Nina Simone performs Leonard Cohen's Suzanne #MusicMonday

After my recent #MusicMonday features on Leonard Cohen's Suzanne and Female jazz vocal compilations, it seems fitting that I feature Nina Simone's unique styling of "Suzanne":

In the 60s, Nina Simone was known for protest songs such as "Mississippi Goddam." She also performed songs such as The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse's "Feeling Good," Screamin' Jay Hawkins's "I Put a Spell on You," and "Ain't Got No/I Got Life" from the musical Hair with her one-of-a-kind styling.

In a future #MusicMonday feature, I'll present Nina Simone's cover of Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's "Love Me or Leave Me."

Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" #MusicMonday

Can you tell that I'm a fan of Leonard Cohen?  An inductee into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, he was most recently awarded the Ninth Glenn Gould Prize.  Love this: one great Canadian artist wins a prize named in the memory of another great Canadian artist.

Leonard Cohen's song "Suzanne" has been covered by many artists, but "Bird on a Wire" and, of course, "Hallelujah" are his most popular songs.

Here is the earliest recording (1966) Of "Suzanne," by the folk group The Stormy Clovers. The video comprises photos of The Stormy Clovers, Leonard himself, and the Montreal waterfront.

And here is Leonard performing "Suzanne" with Judy Collins, who brought his songs to the attention of the broader listening public:

In an upcoming #MusicMonday post, I'll feature Nina Simone's unique styling of "Suzanne."

The beauties of 60s folk music #MusicMonday

Fashion magazines love to do stories on 60s style "icons."  They've overlooked the beauties of 60s folk music.  With their long hair and acoustic guitars, they had a style all their own.  View this list to see pictures of them and the men who loved them:

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The beauties of 60s folk music

k.d. lang sings Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah #MusicMonday

It's been several weeks since I had a #MusicMonday feature. This week, I present k.d. lang's rendition of Leonard Cohen's much-recorded Hallelujah.  You will have to click through the freeze-frame to watch the video:

Source: hopefaithlove.us via STYLE on Pinterest

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Vatican certifies miracle ascribed to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, who should be elevated to sainthood next year.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Source: normlev.net via Julie on Pinterest

Does this mean that Leonard Cohen will have to rewrite his novel Beautiful Losers :-)