Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

Back in 1978, I heard a new song by Neil Young, "Lotta Love" on L.A.'s FM rock stations. I thought it was a good song. Then, a few months later, I heard the same song, but it was by a newcomer (at least to me) singer, Nicolette Larson. I thought her version blew away Young's. Even my mom liked it. I liked her voice so well that I bought the LP (that's a vinyl record for you youngin's). 

Unfortunately, Larson passed away on December 16, 1997 at what is now the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

From the Associated Press:

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Nicolette Larson, a recording artist who lifted Neil Young’s pop hit ``Lotta Love″ to the charts in the 1970s, has died at age 45.

Larson died Tuesday of complications from cerebral edema _ brain swelling caused by abnormal fluid accumulation _ at the University of California’s Los Angeles Medical Center, said her husband, drummer Russell Kunkel. He released no further details of her illness.

Larson performed with Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

Here's Larson performing "Lotta Love":

Remembering The Duke On The 40th Anniversary of His Passing

Above, the Duke signing autographs at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in 1975. Photo by Wanda Welsh.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of screen legend John Wayne.

Wayne passed away from stomach cancer on June 11, 1979 at the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood (it is now known as the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center).

How this date sticks to my mind is because I began my career as an insurance claims adjuster on the  same day at United Pacific/Reliance Insurance Companies.

Yesterday, I received the above 8 x 10" photo of Wayne signing autographs at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in 1975 from Wanda Welsh, a friend whom I've known since junior high school. She took the photo of Wayne while he was there for a Bob Hope special taping.

It is appropriate to share the photo of Wayne on the 40th anniversary of his death. Thanks to Wanda for the photo!

Christmas Visit

Above, in front of the UCLA Medical Center's Christmas tree.

I just returned home from visiting my roommate Jess at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

She should be moved from ICU to a regular room probably today and may be discharged this coming week.

It was a nice drive with hardly any cars on the road.

Hospital Visit

Above, the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I headed over to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to see my roommate Jess.

I elected to stay in town rather than go to my cousin's in Wildomar for Christmas Eve.

She had surgery yesterday to stop some internal bleeding. Thankfully, the surgery was a success and she is much better. So much better, in fact, that she called me after I got home giving me a list of things to bring her tomorrow.

On the way, I got a first-hand look at the fire damage from the Skirball Fire in Sepulveda Pass. The hills on the eastern side were denuded of brush and blackened and the western side (where the Getty Museum is) was untouched.