Remembering Arthur Lee (of Love)

Posted by The G on March 7, 2011 under GNN | Be the First to Comment

Photo of “Forever Changes” by G.

March 7, 2011 would have been Arthur Lee’s (the lead singer of Love) 66th birthday.  The California based rock band influenced bands such as Led Zeppelin and the Doors.  Love’s music has been described as a mixture of folk-rock, psychedelic rock, baroque pop, Spanish-tinged pop, R&B, garage rock, and even protopunk.  Their perfect album “Forever Changes” begins with the track “Alone Again Or” which features a Mariachi band!  If that album is not in your collection, you are missing out on some must have songs.  My favorite track from Love is their cover of Hal David and Burt Bacharach’s “My Little Red Book.”  I’d definitely say it’s one of my favorite all time songs and certainly one of my favorite covers.  Apparently at the time, Burt and Hal did not like this version.  I wonder if they have sense realized its genius.  Love had a tragic ending as lead singer Arthur Lee was jailed for drug and gun possession.  Upon his release from jail, Lee was diagnosed with leukemia and died in 2006.  I love Love and I remember Arthur Lee on this day.  I hope you do too!