Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Richard Davis

After over 650 Music Friday posts, I know that unknown musicians get very few likes...some are even ignored.

But, when it comes to Richard Davis...I really just don't care.

I had the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world when I led what is today know as Destination Madison. He was one of the most genuine, grounded and empowering men I have ever known.

And I didn't play. So many of the individuals you will see if you click on the links below are musicians, with whom he imparted his unbelievable gift and effervescent encouragement. But, for me...it was the essence of confidence, compassion and empowerment, regardless of whether you played or not. I loved the all too short moments in his presence.

I get that you likely don't know the man who left us this week; the man who played with Sinatra, Van Morrison and Springsteen, to name just a few. But, I ask that you honor this rare talent by clicking on a few of these links:

His TV Obit on WISC-TV.

A feature on the NEA Masters Series.

And, if you only have time for one, this is the one.

Rest Sweet Prince...you have had such an impact on so many. And I was blessed to have known you.

Jimmy

There are always haters...but of Jimmy Buffett?

Honestly? WTF?

A friend shared a TikTok video the other day of a guy going off on the Parrothead Culture because Jimmy was a white guy who appropriated island culture to satisfy his own quest for fame and greed. Needless to say, I'm not linking that video because nothing could be further from the truth and he needs no more views. Jimmy was a son of a son of a sailor and grew up on the Alabama Coast, where "Island Culture" is strong. And, he could turn a phrase like no other. And his philanthropy, while rarely on display, was considerable.

He encouraged people to kick back, enjoy what's left of our lives and love each other. To not take life too seriously, even when being shot at by Jamaicans. What is to hate about that, regardless of how much money he made?

As so many of us have locked our radios on Radio Margaritaville since the news shook us all last Saturday morning, there is one song that I have yet to hear...and it is one of my favorites, especially this time of year, as beach and resort towns begin to shut down. It's the mournful (yet uplifting) song called, "The Coast is Clear," celebrating the moment we get our destinations back.

Now, we've seen Jimmy several times at Alpine Valley with many of our dearest friends (see just one image above). And, Facebook is clearly having a moment because they are hitting us all with desperate "Memories" alerts to get us to come back...and this past week has been nothing but images of those halcyon days, as Jimmy typically played Wisconsin on and around Labor Day Weekend.

But, the moment that solidified my respect for his persona, his passion and his authenticity was when he changed the words to that song during a benefit he staged for the Gulf Coast during its Oil Disaster (let's be clear, it wasn't a "spill").

On this Music Friday, we offer the other "When the Coast is Clear."

And, oh yeah...

Thanks for the memories, James. We'll miss your reverie and bacchanal.

New on DMOU > Lviv's Olena Pavlyuk

When the moderator went to the audience this year at the Annual Convention of Destinations International asking, "what keeps you up at night," Lviv's Olena Pavlyuk held out her mobile device and replayed a recording of an air raid siren. In this fascinating episode of DMOU, Olena shares how war has changed her community into one of volunteers, how Lviv has become a hub for medical tourism through UNBROKEN...and how the DMO secured and serviced over 600 events last year, despite the constant threat of missiles and power black-outs. It's a spirited conversation of inspiration, selflessness and the power of the human spirit. Listen in...and catch up on 120 other compelling conversations in the DMOU Vault.

My Dad

Outside of the occasional post extolling my love of my life partner Terri (well, at least I think she's my life partner), I rarely share my personal life on social media. That kinda caught up with me yesterday when one of my daughters tagged me in a post referencing the Celebration of Life we had earlier this week for my Dad.

For whatever reason, I just wasn't ready to share his passing online...thinking maybe I'd honor him next June on the anniversary of his passing when the pain wasn't so raw. But, I forgot my dearest friends...who I'm sure were hurt that I hadn't shared my loss with them when they learned of his passing on Facebook, of all places. J'excuse.

So...yeah. My Dad has departed terra firma. And this world was blessed with his presence. And I owe 49% of my persona to him...because I am my Mother's child, but I own his disdain for authority. And that has served me well in this life.

I'm sure I'll come around next summer to eulogize him...but, that the news is out, it's time to honor him on this Music Friday.

I actually did, without naming him, on the weekend after his death with this track from The Unforgiven.

I'm not sure I ever knew his favorite song...but I always caught him luxuriating in this one. And, rockin to this one.

And this is the song I imagine he sang on his way home.

He was an amazing man...and I'll hold his memory close forever.

Everything is Different Now

When one emerges from an impossible darkness and sees the light that so should illuminate a life...it sounds like this.

Thank you Terri for an amazing 12 years. And, while we have a treasure trove of "our" songs...on this Music Friday, this is the one that rings truest.

It's Don Henley and "Everything is Different Now."

And it so has been.

My Girls

I am blessed with three amazing daughters...one of whom celebrates a birthday this weekend.

This Paul Simon song applies to all three.

As does my love.

It's Their House

Just back from moderating a panel at the PRSA Conference here in the Mad City at our city's house (Monona Terrace, at left)...and what a treat to welcome attendees to our destination. And, thanks to Destination International's Caitlin Blizzard for the invitation.

During the tail-end of our session, we asked attendees to discuss with their table mates three questions. As I floated from table to table to listen in to the conversations, one caught my attention...and made me smile. The topic was how to address the seemingly rampant rise in clueless tourists attempting to interact with animals in the wild (really...who raised these people?).

As she stressed the need to communicate that visitors need to realize they are trespassing on animal land, I couldn't help but remember a video from 8 years ago that has amassed over 1 million YouTube views. This is Veronica-Pooh Nash on the expectations of being in each other's house.

Still makes me laugh.

With His Boots On

Followers of our Music Friday posts know that I believe one of the biggest travesties in Rock was the failure of The Unforgiven to become a big deal. A bidding war between record labels that was unheard of in the day, national exposure through Farm Aid, where they tore it down. A debut album that I thought was at least four tracks deep. And then, nothing.

Alas, the record company didn't know what to do with such an unusual concept...and the second album was never released. And most people have no idea of the power of The Unforgiven.

And yet, those of that do remain passionate about the band.

Today, we share one of the most lyrically powerful tracks of that lone album.

This is "With My Boots On."

"Boy, have you got my boots with you?
I grinned and nodded my head.
And I still recall thinking, as I took 'em off and gave him mine.
Was he smiling as he died 'cause he knew it was over,
or because he knew that I was lying?"

The Rabbit Hole...this fan documentary on the band.

Hello Summer

Yeah, I know Summer doesn't "officially" arrive til mid June...but Memorial Day Weekend is my official Summer kick-off. Sadly, our Music Friday post last weekend transitioned to honor the amazing Tina Turner.

We had originally planned to welcome the season last weekend with KC Johns. I have no idea how I stumbled upon her a few weeks ago...but I did and I'm glad for the serendipitous insertion into my life because this is my new Welcome Summer song. It's "Shore Feels Good" with Steven Cade.

Sure does.

And you can catch her this weekend in Missouri and Oklahoma.

Darrell Scott

One of the truly great singer songwriters out there, Terri and I had the chance to see Darrell Scott in concert a few years ago and we've been fans ever since, From the mournful "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" to the nostalgic Ben Bullington cover "Born in '55", Darrell is as gifted a storyteller as they come.

As we break into Spring, this one seems pretty appropriate right about now on this Music Friday. This is "It's a Great Day to be Alive."

I got rice cookin' in the microwave.
Got a three day beard I don't plan to shave.
And it's a goofy thing but I just gotta say, hey
I'm doin' alright.

Hope you are, too.