U2 "Pride In The Name Of Love"

"Early morning, April 4th, shot rings out in the Memphis sky . . ."

It was really amazing of Bono to turn this tune---which, reportedly had started as a song about Reagan and his take on American pride---into a timeless tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

But how did he get such a simple detail wrong?

King was shot to death just after 6pm, not in the early morning.

It's hardly a big deal, but like a misspelled word on a street sign, it sticks out every time I hear it.


Hear the song on Youtube.

George Harrison "Taxman"

Especially if you've been doing radio for a long time . . . there can a be a resistance to trying to program for the holidays.

We talk about this often, around Martin Luther King Jr Day.  Sure, we can play "Pride (In The Name Of Love) and versions "We Shall Overcome," and whatever.  But doing that year in and year out seems a little boring.  On the other hand, there are only so many King-associated songs in existence (and believe me, we've used them all).

The same can be said for 4th of July songs.  Labor Day (work) songs.  Memorial Day songs.  Etc. Etc.  After a while, it feels like you are doing the same thing, year in and year out.

If you've been a DJ for 20 years, you may just feel like completely forgoing the process of musically acknowledging the holiday at all.  It's not like you're required to play songs for Thanksgiving ("Cold Turkey" by John Lennon, again, anyone?).

That being said, I never get tired of hearing this one as April 15th approaches.

So as you head into the weekend, freaking out because you haven't started your taxes yet, please enjoy some George Harrison!



Hear the song on Youtube.