*John Lennon wrote a song in 1963 when he was in Spain.  He didn't write it for himself, but for a band that Brian Epstein signed in addition to The Beatles.  In fact, Lennon also wrote the song that would become the B-side, for a single that went to #1 in the UK and turned into a big hit in the U.S.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
*We'll enjoy a track from 1972 that was initially titled, "Desert Song".  After all the song is about a trip through the desert and while that can be unforgiving, the singer finds comfort in such a scenario.  Perhaps a bit of such comfort came from the fact that the writer of the song was tired of rainy England.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the track...
 
*In 1970 this part-time mailman, part-time musician at the time, was playing in a Chicago club when a young journalist by the name of Roger Ebert dropped in for a set.  Ebert listened to the set of original songs and wrote a glowing review for the Chicago Sun Times, essentially launching  a rather incredible music career.  Name the artist...
 
*This band's 37 minute album took 2 years to record and was the most expensive record ever made when it came out in 1980.  There are any number of reasons why it took so long, a few of them due to some serious life situations/tragedies involving injuries from a car accident and a drug overdose and passing of a girlfriend of the band's frontman.  Name the band...
 
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Give A Little Bit by Supertramp vs Time Machine by Grand Funk RR
 
ANSWERS
1. Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Bad to Me
2. America, A Horse With No Name
3. John Prine
4. Steely Dan
Battle of the Bands : Grand Funk RR won with 50.5% of votes

*This artist started off at the age of 10 playing keyboards for gospel legend Mahalia Jackson and then on to Ray Charles' touring band.  That led to stints playing with two great bands (one British, one American) in the late 60's, early 70's, prior to pursuit of a solo career that garnered him five, Top Ten hits.  Name the artist...
 
*This well-known British artist composed a ballad, sung from the point of view of an aging farmer who survived the worst winter in 14 years.  The farmer pays tribute to his loyal wife, who stayed by his side throughout that winter and all others.  While the subject matter is truly distant from the artist's real life, the song holds a warm place in his heart.  Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the 1971 classic...
 
*The Ronettes were a group on the rise in the mid-60's.  They had a song written for them, one of the co-writers was Phil Spector.  They would go on to record it first in 1966.  3 years later, this band that also had a great relationship with Spector, got a hold of it and made their version a big hit.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the track...
 
*This popular British band formed in 1972 released a single from their 5th album in 1976, an atypical love song.  It wasn't giddy with joy or tinged with heartbreak, but was much more grounded, championing compromise and communication.  The guy in the song mans up and wants to call his girl, but the phone lines are down due to weather.  Undeterred, he walks through rain and snow all in the name of love.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Mandolin Wind by Rod Stewart vs The Weight by The Band
 
ANSWERS
1. Billy Preston
2. Rod Stewart, Mandolin Wind
3. Beach Boys, I Can Hear Music
4. 10cc, The Things We Do For Love
Battle of the Bands : The Band won with 62% of votes

*In the mid-70's, this artist introduced us to a drifter with a very singable name as he transformed himself into a pop/rock artist.  Two albums later he gave us a hit song with a title of and about a pimp.  Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
*This British artist was a product of education, as both his parents were educators.  He would go on to achieve international fame for his mood-inspiring guitar and vocals for a band he ultimately became a leader.  And when the group finally disbanded, he worked with some of the most respected names in British rock while pursuing his solo career.  We'll dip into a 2006 solo album.  Name the artist...
 
*One of the members of The Beatles wrote this song after having an argument with his then wife.  He was lying in bed with her and she was going on about something that made him irritated and the words kept going through his mind.  He got out of bed and wrote a rather cosmic song, rather than what was irritating him.  The song, additionally, is often cited as an example of band member tensions over treatment of each other's songs.  Name the Beatle and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
*This artist generally creates reflective albums that live thoroughly in the moment, swinging between sunshine and twilight in a warm, comforting manner.  Known for spinning stories and telling jokes inside the music, this song released two months after his passing details how we are all often caught just treading water each day in a somewhat upside down world.  Name the aritst and if you can name the song, I pronounce you...musically gifted!
 
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
You Don’t Know The Blues by Eric Gales vs Outside Of This Town by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
 
ANSWERS
1Boz Scaggs, Jojo
2. David Gilmour
3. John Lennon, Across The Universe
4. Jimmy Buffett, Bubbles Up
Battle of the Bands : Christone “Kingfish” Ingram won with 53% of votes

*We'll go back to 1980 for one of the most significant singer/songwriters of our time and a song about a famous location in L.A.  There are all too many stories of those who go out to L.A. to make it big, (don't), and end up hustling.  Our artist lived in the area and witnessed 1st hand such observations as he wrote this song, sharing some positive reinforcement about getting past this period in their lives.  Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song....
 
