Barbra Streisand records the album ‘Live Concert at the Forum’ during a fundraiser for George McGovern (1972)

Barbra Streisand‘s ‘Live Concert at the Forum’ is her second live album recorded on April 15, 1972 during a fundraiser for George McGovern’s presidential campaign and released in October 1972 by Columbia.

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Happy Birthday James Taylor

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On TV today, Carole King with David Letterman (1984)

Carole King on Letterman, February 15, 1984. Upgraded Audio
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This week In One-Off Collaborations 06/52

Angélique Kidjo and Buddy Guy's rendition of Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" blends Beninese vocal finesse with emotive guitar riffs, striking a balance between homage and cultural reinterpretation. Buddy's sharp solos and Angélique's intricate delivery occasionally clash, but the performance remains a bold cultural fusion. Meanwhile, Paul Simon's "Wristband" uses playful humor to dissect societal barriers, its live performances featuring acoustic flair merged with Clap Clap!'s electronic touches, adding depth to its restless energy.

Post Malone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers shook up genres at the Grammys, moving from intimate acoustic vibes of "Stay" to the funk-infused "Dark Necessities." Marianne Faithfull's 2013 live take on "Broken English" traded punk grit for melodic introspection, while Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Wynton Marsalis reimagined "You Are My Sunshine" with a jazz-country twist. Gregory Porter’s duet "Water Under Bridges" with Laura Mvula leaned into nostalgic elegance, though some spontaneity felt restrained in its polished delivery.

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On British TV today, Carole King at ‘BBC In Concert’ (1971)

Carole King 1971
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This week In ’70s Throwback’ 06/52

Carole King’s "You’ve Got a Friend" from *Tapestry* is a heartfelt expression of unwavering support, with an unadorned intimacy that earned her a Grammy, while James Taylor’s smoother take topped the Billboard charts. Diana Ross’s "Love Hangover" dazzles with its duality, shifting from a subdued soul ballad to a disco anthem, securing her a number-one hit and cementing its dancefloor appeal. Meanwhile, Johnny Cash’s rendition of "Ring of Fire" remains iconic, combining mariachi-inspired horns with raw passion, a hallmark of country music’s cinematic edge.

Chicago’s "Colour My World" charms with its flute solo and simplicity, contrasting their signature brass-heavy style, and the Bee Gees’ falsetto-driven "Too Much Heaven" strikes an ethereal yet polished chord. Jethro Tull’s "Songs from the Wood" blends vivid folklore with rock precision, while Seals and Crofts’ "Hummingbird" adds a spiritual layer to ’70s soft rock. Diana Ross’s playful "Love Hangover" and Al Kooper’s blues exchange in "Get Some Dollars" shine for their unique dynamics, and Skid Row’s "Unco-Up Showband Blues" showcases young Gary Moore’s edgy guitar work in a bold, unpolished fashion.

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This week In Singing Ladies 06/52

From Pink Floyd’s "Comfortably Numb," blending David Gilmour’s guitar brilliance with Roger Waters’ poignant lyrics, to Europe’s "The Final Countdown" and its iconic keyboard riff, these tracks highlight defining musical moments. Gary Moore’s "Empty Rooms" channels heartbreak, while Whitney Houston’s "How Will I Know" delivers ‘80s pop perfection, and Bobby Brown’s "My Prerogative" asserts individuality with slick new jack swing energy.

The Beach Boys’ "Kokomo" offers tropical escapism, Sérgio Mendes’ "Alibis" crafts polished adult contemporary grooves, and Eric Clapton with B.B. King reinterpret blues history in "Worried Life Blues." XTC’s "Senses Working Overtime" leans into eclectic charm, while Roberta Flack’s "Feel Like Makin' Love" balances tender finesse. These standout tracks anchor moments in music history, captivating through distinct moods and timeless appeal.

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