Donovan gets his long-overdue induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, and one of the best tributes we’ve found is L.A.- based singer songwriter Raspin’s update of the legendary artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man.”
Celebrity-author Mark Bego turned us onto this compelling new artist. Steve Reid of the Rippingtons and Danish producer Bo Astrup produced this inspired recording.
Raspin, who’s been on the L. A. scene for the last few years, is from the Leon Redbone, Leon Russell school of rock ‘n roll. Each and every note is terrifically emotive. “Donovan has always been an inspirational artist to me; both lyrically and musically.” Raspin says.
Raspin
Ironically, Raspin also performed another Donovan song, “Catch The Wind” for the TV show “The Wonder Years,” which ran on ABC from 1988 through 1993.
He has one CD already out, entitled We Do What We Do, that has been distributed nationally by Starbucks.
One reviewer said, “His songs place a premium on intelligence, lyricism; demonstrating a clear and almost writerly (sic) sensitivity.”
No doubt about it; he’s totally original and captivating. Check him out on his Web site.
Davy Jones: One Last Tribute
Micky Dolenz
Also performing in the four-and-half-hour tribute, hosted by Sirius’ Bruce Morrow, were, Tommy James, Richard Marx, Gene Cornish and Deena Martin, who had appeared in a Monkees episode called “Some Like It Lukewarm.” Members of Jones’ bands over the years, including Wayne Avers, Dave Alexander, and Sandy Gennaro, who helped organize the event.
Davy’s two daughters, Annabel and Talia were overwhelmed with emotion and cheers from the audience when they came onstage to officially begin the event. It was terrifically moving. Face it: Jones and the band were icons.
After a series of moving videos, Tork came onstage and performed “What Am I Doing Hanging Round?,” a song from band member Michael Nesmith’s-songbook.
Then Dolenz came onstage and performed “You and I” from the group’s Justus album, which he and Jones wrote.
All the artists came onstage to perform “Daydream Believer.” As we’ve noted before, Dolenz has one of the best voices ever in rock … somewhere between Roy Orbison and Freddie Mercury; it’s totally unique. It was a fitting tribute; we were honored to have been there.
Names in the News
Joel Diamond; Nic’s in Beverly Hills, Ken Reynolds, Adrian Niles, Andrew Sandoval, Felicia Collins, Harrison Jordan, Will Lee, Tyrone Biljan, Peter Abraham, Mary Anne Cassatta, Anne Raso, David Salidor, Tom & Lisa Cuddy, Mike McCann, Lee Jeske, Joe Levy.