Music Monday - Ray Jessel

Today, after several weeks of "this musician just died" tributes, it is time to start with a little laughter.

It all started with an email from a cousin's husband, sharing a You Tube video with me.

Just an 84 year old man singing a song he wrote.  It sounds so sentimental at the beginning.  But, keep listening.

If you want to continue to listen in, please be aware this performance is NOT safe for work, or for playing in front of your young children. Some will be offended. (Instead, head for the two videos below.)  Still, I offer it because this was an audition for a popular program in our country, America's Got Talent.

I loved this video.  He seemed to be a born performer.  Where had he been all these years?


Well, as the late Paul Harvey used to say, there's a rest of the story.  And what a story it is.  Sadly, though, I found out in a quick Google search that Ray Jessel passed away last year, at the age of 85.

This is Variety's "obituary". 

Turns out, this man was an accomplished writer for many TV shows, including The Love Boat and the Carol Burnett shows, and some Broadway shows.

I wanted to share a couple other of his songs.  These are safe for work and family (if you don't mind a certain word describing a very hot place).

His "Short Term Memory Loss Blues" is even funnier than the AGT audition.  I know the feeling well.

 And, in case you think he looked like Albert Einstein - he had that covered, too.

We all need a good laugh sometimes.