*This band was a Spanish group but with a German lead singer.  They were one of the few groups from a non-English speaking country to have an international hit, in part because they were one of the few Spanish acts to actually sing in English.  Excellent hit from 1976 spins tonight.   Name the band and real extra credit if you name the track that will play...
 
*We'll play the long version of a song with an album version of 8:29.  The problem?  The year was 1971 and songs like it simply weren't played on any radio.  Band Members heard a stripped-down version one day on the radio along with everyone else in the general public...a three and half minute version...cut for radio play.  The band dudes couldn't believe it!  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song we'll play later this evening...
 
*On many of this band's records, the lead singer sings indecipherably...not so on this song though.  He had a message to send and did not want it to be lost.  Excellent string arrangement on this one done by Zeppelin bassist, John Paul Jones.  Name the American band and extra credit for the name of the track from 1992...
  
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Smoking Gun by Robert Cray vs Dangerous Mood by Keb’ Mo’
 
ANSWERS
1. Jackson Browne, Boulevard
2. Los Bravos, Black Is Black
3. Yes, Roundabout
4. R.E.M., Everybody Hurts
Battle of the Bands : Keb’ Mo’ won with 51% of votes

*In 1989, this band (perhaps bordering on being a 1-hit wonder group) first tried to record it with their lead singer using his regular voice with a song title of She's My Baby.  No one liked it though.  So, they revamped the lyrics and the singer pulled out his best falsetto as they changed the title to something that actually became a big hit...in a rather 'earworm' kind of way.  And it may continue running through your head after we play it later this evening.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
*By 1997, this great trio of artists were inexplicably without a label thanks to a drastic artistic slump.  Rather undaunted, they began work on a new album, paying for studio time out of their own pockets.  Enter an old friend who got wind of the endeavor and they once again became a quartet of artists.  The last gent in, contributed 4 songs (a great thing), but his well-chronicled tinkering delayed the finished product for a couple of months.  Name the band...
 
*J.J. Cale wrote many a song played by artists and bands who just loved what he brought to the music scene.  This song was initially recorded by Cale in the early 70's and then recorded by an exceptional rock group three years after Cale's release.  The track exquisitely fit the concept of the band that savored simplicity and rolled with whatever direction they happened to take.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the track...
 
*We'll play a track by this incredible band from 2012.  It is a dreamy slice of 5-part harmony and was the first single released from the band's first album of new material in 2 decades.  They wrote and recorded it just ahead of their 50th anniversary tour, one that started in April of 2012.  Name the band and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Something To Talk About by Bonnie Raitt vs Born On The Bayou by John Fogerty
 
ANSWERS
1. Fine Young Canibals, She Drives Me Crazy
2. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Call Me The Breeze
4. Beach Boys, That’s Why God Made The Radio
Battle of the Bands : Bonnie Raitt won with 53% of votes

​We wrap up our Inside The Gates Radio DJ profiles with a view into live Sunday and Looney’s Tunes.  I would like to sincerely thank everyone at Smoke Signals, particularly Barbara Schneider, as they have graciously published each ITG Radio D. J. article for the last 6 months. 
 
As co-founder and music director of Big Canoe’s community radio station, I vividly remember the very first live show broadcast some five years ago in October of 2018.  250 + live shows later, Looney’s Tunes has become a tradition for a great family of listeners who gather each Sunday evening, sharing exceptional music and the stories that accompany them.  And those listeners, many right here in the Canoe, are joined each show by many from all over the U.S. with occasional International participants.  Ah, the remarkable beauty of streaming internet radio!
 
A typical Looney’s Tunes show involves some of the best of the best each week from our exquisitely curated library (currently home to roughly 6,000 tracks). It also includes four traditional segments…Then & Later, Battle of the Bands, Sing Along and Cover Me Up.  There are many constant and satisfying achievements realized by our D.J. team, not the least of which is sharing music that means so much to us.   Or could it be the personal touch of interface with our avid, thankful, and most loyal listeners?   We are united with friends and family each show through the treasure of exceptional music and truthfully, that is the ultimate in station achievement.  Live shows on Inside The Gates Radio are full entertainment events…no charge.
 
