Music for the Working Man

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day is defined as: "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Sadly, unions have fell out of favor in recent years. Corporate greed has sent most of the factory/manufacturing jobs overseas.  This has resulted in a dwindling middle class. As we celebrate Labor Day, let's remember the sacrifices the labor movement has made over the years to give many of us a higher wage, paid vacation, retirement and health benefits. 

Labor Day is more than the traditional end of summer. It is a memorial to those who fought for workers rights over the years. Like unions/hate unions, all of us have benefited in some way from them. 

Here are a few songs for the working man on this Labor Day weekend.

Boney Fingers 

 

16 Tons 

 

Working Man Blues 

 

 

Lynn Anderson September 26, 1947 – July 30, 2015 R.I.P.

I was saddened this week to hear that Lynn Anderson had passed away. I was a big fan of hers from her days on the Lawrence Welk show to her taking her place as a country super star.  I was privileged to see her in concert at the height of her popularity in the late 60's/early 70's. I remember her as being a vibrant high energy performer that totally engaged her audience.

One of the things I remember about her is she would sometimes do songs that few performers male or female attempted. "The Auctioneer" and "I've Been Everywhere" are two that come to mind. Country Music has lost another rare talent at her passing.

Here are some of my favorite Lynn Anderson songs:

"The Auctioneer"

"I've Been Everywhere"

"Rose Garden"

 "Cry"