Episodes

  • Rupert Holmes-The Joyful Journey-Escape 11:24:24 2.26 PM

    Rupert Holmes-The Joyful Journey-Escape 11:24:24 2.26 PM
    Nov 24 2024
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    PODCAST AM MEMORIES

    Today’s topic is Rupert Holmes. Before we dive in, I want to give a big shout out to all my listeners. Your support means a lot. Now let’s get started.

    I want to talk about songwriter, Rupert Holmes and his hit song Escape (The Piña Colada song). This tune is a catchy melody and story. I would sing this song with my family listening to AM not knowing what a Piña Colada was when I was a little girl. The song is wrapped up in a tropical cocktail of a story.

    Released in 1979 as the lead single from Holmes’ fifth studio album Partners in Crime. This gem had the billboard folks buzzing with excitement, and no wonder! Radio stations across the country were picking it up quicker than you)d snag a cold drink on a hot Summer day. By the end of December 1979 p, it became the last number one single of the decade. Talk about making a splash.

    Less unravel this delightful story shall we? The man is weary from the humdrum of a routine relationship. Finds himself daydreaming of escape. He’s out there seeking something new, something refreshing, and boy, does he find it in the pages of the personal ads. Who among us hasn’t experienced that thirst for a little adventure? Holmes taps into that universal feeling with vivid storytelling.

    When our hero discovers an ad from a woman seeking someone who enjoys Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain, he can’t resist. I mean, who wouldn’t be fascinated? The lyrics paint a picture of longing, anticipation, and that all too familiar search for connection in the bustling of life.

    And here is the beautiful twist - when they finally meet, it’s not just a flirtatious rendezvous. Surprise, surprise! The woman is none other than the current partner. What started as a quest for novelty turns into a celebration of the love they’ve already had.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the podcast AM memories on the CAT BEAR. Rupert Holmes: The Joyful Journey (Escape) is todays topic.
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    3 mins
  • Whitney Houston & Natalie Cole 11:21:24 1.10 PM

    Whitney Houston & Natalie Cole 11:21:24 1.10 PM
    Nov 21 2024
    Photo: John Mathew Smith
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

    Both Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole has left us. Whitney left us in 2012 and Natalie left us in 2015. Whitney left first and I remember Natalie‘s hit song miss you like crazy released in 1989. Whenever I hear that song, I think of her and Whitney and I miss them like crazy. But they left us some singing memories together.

    There is an undeniable magic when Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole came together on stage. They left audiences breathless. Natalie Cole stood out as the perfect counterpart for Whitney, a true gem in a crown that also features Whitney‘s family, the Winans, and Mariah Carey.

    Their chemistry was electric, each glance and smile shared while singing spoke volumes. Who can forget that unforgettable night at the 2000 Grammy party? They were sharing a piece of their souls with us singing “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole.

    Their song choices were impeccable. They sang “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” back in the 1990s on stage together. The songs were experiences we relive whenever we hear them. Then of course Natalie gave a wonderful tribute to Whitney in 1990 at the 65th Academy Award Ceremony, now reminding us of Whitney‘s incredible legacy while showcasing the deep connection these two icons shared.

    Whitney and Natalie left indelible mark in the hearts of their fans, giving memories that are both joyful and bittersweet.

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Whitney soul podcast.
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    3 mins
  • Steely Dan-Hey Nineteen 11:8:24 2.59 PM

    Steely Dan-Hey Nineteen 11:8:24 2.59 PM
    Nov 8 2024
    Steely Dan Photo: Wikimedia Public Domain
    Cat Bear Cover Art by: Gail Nobles
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

    Hello everyone slide on into your favorite recliners and let’s groove to that smooth Steely Dan vibe. I’m talking about their classic tune "Hey Nineteen".

    They had that AM sound on a lazy afternoon you turn it on and you can hear that smooth jazzy guitar riff. It’s like the sun breaking through the clouds Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. They knew how to create those lush arrangements, rock, jazz, and pop into adelicious sonic treat.

    "Hey19" has got that laid-back groove easy on the ears with lyrics that spin a tale in youthful exuberance. It was in those days before life got a little too serious. It pulls you in, makes you remember those golden moments of youth, and brings all that sweet jazz influence to the forefront.