Let’s do a bit deeper dive into Big Canoe’s community radio station…
With endorsement from Big Canoe POA staff and POA Board back in 2018, Inside The Gates Radio has been broadcasting the greatest music of our lifetimes, 24/7 all from inside the gates of Big Canoe.  Our first studio was located in the POA Lodge, but now call the lower level of the current Real Estate building in the village core our home.  From just 2 or 3 live shows a week in the beginning…we now have 7 Big Canoe volunteer resident D.J.’s and when everyone is home…live shows broadcasting each day.   Our live shows are true difference makers, but what significantly adds to, and matters is what plays as soon as any live show ends…easily the finest mix of music one can find anywhere.  We welcome all challengers…
 
Many professional organizations tout success by the virtues of ‘good people’.   Inside The Gates Radio cannot…because we have only great people.  You’ve met them all in previous articles here, but our team, Dinnis Keefe, Shiraz Alikhan, Jeff Weigl, Dale Hood, Delaine Faris, Jimmy Latham and myself make this station so incredibly special.  Our individual passion for music…the preparation and thought that goes into each live show makes for an ultimate entertainment opportunity.  We also shoutout our webmaster, Mike (IPod) Podsedly for a website most befitting our great station and Debbie Weigl, our Facebook administrator who keeps us socially participating for those involved with such activity.  An exceptional team could only produce something equally exceptional… and that is…Inside The Gates Radio…
 
When one starts a radio station, that starting point is ‘0’ listeners.  We lived that!  We have experienced excellent growth each year since.  This year has seen some of our best.  A very cool thing about who listens is the number of folks that communicate with us each show…radio doesn’t get much more personal.  Our bandwidth truly can support so very much more…so come join us.
 
Music is a part of everyone’s life…one of the finest indulgences available.  It’s been known to give one’s brain a workout boost along with increasing overall health.  We here at the station know of its unifying power as it serves to connect us with cultures and people in a most positive way.  Inside The Gates Radio music is one that inspires moods, movement and best of all…memories.  Our station is inspired by the exceptional place we call home.  We now have the capability to perform remote live broadcasts, something we look forward to performing regularly around the Big Canoe community.
 
There are many ways to connect to the station.  Our website contains all instructions available simply by hitting the ‘FAQ’ button on the home page.  Additionally, the ‘More+’ button shares a drop-down menu with links to replay of each of the D.J.’s last few live shows and many of Special Artist shows via SoundCloud, all of which you can play at your leisure, again at no cost to our listeners.  We also have 3 ITG Radio created music videos available on the ‘Slides’ button. 
 
On behalf of our team here at Inside The Gates Radio, we invite you to join us and revel in what is the most personally curated, diverse mix of music imaginable.  If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected].  We are so confident you’ll love our station…we offer a money back guarantee.  That would only work if we charged anything to begin with.  Give us a try…you won’t regret it!
 
Inside The Gates Radio…From the woods, water and wonders…of beautiful Big Canoe…

* The general impression of this British group back in the 60's was that they were a 'singles' band.  That was until they released this album in 1967 that was released on different labels in the U.K and the U.S.  The album showcased the elements of their sound that really never made it onto their singles, but highlighted some of their songwriting abilities, for which they seldom received credit.  Their band name was inspired by a new T.V. show in England.  Name the band...
 
*Between 1972 and 1976, this artist's hitmaking machine was virtually unstoppable.  The first track in January of '72 began a four-year streak of 16 Top 20 hits in a row.  Out of those 16 hits only 1 failed to crack the Top Ten.  Kind of amazing!  We'll fast forward to 1989 for a pretty much unheralded collection of tracks on a very cool album that really didn't get much airplay.  Name the artist....
 
*This group's 3rd album in 1970 sounded, on its surface, like their first 2 album efforts, employing the same dense arrangements with their mixture of a deep bottom primarily formed by the drummer and bassist.  But we should not overlook the penetrating guitar and keyboard work with multiple members able to sing lead vocals at regular intervals.  We'll play a track that reveals boredom while claiming romantic contentment...(think about that one friends!)  Name the band and extra credit if you can name the track...
 
*This very, very cool 1988 album by this artist is one that actually kind of splits into 2 halves.  The 1st half is kind of a personal travelogue of early life, but part 2 then shifts away from songs about the artist's life and kind of picks up where his previous albums left off...with themes of race and class in America.  Name the singer/songwriting artist and extra credit for the name of the album...
  
