Monday, October 14, 2024

A Few Moments Before She Died


My mom Beverly on the left and Aunt Mabel, RIP, on the right was the world's biggest Beatles fan. She died on their 50th Anniversary

So much has happened since my last blog it's hard to know where to start. Since I primarily write this blog because of my up and down battle with cancer and its aftermath, I guess I'll start with that.


My last Chest X-ray

I recently had another cancer test. There were some concerns because lately I've been in a great deal of pain. My doctor gave me a chest X-ray to take a closer look at my heart, blood vessels, and some other possible problems. Everything was negative and the pain I was suffering from was purely muscular... a result of my working too hard and incorrectly. I'm now going back to my post-operative exercise routine, which is easier on my body.

I'm very grateful for the life I have. I get to work with some of the nicest and most talented people I know. I work in many capacities which always keeps life interesting. I rarely talk about awards but I'm overwhelmed by the way various organizations have honored me over the past few months.

I don't work to win awards. I never think about them until someone informs me that I'm up for one. I rarely expect to win, but sometimes I'm surprised with a statue, plaque, or document that confirms the unexpected.

I truly thank the various boards who've seen fit to bestow these trophies on me. I'm simply trying to keep coming up with new ways to make you feel some of what I'm feeling... or simply to get you on the dance floor.

In the last few months I've been with a wonderful cast of like-minded characters as diverse as: Johnny Marr, The LA High School Marching Band and Color Guard, Nona Hendryx, Jeff Beck, Marcus Miller, Pharrell Williams, Johnny Gill, Fonzi Thornton, Boy George, DJ Cassidy, Quincy Jones, Paul Williams, Sam Smith, Mystery Skulls, Avicii, Disclosure, Clive Davis, Seymour Stein, "Little" Steven Van Zant, Julie Taymor, Seth Troxler, Pete Tong and Simon Le Bon to name but a few.

To put perspective on the role music plays in my life. This was beautiful and I don't think it was coincidence. I did a CBS news special and I was standing on the exact stage at The Ed Sullivan Theater, where my aunt Mabel's favorite group, The Beatles, were introduced to the world 50 years ago... ironically, A Few Moments Before She Died.

 


My 3 Grammy Awards. Who'd-a thunk it?


Though I never win a quarter of the awards I'm nominated for, I have so many they're spread throughout five different locations. I guess I've been doing this longer than I realize


Me being presented with an IMS Legend Award by legendary DJ Pete Tong


Receiving an Ivor, one of the most prestigious composer awards in the world, from my guitar strumming bro Johnny Marr brought me to tears


Simon Le Bon with a surprise visit to give me the IMS Legend Award in Ibiza


Me, Pharrell, and Don Was at the Emmy Theater


Funking out with the amazing Nona Hendryx, George Clinton and Simon Le Bon was unforgettable


Showing love and respect to the one and only Jeff Beck


Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame icon, Sire Records mogul Seymour Stein and me


Johnny Gill, Marcus Miller, Clive Davis, me, Seveda Williams and Fonzi Thronton at Luther Vandross Hollywood Star


The last person I expected to run into in California, was my dear friend and We Are Family Foundation board member, The E Street Band's "Little" Steven Van Zandt


DJ Cassidy at CHIC's rehearsal


Me and uber-genius director and old friend Julie Taymor


Me and the amazing Tawatha Agee and Mtume


Me and Quincy Jones at Canadian Music Week


One of my Daft Punk bros, legendary composer Paul Williams


Disclosure and me on The Brits red carpet


Me just after I finished doing a Beatles 50th anniversary special at the Ed Sullivan Theater. The Marquis reads the same as it did the night The Beatles played it