What is happening to my mastery of instant recall? It has never applied to mathematical formulas or world history—more like who played Screech on Saved by the Bell.

Authors receive more advice than bad golfers as they approach a publish date. My advice to authors: Send an email to the world.

I first wrote about Ken Ascher and Paul Williams by mentioning their names in my Unruly Mix book. In the story, I write about “You and Me Against the World,” the compelling song they co-wrote, made famous by Helen Reddy.

Stay new but don’t forget your old accomplishments. I get it, but watch what you leave in storage.

Have you heard of Gilbert O’Sullivan? “Alone Again (Naturally)” was his major U.S. hit (1972)

By Bob Deakin I recently watched a documentary about The Hollies . While I’m not their biggest fan, I bought their records in the 80s when I was living in the 60s. I liked “Bus Stop,” thought “ The Air That I Breathe ” was incredible when I was about eight, and knew that “ He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother ” was a masterpiece the moment I heard it. That said, “ Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress ” perseveres as the song I continue to rediscover year after year. The staccato gui

By Bob Deakin (Originally published for the Litchfield County Times) Paul Winter, founder and leader of the Paul Winter Consort, spends more time at his home in Litchfield these days to be with his wife and young daughter, but remains as active as ever in his musical pursuits. His concerts still take him around the globe and he continues a 20-year tradition of celebrating the summer and winter solstices at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The composer-ba

By Bob Deakin "Let me have some coffee and then I'll listen," said a groggy voice-like that of a mother to a child who rises early and eager on a Saturday morning. It was 1968, and the voice was that of Frank Zappa, who was speaking from his bedroom to Dennis Dunaway and his band mates who were outside the door. Mr. Zappa got his brew, gave them a listen and essentially agreed to sign them to his record label that day. It had been a long dark road to getting there, but the Al