Something in music: the origin

One night at a trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had scribbled down more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

One of the young ladies noted that when a gal’s about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those same terms could be applied to music: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. And the rest is history…

‘Something’ in Music 473

Something Old

Our “something old” in this edition is the iconic track “Rock and Roll.” Recorded by the legendary English rock band Led Zeppelin, it was co-written by all four band members: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. Released as the second track on their untitled fourth album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV, in November 1971.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is "Kuch Unkahi Batein (Sad Version)" by the celebrated, award-winning Indian playback singer Rekha Bhardwaj. The song is rooted in the Indian classical fusion music genre and compositionally-speaking is set Raag Bhairavi. Online sources refer to this work as a “heart-touching” ... “deep and emotional composition.”

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” this time is the Joni Mitchell classic "A Case of You." Here in this 2021 video, Karyn Oliver performs the song with her Austin, Texas-based band. Oliver leads the way on acoustic guitar, lead, and harmony vocals. She is supported by Bonnie Whitmore on bass guitar and harmony vocals, Brian Mendes on drums, and Jon Sanchez on electric guitar.

If you’d like to see Karyn Oliver perform live and are in the Kerrville, Texas area, you’re in luck! She will be gracing the stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival, which runs from May 22nd to June 8th, 2025. The festival takes place at the Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerrville, Texas, with performances starting at 10:00 AM daily.

In addition to Karyn Oliver, the festival lineup features artists such as BettySoo, Shovels and Rope, Adeem the Artist, Hayes Carll, Carsie Blanton, The Secret Sisters, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, The Band of Heathens, Mia Borders, Gabe Lee, Rainbow Girls, Peter Rowan, Yarn, The Wilder Blue, and many more. Weekday performances will spotlight Tim Easton, Jenny Reynolds, Fox Run Five, and Steve Fischer. Across its remarkable 18-day span, over 100 acts will take the stage.

The festival’s first weekend will include the celebrated Grassy Knoll New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters—an iconic event that has nurtured countless musical careers over its illustrious 50-year history. Tickets are available for the entire festival, with options ranging from camping passes to weekend-only and day passes. For tickets and more details, visit www.KerrvilleFestival.org.

Something Blue

Last but not least, our “something blue” this time is the song “Married Man Blues.” Written and recorded by singer-songwriter and musician Jessie Mae Hemphill, it originally appeared on her 1981 platter, She-Wolf. It features Hemphill on vocals, guitar, and tambourine, Joe Hicks on drums, and producer David Evans on guitar.

According to a recent e-communique, The Blues Foundation recently announced the induction of Jessie Mae Hemphill into the Blues Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The induction ceremony will take place at The Canon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, May 7th.

The evening will kick off with a Cocktail Reception at 5:30 p.m., honoring both the Blues Hall of Fame Inductees and the Blues Music Awards nominees. The formal inductions will commence at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, which include access to both the ceremony and the reception, are priced at $100.00 each and can be purchased alongside Blues Music Awards tickets.

Joining Jessie Mae Hemphill in the Hall of Fame are Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Stronger, William Bell, and Henry Townsend. The Classic of Blues Recording - Album category will see Lightnin' Hopkins inducted for the Gold Star Sessions. Classic of Blues Recording - Singles honors will be awarded to Irma Thomas, Sylvester Weaver, Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and B.B. King. The Classic of Blues Literature category recognizes "Woman With Guitar: Memphis Minnie's Blues." Additionally, Bob Geddins will be honored in the Individuals- Business/Production/Media/Academic category.

Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!