Music of the Day, 13 November 2024

anyone else ready to holler?

Recent news headlines seeded today’s MotD—don’t leave! It’s a good change of pace, in terms of both focus and the music.

“Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu” may have been the song that put the name Johnny Rivers in my mind. His cover of the Huey “Piano” Smith tune cracked the top 10 of several US music charts in the early ‘70s. I adored it as much for the lively piano and guitar solo as for its silly lyrics back then. I knew I was afflicted with both conditions in the title … and I still am. The song is just what I needed to hear today.¹

Listening to it today through my earbuds, there’s so much more to the song. Of course the baritone sax grabbed my attention. The drumming is great too. Handclaps and cowbell make it impossible for me to stay still. The background vocals are subtle, but add great depth. It all adds up to a fun and energetic track that was a big hit for Rivers and helped give the Wrecking Crew their deserved acclaim.

Speaking of acclaim, I didn’t know that Johnny Rivers had such a storied music career. My recollection is that I heard his music much more on my parents’ AM radio station, and when I started exploring FM, musicians like him fell to the wayside. That was my mistake, and my loss.

I have a compilation album in my music library, which I’m quite certain I’ve never listened to. I aim to rectify that once I’m able to listen to music later today. Looking at its track list, it appears that Johnny Rivers doesn’t get his due from the music industry for the same reason that Three Dog Night doesn’t.² Ridiculous!

1. it may be all I hear, because with each replay, I keep bumping up the volume

2. performing other people’s music