John Lennon & Elton John "Whatever Gets You Through the Night"

Photo Credit: Aaron LeeToday marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's passing. One can only wonder what continuing contributions he would have made to music, to culture, to society. My friend Lydia Hutchinson from Performing Songwriter Magazine did a story about John's last performance in NY, appearing as a surprise guest of Elton John's during his Thanksgiving night concert of 1974. Elton played piano and sang harmony vocal on the original recording of the song, and bet John it would hit number #1. He got Lennon to promise that he would appear with Elton on stage if that should happen. The tune wound up being John's only solo release to get to the top of the chart.

Among the tributes and remembrances this week to John Lennon was a sobering and somber documentary on CNN called Losing Lennon hosted by John Roberts. Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Time, New York Magazine, The Huffington Post; there is a virtual avalanche of coverage. Whatever John might have done had he had a longer life, he left us with such an amazing musical legacy. He also opened the door to the new era by using the media to advance political and social commentary.

Let us stop for a moment and soak in the exuberance of John Lennon with Elton John and The Muscle Shoals Horns on "What Ever Gets You Through the Night," from Thanksgiving 1974 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

- Jessie Scott

Eastside Bulldogs "Come On Up and See Me Sometime"

Man, oh man, what is with this weather? This week there were flash floods in western Arkansas and there was flooding in New Braunfels, TX. Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and to their families. And our wishes for a speedy recovery go to those that lost property. I am still unable to process all the damage that was done by the flooding in Nashville, as our brothers and sisters there look to rebuild. When these events happen, it is the first blush of reportage that generates awareness, but not long thereafter, we move on to other things occupying our attention. Let us not forget it takes time and money to create a new normal. It doesn't happen all at once, and the money to help still needs to be generated long after the spotlight has moved on. We remind you to give if you can, and that you can click on our Red Cross banner to do so, or by clicking here.

Todd Snider recently put a band together with other stellar musicians from the east side of Music City. The Eastside Bulldogs features Todd, Elizabeth Cook, Bobby Bare Jr., Tim Carroll, Jenn Gunderman, Mark Horn, Eric McConnell, and Dennis Taylor. They have been recording with legendary producer Don Was, and have delivered the brilliant first track from the upcoming album, sales of which benefit Hands on Nashville. They are offering the MP3 and video of "Come On Up and See Me Sometime" together via digital download for $2.99, and all of the proceeds go to help Nashvillians in need.

- Jessie Scott