    And let’s not forget about that irresistible chorus when they sing ‘Hey 19”. it’s like a magnet for your heart inviting you to reminisce and relax. You can almost picture yourself lounging at a backyard barbecue sipping on something cool while the laid-back harmonies float the air.
    Hey 19 is a group by Steely Dan from their 1980 album “Gaucho”. The lyrics are about a man in his early 30s contemplating a romantic encounter with a 19-year-old with whom he has nothing in common.

    "Hey19" Pete at number 10 on the billboard hot 100 chart in early 1981, number 11 on the adult contemporary chart, and number 68 on the R&B singles chart. With a chart run of 19 weeks Hey 19 is tied with “Peg”and "Rikki Don’t Lose That Number" for being there longest running chart.

    I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the Pod AM show on the CAT BEAR - a show about AM radio memories of music.
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    3 mins
  • Whitney-Never To Walk In Anyone’s Shadows 10:31:24 3.48 PM

    Whitney-Never To Walk In Anyone’s Shadows 10:31:24 3.48 PM
    Oct 31 2024
    Story and cover art by: Gail Nobles

    Hello, I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to the Whitney Soul Podcast. Today’s topic: Whitney-Never To Walk in Anyone’s Shadows. There is a powerful message contained within Whitney Houston‘s greatest love of all. She speaks to us about courage and self-affirmation, reminding us that we each hold a light within us.

    When she says, "I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadows," she calls upon us to embrace our own identities and pursue our own dreams. It is a clarion call to rise up, to break free from the expectations of others, and to recognize the gifts that lie within our own hearts. We must not allow the weight of doubt or the fear of failure to eclipse our journey.

    “If I fail, if I succeed, at least I live as I believe.” Ah, my fellow dreamers, this is the spirit of true integrity! It is not merely the outcomes of our efforts that define us, but the conviction with which we engage in our struggle for greatness. We must learn to cherish the journey, to honor our values, and to hold fast to the principles that ignite our passions.

    So let us walk proudly, not in the shadows of others, but in the bright light of our own truth. Let us cultivate the greatest love of all—the love for ourselves, the love for our dreams, and the love for our shared humanity. Because when we believe in ourselves, we not only uplift our own spirits, but we inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a world where every individual stands tall, unapologetically.

    Let us rise up remembering Whitney Houston and the message she brought to us in our hearts. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Whitney Soul Podcast..
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    3 mins
  • The Spinners-Magic in the Moonlight 10:29:24 8.59 PM

    The Spinners-Magic in the Moonlight 10:29:24 8.59 PM
    Oct 30 2024
    Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.5

    I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to the CAT BEAR. Feel the rhythm of the night. It’s that magical time of year, with whispers of ghosts and shadows dancing under the whispering moonlight. You know what I’m talking about. Halloween is creeping up on us, but let’s not forget the sweet serenades that fill our hearts with love and longing.

    Now, let’s talk about that soulful sensation from The Spinners. “When the Magic and the Moonlight Dies.” Oh, what a tune! It spins a tale of love that’s as enchanting as a crisp autumn evening, yet it wraps you in tales of heartache when the enchantment fades away. “A sweet hello will be a bitter goodbye,” they sing in those silky smooth harmonies, and my friends, isn’t that just the way love works? One moment you're floating on air, and the next, it’s like the magic has slipped through your fingertips like grains of sand.

    Can’t you just picture it? The moon is shining bright, casting its glow over lovers lost in an embrace, while the soft melody pulls you deeper into the vibe. But beware! The Spinners remind us that when the moonlight dims, those once sweet moments can turn to shadows of sadness. “You and your baby will be walking your separate ways.”

    Love can feel as mystical as a full moon on a clear night, but keep your hearts close. “When the magic and the moonlight fades,” you might find yourself staring into those eyes that once sparkled with love, now dimmed by a bittersweet reality.

    So listen up, lovers! This Halloween, as the spirits roam and the world takes on an air of mystery, don’t give into the shadows. Hold onto that magic while it lasts, dance under the moonlight, and cherish those moments, because nothing is sweeter than love.
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    3 mins
  • Trusting Silence-Aaliyah’s Emotional Lyrics 10:28:24 12.25 AM

    Trusting Silence-Aaliyah’s Emotional Lyrics 10:28:24 12.25 AM
    Oct 28 2024
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: MikaV - Own work
    Wikimedia: CC BY-SA 4.0

    My dear friends, there are moments in our lives when our hearts are filled with thoughts we cannot share. Times when we carry secrets, unspoken burdens that weigh heavy upon us. We find ourselves in silence, for sometimes, we reveal too much of ourselves, and other times, we crave connection and the warmth of trust.

