Father's Day 2024 - Dad's Top 5

By Jessica Klausing

Happy Father's Day! Today, we celebrate your unwavering love, strength, and guidance that shape our lives in countless ways. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, grandfather, or father figure, your presence and support make a world of difference. To all the dads out there - YOU rock!

I have asked my dad to share his top five favorite songs for this special occasion. In no particular order, here are my dad’s selections:

Don McLean - “American Pie”

This song was frequently played during our family trips. I came to appreciate it more deeply when my dad explained its backstory. The recurring line “the day the music died” refers to the tragic 1959 plane crash that took the lives of rock 'n' roll icons Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, marking the end of the early rock 'n' roll era. Don McLean not only mourns the loss of his childhood music heroes but also reflects on the cultural shifts and loss of innocence of his generation. The theme of nostalgic loss resonates with us all.

Led Zeppelin - “Stairway to Heaven”

My dad is the reason I became a huge Led Zeppelin fan. He gifted me his CD of Led Zeppelin - The Complete BBC Sessions when I was in middle school, which kick-started my interest in classic rock. I have many fond memories of listening to “Stairway to Heaven” in the car, with my dad waiting for the song to finish before leaving the vehicle. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

Arlo Guthrie - “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree”

I remember this song always being played on the radio on Thanksgiving Day. I also recall my dad always having to record it on his tape player too! “Alice's Restaurant Massacree,” commonly known as “Alice's Restaurant,” is a satirical talking blues song. Singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie protests against the Vietnam War draft in a comically exaggerated but mostly true story from his own experience.

The Allman Brothers Band - “Midnight Rider”

My dad's musical taste is mostly rooted in Southern Rock. It was quite challenging to pinpoint his absolute favorites, but we collectively agreed that this is one of Gregg Allman's best! “Midnight Rider” tells the story of a man determined to evade the law. With Gregg's powerful, soulful voice and Duane's folksy, driven guitar licks, it's a quintessential road trip song.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - “Gimme Three Steps”

Most people are introduced to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music through their hit, “Sweet Home Alabama,” but for me, it was “Gimme Three Steps.” My dad is a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan, so their debut album was played a lot in our household. “Gimme Three Steps” was the first song I heard and one that got a lot of repeat plays. The song tells of a suspenseful encounter lead singer Ronnie Van Zant had at a bar when a gun was pulled on him for dancing with another man’s girlfriend. It’s a catchy rock 'n' roll song filled with high energy and a triple-pronged guitar attack.

Mother's Day 2024 - Mom's Top 5

By Jessica Klausing

Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you’re a mother, stepmother, fur mom, or a motherly figure in someone’s life - we believe ALL mothers are the real rockstars! 

I have asked my mom to share her top five favorite songs in honor of this special occasion. She’s asked me to inform the readers that this list is in no particular order. So, without further ado, here are my mom’s song picks:

The Spinners - “I’ll Be Around”

When you think of that classic smooth R&B sound, The Spinners are one of the first iconic acts that come to mind. “I’ll Be Around” was originally released as the B-side of the single “How Could I Let You Get Away.” However, radio DJs favored “I’ll Be Around.” The song became an unexpected hit, spending five weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart. It’s one of my mom’s favorites for its gorgeous musical production.

Prince and The Revolution - “Purple Rain”

Prince’s iconic power ballad, “Purple Rain,” ranked number two on the Hot 100 chart in 1984. It was also the title track of the album and the film’s name that Prince starred in, loosely based on his life as a young artist trying to make it within the cutthroat music industry. This song holds a special place in my mom’s heart, as it was the first song my parents danced to when they met. 

Sammy Hagar - “I Can’t Drive 55”

My mom and I share a love for classic rock! Van Halen was one of the bands we listened to a lot in my youth. Although I tend to prefer the David Lee Roth songs, my mom is a devoted Sammy Hagar fan. There’s a reason this song made it on VH1’s 100 Greatest Rock Songs list – it’s such a fun, high-energy banger! Warning: Be wary of police cars when joyriding to this song.

Loverboy - “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It”

I’ve asked my mom to tell me her favorite concert. She’s unable to provide me with a number one, but Loverboy is a top choice! “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It” has that quintessential 80’s Hard Rock ‘feel-good, head-banging’ bravado. 

Journey - “Girl Can’t Help It”

If my mom had to pick a favorite rock band, Journey would be it. “Girl Can’t Help It” was released as the third single from their 1986 album, Raised on Radio. This song tends to get overshadowed by the band’s mega-hit, “Don’t Stop Believin,” but music fans can still appreciate Steve Perry’s flawless, powerful vocals.