Cruisin' The Decades with Brad Savage: August 2023
By Brad Savage - Summit FM Program Director
On The Summit FM, you hear "Cruisin' The Decades - 100 Years of Music" each Friday at 5:00 pm! It has become a major "labour of love" for me to find and select the songs, as well as host this show. In fact, in many ways this "deep dive" into music history has led to me personally acquiring more and more and more physical media for my record collection, and spending more time than ever on "old" music.
It's funny because I absolutely love new music, emerging artists, local, and cutting edge new bands. Part of my job is to keep on top of new releases and know about the newest bands. But, there is magic is these classic recordings. This "Cruisin'" material is where it all came from, and it's the roots of modern music.
"Cruisin' The Decades: Global Edition" is now heard on 38 independent radio stations across the USA, Canada, Germany (shortwave radio), New Zealand, and now in Roatan, Honduras (Bay Islands). It is a global radio show and the mission and the concept is a love of music and the magic of the airwaves!
Here are some old songs I have been recently enjoying!
Les Baxter "The Poor People Of Paris" (1956)
Gosh, I just love this song. It's such a jolly and beautiful tune. It's a #1 hit from 1956 and remember as you listen: this is the same time that Rock & Roll was just beginning to happen. What a time for music history!
Bukka White "Shake 'Em On Down" (1937)
The '30s is ground zero for the classic blues which influenced pretty much, well... EVERYTHING. These songs are amazing. There are so many classic blues artists to discover and enjoy!
Maddox Brothers & Rose "I Wish I Was A Single Girl Again" (1948)
The roots of Country or "Hillbilly" music -- this group is amazing. This song is so silly. Just listen to the lyrics! I found this because of the Cruisin' show; I never knew this group existed prior to the start of this radio program.
Jonathan Edwards "Shanty" (1971)
Athens County, Ohio, 1971 - the great Jonathan Edwards begins his career. Here is a weekend kick-off anthem about takin' it easy for the enjoyable weekend days. Long days, summertime, Athens County, what could be better?
Robbie Robertston "Somewhere Down The Crazy River" (1987)
Friends, we've lost a massive icon in music. Robbie Robertson (The Band) is a legend. He recently passed away at age 80. Take a listen to this 1987 masterpiece from his first solo LP, produced by Daniel Lanois.