    I’m thinking about the words of Aaliyah from her song Are You That Somebody. Let’s reflect upon the words of Aaliyah, whose lyrical craftsmanship speaks to the depths of our shared human experience. She presents us with a deep inquiry into trust, responsibility, and the complexities of intimate connection.”

    In her lyrics, she said: But if I, If I let this go," she opens a dialogue with uncertainty, a reminder that in the journey of love and relationship, decisions carry consequences that go beyond the moment. She calls upon the listener to recognize the sacredness of her heart, urging, “You can't tell nobody, I'm talkin' 'bout nobody.” Here, she emphasizes the privacy and sanctity of emotional truths, which must be held with respect and integrity.

    In Aaliyah‘s work, we can recognize importance of trust and relationship. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.
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    2 mins
  • Remembering Harmony Groups on AM Radio 10:15:24 11.47 AM

    Remembering Harmony Groups on AM Radio 10:15:24 11.47 AM
    Oct 15 2024
    Keyboardist & Vocals: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, back to those golden days when AM radio filled the airwaves with sweet voices harmonizing in perfect unison. Oh, those were the times when harmony groups would make your heart sing and your soul sway!

    I learned about Billy Stewart. He was singing “Sitting in the Park” back in the '60s, bringing warmth and joy to everyone tuning in. Fast forward to 1980. We were treated to an updated version by G.Q., who gave us “I Do Love You,” also a Billy Stewart song, reminding us that the spirit of those harmony nights was alive and well!

    Don’t forget Ray, Goodman & Brown and their soulful hit, “Special Lady,” a melodic gem that captivated the hearts of so many. The essence of harmony and rhythm-and-blues brought to mind the thrill of doo-wop—those legendary groups singing sweetly on street corners, just like I caught on TV with Sha-Na-Na.

    For those youngsters who may not have lived through that glorious era, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the magic of vocal harmony. These groups didn’t need fancy production or flashy instruments; their voices alone created the kind of music that could make you stop in your tracks and feel every note deep in your bones.

    So let’s keep spinning those classics, and remember the rich tapestry of harmonies that defined a generation. Turning on that AM dial was like opening a treasure chest of sound, filled with love, heart, and the magic of the human voice!

    I’m Gail Nobles remembering harmony groups on Podcast AM.
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    3 mins
  • AM Radio In The 70s 10:13:24 11.43 PM

    AM Radio In The 70s 10:13:24 11.43 PM
    Oct 14 2024
    Intro music: Samplefocus.com
    Usage: Standard license
    Story and Cover art by: Gail Nobles

    You didn’t think podcasting could have an AM radio sound, did you? Well, I suppose in this digital age, sound quality is king, but let’s not forget the charm of those crackly, static-filled airwaves we grew up with. Ah, the golden days of radio! There’s something about tuning in to your favorite station, praying that the signal comes in clear so you can enjoy the music without the distraction.

    Once a radio station ceases to exist, it’s as if the very spirit of its history diappears. It’s left like a whisper in the wind—only lingering in the minds of those who once tuned in. Take WHIT, for instance. There I was, a little girl in the 70s, listening to what felt like magic coming from a car radio as I enjoyed a ride. I have a notion that it was an AM station, broadcasting from somewhere that felt like a world away.

    I can almost hear the strains of Randy Newman’s “Short People” floating through the air, mixed with the smooth vibe of Paul McCartney’s “Silly Love Songs.” There was Charlie Dore crooning “Pilot of the Airwaves,” and Debbie Boone telling me, “You Light Up My Life.” How can I forget Melisa Manchester's “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” or Candi Staton’s “Run, Heart, Run Free”, and Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You.” Now, I don’t know if I heard all these hits on WHIT specifically, but the memories are neatly tucked away with that station.

    And let’s not overlook the charismatic Wolfman Jack—how could we forget the man who owned the airwaves? He spun records with the enthusiasm only a true radio DJ could muster.

    AM radio might have been fuzzier than a cat’s fur, and the static could drive you nuts, but there was a certain warmth to those imperfect sounds. The music managed to shine through the noise, and that’s what made it special. I didn’t care about the interference; I was too busy lost in the melodies that carried my dreams.
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    4 mins