer doing another great singer’s song. Enjoy!
Until next time, rock on and be excellent to each other… Penny
Comments
cathy (cathy) says...
Look at you, embedding YouTube video in your blog. Way to go, Penny! This is so great. Joni could hardly sit still in her seat. I remember this tribute show and would love to see it again...along with that Cyndi Lauper/Patti LaBelle duet of "True Colors" on whatever show that was. Love Cyndi!
August 4, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cathy (cathy) says...
check that, I meant "Time after Time" - just found it on YouTube.
August 4, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rockandrollgrandma (rockandrollgrandma) says...
Thanks. I love it, too. Cyndi is just so awesome. As long as we can still keep rockin', we'll be stayin' alive.
August 4, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joanclark2 (anonymous) says...
Great Article Penny!
I loved the part about the menopausal journey. It is so true. Your blogs are always so much fun and inspirational.
Love,
Joan
August 7, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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