THE ABLE CAFE

Our Album Of The Week:

“I Still Do”

By

Eric Clapton

The album is Truly one of Clapton’s Best, comparable to his legendary albums of the 1970s  Clapton has hinted that this album may be his last.

We are asking Musicians Writers and Artist What Inspired Them

Mark McGrath, lead singer of the band Sugar Ray talked to us about his Love of Music, and the start of Sugar Ray.

Mark McGrath: (Sugar Ray) 

“I’ve always been a big fan of music… I remember I cut out the 45 single on the back of the Alphabets cereal box in 1975… It had ABC by the Jackson 5 on it…I just remember always loving music. My mom was a big fan of music, and I gravitated to the local band that was in our high school.  They played all the parties, you know, and I noticed, not only was I a fan of the music, but they got all the chicks too.  So, that wasn’t a bad thing. So, I’m like, how do I integrate myself into the band?  But I’ve got no talent… That’s  kind of a problem. Maybe I can carry some equipment. So. I befriended the band, and hang out with them, and get into all the parties, and by proxy I became cool.   One day, their lead singer, he couldn’t sing “Back In Black” by AC/DC, and I was like, “I can do that!” So, I went out there and sang it. Well, I screamed more than sang… It was at a pool party, and after I hit the last  note I did a flip into the pool. The band was impressed, and after that… the singer left, and I joined the band.  That band that we started in 1988 became Sugar Ray.”  

More of our interview with Mark McGrath and others to come....  

Quick note to Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and every other female singer currently topping the charts: when pondering the success of your careers, you all owe a big thank you to Pat Benatar.  In fact Benatar arguably hasn’t gotten nearly the amount of pop culture love and adulation that she deserves.  In the history of women who rock, Pat Benatar did not simply open doors. She kicked down the door, and then remodeled the house.  Benatar has earned the right to be mentioned along with the superstars of her day, like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.  

Throughout her career Benatar has been unyieldingly strong, tough, and sexy without ever resorted to being overtly sexual.  She has proven that she can sing just about anything at anytime.  With her nearly consistent encampment on the rock and pop charts, she was a key music force in shaping the MTV generation.  With over 25 million albums sold, 4 Grammys, 3 American Music Awards, and 19 singles in the Top 40, Pat Benatar is a true icon.  Benatar and her long time collaborator husband Neil Giraldo are rock royalty.  

Sitting in two large chairs in the middle of a stage at the Loews Hollywood Hotel for their “We Live For Love” Master Session, as part of this year’s I Create ASCAP (American Society Of Composers Authors And Publishers) Expo, the two seemed less like rock legends, and more like everyone’s next door neighbors.  They were casual and relaxed, as the pair mulled over interview questions from journalist Melinda Newman. The packed room full of songwriters, reporters, recording artists, and fans was transfixed by every word.  it felt as if Benatar and Giraldo had invited all of us into their living room for a conversation about music.

The creative couple discussed and dissected several of their hits, including: “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Hell Is For Children,” and “Promises In The Dark.”  The capacity crowd seemed to collectively hold our breath with astonishment as the two sang the opening verse and chorus of “We Belong.” Giraldo repeatedly displayed his virtuoso skill on the piano, and only a man with his true style and undeniable coolness could pull off a fashion statement combining a sports coat, blue jeans, and black dress shoes, with bright white socks.  “The guidance counselor asked me to leave high school early because I was too much of a distraction,” he said, “Music always came so naturally to me, but I was weird. Then I met Patricia.” 

    The loving, at times playful bond between husband and wife was evident throughout the interview.   Benatar said of Giraldo, “He would jump out of an airplane without a parachute. He has no fear!”  Giraldo compared Benatar to basketball star Kobe Bryant.“ She never gives up! She’s relentless!”  

   Pat Benatar was as powerful as ever, as she recalled the start of career, and the fight to get her music played on rock radio. “Program directors at radio stations would say, we don’t need you. We’ve already got a girl. We can talk about playing your song. Why don't you come sit right here?” She patted her lap. “My manager always said Please don’t give them the finger. Please don’t tell them to fuck off. But I did.”    

The duo urged everyone in the room to become educated about the music business, and “always protect yourself.” “People are going to try to control you and tell you what’s best for you. Listen to that little voice inside, and  always be true to yourself.”