Heavy Metal for Dad.. and Music to Go with It.

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Do you know your dad's favorite song? 

(Me neither. I should ask him.)

Michael’s dad Bob curated a playlist of 18 songs that take us on a journey through jazz, rock, folk, and back -- with loads of Pittsburgh musical history woven throughout. 

And, as the kids say, it slaps. See his liner notes below!

 

Here is the whole list and some thoughts from Robert on why he chose each song. 

1. “Everyday I Have the Blues”- Count Basie with Joe Williams

Per Robert, “I’m starting with a blues number because the foundation of all American music is the blues.”
 
2. “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington 

“Duke’s theme song written by Pittsburgh’s Billy Strayhorn”

3. “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra

“....because it’s Frank”

4. “Come Go with Me” by The Dell Vikings.

“...rock and roll from Pittsburgh 1955.”

5. “Since I Don’t Have You” by The Skyliners

“More early rock from Pittsburgh 1959 (kids from the South Hills).”

6. “Blue Moon” by The Marcels

“A 1961 classic by kids from Pgh’s North Side.”

7. “The Gypsy Cried” by Lou Christie 

“Another pgh classic.”

8. “Turn Around Look at Me” by The Vogues

“A huge hit in 1968 by The Vogues from Turtle Creek.”

9. “Please Please Me” by The Beatles 

“This was The Beatles first number one as they reinvigorated rock and roll in 1963.”

10. “Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles 

“In 1966 they invented new ways to rock.”

11. “Sky Pilot” by Eric Burdon 

“In 1968 this was that first note that signaled heavy metal was coming.” 

12. “See Emily Play” by Pink Floyd

“This was their first big hit.”

13. “Jennifer Juniper” by Donavan 

“I love that trippy 60s stuff.”

14. “Wedding Ring” by The Affordable Floors 

“More PGH 80s rock.”

15. “Cigarette” by The Clarks. 

“I knew them when they were brand new.”

16. “Back in the Day” by Stanley Turrentine 

“A jazz giant from PGH.”

17. “Syl-o-gism” by Mary Lou Williams

“Another Pittsburgh giant, her career was legendary, and she helped moved jazz into new directions many times.”

18. “The Dangling Conversation” by Simon and Garfunkel

 

We hope you and dad can enjoy it together this Father’s Day.