21 Comments

While he had some very popular music, I wasn't able to really enjoy it. I do feel like he was an innovator. Right on the leading edge of smooth jazz, but well after Miles Davis (like everybody else) that may have planted the seeds. Herb Alpert also. He was right there with Mangione. At least, that's how I remember it.

With regard to your album collection: I think you should upgrade to 8 track tapes. They were the ultimate. Great sound quality, efficient storage, high quality players. It's been downhill ever since the 8 track.

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Chuck Mangione! AND Yvonne Elliman--I loved her voice so much when I first listened to the JC Superstar album. Those were two very pleasant trips in the way back machine.

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Gotta love that Way Back Machine, Diana. Lots of pleasures stored there. Very useful in dark times. Thanks for reading and weighing in!

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Thank you for this, Andrew. Mangione's Feels So Good album was a favorite of mine back in the day. I no longer have the LP, but many of his songs are on my favorites Playlist. And listening to that wonderful song from Jesus Christ Superstar makes me want to listen to all those songs and watch the movie again. Yes, love is what it's all about. First time to hear "Soft", so lovely. May the beauty, joy, and awe of this Christmas season be with you and yours.

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After watching that scene from JC Superstar, I wanted to find the movie and watch the whole thing again too. Or at least listen to the soundtrack. Isn’t it wonderful that music can reach so deeply into our hearts, Deborah, reminding us of what matters most?

Thanks so much for reading my post today and sharing your reaction. All the best of the season to you and yours too.

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grateful for the music & the musing

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And I’m grateful to you for reading and sharing your response. Thank you!

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Absolutely spot on! Gonna check out the jazzy Mangione and steer clear of the other one.

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Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading and weighing in. Much appreciated.

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Thank you for this lovely gift, Andrew. This time of year, it’s especially important to focus on the beautiful things - loved ones, music, forgiveness and joy come to mind for many of us. Well done, and happy holidays to you, too!

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So glad today’s post resonated with you. Thank you for reading and acknowledging the important things I hoped to convey. May you have a wonderful holiday season too!

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This was just what I needed to hear this morning, Andrew. So much better, as you say, to listen to music, talk and laugh with friends, and limit consumption of news. The world will keep turning, and we'll all be a little more joyful. Here's to more singing, reading and laughing together in 2025.

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So glad it resonated with you, Rachel. Yes, let's all do more singing, reading, and laughing together in the coming year. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your uplifting response. Cheers!

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Thank you. 🙏

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Much appreciated, Molly. Thanks to you too.

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Thanks Andrew. Better than a whole bottle of Excedrin.

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And many thanks to you too, Mike. Much appreciated.

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I also thought of Chuck ... maybe he'll get a revival because of the murderer? Stranger things have happened and still do!

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Funny you mentioned "Stranger Things." That series was responsible for introducing "old" music to a whole new audience. I wouldn't be unhappy if Chuck was back on top again. Thanks for reading and weighing in, Paul.

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I was wondering if you would offer thoughts on the whole Luigi Mangione thing and of course, you do in a truly unique way. All the best for the Christmas season and looking forward to reading more from you in the New Year.

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Many thanks, Robert. I guess it was a pretty obvious and tempting connection. Glad you liked it. Wishing you and yours the best of the season. I look forward to more of your Listening Sessions in the New Year, as well.

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