The folk and children’s sing along song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” was derived either from a late 19th century African American spiritual or an old Irish hymn, according to the nonprofit educational group Ballad of America.

I've Been Working on the Railroad

Roger Miller’s 1964 honky-tonk country hit song “King of the Road.” It’s about a vagabond who relishes his freedom to roam. And despite being “a man of means by no means,” he considers himself to be “king of the road.” His recording won 5 Grammy Awards.

King of the Road

Singer/songwriter Bob Dylan’s classic song Mr. Tambourine Man. He performed it at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival and recorded it in 1965. 

The Byrds also recorded it in 1965, launching the folk-rock genre by using electric instruments. They changed the time signature from 2/4 to 4/4, making it suitable for dancing. Both recordings received Grammy Hall Fame Awards. My recording is in Dylan’s groove with the abridged lyrics the Byrds used. 


Mr. Tambourine Man

The enduring change-of-season tune “September Song.” It was composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Maxwell Anderson for 1938 Broadway musical Knickerbocker Holiday.

September Song

Over the Rainbow, my all-time favorite enduring standard song. It was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg for the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” Judy Garland sang it in her starring role, and it became her signature song. Musicians of all stripes have been singing and playing it ever since then.

Over the Rainbow

Instrumental of two vintage movie theme songs that fit together nicely: “The God Father”, composed by Nino Rota, for the 1972 film by the same name, and “Charade”, composed by Henry Mancini, for the 1963 movie by the same name.

The Godfather and Charade

The haunting "The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional Appalachian folk song from the 1930’s said to have its roots in an old English folk song. It became a number one hit in the U.S., Canada and the UK when the British rock band The Animals recorded it in 1964.

The House of the Rising Sun

The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, recorded their hit pop-rock song All I Have to Do Is Dream in 1958 with Chet Atkins on guitar. Glenn Campbell and Bobbie Gentry recorded a duet cover in 1969.

All I Have to Do is Dream

Instrumental medley of Calypso tunes to brighten a rainy, dreary day: Banana Boat Song, Matilda, Yellow Bird and Stir It Up.

Some Calypso Tunes

Short recording of the 1962 pop song “Ramblin’ Rose,” written by brothers Noel and Joe Sherman and popularized by Nat King Cole. Corny but upbeat and I like it.

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