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Every Day I Write The Book by Elvis Costello vs Sunday Papers by Joe Jackson
 
ANSWERS
1. Herman’s Hermits
2. Elton John
3. The Band, Time To Kill
4. Randy Newman, Land Of Dreams
Battle of the Bands : Elvis Costello won with 54% of votes
​

*Back in the 60's this artist was not only pursuing a music career, but countered that with an equal pursuit of religion...not your typical rock story from the day.  Some took his band's next hit as semi-religious, something that certainly did not diminish its considerable success.  The year was 1969.  Name the artist and extra credit for the name of the song...you're on your own...unless you have a committee to solve these (like the Basch's)...
 
*The frontman of this 60's band used a Rickenbacker guitar to pioneer epic changes on the rock landscape.  Add to that the incredible influences he provided to contemporaries and acolytes alike...as many did back when his band broke up...he went solo.  Some of his best work came in 1991...which we'll play this evening.  Name the artist...
 
*This band was a most highly regarded rock group that only achieved what one might call...moderate success, charting 11 albums in the U.S. between 1968 and 1977.  Their 1970 album is without question the most far-out album and not coincidentally, their most popular.  Name this California band that broke up in 1997 with the tragic passing of its frontman...
 
*One of the strange things about this artist's 90's success is that it relied almost entirely on covers and new versions of classic hits.  Having not released an album of new material between his 1989 and 1998 albums led many to such a conclusion.  He did, however, chart 2 exceptional new heart-rendering hits during that time. Name the artist...
  
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Hey Jude by Beatles vs Tiny Dancer by Elton John
 
ANSWERS
1. Tommy James & The Shondells, Crystal Blue Persuasion
2. Roger McGuinn
3. Spirit
4. Eric Clapton
Battle of the Bands : Elton John won with 52% of votes

*The Graham Bond Organization that included 2 members who went on to the band, Cream, served as the inspiration for the lyrics of a track we'll enjoy this evening.  The original version of this track that tells a tale of settlers heading into the desert was released in 1969 by a member of Cream, became a hit in 1970 for this band.  Name the group and extra credit for the name of the song....
 
*This horn-driven band emerged in the late '60's along with similarly inclined, Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, helping to push the sound of brass-infused music into the rock era.  And their album in 2018, from which we play a track this evening, celebrated a 50 year anniversary of sorts, of most excellent music.  Name the band...
 
*A track from a 1976 album that made its way into the texture of our respective souls features one of the guitar-playing members on piano and synthesizer rather than his trademark guitar groove.  Thus, this song was not really typical of the overall band's usual sound.  Name the band, the member and extra credit for the name of the song...
 
*This legendary artist who started his career in 1961 started exploring the music of the Great American Songbook with his 2002 album.  17 years later then, it was really no surprise to hear this great artist singing with a full orchestra accompanying him.  Name the artist...
 
 BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Against The Wind by Bob Seger vs Amanda by Boston
 
ANSWERS
1. Mountain, Theme From An Imaginary Western
2. Tower of Power
3. Eagles, Joe Walsh, Pretty Maids All In A Row
4. Rod Stewart
Battle of the Bands : Bob Seger won with 55% of votes

*This great artist is known not only by the band he fronted, but also as a most significant producer and engineer…working on notable albums with The Beatles and Pink Floyd.  Name the artist…
 
*We’ll enjoy a song from 1992 where the artist sings from the perspective of a man whose long-term marriage is coming to an end.  He’s looking back at all they went through, wondering if they can find a way to make it last.  While his marriage was strong at the time, the song came true for him in a literal sense in 2014 when he and wife split up.  Name the artist…
 
*1964 was the release of this song that was conceived as a follow-up to The Ronettes, #2 hit, Be My Baby.  The writer for this great band heard it on the radio and wondered aloud if he could match it.  His wife had some comforting words for him, assuring him he could…and those words became the title for the track.  Name the song and extra credit for the artist as well…
 
*Saturday Night Live used to be really good back in the day (Full Disclosure...I haven’t seen one in quite some time), but the leader of this great band used to watch it religiously back then as well.  He caught a performance on one of the episodes that became an inspiration for a song the band released in 1992.  Name the band, the leader and extra credit for the name of the band…
 
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Frankenstein by Edgar Winter Group vs Hold On Loosely by 38 Special
 
ANSWERS
1. Alan Parsons
2. Neil Young
3. Don’t Worry Baby, Brian Wilson
4. REM., Michael Stipe, Man On The Moon
Battle of the Bands : 38 Special won with 51% of votes